As someone who has worked within the public service for many years and now operates in the broader public sector, I have had the unique opportunity to observe our governance systems evolve, not just from the inside, but in their interactions with people, institutions, and the aspirations of our country. In moments of uncertainty, Dominica has looked to steady leadership. In times of growth, we’ve needed consistency. And now more than ever, we are faced with a stark political reality: the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) offers the only serious, stable option for national progress.
This is not about blind loyalty. It’s about experience, observation, and facts.
A Track Record of Leadership Through Storms
The DLP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, has delivered. It’s a plain truth that gets obscured by rhetoric. Dominica has not been free of challenges. Hurricanes, economic disruption, and global shocks have all tested us. But under Skerrit’s leadership, we have seen transformation, not overnight miracles, but solid, strategic building.
The housing revolution alone reflects the results of long-term planning and compassion in public governance and leadership. Thousands of resilient homes have been constructed for vulnerable citizens after Hurricane Maria. These weren’t symbolic gestures. They were engineered structures, stormproof, accessible, and delivered through partnerships with friendly governments and international donors.
The hospital upgrades, the new health centres, and the ongoing geothermal project in Laudat all point to a country preparing itself for resilience, energy independence, and better public health. We are not out of the woods, but we are walking with direction.
The Opposition: Angry, Unprepared, and Fixated
Contrast this with what the United Workers Party (UWP) has offered the nation over the past decade. The UWP today is not the UWP of 1995. It has become a fragmented, bitter opposition force with no clear developmental blueprint. Its most visible output in recent years has been boycotts, complaints, and endless confrontation.
Let’s remember: they boycotted the 2022 general election, voluntarily pulling themselves out of democratic participation. Who does that? Who chooses irrelevance in the name of principle, and then complains about being ignored?
Leadership is about showing up, even when you disagree with the system. That’s how reform is won: from the inside, with strategy. Instead, we got abstention, and now we are supposed to believe this party is ready to lead?
The ERC: Reform or Retaliation?
Much has also been said about the Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) and its campaign against the government. But there is a difference between advocating for reform and campaigning against the state. Reform is necessary. But when the tone is destructive, and the messages are designed to paint Dominica as a failed state, we must ask: is this really about better democracy, or is it about revenge?
The ERC’s tactics appear aligned with UWP interests. Their events are filled with opposition leaders, not neutral reformers. And while they raise some valid points, questions about campaign financing and ID cards, for instance, the framing is always accusatory. Always apocalyptic.
We must ask: Are they reforming, or are they rehearsing for a return to power?
Lennox Linton: A Voice Without Vision
Former UWP leader Lennox Linton is often credited with being a passionate speaker and a fearless questioner. No doubt, he has asked some important questions. But leadership is more than questions. It is vision, ethics, and moral strength. We must pu the focus on reality, he is no longer the leader of the UWP, Dr. Thomson Fontaine is, i wonder if that vexes him.
Linton’s failure to build consensus, his party’s constant descent into internal division, and his abrupt resignation from party leadership in 2022 raise serious concerns about his leadership style. He lacked the stability to hold his own party together, how then could he have governed a country?
And let us not forget the allegations of incitement that have followed him from the streets to the courts. Dominica cannot afford a government driven by anger or ambition, cloaked in the language of resistance.
Skerrit’s Humility and Diplomacy Matter
Say what you want about Prime Minister Skerrit, but those who have worked around him will tell you: he listens. He may not always say what the critics want to hear. But he listens, adjusts, and acts. His humility is not theatrical. It is grounded in his upbringing and his mission to leave Dominica better than he found it.
His regional and international diplomacy has made Dominica a respected voice in the Caribbean. His chairmanship of CARICOM, leadership on climate action, and vision for a climate-resilient Dominica have all been noticed, abroad and at home.
Stability Matters. Results Matter.
The DLP may not be perfect. No government is. There are areas that need better execution, project delays, public sector reforms, efficiency challenges. But the direction is clear. The achievements are real. And the willingness to improve exists.
Can we say the same for the UWP? Where is their plan? Who are their leaders now? What policies are they putting forward besides recycling grievances?
Risks of Power for Power’s Sake
Let us also be frank: if the UWP returns to power, many fear that the first priority will not be development, but vengeance. A new UWP administration would be focused on political score-settling, not economic vision. There are loud voices among their base that speak openly about “going after” those in the public service who they believe are loyal to the DLP. That’s not leadership. That’s retaliation.
Dominicans deserve development, not drama.
Trust Built Over Time
Public servants know this: progress takes years. Whether it’s health infrastructure, education reform, or air access planning, continuity is key. The Labour Party has laid foundations. Starting over now would delay everything. We cannot afford to throw away steady progress because the opposition has decided to launch a full-blown public relations war in the name of reform.
Final Thoughts: We Can Criticize, But Let’s Not Destroy
We all want better roads, schools, salaries, and opportunities. But that’s not going to come from shouting louder or tearing down institutions. It comes from maturity, from constructive engagement, and from knowing when a country needs to push forward instead of fall back.
The DLP, with all its imperfections, remains the best path forward. Because the alternative is not ready. Worse, it may not be safe.
This is not about personalities. It’s about the long-term survival and growth of Dominica. We can’t afford to gamble on anger, revenge, or political theatre. We need level heads. We need stable hands. And right now, we already have them.
This article is copyright © 2025 DOM767
Let us not pretend this article is some objective analysis as it is clearly a politically driven piece written by someone with a vested interest in defending the Labour government. The glowing praise for Skerrit and the DLP reads more like a campaign ad than a balanced commentary. This is especially telling coming from someone who openly states they have worked in the public service and now operate in the broader public sector, positions that often rely on maintaining good standing with those in power. The language used throughout this article is not just supportive, it is blindly loyal. Every DLP shortcoming is brushed off as a minor flaw in an otherwise perfect plan, while the opposition is described as angry, unstable, and vengeful with little to no acknowledgment of legitimate criticisms or public frustration. That’ is not journalism. That is damage control. Where is the accountability for the government’s unmet promises? Like the so-called 1,000 new houses out of 5,000 that were supposed to be built, where are they? Why are we still hearing excuses instead of seeing real results? If the writer is so committed to “facts,” then let us see the numbers. Let us see proof that the DLP has delivered more than speeches and symbolic gestures. This piece is not about stability, it is about maintaining the status quo that benefits a select few while ordinary Dominicans are still waiting for real progress. Let us call it what it is, a polished attempt to sway public opinion in favor of a government that has had two decades to deliver but continues to fall back on the same recycled talking points.
I appreciate your passion — but let’s engage facts, not just frustration.
Yes, this is an opinion piece. I’ve never claimed to be neutral. But I do claim to be informed by actual outcomes, not just recycled outrage.
You asked: Where are the houses?
As of the latest public data, over 1,900 climate-resilient homes have already been constructed and handed over to Dominican families, with 250+ more under construction. That’s nearly 45% of the 5,000-home target. Not words—homes with foundations, roofs, and people inside.
You challenged the government’s delivery. So let’s talk results:
I also acknowledge: yes, public frustration exists. Delays exist. Bureaucracy exists. But to dismiss a decade of effort—post-Erika, post-Maria, post-COVID-19 as “damage control” is disingenuous.
I don’t write from some air-conditioned office overseas. I write from analysing budgets, consultations, and crises on this island. You don’t have to agree with my views, but please don’t dismiss them because they don’t serve your narrative.
Truth isn’t a campaign. It’s visible, measurable, and if you look up from your anger, still unfolding across Dominica.
You mentioned that over 1,900 climate-resilient homes have already been constructed and handed over to Dominican families, with 250+ more under construction. That’s nearly 45% of the 5,000-home target, you say. Not words, homes with foundations, roofs, and people inside.
Let us be honest: that number is grossly exaggerated. Based on publicly available data and materials I have reviewed, the actual number of completed homes is significantly lower. If you disagree, by all means quote the real numbers, with verifiable documentation or an actual source that is not just another government press release.
What is truly amazing but not surprising is how the goalpost keeps moving. The program started in 2019 as a promise of 5000 homes in five years ending in 2024. Now, magically, it is grown into 5,000 homes by 2030. Eleven years later. This is a classic government bait and switch. A government promise that can not and will not be kept. Let us not forget, it started as a promises since 2017 (14 years ago) that are still unfulfilled. More time, more delays, more excuses.
You then mention that the NEP has placed thousands of young Dominicans into internships and short term contracts. I agree, engaging youth is important. It keeps them off the streets and gives them purpose. But let us look at the other side of that coin. While young people may have found short term, (not even long term) work, there is now a record number of adults who are 30 and over, who are completely shut out of the job market. It is great to see fresh young faces in Roseau, but what about their parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who cannot find work? You have just shifted the financial burden onto the youth, who now have to support entire households because the previous generation has been left behind.
Then there’s this, the East Coast Road Project and Colihaut Sea Defense Wall are ongoing. Progress is visible. Yes—and? That is the bare minimum the government is supposed to do. Roads and infrastructure are not bragging points, they are basic responsibilities. It is like patting yourself on the back for not pushing an old lady down on the street. You want praise for doing what you are not supposed to do? Meanwhile, I can show you more roads in disrepair than you can show improved ones. This is smoke and mirrors propaganda disguised as progress.
As for the Geothermal Project, do not fool yourself into thinking this is about helping Dominicans. We have some of the highest electricity rates in the Caribbean. That is not an accident, it is policy. The government is clearly preparing to export electricity to neighboring islands, not lower prices for locals. Dominicans will not see any real relief. This is not a people first project, it is a revenue stream for a government that’ is more interested in lining its pockets than lighting our homes.
IMF loans? Let us call them what they are: debt! Every time we turn around, we are borrowing more. If it is not China, who has bought our UN vote, it is someone else. A country blessed with fertile land, resources, and people should not be constantly on its knees begging for help. There is no justifiable reason why we are this deep in debt. Being dependent on foreign loans is not governance, it is economic slavery.
Ask yourself this, why is almost every other Caribbean island, except Haiti, doing better than Dominica? Better infrastructure, stronger economies, and a thriving tourism industry. This government has been in power for over two decades and yet we are no better off than when they started. Well they are, of course, individually richer, owning more properties and accumulating wealth.
Can you name a single foreign company producing goods here in Dominica and exporting them abroad? *minus the long withstanding Colgate) Show me one thriving export industry this government has built. Just One!
And let us talk about Ross University, do not insult people’s intelligence by blaming Hurricane Maria. Ross invested millions after Maria, then still chose to leave. Why? Because of the unstable political and economic climate. That is on this government!
You speak like someone who has never lived abroad, someone who i’s only seen government through a narrow, sanitized lens. If you had experienced how functioning democracies operate abroad, you would spot the corruption here a mile away. The wealth amassed by politicians in this country should make you pause, if not scream.
And let us not ignore the elephant in the room, the protests. Never in my lifetime have I seen Dominicans take to the streets in such numbers. People are fed up. They are not fooled anymore. And instead of listening, the government blames and arrest its people. Funny how when things go well, it is all thanks to Labour Party, but when things go wrong, it is everyone else’s fault.
So I ask, why do so many Dominicans remain blindly loyal to political parties? Why are people still defending this government in the face of clear failure and stagnation? We celebrate tiny, symbolic wins while the nation continues to suffer. Meanwhile, the rest of the Caribbean is progressing, and we are stuck spinning in circles.
Believe it or not, the world does not revolve around loyalty to a single political party, regardless of which one it is. What we need are fresh faces, new parties, and individuals who truly understand what effective governance looks like. Not people who inflate their status by throwing “Dr.” in front of their names because they hold a doctorate in history or some other unrelated degree, pretending that makes them qualified to lead.
It’s time to stop applauding mediocrity and start demanding accountability. Period!
Critics often overlook the strides we’ve made in education and healthcare. Scholarships have opened doors for many, and new health centers are improving lives. The DLP’s vision is clear, and their actions speak louder than any opposition rhetoric.
It is amazing how quickly supporters of the Dominica Labour Party reach for grand statements and half truths the moment the government is rightfully criticized. The latest attempt? Claiming that “scholarships have opened doors” and “new health centers are improving lives” as if this alone absolves decades of mismanagement and hollow promises.
Let us start with healthcare. Yes, a hospital was built. Yes, it has modern equipment. But what is the point when that equipment sits idle because no one is properly trained to use it? A building with machines that remain unused is not progress, it is window dressing. Real improvement in healthcare means trained professionals, consistent medical supplies, accessible services, and maintenance of equipment. That is not what the average Dominican experiences when they walk into a clinic or hospital today.
And while we are on education, what university or medical school exists in Dominica today that a Dominican child can realistically aspire to attend? Where is the long-term investment in higher education that allows young people to dream, study, and build a future in their own country? You boast about scholarships, but conveniently forget that the same government once defaulted on them, leaving many students stranded and humiliated not to long ago. Eventually, they had to borrow money just to clean up that mess. That is not a visionary success story, it is an embarrassing failure.
Scholarships should not be political favors or PR stunts, they should be sustainable, reliable programs that put students first. And yet, students and families have learned the hard way that promises from this government often come with strings attached, or worse, fall through entirely. So no, —critics are not “overlooking” the strides made. They’ are simply refusing to be blinded by shallow achievements and incomplete efforts that only serve as talking points for party loyalists. The truth is, Dominica’s education and healthcare systems are still struggling. And parroting DLP press releases while ignoring the lived reality of the people is not just dishonest, it is dangerous.
If the DLP’s vision is so “clear,” then why does it always come at the expense of transparency, accountability, and follow-through? Why are journalists and concerned citizens treated like enemies for asking tough questions? Why is constructive criticism dismissed as “opposition rhetoric”?
Stop hiding behind slogans. Stop pretending that asking for better makes someone ungrateful. If the government wants praise, let it earn it through consistent delivery, not selective storytelling.
Dr. Skerrit has led us through storms, literally and figuratively. The DLP’s consistent leadership is what Dominica needs in these uncertain times.
You say this is smoke and mirrors, but I’ve lived long enough to remember Dominica before Skerrit, and I see what it is now. That’s not blind loyalty. That’s lived reality.
From a GDP of EC$875M in 2004 to EC$1.98B in 2023, that growth didn’t happen by accident. The same man you accuse of failure pulled this country through Erika, Maria, COVID-19, and still expanded our economy. He didn’t just rebuild—he reimagined.
Look around: the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, the Cabrits Hotel, the Roseau Enhancement Project, the International Airport underway, hundreds of scholarships for ordinary children (my Cousin Sandra’s nephew in Cuba now, thanks to that), and 1,900+ homes already distributed with another 250 in progress. These are not lines in a press release, they are concrete shifts in people’s lives.
In 2005, we had fewer than 200,000 cruise visitors. In 2023, we had over 300,000. Is it perfect? No. But it’s progress.
You speak of NEP like it’s an insult. Go ask the mothers who didn’t have to send their boys to St. Maarten because they got placed in a trade back home.
And yes, we borrow. But show me a small island nation that isn’t surviving on strategic financing. The real danger? Not borrowing. It’s being overrun by foreign agendas that don’t care if we fail.
Dominicans need to stop pretending that constant destruction of each other builds strength. We are not pawns. We are a sovereign people, and we should start acting like it.
Transparency is the cornerstone of good governance. The DLP’s reluctance to address concerns about the Citizenship by Investment program and other financial dealings is troubling. Dominicans have the right to know how national resources are utilized. Without open communication and accountability, trust erodes. It’s time for the government to engage in genuine dialogue with its citizens, addressing concerns head-on rather than dismissing them.