Dominica, a Caribbean island nation, has faced significant natural disasters, particularly hurricanes and tropical storms. In 2015, Tropical Storm Erica caused severe flooding, landslides and widespread destruction, leaving thousands of people homeless and causing millions in damage to the island. In 2017, Category 5 Hurricane Maria devastated Dominica, destroying almost all infrastructure, homes and agriculture and killing dozens of people. The island experienced widespread power outages, water shortages, and disruptions in health care and education. Dominica’s economy, heavily dependent on agriculture and tourism, was badly affected. But the island nation has always shown remarkable resilience and progress – highlighted by its Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit on Sunday.
“After Hurricane Maria, everyone said Dominica is finished and what happens today? The world can’t talk about resilience unless they talk about the Commonwealth of Dominica,” he said in the Dominica in Wylie case. Said at the Labor Party delegate conference.
“The world cannot talk about resilience until they talk about the Commonwealth of Dominica.” pic.twitter.com/BewmpD8JLD
– Roosevelt Skerrit (@SkerritR) 11 November 2024
Dr. Skerritt also said that the country surprised the world by rebuilding Dominica “in 24 months” as opposed to the expected and widely publicized 20 years.
According to one report, the Dominican Prime Minister said at the conference, “We have faced them not with fear, but with the determination that defines us as leaders.” WIC News,
Initiatives such as the Climate Resilience Project, Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Housing Recovery Program launched by his administration restored hope and renewed the country’s strength.
Of these, the housing program is “the envy of the world”, Dr Skerritt said, adding that the Labor Party has always placed the people of Dominica at the center of its policies and their journey together is far from over.
“Our work is not finished. We are here today not just as a political party but as a family with deep roots in the history of our beloved Dominica. It is our shared struggle that has brought us victory. Victory Has improved the lives of our people, from our health care and education to the infrastructure and social security of our senior citizens and children.
Dr Skerritt stressed that Labor is an inclusive party and everyone is welcome to be part of it.
