Dr. Thomson Fontaine, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) and a member of the Electoral Reform Coalition, has announced a “standing together” public meeting scheduled for next Thursday in Roseau. The rally aims to unite Dominicans in a show of solidarity for democracy, electoral reform, and human rights. Fontaine’s announcement comes in the wake of his strong support for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and its recent statement on electoral issues in Dominica.
The IACHR’s statement, which has gained widespread attention, highlights concerns over the Dominican government’s approach to electoral reform, voter rights, and the suppression of peaceful protests. The commission emphasized that the American Convention on Human Rights guarantees every citizen’s right to vote and participate in public affairs. It also criticized the government’s handling of electoral reforms, particularly efforts to enable overseas voting, stressing that such measures must ensure fairness for all voters. Additionally, the IACHR reaffirmed the fundamental rights of citizens to peaceful protest, assembly, and expression—rights that it insists must be respected and protected.
Dr. Fontaine welcomed the international body’s stance, stating, “The response from the IACHR demonstrates that the government has been watched closely since 2018.” He expressed concern over reports of police being weaponized against opposition supporters and peaceful protesters, describing the government’s actions as a sign of panic. “Using police to intimidate, arrest, or brutalize citizens is a red flag that democratic principles are under threat. The rest of the world is paying attention, and this is serious,” Fontaine remarked.
He further called for other international bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, to address the situation. “When a government begins to use force against its own people, it raises alarms globally. Dominica’s democratic fabric is at stake, and we must stand firm to defend our rights,” he said.
The public meeting, set to take place on the Arch in Roseau at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 24, 2025, seeks to bring together Dominicans of all political affiliations in a united call for fair elections, respect for human rights, and the protection of peaceful protest. “We are calling on all Dominicans—Independents, UWP supporters, and everyone who cares about our country—to come out and stand with us,” he urged. “This is for a better, more prosperous Dominica—one that cares for its youth, its elderly, and its future.”
Dr. Fontaine asserted that under the constitution of Dominica, citizens have the absolute right to peaceful assembly and expression without the need for police permission. He stressed that public meetings are legitimate exercises of democratic rights, and no authorization is required to hold such gatherings. He further assured the public that they can stand together and participate in the upcoming meeting without fear, meet those who have been arrested, and demonstrate their commitment to building a stronger, more democratic Dominica.
“We are a peaceful party, we are a peaceful country and we just want to say that there is strong message of solidarity, that we are standing for Dominica. We are standing for a better Dominica. A Dominica that will be the envy of the rest of the Caribbean. And we are building this together. If no one person, if no one party is able to do it, let us build together, let us work together,” he urged. “This is a crucial moment for our country. We must stand together—because together, we can build a better Dominica.”
In an ongoing investigation following protest action on March 19, 2025, against the government’s electoral legislation, twenty-five individuals have so far been charged with Unlawful Assembly under the Riot Act.