Citizens and residents of our beloved Dominica,
In the Book of Ecclesiastes, we are reminded that there is a given time for everything and a time for every happening under heaven. The thinker who penned these words also wrote, that there was a time for knocking down, and a time for building.
We celebrate the thirty-ninth anniversary of our political independence in the context of a country that has been knocked down by nature, in the form of hurricane Maria, but by no means knocked out.
I mourn with the families, friends and associates who lost loved ones during that horrific night of September eighteenth into the wee hours of the nineteenth. The best tribute we can lay down in their memories is to create a built environment that mitigates the factors and circumstances that contributed to this tragic loss of life.
We entered into our thirty-ninth year of nationhood encircled by the theme “Building a Brighter Future Together”. For thirty – eight years, we had been working hard, sacrificed, suffered and made many new and valued friends in the international community. We were relentlessly pursuing the vision of a “Prosperous, Peaceful and Just Dominica”.
The cornerstone had been laid, and we have been putting in place the building blocks for a modern road and transportation sector; the hotel sector was on track for an exponential increase; agriculture, livestock and fisheries were on a fast growth trajectory; affordable housing had been brought within the reach of all, and the doors were open to those who were willing to learn and acquire new skills right up to the graduate level.
We had cause to see a future that was brighter for Dominicans, not in the distance, but one that was well within grasp.
Like you, my friends and citizens, I remain firmly and deeply committed to a Prosperous Dominica, a vibrant Dominica, a country where no one goes in need or is left behind.
The month of October 2017 finds our nation in a place where, despite our grief, disappointments and regrets, we are challenged to draw on the boldness that define us as Dominicans, and to see in the disaster of Maria, boundless opportunities for building that brighter future.
We have been recognised by the world as the Nature Island of the Caribbean. In this age of climate change, the opportunity that I see, and which I ask you to rally around, is also to make Dominica the first Climate Resilient Country in the World.
We will redesign, reconfigure and reprogram the systems and procedures that underpin economic and social activity so that the impact of any disaster on you and me, is considerably lessened, and the time taken for life to return to normal significantly reduced.
I believe we can get this done if we remain loyal and committed to the theme of this Independence celebration. The call for national unity carried in the theme, is not new; we hear that call at church gatherings, at social events, in the field of play, and especially during Independence.
That spirit of “togetherness”is alive and active as we go about assisting each other in covering the roofs of our homes, in providing a meal for our needy neighbour and generally in sharing the little that we have. The future will indeed be brighter if we keep that candle of unity burning.
My friends and citizens, during Independence, we focus on the many unique attributes that define us as Dominicans, and particularly our culture and cuisine. This is good. However, Independence 2017 and the events preceding our celebration, teach us that there is a wider definition of the togetherness around which we seek to build a brighter future.
Friendly governments within our region and the Regional Security Forces, were on our doorsteps within days. They were subsequently joined by representatives of various international bodies. Together, they have been providing support needed to stabilise the severe disruption of our lives after Maria. They have joined with us and together, we have put the worst of Maria behind us and are well on the way to recovery.
They have been with us in the past, and will be with us in the future. It is comforting and reassuring to know that we do not build alone, but that our regional institutions and friends in the international community are there to lend a hand when necessary.
I want you to know that we are not daunted. God willing, we plan a grand reunion next year. Let the spirit and culture of our nation shine wherever you may be.
My entire family joins me in wishing you a peaceful, reflective and joy-filled Independence.
May God bless land he has given us to build, Dominica.
A very well spoken and delivered speech. I am very proud to come from a Country who’s PM can speak so well. There will always be haters in life and death, what would life be without them?????Poor thing.
GOD BLESS SKERRIT, guide protect and strengthen him to do better and better for all.
If you say that was a well delivered message youireally need to go back to school and do a language course again
Wise up Dominica! What was happening before Maria?? Widespread protests bordering on revolt against the Skerrit regime. Then Maria came. This is not the work of God. It is the work of the agents of satan who have learned how to use the weather as a weapon to control and dominate us.
Read up about weather warfare. Get wise, learn how we are being destroyed the likes of Skerrit and his powerful friends who are in league with the devil himself.
What linton speech is that linton cannot do a thing for us. Give skerro a break. Linton can never be pm he has nothing like pm in him. De pardner walking on people. No linton we dont want linton for pm. Let skerro run de country. God will judge. He takes out and put
Dominicans this is what Skerrit has in his speech and for once he is with us on this one…Here goes…”……that there was a time for knocking down, and a time for building……..”
Skerrit you are right, we suffering Dominicans are in determined pursued to “knocking down” you and your corrupt Labour government and the knocking down of you as the worse and most hopeless and failed Prime Minister of Dominica. You must go and as the script says it is “A time for rebuilding”. So Get lost Skerrit and take your corrupt Labour government people with you. You have failed us as there are too many questionable deeds that needs to be investigated. The person(s), I am reliable informed who may have wrote this script, may have deliberately put this quote reflecting the pain and views of us Dominicans. You may depend on your irresponsible surrogates to do your speeches you don’t review or read before, you just go with it blindly. I wonder if the guy in Barbados also helped penned this…
We fail to learn, remember that God is talking and warning us, lets learn to unite, in times of hunger when we have no where to sleep still say thank you and ask for help and for forgiveness. Hurricane season happens every year and there is nothing there to say that we will be safe next year. there is this saying who don’t hear will feel. they say is your right hand disturb the left cut it off…and maybe that’s what God is doing in other to save the few who need saving…please Dominican stop and look around, listen to God he is talking.
“lets all be more simple and less vain.”
Don’t worry dear Roosevelt. We’ll come to the rescue. Your friends:
Aliresa, Alison, Ng, Francesco…..and Jonathan.
“The cornerstone had been laid, and we have been putting in place the building blocks for a modern road and transportation sector; the hotel sector was on track for an exponential increase; agriculture, livestock and fisheries were on a fast growth trajectory; affordable housing had been brought within the reach of all, and the doors were open to those who were willing to learn and acquire new skills right up to the graduate level”
PM all of this was going on and we had a failed economy before Ericka and Maria…SMH, You can fool some people but not all!!!!
Also you left out the most important thing ,the number Growth was “Sale of Dominican Passports” and the question is why?
Very Deceitful….Hope Dominicans open their EYES!!!!!
This guy and his government have failed the people of Dominica (well, those not getting handouts). The opposition don’t seem better either. Dominicans need to demand better performance from politicians. We need real development, jobs, new and/or improved industries, and more. Enough with the party stuff, the people themselves need to wise up.
There is nothing wrong with the Opposition, UWP, they are a credible group of decent professionals waiting on us Dominicans to wake up to reality and not in denial with innuendos of false hopes and protecting a failed leader and stop looking for excuses and deal with the corruption and failed Labour government where it lies., the Labour Party. Stay focus and stick to the real issues in front of us, which Inept Skerrit and his corrupt Labour Party.
Like a home needs its Parents, a country needs leadership & the sitting government is key to this process. the Opposition role is to scrutinise ask questions on our behalf and offer alternative and complimentary suggestions. The issue is, the sitting government is suppose to offer a plan, have it debated in the House, be transparent and open and win the support of the Opposition and the people of Dominica. In absence of this, you the current labour government has failed because you have undertaken projects on their own secretly, for example the Bin Bobol, Fertilizer bobol and the CBI, Passport scam. The leader of the Opposition Hon. Lennox Linton, therefore was forced to play his role as watchdog, with his UWP Team and undercover and discovered fraudulent behaviour in this Labour government. This is shameful, devious & fraudulent warranting arrests, charge and fined from craptain to crook.
The little resources of Dominica must not be abused and used for personal and party thievery?.
So you are performing better for the development of Dominica. how ? You see the needs so show the example.
“The opposition don’t seem better either….” D-a Born, we disagree with you on this one. In Opposition you do not have the necessary financial and other tools to undertake any programmes, projects in Dominica. The sitting government, i:e, this corrupt labour government under inept Skerrit are with all the tools and have abuse it. There is no accountability, Transparency that the UWP and others have been crying out for god governance for years.
The role of the UWP in Opposition is to monitor this government, point it out their failures and open blatant corruption to you and us and I and if we ignore and neglect that call, we have ourselves to blame and not the UWP who had demonstrated forcefully high level of integrity. The Opposition UWP under Hon Linton are a group of well competent and experienced people we trust, ready to take on the role of government. If They mess about like Skerrit, we will be onto them also.
Skerrit Must Go
I cannot take anymore of that nonsense of Skerrit and therefore I will not quote a thing he said in this so called address because everything he said is predicated on lies, injustice and hypocrisies that we are all use to.
All I wish to say at this time is today is 3rd of November again , the day we supposed to be celebrating our Independence, and yet again we can’t celebrate because we are in mourning. It’s another time of weeping as mother nature continues to try to tell us that our leadership is evil and unless we address it we will continue to be known as the mourning country of the Caribbean. What doe it have to take to get us to see? Skerrit and his evil gang is trying to tell us is climate change but how is that we share boarder with Guada and Martinique and climate change never affects them but we getting killed every year to the point that we can’t celebrate Independence and we even getting flooded on Christmas Eve, under Skerrit?
Hmmmmm at least someone else is seeing what I am seeing. We can get all the aid possible today but tomorrow is what will matter because today will soon be yesterday and tomorrow will be today. Skerrit and his henchmen MUST GO for Dca to start a “proper” recovery process. Countrymen, we need a change NOW so the future can be brighter.
Assertive like Mama Eugenia!
Blamers are not doers. Seeking to blame someone for Maria is………..what blamers do.
Dominicans are a strong hearted people whereever we land. One thing we always remember being aboard is the nature island remain as a home away from home and with no doubt I believe it’s Dominica time for Ephesian 3:20 ,. With the help of our friendly/kind neighbors far and beyond and our togetherness as Dominican we will rise again and continue to produce as intended. May out words be our bond as we continue to shine as the light that is being shined upon us. God bless us as we enjoy our 39th independence year in the absence of what seems to be normal.
People need water, food and a home. Talking doesnt help. Be helpfull, look around and take care of the Dominican people and country. HELP them.
Help your people instead of talking. People need a home , food and water and no talking.
All the food you all dumped to put alcohol in. where are the bags of beans? When you all couldn’t carry more you all dumped it on the road side. Wow unto them that food they looted and destroyed they will wanted back but not now might be in their old age. Wait and see.
” May God Bless Land He Have Given Us To Build, Dominica” . God, never gave the Present People living in Dominica land to build, P M give your people their true history, tell them that they were brought to the island as slaves to create wealth for the white man,and not for themselves, and their tribulations will continue, Today, after being sucked and exploited by England, we are left to fend on our own. China, is doing everything that England is supposed to do, an English frigate is yet to dock in the harbors of Dominica, while we continue to hold criminal England in high esteem. After 39yrs of so-called independence, now is the right time to demand REPARATIONS from RACIST England, our case is well formulated presently. Mr Skerrit, the onus is on you to lead Dominica’ charge for what is rightfully ours. In closing, one more thing i ask of you, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE unite Dominica, A man is fully grown at the age of 45yrs, your vision is needed presently, unite your country…
Bob …..You and the UWP are the ones trying to divide the country along political lines to make headway with political points. I look at the celebration and I see a determined crowd recognizing the leadership of the PM. You and your crowed should give him more support because the progress in his vision for the whole of Dominica. Maria message us that disaster does not pic and choose. We all in this together and progress is not selective. When the PM builds a road or a hospital or a school its for everyone. So you guys must stop being jerks. the assistance received for recovery is for everyone.
Roosevelt you need to shut up!
Even when you pretend to be using God to impress your supports and idiots you have to lie about it: Here is what is written in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3.
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2. A time to be born, and a time to die: a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.
3. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up.
4. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to morn, and a time to dance.
The nonsense somebody wrote for you to put on DNO has nothing to do with hurricane; in case you want to learn what the Preacher (King Solomon) said in the Book of Ecc. Chapter 3. I will quote it from the King James version of the Bible, in a forum where I know you can read it in private or one of your spy’s will relay it to you.
God is not mocked, the joke is on and it will destroy you!
But we have to think you know about that beloved Dominica Skerrit keeps talking about. Ladies I need your help here to understand that love thing. Ladies, if a man tells you he loves you and after you gave urself to him he went to marry another woman in secret, is that love? But that’s what pm did because after we elected a Minister he secretly change citizenship. That’s not love is it? Ladies he comes back to you but when he wanted to have his children he went to his enemy to make children with. That’s not love is it? But that’s what Pm did by going to the US to make his children. Then he moved his entire family to the US? Pm that’s not love! Ladies if that same man comes back to you wouldn’t you tell him is when he hungry he coming? But that’s what PM doing. He only comes here to make his million. He is not here because of love for country. Pm telling us one thing but he behaves different. PM PLEASE STOP FOOLING THE POOR PEOPLE OF DOMINICA. YOU USING THE PEOPLE & they can’t…
What a waste of space and fresh air
. Makes me want to PUKE!!!
But god is good all the time and all the time god is good. Though we have all received “collective” punishment for the evil and wicked ways of a few in the cabal, we will continue to be be strong because the time is drawing neigh when the “proverbial door” will kick some in the behind. Even the good old days of greed and dictatorial showmanship MUST come to an end.
Assertive like the rod of Moses!
” Our beloved Dominica” Are you serious PM? But how could we claim to love Dominica and as a Minister of government we ran to apply for French citizenship? How could we claim to love Dad and when our wife got pregnant in DA, as Prime Minister we made sure our children were given US citizenship? How could we claim to love Dad and we moved our entire family to the US, while serving as PM? Am I that foolish to not understand that what we love is what we can get from Da?
Pm you talking about building but we cannot build on lies, deception, Division, hate, and so forth. Since u used Bible here is 1 Cor. 3
“If any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man’s work shall be…
Hon. PM – Roosevelt Skerrit & Fellow Dominicans, in the book of Ephesian 4:26, we are reminded of this: “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor.” The thinker who penned these words also wrote in verse 28 : ” Let him that stole steal no more..”
Hon PM and fellow Dominicans, Solomon is believed to be the author of Ecclesiastes that PM quoted above. Same Solomon says in Proverbs 6 :12 -18 ” A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
PM closed by invoking God’s blessing but PM what we seeing is the curses associated with disobedience as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. That’s where we are PM and anyone can see it ok.
I glad you quoted that back but i hope you directed that to the ones who were looting and vandalised plp properties. D*mm thieves.
Thank you sir, Roosevelt is playing with God’s words, but he will use it to destroy himself; and his lying serpent tongue.
As usual you are the one who knows everything. The all wise one who does not know what truth is. You are so wise in everything except the truth. There is no honesty in you, ever..
Emil, you can pout, you can eat your heart out; you can rip all your hair off your head in a fit of jealousy that will not help you! If I am smart and knows all things it is because I am an academically educated man.
And let me assure you whereas you will not find my name recorded in any secondary school in Dominica, let me assure you there is no way on earth you can acquire the knowledge I have. I got my elementary education in Wesley, nevertheless, I went out of Dominica attained secondary, college, and university!
To crown it all after my secondary education that was free; I worked and pay for by college, and university education: I did not craw and beg scums like Skerrit to pay for my education, by the time I majored in Electronics, Electronic Engineering, and Electrical Engineering! I also have a degree in the Liberal Arts, and if you must know when I retired at 47 years old, I returned to school at age 52, and majored in health science: And if you don’t know every:…
Cont:
If you do not know what health science entail Emil, let it be know to you that every person desiring to become a medical doctor must major in health science.
I can draw educational circles around from which you could never escape no matter how much you try! Again I am not a god, I do not know everything, only God knows everything, nevertheless, I can make a fool of you and Roosevelt Skerrit at any minute of the day, and neither of you would ever know I wipe my feet in your faces!
And deliver us from evil, Amen!
” Solomon is believed to be the author of Ecclesiastes”(Evangelists).
Note: King Solomon the Black Son of David is the author of the Book of Ecclesiastes!
“A brighter future was in grasp”. After almost two decades in power, Mr. Skerrit has done little to engender confidence in his leadership capabilities. If we are to grade the PM on some essentials of the country, he would fail miserably–Judicial System (F), Police Force (F), International Airport (F), Track & Field Stadium (F), Healthcare (F), Livable Wages (F), Fair Governance (F), Agriculture (F), Light Manufacturing (F), and I could continue ad infinitum. Roseau is badly in need of a facelift, many of the roads are deathtraps, and the people are irredeemably divided along political lines. Mr. Skerrit has unequivocally contributed to this hyper-partisan politics. The country needs more action and less emotionalism.
And if we were to grade the plp of dominica it’s a F maybe a Z . You all some wicked plp.
Did the PM tell u about his trip to Brussels? I thought he said he would talk about it todaY( INDEPENDENCE FESTIVITIES). I am still waiting to hear who is giving the 100 houses and two brand new schools and his achievements on the Brussel trip?
can anyone update me plz?maybe I missed out on that info
He went to Brussels, no no to eat sprouts but to pay respects to his role model and hero Manneke Pis.
And you Ibo France got 5 F’s and 2 Z’s. In your whole life you never got any grade except a big fat Zerro. Skeritt has won three elections in a row. A heart trick. What have you won. You have succeed in a big fat nothing. At 42 he can continue for 20 more years. He was the youngest PM in the world and is all set to be the longest reigning PM in the world.
Like you, my friends and citizens, I remain firmly and deeply committed to a Prosperous Dominica, a vibrant Dominica, a country where no one goes in need or is left behind….we are behind…..we have been left behind…
Skerrit Bold Eh, read this nonsense: “Like you, my friends and citizens, I remain firmly and deeply committed to a Prosperous Dominica, a vibrant Dominica, a country where no one goes in need or is left behind” Skerrit you Lie…….this is a damn lie. You have to stop taking us for fools. We are not your door mat. If you need a door mat, go get Tony Astaphan out of Antigua to continue propping you up and protecting you. You have failed us, you are a big failure. We no longer want you for our Prime Minister, you have been behaving Oddly.
Skerrit Must GO
I do not know whether Skerrit wrote it or not but that was a great speech. I am hoping to read Linton’s speech as opposition leader. Did you read about the joint statement by the honorable prime minister Skerrit and the world bank vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean? I was hoping to read your post but I should have known better; some people have selective posting. Incidentally, after three straight election losses , according to the constitution of some political parties, there will be a new party leader. This does not look good for a particular individual.
Expat do you live in Dominica? I guess not or u would not be opening ur mouth to speak such rubbish.Come down to Da for a month . leave ur comfort zone overseas and come cover some roof. only those with insurance can cover their roof.others are still covered wit tap and the tap still leaks.This Pm needs to go
some people have selective posting. Incidentally, after three straight election losses , according to the constitution of some political parties, there will be a new party leader. This does not look good for a particular individual.
In real denial and offers no soliton, the nature of the beast. There is no morality in their thinking & unable to comprehend bigger picture & in denial, no suggestions but protection of the dirty corrupt portfolio – same ole dirty linen. These political clowns are protecting Skerrit from Hon Linton who has consistently exposed his corruption (Bin & Fertilizer) & care “F” All for the poor struggling people of Dominica. It is all about Skerrit. These blind loyalists are just openly degraded in their thoughts and continue to preach the “leave my PM, we love our PM” . You love corruption and a failed PM Skerrit. “Go to Hell…Go To Hell…..its all of all you damn business to know you all help created this Labour madness in government.
Skerrit Must Go…
The Astros of Houston were told “Go Astros Go”…and they went to become World Champions 2017. So I say “Go Skeritt Go” and “Go Labour Go”. Yes, Sheritt must go on like the great political champion that he is, the Champion of Dominica wo is recognized by the whole wide world. CANT TOUCH HIM
For God sake Emile, don’t touch him, you may get contaminated.