Dear Fellow Dominicans,
As we stand at the threshold of 2026, we extend our warmest greetings to every citizen of our beloved Nature Isle. We enter this new year during challenging times both on a national and international front, but we do so with unwavering hope and an unshakeable commitment to our nation and to you.
We acknowledge the economic hardships many families are facing. We see the struggles, we hear your concerns, and we share your determination for better days. Yet even in these difficult moments, we must hold fast to hope—that powerful force that has carried our people through every storm, that has built our resilience, and that continues to light our path forward.
Hope for Adequate Environmental Protection
We have hope that urgent, collective action at all levels—individual, community, and governmental—to mitigate deforestation, protect our soils and water resources, combat climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, focusing on sustainable habits like reducing waste, conserving energy, supporting green policies, and educating others, to ensure a healthy Dominica present and future generation
Hope for Economic Prosperity
We have hope that our economy will strengthen and flourish. We envision a Dominica where small businesses thrive, where farmers receive fair prices for their produce, and where our youth no longer feel compelled to seek opportunities abroad. We believe in an economy that works for everyone—where jobs are plentiful and dignified, where entrepreneurship is supported and celebrated, and where every family can afford decent housing, nutritious food, and a comfortable life.
Hope for Peace and Safety
We have hope that the senseless violence plaguing our communities will cease. Every life lost to violence is a tragedy that tears at the fabric of our society. Too many mothers have wept for their children; too many families have been shattered by gunfire and crime. This must end. We envision neighborhoods where children play freely without fear, where parents sleep soundly at night, and where our elderly can walk our streets in safety.
Hope for Quality Healthcare
We have hope that our healthcare system will improve dramatically. No Dominican should suffer or die because they cannot access quality medical care. We envision hospitals and clinics that are properly equipped, adequately staffed, and capable of providing world-class care from Roseau to the most remote village. Our healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, and support staff—deserve the resources, training, and compensation they need to serve our people with excellence.
Hope for Protection and greater independence of our Indigenous Kalinago’s
Hope for improvement in respecting Kalinago’s self-determination, safeguarding their cultural heritage, and ensuring their participation in decisions affecting them. We also hope to see the improvement in the legislation and respect for the Kalinago [Council] in its decision-making process, particularly to deal with land rights within the Kalinago territory.
Hope for Educational Excellence
We have hope that our educational institutions will flourish and transform. Our children are our future, and they deserve schools that inspire and prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world. We envision classrooms with modern technology, libraries stocked with current materials, science labs equipped for hands-on learning, and safe, well-maintained facilities. Our teachers, the architects of our nation’s future—must be properly trained, fairly compensated, and given the tools they need to excel.
Hope for Stronger International Relations and Travel Freedom
We have hope that our relationships with nations around the world will grow stronger and more beneficial. Most urgently, we hope that the ongoing visa issue with the United States will be resolved swiftly, allowing Dominicans to once again travel to the US unhindered. Similarly, we hope that our access to Ireland, Norway, and the United Kingdom will be restored, reopening pathways that many Dominicans have relied upon for work, study, and family connections.
Beyond resolving these travel restrictions, Dominica must take its rightful place on the global stage, forging partnerships that bring investment, trade opportunities, educational exchanges, and technological advancement to our shores.
The United Progressive Party remains steadfast in our commitment to work tirelessly on behalf of every citizen of this nation. We believe in the goodness that surrounds us—in our rich natural heritage, in our vibrant culture, in the warmth of our people, and in the boundless potential of our country. Our mission is to ensure that all Dominicans, not just a privileged few, can enjoy and benefit from this goodness.
As we journey through 2026, let us move forward together with purpose, courage, unity, and with hope. Let us support one another, lift each other up, and work collectively toward the Dominica we all envision—a nation of prosperity, peace, and opportunity for all.
May this new year bring renewed strength to every household, healing to our communities, and progress to our nation.
With hope and determination,
Joshua Francis
Leader, The United Progressive Party
Working Hard for the People of Dominica
