PM Roosevelt Skerrit unveils ambitious development projects for Dominica

Dominica: Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit recently held a press conference on Friday, providing insights into various future developments for Dominica.

He talked about the Cabrits Marina Project in Portsmouth, the Roseau Enhancement Project, the Future Housing Program, Cable Car, and the International Airport, as well as his attendance at the 4th Small Island Developing States Conference in Antigua.

PM Skerrit's attendance at SIDS4

The Prime Minister said that he attended the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda, which was held under the theme 'Charting the Course towards Resilient Prosperity'.

He said that the conference focused on the multiple crisis being faced by SIDS such as climate change impacts and the social and economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"States reviewed the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals, and proposed solutions for building resilience and achieving prosperity," he added.

While shedding light on the significance of the conference held in Antigua, PM, Skerrit noted that it was an opportunity to once again highlight the challenges faced by small, vulnerable states like Dominica, dealing with climate change effects and worsening weather events and explore the role of developed countries in providing solutions.

He called for more practical support from developed nations and highlighted the disparity between their responses to global conflicts as well as their commitments to climate change mitigation.

"Where is injustice, One must not be wary," said the Prime Minister while asking for continued advocacy for support from developed nations.

Local development projects in Dominica

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, while shedding a light on local development projects, pointed out the groundbreaking for the Cabrits Marina near the Intercontinental Hotel in Portsmouth. He said that this project is estimated to cost around US $75 million or over EC$200 million and aims to boost the economy of the area and surrounding communities by creating jobs and attracting a large number of visitors.

"We will see the growth of the yachting sector into a more organized economic activity in the north, attracting a greater number of visitors to our country. The marina will be constructed at an estimated cost of US $75 million or just over EC $200 million over an 18-to-24-month period by range developments with funds raised under the Dominica's citizenship by investment program," said the Prime Minister with regard to the marina.

He also emphasized that the Cabrits Marina construction is part of this government's overall thrust to implement several major infrastructural projects over the coming months and years, which will lead to sustainable development and long-term social and economic prosperity for the country.

[caption id="attachment_71736" align="aligncenter" width="1407"] Proposed plan of Cabrits Marina (PC - Facebook account of Dominica Ministry of Tourism)[/caption] During the press conference, the Dominican leader also signaled his administration's intention to commence a number of major initiatives shortly, including the Roseau Enhancement Project, for which funding has been secured from the Saudi Development Fund. According to the information from the Prime Minister, this project was approved in parliament late last year, and the government is putting the final touches on the project's plans so that they can commence as soon as possible. "As a matter of fact, this project is expected to go to Tender in the coming weeks," he added.

In addition to this, the Prime Minister of Dominica highlighted that his administration is also working towards the start of the new modern cargo port which will be located at Canefield at the industrial site area and a new Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay.

"We do have the funding for the cruise Village, and so we're finalizing details on those; of course, we are making steady progress with major projects that will revolutionize the way we live and do business in Dominica," noted the PM.

He also talked about the cable car project ongoing at the Roseau Valley and said that it is scheduled to add value to the tourism sector and he is set to visit the site early next week.

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About the geothermal power plant, the Prime Minister noted that the plant and transmission lines in Laudat will soon come onstream to increase efficiency in electricity generation and reduce cost. He further outlined that the work on the international airport continues and is on schedule, taking shape as each day passes.

He also shared his plan to soon organise a series of stakeholder tours to the site of the International Airport so that more of the local people can see the extent of work on the ground first hand.

Future Housing Program in Dominica

"The fact of the matter is there has been tremendous Earth movement and other developments on the site of the international airport, and our plan is to engage the Dominican people more directly as the project progresses," he added.

Sharing insights into the Future Housing Program, PM Skerrit said that the program will proceed this month with the commencement of 10 villas. He also noted that this program is geared at young professionals and young people in general who wish to secure their own futures, and as a way of building generational wealth, the Ministry of Housing is finalizing details with the contractors in order to gain mobilization for this project.

He also reminded people that lots are still available for purchase in Jimmit, Colihaut, Hillsborough in St Joseph, Canefield East and Cotton Hill at competitive prices. He urged the youth to invest first in building their home.

I want to urge young people the need them to invest first in building in your home and secondly in investing so that you can have a second income and be part of the prosperity that this government is taking to create for Dominicans - PM Roosevelt Skerrit.

He further advised the young generation, "To build upstairs and the downstairs you could rent as Airbnb so instead of building for bedrooms for yourself you can do two for yourself and two to rent out and you'll still have a four-bedroom house uh but it will be bringing you money additional revenues."

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All these insights shared by Dr. Skerrit into the various ongoing or planned developments in Dominica showcases the government's commitment and dedication to uplift the country and contribute tremendously to its overall growth.