Dominica has been described as the ‘natural choice’ among the Eastern Caribbean states for celebrating and observing Europe Day, 2013.
This is according to EU ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Mikael Barfod, who arrived on the island on Wednesday to observe the day.
“Each year we’d like to celebrate it in different places and I must say Dominica was a very natural choice,” Barfod said in an interview on state-owned DBS Radio on Thursday morning.
According to the ambassador, Dominica and the EU share what he described as ‘an excellent relationship at all levels.’ “I mean, politically we work together very well and on trade and development issues things are working out very smoothly,” he maintained.
One of the major EU-funded projects being highlighted during the visit is the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM).
BAM is a $54-million initiative which, according to Barford, will help Dominica “adjust to new trading arrangements for bananas.”
“Its aim is to address the weaknesses in the industry relating to low productivity,” he explained. “The specifics of the project are to improve agro processing, establish a ‘land bank,’ producing agricultural synthesis, upgrading access roads, on-farm irrigation and providing insurance initiative.”
The program will be launched at the La Plaine Agricultural Training Center today (Thursday).
Barfod also visited the West Coast Water Project, another EU-funded undertaking, and he pointed out that he was impressed by progress being made so far. “It’s a big project,” he said. “And it will eventually provide clean water to 15,000 people on the west coast…”
The project costs $24-million.
The EU delegation will also be present at the formal opening of the Waitukubuli National Trail on Friday and is expected to form part of a hiking party on Segment Five.
Europe Day, also known as Schuman Day, commemorates the historical declaration of the formation of the EU by French foreign minister, Robert Schuman on May 9, 1950.
This is a good thing… when the Americans and Brits did nothing to help in the past we looked to China and Cuba; now the West and East have a competing interest in building a diplomatic relationship with Dominica, we should welcome that interest but keep a watchful eye.
EU dont care about anybody there only care about themselves.They give a little with one hand then take a lot with the other. 90% of Europeans don’t know where Dominca is and even if they did , they wont give two hoots.
Sweet Dominica the land of beauty… It will always be beautiful and scenic.
Based on what the EU Ambassador stated, Dominica is a ‘natural choice’ for celebrating Europe Day and they have an excellent relationship at all levels, politically…
The EU financially assists Dominica and no doubt offer pertinent advice to the government. They are a help to DA.
I often wonder and have previously stated if Dominica would not have been better off as a sovereign country. In fact, all the islands, especially those which do not get an influx of tourists, all year round. This is one of Dominica’s impediments, not through its fault but not having many sandy beaches. Tourists obviously love to go sea bathing on sandy beaches, lying on them and sun-tanning. Dominica has the scenery and other beautiful sights.
It is obvious that this government works in the best interest of the people irrespective of party politics or anything else. All of those who spend their waking hours and driving themselves bankrup weaving mischief – How I’s felt?
so Lennox must be eating his heart out after the letter they sent to the EU regardin the funds.
The truth will always prevail and project its face for all to see.
Now, can we work on recycling seeing that Dominica is a Nature island and all. We could start teaching it at schools, communities etc.
Sir with those good words u have to say about Dominica u sure going to make some people blue vex.Lol,its so nice to hear that from some one that matters.
Boy you are so transparant
deception
Where is it? Cannot stand anything good being said about Dominica. Eat your heart out anywy. Happy the official does not have any partisan interest in Dominica.
Zor sot eh. Ever heard of diplomacy. Look up the definition. Lmao. Woy my ppl hv kix