PM Skerrit interacts with Dominicans ‘to build a better country for all’

Dominica: Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit answered the questions and listened to the recommendations of people during this Sunday’s Annou Pale.

While commencing the episode, Prime Minister stated, “We will interact on how better Dominica could be built for all of ‘us’.”

PM Skerrit expressed condolences to the people and government of St Kitts and Nevis on the passing of Vance Amory, former Premier of Nevis. He said, “He was a well respected Caribbean leader and must be loved by the people of St Kitts and Nevis; he would be remembered as a true patriot and elder statesman who made a positive mark on the development. May his soul rest in peace!”

While stating the impact of the Ukraine-Russia war on fuel and gas prices in Dominica, PM Skerrit said, “Prices have been increased in Dominica, but the government has been thinking to reduce the custom service charges, like earlier we remove excise duty and custom service charges on LPG and kerosene.”

Furthermore, one of the callers raised a question about “plan B” for funding the international airport in Dominica. PM stated, “Other than revenue from Citizenship by Investment, Government of China has promised for the assistance, but we are confident and trust the god, the airport would be successfully financed and build by CBI Programme only.”

“The present government will not expose our future and present generation to pay the huge debt,” PM added.

One of the overseas callers asked about the international airport’s completion time and the number of airlines that would come to Dominica. To this, he responded, “After completion, we will focus on flights; the government of Dominica is in contact with the international firms to assist us with promoting the country and international airport.”

Expectedly, the airport would be completed in three to four years as it is a massive undertaking, he stated.

Maximum callers praised as well as thanked him for his contribution and development done in the region.

During the episode, PM also brief about some of the ongoing projects, such as – Public service management bills, new E-passport services, opportunities for disabled people, development ideas for poultry farmers, farmers, and fishers, vegetation management project, management during COVID-19 times, and small business grant programme.