Govt. of Dominica to improve living conditions of citizens

The government of Dominica has officially allocated over 18 climate resilient homes in the Kalinago Territory. This ceremony took place on Thursday morning at 11:30 a.m., hosted at the Salybia Primary School.

Notably, the Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit also promised in the UN General Assembly that he would make an effort to convert the Commonwealth of Dominica into the world’s first climate resilient nation.

PM is still sticking to his word as they celebrated the huge milestone of providing 18 houses to beneficiaries in the Kalinago Territory, on 12^th October, 2023. They have already constructed 1500 climate-resilient homes in the nation. This achievement is another feather in their cap.

Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Melissa Skerrit welcomed everyone present at the event and while addressing them, she recognised collective pursuits undertaken by the government in providing climate resilient homes to the citizens living in the Kalinago territory.

In her speech, she stated that the government had fulfilled its promise of building and providing safer and more sustainable homes to the natives of the country. This decision was taken after the destruction they faced in 2017 due to “Hurricane maria”.

Melissa Skerrit also acknowledged the generous support of the European Union and expressed her heartfelt gratitude. She also stated that this procedure of handing over 18 resilient homes has been possible with the support of the 11^th European Development Programme Fund.

She said that “Investment in such crucial programs which has already made a substantial major impact stands at approx. 13 million dollars”. This occasion not only represents the country’s desire for being a climate resilient nation but also shows the power and potential of international co-operation.

Melissa Skerrit asserted that these homes are not just bricks and mortar, rather these homes are a symbol of “shared determination to provide safe and secure shelter” to those who are living in the country. These homes have been built with the utmost care and by using modern innovations and technologies.

She also expressed that these homes were constructed with the motive of preserving their rich cultural heritage. These houses also represent the true cultural identity of this territory.

Moreover, Helen Konig, Deputy Secretary General of European external action service for economic and global issues, also expressed her views on the matter. She stated that Caribbean countries have a stronger need for protecting lives as these countries face unforeseen risks during the hurricane season.

Talking about the disaster, Helen said it is very hard to think of the effect on the people of Dominica in the past few years. She stated that she could relate to such conditions as the European Union also has to face frequent changes in weather which becomes a hindrance for them as well.

In fact, Melissa also laid emphasis on the dedicated efforts by the European Union which created sustainable development and improved the quality of life of communities across the globe.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit also had his say during the event. He said that this ceremony is not just a symbolic one. The PM added that handing over these 18 homes has created joy and a sense of security in lives of people living in that territory.

This ceremony was meant to celebrate the efforts undertaken by the government of Dominica in ensuring safer and better living conditions for citizens.