rime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and the 12 members of his cabinet have taken their oaths of office to form the Government of Dominica.
The swearing in took place at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium Forecourt.
In his address, Skerrit presented his plans for a “national reset” that will take place from 2023.
He said his new government is going to focus on the people and Dominica’s development to ensure everyone has a place and a space to live a comfortable life.
The prime minister said that his government will implement legislation to ensure all public buildings and spaces have facilities that will allow easy access for disabled and elderly persons.
Photo: GIS Dominica.T
here will be curriculum reform to ensure Dominican children receive a holistic education to ensure that they reach their true potential and take up opportunities in technical and vocational fields such as carpentry and tiling.
“Why should our children be taught dancing and ballet at schools? We have people who are born with certain talent that God has given to them but the current system is not encouraging that talent to come forth,” he stated.
There will be national consultation on the matter.
From today, Government scholarship recipients will be bonded and must serve the people for a specific period of time.
“We shall focus on our national priorities… if you are gonna get money from the treasury of Dominica, you shall be given help to study what the country needs,” the prime minister said.
The government will also be removing fees for early childhood education.
Photo: GIS Dominica.
Health, particularly reducing the levels of chronic non-communicable diseases in Dominica, will be a key point for the government next year.
The new cabinet of Dominica is made up of the following members:
Roosevelt Skerrit—Prime Minister and Minister for Investment and Governance.
Dr Irving McIntyre— Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security.
Dr Vince Henderson—Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy.
Rayburn Blackmoore, who was replaced at an MP, was made a senator and will return as the Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs.
Cassanni Laville—Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services.
Melissa Poponne-Skerrit was made the Minister for Housing and Urban Development.
Roland Royer—Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy.
Denise Charles— Minister for Tourism.
Fidel Grant— Minister for Public Works, Public Utilities and Digital Economy.
Miriam Blanchard—Minister for Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development.
Gretta Roberts— Minister for Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development.
Cozier Frederick— Minister for the Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment.
Octavia Alfred—Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence.
There will also be a number of junior ministers and parliamentary secretaries.
Daren Pinard has been appointed as Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development with specific responsibility for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development.
Jullan Defoe was appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy with specific responsibility for Fisheries and Blue Economy.
Oscar George was appointed a Senator and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development, with specific responsibility for Youth and Sports.
Chekira Lockhart- Hypolite was appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities and Digital Economy, with specific responsibility for Public Utilities, Telecoms and Broadcasting.
Dr Cassandra Williams was appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, with special responsibility for Seniors Security, Children at Risk, Gender Affairs and the Differently Abled.
Fenella Wenham was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, with specific responsibility for Education Reform and Human Resource Development.
Darron Lloyd was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment with specific responsibility for Constituency Empowerment.
LaKeyia Joseph was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, with specific responsibility for Development of Community Agro Enterprises.
Kent Edwards Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services with particular responsibility for Community and Home Care. He will also be made a Senator.
