ROSEAU, Dominica (Unitedpac St. Lucia News) — The UWP lawsuit over CBI funds will move forward after a High Court judge in Dominica dismissed an application by the Government of Dominica, led by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, to strike out the case. The ruling allows the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) to proceed with its legal challenge over the handling of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) funds and the government’s contractual agreements with Montreal Management Consultants Est. (MMC).
The case will now proceed to substantive arguments on May 20, 2025.
The Government of Dominica, represented by senior attorneys Anthony Astaphan and a legal team from Trinidad, had sought to have the case dismissed on two main grounds: that the judge had no jurisdiction to hear it and that claimant Bernie Ryan had no legal standing to bring the matter before the court.
However, the judge rejected both arguments, ruling that:
- The High Court has jurisdiction to hear the case under Article 102 of Dominica’s Constitution.
- Bernie Ryan, a UWP member and president of an association in Saint Joseph, had legal standing because he had long-standing concerns about the management of CBI funds and had heard similar concerns from his constituents.
UWP lawsuit over CBI funds moves forward despite government challenge
The opposition UWP is demanding transparency regarding the financial management of the CBI program, specifically how proceeds are used and the contracts awarded to MMC.
According to UWP’s Thomas Fontaine, the party expects the court to address these key concerns:
- Details of contractual arrangements between the Government of Dominica and MMC.
- Clarification on where the CBI funds are kept and how they are utilized.
“We are hopeful that some of the issues we’re asking for will be aired in court, including the contractual arrangements made with MMC and, more importantly, where the proceeds of the CBI program are being kept,” Fontaine stated.
Watch: Thomas Fontaine reacts to the High Court’s ruling allowing the UWP lawsuit over CBI funds to proceed.
This case follows growing concerns over Dominica’s CBI program, including the revocation of 68 CBI passports due to increased scrutiny. Read more about the Dominica CBI controversy in our full report: Dominica CBI program revokes 68 passports.
Public support and fundraising for legal battle
Dr Thomas Fontaine also acknowledged public support for the legal battle, noting that Dominicans have contributed funds through radio fundraisers and other donation drives to assist with legal expenses.
“We’ve had several fundraising efforts to cover the costs of legal representation, and today was a good first step. We are very happy with this ruling,” he added.
Government silent on court ruling
As of now, the Government of Dominica, led by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, has not publicly responded to the court’s decision.
The upcoming May 20, 2025 hearing is expected to provide further clarity on the handling of CBI proceeds, an issue that has sparked national debate.
