In response to recent speculation by members of the public, the government of Dominica has strenuously denied claims that the Botanic Gardens amidst announcement of development plans for the area.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit over the weekend addressed concerns by citizens during a live discussion on The Next Level Programme on Kairi FM.
Emphatically denying claims of a sale to foreign entities, the Prime Minister voiced his governmentβs commitment to preserving that space.
“I want to [say] very, very clearly to the country, that this is a malicious rumor. There’s absolutely no truth to this,” the Prime Minister declared firmly. βThere is no way this government under my leadership, or any other Labor Party leadership, would divorce the country from the Botanic Gardens. This is part of our patrimony, that we should never depart from, or detach ourselves from. And people know me as an environmentalist, not by words, but by actions.β
He added, βSo this talk about we sold it to Saudi Arabia or the Chinese amazes me that people will hear and not even ask the question and believe and then want to take action.β
The Prime Minister expressed disappointment in what he described as the spread of misinformation and called on the public to seek information based on facts and not hearsay.
“To those who wish to protest, I urge you to first investigate the facts. If you want to stand up for something, let it be based on truth,” Skerrit urged. “We should be an enlightened people, seeking education and understanding.”
Concerns surfaced following the announcement by the Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency, Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, of development plans for the Botanic Gardens.
During her address at the 2023/2024 budget debate, the Housing and Urban Development Minister unveiled a slew of transformative projects, which according to her, fall under the βUrban Oasis Capital project.β
βThis will include the installation of greenhouses and hydroponics in this well-loved space,” she said.
Mrs Skerrit also shared plans for the development of a commercial kitchen for small agro-processors, emphasizing the need to empower local businesses, as well as a state-of-the-art Multi-Purpose Entertainment Facility aimed at enriching the cultural and recreational landscape.
βMr. Speaker, the proposed entertainment centre will be a modern and flexible space boasting amenities such as a bowling alley, miniature indoor golf course, dance theatre, movie theatre, restaurants shopping, offering unlimited entertainment options for every Dominican and our visitors as well. We also plan to include age-appropriate activities such as an amusement park or waterpark to ensure a holistic and family friendly experience,β the Roseau Parl Rep revealed.
She also highlighted as another notable project, the Roseau Enhancement Project for which she said the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had stepped in as a benefactor.
“I am pleased to announce that the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be taking over this project. They have committed to US$2millionβ¦and they have performed a site visit in Roseau and they have agreed to fund this as their first project. We are well on our way to making this a reality in Dominica.”
In the furore which followed the minister’s pronouncement, citizens expressed the fear that the announced plans might entail the sale or privatization of the Botanic Gardens. The government’s commitment to urban development further stirred worries about potential consequences for the gardens’ accessibility, preservation, and the unique experiences it offers.
However, following the publicβs scrutiny on August 11, 2023, a release from the Office of the Prime Minister whilst refuting the claims of the sale added βnor has the Government entered into any agreement to develop a golf course or any other project at the Botanic Gardens. The public is further informed that proposed plans for the development of the Botanic Gardens being shared via social media were generated four years ago and were not considered or approved by the Government of Dominica.β
Nevertheless, Prime Minister Skerrit during his discussion over the weekend revealed his governmentβs desire to βredevelop the Botanic Gardens.β
βAs early as 2014 or 2015 I engaged a number of local Dominicans, people who had an interest in this in Botanic Gardens. The vision is to enhance it, to create a place where tourists and locals alike can experience the beauty of Dominica,” the Prime Minister explained.
Elaborating on the plan, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to improve the current state of the area. He acknowledged the effects of natural disasters on the site and revealed the intention to create a water feature using water from the Roseau River at the area which houses the agricultural station.
The cricket field, a well-loved spot within the Botanic Gardens, would also be in line for the proposed improvement. A new pavilion with modern amenities would be built to enhance the overall experience for sports enthusiasts and spectators alike. Additionally, the Prime Minister proposed the creation of a designated children’s playground, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for families.
Skerrit averred that his government’s visionary approach extends beyond beautification as he unveiled plans for a bypass, relieving the gardens of vehicular traffic and transforming it into a pedestrian paradise.
βSo, we would build a bypass from the UWI going all the way across onto Bath Road so that vehicles do not have to go through the Botanic Gardens. As it is now, a 10-wheeler can drive through the gardens with aggregate on it as well as a trailer in the day time when tourist are there. So when you have tourist and children coming to visit the Botanic Gardens right now it is a very, very unsafe place.β
The Prime Minister further touched on an indoor entertainment center proposal. This multifunctional facility, housing amenities such as a miniature golf course, bowling alley, skating rink, movie theater, and recording studio, aims to provide families with engaging activities he noted.
βThen there’s another option, where we have the derelict vehicles and the abandoned buildings it was suggested we put an entertainment center there,β he said. βThen we would relocate the tennis courts, the Netball court, basketball court and some facilities where the Dominica club was resident before. We would turn it into a sport in mecca because what we have done in Windsor Park clearly is not working because it is used most times for cultural entertainment activities.β
Skerrit emphasized that private sector involvement would be encouraged, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to flourish.
“We are not building this for the government to run; we want Dominicans to make money,” the Prime Minister asserted. “It really pains me as a country when we appear not to be interested in development. Let us embrace this vision, and together, we will create a Botanic Gardens that not only honors our past but propels us into a bright and prosperous future.”
While acknowledging various options for the redevelopment, the Prime Minister underscored that no agreements or contracts have been signed. He affirmed the government’s commitment to consult stakeholders and the public before any decisions are made.
How stupid do you have to be a UWP tree hugging raving lunatic supporter straight out of an asylum? As you can see I am only asking, I will only take advice from UWP clowns because they are professional manufactured idiots.
The lyrics of Joni Mitchell’s 1970 hit song could be appropriate.
They took all the trees put ’em in a tree museum,
And they charged the people a dollar an’ a half just to see ’em.
You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone
With a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swingin’ hot spot,
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.
If the PM were an environmentalist, as he rather stunningly claims, he would understand the definition of a botanical garden.
Sikiye,you are a notorious blue LIAR.Your head is buried too deep in the media whore”s propaganda and lies on q95.In the last parliament Melissa mentioned the development government has for the gardens.
My life those idiots left all that way to come and play “ring and ring of roses???
man this is fools and horses, by the way why have they got a crap in the ring? These UWP corrupt supporters are a bunch of ” disgusting psychopathic maniacs”
@Man bite dogs
I think they brought out to the public something secretive that was about to happen in the Gardensled by Starboy of Stupidity. They need more ring games in other parts of Dominica, because Skerrits closet is filled with secrets we need to know about Dominica…Ring games are good!!
??? Maybe you are naive or still playing with your little boy in the shower room, let me explain to you and others that monkey club called XXX knew dam well the Botanic gardens was not for sale to whom? XXX knows that their followers are stupid with little brain π§ so soft that gives them the opportunity to take you guys for a ride down disastrous lane.
Dog Molester, you have an improved ghost writer. We all know this because spelling the simplest sight words gives you headaches ( it, the, if, are). You never too old to learn. Kindergarten is still awaiting your attendance.
Enrollment is full. The new school year 2023-2024 commences next Monday.
Boy Dominicans depending on Satan to tell them the truth. All you donβt know everything Sarah says is lie? Man there is no truth in satan
Did you hear the MEDIA WHORE on q95 today.A white foreigner reading a five part series from Mathew Walter in 10 minutes.All the whore has to do is bring Walter on q95.It is the same media whore who recorded Lennox Linton on 07/02/17 saying”What you see going on will not stop untill Skerrit demits office or resign”It is the same media whore who got BLESSINGS to say who misappropriated $60,000 of CCM money.Now he is trying to undermine Thompson Fontaine
Crooked Traitor..
Listen my friend, the only whores in DA are the supporters of the CM. They prostitute themselves on a daily basis for favours or cold cash. Iβm in no doubt that you are one of them.
You are a prime example of a whore since you are an accountant who deals primarily with cash on the cash basis and not under the accrual basis.
YOU crazy SOB! Poor fellow!
Who care what the blue useless waste of time parasites think.The PEOPLE are stepping out with Roosevelt Skerrit and DLP.To hell with the blues.
The masses want to step out of poverty, hunger, homelessness, joblessness, etc. Roosevelt is the architect of all these atrocious things.
You never cease to amaze me. Why don’t you find them a job and a place to rest their head in? You seem to care only about self. You said you live comfortably, why don’t you give them a helping hand and take them out of poverty and hunger? Contributions like these take us far into the penthouse and keep all of us out of the dog house.
wow this is something else. i wonder what was the trigger for this protest and why the police did not get involved and block of the area like they normally do?
So indeed, there is a proposal and plan for the botanical gardens. The fact is the only ones who knew about it, is the prime misinter, jeep Sahara and wrangler in the desert π. The problem is the lack of transparency by this administration.
You can’t say it is rumors, when your money man Heiden is sending letters to potential investors telling them about the development opportunities in Dominica.
The blue idiotic bedbugs are it again with their gossip,lies,propaganda and fake news.How Starboy can continue to make so called educated blue aholes look STUPID over and over again is amazing.The Gardens is 40 acres,the smallest golf course is 30 acres.A regular golf courses is over 70 acres.Two weeks before those blue aholes started talking BS,they were told the government plans for the gardens.There was no mention of selling gardens to foreigners.
@Lin clown
Keep being obsessed with that part of the human anatomy, as.****, you can’t give a break…. I wonder why!! That’s the type of creature you are. All the bloggers on here know that. No wonder you can hardly read or write.
Imagine a person like you are the face of the Skerrit Labour Party SLP.
Go to school and church
Roosevelt if you want the public to stop speculating about the affairs of government allow sunlight in your Cabinet. Sunlight is the best remedy for rumors, misinformation, disinformation and outright lies.
Let sunlight in on the CBI scheme and the missing billions, the whereabouts of the missing national birds, your exit date from the royal palace, what percentage of revenue is being used to service the humongous national debt, et cetera.
Darkness cannot drive away rumors surrounding the affairs of government only light can do that.
Ibo, boy you are joke by the day and every day, you know dam well anything that Pm Skerrit, say even before saying it you blue monkeys always on the attack like a bunch of disgusting aholes by the way I fully agree Mr Skerrit, is a real Star Boy, please pass on the word to Ugly Lenny, with thanks.
Dog Abuser, getting you to understand the simplest concepts is as difficult as trying to milk a rhinoceros.
I did milk one yesterday at the National Zoo and to be honest with you it was as easy as riding on a lion’s back which I also did. No harm done. Nobody hurt. Thanks be to God.
Stop lying, just admit that the poor rhino administered a severe kick to your head. Now we all know why you talk and behave the way you do. Poor man!
Skerrit is known to be an inveterate, malicious and compulsive liar… Just remember what he told us about his modest house….It ended up to be a house coting MILLIONS..
No consultation, no discussion with the public…
A Starboy and a Stargirl of Stupidity running roughshod over a largely unsuspecting people…Just imagine a nobrainer like Melissa Skerrit is parl rep for a capital city.
I rest my case!!!
“The Prime Minister expressed disappointment in the spread of misinformation, calling on the public to seek information based on facts and not hearsay.”
So the Dear Leader finds it necessary to address rumors about the sale of Botanic gardens to avoid the spread of misinformation. But recall that when the young reporter, in an effort to avoid the spread of misinformation recently sought information from him at a public press conference about the big building in the heart of Roseau he scolded and berated her. With this administration, where there’s smoke, there’s fire!
Juanita,I am feeling very sorry for you having said that, are you some sort of pathetic person? How on earth could you coincide with that stupid question that was asked will what is being said today, is it that you guys head is not functioning properly, this is the reason why Star Boy Pm Skerrit, will always be years ahead of you so-called UWP clowns thinking April fools day is Christmas day. π€‘π€Άπ€£π
@Man bite dogs
I hope school children don’t read that….
School kids read everything nowadays, that is how they learn. They read what they learn and they learn what they read.
That was written after a few glasses of Star Boy champagne π₯πΎπππ and I forgot to do my editing,
Talking about school children when you lots going to start acting like grown ups instead of “ring of roses”hugging and kissing trees, little mad π‘ suckers
Oh oh, it seems Mbd is back on the bottle.
The sale of the Botanical Gardens was meant to be kept from the public. However, not too smart Melissa, inadvertently gave away the plan in her clumsy budget presentation in psychiatric ward (parliament). Thank you, Melissa!
Ibo, the word is not Botanical it is Botanic gardens, I know you can do better, don’t take it to heart my man!!
This announcement leaves me even more concerned than what I was before.
A Botanic Garden is a Botanic Garden!
A Botanic Garden is not a multifunctional all purpose amenity.
I tend to agree this time. The Botanical Gardens should not be transformed into an Entertainment Center. The Botanical Gardens is just what it is, a Botanical Gardens. What happened to the sprinkler system that was supposed to be installed in the Gardens under the supervision of my greatly-admired biology teacher, Rupert Sorhaindo? What about also the glass-aquarium with different species of fish and water creatures that was supposed to be installed at the Gardens also? What happened to that project? An entertainment center should be built outside the Gardens and not in the Gardens. Neither should a golf-course be built in the Gardens. We can find suitable flat, grassy land out there in the country side to build golf courses. The Botanic Gardens should also not be a pass-thru for vehicular traffic. It never was before and should not be today. It detracts from the beauty and beautiful sceneries of the Gardens. I do hope and pray that our PM takes note.
The StarBoy’s corrupt administration has been shrouded in secrecy. Inevitably, this leaves the public with no other option than to speculate.
His long and vigorous denial about the sale of the Botanic Gardens to the highest bidder is incredulous. Remember his robust denial about the sale of the national birds? Why should Dominicans now give this pathological LIAR the benefit of the doubt?
Some residents, rightfully so, consider the Botanical Gardens to be a sacred place. But no real estate is off limits for sale by this simpleton who has no appreciation for history, culture and heritage.
It would not be surprising if one day Dominicans wake up and find out that the whole country has been sold.
Skerrit, all I would say to you, there is no smoke without a fire! You have form!
By the way, whatβs going on with the electoral reform? Donβt interfere with it! If for once you want to do something positive, give us the interdependently audited accounts of the CBI scheme. Also are you still residing in the palace at Mourne Daniel at the expense of the treasury??? We need answers from you!