Dominica government working to accelerate ongoing projects: PM Roosevelt Skerrit

Prime Minister of Dominica,- Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, announced in his weekly national address that the country's government is taking tough decisions at the cabinet-level to accelerate ongoing projects and programs. The Dominican Prime Minister noted that like all other countries worldwide, Dominica is also bearing reduced activity to tourism, travel, and trade due to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite these fallbacks, he mentioned that the country has been paying salaries to all its public employees on time without any delay.

"We are keeping our head above the water through capable management of public sector finances and debt. Salaries continue to be paid on time," added Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit.

He emphasized the government is managing its commitments at home to keep the economy afloat.

Two senior public officers of Dominica also joined the Prime Minister for further discussions on decisions that have been taken on fiscal management.

Kareen Prevost- Cabinet Secretary, and Denise Edwards- Financial Secretary, talked about various public issues.

Denise Edwards- Financial Secretary stated the many programs and policies are funded by the government in its budget; however, the coronavirus pandemic required some additional funding.

She further noted that the overall revenue of Dominica had a major impact in April- June 2020 due to the shutdowns caused by the coronavirus.

"During that period we saw the tax revenue fall, it declined by 39.8%. We had to find some revenue from somewhere." Denise Edwards- Financial Secretary

Ms. Edwards stated that from April 2020 to June 2020, VAT declined by 39.6% which was another setback to the revenue of the country.

Kareen Prevost- Cabinet Secretary stated that the work on modernizing the public sector is undergoing.

Cabinet Secretary noted that the department is also attempting to improve the with the public for better understanding. She added for greater public anticipation; cabinet briefing has been started.