PM Dr Skerrit raises concerns over funds during virtual meeting of Commonwealth heads of government

The Commonwealth of Dominica joined other delegations in congratulating the Secretary-General on the arrangements made for the convening of much-needed dialogue among the Commonwealth Nations on critical issue of the challenges facing Member States from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This meeting held when the global community has been galvanized in pursuit of justice, respect and fairness, in the face of a pandemic that presents economic uncertainties the world over, unlike any other we have witnessed in recent history.

Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit suggested during the virtual meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government on Wednesday morning that they must provide leadership on the issues of debt relief for small states and creative ways to reduce the debt burden, and must continue to advocate for a vulnerability index for small countries, to replace the GDP per capita criteria applied to determine eligibility for grant and concessional financing

Dr Skerrit added that collectively we shall work to unlock the funds that we're told have been set aside for dealing with issues relating to climate change. "We are of the view that these funds should be more accessible, more timely in their disbursements and made available to countries for adaptation purposes." added Dr Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica during a special meeting of Commonwealth Heads of the Government.

Dominica’s response to COVID-19 indicated that funds which were previously reserved for 2020 hurricane season had to be rediverted to the setting up of a COVID Hospital and quarantine facilities, and to provide relief to the people who lost their jobs.

He added that while some of the countries have fought the good fight and significantly reduced or eliminated all active cases of the pandemic on the shores, since the battle began earlier this year, none of us can claim complete victory.

Besides this, the leader asserted that Dominica was able to implement a series of COVID-19 containment measures, that enabled the country to restrict infection rate to a total of 18 persons, all of whom have subsequently recovered.

Prime Minister stated that all cases of COVID-19 are recovered in Dominica because the country completely changed its way of operating.

"We implemented closure of all our ports of entry to passenger traffic, instituted strict curfew measures, shut down all non-essential services and implemented work from home protocols. In addition, protocols for the wearing of masks, hand hygiene and social distancing were observed. " added Dr Roosevelt Skerrit.

Furthermore, he added that these measures worked, like all other countries who took such measures, the economic impact on the country has been significant and impactful.

Speaking about education, Dr Skerrit added that students continue to have access to learning via online platforms utilized by the Ministry of Education and their respective elementary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in Dominica.