PM Roosevelt Skerrit Press Conference - 2nd July, 2026

Press Conference Opening Remarks

Introduction and Acknowledgments

• The press conference is opened by acknowledging the presence of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt, Cabinet members, senior government officials, and media representatives.

• The Prime Minister expresses gratitude for the attendance of the press, emphasizing their role in facilitating communication with the public.

Commitment to Openness

• The Prime Minister highlights regular engagements as a commitment to transparency and accountability regarding national issues.

Solidarity with Venezuela

Expression of Sympathy

• The Prime Minister conveys condolences to Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that caused significant loss and destruction.

• He emphasizes the importance of solidarity during crises, recognizing Venezuela as a valued neighbor.

Government Support

• An initial donation of $500,000 from Dominica has been approved to assist Venezuela's disaster response efforts.

Electoral Reform Initiatives

Commitment to Reform

• Dominica's government is dedicated to implementing comprehensive electoral reforms after extensive consultations with various stakeholders.

Legislative Progress

• Parliament has enacted legislation aimed at modernizing the electoral system; voter ID card issuance is expected soon.

Civic Responsibility

• Political parties are encouraged to promote participation in confirming voter registration as a shared responsibility for democracy.

Understanding Voter Registration Dynamics

Role of Electoral Commission

• Clarification on misconceptions about voter registration; the Electoral Commission cannot compel citizens to register or vote.

Personal Choices in Registration

• Citizens may choose not to register immediately or may delay due to personal circumstances; this does not reflect failure on part of the Commission.

Legitimacy of Voter Registration

Legal Framework

• The established legislation outlines procedures for registration without setting numerical targets for legitimacy assessments.

Integrity Over Numbers

• Emphasis on judging integrity based on legal eligibility rather than total numbers registered; individual rights must be respected.

Encouragement for Participation

Call to Action

• Eligible citizens are urged to complete their voter confirmation process promptly as part of their civic duty.

Citizenship by Investment Program Overview

Economic Impact

• The CBI program has significantly contributed to Dominica’s development over three decades through funding essential infrastructure projects.

Strengthening Governance

• Continuous improvements have been made in governance and transparency within the CBI program, including enhanced vetting processes.

Future Objectives

Sustainable Growth Strategy

• While CBI remains important, it is not viewed as the sole economic driver; diversification into other sectors like tourism and renewable energy continues.

Addressing Concerns About CBI

National Interest Protection

• Irresponsible statements undermining confidence in CBI can harm national interests and damage international reputation.

Update on Geothermal Energy Project

Recent Power Outages

• Acknowledgment of concerns regarding power outages experienced recently; investigations were conducted into causes.

Technical Adjustments Made

• Identified issues related to coordination between battery storage systems and geothermal plants have been addressed successfully.

Progress Towards Commercial Operation

• Current output from geothermal plant stands at approximately 10.4 megawatts; preparations are underway for full commercial operation.

Upcoming Conferences and Regional Discussions

Overview of Upcoming Events

• The Prime Minister will travel to Martinique for the Conference de Corporations Regional, focusing on disaster preparedness.

• Key topics include climate resilience, transportation, security, health, and sustainable development.

• The Prime Minister will also address the Caribbean Regional Security Conference regarding evolving security challenges.

Focus Areas in St. Lucia Meeting

• A visit to St. Lucia is planned for the 51st regular meeting of CARICOM heads of government.

• Important regional priorities include security, food protection, climate resilience, renewable energy, economic integration, developments in Haiti, and youth development.

• The cost of living crisis affecting all CARICOM countries will be a significant discussion point.

Political Engagement and By-Election Announcement

Acknowledgment of By-Election

• The Prime Minister acknowledges the upcoming by-election in the Rosenhof constituency.

• Emphasizes humility and respect for the democratic process as key approaches by the Dominican Liberal Party.

Candidate Introduction

• Ms. Ashma McDougall is introduced as a candidate representing a new generation of leadership.

• The party has invested in developing young leaders to shape Dominica's future.

Encouragement for Democratic Participation

Engaging Citizens

• Citizens are encouraged to engage thoughtfully in the democratic process and consider issues carefully before voting.

• Elections are framed as opportunities to choose a progressive future focused on stability and opportunity.

Media Interaction: Questions from Journalists

Addressing Media Concerns

• The Prime Minister opens up for questions from media representatives about pressing issues affecting citizens' daily lives.

Key Questions Raised

• Inquiry about expectations regarding regional leaders' stance on accepting third-country refugees from the U.S.

• Discussion on vaccine issues related to CARICOM Secretary General's term expiration and its implications.

Visa Issues Affecting Dominicans

Visa Restrictions Discussion

• Concerns raised about U.S. visa restrictions impacting Dominican students and families seeking medical care or business opportunities.

Government's Position on Visa Review

• Clarification that acceptance of nationals into another country is not a collective CARICOM decision but rather bilateral arrangements with each country involved.

Expectations Regarding U.S. Relations

• The U.S. was expected to review visa arrangements by June; however, it remains unclear what actions have been taken since then.

Cultural Ties with the United States

Importance of Educational Opportunities

• Emphasis on long-standing cultural ties with America; many Dominicans have studied there at great expense over time.

Call for Reconsideration

• Urges reconsideration of visa policies to facilitate access for students needing education or medical care while maintaining respect for sovereign decisions regarding visas.

The Role of the Speaker in Political Endorsements

Constitutional Rights and Political Neutrality

• The Speaker referenced sections of the Constitution that purportedly allow him to endorse political candidates, sparking debate on whether this is appropriate.

• A question was posed to the Prime Minister regarding his views on the Speaker's potential endorsement of candidates during elections.

Public Perception and Fairness

• Various public comments were made about the Speaker's appearance at a political party meeting, raising concerns about impartiality.

• The unique position of a Speaker is highlighted as one that should embody fairness and impartiality within parliamentary proceedings.

Elected Officials and Political Engagement

• It was noted that Speakers can be elected members of Parliament, which complicates their role in maintaining neutrality while being politically active.

• Examples from other countries (Barbados, Bahamas, Jamaica, USA, Senegal) illustrate that Speakers often engage politically but are expected to uphold impartiality.

Integrity and Professionalism in Leadership

• Joseph Isaac’s tenure as Speaker is defended; he has been recognized for exercising authority with fairness and objectivity.

• The speaker's actions have been respected even when perceived as strict towards government members, emphasizing respect for separation of powers.

Addressing Criticism and Misunderstandings

• Concerns were raised about accusations against the Speaker violating constitutional provisions; however, it was argued these claims lack merit.

• The discussion shifted to whether the President could remove the Speaker based on these criticisms; it was suggested some critiques serve as distractions rather than legitimate concerns.

Updates on National Abattoir Project

Progress on Food Security Initiatives

• Recent testing runs for chicken processing at the national abattoir have been completed; pork processing is also underway.

• This project represents a significant investment aimed at enhancing food security by reducing import bills and supporting local farmers.

Economic Opportunities for Locals

• Over eight million dollars have been invested in the abattoir project, which will be managed by local Dominicans without requiring initial capital investment.

• Emphasis was placed on creating job opportunities for locals through poultry and livestock management initiatives linked to this facility.

Collaborative Business Ventures Encouraged

• Individuals are encouraged to form partnerships across various professional fields (lawyers, accountants, agricultural experts), promoting collaborative business efforts around meat production.

Importance of Seizing Opportunities

• Highlighted was the need for individuals to recognize available opportunities within their communities instead of overlooking them.

Discussion on Community Events and Cricket in Dominica

Lights for Celebrations

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of community celebrations, suggesting that arrangements should be made to ensure lights are set up for events without their direct involvement.

Promoting Cricket in Dominica

• A call is made for the cricket board to organize games in Dominica, referencing past efforts by Ambassador Nathan to promote cricket and urging current management to follow suit.

Updates on AROC Renovations

Progress on AROC Repairs

• The speaker mentions ongoing renovations at AROC, indicating expert advice has been sought and a roadmap for future developments is being defined.

Budget Allocations

• It is noted that the upcoming budget will include allocations specifically for renovations and retrofitting of the Arak-Asoculture facility.

Economic Challenges Facing Dominica

Disposable Income Concerns

• The issue of low disposable income in Dominica is raised, questioning what measures the government plans to implement to enhance household financial stability.

Government's Response

• Inquiry into specific actions taken by the government regarding disposable income improvement, especially with an upcoming budget announcement.

Health Concerns Related to Smoking

Update on Smoking Regulations

• A medical professional's concerns about secondhand tobacco smoke are highlighted, prompting a request for updates on previous discussions about banning smoking in public places.

Population Estimates and Economic Impact

Questions About Population Data

• There are questions regarding the accuracy of population estimates amidst low birth rates and emigration trends, seeking clarity from the government on these figures' reliability.

Measures Against Population Decline

• Discussion includes potential strategies being implemented by the government to address population decline and its economic implications.

Government Initiatives for Improving Disposable Income

Tax Threshold Increases

• Over recent years, measures have been introduced such as increasing tax thresholds to $50,000 aimed at allowing citizens more financial freedom.

Reductions in Tax Rates

• The government has reduced income tax rates across various bands as well as corporate taxes for businesses to alleviate financial burdens.

Additional Financial Support Measures

VAT Exemptions

• Increased VAT exemptions have been reported; businesses earning below $25,000 are exempt from filing VAT returns which helps reduce administrative burdens.

Tax Refund Benefits

• Many citizens reportedly benefit from annual tax refunds averaging around $1,000 due to these fiscal policies aimed at enhancing disposable income.

Housing Policies Impacting Families

Interest Rate Reductions

• The government's housing policy has led banks to lower interest rates significantly on housing loans down to 4% or 5%, providing relief for homeowners.

Grants for Small Businesses

• Substantial grants have been allocated to small businesses which help offset borrowing costs significantly compared with previous higher interest rates.

Support Programs Across Sectors

Assistance in Agriculture

• Various support programs provide cash assistance and input support directly benefiting farmers who often juggle multiple jobs alongside farming activities.

Healthcare Support Initiatives

Families receive healthcare support where children under 18 do not incur hospital fees—an initiative aimed at reducing financial strain during health emergencies.

External Economic Pressures

Challenges Faced by Economies

• The speaker discusses how external factors can negatively impact local economies despite internal progress made through governmental initiatives.

Natural Disasters & Global Events

• Reference is made towards natural disasters and global events like wars affecting fuel prices which further complicate economic stability despite no changes in taxation policies.

Subsidies Provided by Government

Cooking Gas Subsidy

• Since 2009 there have been no taxes imposed on cooking gas; this subsidy aims at easing household expenses related directly impacting daily living costs.

Overall Fiscal Strategy

• Consideration is suggested regarding adjustments within the income tax system reflecting current economic challenges while ensuring citizens' welfare remains prioritized amidst rising living costs.

Government Responsibility and Economic Decisions

The Importance of Responsible Governance

• The speaker emphasizes the need for government decisions to be both responsive and responsible, warning against making politically exciting choices that may not be beneficial in the long term.

• They acknowledge the temptation to make popular decisions but stress that political considerations should not dominate decision-making processes.

Fiscal Responsibility and Public Engagement

• The speaker highlights the importance of careful fiscal measures, noting that irresponsible actions can hinder essential services like healthcare and education.

• They mention annual consultations with various public groups to gather insights on economic policies, emphasizing the value of community input in governance.

Personal Views on Taxation

• The speaker expresses a personal belief against income tax, advocating for individuals to retain their full earnings without taxation on labor.

• They clarify that while they hold this view, it is crucial not to impose personal beliefs on national policy.

Challenges in Population Management

Census Difficulties

• The speaker discusses challenges faced during a recent census due to public reluctance to share information, leading to an alternative approach of conducting a population count.

• Verification methods are necessary for accurate data collection, which requires interaction with residents who may be hesitant.

Global Population Trends

• Acknowledging global population growth issues, the speaker notes that many countries face demographic changes primarily due to migration rather than natural increase.

• They argue for more liberal visa and migration policies in Dominica, suggesting these could help address labor shortages and contribute positively to the economy.

Labor Market Insights

Employment Challenges

• Despite claims of high unemployment rates in Dominica, employers report difficulties finding workers across various sectors.

• There exists a skills gap within the economy; thus, attracting talent from outside CARICOM is essential for addressing workforce needs.

Policy Considerations for Growth

• Discussions within the cabinet focus on potential policies aimed at encouraging population growth through incentives such as tax rebates.

• However, there is recognition that modern societal trends show people prioritizing careers over family expansion.

10 at night, you know Discussion on Family and Community Needs

Importance of Family Structure

• The speaker emphasizes the need for a balanced family structure, suggesting that having fewer than three children can lead to neglect in child development.

• A rhetorical question is posed about the implications of having only one child, highlighting concerns over social interaction and support.

Government Support for Farmers and Small Businesses

• Inquiry into government assistance for farmers and small business owners affected by recent natural disasters, questioning the availability and cost of this support.

• Confirmation that support has been approved by the cabinet, with an emphasis on ensuring efficient distribution to families and businesses impacted by the trough system.

Street Naming Initiatives

• Discussion on renaming streets in Roseau as part of a broader project, indicating ongoing governmental efforts to honor local figures.

• Specific mention of renaming Turkey Lane in honor of Cardinal Felix, reflecting a commitment to recognizing significant contributions from Dominicans.

Support for Local Entrepreneurs

Access to Financing Challenges

• Concerns raised regarding perceptions that financing opportunities through the aid bank favor those with existing wealth while smaller entrepreneurs struggle.

• The government’s approach to ensuring equitable access for small businesses is questioned, highlighting potential disparities in funding accessibility.

Misuse of Financial Resources

• Acknowledgment that some individuals may exploit concessionary financing meant for struggling sectors, raising ethical concerns about resource allocation.

• Emphasis on the intended purpose of funds being directed towards local Dominicans who genuinely need financial assistance to build their businesses.

Accountability in Funding Distribution

• The speaker stresses that funds allocated should not benefit those already financially secure but rather assist ordinary working-class citizens aiming to grow their enterprises.

• Mention of substantial investments made into the aid bank by the government aimed at supporting various sectors like agriculture and tourism.

Final Remarks

Closing Thoughts

• The session concludes with appreciation expressed towards participants' questions and engagement.