PM Skerrit: 2026 Focused on Completing Transformative Projects, Strengthening Education and Protecting Dominica’s Future
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the Government’s central preoccupation in 2026 is ensuring the successful completion of major national projects he described as essential to transforming Dominica’s economy and securing long-term resilience for future generations.
Speaking during A New Year Conversation with journalists on January 15, 2026, the Prime Minister outlined development priorities against the backdrop of growing global pressures facing small island states.
Dominica, he said, is pursuing a set of transformative investments including the international airport, geothermal energy development, the cable car project and port and marina expansion, all designed to strengthen the economy, expand opportunity, create jobs at home and reduce vulnerability.
“These are projects we believe will benefit the country for generations to come,” the Prime Minister said, noting that reliable international access, affordable clean energy and expanded tourism and maritime opportunities are critical pillars of national growth.
Prime Minister Skerrit acknowledged that Dominica is operating in a rapidly shifting global environment, with increased scrutiny of small states and evolving positions from international partners, particularly on issues related to global mobility, refugee resettlement, travel and citizenship by investment (CBI).
He defended Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme as one of the most reputable in the world and underscored its central role in financing national development. According to the Prime Minister, no tax revenue, loan or grant has contributed as much to Dominica’s public finances over the past 15 years as the CBI programme.
“How does a small vulnerable island state advance critical economic development, protect its sovereignty, uphold its international obligations and preserve its identity all at once? Our approach is guided by balance and responsibility. We are committed to high standards of governance, transparency and security, including continuous strengthening of our citizenship by investment programme,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Dominica’s commitment to constructive engagement with international partners, including the United States, based on mutual respect, clarity and national interest.
“Dominica will always be a responsible member of the international community,” he said, “but we will also speak honestly about the realities faced by small developing states.”
Prime Minister Skerrit said his personal focus in 2026 includes addressing housing challenges affecting vulnerable citizens, improving quality of life for those still in distress, and advancing education reform in a “dramatic way” to better position young people and the country as a whole.
He also highlighted the importance of managing global turbulence while advancing national priorities, including environmental protection, expansion of the blue economy and development of the country’s emerging tourism attractions.
The Prime Minister described the New Year Conversation as part of the Government’s commitment to openness, saying Dominicans deserve to understand the pressures facing the country, the choices before it and the decisions being made on their behalf.
