Saving lives of citizens is paramount to Dominica govt: PM Roosevelt Skerrit

Prime Minister of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the nations on the country's 43rd Independence Day, where he addressed the various achievements of the nation.

Friday, 5th November 2021

Saving lives of citizens is paramount to Dominica govt: PM Roosevelt Skerrit

Prime Minister of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the nations on the country's 43rd Independence Day, where he discussed various achievements of the nation. He also explained the meaning of this year's independence day celebration theme, "United in purpose, our health, our future," PM said the theme shows that everyone has a responsibility and duty towards nation-building. Skerrit said the efforts and contributions of everyone have shaped the development of Dominica. Discussing the current COVID-19 crisis in Dominica, Prime Minister said despite significant economic challenges, the government maintained all social programmes, paid salaries to public workers and maintained all promises. He said the government also made major funding to the health sector. "Saving the lives of citizens, our people is paramount to this government," said the Prime Minister. He said the government has been innovative in developing ways to keep the economic activity of Dominica moving, "This includes creating a safer corridor, allowing cruise-ship calls, allowing visitors to return to hotels in a safe and managed way". Prime Minister said despite the challenges, the Dominica Labour Party-led government is completing the plan's listed in the 2019 election manifesto.

"By the grace of God, we have managed fairly well, but we must not underplay the effects of this pandemic; it can be linked to a prolonged global storm which impacted developed and developing countries," said Prime Minister Skerrit.

PM Skerrit said that World Economic Outlook released in October 2021 by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded, "Global recovery continues, momentum has begun, and uncertainty has increased". He said the forecast by the IMF also connects to WHO's prediction that the "virus will be with us till 2022". PM said the cautions signal that the Economic activity of Dominica will remain affected for some time. Prime Minister, while encouraging people to get vaccinated, said, "The power is in our hands to get our children back into the classrooms, our people back to work, our businesses flourishing, enable friends and families, reconnect and socialize without physical distance, but achieving this necessitates that we all work together," He said around 3 billion people globally are vaccinated against COVID-19, and everyone must trust the science. Skerrit also sent out condolences to all families who lost loved ones to coronavirus in Dominica.