The Dominica Labour Party held its annual delegates conference this past weekend, which for the Labour Party, turned out to be a success.
The conference was attended by a Labour Party contingent and also included members of the diplomatic corps.
There were two guest speakers, Donville Innis, a member of the Democratic Labour Party in Barbados and Gaston Browne, leader of Antigua and Barbuda’s opposition Antigua Labour Party.
Supporters showed up in large numbers to hear the leader of the Dominica Labour Party deliver his speech. On top of the Prime Minister’s list of matters to be placed into perspective was the presidential nomination which over the past week acquired much attention.
The Prime Minister stated that while there was support and opposition for the nomination, he paid close attention to what he called a ‘healthy’ discourse.
“I therefore declare from the onset this afternoon, that the conversation we have in this country over the past week about the nomination and soon to be election of a Head of State was a healthy and much needed exercise. The outcome has reinforced and strengthened in my mind the joy and privilege of being Dominican.”
The Prime Minister further stated that he was convinced that the right decision was made. “I say again it was one of my proudest moments. There it was as Prime Minister of this country I made the nomination, having gained the support of my Cabinet for a particular individual to be elected President of our fair land. I followed the procedures as outlined in the constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica and immediately the national conversation began. I did not sense enmity or malice. All who called, texted, sent messages, blogged and contributed to radio debates to express their opinion acted well within their civic and constitutional rights.”
His deliberation then focused on the key functions and responsibilities of the office of prime minister, with emphasis on the importance for Dominicans to reflect on the fact that as citizens they will be the ones seeking to elect someone to fulfill those duties.
“The prime Minister selects the Cabinet of Ministers, he chairs a cabinet of ministers and he advises and guides the cabinet of ministers. Even though there are several ministers and ministries, the Prime Minister has the ultimate responsibility for the administration and output of each portfolio. On many occasions, the Prime Minister has had to act as mediator and final arbiter. He must have a working knowledge of everything going on in every single department of governmental activity and operations,” he explained.
“Additionally ladies and gentlemen, the Prime Minister is chief steward of the country. He is the voice and face of the country in meaningful international forums. He advises on the appointment of every major post in the country. He is part of the appointment process of the chief justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Director General of the OECS and the Secretary General of CARICOM among other regional and international organizations. If there are industrial disputes when all else fails it is to the prime minister that the matter is ultimately referred for mediation and resolution.”
According to the Prime Minister, one must be knowledgeable, competent, trained, skilled, open to change and be able to embrace new and different ideas in order to fulfill the functions of prime minister properly.
Additionally he says, a person selected for prime minister, must be personable, charismatic, inspiring and he or she must be a uniting force in the country.
He urged Dominicans to analyze and think for themselves when making such a decision.
He said, “As of tomorrow I want to invite all Dominicans resident at home and abroad to join the conversation that has just been started. Give us your take on the requirements for leading Dominica in the second decade of the 21st century. Last week every available median and other outlet was utilized by those wanting to share their perspective on the nomination of a ceremonial head of state. I want now and during the coming months for the country to have a discussion on its expectations of a Prime Minister, a head of government, a head of a country, the face and standard bearer of Dominica in regional and international forums. My position on this matter comrades and friends is crystal clear.”
With a stagnant global economy affecting many countries the world over, Prime Minister Skerrit warns that there is no room for trial and error.
He said, the recession or economic decline that should have ended years ago is still very much existent and many predict the situation will get worse before it gets better.
As a result, traditional friends and allies have been unable to extend the generous hand of direct assistance to aid small island states and while most of these countries are taxed to limit, Dominica is no exception. Realistically, he said there is nothing more government can ask of tax payers of this country both individual and corporate.
“Administering the affairs of state in this environment is very serious and difficult business. The terrain is treacherous to navigate. It is a type of economic weather that even formula one drivers would find challenging. It is a type of decision making that experienced, long serving leaders have to ruminate long and hard upon. Managing the affairs of state in this environment calls for a combination of vision, wisdom, knowledge, training, experience, skill, persuasion and share luck. You need a majority, if not all of the foregoing qualities to have a mere chance of success. This is certainly not a terrain for rookies. The helm of government in this time is certainly no place for a novice. There is no room for trial and error in this very important and serious business,” he noted.
Deputy leader of the Dominica Labour party, Hon. Ambrose George during his remarks first reminded supporters of the vision of the Labour Party and why they have been supporting the vision since 2005.
“In 2005, satisfied with the responsible management of the country which saved the economy from collapse, the people decided to join with Labour to build on the gains made. In 2009, convinced that Labour was the only political vehicle worthy of your trust, you gave your party the overwhelming mandate to take Dominica to the next level. Everyone with eyes to see have witnessed the progressive unfolding of the vision of the Dominica Labour Party since 2000. This vision which to this day continues to excite and energize our people simply claims this is for a new Dominica, propelled by a new economic structure in which every Dominican will have a real stake. We want to create opportunities for people to develop their potential and offer them a personal stake in the future of Dominica and our shared national environment,” he stated.
In highlighting Government’s initiatives, the Dominica Labour Party, according to the deputy leader is one that adheres firmly to the conviction that an educated and knowledgeable population is the surest path for individuals to develop their potential and to move families out of poverty.
“You have therefore seen Labour a progressive education policy that commenced with the establishment of the state college in 2002. While no more than 200 student had access to and were unable to pursue a tertiary level education, today in excess of 2000 have such an opportunity. We have adopted the position that no student should be denied access to the state college because of inability to pay the fees. In such verified cases, government meets the cost. Comrades we continue to hold to the vision of a university graduate in every household. The attainment of this will be enhanced with a completed new state college at Stockfarm. Through the new college, students will be in a position to earn a degree while remaining here at home,” Hon. George noted.
Hon. Ambrose George informed notified those present that this year 740 students were accepted into the Dominica State College to pursue tertiary education.
He noted this is confirmation that Dominica’s high school graduates adheres to the same belief of that of the Roosevelt Skerrit administration.
“This is evidence that our high school graduates attach a high premium to tertiary education in order for them to be successful in life. A fact lost to our detractors who argue that such an education is unnecessary. Your government’s ‘every child in school’ program has sought to bring education equity to children who were being deprived of the opportunity to attain an education because of factors such as the inability of parents to provide meals, transportation, text books, school uniforms and the list goes on. We continue our work to break this inner generational cycle of poverty but supporting those children and families with the means to attend school,” he said.
Those means include the school feeding programme and the transportation programme. Government also provides uniforms, text books and school bags to students in need.
The deputy leader then sought to highlight the advancements within the agricultural sector.
“Beginning in 2000 your government began tackling the banana problem frontally. We wiped out the industry debt of $33m created by the United Workers Party. We irrigated over 230 of the castle Bruce Estate and commenced the construction and rehabilitation of the Feeder roads in areas of potential for both increase in banana production and support agricultural diversification. We tackled the question of agricultural credit by introducing the agricultural enterprise program under which farmers obtained 50% of their loan request as a grant with the other 50% on normal credit terms. This brought relief to over 400 farmers who benefitted from $10m disbursed under this program.”
George stated that things took a turn in 2005 when the World Trade Organization had new demands and a host of regulations for exporting agricultural commodities and livestock, however the Roosevelt Skerrit administration didn’t quaver in its response, it responded promptly.
“In order to comply with the required standards for export, we began the construction of two inland reception and distribution centers. This was followed by the construction of two pack houses at a total cost of $3.4million. Last week we received word the Caribbean Development Bank has approved $2.1 million for the purchase of equipment to bring the pack houses into full operation. We have maintained the policy of subsidizing the landed cost of fertilizer sold to farmers. Approximately $1million has been paid out under this arrangement. Some $2m has been made available to 67 farmers under a facility established by government at the AID bank. These farmers have accessed this farm revolving fund at an interest rate of 0%,” he informed.