PM Skerrit, Parliamentary Representative Frederick counts benefits of Kalinago Development Fund

Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit discussed the Kalinago Development Fund, launched on March 9, 2022 (Wednesday) in this week’s Annau Pale episode.

He had an interactive session with the Minister of Environment, Rural Modernization, Upliftment – Cozier Frederick. Both leaders shared the benefits of the development fund and how it will be used from the lives of the Kalinago territory and people.

Frederick expressed pleasure to represent the Kalinago community and mentioned that it was a victory for the Kalinago community. The Parliamentary Representative stated, “Personally, it is a victory for me because as a duty of elected Member of Parliament for Kalinago Community, I’m excited to be a part of the government who cares about the people. It was an election promise, and I’m delighted that the government assisted the territory in making it a reality.”

While providing a brief about the benefits of the Kalinago Development Fund, Frederick stated, “The folks of people will be financially benefitted without the rigours of providing collateral and so will be able to develop their enterprises.”

“The folks have been very progressive; they have taken small loans from commercial banks even at very high-interest rates and now just imagine they can have the facility to get finance at just two percent, which is very excited,” he added.

He further stated that this development fund with help in making them more powerful and independent. Parliamentary Representative outlined that this fund will help provide financial support in the fields – business development, education, agriculture and fisheries, medical services, small renovations, such as homes and expansion of homes.

“The government has been planning to look at the Kalinago space as a world heritage site through the UNESCO to continue to rebrand art and craft as well as the cultural heritage of the space,” he stated while sharing the upcoming projects for Kalinago territory.

To make art and crafts more viable industry, more workshops will be organised, collaborating with AID bank, Ministry of tourism, small business and enterprise division to encourage people of the territory to retune to traditional craft making.

The Ministry’s offices have been opened to clarify situations and guild the folks. The ministry will also make sure that the right people get access to the fund.

Prime Minister Skerrit and Parliamentary Representative also discussed the investments.

PM Skerrit concluded and assured that he will always support and expressed his happiness that the facility has been launched for the people of the Kalinago Community.