Leader of the United Workers’ Party (UWP), Dr. Thomson Fontaine, is calling on Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to reveal to the Dominican public full details of the agreement that was made with the U.S. authorities on a decision to accept third-country refugees.
Dr. Fonataine made the statement while addressing a press conference this week.
He referenced the prime minister’s announcement, at a separate press conference, that as part of ongoing discussions with the United States, following the December 16, 2025, proclamation introducing partial visa restrictions, Dominica agreed to facilitate third-country refugees.
“On Monday, the Dominican public learned for the very first time that Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit had signed an agreement with the U.S. authorities to allow third-country deportees from the U.S. to be accepted here in Dominica,” Dr. Fontaine said. “Our research has shown that approximately 14 countries have agreed to take in deportees from third countries, often on special deals, paid arrangements, or unique diplomatic agreements.”
According to him, among these countries are Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Antigua & Barbuda, Ghana, Poland, and Uganda.
However, Dr. Fontaine added that Mr Skerrit fell short of informing the public about the details of the agreement, “including the number of persons that are expected, their backgrounds, their country of birth, where they will be housed, and what other arrangements would be made for their well-being here in Dominica.”
“We are therefore calling on the Prime Minister to reveal to the Dominican public all of the details of the agreement that was made with the U.S. authorities,” he urged. “It is important to do so because questions have been asked as to whether we have the capacity or capabilities to welcome and take care of the intended group of persons.”
Meanwhile, a recent statement from the Office of the Prime Minister explained that the negotiated arrangement contains comprehensive and explicit protection for Dominica and is non-binding. It provides for:
- Full discretion for the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica to accept or decline any proposal, in whole or in part.
• The right of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica to decline any individual on the basis of criminal history.
• Advance disclosure by the Government of the United States of medical and /or criminal records where applicable, to the extent permitted by law.
• The right of either party to discontinue participation at any time through written notice via diplomatic exchange.
• Assurance that any person accepted would be treated in accordance with Dominica’s Constitution, domestic laws, immigration policies, and international obligations, including the Refugee Convention and Convention against Torture, as well as other such Conventions and treaties to which the Commonwealth of Dominica is a State party.
Detailed operating procedures to guide the implementation and monitor the arrangement are in the final stages of drafting. These procedures are expected to specify:
- documentation to be provided by the Government of the United States of America for each national proposed for transfer; and
• any support by the Government of the United States of America
“Any decision to accept third-country nationals will be guided by the security and wellbeing of the Dominican people; capacity considerations for housing, social services and public order; full respect for international law and human rights; and the broader objective of maintaining constructive bilateral relations with the United States of America. At all times, the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica is approaching this matter with prudence and a clear focus on national interest,” concluded the OPM statement.
It may just be 5 to 15 nice guys, would be good to get some details.
Just look at the mess that the U.K. and Europe are in after letting unknown numbers of immigrants in.
Mr. Fontaine…I honestly believe this a bait for the Caribbean leaders…they are so afraid of their skin…they are signing like crazy…he don’t have time to talk …they are trying to save their skin….when the US will start investigating them as to how the CBI money was spent…I just hope they have quite a bit of bath towels to wipe theirs tears…because I know….our PM tone has changed…not the same…once skier money…because the US are paying them to have those criminals…..the US is saying….if u can sell passport to criminals why not hold some on your island for life…this man sees nothing more than money….once he can pocket some…this is absolutely the worse in my almost 60 years in Dominica….what a shame and mess…u see him building huge walls in morne Daniel….is he afraid of the Chinese. ..when they revolt? ask him….for Dominica is peaceful…until he started being gready and over wealthy
“However, Dr. Fontaine added that Mr Skerrit fell short of informing the public about the details of the agreement, “including the number of persons that are expected, their backgrounds, their country of birth, where they will be housed, and what other arrangements would be made for their well-being here in Dominica.”
So, Fontaine did not see the line in the Government’s press release that informs of “ongoing” discussions with the US? Inform yourself first before shooting off the hip otherwise you make yourself look silly, even worse than Joshua.
@Putin
The govt. of St.kitts and Nevis also signed that agreement, and the prime minister of that country disclosed in a video press release EXACTLY what his country agreed to.
He stated St.kitts would be accepting residents from CARICOM and OECS countries only, that have no violent criminal records. For security reasons, Haitians were not part of his agreement. So he was very clear in this regard….So why can’t Skerrit say something more in detail….
Felon Trump wants to make Dominica his penal colony. Who is going to feed and house all those people and provide financial support? Dominica has no room for thousands of people who are not Dominicans on a permanent basis.