Fellow Dominicans
As we celebrate the thirty-seventh year of our attainment of Independence we need to focus our attention on those members of our community who have suffered loss of family members, homes and property in that awful Tropical Storm Erika which inundated us with 13 inches of rain in six (6) hours on 27th August, 2015.
In the midst of all this, we need also to give thanks to Almighty God for life, health and strength and for His abundant love and mercy which he has bestowed on our beloved Nation, recognizing that the impact of Tropical Storm Erika could have been more catastrophic still.
When we look back at our historical sojourn, we should be proud of the progress that we as a people and Nation have made throughout the past 37 years and remember all those who through their contributions, commitment and hard work, have paved the way for a better Dominica.
This year’s observance of Independence is celebrated under the theme, “Rebuilding Dominica Together”. This theme is very fitting and should serve as an impetus to us to persevere in our recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Our beautiful Nature Isle, Dominica, was ravaged by the passage of Tropical Storm Erika on Thursday, 27th August, causing death and severe infrastructural damage to our road network, airport, housing and agriculture.
Many of our brothers and sisters were displaced by floods and landslides brought about by this storm. Despite these challenges and setbacks caused by this disaster, and the tremendous cost of recovery and reconstruction, we are confident that with our unshakable belief in Almighty God, the strength and resilience of our people and the support of the regional and international communities, we will move on.
Dominica is ours to rebuild and we must come together as one people to rebuild our Nation. We need to put aside all the petty things that divide us, whether it be politics, religion, petty jealousies, historical rivalries or feuds of any kind, and adopt those positive attributes of patriotism, love, hard work, commitment and dedication as we seek to rebuild our country.
As you may be aware, the President’s Charities Foundation Incorporated, has launched an (Erika) Relief Fund with a start up amount of EC$27,000.00 from the Foundation’s Reserve Fund with a target of raising US$100,000.00.
A special sub-committee has been charged with the responsibility of managing the effort and to raise the required amount of EC$270,000.00, by soliciting financial support from partners and business associates locally and overseas. The intention is to help provide medium term relief and comfort to the families, more particularly school children, who reside in two of the worst affected communities on the West Coast, namely Colihaut and Coulibistrie.
The Relief Fund is also intended to provide support to the Operation Youth Quake and the Community Hostels Incorporated, formerly known as the Grotto Home for the Homeless. When the Relief Fund will have received donations and before any disbursements are made, the Sub-committee will dialogue with key community leaders in the two communities concerned, including the Parliamentary Representatives, to determine the best approach to assisting the school children.
My wife and I take this opportunity to express our sympathies with our fellow citizens who were severely affected as a result of the passage of Tropical Storm Erika. It is our sincere hope that the continued recovery efforts will be speedy and effective and that their lives will return to normalcy soon.
May our Government continue to seek God’s guidance and wisdom to face the almost indomitable challenges that lie ahead to rebuild our beloved Country.
My wife joins me in wishing everyone an enjoyable 37th Anniversary of Independence.
May God Bless us all.
God bless you and yr family Mr Savarin, we love you cuz you saved us from the terror.
love always from Danziger and the rest.
Who do you think that you are fooling Mr. Savarin? Only the people that don’t know the history of DA. England pulled out of DA and left it high and dry knowing full well that the people here could not maintain what had been built up. There was no fight for independence. And DA has not prospered since. It has only been a downhill slide. The storms are not the only thing that has left DA where it is today.
THINK POSITIVE GUYS.
As we celebrate our 37 th Anniversary of Indpendence let on ponder on the old adage “waste not, want not” whiilst reflecting on another saying “what a difference one year makes.
Happy 37 independence anniversary Dominica.happy independence to you and your family mr president.may God continue to bless you.
Sorry Sir I have more important things to do than to read your speech. God Bless Dominica.
“Dominica is ours to rebuild and we must come together as one people to rebuild our Nation…”
Savarin , you really want us to trust this DLP Leadership and government and come together. Coming together calls for leadership, honesty and accountable, we do not see that under this DLP led government…….also sir , you say: “……..We need to put aside all the petty things that divide us,…..”You are damn right sir….”,,, petty leadership, petty governance, petty leadership…..get rid of them please, they are too petty. Do you think you can do this for us please? If not have no more to say to us, we are not listening…..it is not registering………you have no impact on our lives…….please vacate this seat….”Excellency……?”…lol…lol,,,sad
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The Divine Dominica Labour Party would like to wish every Dominican a happy 37th independence day. His Excellency, President Charles Savarin is asking ALL of us to join hands and hearts in the rebuilding of our great Island-Nation. Of course, Labourites are already on board and have been putting shoulders to the wheel, dedicating hundreds of hours rebuilding, cleaning up and assisting those most affected by Tropical Storm Ericka. The President’s remarks were geared towards the friends, affiliates, members and supporters of the Uneducated Wicked People and their “novice” leader who would rather criticize and put down the rebuilding efforts than join in and contribute. Labourites are indeed committed and will not be deterred in our efforts to rebuild Dominica. Yet, we wish that today the Uneducated Wicked People and their minions will take heed to the President’s message even though we are aware that these people are also dedicated to their efforts to divide us. So sad.