PRESS RELEASE–Roseau, Dominica – January 5, 2026-The United Progressive Party (UPP) expresses grave concern regarding the Prime Minister’s recent announcement that the Government of Dominica has agreed to accept deportees from the United States. While we recognize Dominica’s humanitarian traditions, this decision raises fundamental questions that demand immediate answers from the administration.
The Prime Minister’s brief statement announcing this agreement falls far short of the transparency he has repeatedly promised the people of Dominica. Most troubling is his declaration that this is “a done deal” – a unilateral decision made without any consultation with the Dominican people. This represents a blatant disrespect to the citizens of this nation and a dangerous precedent for governance.
Undemocratic Decision-Making:
How can the Prime Minister make decisions that directly affect our daily living, our security, and our future without consulting Dominicans? This is not merely poor governance – it is a fundamental betrayal of democratic principles. The people of Dominica have a constitutional right to have their voices heard on matters of national importance, yet they have been completely shut out of this process.
Our citizens deserve comprehensive information about a decision with such far-reaching implications for our nation’s future.
Critical Questions Demanding Answers:
The UPP calls on the Prime Minister to immediately address the following concerns:
National Security: Who are these individuals? What vetting processes have been established? The Prime Minister has provided no information about security screening measures. These could be criminals, individuals with violent backgrounds, or persons who pose security risks to our peaceful nation. What safeguards are in place to protect Dominican citizens? What background checks, criminal record reviews, and security assessments will be conducted? Our national security cannot be compromised.
Housing Crisis: Where will these deportees be accommodated? Dominica continues to face a significant housing shortage affecting our own citizens. Many Dominicans remain inadequately housed following natural disasters. How can we responsibly accept deportees when we have yet to fully address the housing needs of our own people?
Employment and Economic Impact: With unemployment and underemployment already challenging many Dominican families, how will these deportees earn a livelihood? What provisions have been made to ensure this agreement does not further strain our limited job market or displace Dominican workers seeking employment?
Financial Arrangements: What monetary compensation or financial support has the government negotiated for undertaking this responsibility? The Dominican people have a right to know what resources will be provided to offset the costs of housing, healthcare, education, social services, and enhanced security measures.
Cultural Integration: What plans exist to support cultural assimilation and social cohesion? Have resources been allocated for language training, cultural orientation, and community integration programs?
National Morale and Social Stability: This decision comes at a time when many Dominicans are struggling economically and questioning their own future prospects. How will the government address the understandable concerns of citizens who feel their needs should be prioritized?
The UPP believes this agreement has the potential to further destabilize our nation economically, socially, and from a security standpoint. We are not opposed to humanitarian assistance in principle, but such decisions must be made transparently, with full consultation, and with careful consideration of our national capacity, security, and the welfare of Dominican citizens.
Call to Action:
The United Progressive Party demands that the Prime Minister immediately:
- Halt the implementation of this agreement until proper consultation with the Dominican people has occurred
- Release the full terms of this deportee agreement to the public
- Provide detailed information about security vetting procedures and protocols
- Provide detailed information about financial compensation and support mechanisms
- Outline specific plans for housing, employment, and integration
- Consult with all stakeholders, including opposition parties, civil society, and affected communities
- Allow parliamentary debate and scrutiny of this agreement before any implementation proceeds
A Government For The People, Not Above The People:
The Dominican people deserve transparency, not secrecy. They deserve consultation, not dictates. They deserve a government that prioritizes their needs, their security, and their voices. This agreement, announced as “a done deal” with minimal detail and zero public consultation, represents a troubling departure from democratic principles and a disrespect to every Dominican citizen.
We call on all Dominicans to demand answers, accountability, and most importantly, a voice in decisions that affect their lives and their country’s future.