ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has called for continued closer collaboration and unity among Caribbean countries in a changing global environment.
Dominica’s Prime Minister addressing the convention of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Grenada on Sunday night (CMC Photo)Addressing the convention of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) here on Sunday night, Skerrit recalled the damage caused by the passage of Hurricane Beryl to Grenada last July and he efforts by the Dickon Mitchell administration to seek international assistance in the recovery efforts.
“His compassion, strength and determination reflect the true spirit of leadership in times of adversity. The people of Grenada can take solace in knowing that they have a leader who confronts challenges head on and will not rest until their nation is rebuilt stronger than before,” said Skerrit, reminding the NDC supporters of the similar trials faced by Dominica following natural disasters in recent years.
Skerrit, who along with St. Lucia’s Prime Minster Phillip J Pierre, addressed the convention, said whenever he visits a Caribbean sister island, he is reminded of the deep bonds “we share as Caribbean people.
“Bonds forged through our history, our cultures and our collective resolve to secure a prosperous future for all. In a world where shifting trade policies, global uncertainty and immigration pressures test our resilience, unity has never been more critical,” he said without naming any specific country, but seen as directing the remarks to the new Donald Trump administration in the United States .
Skerrit said “too often we witness various external forces with decisions that threaten the well being of our region. We must stand together, because alone, our voices risk being drowned out in this world.
“When we unite to challenges…we amplify our collective voices, power and protect our mutual interest,” he said, praising Mitchell for positioning “Grenada as a forward thinking nation prepared to embrace technological advancement.
“On the international stage, your commitment to strengthening Grenada’s relationships, whether through deepening ties with China, or championing climate resilience, shows that you are a leader with both vision and action.
Skerrit said since coming to power two years ago, Mitchell has been accelerating progress for the Tri-island State.
He said that transformative ideas, if left on paper or confined to meeting rooms “will never fulfill the purpose for which they were created.
“It is our job therefore as leaders and committed party members to ensure that visionary thinking leads to tangible outcomes in our communities, our institutions and indeed within the parties themselves.”
Skerrit said that the transformation of the NDC must be more than electoral victory and must be about “ensuring that Grenada’s future is secured and sustainable.
“In the Caribbean when a relatively young leader emerges, such as Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, there are enormous expectations. People believe change will happen overnight,’ Skerrit said, adding that he had observed something similar Barak bam was elected as the 44th President of the United States in 2009.
“Age can be a powerful symbol of transformation and fresh beginnings. Yet it also heightens expectations in ways that in sometimes outpace realities. So to those who support this administration, let me say to you, it is natural to desire swift progress, buy patience, patience and consistent efforts are equally essential if you want to see genuine, lasting results,” said Skerrit, who came to office in Dominica in 2004 at the age of 31 years.
