Swearing In Ceremony Of The Prime Minister
ADDRESS BY
HONOURABLE ROOSEVELT SKERRIT
PRIME MINISTER OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA
SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA
Wednesday, 7th December 2022
Though not my first occasion, this is a very special swearing-in-ceremony for me, personally.
The Dominica Labour Party took its case to the people of Dominica and was rewarded yesterday, December 6th, with a resounding victory…in elections that I am confident shall be deemed credible, free and fair; reflecting the will of the people.
I sought a fresh mandate to propel the rebound of Dominica and its economy from the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic, natural disasters and ongoing global acts of terror and economic warfare.
To me, this is the ultimate expression by the people of Dominica, of their continued confidence in the philosophy, policies and programmes of the Dominica Labour Party.
I wish to assure voters, residents and citizens; at home and abroad, that we are eternally grateful for this show of support and shall strive to honor and meet their expectations.
Your continued support has given this government the opportunity to pursue, with vigor, the National Reset I indicated in my address to the nation on November 6th, when I announced the calling of elections in Dominica.
I am especially heartened, that in the midst of a slew of contributing factors, such as the ongoing pandemic and natural migration of residents, as a consequence of the social and economic fallout from various disasters, our party STILL received approximately eighty-seven (87) percent of the votes it secured in the 2019 general elections, in the 15 seats contested.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I have set forth, very clearly, our priorities in this new term. We shall accelerate resolution of challenges besetting residents of eastern and southeastern communities, adversely impacted by recent heavy rains and the disaster that this precipitated.
We shall forge ahead with construction of the international airport as well as finalize arrangements for the building of a new passenger and cargo terminal in Roseau.
We are committed to maintaining and expanding benefits to the elderly and providing new opportunities for education and training for our youth.
Government must be more responsive, more efficient and more business-like with our engagement with the public.
This term of office shall be laser-focused on “achievables”. Time is of the essence!
It is my intention to address the nation on the evening of Monday, December 12th, to reveal the composition of the new executive arm of government, as well as key appointments to postings in Dominica and abroad.
The new Cabinet of Ministers shall be sworn into office on Tuesday, December 13th at the State House.
Citizens, friends, residents, I am truly humbled by this opportunity to resume and properly conclude my stint of national service…in this capacity.
I want you to know and understand that wherever life shall take me and whatever it shall bring me, I shall always remain an Ambassador for the growth and development of Dominica!
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you once again for this expression of confidence and I pledge to do all in my power to propel our glorious nation to sustained progress and prosperity for all, in a peaceful and idyllic environment.
I want to take the opportunity again to congratulate all those who contested the elections – those who were successful.
I will say to the Nation that in an effort to unify the country under the fabric of one people, one vision, one Nation, I shall meet with the two independent candidates who were successful and all the candidates who contested the elections as part of a series of such engagements. My hope is that they shall accept my invitation to meet.
May God continue to bless our country.
I thank you.
