Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has called on residents of Marigot to set aside differences and make full use of the opportunities and resources available to them, warning that no community should exclude itself from the country's development.
Speaking to residents in the north-eastern village, Skerrit said every Dominican has a right to the opportunities the country offers, and that contention or disagreement should not become a reason for any individual or community to step away from government programmes and national life.
The Prime Minister's message was directed at residents of Marigot, a community in the north of the island that has seen significant public investment in recent years, including work on the road network and other infrastructure. His comments come as the government continues to promote a range of programmes in areas such as housing, agriculture, small business support, education and skills training.
According to Skerrit, residents must avail themselves of the resources the government provides, regardless of any differences that may exist. He stressed that the opportunities are intended for all Dominicans, and that withdrawing from them only serves to disadvantage the very people who stand to benefit.
The Prime Minister's appeal reflects a recurring theme in his public engagements: that national development should reach every parish and village, from Roseau to Portsmouth and into communities such as Marigot. He has consistently argued that citizens should engage with state institutions and programmes rather than allow political or personal disputes to keep them on the sidelines.
For Marigot and surrounding communities, the message carries practical weight. Government initiatives in housing, farm support, fisheries assistance and small enterprise development are accessed through official channels, and residents who opt out may miss out on support that could improve their livelihoods.
Skerrit's remarks also underline the government's position that unity and participation are central to Dominica's progress. He has often said that the country's small size makes it essential for citizens to work together, and that division only slows the pace of development.
The Prime Minister did not specify which differences he was referring to, but his comments were framed as a general encouragement to residents to remain engaged with national programmes and to see themselves as full participants in the country's future.
His visit to Marigot is part of a broader pattern of community engagement by the government, in which ministers and officials travel across the island to explain policies, listen to concerns and encourage uptake of state services. Such visits are often used to highlight local projects and to remind residents of the support available to them.
For residents, the Prime Minister's advice was straightforward: do not exclude yourselves. The opportunities exist, and they are meant to be used. The challenge now, he suggested, is for Marigot and other communities to take hold of them.
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