Dominica: The Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit extended his best wishes to the people of the country on the occasion of their 46th independence anniversary. The nation celebrated Independence Day with a number of events, including an Independence Day parade.
The Prime Minister was present at the parade event which boasted the armed forces of the island nation. The officials have shared that the people who attended the parade were dressed in traditional colours.
The President of Dominica, Sylvanie Burton was also present at the celebration along with the members of the nation. The Prime Minister, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit extended an invitation to the people of the island to attend the event in Windsor Park Sports Stadium.
The celebration honoured the people of the country who have brought pride and laurels to the country. At the celebration, the Prime Minister welcomed all the leaders of the country as they celebrated the nation’s independence.
The Prime Minister of Dominica, Skerrit delivered a brief address at the event, highlighting that Dominica is a treasure. He said that it is the responsibility of the people to honor those who have come before them.
The leader said that they have to remember the people who have fought for their right to self-determination. He urged the nationals to remember the visionaries who laid the foundation on which the nation stands.
In this regard, the Prime Minister applauded Thea Lafond, who gave Dominica her first ever Olympic gold medal. Talking about independence, Dr Skerrit said, today is not just a day of remembrance but also about looking to the future.
He acknowledged that “We are product of our independence, but we are also the architects of Dominica’s future.” Reflecting on the idea of independence, PM Skerrit recalled that On November 3, 1978, Dominica stood proud, raising its flag as a sovereign nation.
“We as people were ready to hold our heads high, ready to face the world as an independent nation full of hope and determination. In 1978, w were determined to define our identity, to stand alongside other nations as equals.”
“Today, in 2024, our challenges have evolved, the world has changed and so must we.” Said the Prime Minister. He acknowledged that today, independence is far more than sovereignty over our land, it is about sovereignty of our ideas, innovation and resilience.
The Prime Minister said that Dominica must remain relevant in the light of the ever-evolving world as the nations across the globe redefine their place. Technology is transforming industries; climate change is changing economies.
The Prime Minister said that new opportunities arise for those who are prepared. “We too must rise to the occasion, adapt and lead with bold vision” PM Skerrit said.
We are grounded by our roots, said the prime minister, but it is also our ambition that propels us forward. The Prime Minister highlighted the achievements clocked in by the youngsters of the country who have made the nation proud.
He recalled the performance of Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge in the test series against England. The two boys represented the West Indies and Dominica well. PM Skerrit was also proud to note that Kavem hodge scored his maiden test century in the second match of the series.
He also mentioned Dominica’s star Olympian, Thea Lafond calling her a world class athlete and a true embodiment of what it means to be a Dominican. The Prime Minister acknowledged that her victory was not easy and it came with sacrifices.
“In her triumph, we saw the power of perseverance and the strength of will. It wasn’t just her victory, it was ours. It was the victory of every Dominican child who dreams of greatness. It was the victory of the nation – The commonwealth of Dominica.” The Prime Minister said.
The athlete was honored with the highest national honor of Dominica for giving the country their first Olympic medal. He also highlighted the achievements of the nation in the agriculture sector, saying that it highlights the importance of hard work.
It also reaffirms the country’s commitment to investing in youth in the agriculture sector. He further highlighted the achievements of Asa Banton and Mr Ridge in the music and creative sector, reaffirming that across all sectors, Dominica is capable of greatness.
