As Dominica on Thursday celebrated its 38th anniversary of political independence from Great Britain, the United States says “especially proud” of the Caribbean island’s cooperation on the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.
“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Dominica as you celebrate the 38th anniversary of your nation’s independence on Nov. 3,” said United States, Secretary of State John Kerry in his Independence message.
“Our two countries share a long history of friendly and productive relations,” he added. “We collaborate on renewable energy, climate change, and regional security initiatives.
“Your country is one of the most beautiful in our hemisphere,” Kerry continued. “Your recovery over the past year from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Erika is an example of your resilience and strong sense of community.
“On this special day, I look forward to our continued partnership and offer my very best wishes for a healthy, happy and safe year to come,” he said.
In his Independence address, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said, as the country reflects over the past 38 years, “evidence abounds that we have toiled, faced many challenges, overcome many obstacles and never given up our vision of a truly free people, building a beautiful country that is unique and distinctly our own.
“Today, wherever you may be in the world, you can proudly say to yourself and to friends and associates, that you are Dominican, one of many strong and resilient people who, time and time again, have shown the capacity to overcome adversity by transforming it to opportunity,” Skerrit said.
He noted that the celebration of Independence “triggers a homecoming of relatives and friends on a scale that is not seen anywhere else in the Caribbean.”
He said that homecoming, which has also attracted many visitors, is “not only to reconnect with loved ones, but is akin to a pilgrimage intended to re-live and experience the very spirit and essence of what it means to be Dominican.
“The creole music, song, dance, cuisine and all the other cultural expressions which set us apart and define us as Dominicans, are all woven into what for all of us, is the celebration of Independence,” the prime minister said.
He said this is one of the happiest times on the calendar of events for which, he said, Dominica is “gaining an enviable reputation.”
