Groundbreaking ceremony takes place for construction of Thibaud Primary School with Chinese partnership

The groundbreaking ceremony took place for the construction of the Thibaud Primary School, which is being reconstructed with the financial and construction aid of China. The reopened school is expected to be one of high-standard amenities and opportunities for the children of Dominica.

On the 6^th of March, 2024, Dominican Diplomatic Representatives along with Chinese Diplomatic Representatives convened with local educators, students and parents to express the gratitude, progress and collaboration which made this project possible. The school experienced significant damage and losses during the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria back in 2017. In September of 2023, it was publicly revealed that the People’s Republic of China had agreed to fund the construction and renovation projects of six schools with an estimated amount totalling USD 30 million. PM Roosevelt Skerrit has previously expressed his gratitude, stating “There is no denying that Dominica has benefitted from repeated expressions of true friendship from the People’s Republic of China. In sports, road infrastructure, agriculture and health we have witnessed, over the past 19 years, incredible generosity from the Chinese people and Government.”

The ceremony marked exactly 20 years of Diplomatic relations with China. During the ceremony it was revealed that the school has constructed seven classrooms, a canteen and kitchen, a library, a fully equipped computer room, a staff lounge, a sick bay, a security room, a counselling room, an early childhood facility, and the school has been constructed to be fully wheelchair accessible.

Before any of the dignitaries or people of interest took the podium, the ceremony started off with the local pastor opening a session of prayer, where he expressed immense gratitude on behalf of all those present at the ceremony.

While standing at the podium, Lin Jang, the ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Dominica lightheartedly remarked “This is the funniest place I have ever travelled”, before saying that the school would be completed on time, and likely even before the expected date of completion.

His remarks were followed up by PM Skerrit, who started his remarks by saying “This is indeed the day the Lord has made. Let us all rejoice in it. We give God thanks for this day. For the groundbreaking ceremony. For the Primary School. I take this opportunity to welcome all of you to the village of Thibaud and my constituents.”

PM Skerrit goes on to say “The construction of this school stands as a striking example of our commitment to provide the children of Dominica with the best opportunities for success, today we’re not just laying the foundation stones for building, we’re paving the way for a brighter future for our children and for generations for come”

This was one of 6 schools that China had agreed to assist in rebuilding, also including Goodwill Secondary School, Calibishie Primary School, Tete Morte Primary School, Bellevue Chopin Primary School, and Sineku Primary School.

China has been significantly investing in the Caribbean region in recent years through diplomatic means, the nation has increased trade with the region several folds, invested in infrastructure and energy projects and provided optional access to loans and aid for the regions if required.

China has specifically been focusing on Jamaica and Suriname, but that does not discount the heavy investments they’ve had in surrounding regions.