Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has said the commissioning of the new West Bridge in Roseau is the first phase in modernizing the nation’s capital that will be the envy of the Caribbean and a pride to Dominicans.
He said funds for the project will come from Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program.
“This bridge we are commissioning today is but the first phase of what is earmarked to become the gradual and deliberate modernisation of Roseau,” he stated during the commissioning ceremony on Monday. “It will not be accomplished under my watch, but I aam determined to lay and leave the foundation of a new Dominica capital that will not only be the envy of the Caribbean but the pride and joy of every Dominican, resident at home and abroad.”
The Prime Minister told those gathered that they should go back to images of the project which was circulated about two years ago.
“In this regard, I invite you to rekindle flashbacks of the images of the proposed Roseau Enhancement Project circulated two years ago and which were described as the naysayers then as pie in the sky and wishful thinking,” he stated.
He said contracts will soon be signed for the start of works on three aterial roads leading into and out of Roseau.
“These roads are Independence Street, King George the Fifth Street and Great George Street,” he said. “My dear friends, we are not going to bite more than we can chew at any one time. What we are going to do is to take small bites but read my lips and understand that the Roseau Enhancement Project shall start this year and I expect Dominicans and visitors alike to be traversing on a new look, next level road network in Roseau…”
Skerrit also said that the government is in a position to announce as early as this year’s budget “a regime of incentives geared at encouraging property owners in Roseau to upgrade and enhance their residencies and places of business.”
“It makes no sense the government fixing the roads and sidewalks but leaving so many properties in the capital city remaining dilapidated and run down,” he stated. “To this end, the enhancement of Roseau must be a team effort and exercise. Henceforth, I will be looking to every property owner and resident of Roseau to play his or her part in this very exciting process of urban renewal.”
Nice improvement; however, it looks like the roads and sidewalks will be widen by almost half of the existing size. Will there be enough space to accommodate the increased width.
PM pre kai. The first thing to do is make entire Roseau a no vehicle entry zone. Then paint all touristic building in lively colors and Keep the city clean. When this is done you can prance up and down like rumpellskillskillno. In the meantime shooosh…
i remember in 2014 election that same pic was brought up, 3 years later its back again, are we developing every 3 years…
How about twin towers fifty stories each for downtown
Sterritt finally giving up the money he has been saving, to do all these things, he just wants your vote in the next election, he is so afraid.
Why, no paros, no sidewalk vendors, no stray dogs., not evedn one loudspeaker in sight. Boy, miracles cann happen and if our Disciple can do all this maybe he can also multiply bread and fish to feed our hungry people and turning wather into wine would definitely get him my vote! But I would urge him to clear the back-of-yard shanties in Roseau first though.
And i doe see Yellow!!!
The just like the newly completed eighteen million dollar bridge , which does not look anything as the artist rendition which Skerrit splashed in the newspapers; if Roseau is ever transformed, it will look worst than it is right now!
What sort of transformation is Roosevelt talking about? I doubt pouring paint on those old dilapidated buildings with pit holes in the rear, and in some case people goes to the bay to defecate, will cause any nation people in the more developed islands to envy a lessor developed place than theirs.
That might be become reality, if Skerrit level the entire village of Roseau, and build all new buildings, along with complete new infrastructures. That will never happen unless a fire destroys everything including New Town, and Porters Vile and all of Goodwill too.
Election is near, so he is fanning the flames of promises lies, deceit, and briary!
Francisco, you always give me a good laugh. Boi you wan crazy
@ Fransisco, I hope you stick around long enough to see lord Skerrit bring home the Bacon he promises his people, So far everything Lord Skerrit said that he would do it have been done, So-called Workers jockers party could never have done what Lord Skerrit have done for Dominican people……….
Yes, your god Skerrit told you he would be the greatest Dominica diplomatic passport in the world, and he has accomplished that. In the process he bought a fake degree from an unaccredited Punjab university in India!
Then big mouth woman Scotland make some red-skin people, don’t know where they are from dress him up like clown with a pink nose with sword on his him, and crown him clown knight oui!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
Here is his full name and title: That Mountain Chicken Carpaud (crapo) Mentality Sly Eye Sir Knight Indian doctor of nothing Me Almost Nearly Cousin Roosevelt Skerrit. There is another name I cannot reveal here because DNO I know will not print it, but that name starts with “T.” Hence the name I cannot write is T….!
Have a nice day you little blind mice!
“greatest Dominica diplomatic passport in the world, ”
Anyway that should be ” greatest Dominica diplomatic passport salesman in the world, and he has accomplished that! Mind you a promise from Skerrit is the same as catching a bucket full of smoke, and a manure bag filled of wind!
I hear you and Skerrit are the only to human alive who are capable of seeing the wind eh!
First, there needs to be rezoning to mandate buildings of a certain size and square-footage so these small lots are not built upon when ownership changes. Thus, small-lot owners will need to sell so a person or entity will buy and assemble these small lots, break the buildings, and rebuild bigger structures with modern conveniences. Too many businesses have no toilets for customers.
This has always been the case in Dominica/Roseau.
For your information, it is not different in Toronto; no exception the US and Europe.
The only stores in TO with a washroom are big department stores, a few grocery stores, MacDonald, KFC, restaurants, a few smaller restaurants.
When people leave their home, they must ensure to empty their bladder unless they have an incident on their way and while shopping. Avoid drinking liquids.
I read that you should eat and drink more than one half hour, if not one hour prior to going out. You know why.
If there is a delay while commuting, this is another matter.
Hopefully when Roseau is modernized most stores will have that facility. This is something the government, the health minister should look into.
Talk about same old,same old eh ben look at yourselves for 14 years you the oppositions have done nothing else but rubbish the DLP.
Think of it people are fed up with all of you.Get over it.
And what a load of corrupt rubbish they turned out to be Popam. Even Pierro and Rosie of blessed memory could not live with this lot.
This promise is very, very old. Since 2009 Timothy, one of the ministers in the DLP ruling government had stated that they were going to improve and modernize Roseau and make it the “premier” City in the Caribbean. I am still waiting. All these promises from years back, just using different terminology to express plans that have NOT materialized for all these years. We deserve better than that.
Alright ….let’s see that happening boy….envy of the caribbean…nice one…
I hope it’s not all talk no action….you’ll politicians are famous for that….
Maybe it’s me, but, looking at the “enhancement photo” I see NO change. Go back to the drawing board on that one. It’s LONG overdue; after so many years, Roseau STILL looks the same since 1957. I await the enhancement and the “envy of the Caribbean” while I dig my nose.
Anyone who is serious about future long term development would realize, Roseau was poorly planed and there is no scoop for serious development. please start looking for a new area with potential for expansion and start a new city. have a hundred year plan, stop planing for five years just to win an election and stop doing what we did eighty years ago.
Yes I… slowly but surely!
This would be beautiful to see after the Roseau enhancement. I have confidence that those responsible will make Roseau as beautiful as ever, houses painted and/or the exterior enhanced and with proper, safe sidewalks.
We would also like traffic lights especially at busy intersections also for pedestrians’ safety.
Thank you PM!
so we forget d airport already… MR. SKERRO plz one at a time
think you can fool roseau people like you doing possie fools, ,you have portsmouth oeople crossing three broken down bridges ,risking their lives ,just to go and celebrate one which wae accessible , and they so brain washed ,they cannot see that you are laughing at them,They there jumpimg in roseau ,not knowing if they will be able to get back to portsmouth safely , Alas possie people alas,
LOL @ Scare-It
We’ve heard that song sang so often it’s feels like boot camp.
Where did you do with the 27 million you had for the state house and the Roseau rehabilitation? I guess it build some houses in boboir and some other areas. Now you have two briefcases from Iran and two from Nigeria which you trying to consume you come singing again … sing bro sing patience is virtue
The Disciple speaks again….is this a sermon on the bridge????
HOWEVER, I WANT A JOB…..CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE IN WHICH THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN BE BOOSTED AND EXPAND AND IN TURN CREATE JOBS.
Patience! First things first. The government is not the only one who should create jobs.
When the Roseau enhancement is completed, there probably will be investors and more visitors. The latter may also be interested in opening businesses..
Educate yourself further to hopefully obtain a good paying stable job.
Patience!!!!! man its been 17 years….what you talking about patience again.
It is your job to create an atmosphere where investors will want to invest. Someone has to fix the roads and drainage and guess who that person is. I doubt it is the man who is driving the bus so lets get real, do your job! Now inter-regional travel may be expensive but it does not mean that we do not ever leave Dominica. It is one thing to fix up the roads but it is a far bigger deal to make Roseau the “envy” of other Caribbean islands. We are so behind and still talking of not only catching up but surpassing? Call me a skeptic but I do not see that happening anytime soon.
Dominican who travel find that as a hard pill to swallow, so dear Prime Minister, be honest with the people and tell them what they getting. Some re-paved roads, sidewalk and drains, maybe one or two trash cans and that is it.
As a poto labor that doesn’t support Skerrit, I was reliably informed by sources inside the DLP administration, to expect Skerrit to dump a lot of money in the Roseau Central constituency between now and September when he will call an election. I was told his reason is to give Tonge a very strong chance of winning the seat so by the time Savarin term expires, Skerrit will resign as PM, and make Robby PM, and Robby in return will make him president the same day, so he could be protected from answering to the Americans and Brits, about in coming court cases I was told he cannot trust other big boys of his administration, except Justina Charles, but if he fears that if Justina becomes Pm, she will not be strong and it would put uwp in a position to win, Tonge is the only one he can trust
Some usually say “they are reliably informed” when it is only hearsay and speculation. How much of that is really reliable? People have opinions that may not necessarily be true. Who can take your comment seriously?
I wonder what the sudden rush to spend all this money? And what about geothermal nuhh they finish with that ? Everything now is CBI?
He thinking of to much one time.. he just needs to prioritize alas
Blah blah blah lots of hot air,Roseau smells.
Mr. PM, your vision of making Roseau the envy of the Caribbean is GREAT! Before you do this though, you should have a Priority Plan. The first priority is the Safety and Security of all citizens, residents and visitors. Your security forces MUST be well motivated and be given the requisite training, resources and tools to maintain peace and order. The second priory item should be to create a robust economy where unemployment is negligible and wages are ‘livable’. No man can serve God on an empty stomach. To a hungry man, food is God. Cement and steel (roads, bridges, buildings, airports) cannot be eaten even though they are to the infrastructure. Make Dominica the envy of the Caribbean by having the most educated citizens, the lowest unemployment, the best paying jobs, the friendliest people, the cleanest island, no victimization, and a politically savvy citizenry. A country where all are lifted up and none is left behind regardless of your political affiliations.
same old, same old. What’s new ,Skerrit?
Wasn’t the same said for the new west bridge? Some of you are too negative. You lack confidence. You cannot foresee the future. Give this one an opportunity to at least get off the ground.
Thanks for your relentless perseverance., May you have the strength, courage and wisdom to lead us into a brighter future. Today is D- Day to say thank you DLP.,
Don’t U realise for UR. self that compare to the other Caribbean and 3rd world countries we are a 4th world country every 17yrs the Dlp will build a bridge for D/ca
We have heard this since the 2004 Elections, and promises every election year. We welcome the promise and are still waiting. I love the bridge.
I’m happy to hear! Waiting to see things start happening. Let’s see some movement!
You want visitors to come to the island? Well you have to build an infrastructure that can handle it and maintain that infrastructure.
Nice Bridge; nice wall to. Hope we keep it clean etc.
Dominica is is gradually improving and all thanks to this visionary, grassroots Prime Minister. This man will go down in our history as the most influential and successful PM of Dominica. Regionally and internationally recognized for his astute leadership qualities and his genuine love for people, PM Skerrit is classified as one of the most dominant leaders of the Caribbean in current times.
He is the Indomitable Leader of Dominica.
Scott’s Head
on your way home tonight between Pointe Michel and Soufriere select a spot , any one spot on that road , stop, reflect on all what you have written , and ask yourself , BUT WAIT ,WHAT ATTENTION HAS BEEN PAID TO THAT ROAD ? and then come on here with your answer , what ever it may be .I’m waiting patiently .
Let me tell you something , a personal experience and a 5 year observation .
5 years ago while walking that road i was caught up in a shower , i witnessed a rock in the drain obstructing the flow of water causing it to re route onto the road . This in turn affected the surface of the road in that section . The damaged holes are being patched up just for the festivals ,, every year for the last 4 years i’ve been returning and that rock is still in the same spot in the drain , a one minute Job with the smallest of machines , rock out of there , drain clear , water can run , road not damaging again . Man Scott’s Head look within OK .
Just Saying .
Think! Did you consider the rainfall, storms and flooding and how difficult it is to keep roads in consistent good condition? Furthermore, it takes money.
Dominica is on the right track, I have continued faith in my government and my people. And to anyone opposing this development, you need prayers and deliverance.
Please, don’t be conceited. I am a Dominican also, wishing our country only the best but I am not one your people, I can think and speak for myself thank you.
Actually it’s YOU who need PRAYERS AND DELIVERANCE. No one “opposed” the development. The problem was the project not being tendered under the very law passed by the DLP government.
Please see the Public Procurement and Contract Administration Act No. 11 of 2012, passed in the House of Assembly this 28th day of November, 2012, and Gazetted by former President Eluid T. Williams on 21st January, 2013.
The problem with all you Labourites is that you all cried for accountability and transparency in the conduct of GOVERNMENT’S AFFAIRS; now you all are the government, the song change. More da rah!!!
Sadly so, they certainly do.
Nah, Frances. YOU and YOUR family need deliverance. After allu finish plishaying Dominica now you talking about faith and deliverance? Lady, HUSH YOUR MOUF! How long has Dominica been on the right track? My grandparents hoped and prayed to see Dominica look like something/anything. They’ve been deceased for many years, yet, still, Dominica looks is “unfinished.” How my promises and bribery are you all falling for? How much money is wasted on demolishing pit latrines instead of fixing potholes, schools, and that EYESORE called the Airport? As long as some of you allow this man to brain wash you, Dominica shall remain the same–underdeveloped.
We’re with you on that one PM! The government and the citizens have to work in tandem to make this a reality. Let us come together to support and develop ourselves and our home.
I am not sure what the Prime Minister means by “modernizing”. Most new buildings in the capital leave a lot to be desired, particularly in terms of Roseau’s vernacular identity.
Roger, are you the one who started the contraption at the pond case round about???
No!
I don’t know what that contraption is supposed to be buj I do know it is a traffic hazard because it creates a serious blind spot. A nicely landscaped circle would be preferable.
Boy I hope that is not gong to be some monstrosity again like that plastic maroon statue by Fort Young that looking like an advert for Dickie’s work pants.
With great expertise, they could be modernized.
Many old buildings as also stores have been modernized in Toronto. Those areas look beautiful. Even the parking lots are much wider with ample walking space for customers. Prior to this, those old buildings/stores were a sore sight. Rather than demolish them, some of them, their interior were also enhanced. By the way, the government also somewhat subsidized this enhancement or the owners got a credit, reimbursement for some of the expenses.
All it takes for Roseau is to have a good engineer with a vision for this enhancement.
Looking forward to this!!
It will be good to modernise…
but with keeping some of the of the old character and charm of old time Roseau.
This is what tourists like to see….not a concrete jungle.
After all this is the Nature Isle.
I support this incentive 100%. Incentives such as tax breaks on building materials is a great way to encourage property owners to make much needed repairs. These side walks and dirty drains have been an eye sore and a major source of blight on the capital. Time to get it done. We have Stock Farm lying fallow for years. This is a great space for future development projects.
It might be cheaper to raze the city and start over.
With your physical help.
Don’t forget a parking complex please!! Fenks
ye roseau need a ten story parking complex for real
Just take it easy. It coming. Just wait for the announcement. But what I find very dishonest and bias by DNO is such a major oppinging where thousand was gathered not one pic of the crowd mr Tim Durand? Ah? But hope all you seeing all u bias reporting not stopping the support for the Government from growing. When workers had their little meetinggin Roseau they streach the pics to post. But now no pic of the crowd. Dishonest reporters. But we was dre. We saw it on Facebook and YouTube like and marpin and sat and GIS will bring it so it will be seen how dishonest u all are.
Also idk wat the **** you all like to delete people comment who don’t disrespect nor insult nor contravine the rules of DNO comments for. We are making our comments in response to the disrespect and insults YOUR PARTY SUPPORTED ARE WRITING AND YOU ALLOWING IT TO PASS. And when we reply you all not publishing it. Y do u all do dis? But don’t worry we will show u all once again that regardless to wat u all try we…
ADMIN: You are probably blind:
https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/economy-development/in-pictures-new-west-bridge-officially-commissioned/
DNO Editor, I don’t know if NUWP is blind but he/she must be wearing blinkers and wear rose-tinted glasses. Please, keep reporting the facts as you find them without fear or favour. I do appreciate your service.
Seeing is believing!! Thanks.