My fellow Dominicans,
As we celebrate our Independence, let us be reminded that our strength lies not just in the many accomplishments of the past 45 years, but in our unyielding spirit and the promise of a bright future. Our theme, “AnnouSélébwé”, is more than a call to celebration—it is an anthem of resilience and a testament to our ability to thrive despite the most daunting challenges.
This year, our celebrations resonate with the vibrant beats of our diverse and rich culture. From the glamour of pageants to the rhythm of our traditional Jing Ping music, our dances and delectable cuisine, our aim is to ensure every Dominican, young and old, feels the heartbeat of our land, of our nationhood.
Beyond the festivities, however, lies a deeper call to action. Independence is not just a reminder that we are a sovereign nation, fully in control of our own destiny, but an invitation to reflect and take stock. As we stand at this critical juncture of our development, let us consider our individual and collective roles in nation-building. Our nation’s future is in the hand of every Dominican, and every small action, every gesture of unity, counts. Now is the time to come together, set differences aside, and work towards a common goal—a prosperous, united Dominica.
In these times of both natural and man-made challenges, we must stand undeterred. We have proven that the spirit of Dominica is indomitable, and with every passing year, our resolve only strengthens. Our adaptability has always been our greatest strength; and now more than ever, we are called to show our true mettle.
Let us therefore, ponder, “How can I contribute to the ongoing story of our nation?”
I urge you to grab unto the notion of the reset that we have espoused to place our country on a sound trajectory of sustainable development. We are pursuing progressive social and economic policies designed to elevate the life of every citizen. Our social policies are concerned with meeting our people’s need for security, safe housing, education, work, healthcare and wellbeing. Our social protection programs continue unabated, ranging from the national employment programme, non-contributory pension for seniors and the Yes We Care, which provides our elderly with regular upkeep and attention.
Major infrastructural developments are either underway or about to take off.
An international airport to transform our country’s economic fortunes is being constructed in Wesley; major hotels near completion will soon increase accommodation capacity and boost visitor arrivals; and work is projected to commence during this financial year on the geothermal energy plant in the Roseau Valley. The construction of a Cable Car and a marina in Portsmouth are among new projects with the potential to attract local investment and generate employment.
The Government of Dominica extends a hand of invitation to every citizen to take ownership of these national efforts to build a healthy, diversified society and economy. Our 45th year of Independence is the ideal season to recommit to nation building to secure a brighter future for all. Let us march ahead, hand in hand, forging a path of unity and purpose.
Happy Independence, Dominica. May God continue to bless us all.
“…let us consider our individual and collective roles in nation-building. Our nation’s future is in the hand of every Dominican, and every small action, every gesture of unity, counts…”
Yes! But for that to happen, the government has to be more responsive and not stifle those who suggest a different way of doing things.
“If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.” (Albert Einstein)
“There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.” (Edward de Bono)
For the abhorrent state of affairs in Dominica, with the billions of dollars that are collected by the Roosevelt led government, more money than any other previous administration, Roosevelt should be jailed.
Seriously, Roosevelt has controlled the country’s purse for approximately half the years of Dominicans Independence. The trajectory of the country is southward bound. Never in the storied history of Dominica has life in this country being so dire since Independence.
This Independence Day more citizens than ever before will have to go hungry because of the present harrowing economic conditions.
A timely message to fellow Dominicans. “As we stand at this critical juncture of our development, let us consider our INDIVIDUAL and COLLECTIVE roles in nation building. Our nation’s future is in the hands of EVERY Dominican. Let us therefore ponder “How can I contribute to the ongoing story of our nation.
We all have a part to play in that endeavor regardless of how small or insignificant it may seem so let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work in order to achieve the goal of “True Independence”.
This Independence message by this ego driven fool is riddled with lies, ghost achievements and fond illusions.
Most Dominicans are presently experiencing a nightmarish life. Soaring cost of living, no good paying jobs ( only a few NEP ones), escalating murders and robberies, incessant child sexual abuse, police brutality, victimization and discrimination aplenty, legalized corruption to benefit leader, severe health problems of too many citizens, are just some of the factors adversely affecting Dominica under twenty years of Roosevelt’s pathetic guardianship.
Potentially, with all its God-given attributes, no other country in the Caribbean region should be more advanced economically and infrastructurally than Dominica. But, unfortunately, leadership has been a colossal failure for the last twenty (20) years.
This is something for Roosevelt to ponder: ” No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it.”
“..,ego driven fool…”
Ego France,
you must have a hard time understanding this because you seem addicted and entitled to spewing your opinion on everyone, you must be retired because I try to stay away from comments since most of us spend our days working….but this one was too much.
PM Skerrit deserves criticism and he will answer for his sins, but you both have inflated egos, the difference is you are bitter because you are weak relative to him and resent his power.
Your desire for self aggrandizement and attention has you maintaining your pretense on this site where you can fool people and pretend to be a force for good. If you are able, go out there and make a difference stop fooling yourself.
Perhaps you can’t, but you certainly have no moral authority to talk about ego driven fools.