PM Roosevelt Skerrit gives a touching speech as Dominica celebrates 41 years of independence

The Commonwealth of Dominica celebrated 41 years of independence on Sunday commemorating the day in 1978 when it gained complete autonomy from the UK.

Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit gave a touching yet inspiring speech on this special day to celebrate independence with citizens.

PM Dr Skerrit congratulated the citizens for the day and recalled moments of the year 2000 when the country was miles away from what it is today. He said,“In 2000, we had a poor road network with poorly lit streets and now, I am proud to say that we have a well-developed network of major roads around the island, which is the envy of many Caribbean countries.”

Education plays a crucial role in any society and assists the economy is getting a boost, Dr Skerrit explained the struggle that children had to go through a year ago to attain education. He said that the government have not only ensured universal access to education at the primary and secondary level but also at the tertiary level as well.

“I recall with a sense of satisfaction, the decision that this Labour Party Government took to ensure that there is at least one university graduate in every household in Dominica.” Added PM Skerrit.

Indigenous people of the island also remained a significant part of Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech. He stated that Kalinago’s are represented in the highest positions in our public services, as doctors, nurses and even as lawyers or engineers as well as permanent secretaries.

Dr Skerrit also shared the revolutionary healthcare system of the country which drastically improved from past years. Now, the country is providing free healthcare to younger up to the age of 18 and older from the age of 60.

Not only that, the government has successfully opened the first phase of Dominica China hospital which has modern amenities to uplift the healthcare system of the country.

Prime Minister discussed the government’s “Yes we care program’.

He said, “I thought of how our elderly were being neglected and how this Government introduced the “Yes we Care’’ program, where caregivers could go into their homes to ensure that their homes were clean, that they had food to eat and someone to talk to.”