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Volume No. 1 Issue No. 62 - Wednesday October 06, 2004 |
The Successor's Meeting By Elizabeth Adrien
Exactly one year ago, the late Prime Minister Pierre Charles addressed Dominicans in the New York Metropolitan area. On Sunday, September 26, 2004, his successor, Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, addressed hundreds of Dominicans at the Grace ABC Church; well known for hosting the memorable services of Dominica�s fallen leaders, Prime Ministers Roosevelt Douglas and Pierre Charles.
At 32 years, Prime Minister Skerrit is chronicled in the Guinness World Book of Records, for being the youngest serving leader. While, the audience waited his arrival, they not only confirmed his youthfulness and charm, but spoke greatly of his confidence and intellect, which he has amply demonstrated locally and on the international stage.
Honorable Skerrit reminded New Yorkers of their courage and strength in rebuilding its city after the brutal attack on the World Trade Center. Dominicans residing in New York witnessed first hand, �their place of residence, work, entertainment and recreation scaling down the path of destruction�.
�They did not wallow in self-pity. Instead, with determination and resilience they chose to rebuild this great city, New York City, called your adopted home�. He adds, �Like New York, there is also another place, which endures a similar experience, a tiny island in the Caribbean called Dominica, and No matter where you live, the government of Dominica appreciates your contribution.�
Honorable Skerrit echoed the importance of working together, and understanding that Dominica belongs to every one of us. Messages are better conveyed through story telling, so the Prime Minister shared a short the story about a little boy deciding on the fate of a bird in his hands, based on the response given to him by a passerby.
The boy decides that �if the man replies that the bird is alive, he would kill it, but if the man says it is dead, he would free the bird.� The man replies, �The bird is in your hands, you decide if it�s dead or alive.�
Similarly, emphasizes the Honorable Skerrit, Dominica belongs to us, and you have a responsibility to see it prosper.� Dominica is not about handouts. �It is up to us the people, who possess the intelligence and wherewithal to bring prosperity to Dominica.
�We must take the burden and make the ultimate sacrifice,� says the prime minister. He reminded his listeners of the fall out in tourist arrivals following September 11, the naming of Dominica on the financial blacklist, and the ruling of the WTO on the sale of bananas, all contributing to the current economic situation in Dominica.
It is almost 26 years ago, that Dominica declared independence, and Prime Minister Skerrit asks, �Where Do We Go from Here?� The political parties from four years ago are the same of today, with the exception of two fallen heroes Rosie Douglas and Pierre Charles.
Dominica is in a rebuilding stage, and cannot allow setbacks. Prime Minister Skerrit urges Dominicans to place party affiliation aside, and focus on the conditions that are necessary to bring economic survival.
Small countries are part of the global order, and they like large countries must fend for themselves. Skerrit recalled Pierre Charles� bold move in implementing the economic stabilization program in spite of the political risk. The continuity of the coalition government in the next election and his seat were not the issues.
Skerrit also acknowledged Rosie�s thousand contacts in high places and networking skills, a sure boost to our foreign relations. Prime Minister Skerrit is optimistic in his government�s ability to returning Dominica to a prosperous country in the world.
The prime minister�s position on the �China Issue� certainly energized the listeners. He asks that no one make any mistake because, �If we have to divorce ourselves from our own little preferences, and look at the bigger global picture, and Dominica�s interest, we will all conclude that Dominica is better served with a One China Policy.�
The international community recognizes One China. Dominica�s decision to join hands with China will serve Dominica well, particularly given the level of donor fatigue. Should the United Workers Party win the election, it has publicly announced it would not follow such lead.
The question and answer period which followed, felt like election fever, maybe due to the proximity of the US elections. Several persons called for amending the constitution so that the Diaspora can exercise its voting rights.
Even when they could show proof of nationality and have photo identification, several Dominicans visiting home encountered problems with the opening of bank accounts. Skerrit explained that due to money laundering practices, banks must conduct meticulous background checks against prospective clients.
The speakers made it clear that Dominicans living in New York and New Jersey would welcome a review of these practices from the government. The banks received another failing grade from persons wanting to purchase land in Dominica. Their cases show that there are no standard policies, and it may be a direct attack on expatriates.
One audience member called for the government to address the visa requirement imposed on Dominicans entering Canada. The government of Dominica has improved and implemented new immigration laws, says Honorable Skerrit.
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