Dominica: As New Year is approaching and family and friends get-together starts, Commonwealth of Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit gives a special New Year message to Dominicans filled with positiveness, hope and peace.
He said the previous year taught us something, but we should look to the future, and two words which come to my mind for 2023 are: Gratitude and Reset.
Gratitude: In an extraordinarily difficult year, during which the global population faced pestilence, war, and shortages of commodities, jobs and financial resources, God bore up Dominica and Dominicans. For this, we must express our gratitude.
The idea of Reset is about more than short-termism or a convenient slogan. This is a strategic imperative for how we must operate as a country. Achieving this will demand the attention of all stakeholders. The Reset will reassess our strategies and approaches to governance to deliver growth to our country and strengthen our social systems to promote the wellbeing of all persons. As we reset, we will continue to do our utmost to protect and support our citizens in times of crisis and distress.
Furthermore, he also motivated women and children to speak more loudly on their behalf to shield them from abuse of all forms. He then declared domestic abuse a public problem and strict the punishment of partner violence, and will also protect the victims.
He also highlighted some COVID-19 days and said, “One of the lessons COVID taught us is that we can neither live alone nor in isolation. Human beings need each other. We are at our very best when we have social interaction. Even a hello, or simple conversation with another person, can make a difference for the person to whom we are speaking and for us.”
He assured the people of Dominica that Dominica’s streets, workspaces, communities and country become better places.
My Government is grateful and humbled by the overwhelming mandate and confidence that Dominicans have reposed in us. We have committed to a National Reset that prioritizes people-centred, inclusive policy and decision-making, said PM Skerrit.
He said the Dominica government is trying their best to build resilience, and not only this but also enhancing communities, strengthening society and bolstering the economy against external and environmental shocks that threaten Dominica’s social and economic well-being.
He also said that his government will prioritize citizen engagement, improving communication and fostering greater transparency and accountability.
PM Roosevelt Skerrit predicted 2023 would be a difficult year for Dominica. However, the government is working hard for economic stimulation and job creation with a domestic infrastructural works programme, a resurging tourism product and new hotels.
PM Roosevelt Skerrit is expecting the new airport, during construction and completion, to improve Dominicans’ lives and livelihoods.
PM Roosevelt Skerrit also said, “We give you the commitment that whatever the circumstances, Dominica and its citizens will face them unified; with Dominica Government and its people standing and working shoulder to shoulder, determined to overcome and succeed.”
Furthermore, he took a resolution in which he promised to work to create happiness and will also build national partnerships for people’s advancement and prosperity.
He concludes by wishing Happy Health and Prosperous New Year and assures the public that he and his government will work on these resolutions to make Dominica a Dynamic Dominica.