Government Information Service

by Emmanuel H. Joseph
Government Information Service

Hon. Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit and China’s Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency Deng Boqing, on Tuesday, 1st September, 2009 signed a framework agreement on the provision of a concessional loan between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Dominica from the Export/Import Bank of China at the conference room, Ministry of Finance and Social Security.

According to Prime Minister Skerrit, the agreement allows Government to access not more than forty million US dollars (USD$40 000 000.00) for the undertaking of four projects in the Roseau area.

“This framework agreement allows the Government to finalise the discussions with the Export/Import Bank of China for a loan not exceeding US forty million dollars (USD$40 000 000.00) to undertake four (4) main projects in the Roseau area. These are the construction and expansion of the Dominica State College, the construction of new facilities to house the offices of the Electoral Commission, rehabilitation of major roads in Roseau including Independence Street, Great George Street, King George V Street and Hannover Street and housing development for the residents of Roseau.

The loan agreement will be finalised once the negotiations are complete and will pave the way for the implementation of the projects shortly thereafter.”

Ambassador Boqing said that he is of the opinion that the projects will improve the reputation of Dominica.

“I believe that these projects will improve Dominican educational facilities and reputation. Dominican people, especially Dominican students, will definitely benefit from these projects and will further enhance their friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”

In the meantime, the Honourable Minister for Economic Development and Urban Renewal, Julius Timothy, believes that these projects will help define the city of Roseau and will bring to prominence a landmark that further accentuates the sovereignty of Dominica.

“The impact of urban renewal is immense in projecting and stimulating social and economic growth. The capital city is the pulse of the nation. It is our gateway to the world, a key reception point for international relations and the center of administration.

Every great city has its landmark and places of interest. These help define the place and the people. The rehabilitation and expansion of the State House under this project will highlight the importance we place on recognising our sovereignty and will emerge as a symbol of national pride. The expansion and modernisation of the Dominica State College is critical for national development. Education is the main platform for the development of the country. Therefore, we, as a Government and the people of Dominica must thank the People’s Republic of China for making financing available at this critical time in our development.”

Dominica established diplomatic relations in  2004 with the People’s Republic of China with a view to developing friendly relations and economic and technical cooperation between the two countries. This relationship has blossomed and has been beneficial to the Government and People of Dominica. Some of the major benefits derived from this relationship include the completion of the two phases of the Dominica Grammar and the construction of the Windsor Park Stadium which recently staged One Day Cricket Internationals. Preparations for the west coast road project are well advanced and construction is expected to begin later this year.