DLP launched its “Dynamic Dominica” manifesto for the coming administrative era. The 59-page document outlines the developmental and economic intentions of the DLP for the coming administrative era if they win the December 6 general elections. In a swift reaction, the UWP which is the main opposition party, vows to release their own manifesto on Friday, November 29.
The DLP launched their manifesto at the Mahaut playing field, but UWP said they will launch theirs in Roseau when the time comes.
According to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, the manifesto represents the planned future of the country under the DLP administration. The plan covers all sectors of public life, and these include economy, education, tourism, health, social infrastructure and shelter among others. Skerrit said the first part of the manifesto covers environmental, social and economic resilience.
“Building resilience…as you know, is my signature initiative,” Skerrit said. “While most people think resilience in the environmental context, the manifesto seeks to create resilience building in a social and economic context. It is the goal of the labour party that I lead, to build something valuable, sustainable and enduring.”
In the area of climate resilience, the prime minister said the government has commenced on its plan to construct 5,000 resilient homes for poor Dominicans – free of charge. He said the houses will stand firmer against extreme weather events such as hurricanes and storms when and if they happen again. To this extent, he added that “we will build disaster resource centres across Dominica with community evacuation plans at Castle Bruce, Grandbay, Jimmit, the Kalinago Territory, Marigot, Portsmouth and Roseau.”
Since Dominica aims to become the first climate resilient country in the world, the government said they will be “utilizing renewable energy from geothermal resources, banning single-use plastics and giving incentives for electric vehicles.”
Given that the DLP administration is finalizing plans to construct a bigger shipping port to hold more cruise ships for increased economic activities at the ports, with plans as well to construct an international airport early next year, Skerrit said the Labour Party can thump their chest and dare the opposition and the entire people of the country to rate their performance within the past 19 years.
“We ask you to judge us on five things,” Skerrit challenged.
The five areas the DLP is asking to be rated or even judged are –
- The performance of the government given the back-to-back devastations of two hurricanes
- The economic development of the country vis-à-vis others within the Caribbean
- The modernization of the country through quality social services, healthcare, education, housing, and infrastructure
- Delivery on past manifestoes and political promises made in the last 20 years
- The quality of vision planned for the future of the current in the light of past performances
Meanwhile, the new manifesto shows the government’s Dynamic Dominica plan in the areas of –
- Agriculture and fisheries
- Eco and Nature Isle tourism
- Kalinago and Creole Cultures
- Improved Air and Sea access
- A Digital Economy
- A Marijuana Industry
- Entrepreneurship and Small business
The government also outlined plans for developing the tourism sector in Roseau, Portsmouth, and Salisbury among others.
This article is copyright © 2019 DOM767
