Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit told residents of Marigot that they all have a right to the opportunities Dominica has to offer, adding that they need to avail themselves of the resources the government offers despite any contention.
His comments came during a meeting held in Marigot recently, where residents reportedly shared their concerns and ideas.
“And all of us have a right to what Dominica has to offer. And therefore we must not exclude ourselves because we may have differences,” he said. “Do not exclude yourself from the opportunity because you may not want to take advantage of the opportunities.”
Skerrit continued, “The only person who is left behind is yourself.”
According to him, it is important to remove that barrier of perception of division, “and that perception of segregation…and come forward and take advantage of the opportunities.”
Skerrit told residents that there are scholarship opportunities for students to travel overseas for studies.
“But if you don’t apply, how are you going to get one? You have to apply. And when you apply, you stand a chance of getting one because you have applied. But if you don’t apply, there is no chance of getting one because your name is not on the paper,” he explained. “So we have to educate ourselves and encourage people and to guide them of the need for us to have a different philosophy, a different thinking so that we can push ourselves and see opportunities which exist.”
Skerrit pointed out that there is a significant number of non-Dominicans coming to Dominica buying land and building homes, which in his view, is a positive for the country.
“That is good. We welcome that because they bring foreign access to the country,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Skerrit said the government created a small business unit in 2009 that has been responsible for distributing over $100 million in agricultural grants.
“In 2009 and 2026, we gave out, by way of grants, when we have grants, $111 million to Dominicans,” he noted.
He continued, “We also put money at the AID Bank for tourism, for agriculture, for agroprocessing… interest rates 2 percent, with 12 months grace period, which means that you don’t have to pay the interest and penalties for over 12 months.”
He encouraged residents of Marigot to “come forward” when opportunities are available.
“The opportunities are there. We, government, in the last budget we said we’re giving land we specified the areas where the government has land at $1 per acre for five years is left to you to go online, fill the form, make an application. We’ve already approved several people for those opportunities,” Skerrit emphasized.
The prime minister later took to Facebook to thank residents for what he described as a “warm welcome” at the social gathering.
The Marigot constituency is currently represented by Anthony S. Charles, who was elected to the House of Assembly following the December 2022 snap general elections. Charles is one of two independent Representatives, out of 21 seats in a Labour-Party-dominated Chamber, along with Jesma Paul-Victor of Salisbury.
