PM Skerrit's leadership skills setting an example in the Caribbean

In 2017, the small Caribbean island of Dominica was devastated by category five Hurricane Maria, the country lost 224% of GDP and thousands of people were homeless. But, in just three-years, Dominica is blooming and seems stronger than before.

How was this achieved? In attempting to answer these questions, some have been tempted to seek explanations in the realm of ideas and ideologies.

According to Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, his vision is to make the country climate-resilient, as natural catastrophes frequently target the country because of its geographical location. With an increase in global-warming across the world, these Caribbean islands often become victims of hurricanes and cyclones, destroying localities.

In 2017, Hurricane Maria destructed 90% of the infrastructure of the country, the Prime Minister's home was among the houses damaged. Since then, the government decided to work towards becoming the world's first climate-resilient nation by constructing hurricane-proof homes.

Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit has set an example for other countries in the region by launching such significant initiatives, including housing Dominica. Under this project, people who lost their homes to the hurricanes are receiving free climate-resilient houses.

Besides this, the government is also promoting digital education by setting up wifi in all schools and community centres across the island. Prime Minister Dr Roosvelt Skerrit stated in his recent address that it is imperative for a government to facilitate its people with online platforms because it is the most advanced way to development.

The government is also endeavouring to set up more immeasurable quality internet in Kalinago territories so that no portion of the island is deprived of internet and other necessities.

Furthermore, the Commonwealth of Dominica has banned plastic bags, and Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit himself is promoting the use of jute bags in the country. The 'Go Green Dominica' initiative supports a complete ban on all single-use plastic and styrofoam containers.

The government has also preserved the country which has a flourishing tapestry of dense rainforests, overlooking mountains, rushing rivers, embracing waterfalls, and volcanic wonders.

The national bird of the country, Amazona Imperalis (Sisserou parrot) is endangered since Hurricane Maria shook the nation. Ministry of Environment, Climate Resilience, Disaster management, and Urban Renewal has reserved land to protect its wildlife from any malformed situation, and a sanctuary is set up in capital city Roseau to protect the parrot from going extinct.

As most of the Caribbean countries' economy relies on tourism, the Commonwealth of Dominica is also eyeing to secure a place in the desired destinations for tourists, providing the best opportunities to explore the island. The government of Dominica has already built many 5 star hotels including Secret Bay, Jungle Bay, Fort Young, Cabrits Resort and Spa Kempinski and several other hotels are under construction.

Dominica is also expected to have a brand new international airport within a few years as the construction is presumed to start in the coming months.

As ideas do not live in isolation, WIC News correspondent in Dominica interacted with some locals to gain their views on initiatives of Dr Roosevelt Skerrit. Agriculturist from La Plaine stated, "Today we need to preserve our environment and stop global warming, which is going to be a major disaster in the near future. Prime Minister Skerrit is a perfect example of ideal leadership we need."

Another businessman in Roseau said that people need advanced infrastructure and education to achieve their needs. "I am very much satisfied with the work of government, in terms of technical and infrastructural advancement." He also added that in only a few years, Dominica has bypassed the entire Caribbean in terms of development.

In an impressive achievement, Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit led his Dominica Labour Party to a major victory in the country's general elections, winning 18 out of 21 parliamentary seats.

There can hardly be any doubt that PM Skerrit is an exceptionally skilful and charismatic political leader. A Fiery orator has been able to influence others' thinking with his striking readiness to make all positive political use of hatred and loathing.