PM Skerrit urges Dominicans to “dream of brighter days”

As the general elections of Commonwealth of Dominica are approaching, the campaigning by the political parties is going with the speed of the light.

For Dominica’s Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, his ruling Dominica Labour Party should be re-elected based on the work it has done, especially since the destruction of the country by Hurricane Maria.

But he has warned against both complacency and indifference in a nation, he suggested that might be beginning to take the good times for granted.

A jubilant leader took the microphone as he sang along: “Outcome the sun, shining in my face again,”

The mood quickly turned celebratory.

“Dreams of brighter days,” he sang along, as the packed flag and placard-waving crowd joined the party in a deep sea of red.

But as the mood turned more seriously during his address, PM Skerrit suggested that the biggest challenge for the campaign is a mix of complacency and indifference.

The government has implemented a multi-million dollar housing development programme, expanded health care and built new hospital facilities, as well as making college tuition-free, among its many accomplishments.

But Dr. Skerrit warned that these could be in jeopardy through indifference.

Noting that the rally was being staged the week Dominica was destroyed by Hurricane Maria two years ago, the national leader declared they are “celebrating two years of phenomenal progress.”

That “celebration” included the handing over of new houses at three ceremonies this week, and the staging of a thanksgiving concert on Thursday.

“What would you change Labour for, (and) who would you change labour to,” Skerrit asked rhetorically during his over 30-minute address at Grand Bay.

“A vote not for Labour is a vote for the retardation of Dominica,” he emphasized.

The party has adopted the slogan, “It’s safer with Labour’ for the current election campaign.

In recent weeks the DLP has ramped up its public activities and presence, a stark contrast to its main challenger United Workers Party, which has so far only held one major political rally.

Dr. Skerrit said neither the main opposition nor its political leader, that the incumbent has painted throughout the campaign as not having the skill or the temperament to lead is ready for prime time.

“For almost five years now, the UWP knew that general election will be held either 2019 or 2020, and at this 11th hour, their only argument is that Labour has been there for too long. " said Skerrit

“But my question to you tonight ladies and gentlemen is, how long is too long. How long is too long if it works. How long is too long if it’s the best by far, ” he declared.