ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says he remains optimistic that the new year will bring continued investments, further reforms, and renewed focus on improving the quality of life for all Dominicans.
“There will be challenges, but we face them together, united, resilient, and confident in our shared destiny. Let us enter the New Year with renewed faith in ourselves and in our country. Let us strengthen the bonds that unite us, extend kindness where it is needed, and recommit ourselves to building a Dominica that leaves no one behind,” Skerrit said in a Christmas and New Year’s message released here on Monday.
Skerrit, the longest-serving head of Government, who assumed office on January 8, 2004, following the death of his predecessor, Pierre Charles, said that the Christmas Season provides an opportunity for reflection.
“It reminds us of the enduring values of love, compassion, humility, and service to others. It is a time when families gather, communities reconnect, and we are encouraged to look beyond ourselves and care for the vulnerable, the elderly, the sick, and those facing hardship. These values have always defined us as a people, and they continue to guide us as a nation.”
But he said as Dominicans reflect on the year now drawing to a close, they should do so with a deep sense of gratitude and pride, noting that 2025 was a year of “determined effort, steady progress, and meaningful achievements.
“In a world still grappling with economic uncertainty, climate shocks, and geopolitical instability, Dominica continued to move forward with confidence and purpose,” he said, adding that “this year, we took decisive action to protect working families and restore dignity to labour through the implementation of a revised minimum wage.
Skerrit said that this policy reflects his administration’s firm belief that no one who works hard should struggle to survive.
“We also acted to reduce the cost of living by removing VAT (value added tax) and customs duties on essential food items, putting real relief into the pockets of households across the country.”
He said the country also continued to invest heavily in housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and the growth sectors as part of a comprehensive vision to build a resilient, inclusive, and opportunity-rich Dominica.
But he said that one of the most significant milestones this year has been the continued advancement of the international airport project in Wesley, on the northeastern side of the island, which is due to open in 2027.
“This is a transformational investment in Dominica’s future, which will open new doors for tourism, trade, education, investment, and global connectivity. The project is progressing steadily and responsibly, providing employment for hundreds of Dominicans and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and opportunity for our young people.”
Skerrit said that he is acutely aware that development must be pursued responsibly and sustainably.
“We remain committed to protecting our natural environment while advancing projects that are essential to national progress. Development and environmental stewardship are not opposing forces; they must go hand in hand, and this Government will continue to ensure that they do.”
He also praised Dominicans residing in the diaspora, saying, “Your continued support, advocacy, and investment remain invaluable. You are, and will always be, an integral part of the Dominican family.”
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