- Skerrit hails U.S. meeting as productive
- Migration and security top agenda
- Skerrit defends Cuba medical partnership
- China ties “transparent,” says PM
- U.S. backs stronger disaster response
- CBI program gets U.S. assurance
- Talks boost Dominica–U.S. relations
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has described his recent diplomatic engagement with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “very positive and constructive,” highlighting progress on regional security, migration, development assistance, and international diplomacy.
The high-level meeting brought together Rubio and heads of government from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and The Bahamas. Held in Washington, D.C., the session focused on strengthening U.S.-Caribbean relations, with Dominica reaffirming its commitment to shared democratic principles and regional stability.
Among the major topics discussed was hemispheric security, particularly challenges posed by drug and firearms trafficking and illegal migration. Prime Minister Skerrit expressed Dominica’s support for stronger coordination in addressing cross-border threats. “The issue of migration was discussed extensively,” he stated, “and Dominica’s position was made clear — we fully support the legal migration pathways such as student visas, work programs, and cultural exchanges.”
Skerrit welcomed U.S. efforts to bolster the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and pledged Dominica’s cooperation in intelligence sharing and joint law enforcement efforts. He also endorsed renewed calls for the Organization of American States (OAS) to play a proactive peacekeeping role in Haiti and the wider region.
The meeting also saw Skerrit defending Dominica’s long-standing medical partnership with Cuba, amid heightened U.S. scrutiny of governments employing Cuban healthcare professionals. “These arrangements are legal, mutually respectful, and offer tremendous value to our health sector,” he said. “The Cubans who come to Dominica are treated fairly and are here under sovereign agreements.”
Addressing concerns raised by Secretary Rubio over the influence of China, Skerrit asserted that Dominica’s development relationship with Beijing is based on transparency and respect. “There is no compromise of our sovereignty. China has been a reliable partner, particularly in infrastructure, and all projects are above board.”
The Prime Minister also responded to recent discussions on the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, assuring the United States of its integrity. He noted that Dominica works closely with international intelligence agencies, including U.S. partners, to maintain robust due diligence and national security safeguards.
“We were able to clarify our position and reaffirm the strength of our relationship,” Skerrit concluded. “We may not agree on everything, but what matters is the commitment to talk, to listen, and to find common ground. Our relationship with the United States is better today than it was two days ago.”
Other Major Points Discussed:
- A proposed U.S.–OECS framework to coordinate disaster response more efficiently during the hurricane season.
- U.S. support for expanding education and vocational training opportunities for Caribbean youth, including scholarships and technical exchanges.
- Enhancement of port security and maritime monitoring to intercept illicit trafficking.
- Discussions on the climate-resilience agenda and support for sustainable energy investments.
- Technology and digital development cooperation, particularly in areas like cybersecurity and e-governance.
Additional Topics and Minor Points Raised:
- Simplified visa procedures for OECS students and professionals.
- Review of remittance fees and banking de-risking challenges affecting Caribbean economies.
- Encouragement of U.S. private sector investment in small island infrastructure.
- Dialogue on cultural and people-to-people exchanges post-pandemic.
- U.S. reaffirmation of its commitment to multilateralism and partnership with small states.
This meeting, part of a broader regional tour by Secretary Rubio, reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing diplomatic push to reassert U.S. engagement in the Caribbean region. While ideological and geopolitical tensions persist, the tone of the meeting signaled openness and mutual respect. For Dominica, the outcomes of this engagement are expected to shape ongoing diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation moving forward.
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