Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has reaffirmed the enduring alliance between the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), declaring that the two are bound by shared values and history.
Addressing a jubilant crowd at the ABLP headquarters on Friday night, Skerrit proclaimed, _“If you are red in Antigua, you are red in Dominica,”_ drawing cheers from supporters of both parties during a celebration marking the DLP’s 70th anniversary.
Skerrit lauded Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the people of Antigua and Barbuda for their consistent solidarity with Dominica—particularly during times of crisis. He recalled the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, when Antigua was one of the first to respond with tangible support.
“When Maria hit, Gaston Browne and the Antiguan people were there with us,” he said. “They stood by our side, and we will never forget that.”
Skerrit used the opportunity to reflect on the DLP’s legacy over the past 70 years, noting that the party has held office for 43 of those years and transformed Dominica’s landscape through investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“When we came into government, only 44% of children went to high school, and just 7% of high school graduates went on to college. Today, that number has changed dramatically,” he said, highlighting policies that have expanded access to education and healthcare.
He pointed to the construction of a new international airport, marina, cruise village, and a cargo port—all funded domestically—as evidence that the DLP is still delivering results. “At 70, Labour is still working,” he said.
The Dominican leader warned of the shifting global landscape, stressing the need for regional solidarity. “It’s a cold world out there. Big countries care less about us than they did 10 or 20 years ago,” he told the audience. “If Antigua prospers, Dominica prospers.”
Skerrit also addressed recent electoral reforms in Dominica, including the introduction of a voter confirmation process for citizens listed on the electoral roll. He said the changes were aimed at ensuring fair and transparent elections.
Skerrit extended an invitation to those outside of Labour’s fold, stating, “You can’t beat us—join us. We are a party of inclusion, ready to work with anyone who puts country first.”
He concluded by thanking the ABLP for hosting the event and said that the strong ties between the two parties—and their people—will endure.
“We don’t just have a home in Dominica. We have a home right here in Antigua too,” he said.