Sending greetings filled with hope and peace, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit looked back at the challenges and achievements of Dominica in 2022 in his New Year Message. He said as everybody moves in 2023, good things are coming for citizens and residents.
He assured people of great support from the government in fulfilling their resolutions and reminded them to work at creating happiness for themselves and others.
Prime Minister promised to build new national partnerships for people’s advancement and prosperity. Reflecting on 2022, PM said only two words came into his mind “Gratitude” and “Reset”.
He said ‘Gratitude’ as 2022 was extremely difficult in terms of the global shortage of commodities, jobs and financial resources, but god bore up Dominica and Dominicans. Describing his idea of ‘Reset”, PM stated that it is a strategy critical in operating a country, adding that it will involve a reassessment of approaches to govern in order to deliver growth.
Not only that, Prime Minister Skerrit sent a special message for children, women and the elderly. He asked them to speak up against abuse of all forms and added that domestic abuse must be treated as a public problem. He asked people to be more empathetic to the needs and circumstances of others.
He said that the government intends to build resilience by enhancing communities and bolstering the economy against external and environmental shocks that threaten the country’s social and economic well-being.
While gearing people for 2023, he added that it is also predicted to be another difficult year but assured that the Dominica government is working towards creating economic stimulation and job creation through domestic infrastructural programmes, and a resurging tourism product as well as several new hotels.
He added that the new airport, during construction and also upon completion, will improve the livelihoods of Dominicans. However, PM added that due to challenges posed to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Dominica would remain vulnerable to international conditions.
“We give you the commitment that whatever the circumstances, this country and its citizens will face them unified; with Government and people standing and working shoulder to shoulder, determined to overcome and succeed,” said Prime Minister Skerrit.
He asked collective effort of people to ensure that streets, workspaces and communities across Dominica remain safe.
Prime Minister said for many, the New Year is a time for making resolutions and asked everyone to therefore resolve the following:
- To work at creating happiness for ourselves and others;
- To build new national partnerships for people’s advancement and prosperity.
- To reset so that a new patriotism takes hold of all Dominicans and inspires us.
- To be better people who are more community-minded and focused on building a strong nation in which all Dominicans have a place and where our needs can be fulfilled.
“I wish every one of you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year and give you the assurance that the Government and I look forward to working with you on these New Year’s resolutions which will help us achieve Dynamic Dominica,”.
