PM Skerrit Calls for Dialogue in Haiti, Defends Electoral Loan, and Reaffirms U.S. Partnership

Barbara 26th May, 2025

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PM holds press briefing on key issues
Calls for talks with Haitian gangs
Loan used to fund electoral reform
U.S. backs emergency center project
DLP rally set for June 1 in Dublanc
Barbados PM to speak at DLP rally

Today’s press conference by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit addressed a wide spectrum of national, regional, and international matters, including Haiti’s security crisis, Dominica’s democratic reforms, global partnerships, and an upcoming major political milestone.

Opening the session, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the ongoing unrest in Haiti. He called on regional stakeholders and global partners to embrace dialogue, even with non-traditional actors such as armed gangs. While acknowledging their violent actions, Skerrit emphasized that these groups are too influential to be ignored in peace negotiations.

“We cannot bomb our way into peace,” Skerrit said. “Dialogue must be part of the solution, however difficult it may be.”

On the domestic front, Skerrit confirmed that the Government of Dominica has secured a loan from the National Bank of Dominica Ltd. to facilitate the implementation of three recently enacted electoral reform laws. These are the House of Assembly Elections Act, the Registration of Electors Act, and the Electoral Commission Act, all passed in March 2025.

“These laws are critical for ensuring greater transparency and public confidence in the democratic process,” he said. “We will not allow lack of funding to delay this effort.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted Dominica’s continued collaboration with the United States, especially with support from the U.S. Southern Command. He praised the successful construction of two new Emergency Operations Centres in Jimmit and Portsmouth, highlighting them as proof of productive international collaboration.

“This is true partnership at work,” Skerrit noted. “It strengthens our national readiness and deepens mutual trust.”

On the political calendar, the Prime Minister announced that the Dominica Labour Party will celebrate its 70th Anniversary with a National Rally on June 1st at the Dublanc Playing Field. He confirmed that Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley will serve as the keynote speaker at the event.

“This rally is about reflection, progress, and unity,” he said. “We welcome every Dominican to stand with us as we mark this historic milestone.”

Skerrit closed by urging citizens to remain engaged and resilient in the face of global uncertainty. The full press conference is available for replay below.