Fellow Dominicans, at home and abroad,
As we celebrate the joy and sacred meaning of Christmas and prepare to welcome a New Year filled with promise, I extend warm greetings to every Dominican.
Christmas is a season that calls us to 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 who may be facing hardship. These values have always defined us as a people, and they continue to guide us as a nation.
As we reflect on the year now drawing to a close, we do so with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. 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.
This year, we took decisive action to protect working families and restore dignity to labour through the implementation of a revised minimum wage. This policy reflects our firm belief that no one who works hard should struggle to survive. We also acted to reduce the cost of living by removing VAT and customs duties on essential food items, putting real relief into the pockets of households across the country.
We 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. Across the island, new homes are being constructed, roads and bridges upgraded, schools modernised, and health services strengthened. These are tangible improvements that touch lives and build confidence in the future.
One of the most significant milestones this year has been the continued advancement of the International Airport Project. 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.
As Prime Minister, I am 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.
To our farmers, fisherfolk, public servants, healthcare workers, educators, police officers, entrepreneurs, and private-sector partners, thank you. Your dedication, resilience, and daily contributions form the backbone of our nation. To our diaspora, your continued support, advocacy, and investment remain invaluable. You are, and will always be, an integral part of the Dominican family.
I extend special appreciation to our young people. You are the custodians of our nation’s future. This Government remains committed to creating opportunities for you through education, skills training, entrepreneurship, and meaningful employment so that you can thrive right here at home.
As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with optimism and resolve. The coming 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.
On behalf of my family and the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I wish you a holy, peaceful and joyous Christmas, and a New Year filled with health, hope, prosperity, and God’s blessings.
May God continue to bless you, and may God bless the Commonwealth of Dominica.