Dominica: Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the nation in a press conference officially held on Monday, Jan 05, 2026. In the conference he presented his remarks on the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro by US Government and gave clarification on the Dominica’s relationship with US.
PM Skerrit set a notion for the New Year 2026 and urged the citizens of the nation to stay calm, think clearly with renewed commitment to face the upcoming challenges. He also signed an agreement with US to facilitate third country refugees and clarifies concerns of US over CBI programme.
Dominica agrees with US to facilitate third country refugees
Dominica has signed an agreement with the US that talks about facilitating refugees from third country. These refugees are to be sent to Dominica when the US cannot return them to their home countries.
Considering this, Dominica has clearly stated that it will not accept any violent or dangerous individuals and the US State Department has completely agreed with this concern. These discussions are about protecting the people of Dominica, especially their ability to travel, study, work and stay connected with family, said PM Skerrit.
He emphasised that Dominica is putting efforts to maintain strong relations with the United States and to continue being a trusted and reliable partner in the region.
Prime Minister of Dominica also stated that he is in talks with the United States after the recent partial visa restrictions imposed by the US on Dec 16, 2025. And now, both countries have agreed to work together on some key issues, due to which this agreement was signed.
Remarks on US capturing Venezuela President Maduro
Dr. Skerrit has expressed concern about the capturing of Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro and his wife Celia Flores by the US Government. The country supports international law, respect for sovereignty and peaceful diplomatic solutions.
He said that Dominica is mainly concerned about the well-being of the Venezuelan people, as political events can affect their daily lives and access to basic services.
In the press conference held recently, he urged calm, peace and protection of human life. Dominica also noted brief regional flight disruptions, following the incident, which have since then returned to normal.
Entering in 2026 with Confidence, Purpose and Hope
During the ongoing Press Conference, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit extended New Year wishes and urged people to stay calm, think clearly and support their renewed commitment to develop nation. He stated that Dominica has faced challenges before and they have always met them with resilience, dignity and responsibility to one another. They have overcome this by standing together.
PM Skerrit further added that, the new year should also strengthen their commitment to build the nation, regardless of political or personal differences. He said that the opinions may differ but love for the country should come first.
In last years, they have progressed a lot and are proud of it with continued investments in housing, health, education and infrastructure. In 2026 they are moving forward with confidence, hope, focus on unity and work together to create a better future for the next generation.
Clarifies US concerns on CBI programmes
During the conference, when the Prime Minister of Dominica was asked about the US concerns with CBI programme and is any attempts were made to review or amend it?
PM Roosevelt Skerrit said that the US had concerns about how Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes were being run. He addressed that the five eastern Caribbean countries with CBI programmes agreed on common rules that were approved by all, including Dominica.
He further stated that the US government was closely involved in shaping this agreement, sharing its concerns and suggestions through the Treasury Department, State Department and US embassies. The final agreement and laws were passed by the countries who reflected and addressed the concerns expressed by the US.
Skerrit also gave clarification on the confusion and delay in the communication occurred between the US State Department and the White House, regarding the actions taken. The Caribbean governments then resolved the situation, by sending additional documents and pointed out specific legal sections that deal with residency rules which had already been carefully negotiated and agreed with the US. These clarifications have now been shared and discussions with the United States are in continuation.
Problem in Caribbean affect the entire region
In his address, PM Skerrit recognise that instability in the Caribbean affects the entire region through trade, energy and migration. The government values regional dialogue and coordinated action.
Dominica continues working with Caribbean partners to promote respectful and peaceful solutions that are based on international norms. Together they acknowledge the government that assured citizens to protect the interest of Dominica.
As the regional and global discussions continue. Dominica remains engaged, careful and principled by consulting partners and responding in line with its long-standing foreign policy values.