In response to public discussion regarding the procurement of a government vehicle, I wish to provide clarity and context. The vehicle in question, valued at $184,500, was included in the 2024-2025 Budget Estimates under expenditure item 30 M100 M11 45001. A cost difference of $52,500 was addressed in accordance with the Finance Administration Act, which allows the Financial Secretary to direct, by means of a Virement Warrant, that any surplus from expenditure within the same supply vote be applied to cover deficiencies or new purposes, provided it does not exceed the total sum appropriated in the Appropriation Act or Supplementary Appropriation Act. This is an action taken by all ministries when the need arises during the fiscal year.
Every step taken adhered strictly to the Constitution and the Finance Administration Act, ensuring that both the spirit and letter of the law were upheld in full compliance with Dominica’s legal framework.
Attempts to characterize this purchase as improper and for the exclusive use of the Prime Minister’s children, is misleading and demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of parliamentary procedure. The vehicle was never intended for such exclusive use. It was requested by the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force to be operated exclusively by its members for the performance of official state duties. Its primary function includes a national and security component, serving to support essential government operations and ensure the mobility and safety of key personnel, including but not limited to visiting heads of state. Additionally, it replaces an older vehicle that was previously used to carry out these critical national duties and was no longer fit for purpose. The unfortunate and regrettable wording of an internal memo has been exploited to create a narrative that is simply untrue.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit was not involved in this decision and has instructed that his children will not use this vehicle under any circumstance. I must underscore that at no time did the Prime Minister ask for any vehicle to be purchased to specifically transport his children to and from school. Our government remains committed to transparency and proper governance. We urge the opposition to refrain from misrepresentation of the facts and to engage in constructive dialogue that benefits the people of Dominica.
Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre
Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security
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