The United Progressive Party (UPP), led by Joshua Francis, says it would support efforts to allow former residents of Petite Savanne to return to their community, provided that comprehensive scientific and safety assessments determine that resettlement is feasible.
In a recent press release, the party acknowledged that while many residents were relocated to Bellevue Chopin following the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Erika in 2015, many families still hope to one day return to their ancestral community.
The UPP emphasized that any move toward reopening Petite Savanne must be guided by expert analysis.
“However, we recognize that any discussion regarding the reopening and resettlement of Petite Savanne must first be guided by science, safety, and sound planning. Before any resettlement initiative is approved, a comprehensive land suitability and geotechnical assessment must be conducted to determine which areas, if any, are safe for habitation, agriculture, commerce, and infrastructure development. The safety of our citizens will always come first,” outlined the statement.
According to the UPP, Petite Savanne once played an important role in Dominica’s agricultural sector and was known for its strong community spirit and thriving bay oil industry. The party argues that residents should have the option to restore that heritage where conditions allow.
While also pledging to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Delices–Petite Savanne road, subject to engineering and environmental approval, UPP says reopening the roadway would improve access to farmland, stimulate economic activity, and strengthen connections within the southeast region.
Discussions surrounding Petite Savanne have focused primarily on relocation rather than providing former residents with choices about their future, contends the party leadership. However, the statement indicates that its broader vision for Dominica includes rural development, agricultural renewal, sustainable communities, and greater economic self-reliance.
“No community should be forgotten. No citizen should be denied the opportunity to return to his or her roots where it is safe and feasible to do so,” says the party.
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Full statement below:
Roseau, Dominica: June 9, 2026 – The United Progressive Party (UPP), under the leadership of Joshua Francis, believes that the people of Petite Savanne deserve the opportunity to determine their own future. While many residents were relocated to Bellevue Chopin following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Erika, the dream of returning home remains alive for many families. A future UPP Government will undertake the necessary steps to make that dream a reality.
However, we recognize that any discussion regarding the reopening and resettlement of Petite Savanne must first be guided by science, safety, and sound planning. Before any resettlement initiative is approved, a comprehensive land suitability and geotechnical assessment must be conducted to determine which areas, if any, are safe for habitation, agriculture, commerce, and infrastructure development. The safety of our citizens will always come first.
Once the necessary studies have been completed and approval granted by the relevant technical and environmental authorities, a UPP Government will establish a Special Petite Savanne Resettlement Fund to assist qualified residents who wish to return and rebuild their lives within the community.
This fund will support:
• Home construction and rehabilitation.
• Agricultural redevelopment and farm restoration.
• Small business development.
• Bay oil distillation and other traditional industries.
• Community infrastructure and public services.
• Youth and economic empowerment initiatives.
Petite Savanne was once a vibrant agricultural community that contributed significantly to the economy of the southeast and the nation as a whole. The village was known for its agricultural production, strong community spirit, and thriving bay oil industry. These traditions should not be lost. The Petite Savanne residents should be allowed to restore their heritage.
A UPP Government will also prioritize the rehabilitation and reopening of the Delices–Petite Savanne roadway, subject to engineering and environmental approval. Re-establishing this critical transportation link will improve access to agricultural lands, facilitate economic activity, strengthen regional connectivity, and support long-term rural development.
Unfortunately, the redevelopment of Petite Savanne has not received the level of strategic attention it deserves. For too long, the conversation has centered almost exclusively on relocation rather than on providing citizens with meaningful options regarding their future. The United Progressive Party believes that true development empowers people with choices.
Our vision for Dominica includes a renewed commitment to rural development, agricultural revitalization, community sustainability, and economic self-reliance. We believe that villages such as Petite Savanne are not relics of the past but essential components of Dominica’s future. No community should be forgotten. No citizen should be denied the opportunity to return to his or her roots where it is safe and feasible to do so. The people of Petite Savanne deserve that option, and a UPP Government will work diligently to make it possible.
