UWP Statement on Acceptance of US Deportees into Dominica

On Monday, the Dominican public learned for the very first time that Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit had signed an agreement with the US authorities to allow third-country deportees from the US to be accepted here in Dominica.

Our research has shown that approximately 14 countries have agreed to take in deportees from third countries often under special deals, paid arrangements, or unique diplomatic agreements. Among these countries are Costa Rica, El Salvador, Antigua, Eswatini, Ghana, Guatemala, Poland and Uganda. 

However, the PM stopped short of informing the public about the details of the agreement including the number of persons, their backgrounds, their country of birth, where they will be housed and what other arrangements would be made for their well-being.

The failure of the Prime Minister to come clean with the Dominican public raises even more questions than the announcement of the agreement itself. We are therefore calling on the PM to reveal to the Dominican public all the details of the agreement.

It is important to do so because questions are being asked as to whether we have the capacity or capabilities to welcome and take care of the intended group of persons.