PM Skerrit Lauds Labour Party’s Legacy of Unity at Dominica Delegates Conference

The Prime Minister, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit highlighted the unity maintained by the Dominica Labour Party over the years in the Delegates Conference held on 10^th November, 2024. He shed light on the transformative projects of the country and outlined their determination to overcome all the challenges that come in the way to shape the future of the nation.

The Dominica Labour Party hosted the Delegates Conference under the theme, “A Future of Hope.” This conference was attended by several delegates of the Labour Party, celebrated their unity, togetherness and vision to make Dominica, a thriving nation.

The Conference was also attended by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre and Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell. They both participated as the distinguished guests and appreciated the projects undertaken by the Dominica Labour Party who showcased a impactful tenure for the whole of Caribbean.

The Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell stated that it is the labour party that has built the Caribbean region. He also highlighted about a legacy of commitment followed by the Labour Party and stated that they have always defended and stood up for the working rights of people across the Caribbean.

The Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said, “When that party went through its tough times, I was not even a member of the party yet. It was your political leader, Roosevelt Skerrit, was there providing constant support and encouraging us not to self-destruct and encouraged us to stay united.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre extended gratitude to the entire Dominica Labour Party. He stated that he can stand tall at the delegates conference is just because of thousands of Dominican patriotic men and women.

He added they are those who have helped to build the Dominican Labour Party and Dominica as a whole, and by extension, the OECS and the Caribbean. “It is because of your struggles that someone like me can stand here before you today.”

PM Pierre also thanked the Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit and all his men and women in administration who have collectively and successfully played a significant role in leading Dominica towards growth and development.

The Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the attendees and emphasised their unity of purpose, vision and philosophy to put in their hands and minds together to lead Dominica towards sustainable, prosperous and resilient future.

PM Skerrit highlighted the transformative projects of Dominica and called it a fruitful result of their shared commitment, resilience and the values they hold. “We have come this far because we have stood together, shoulder to shoulder, guided by our principles and driven by our dedication to the people of Dominica.”

The Prime Minister mentioned about revolutionary projects of Dominica including, construction and rehabilitation of schools, the building of homes, the construction of Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, the Marigot Hospital, and over 12 new health centres across Dominica.

He stated that all these projects are a testament to the unwavering focus and commitment of each Minister and Member of Dominica Labour Party that they have came this far in their journey of becoming a sustainable and resilient island.

Achieving Resilience

The PM Skerrit stated that the Dominica Labour Party has never shied away from any kind of challenges. He added that they have tackled all of them with fear, determination and the spirit that defines them as leaders.

He stated that when Hurricane Maria hit the coasts of the nation, the factor that concerned everybody was the devastating effects that the disaster would leave on Dominica. However, the Dominica Labour did make every possible effort and optimized their resources effectively and efficiently, that resulted in the safe and secure outcome.

“Everybody said Dominica, finish. And guess what today? Guess what today? The world cannot talk about resilience unless they talk about the commonwealth of Dominica, ladies and gentlemen.”

PM Roosevelt Skerrit further mentioned about their response to the challenges they faced following the destruction caused by Hurricane Erika and Maria respectively.

He highlighted about the initiative undertaken by the Dominica Labour Party such as emergency agricultural livelihoods and climate resilience project, and the housing recovery program which played a huge role in restoring hope and renewing the strength of their nation.

“Everything is possible. And when they said it would take us 20 years to rebuild Dominica, it took us 24 months to rebuild Dominica,” said PM Roosevelt Skerrit.

Challenges in Agriculture Sector

PM Roosevelt Skerrit also mentioned about the challenges they faced in the Agricultural Sector. “We still feel the impacts of the World Trade Organization’s change in the banning of policy that prompted us to rethink agriculture in Dominica.”

He stated that it is a vital opportunity for the farmers to invest their resources in farming as the New International Airport will play a crucial role in opening their diverse market to the world. The Prime Minister further added that the New International Airport would attract large number of tourists which will be a pivotal platform for the farmers to showcase and sell their locally produced goods, generating revenue and fostering agriculture sector of the island nation.

Dominica has recently held ground-breaking ceremony of the highly anticipated, New International Airport which will open doors to several opportunities for the local citizens of the country.

Social Safety Net Programmes of Dominica

The Prime Minister also highlighted about a National Employment Programme and the ‘Yes, We Care Programme’. He stated that all these programmes are the fruits of their shared labour where every Dominican has the right to vote and enjoy the vital opportunities offers by the Government.

He stated that these programmes have given Dominicans an opportunity through dignified work for building a better country. He appreciated all the Dominicans working at the back-stage of these programmes for doing a remarkable job and in keeping Dominica clean and beautiful.

Gratitude to Dominica Labour Party

The Prime Minister stated that every success they celebrate is the result of their collective effort. He stated that from senior party stalwarts to grassroots supporters, every one of them has played a vital role in the accomplishments of Dominica.

He thanked the Dominica Labour Party for their support and stated that they must continue to work together hand in hand because it takes more than a single leader to run a country. He added that it takes the strength of these delegates to lead the country towards growth and development.