The ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) celebrated its 70th anniversary on Sunday with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit reaffirming the party’s commitment to democratic principles and economic advancement, while fending off criticism over recent political developments and regional backlash regarding the event.
Addressing a large crowd of supporters in the west coast village of Dublanc, Skerrit positioned the DLP as a cornerstone of Dominica’s democratic and developmental progress. “I proudly affirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, transparency, and the rule of law,” he said, emphasizing the party’s support for free and fair elections, judicial independence, and civic engagement.
Barbadian Prime Minister and current CARICOM chair Mia Mottley joined the celebration, despite strong objections from Dominica’s Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC), which labeled her participation “highly inappropriate.” The ERC had urged Mottley to abstain from attending, citing concerns over the government’s recent passage of electoral reform legislation and restrictions on protests.
Skerrit dismissed the criticism as “unadulterated foolishness,” thanking Mottley for standing in solidarity with her regional counterparts. “She braved a firestorm of criticism… to be with us on our 70th birthday,” he said, defending her right to attend and describing the backlash as politically motivated.
The rally served as both a retrospective of the DLP’s history and a reaffirmation of its long-standing governance. Skerrit noted that the party has governed for 43 of Dominica’s post-independence years. “This makes us the most loved and trusted political party in modern Dominican history,” he declared.
Skerrit also used the platform to highlight key development projects under his administration, including the construction of an international airport, hotel infrastructure, health facilities, and a geothermal energy initiative. “Geothermal is hope; geothermal is sustainable living,” he said.
However, he acknowledged rising economic pressures, particularly the high cost of living, and pledged to address the issue in the upcoming national budget. Skerrit said he would convene consultations on consumer prices and urged Dominicans to focus on essentials during these uncertain times. “I shop, you shop, visitors shop… I want us to manage prices in Dominica,” he said.
Responding to calls to cut youth employment programs, Skerrit stood firm. “We will not slam the door in the faces of the NEP workers,” he said, highlighting ongoing support for youth initiatives like the Youth Entrepreneurship Hubs and Dominica Youth Business Trust.
Skerrit, who has led the government since 2004, closed his speech with a call for unity and perseverance. “Three score and ten is the number of years God has given this Labour Party. I understand that in your eyes, this Dominica Labour Party must earn the right to another term… I am still the captain of this ship, and I will do what is necessary to calm the waters.”
The 70th anniversary celebration, marked by passionate defenses of governance and forward-looking pledges, unfolded amid mounting scrutiny from opposition groups and regional observers—reflecting both the staying power and ongoing controversy surrounding one of the Caribbean’s longest-ruling political parties.
