Dominica to access soon slice of UK Caribbean grant

Cameron announced the grant in Jamaica's parliament in early November
Cameron announced the grant in Jamaica’s parliament in early November

In a few month’s time, Dominica will be able to access its £20-million share of a £300-million grant for infrastructural development promised to English-speaking Caribbean islands by the United Kingdom (UK).

Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, made the announcement at a press briefing at the Fort Young Hotel on Monday 16th November 2015.

“We are having a bilateral meeting with the UK Government representative and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) because the money will be challenged through the CDB,” he stated. “And the understanding among the other beneficiaries and the benefactor is that in light of Dominica’s situation that Dominica be given the first opportunity to have access to the resources. Based on what we have been told by the British authorities, they expect the funds to be physically available in 2016.”

The new UK, Caribbean infrastructure partnership was announced by British Prime Minister, David Cameron, while addressing a joint sitting of Jamaica’s parliament on September 30, 2015.

Cameron said the grant is expected to build real tangible things that will make a difference for people across the English-speaking Caribbean.

“Roads, bridges, ports, critical economic infrastructure that will set the foundations for growth and prosperity and in turn reduce poverty while helping the region to become more resilient to the risks of Climate Change,” he said. “Just think about what this could deliver, hundreds of kilometer of roads to link up vital markets. Bridges to unite remote communities. New energy projects to power growth and vital defenses to protect coastal communities. Let me be clear £300 million is not soft loads, not tide aid. It is cash grants.”

Skerrit noted that details on the matter and the conditions of the resources will be discussed on a bilateral basis.

“But I must say that there appears to be great urgency on the part of the UK Government to have to those programs roll out the soonest,” he noted.

Another meeting is planned for Tuesday to discuss the matter in finer details.

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13 Comments

  1. It's a start
    December 20, 2015

    This is nice, but I truly hope that this money will be invested wisely. Dominica is probably one of the most backwards islands I have ever been too, and it is so unfortunate because it is one of the most beautiful. It’s like the island is like a decade behind the rest of the world when it comes to development…..When converted, this is almost $80,000,000 ec. This should be a reoccurring thing by Great Britain. They honestly should give money to the past colonized countries for each year we were under their rule. Each of those years Dominica was under Britain’s rule, Britain was able to grow their empire while draining Dominica of it’s resources. While I am grateful for the funds to Dominica won’t be singing “yes master, thank you for a small portion of the money that I helped you get; Shucks, I am so grateful for you sir”. (That was sarcasm, but hopefully you get the point.

  2. Mindfulllness
    November 20, 2015

    God bless England! You have given us a new least of hope to getting back on our feet. All we need now is for it to be distributed correctly. #transparency #accountabilty

  3. Caretaker
    November 18, 2015

    If I UNDERSTOOD correctly! The wording refer to English speaking countries. First you must agree to give up the language and see how far will you get. Mr. Bigger if there is a heaven Britain is close to it. What a life saver for Mr. Skserrit. The first job is to have a license to comment on the news online. ha ha ha

  4. Doc. Love
    November 18, 2015

    When you listen to Skeritt, , you would believe he was the one who negotiated the grant. He almost tied it to his Asia failed trip.

  5. Me
    November 18, 2015

    Cameron, don’t give Skerrit any money, at least not unless he discloses his own wealth first!

  6. conscious
    November 17, 2015

    Dominicans are so stupid and have the memory of fowls. They do not know their history and history are not taught in school on that level. While Dominica was a colony of Britain we were neglected. Then premier Patrick Roland John decided to seek independence and seek betterment for Dominica. Do we know why Dominica became independent?t If not, it was because of Britain treatment of it colonies. Then they help the big companies like CHIKATA AND DOLE to access the a higher percentage of the banana market because these companies help politicians. If our people was not locked into the mindset of receiving without wondering why am i given. Sometimes you are given not because they really want to give but to make a name for themselves. Britain help plunge the Caribbean into helplessness and then offering a hand.xxxxxx

    What about the PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL does this woman know what goes on in the hospital which carries her name? I am certain she could help

    • Sean
      November 18, 2015

      Conscious, where have you been all these years? Didn’t you know that Princess Margaret died in 2002?

    • chayil
      November 18, 2015

      Question ? What “betterment” has Dominica had since becoming independent? Since becoming so called ‘independent’ the country has slid into slow decline, to the point half the population, especially those educated who can contribute something to the country have left for better opportunities elsewhere. Unfortunately, it seems DA’s leaders do not have the people’s interest at heart. This is just my ‘personal opinion’ if DA had remained under British rule we would be better off to trade – banana, oranges and the other luscious produce our beautiful Nature Island provides – consequently, this would provide employment to those who have a desire to work and till the land. True ! not sure what “you scratch my back, I scratch yours” deal Cameron is planning, but for sure completely agree with Peter Potter, let’s hope that money is accounted for.

    • really!
      November 18, 2015

      are you that ignorant, because Princess Margaret died. We don\’t have to take the money but how is that going to benefit us. Unless you have a better solution. No one has a real solution but everyone opposes every idea that comes to the table. Why don\’t you state whats wrong with taking the money and then state your idea which I am sure you have.

  7. Peter Potter
    November 17, 2015

    I just hope PM Cameron will make the Skerrit regime account for every cent they draw.

  8. Music Producer
    November 17, 2015

    That’s just reparations $$$, not thanking them for what’s ours!

  9. FORKIT
    November 17, 2015

    skerrit, how come they are COLONIZERS when it suit’s you and they are your friends when they passing money… boy look a mook

  10. bigger
    November 17, 2015

    VIVA PM Cameron we thank you tremendously for your generosity post Ericka you are truly a friend of the Caribbean. I am happy to say that the decades spent in the UK educating myself enabling me to come back to this blessed land is TWICE AS SWEET

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