Economic activity in Dominica to expand by 3.4% in 2021: PM Roosevelt Skerrit

Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit stated that the overall economic activity in the country is expected to expand by 3.4% in 2021. He said several factors fuel economic growth. PM Skerrit made the remarks during the Annou Palay on Sunday, where he also answered the questions asked by the general public. He said that activities in the construction sector; agriculture sector are among the factors playing a significant role in economic growth. He noted that manufacturing trade, as well as retail trade, also bolstered the economy. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit noted that a significant investment is expected with the funding generated by the Citizenship by Investment Programme of Dominica in the upcoming financial year. The expected funding is around $311.7 million. He said the major investment is the construction of Dominica International Airport, which will create sustainable jobs for locals. Furthermore, discussing the government's efforts to improve the healthcare sector, PM Skerrit said that over $52 million were spent on the construction of 12 new health and wellness centres while the construction of Dominica-China Friendship Hospital continues. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit also noted down the major accomplishments of the government in the following sector. Health Sector Prime Minister Roosevelt said over $52 million were spent on the construction of 12 new health and wellness centres while the construction of Dominica-China Friendship Hospital continues. "We are also near completion of the Marigot Hospital to serve the North East of the Island; it is 95% complete," stated PM Skerrit. Education Sector Prime Minister said the government spent $11 million in constructing and refurbishing schools islandwide. He said buildings were severely damaged due to Hurricane Maria in 2017. "Over $11 million have been spent, and with support of generous governments, we have had significant success," said the Prime Minister. He said the grant from the People's Republic of China would assist Dominica in constructing new schools in Goodwill, Thibaud, Calibishie, Tete Morne, Bellvue Chopin and Sineku. PM said the government is also moving ahead with the construction of a new wing at the Dominica Grammar School. "All of the schools will commence construction during this financial year," said PM Skerrit. Housing Sector Prime Minister stated the government made tremendous efforts to place hundreds of families in better, climate-resilient homes. He said that the government continue to provide houses to the public, and more advancements are expected in the upcoming financial year. Agriculture Sector Prime Minister said the government continue to uphold the importance of agriculture sectors' contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. He said that in addition to the $67 million emergency agriculture livelihoods and resilient climate project, the government invested in tree-crop expansion and pursued the rehabilitation of the Cocoa sub-sector. "Cocoa is becoming a huge crop in Dominica, so many people are involved in it," said PM Skerrit. PM said the government also invested in livestock development in the Ministry of Agriculture, banana and plantain sub-sector and the fisheries sub-sector. Furthermore, he added that the rehabilitation of the Roseau and Marigot fisheries complexes would be done with assistance from the government of Japan. He said the contract is already signed. Sports Prime Minister said the government made a significant investment in sports over the past years. He said that around $18.5 million were spent on sports this year, and the development has been prioritized. He said that the hard courts at the Windsor park stadium are filled with different activities. PM said the new indoor facility as the Massacre would be completed soon.

Economic activity in Dominica to expand by 3.4% in 2021: PM Roosevelt Skerrit

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