Dominica budget 2021: President Savarin said country making tremendous progress

President Charles Savarin said the country has been focusing on the areas of health, agriculture, tourism, housing and physical infrastructural development.

2024-07-07 15:28:11

The proceedings for the 2021-2022 budget in the parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica are about to begin. President Charles Savarin is already inside the house, and the proceedings will begin shortly. Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, who is the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs Investment, Planning, Resilience, Sustainable Development, Telecommunications and Broadcasting, will present a budget of $993.6M for the island country. President Charles Savarin, in his address, sent out condolences to the family of Dominica's first Prime Minister Patrick John as he passed away following a stroke on July 6. He also condemned the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, who was brutally murdered by masked mercenaries on July 7 2021. Furthermore, President Savarin stated that Dominica has always been on the vulnerability of natural disasters, and the country used the Build Back Better and Stronger Approach to construct climate-resilient infrastructures. He also said that the country has been focusing on the areas of health, agriculture, tourism, housing and physical infrastructural development Challenges COVID-19 and its impact Furthermore, speaking of COVID-19, he said that the virus impacted all countries caused the tremendous disaster. President noted that Commonwealth countries lost 345Billion dollars worth of trade in 2020 due to pandemic. He said Dominica recorded its first coronavirus case on March 22 2020, and so far, there have been no virus-related deaths. Speaking of the new spike in coronavirus cases, President said that a single incident of 6 imported cases resulted in an increase of active cases from 2 to 13. "To control the infections, a seven day lockdown lifted in the community in the South East which was impacted," said the President. He said Dominica continues to do well in managing life-threatening diseases COVID-19. President said herd Immunity could be achieved through COVID-19 vaccines; it is the only exit from the pandemic. President Charles Savarin said that a total of 20784 and 41% of the target adult population in Dominica were vaccinated against the COVID-19. International Airport President speaking on the construction of International Airport said that Dominica is transitioning its economy from Agriculture to Tourism/Service based and building International Airport is essential. He said the International Airport would stimulate the economy, said President Charles Savarin. He also stated that the International Airport is designed for a modern, sustainable Dominica. President said that the construction will open numerous new opportunities in the construction and tourism sector Fiscal Responsibility legislation President also said that the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU)ECCU had asked the member states to implement Fiscal Responsibility legislation, which is yet to be passed by the House of Parliament of Dominica. He said that the Fiscal Responsibility legislation will reinforce financial discipline across member states and will increase transparency.

Monika Walker

Monika Walker is an experienced journalist specializing in global political developments and international relations. With a keen eye for accuracy and analysis, Monika has been reporting for over a decade, bringing stories to light that matter to readers around the world. She holds a degree in International Journalism and is passionate about giving a voice to underrepresented communities through factual reporting.