{"id":354917,"date":"2026-01-09T10:28:46","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T14:28:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=354917"},"modified":"2026-01-09T10:28:46","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T14:28:46","slug":"uwp-leader-calls-for-more-details-concerning-dominica-us-third-country-refugee-agreement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/homepage-carousel\/uwp-leader-calls-for-more-details-concerning-dominica-us-third-country-refugee-agreement\/","title":{"rendered":"UWP leader calls for more details concerning Dominica-US third-country refugee agreement"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dr Thomson Fontaine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Dr. Fonataine made the statement while addressing a press conference this week.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn 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,\u201d Dr. Fontaine said. \u201cOur research has shown that approximately 14 countries have agreed to take in deportees from third countries, often on special deals, \u00a0paid arrangements, or unique diplomatic agreements.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to him, among these countries are Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Antigua & Barbuda, Ghana, Poland, and Uganda.<\/p>\n

However, \u00a0Dr. Fontaine added that Mr Skerrit fell short of informing the public about the details of the agreement, \u00a0\u201cincluding the number of persons \u00a0that 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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,\u201d he urged. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n