标签： Dominica

In the verdant landscapes of Dominica, often hailed as the ‘Nature Isle of the Caribbean,’ the essence of democracy is under severe threat. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his Dominica Labour Party (DLP) have maintained a tight grip on power for over two decades, raising concerns about the island’s democratic integrity. The introduction of electoral reforms in 2025, ostensibly aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness, has instead been criticized as a calculated move to entrench the ruling party’s dominance. The sidelining of the Electoral Commission, a constitutionally mandated body designed to ensure free and fair elections, has further fueled accusations of authoritarianism. The reform process, which included the tabling of three key bills in December 2024, was marked by chaos and suppression of dissent. Protesters outside the House of Assembly were met with tear gas and rubber bullets, while inside, debate was stifled by the DLP’s overwhelming majority. The InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has expressed grave concerns over the lack of public scrutiny and the erosion of voter registration safeguards. The deliberate marginalization of the Electoral Commission and the exploitation of vulnerable citizens for voter harvesting have drawn widespread condemnation. Skerrit’s government, bolstered by passport-sale revenues and international alliances, has been accused of turning state machinery into a partisan tool. The 2022 snap elections, boycotted by the opposition and marked by low turnout, set the stage for this escalation. Skerrit’s relentless pursuit of unfair advantage, coupled with his unfulfilled promises of clean governance, has led to growing calls for accountability. Dominica now stands at a crossroads, with its citizens and international allies urged to take a stand against this erosion of democratic principles. The choice is stark: reclaim democratic birthright or succumb to the twilight of one-man rule.

In a significant move to bolster regional integration, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has unveiled two vibrant billboards in St. George’s, Grenada, as part of a broader public awareness campaign. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the OECS 11th EDF Regional Integration for Growth, Harmonisation, and Technology (RIGHT) Programme and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), marks the 44th anniversary of the OECS Economic Union. The billboards serve as a vivid reminder to Grenadians of their rights to free movement, residence, and employment across the OECS member states using only a valid national ID card.

During the unveiling ceremony, Grenada’s ambassador to CARICOM and OECS Commissioner, H.E. Aaron Moses, emphasized the profound impact of this integration. He highlighted that OECS citizens now enjoy unrestricted movement, indefinite stay, and access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and social security benefits. Representing the United Nations, Ms. Fiona Sandy, the UN Country Coordination Officer for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, lauded the OECS Commission and IOM for their efforts in promoting regional unity and resilience. She underscored the importance of this integration for the safety, security, and rights of Caribbean citizens.

The OECS Commission has also encouraged Grenadians to scan a QR code featured on the billboards to explore further details about their rights and opportunities under the free movement regime. This campaign not only commemorates a historic milestone but also reinforces the vision of shared prosperity and sustainability across the Caribbean region.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) convened its eighth Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (COM:FA) alongside the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. This high-level gathering, held against a backdrop of global geopolitical instability, economic uncertainties, and intensifying climate crises, brought together Foreign Ministers from OECS member states to craft a unified strategy aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of small island developing states. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, underscored the Council’s pivotal role in addressing the region’s challenges through prompt, coordinated, and sustained actions. He emphasized that the discussions were not merely procedural but instrumental in shaping policies that directly impact the prosperity and sustainability of OECS nations. Dr. Jules remarked, ‘In these turbulent times, our mandate is clear: to safeguard resilience, defend sovereignty, and chart a sustainable future. Our strength lies in solidarity and strategy.’ Hon. Frederick Stephenson, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and incoming Chair of COM:FA, highlighted the critical role of small states in the global arena. He stated, ‘Though modest in size, our voices are indispensable. The seas are rising, but so too is our resolve. Our unity is our greatest asset.’ The meeting officially commenced with the transfer of the Chairmanship from Saint Lucia’s Hon. Alva Baptiste to Hon. Frederick Stephenson. Ministers addressed a wide range of pressing issues, including reforms to Citizenship by Investment programs, financial stability, and climate advocacy ahead of COP30 in Brazil. Progress was noted on the Free Movement of Persons initiative, with calls for policy harmonization and retraining of border officials. The ongoing crisis in Haiti was also discussed, with a focus on humanitarian aid and Haitian-led solutions. Updates on U.S. trade measures affecting OECS economies were provided, alongside commitments to boost diplomatic efforts to prevent fisheries bans. The expansion of the Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme was endorsed, with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines confirmed as the host for the Eastern Caribbean Liaison Service (ECLS) office in Canada. Support was also expressed for the OECS Joint Embassies in Rabat, seen as a cost-effective platform to strengthen ties with Morocco and Africa. Antigua and Barbuda shared updates on the SIDS Centre of Excellence, the Island Investment Forum, and plans to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026. The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, as ministers reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding livelihoods, enhancing regional unity, and amplifying the Caribbean’s global voice. A virtual special session is scheduled before November 2025 to accelerate joint mission restructuring and solidify progress on the Council’s commitments.