Patrick John has made ‘a tremendous contribution’ to Dominica’s development -PM Skerrit

Patrick John

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has extended sincere condolences to the family of the first Prime Minister of Dominica, Patrick Roland John who passed away at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital this morning.

Prime Minister Skerrit was speaking during a statement earlier today.

“It is with sadness that I have learnt of the passing of our first Prime Minister, Patrick Roland John, better known as P.J and I therefore wish on behalf of the government and the people of Dominica, on my own behalf and my family to extend our sincere condolences to his wife and his children on their loss,” he said.

The Prime Minister added, “One can say whatever they want about Patrick John, but we cannot erase the fact that he made a tremendous contribution to Dominica’s development.”

According to Skerrit, being in political life is a huge challenge where gratitude is not often displayed or extended by the country’s citizens, “and I am sure Patrick John, our former Prime Minister would have experienced this.”

He said that at one point John was the leader of  the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and his contribution to that party will always be a part of Dominica’s history.

“He really has made his contribution,” Skerrit reiterated.

Meanwhile the Prime Minister has revealed that the  Government of Dominica will be responsible for the burial of the late Patrick John and at some point the Dominica flag will be flown at half staff.

As premier of Dominica, John led the country to independence from the United Kingdom in 1978 thereby becoming the first prime minister of the newly-formed republic.

His government was ousted the following year when thousands of Dominicans took to the streets in protest against what they described as oppressive legislation which the John regime was attempting to enact in parliament.

 

Full audio statement below:

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9 Comments

  1. July 8, 2021

    As every one know the good that PJ. Did through the years. Not once have the present leader mention his name at independence celebration or name something in Dominica after him only after his death he will give him praise how sad. May he rest in peace

  2. Jonathan Y St Jean
    July 7, 2021

    When I read Skerritt’s reaction to the passing of the first Prime minister of Dominca, the late Patrick Roland John, I immediately think of Pontius Pilate and the trial of Jesus. Hypocrisy

  3. FOR THE LOVE OF COUNTRY
    July 7, 2021

    GOD DEFENDS AND PROJECTS HIS OWN

    The God of PJ’s strength, in whom he trusted; your shield and the horn of your salvation, his stronghold and my refuge; his Saviour, You saved him from the BACKBITERS and VIOlENCE he called upon you LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so he shall be saved from his enemies.
    —————————————
    But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

    Psalm 5:11-12

  4. TeteMorne I From
    July 6, 2021

    All of your long hallelujah “statement” is uncalled for. Just pray for the family, Roosevelt! That’s all. PJ is/was a man you shall never be.

    • Pete
      July 7, 2021

      So true, so true…

  5. Away
    July 6, 2021

    It would interesting to hear what the ayatollah have to say with regards to the passing of the First PM of the country. Will he be deeply sadden like his comrade?

    ADMIN: If you mean the PM his statement can be found here: https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/patrick-john-has-made-a-tremendous-contribution-to-dominicas-development-pm-skerrit/

  6. Me
    July 6, 2021

    Noting but good about the dead.

  7. Ibo France
    July 6, 2021

    You are loved twice in life, when you are born and when you die. In between, you just have to manage. Again, profound sympathy to PM John’s family especially his virtuous wife.

    Mr. Skerrit your words of sympathy reek with hypocrisy. Your words towards PJ are incongruous with your actions. Stop the pretense.

  8. Away
    July 6, 2021

    Skerro and his group of wicked disciples are all HYPOCRITES. All the times the man alive they were bashing the man for years on kairi fm especially crazy who had nothing good to say about the country’s first PM. But now he is dead, all them crocodiles out crying. But be careful they don’t flood the country with tears wii. Especially as we in the hurricane season and the soil already saturated after Elsa passed. Hypocrites!! Is the same thing that would happen if the opposition were to close before them, they would have all kind of good things to say about him and play they crying. Give the individuals that are deserving of praise, their praise while they are alive not when they are dead to come crying like HYPOCRITES.

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