标签： Dominica

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally responded to the United States’ proclamation suspending visa issuance to its citizens effective January 1, 2026. Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed profound disappointment regarding the inclusion of his nation in the ban, which specifically targets countries with Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs.

Contrary to US claims, Browne asserted that Antigua and Barbuda has implemented significant reforms to its CBI program, including the establishment of a mandatory 30-day physical residency requirement. This development directly challenges the US government’s assertion that the program operates without residency provisions.

Over the past year, Antigua and Barbuda has collaborated extensively with various US departments to enhance program integrity and security measures. These efforts resulted in comprehensive new legislation strengthening oversight, transparency, and due diligence processes within the citizenship program.

In a surprising development, Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders discovered that State Department officials themselves were reportedly surprised by the proclamation and had received no prior notice of its issuance. This revelation suggests internal discrepancies within the US administration regarding the policy implementation.

Ambassador Sanders has initiated high-level discussions with US authorities, including the White House and State Department, to clarify the situation and provide accurate information about Antigua and Barbuda’s reforms. Simultaneously, Prime Minister Browne has directly contacted President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, offering full cooperation to address concerns and facilitate reinstatement of all visa categories.

The Antiguan government emphasized the longstanding relationship with the United States, noting that the US is their most significant trading partner. Browne concluded by reaffirming commitment to preserving bilateral relations based on mutual respect, cooperation, and accurate understanding.

In a stark address to the nation, United Workers Party Leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine has issued grave warnings about Dominica’s escalating political and environmental crises following his recent re-election as opposition leader. Speaking at a press conference, Fontaine identified two immediate threats: impending U.S. travel restrictions against Dominican citizens and systematic destruction of the country’s protected rainforests.

The political leader revealed that beginning January 2026, thousands of Dominicans will face denied entry to the United States, mirroring similar sanctions already implemented by Canada and the United Kingdom. Fontaine emphasized these restrictions would severely impact students pursuing international education, families attending overseas ceremonies, and patients requiring specialized medical treatment abroad.

Fontaine directly attributed these diplomatic consequences to the Roosevelt Skerrit administration’s mismanagement of the Citizenship by Investment program. He alleged that fifteen years of inadequate due diligence enabled criminal elements to exploit Dominican passports, resulting in eroded international trust. ‘This government had ample opportunity to reform the program but instead channeled billions into projects benefiting a select few while ordinary citizens face the repercussions,’ Fontaine stated.

The UWP has initiated legal action demanding accountability for the CBI program’s finances, with a court hearing scheduled for January 26, 2026. Fontaine recalled raising concerns about passport sales as early as 2009, only to be dismissed as unpatriotic by the ruling administration.

Regarding environmental degradation, Fontaine accused the government of orchestrating an ‘unprecedented assault’ on Dominica’s natural heritage. He specifically condemned quarrying operations within the Central Forest Reserve at Deux Branches, conducted without mandatory environmental impact assessments. Contrary to government claims that these activities are essential for airport construction, Fontaine noted that alternative rock sources exist throughout the island.

The opposition leader connected current rainforest destruction to earlier incursions at Cabrits National Park, warning that unchecked exploitation threatens Dominica’s international reputation as the ‘Nature Island.’ He pledged solidarity with affected communities in Concord, Kalinago Territory, and Marigot, alongside environmental advocates demanding immediate cessation of quarry operations.

Amid growing economic hardship and social unrest, Fontaine described citizens as facing ‘a bleak Christmas and an even darker future.’ He urged Dominicans to demonstrate compassion for vulnerable communities and muster courage to demand systemic change through democratic processes. ‘We must fight for accountability, transparency, and environmental preservation,’ Fontaine concluded, positioning these issues as central to the nation’s survival.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has publicly addressed the recent imposition of partial U.S. travel restrictions on his nation, asserting that the measure will not undermine the fundamentally positive relationship between the two countries. During a live broadcast on the state-owned radio station DBS on Wednesday, Skerrit provided a detailed assessment of the current state of diplomatic engagement.

Contrary to what the travel advisory might suggest, Skerrit revealed that communication and collaborative efforts with the current U.S. administration have intensified. “The extent of our contacts and regular engagement on a multitude of shared issues has, in fact, been more substantial with the Trump administration compared to the previous Biden administration,” the Prime Minister stated.

Highlighting the tangible benefits of this strengthened partnership, Skerrit pointed to a marked increase in U.S. investment into Dominica’s national security apparatus. He clarified that even after the conclusion of the formal U.S. Aid program, support has continued unabated and in full. This assistance extends beyond financial backing to include critical infrastructural projects, specialized training programs, and provision of essential materials.

Skerrit praised the operational effectiveness of the bilateral channels, noting that access to key U.S. institutions like the State Department, the Treasury, and the local U.S. Embassy has been highly efficient at every level of dialogue. Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister emphatically dismissed any notion of diplomatic strain, stating, “The relationship, in my mind, between Dominica and the current Trump administration has been very good. Therefore, I do not perceive this development as adversely affecting our relations in any manner.”

The United Workers Party – Team Dominica has expressed profound concern regarding the recent imposition of a partial travel ban by the United States government targeting citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica. This restrictive measure, affecting both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, has generated significant diplomatic unease between the two nations.

The policy shift carries substantial implications for Dominican nationals pursuing educational opportunities, business engagements, medical treatments, and family reunification in the United States. Historically robust people-to-people connections between Dominica and the U.S. now face unprecedented strain due to these travel constraints.

While acknowledging America’s sovereign prerogative in determining border security protocols, Team Dominica’s statement raises critical questions regarding governance deficiencies that potentially precipitated this diplomatic development. The opposition party emphasizes the public’s right to comprehensive transparency from the Dominica government concerning circumstances leading to the travel restrictions.

Key demands presented to the Roosevelt Skerrit administration include:
– Immediate public clarification regarding the rationale behind the U.S. decision
– Expedited high-level diplomatic engagement with American authorities
– Implementation of concrete corrective measures to reinforce confidence in Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program
– Prioritization of national interests over political considerations

The statement further emphasizes that ordinary Dominican citizens—including students, workers, and diaspora communities—should not shoulder consequences potentially stemming from administrative shortcomings in program oversight. Team Dominica has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the international reputation and rights of Dominican citizens while pledging continued monitoring of the situation and support for legitimate efforts toward restriction removal.