Fellow Citizens
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
2 Corinthians: 9:15
This Christmas season, I remind you of the importance of God’s ultimate gift to us in the form of his Son. Jesus Christ was given unto us as our Saviour. Because he lived, we are blessed with the privilege of repentance through the atonement. When we falter, stumble or are weak, we can take refuge in the grace and mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
In his embrace, we are assured peace and strength in times of trial.
2022 was another tough year. The prevailing economic difficulties threaten to deepen and further compromise our efforts to build a safe, secure society in which our people can thrive. We face mounting challenges associated with the impact of climate change on our vulnerable communities. Food and commodity prices continue to rise, exacerbated by the war in Europe.
Unforeseen expenditures due to COVID-19 and the effects of severe weather events have stymied many of our development programmes and curtailed spending power on key public goods and services.
Despite our challenges, we celebrate Christmas and look ahead to the New Year with a sense of optimism. Our hope is rooted in the experience of this Government, which I have the honour to lead, to steer us through trying times. Following my party’s general elections victory of December 6, 2022, we have combined experience with youthful fervor and purpose to effect meaningful change in the lives of all Dominicans, in every part of our beloved country.
The National Reset is underway with a renewed focus on people-centred development; effective, accountable public service; and the fostering of social partnerships. We have put structures in place to spur growth in entrepreneurship and small business, implement education reform and strengthen our fisheries sector to take advantage of opportunities in the blue economy.
Securing our people’s well-being and livelihoods and ensuring their comfort and dignity will always be a priority. We are pursuing policies which support the welfare of our seniors and provide our youth with the platform and means to build sound, promising futures.
2023 presents a gift of learning, growth and hope. Let us commit to the principles of unity and cooperation in the pursuit of the security and stability of our people and country. The progress and prosperity we seek can be achieved through collaboration and harmonious action. In this season and thereafter, let us embody God’s goodness, defined by compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience with our fellow men.
On behalf of the Government of Dominica and from my family to yours- Malik, Dimitry, Isabella and Melissa-I wish you a peaceful and merry Christmas.
May God continue to bless us all.