ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) — Leader of the  main opposition United Workers Party (UWP), Dr Thompson Fontaine, has painted a grim picture of life in Dominica, warning of what he described as a deepening crisis of governance marked by rising violence, environmental destruction, electoral concerns and growing international isolation.

Speaking at a press conference while delivering Christmas greetings to Dominicans at home and abroad, Fontaine said the season offered little cause for celebration, pointing to the deaths of 22 young men in violent incidents over the past year and what he called widespread despair among families across the country.

He also expressed alarm over a decision by the United States to partially suspend travel by immigrants and non-immigrants from Dominica beginning in January 2026, a move he blamed squarely on the government’s handling of the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme.

“In less than two weeks, thousands of Dominicans will be denied entry into the United States,” Fontaine said, warning that students, families and medical patients would all be affected. He cautioned that the partial ban could become a full ban if reforms are not implemented within six months.

Fontaine said he raised concerns about the CBI programme as far back as 2009, alleging weak due diligence and the sale of Dominican passports to criminals. He noted that a lawsuit filed by the UWP seeking accountability and transparency in the programme is scheduled to be heard on January 26, 2026.

On environmental issues, Fontaine condemned what he described as the “horrific destruction” of the rainforest at Deux Branches, accusing the government of violating environmental laws and proceeding without an environmental impact assessment. He questioned claims that the area is the only viable source of material for construction of a proposed international airport and called for an immediate halt to quarrying activities.

The opposition leader also criticised the government’s response to escalating gun violence, alleging failures in preventing the importation of illegal firearms and calling for urgent action to address crime and growing mental health challenges, particularly among young people. Fontaine said the UWP is prepared to work with the government on a bipartisan committee to address the crisis.

Turning to electoral reform, Fontaine accused the Electoral Office of attempting to disenfranchise thousands of voters through its voter confirmation process. He objected to the removal of birth certificates as an acceptable form of identification, the location of confirmation centres, and the staffing of those centres, claiming the process favours the ruling Dominica Labour Party.

He called for the immediate reinstatement of birth certificates with photo identification, the opening of additional confirmation centres in underserved communities, and greater transparency to protect democracy.

Despite his sharp criticisms, Fontaine ended his address on a note of resolve, urging Dominicans to “summon inner strength and courage” and effect change through the democratic process. He outlined the UWP’s “Ten Pillars with Shared Prosperity for All” plan, which he said focuses on youth empowerment, agricultural revival, environmental protection, higher wages, and support for the elderly and vulnerable.

“Dominica’s money belongs to the people,” Fontaine said. “When we put it in the people’s pockets, the result is always less poverty and more prosperity.”