The Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, took to the podium on Saturday to assure bus drivers and others affected by the COVID-19 disease that their concerns have been heard.
The Prime Minister said that while other countries have put forth measures to be implemented nationally, many measures will have to be a collaborative effort among regional governments.
“This is not a time to rush to make decisions, not a time a time for us to react to any voices out there. Actions which we need to take to spur the economy, to stabilize the economy and to stimulate the economy will be certainly be properly looked at and analyzed so that once we present our final set of policies and programs and projects which we believe can stimulate the economy then we shall share it with the country.
In the meantime, the prime minister said that the Dominica Social Security has 12 million dollar a fund and he has approved 8 million to be available for persons who have lost their jobs. The Government will add 9.5 million to that 8 million as well.
Dominicans can also anticipate grants and loans for small businesses. Further information will be provided re application process and eligibility.
Public officers who enjoyed ‘double bubble’ after Hurricane Maria can be assured that their salaries will be paid in full at the end of this month as well as NEP workers. The Prime Minister remarked that the NEP program cost the Government about 3.8 million dollars monthly. The seniors allowance will continue to be paid and payments have been made for students overseas(although not in full). The Government will be moving ahead with housing and road projects which will continue to generate funds in the economy.Further, the prime minister said that while he understands the case of the bus drivers we are all in this together. He reminded them that they are a special group and will be considered just like the salons and nightclubs.
Mr. Skerrit says that his Government will take care of the people of Dominica like they have always done in the past.
