PM Skerrit To the Nation: We aim to rebuild a better, more resilient Dominica

 

Commonwealth of Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit

Going out and seeing the devastation and talking and listening to our people I have also felt the incredible, deep, defiant spirit of my fellow countrymen and women.” said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in his address to the public on Friday, October 6th.

Imploring Dominicans not to “… stoop to panic or fear-mongering” He assured the  listening public that in facing the tremendous feat which lays ahead, the country’s cause is not to fail and expressed confidence that it will not fail.

“We will go forward together… and our united and inflexible resolve, will make us invincible”, he continued.

Skerrit also acknowledged the various international groups and individuals who are on the ground assisting the Government and people of Dominica  saying : “Many of you have gone over and beyond the call of duty, and I personally, want to let you know that this fact is not lost on me.”

His remarks came preceded an update on the  current state of events followed by an outline for a twelve-step plan aiming to move the country forward.

The Prime Minister ended the address by briefly addressing revitalization plans for the agricultural sector as well as outlining plans to meet with the UN secretary General Antonio Guterres over the weekend and IMF and World Ban Officials in the upcoming week to discuss the proposal for establishing Dominica as a prototype for climate resistant infrastructure.

The plan, as outlined by the Prime Minister, is as follows:

1. We will stabilize and support demand in the economy. The Government will try wherever possible to maintain the previous year’s level of government procurement, employment, wages, and routine operations.

2. Insurance of property in Dominica exceeds 100% of our annual GDP. Not all insured properties are totally destroyed thankfully, but we expect substantial insurance payouts to be made over the next few months. We will work with local and international insurance companies and banks to expedite the arrival of loss assessors and the flow of insurance payouts at lower transaction fees.

3. We will accelerate the full re-opening of all ports and ease the flow of goods through ports.

4. We are working with our development partners to bring in the necessary equipment required to take our clearing and cleaning efforts to the next level. Heavy clearing machines are being loaded on to boats to travel to Dominica as we speak.

5. We will waive taxes and duties on the importation of all food and construction materials for six months.

6. This is a time of great national effort and personal sacrifice. We will not tolerate anyone taking unfair advantage of the situation. We will put in place a consumer watch dog in charge of ensuring there is no profiteering and price gouging.

7. We expect businesses, banks and credit unions to expand their services as quickly as possible to help normalize the situation.

8. We will sit down with lending institutions to see to what extent they can extend a period of forbearance for their borrowers.

9. We will enforce and if necessary update building codes to ensure that all new construction complies with these codes. We all know the consequences of not doing so.

10. The process of repair and rebuilding will take time but for many people their current housing situation is difficult beyond belief and so in the mean-time we will be bringing substantial quantities of roofing and temporary shelter.

11. We will facilitate the Social Security Fund offering a voluntary advance of up to $1,000 on non-contributory pension payments. There should be no long-run costs of this measure, but the Government will indemnify the Fund of any costs of doing so.

12. We shall also offer voluntary advances on government salaries of up to $2,000 to help the rehabilitation of homes.

 

See link below for full video.

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34 Comments

  1. October 13, 2017

    Hello my people

  2. abi
    October 13, 2017

    From i know myself, Dominica has been trying to build up. Dominica is still backward and a hurricane passing through is not going to change anything, David Pass and still nothing changed. To think that Maria coming though gonna bring change or improvement for that matter. Sure it will……put more money in politicians pocket, Skerrit will build his house to withstand 300 mile winds while he give the people lil plywood that can stand 10 miles winds. Don’t be dumb…..Dominicans open your eyes.

  3. Reader
    October 12, 2017

    Even if he gives more than six months for some this still wont be enough. Critics are critics!!!

  4. George Reiner, BSc. Geology
    October 12, 2017

    You want to stop hurricanes in Dominica? Petition the UN, USA, EU, Russia and China to ask them to STOP using weather warfare against us to drive home their plans to push in a one world government.

    If you can’t be bothered to do that, read up about HAARP, CERN and how the USA has been modifying the weather since the 1930’s to create droughts, hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis.

    Then after reading all that, do nothing and just wait for them to get rid of you as they should.

  5. Debie Brown
    October 9, 2017

    You all are very ignorant ,it seems that you all hate skeritt with a passion. You all are putting politics again in the forefront. You all cant comment without politics that why the island was hit so hard, it is all because of you all. Why don’t we all come together and pray for our nation instead of asking he prime minister to step down. He is doing a wonderfull job under the circumstances. We are not perfect,no one will be pleased by every thing that one does.If you all were prime minister would you all do a better job.?Well let your suggestions be heard. Dont stay by the wayside and criticize it does not help.Pray for our country.The bible says If my people who are called by my name shall name shall humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from hear from heaven and heal their land . Let us be vigilant and b God fearing.All colours were affected, that should not mater. There is no respecter of persons with God.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      October 9, 2017

      You said it! I fell short of saying that. However, prior to Hurricane Maria I did respond to someone who commented on DNO that, “it is people as you that cause hurricanes.”
      Their words are consistently evil. This is the type of minds they have. God is not amused. They do not know what is waiting for them around the bend/corner. They are not smart people at all. Such people depict they do not know how to pray. They are depressing. Countries have useful people and useless people. The latter they show themselves to be. They will pay the price of their words sooner or later.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      October 9, 2017

      “The bible says If my people who are called by my name shall name shall humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from hear from heaven and heal their land . “(Debie).

      Debie, when we quote scriptures to people we must know in what context we are quoting it. As far as I am concern when God told that in the quote to King Solomon, he spoke in reference to the nation of Israel!

      To understand and interpret that scripture you need to read not only 2 Chronicles 7:14 alone. Perhaps you should read commencing at 2 Chronicles 7:11 – 15. You seem to be one of those persons who like to talk about prayer, but I must inform you that praying without action, is as God said for in vain they worship me.

      You are here pretending you are appointed by God to preach to people, meanwhile you are talking about people hate Skerrit! If we hate Roosevelt, he solicited this hate, caused the majority of the nation dislikes him, all due to his corrupted mentality,…

    • Shameless
      October 10, 2017

      @Mrs. Brown 8)
      Have you even taken the time to think of why Dcans dislike (not hate) the PM. FYI and those living under the stone in Timbuktu this man is a pathological liar at best. Not a leader. That’s the primary reason we dislike him. Further, he exudes arrogance , trickery and a dishonest persona never seen in the history of my land. It is “Alleged” with quite a lot of circumstantial evidence that he and the cabal have become the richest politicians in the region and it is not hard to see. Now just maybe if you look beyond the glitter and hypocrital, manipulative, pity seeking performance constantly being displayed by your beloved PM them you will understand why he is so disliked. I once was his greatest supporter and admirer until I saw the red flashing lights. Look deeper my dear Mrs. Brown 8) please look a little deeper.

      Assertive as Mama Eugenia :twisted:

  6. Expat
    October 9, 2017

    Those of you who are saying Skerrit must go; he should resign, are just being redundant; the same old message. You all should know by now that the only way Skerrit will leave is by the electorate. The Dominica electorate put Skerrit in power and they are the ones to put him out of office if need be. Stop beating a dead horse.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      October 10, 2017

      His enemies are jealous. The same manner Satan is jealous of good people. He will do all sorts of things to divide, create chaos among people and cause divisions. Some of them who hate the PM are playing right into Satan’s hands, his yolk and his grip. He has them cornered. It is sad that they do not know that.

  7. 4 God's Sake
    October 9, 2017

    Frankly this speech of Skerrit should have been delivered in Iran, where Aliereza Monfared is, London, where Allison Madueke is, in Manhattan Ny, where NG Lap Seng is, In Dubai where rich friends are, and in other parts of especially in the middle East where lots of our citizens reside. UN is not where he should be. My Mon always told me to go shake my bag where I bought my coal. Skerrit just needs to step down and give Dominica a chance to see if we will bounce back. DNO might press my comment but let me make it abundantly clear that as long as Skerrit remains as PM Dominica finish. However, with a government donors can trust WE SHALL BOUNCE BACK. SO I hope Skerrit has his resignation in his back pocket so as soon as we can buy food again he, Saverin, and Carbon will all resign.

  8. amanda
    October 9, 2017

    six months is not enough as one is not able to send personal things as yet for rebuilding.

  9. October 9, 2017

    Very easy to make id better. Get rid of thugs, missionaries and rats.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      October 9, 2017

      Including you? :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  10. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    October 9, 2017

    “We will go forward together… and our united and inflexible resolve, will make us invincible”, he continued.(Roosevelt Skerrit).

    Roosevelt said his resolve will make Dominica invincible! Such are the words of an ignorant man, there are no invincible nations, or people on this planet. If Roosevelt believes that he is invincible, unless he has no retention power, and has forgotten not to long ago he wrote “I am at the mercy of the hurricane;” I ask him where was his invincibility?

    To be invincible means to be “incapable of being conquered by anyone or anything: overcome or subdued! Right now Dominica is subdued, without outside help, or nation is finished!

    How can someone, or a nation resolve any issue; personal, or political if they refuse to be flexible? If one is inflexible, that means they are incapable of change; or unalterable; so this means there will be no change after the hurricane! In diplomacy one must be flexible!

  11. Bro
    October 9, 2017

    I thought agriculture was priority number one? Everyday they they just saying feel god stuff, with no actions to back it. The next 2 years will be the darkest in our post independence history.

    So skerrit keep babbling feel good propaganda as if ur leadership during this time is anything but pathetic.

    Also finally, DNO, during a state of emergency shouldn’t the President be the one in charge giving directions? Could there be some clarification on this?

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      October 9, 2017

      Do you know what is contained in the Holy Bible, especially the New Testament, the Word of Our Lord Jesus Christ? I suggest that you commence studying it.
      There is no place in Heaven for critics, for haters, those who are incapable of showing love for their fellow people, those who are not helpful, those who are not builders of their nation and more. . . .
      Similarly on earth. Those who are as mentioned, they are the most miserable people, trying to make others miserable and to conform to their evil ways.
      Get down on your knees and fervently pray! Ask God for forgiveness of your sins. God knows you too well that you are no perfect person. If you cannot say something good and encouraging, you project your true colors. You are not better than those whom you criticize and hate. You place curses on yourself. Your punishment will be greater.

  12. Ibo France
    October 9, 2017

    All twelve points made by the PM to rebuild Dominica are laudable. But in rebuilding and making the country a better and a more livable place to reside, the political divisiveness, bias and victimization must cease to exist. Political inclusiveness must replace the bitter, exclusionary politics that is presently practiced. A country can never achieve its fullest economic potential with intense political tribalism. For emphasis, the malodorous politics as practiced in Dominica is the biggest hindrance to progress, and that’s the unassailable truth. At this critical juncture, the country needs shrewd leadership, a true statesman, to navigate it through these turbulent times.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      October 9, 2017

      Address this to the critics, haters and troublemakers. They are the ones as you :?: causing it. If you have not noticed and you do not know it, you are blind, deaf and sleeping. Wake up and open your eyes, mind and brain! Do not act as the pot calling the kettle black.

  13. Emile Dominique
    October 9, 2017

    We must enhance our partnership with the private sector in job creation activities. We must consentrate on import substitution and export. We must begin to build factories for light industries eg furniture, clothing, water, timber building material and paper foods, to name a few . Self sufisency has to be the name of the game.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      October 9, 2017

      Emil if only your thoughts could become reality life might become better in our country; sad to say however, that is not in Roosevelt plan!

      The following according Roosevelt Skerrit is printed in Carribeannewsnow.com; that is Skerrit’s only ambition for our people and country!

      “ROSEAU, Dominica — In keeping with the stability and resilience for which the citizenship by investment (CBI) programme and the island of Dominica is known, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is back in full operation, following the direct hit by Hurricane Maria last week.”

      The sale of Dominica diplomatic passport is Roosevelt only agenda!

  14. October 9, 2017

    We should also take up Guyana’ offer to relocate on the mainland, the Gov’t and people of Dominica, must think deep in wether to rebuild and face mass destruction every year or there after. The lovely Island and its infrastructure will be very unsustainable in the long term. Doors were opened to our Guyanese brothers and sisters in the 70′, today, they are reciprocating in the best of forms and conditions, Dominicans can be part of self and national development on the South American mainland , Guyana is a state with a very, very bright economic future, and limited natural disasters.

    • Da
      October 9, 2017

      While we should thanks the Guyanese Gov’t for its generous gestures , I still think we should remain in Dominica to rebuild what is ours. Dominica will not always be in the path of these horrible storms .
      We will rise again.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      October 9, 2017

      No one knows when and where disasters will strike. No country is immune from it. If it is not one type of disaster, it will be another. May no one in any part of the world be complacent. People are free to leave if they so wish. However, not everyone will do so.

  15. The Evangelist?
    October 9, 2017

    Mr. Pm here is a passage from the holy Bible I wish to live with you. is with me. 2 Tim. 4:11″…Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry..”
    Many believe that at the time of this letter, the apostle Paul and Mark had some bumps to deal with. However, Paul was wise enough to realize that Mark was very helpful to him in God’s and asked that Mark be taken on the missionary trip. Sir, your Mark is the opposition and no matter what you try and what you say, the world want to see you and the opposition working together if they are going to trust you with anything. In this crisis the UN and the world at large will give things like food, tapolin, health care to suffering Dominicans, whether or not they see unity. However, to get them to give us money they want to see UNITY. That’s the only way out sir. So if you think they are going to give you money to build your type of Dominica you better forget about it and think it through again

  16. Same old same old
    October 9, 2017

    Thank God that in a world where everything seems to be getting more expensive everyday, words are free so we can use them at our will. It’s about saying what we want people to but acting quite differently. Mr Pm keeps talking about building a new Dominica but he has yet to present his building plan. Is he planning on building the new Dominica all by himself so tomorrow he could pass it on to whomever he chooses? If that’s his vision then I’m sorry to say that it is nothing new but a continuation of the same old same old. As he tries to convince the UN has he reached out to Mr. Hon. Linton and members of the opposition as a sign of a leader that is repentant, humble, and learnt from the pass. While I appreciate his message to the UN and to anyone that could be of help to us, during this difficulty time, let me suggest to the PM that his message would reach farther if he embrace the opposition. It would be so great to see him and Linton put all politics aside and travel together as…

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      October 9, 2017

      Should you not know better? Some of you do not think beyond and always twist and turn what others state to make it negative.
      The PM did not as much as suggest that he will build Dominica by himself. Why did you not at least comprehend what he meant? Does he have to spell out everything for some of you as if you just commenced reading?
      The PM does not need your suggestion. In bygone months prior to Hurricane Maria, what did the opposition do? The world was listening. They heard, read and took note. Therefore, keep your suggestion to yourself.

  17. Jonathan St jean
    October 9, 2017

    He said the same thing after TS Erica.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      October 9, 2017

      How did you help D/ca after TS Erica? There are too many of you negative D/cans who do absolutely nothing but be critical. Did you consider that types as you could have caused these storms and Hurricane Maria?
      We are to pray for everyone; not only ourselves. When last have you done that? A simple, fervent pray from the heart will do. It does not have to be a prolonged prayer and preaching where some people get bored and even fall asleep. What good do the latter do?
      Let me further inform you. We are to help each other along the way. If we fail to do that, one day when we face God for our judgment what will we have to present to Him that Our Lord Jesus Christ will happily and smilingly say with open arms, “Come ye blessed of My Father . . .” ?
      Once and for all, cease these criticisms and judgment. People as you must also rise to the occasion to help Dominica and nationals in need. Being critical will not help whatsoever. Pray to God for this enlightenment.

      • Paul Rossnof
        October 12, 2017

        Shut up, you are starting to upset me with your Skerrit propaganda. How foolish can a human being be???

  18. Da
    October 9, 2017

    “SKERRITT,” You need to resign for Dominica to move forward.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      October 9, 2017

      Some of you get some of us disgusted with your consistent ridiculous comments. You are wasting your time. Stop doing so. For a change do something concrete with your time, for Dominica and nationals in need.

  19. TATIANNA
    October 9, 2017

    5. We will waive taxes and duties on the importation of all food and construction materials for six months – I LIKE THIS STATEMENT BUT SIX MONTHS IS NOT ENOUGH; MAYBE A YEAR ESPECIALLY FOR BUILDING MATERIALS ESPECIALLY

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      October 9, 2017

      It is not impossible that it could be expanded. Keep a positive view. Wait and see.

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