Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit issued a warning to the Dominican public at a press conference earlier this week, to not taint the recent success of the nation’s first Olympic gold medalist Thea Lafond-Gadson with negative conjectures about the government.
“It is not fair to the young lady,” he remarked. “We should not try to make the government look bad by throwing cold water on the lady’s performance, and her success.”
He further assured the public that every offer made to Lafond-Gadson will be fully honoured by his government.
“The matter of Thea Gadson, let’s be careful that we don’t allow negativity to cloud the extraordinary success of this young lady,” he said. “Let us have a sense of national pride and wrap the young lady’s success with the national flag and let us not get into gossip, rumours, and inuendos…”
He continued, “Every offer we made to Mrs. Gadson, those will be fully honoured by the government. And if the government doesn’t have the money we will sell a piece of land to pay for it.”
According to Skerrit, “She got the $200,000 that we promised to her, she got it in quick time and she will get the $400,000.”
Regarding the land that has been promised to LaFond-Gadson, the PM explained: “The title is being processed and it has to go through the president and I am hoping that by the time she comes there for independence, that she will have a title for the land in Warner…,” he revealed.
He revealed that the President of Dominica, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton will provide her with the credentials appointing her as Ambassador.
“Let us not let young people feel that success in Dominica will always be mangled with negativity,” Skerrit warned.
He further argued that there is no truth to what is being peddled on WhatsApp and social media.
Before a large crowd of Dominicans gathered at Windsor Park on Sunday, August 25, 2024, Dominica’s Prime Minister announced a series of significant gifts to honor Lafond-Gadson who triumphed in the triple jump at the Paris Olympics.
Among the high points of the evening was the announcement of plans to construct a new synthetic track and field facility, which will be named the Thea Lafond Track and Field Complex. This facility aims to provide opportunities for aspiring athletes to develop their skills and achieve greatness, much like Lafond.
In addition to the new complex, the Prime Minister expressed the government’s commitment to further investing in youth development, sports programs, and community initiatives. He emphasized that Lafond’s victory is a testament to the potential within every Dominican and a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting young talent.
Lafond-Gadson will also receive a cash gift of $400,000.00; a 7,459 square-foot lot in Warner; and she will be appointed Sports Ambassador for Dominica which will entitle both her and her husband to carry Dominican diplomatic passports.
The Prime Minister promised the people of Dominica that the government would proceed with the development and construction of the new facility, fulfilling Lafond’s desire for a dedicated space for track and field athletes, adding that this commitment underscores the government’s dedication to nurturing future champions and fostering a culture of excellence in sports.
The athlete’s journey to Olympic gold was marked by years of dedication, hard work, and resilience. Her success has not only brought immense pride to Dominica but also serves as an inspiration to young sportsmen and women across the nation.
Lafond-Gadson’s historic performance at the Paris Olympics has left an indelible mark on Dominica, and the new track and field complex will stand as a lasting tribute to her legacy.
Assuming he said this because he knows his track record of unfulfilled promises. All he needed to add was ‘eventually’. By the way, if you can get your hands on one, the Labour election manifesto is worth a read in this context – canabis bonbons is in there – what a classic.
We positive, hoping that helps the wave of lay offs coming
Every offer we made to Mrs. Gadson, those will be fully honoured by the government. And if the government doesn’t have the money we will sell a piece of land to pay for it.”
This guy is a sick puppy. mentally deranged.
no one is pouring water on her and her success but your nasty attention deprived behavior. it is your self serving devious mentality making promises on a whim. I don’t think you looked at her performance live and if dominica was truly supportive you would not be talking about will do.
This man make Lying a natural part of his utterances. ” she got $200,000 in quick time and the $400,000, will be given to her” therefore you are giving her $600,000? Skerrit you need to just be truthful, this is a praying family, just be TRUTHFUL. THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE. Anyway I know thar family praying for you, because you are a sick man you need help.