Leader of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit has issued a passionate plea to members of his party to “stay connected with the people” as that is a very important tool for governance.
Skerrit who was re-elected unopposed as leader of the party at their delegate’s conference in Vieille Case over the weekend, states that the Labour Party has always placed the people of Dominica at the center of its policies and our journey together, is far from over.
“As we look to the future, let us reflect on the challenges we have faced and the obstacles that we have overcome. Natural disasters have tested our resilience global economic shifts have challenged our developments and social issues have confronted our unity,” Skerrit said.
According to him, each time, through every storm they have “emerged stronger, more determined and more united as a party.”
“The Labour Party has been at the forefront of the strength always leading the way in rebuilding, restructuring, and reimagining a better Dominica for all. Comrades, we are at a pivotal moment, the world is changing and we must continue to evolve with it. Our vision for the future must be bold, strategic, and inclusive. We must continue to champion sustainable development ensuring that our natural resources are preserved for future generations while leveraging them for economic growth today. We must focus on empowering our youth giving them the tools for education and opportunities to lead the Dominica of tomorrow,” the DLP Leader stated.
“And, we must continue to build a society where no one is left behind and where every Dominican regardless of background or circumstance has the chance to strive and do well in our country.”
He told delegates and party faithful, that “their successes are not by accident, they are the result of hard work and dedication of each of you the faithful members and leaders of the Dominica Labour Party.”
“You have carried the torch, ensuring that the flame of progress, fairness, and equality burns bright in every corner of this island. It is through your tireless efforts, that we have been able to deliver on our promises to the people of Dominica,” the DLP Leader stated.
He continued, “This is not about the leader only, it’s about you working in the vineyard of Labour and doing the work of the party and the country.”
He warned that they cannot become complacent as a party, and the challenges ahead require new ideas, fresh energy, and continued dedication.
“We must strengthen our party at every level ensuring that we remain connected to the needs and aspirations of our people. We cannot be far removed from the people who we represent, because it’s the people who matter hence, we have to be connected to them at all material moments,” Skerrit remarked.
“We must remain transparent and accountable not just to ourselves, but to our citizens of this great nation and, most importantly, we must never lose sight of our core mission to serve the people, to serve the people and it must always be about the people and not ourselves as a party.”
He also issued a clarion call to the young men and women in the party. “You the young men and women (in this room today) I need to tell you that you are the future of the party, your ideas, passion, and your drive will shape the next chapter of the Labour Party story. We urge you to step forward, to take on leadership roles, and to be the change makers that the country and the party need.”
“I stand ready to support and guide you but, it is you who will carry this moment forward for years to come. So young people, step forward and ensure that the party’s legacy continues to help transform Dominica. Through the peaks and valleys, it has been your unwavering dedication and collective spirit that has propelled us forward. I want to thank every one of you for your sacrifice and shared vision and belief for Dominica that is rising in the face of the changing world,” he posited.
“You the supporters are the party and it is your work that encourages me as leader of the party and even when we vex you…when Labour calls you are the first to put on your red shirt and come out in defense of the party. The party must appreciate you and so we must make ourselves accessible to you at all times. Unity is important in everything that we do, we have built a country through unity and shared purpose and this has been the legacy of the DLP for the last 25 years,” Skerrit stated.
The Labour Party he stated stands unique, not only in the Caribbean but across the globe as one of the longest-serving governments dedicated to the service of its people.
He told them that there was no safety in this Caribbean from the impact of global change and climate change is contributing to rising prices so this is not a time for complacency or hesitancy it is a time for decisive action and collective resolve taking nothing and no one for granted. “We should never be ashamed in celebrating our successes because they are the achievement of hard work, we are a party of hard work we fix the problems and move on,” he said.