PM Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the issues of patriotism and importation among other national issues at the annual Diaspora Dialogue meeting held at the State House Conference Centre last week.
Speaking to the large numbers of Dominicans who came back to the country to celebrate Dominica’s 44 years independence anniversary, Skerrit said patriotism borne out of national positivity is required to move the country forward. He tasked Dominicans in the diaspora to put away political differences and focus on making the country prosperous through positive affirmations.
The strength of our nation, I believe, lies in the ability of its people to work together in harmony. First order of business is for us to think positively about our country. We need to have a more positive perspective about our country. It’s not perfect here, but Dominica has given us the foundation upon which we stand and a way to show gratitude. You can criticize, but criticism must be constructive to make something better.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
The prime minister also harped on the need to Buy Dominica by patronizing goods and products made in the country. He said everyone must work towards reducing the import bill by keeping Dominican money within Dominica. He said the government will assist farmers to increase their productivity and that DEXIA will also be enabled to buy more and pay on time.
One of the first actions we need to take in Dominica is to reduce on imported things we buy. There is absolutely no reason why any Dominican should buy imported watermelon in Dominica. There is no reason why anybody should buy imported cantaloupe in Dominica. If you go to the supermarket and you insist that you want local stuff they will stock up with local stuff.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica
Meanwhile, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Kenneth Darroux, has announced that the government is working towards setting up a National Diaspora Policy to address key issues facing Dominicans in the diaspora.
The policy will provide guidance in making public decisions on key issues concerning the diaspora, such as investment, national recovery efforts, and the rights of generational diaspora and Dominicans.
Dr. Kenneth Darroux, Minister for Foreign Affairs
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