Dominican PM admits possession of French Passport

Dominican Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit has admitted to being in possession of a French passport.



Nevertheless, that did not prevent his nomination to contest the December 18 general election.



President of the main opposition United Workers Party, Edison James told a public meeting that Skerrit was a citizen of a foreign land and was therefore not eligible to be nominated to contest the general election.



However, 37-year-old Skerrit, who led his Dominica Labour Party into victory in 2005 and is seeking a repeat later this month, has brushed aside James’ remarks.

The Prime Minister has said he did not acquire the French passport or citizenship while he was an adult.



Under the Dominican constitution a person who swears allegiance to a foreign power or state by virtue of his own act is not eligible to sit in Parliament.

Meanwhile, electoral officials say 50 persons, including Skerrit have been nominated to contest the polls slated later this month.