By Staff Writer
ROSEAU, Dominica, Jan 5, CMC – The Dominica government Monday reiterated that it is firmly committed to the principles of international law, multilateralism and the United Nations system, and has a longstanding respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and human dignity.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, addressing the weekend United States military invasion of Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro on allegations of being involved in the illegal drugs trade, told a news conference that “Dominica reiterates its call for the rule of law to be observed, and for ongoing diplomatic efforts to ensure Venezuela’s stability, good governance, democracy and peace”.
Maduro appeared in a Federal Court in New York on Monday on federal criminal charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy, and pleaded “not guilty.”
Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, was also seized by the U.S. military and also faces federal criminal charges, including conspiracy to import cocaine. She also appeared in court and pleaded “not guilty.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Saturday in a post on social media that Maduro and Flores “will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.”
Prosecutors charged Maduro with federal crimes in 2020, during President Donald Trump’s first term.
Skerrit told reporters that while Dominica remains ready to support all such efforts about the respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and human dignity, “at this moment, our concern is for the well-being of the Venezuelan people.
“Political developments have real consequences for ordinary citizens, affecting social and economic stability and, in many instances, access to essential services. We therefore encourage restraint and actions which prioritise peace and the protection of human life,” Skerrit said.
He said that Dominica is also mindful of the “practical and immediate” effects that regional developments can have, noting that, for example, in the immediate aftermath of military activity in Venezuela, there were disruptions to some flight schedules in the region, which inconvenienced persons travelling to Dominica.
“Dominica is also attentive to the broader regional implications of instability. Our Caribbean region is closely interconnected through trade, energy cooperation, and migration. Developments in one country inevitably have ripple effects across neighbouring states. It is for this reason that we place great value on regional dialogue and coordinated engagement.”
Skerrit said that in this regard, Dominica continues to engage with its partners in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), adding “we will continue to support efforts which promote dialogue among stakeholders, and encourage solutions based on mutual respect and international norms.
“I understand and acknowledge the uncertainty and concern caused by these recent developments, and I assure the people of Dominica that my Government will continue to represent your interests with diligence and care.
“As discussions continue at the regional and international levels, the government of Dominica will remain engaged, measured, and principled. We will continue to assess developments, consult with our regional partners, and act in a manner consistent with our longstanding foreign policy values,” Skerrit said.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Sunday that she is “not surprised at all” that Caribbean politicians have been implicated in the illegal drugs trade.
In a statement posted on X, Persad-Bissessar said that she had been asked “about the US indictment against Maduro and whether I was surprised that Caribbean politicians were implicated.
“I’m not surprised at all. As the story continues to unfold, I do not doubt that many “respectable” and “celebrated” people across all sectors of society will be exposed,” she said.
Skerrit told reporters that no member of his government has ever been questioned or detained by the United States authorities regarding the illegal drug trade.
“With respect to the indictments, you have the same information that I have, “Skerrit said, adding, “I am not in a position to comment on the details of this indictment against President Maduro.
He defended the agreement reached with the state-owned Venezuelan oil company under the 2005 PetroCaribe initiative through which Venezuela provided subsidised fuel and favourable payment terms to Caribbean and Central American countries.
The beneficiaries received vital energy supplies, enabling budget support, infrastructure projects, such as housing, and debt relief.
Skerrit said that the relationship with the state oil company was “transparent, above board, we never engaged in any illegal activities, any activity that contravenes international law, domestic law…or international treaties.
“So there is nothing to be worried about. This government has been transparent as the word transparent itself, and I can say to you without any fear of contradiction…this government has never engaged itself in any drug dealing, in any illegal activity whatsoever.
‘We can stand and say this anywhere with a very clear face and a sincere heart,” Skerrit told reporters, adding, “you know our position on drug trafficking.
“There is no government in the history of this country that has spent more money on the police and national security measures, ensuring that this country and the region remain a very peaceful place.
”I know social media is hot and exciting and all sorts of spurious things are being said, but the truth of the matter is nobody can point fingers at this government,” he said, defending also the PetroCaribe initiative.
“It is above board, and certainly we are not aware of any activity contrary to any laws or treaties.”
CMC/pr/ir/2026