Roosevelt Skerrit

Following today's announcement regarding the resignation of the Honourable Miriam Blanchard as the Parliamentary Representative for Roseau North, I wish to express the deepest sentiments of a grateful government and nation for her extraordinary years of service.

As I reflect, I look back with immense gratitude on Miriam’s decision to answer the call to enter public life, choosing to raise her hand and be counted when the country needed selfless service. For nearly ten years, Miriam served the people of Dominica in Cabinet with distinction — leading the reconstruction of our country's infrastructure after Tropical Storm Erika, guiding our planning and economic development and championing our workers, our public servants and our small businesses. Throughout this journey, even as the inherent fragilities of life and health became apparent, her perseverance never wavered. Miriam gave of herself entirely to the advancement of our people, and it is now time that we, as a grateful country, do the same for her. It is our turn to lift her up, to wrap her in our collective support and to hold her up continuously in prayer.

The people of Roseau North have known her not only as a Minister, but as a tireless advocate who made sure their community shared fully in Dominica's progress. As she steps away to focus fully on making a complete recovery, I pray that the same remarkable resilience which she brought to the service of our country continues to hold her in good strain, bringing her comfort and renewed strength during this season of healing.

I want to assure the residents of Roseau North that your interests will continue to be served without interruption, and that a by-election will be held within the period prescribed by our Constitution. The work continues.

Miriam, your legacy is securely written into the progress of our nation. As you face this next chapter, please be reassured that the Government and the Dominica Labour Party will continue to stand by your side, supporting you and your family in every way possible.

The NEW Goodwill Secondary School is on course for completion in November 2026.

The facility will serve as a Centre of Excellence for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), providing students with access to modern learning spaces and the knowledge and practical skills needed to drive Dominica's development.

I visited the site earlier this week to see the progress firsthand and was pleased with the pace and quality of the work underway.

This morning's press conference highlighted continued progress on the International Airport, the commissioning of our geothermal power plant, a $70.2 million climate resilience investment under DOMCREP, preparations for the 2026/27 National Budget, new measures to strengthen the Citizenship by Investment Programme, hurricane season readiness and significant milestones in our health sector - including Dominica's first locally performed brain tumour surgery.

See the key points below and watch the full press conference on my page.

Greetings,

As part of our commitment to keeping you informed on matters of national importance, I invite you to join me for a press conference tomorrow.

Please tune in and stay connected to the work of your Government.

Consultations ahead of the 2026/2027 National Budget concluded this week with engagements in Roseau and Portsmouth.

The sessions provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share their perspectives and priorities as Government continues preparations for the upcoming budget.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the discussions.

Innovation. Creativity. Skills in Action!

I encourage you to support the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Showcase 2026, happening tomorrow, Friday, June 5, and see the talent, creativity and practical skills of our young people.

Agriculture, culinary arts, woodwork, garment production and more! This showcase will highlight the importance of skills training in building a stronger future workforce.

Come out and support our students!

📍 Government Headquarters
🕙 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

I convened a meeting of the National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO) today to review preparedness efforts and assess readiness at the start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

We are strengthening coordination among key departments and agencies to ensure the country remains prepared for potential impacts throughout the season.