Dominica: Embrace as ‘brothers and sisters’ this Christmas, says PM

Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit has suggested people “call a halt” to their differences during the Christmas period.

Speaking during an end-of-year radio interview, the PM acknowledged that some people on the island – and the wider world – are “politically charged” but that the festive season is a time to suspend contentious issues.

“There is no place in Christmas 2017 for race, creed, gender or political persuasion,” he told state-owned DBS Radio.

“I want to call a halt today to all these considerations. I want a political ceasefire in Dominica this Christmas. It doesn’t matter whether your neighbour is red, blue, green or pink, reach out to them and spread the spirit of Christmas.”

The people of Dominican should show themselves as “loving, caring and sharing people”, he added.

Ignore religious differences

Dominica was left devastated following the passage of category five Hurricane Maria in September.

More than 30 people died, with many still missing, and infrastructural damage has run into millions of dollars.

The storm led every single Dominican to “come to a state of humility”, Skerrit said.

“We have to be careful as citizens of the country that we do not lose sight of the lessons which Maria taught all of us with no exception.

He urged people to ignore religious divides, and where possible do what they can to help fellow citizens.

“When you cook on Sunday night or Monday morning, cook a little extra, be in the position to have something extra just in case.”