Dominica: PM Skerrit attends virtual ‘summit of democracy’ hosted by US administration

Roseau: Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, attended the virtual ‘summit of democracy’ hosted by the United States, where leaders around 112 nations held discussions on the several challenges that lie in democracy globally. 

The virtual summit took place on Thursday under the leadership of the United States President Joseph R. Biden. Numerous Heads of the government, international and social leaders participated and contributed their valuable opinions in the discussion. 

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business & Diaspora Relations – Dr Kenneth Darroux, also accompanied PM Skerrit in this virtual meet.  

Prime Minister shared the information by writing on his social media platforms. The leaders of the participating countries would put forward steps taken by their governments to strengthen democracy in their respective nations. 

President Joe Biden would again address the virtual summit by giving his closing remarks today (Friday). 

This was the first such summit hosted for democracy by the Joe Biden Administration. US President Biden, during his opening address, defines democracy as ‘the defining challenge of our time’. 

He cited, “They strive to advance their own power, explore and expand their influence around the world and justify their repressive policies and practices as a more efficient way to address today’s challenges. That’s how it is sold. By voices that seek to fan the flames of social division and political polarization“.  

Other significant world leaders who participated in this summit of democracy were – Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and several others. 

Apart from this, legislators, civic leaders, parliamentarians, journalists, and activists were also invited by the United States administration to participate in this virtual summit, which holds immense significance. 

Both the countries share long-withstanding and robust bilateral ties. The United States government has invested a lot in different sectors of the island, with the aim to strengthen its economy. 

The US is also having a significant contribution to the tourism sector of the island, as the majority of the travellers visiting Dominica are from the superpower nation only.