PM Skerrit promises ‘major celebration’ for Thea Lafond-Gadson (with video)

Thea Lafond-Gadson with Olympic medal

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has promised a major celebration to honor Thea Lafond-Gadson, saying she has made all Dominicans proud.

The athlete created history when she won the first gold medal for Dominica in the Olympic Games now taking place in Paris, France. She competed in Women’s Triple Jump recording 15.02 meters.

“Certainly we are going to have major celebration in Dominica when Thea comes back,” he said.

He did not specify what type of celebration is to be expected saying that the government will indicate how it intends to recognize Lafond-Gadson’s “extraordinary performance.”

Skerrit said Dominica owes the athlete a huge debt of gratitude.

“What I like about her is her grace, her determination, perseverance, her discipline and always recognizing that she is representing Dominica,” he stated.

“And so we owe her a huge debt of gratitude, a huge debt of thanks, a huge debt of commendation, and no doubt the government will respond appropriately to this extraordinary performance and this major source of pride.”

He said outside of Dominica’s proclamation of independence there are no other events that have brought pride to Dominicans as Lafond-Gadson’s feat at the global games.

In a telephone call to Lafond-Gadson after her historic achievement, Skerrit said the government looks forward to celebrating with her in a “grand way.”

“Congratulations again,” he said to her. “I think you have really demonstrated what intrinsic perseverance is and intrinsic motivation is and I think you are an inspiration for all of us, especially the young people.”

Meanwhile, Lafond-Gadson said her Olympic feat is for the people of Dominica. “I am grateful, this is for you,” she said. “Paris owes me nothing now that we’ve done it.”

She thanked the Dominica Athletics Association, the Dominica Olympic Association, and her family who she said without their physical, emotional, and financial support her achievement wouldn’t be possible.

“I am truly grateful,” she said.

Below is a video of the conversation between Thea and PM Skerrit. All video and photo credit: Dominica Olympic Committee.

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8 Comments

  1. Labour power
    August 6, 2024

    That is a DOMINICA celebration,the country you,dissident and UWP hate so much.You wish Thea had won a gold medal for another country.Ask yourself why didn’t she represent the country in which she did her training.Traitors are brainless,uneducated and foolish.

  2. Hamilton .Victor.Joseph
    August 5, 2024

    I believe I should add my little piece towards Thea’s achievement.
    Her father Dorian whom I knew personally, and her mother Ernestine, Theophile taught at the Goodwill junior high school together with my sister Mamah were both music teachers .
    My suggestions are that there should be a joint celebration to honor Kavem Hodge, and Alick Athanaze towards their performance during the last test match against England.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 0 Thumb down 9
    • Putin
      August 6, 2024

      What a horrible idea, which I hope no one considers! Separate celebrations, maybe. Put together, one overshadows the other. Besides, the triumphs all have very different values to Dominica; apples and oranges.

      Atrocious idea!

  3. Labour power
    August 5, 2024

    Thank you sir.You love Dominica,while those blue,UWP crooks and traitors want to see the country destroyed.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 3 Thumb down 13
  4. Dan Tanner
    August 5, 2024

    We lived in Dominica for six years after retiring. Calibishie.

    Congratulations.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 0
  5. dissident
    August 5, 2024

    Just remember that this celebration is for Thea……….NOT SKERRIT!
    NOT DLP!
    WE DON’T HAVE AN ATHLETICS STADIUM AFTER 24 YEARS!
    Where did Thea do her training!
    Skerrit couldn’t even celebrate de budget he just passed in a hang out on de block parliament with no opposition.
    Listen for him trying to use Thea’s success as a dlp achievement/accomplishment.
    I NEVER TRUST SKERRIT AND HIS GOVERNMENT…….WITH GOOD REASON!!!!
    YOU DON’T NEED SKERRIT AND HE KNOWS DAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 3
    • Putin
      August 6, 2024

      Where did Usain Bolt train, mostly?

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