Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit Outlines Vision for Dominica Ahead of December 2009 Election

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has outlined his vision for Dominica ahead of general elections on December 18, 2000. He told party supporters at a public meeting in Mahaut last night that his vision for this country involves a continuation of the infrastructural revolution currently underway.

“I wish to see the Roseau to Melville Hall Road completed. I wish to see the Roseau to Portsmouth super highway commenced and completed. I wish to see the Loubiere to Grand Bay Link Road started and completed. I wish to see broadened pathways, reinforced and newly built bridges and sidewalks that provide both safety and aesthetic beauty. My vision of Roseau is for the implementation of a massive urban renewal programme, in which we retain our unique architectural themes, but yet modernize our capital city to the extent where it is transformed into a bustling city for residents and visitors alike,” he said.

Prime Minister Skerrit said currently, Dominica is the preferred destination for thousands of cruise ship passengers sailing the Caribbean.

“The potential exists for us to become the number one port of choice for cruise lines and passengers alike. I wish for Dominica to become the home port for several of these visiting cruise ships and also to become a source of procurement of water, fish, fruits, vegetables and other passenger necessities that we produce here in Dominica. This is not pie-in-the-sky thinking. I have already discussed this vision and concept with senior officials of the cruise lines. I have also discussed funding of this initiative with some of the said cruise lines as well as with state agencies in friendly countries,” he said.

He said for Dominica to become a home port and tourist destination of choice, it has to improve and develop modern, state of the art health services. This was envisaged when we negotiated a complete refurbishment of Princess Margaret Hospital with our friends from the Government of the People’s Republic of China. This project represents one of the pillars of our agreed to technical assistance package. Presently, the relevant and required studies are at an advanced stage, to bring this project to fruition within the next 48 months. Additionally, we are negotiating to bring a five star resort and marina to the Cabrits area in Portsmouth. Indeed, prospective investors in this mammoth ocean front project were in Dominica yesterday, Wednesday, and were brimming with confidence and excitement at the prospect of transforming the entire Portsmouth area within the next three years,” he said.