PM Dr Roosevelt Skerrit says his government offered income support to people who lost jobs due to COVID-19

Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit stated that the government of Dominica has mobilised its resources and with the help of its partners it has been offering income support to all those who suffered job loss in the private sector due to coronavirus crisis.

He added that his government even provided loans and grants, tax rebates, tax amnesty and duty-free concessions to the private sector.

During the independence day address, the Prime Minister assured that the Dominican health system continues to well-staffed and stocked with essential medical drugs and supplies. He added that the health sector is fully functional and capable of managing the coronavirus pandemic situation.

Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit also asserted that his government is seeking innovative methods to keep the wheels of the economy moving. He noted that the administration continues to ensure that Dominicans are employed.

Besides this, he added that while the tourism sector continues to flounder and the foreign exchange earnings remain modest, however, the domestic spending can be stimulated.

He stated that the construction activities in the country are labour intensive and is a strong driver of Dominica's economic activity.

"Your government have fast-tracked the Public Sector Investment Programme, to bring more projects online and promote the flow of more money in the economy," added Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit.

Discussing the housing initiative, Prime Minister stated that the government's thrust is to build 5000 climate-resilient homes and 1640 homes are already constructed.

He stated that the construction programmes have beneficial impacts on other sectors of the economy as they involve transportation, manufacturing—mining and also quarrying to wholesale and retail.

Prime Minister stated that he is committed to building a "Dynamic Dominica" that he promised in the manifesto of 2019 General Elections.