Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has said he is committed to fostering partnership with the People’s Republic of China and to exploring new avenues for collaboration, building upon the solid foundation Dominica has established over the past two decades.
He was addressing a reception for the 20th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China held at the Chinese Embassy in Morne Daniel on Wednesday.
In 2004, when the two countries established diplomatic ties, according to him, they embarked on a journey of shared visions and aspirations.
“As Prime Minister of Dominica I am committed to fostering this partnership, exploring new avenues for collaboration and building upon the solid foundation we had established over the past two decades,” Mr. Skerrit said.
He continued, “Today we will continue to strive towards a future that brings prosperity, peace, and progress, not only to our nation but to the world at large.”
He added, “As we celebrate today let us also renew our commitment to this extraordinary friendship and relationship and look forward to a future brimming with possibilities.”
According to Prime Minister Skerrit, he is filled with immense pride and gratitude as he reflects on the vast expanse of achievements both countries have unlocked together.
“Our partnership has been a beacon of development, progress, and resilience, lighting the path for countless Dominicans and setting a precedent for international cooperation,” he stated.
He noted that as Prime Minister he made a decision to recognize that there is one China, The People’s Republic of China.
“I did so with our national interest at the center of this important alliance and of course our respect for international law,” Mr. Skerrit stated. “I felt then that our foreign policy should seamlessly align with our domestic policies, with the goal being to secure better and more progressive lives for all of us.”
In fact, he said with no fear of contradiction that the bold decision he made in 2004 has been rewarded one hundred-fold.
He also mentioned that there is no doubt that the cultural and economic cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Commonwealth of Dominica nurtured over these 20 years has borne significant, tangible benefits for the Dominican people.
As far as projects are concerned, Prime Minister Skerrit revealed that a number of these projects were funded by China and have transformed the landscape of Dominica, “and are enhancing the well-being of the Dominican people.”
“The commitment to improving our nation’s infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and education speaks volumes of the shared goals and mutual respect that characterize our relation with China,” he noted.
Mr. Skerrit also pointed out that the solidarity and support extended by China in the wake of Hurricane Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic were unparalleled.
Meanwhile, he said that as Dominica faced one of the most challenging periods of its history China was among the first to offer a helping hand, playing a pivotal role in Dominica’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“We envision that Dominica-China relations will be defined by even more significant achievements, deeper cooperation, and a stronger friendship that would resonate through generations,” he affirmed. “Dominica will always support the one-China principle and reject actions that attempt to denigrate China’s efforts to enhance global development, peace, and security.”
Mr. Skerrit promised that Dominica will play its part in the eventual, peaceful reunification of the whole of China.
He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the President of China Xi Jinping, The Government and the People of the People’s Republic of China, and all who have served in Dominica over the past 20 years.
hey PM….offer Dominican free course for all to learn Chinese….Dominica is a Chinese state…
A true friendship should be mutual. As far as I can see China is benefitting most from this relationship. They control the business sector in Roseau and their citizens are getting all the jobs on major projects. Shame on China to be taking advantage of a tiny country as Dominica. That’s greed and selfishness on the part of a major power like China, not friendship. Open your eyes Skerrit and look out for your people who voted for you.
MEME,Ahmad,Arshia,me,Juanita and the other UWP puppets stop sitting on your butt doing nothing.Go read the staff concluding statement of the article IV mission,dated March 14th 2024 and educate yourselves.DNO is making all you more ignorant.The thing with people like Putin, Man dog and the other Labour party supporters they read.
@Lin Clown
All those people can read the report and bore holes through it. You cant!
Let me ask NKrumah Kwame,which country has murdered more innocent men,women and children in the world?
“SHARED vision and aspirations “?? (emphasis mine). Mr. Skerrit, given that Dominica, according to statements you made on numerous occasions is “without fear of contradiction- the newest addition to your vocabulary- the MOST DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE”, dont you think that after 20 long years, it’s time to reveal to the citizens, what’s in the MOU you signed with China after, according to Austrie, 18 hours of non-stop negociations ??
Do you consider China a DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY ? What are the fondamental characteristics of a DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY according to you ?
Do they include qualities such as the use of tanks to crush PEACEFUL protestors as was done at Tienamen square by your chinese freinds in 1989? Is that part of your “shared vision and aspirations ?? I wish to remind you and the citizens of one of Aesopp’s sayings : MISERY LIKES COMPANY. And I learnt from my Afrikan ancestors ” it’s not because you have 2 legs that you can climb 2 trees at the same…
LOL another uninformed blabbermouth emerges from the depths of ignorance! Your verbal sewage reeks of incompetence and your logic, if one could even call it that, resembles the ramblings of a deranged chipmunk. Spare us the agony of your pseudo-intellectual drivel; your so-called knowledge is nothing more than regurgitated hearsay. Do us all a favor and crawl back into the abyss of your own ignorance, where your embarrassing display of intellectual bankruptcy belongs.
That is the level of stupidity coming from idiotic UWP acolytes.America has given Dominica the M16A2,the M14 carbine,the .45 cal pistols,the Glock 17 and 19,the night vision goggles and high speeds boats to keep MEME and others in the pit toilet and keep America safe.The Chinese have not given Dominica a single QSZ-92, not a single QBZ-191,not a single CF 98 or a QBZ 95.All weapons used by the police are American made,none was made in China.So it mean therefore,China is not the one keeping the blue do nothing aholes like MEME in the pit toilet.The majority of Dominicans are not blind and stupid.While the idiots are posting BS,America is OWING China $859.4 billion and there is a Chinatown in every state in the US.Even the USA recognize the ONE CHINA policy.That DNO will not post.
Let’s no despair and be discouraged as a people. We all know that China is Skeritt’s off ramp and without China Skeritt is unable to successfully manage Dominica and Skeritt knows that more than anyone else. If he really loved Dominica he would have already resigned his position. Furthermore, Skeritt has a lot to answer for and he may not have to if he continues to solidify his position with the help of China. So it’s not only Skeritt we should be concerned about; but China as well. However, I firmly and truly believe that when Dominicans can’t take it anymore; then they will take Dominica back. WTP and true patriots of Dominica are willing and able. It’s past time and frankly, I don’t know what we are waiting on. Skeritt is enriching himself, family and friends while the entire country sinks to a level which could make Haiti looks like the most peaceful and prosperous country in the region. I’m asking… what are we waiting on? Blogging and blaming Skeritt won’t do it.
More aholes UWP ignorant supporters.The USA owe China $859.4 billion,there is a Chinatown in EVERY state in the USA.One of the biggest is Canal street in New York.For your knowledge if you cannot read,which is typical UWP.The MOU Dominica signed with China is :
(1)E O Leblanc highway
(2)Windsor Park sports stadium.
(3)Dominica China Friendship Hospital(DCFH)
So do some reading,do some research before becoming a UWP do nothing jacka.Flushing in Queens NY is 100% asian.The US authorities do not treat the Chinese people the way they treat negative aholes like you.Read and learn.
At what point will we be privy to the agreement with China?
It’s simple we always voting with China in the UN so basically we are China’s puppet when they say jump, we must reply how high
By this logic, the US is Israel’s puppet or is it vice versa? Aiee, zor pas feb nor!
shut up monkey Go fix visa relations with England and Canada China has no value China and Russia are rubbish England, America, Canada and Australia are important, monkey We will get you pregnant if the British visa is not fixed
@Arshia
Stop waste you time writing nonsense. You need to educate yourself on a topic first, and comment afterwards.
The saddest and most one-sided friendship in our history.
If that relationship from PRChina is termed friendship, thank God we have no other known or imperceptible enemies.
In this “friendship” we are led into re-colonization, apartheid and destruction of national fabric, pride and nationalism by one we elect to lead this country.
When we refer to that relationship as friendship, the blood and sweat of our freedom and independence fighters and abolitionists like Bala, E.O. Le Blanc, PJ, Eugenia Charles, Rosie Douglas and Pierre Charles are being desecrated in our face.
With this friendship or rather “Frienemyship” what is the point of African Liberation day in May or Emancipations day in August? PRC’s Xi has opening said that their intent is colonization. It has started already under what appears to be the “paid” facilitation and supervision of our elected traitor.
“In this “friendship” we are led into re-colonization, apartheid and destruction of national fabric, pride and nationalism by one we elect to lead this country.”
As usual, lots of hot air from only with no substance. Rhetoric does not improve arguments. If Dominica were re-colonized by the Chinese, they would have taken on that sweet $10 million contract that Ace Engineering got for the geothermal plant, no? If the Chinese had re-colonized Dominica you probably would never have had the opportunity to rant and rave all over the place about electoral reform as you now do. No? And how do you mention Mamo in the same argument about independence? Mamo was Regan’s puppet and we do not have any tangible evidence today of a successful relationship with the US that she initiated. None!
So…enough with this foolish talk, Tony. Do not be another Lennox Linton. You are more intelligent than this.
Skerrit i have absolutely no problem with the Dominica-China relationship, because China is a global super power and most countries of the world are friendly to China. My problem is with your lies, trickery, chicanery, deceit, deception and of course your evilness and wickedness. The relationship is lop sided, 99.999% in favour of China. You mean you are so stupid you can’t see that? Was that agreed upon in the MOU Skerrit? Don’t you feel guilty and hurt that major infrastructural projects done by China has 0% multiplier effect on our stagnated and tanking economy? Why should China benefit so much? For a relationship to flourish there must be reciprocity. We don’t have it Skerrit. China gets everything. With 26 ministers you all cant think of ways to do things better?
Man you are such an evil disciple. OMG!
@MEME
Same here. I have ZERO problem with China, but 100% problem with Skerrit!!
“Don’t you feel guilty and hurt that major infrastructural projects done by China has 0% multiplier effect on our stagnated and tanking economy?”
The construction of the hospital, stadium, State College, Health and Wellness centres, schools, bridges, agricultural complex in Possie, etc… have no “multiplier effect?” Lol!!
Do you understand what “multiplier effect” means or are you, like Ibo, simply throwing words around to look smart??
@Putin
I don’t think you have a clue about multiplier effect.
You are both embarrassing and shameless.
Fool, go fix your relations with England China is useless You lost Canada, England and Ireland with that monkey-like face We will impregnate your wife if you do not fix relations with England, Dominica is a democratic country, Dominica is a free country, Dominica is not going to pay for your thefts and lies. You sold these people’s passports and spent the money on your Canadian wife In the name of democracy, you will be tried and held accountable as soon as possible You preferred money to the credit of the people of Dominica We will impregnate your mother if the problem with England is not solved, monkey
Skerrit should tell us how much the Chinese pays him to protect their interest above the interest of us as a nation! this man has basically handed our country to these Chinese.
“Our partnership has been a beacon of development, progress, and resilience, lighting the path for countless Dominicans and setting a precedent for international cooperation,” he stated.
Does anyone remember Baghdad Bob? Google can help. One had to admire his resilience and creative imagination.
It looks like we have already been sold. The takeover is very insidious, but the tentacles are now appearing everywhere. Looks like we are slowly but surely becoming a province of a great foreign power. We may be forced to start learning Cantonese because it may soon be the new national language ( Does the name “Confucius Institute” ring any bells?) Remember the old adage says, he who pays the fiddler, calls the tune.
This China economics bilateral relationship is a farce. Roosevelt is re-colonizing Dominica only this time to China.
Roosevelt’s dealings with China have reduced Dominicans to beggars. He begs for roads, schools, grants, vehicles, I mean everything.
This man’s legacy is one of corruption, greed and mendicancy. Dominicans now are born begging, live begging and will die begging.
Oh this once proud and self-reliant people, how far you have fallen!
20 years of diplomatic relations with China, and this PM still refuses to show the MOU he signed with China. What does he want to hide?