So here are my views on Donald Trump’s travel ban, clearly stated:
How Dominica Ended Up In Donald Trump’s Crosshairs.
If Roosevelt Skerrit had not opened his mouth so recklessly and injected himself into a conflict that had nothing to do with Dominica, we would not be in this position. Dominica was dragged into international attention because of reckless political posturing and association with figures like Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, turning what should have been a regional matter into a global issue. That is how we became front and center.
Why The Travel Ban Did Not Come Out Of Nowhere.
Donald Trump’s position, whether people like it or not, did not appear out of thin air. For years, hundreds, possibly thousands of individuals wanted for crimes or fleeing legal trouble, who never stepped foot on our island, were able to obtain Dominican citizenship and passports through the CBI program. These passports were issued for large sums of money, sometimes under false identities, allowing criminals to try to bypass international scrutiny and attempt entry into countries like the United States.
This put every American citizen at risk, especially when dangerous individuals were given legal documents tied to our nation. This is not speculation; it is well-documented and proven. When our government’s actions drew attention, the response was inevitable.
On Donald Trump’s Racism And Reality.
Donald Trump has a long and well-documented history of racist statements and actions. From comments about Black nations to discriminatory housing practices in the past, this is not new or shocking. So yes, it is no surprise that a predominantly Black nation was targeted after a Black man pushed his mouth into a racist Donald Trump’s beef with a known narco-leader.
That said, this travel ban will not last forever. Donald Trump’s political time, like many of his policies, will come to an end. As the Epstein investigations continue and information is released daily, change is inevitable. The ban will go with him.
Where Responsibility Truly Lies.
If you already have a visa, you are fine. If you are applying, you will have to wait. That is the reality. But as a nation, we must be honest with ourselves; we played a huge role in creating this situation.
For 25 years, corruption was ignored. Our Mother of Valleys and Volcanoes, her land, her money, her dignity and her international reputation were sold off. While Roosevelt Skerrit and his insider friends and his two American-born children are not affected by this travel ban, we, the average Dominican, now pay the price.
A Lesson We Cannot Afford To Ignore Again.
The travel ban does not affect those in power. It affects you. So the next time you walk into a polling station, remember this moment. Remember that votes have consequences, good or bad. This situation exists because corruption was tolerated by our people and rewarded for decades.
Do not allow history to repeat itself. We have seen what happens when corruption is allowed to run unchecked. The rooster has finally come home to roost. Now the question is, will we finally learn from it?
