(CARICOM Secretariat) As Dominica celebrates its 40th Anniversary as an independent nation on 3 November, CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has hailed the level and speed of recovery in the country, one year after the passage of Hurricane Maria.

In a congratulatory message to the Prime Minister of Dominica, the Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, the Secretary-General said the pace of recovery in the Nature Isle attests to his leadership and the resilience of the people of Dominica.

The theme of this year’s celebration, ‘My love, My home, My Dominica – Building a Resilient Nation,’ “is no doubt reflective of “his vision and the unwavering commitment of the people of Dominica to ensure the sustainable development of their country,” the message said.

“The commitment and drive in working towards the development of a climate resilient nation is supported and shared throughout the Community.  It is those characteristics which will ensure the country’s further progress as it builds on its achievements over the past 40 years in the economic, social, cultural and academic spheres, among others,” Secretary-General LaRocque told Dominica’s Prime Minister as he wished him and the people of the country continued prosperity.

The full text of the Message reads as follows:

Honourable Prime Minister:

“It is my distinct pleasure on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and on my own behalf to extend to you and to the Government and People of the Commonwealth of Dominica, heartfelt congratulations on the celebration of Dominica’s Fortieth Anniversary as an independent nation.

The theme of this year’s celebration “My love, My home, My Dominica – Building a Resilient Nation” is no doubt reflective of your vision and the unwavering commitment of the people of Dominica to ensure the sustainable development of their country. 

The level and speed of recovery in Dominica only one year after the passage of Hurricane Maria, which caused significant loss of life and damage to the country’s infrastructure and private property, is tangible proof of your leadership and the fact that Dominicans are resilient people.  The commitment and drive in working towards the development of a climate resilient nation is supported and shared throughout the Community. 

It is those characteristics which will ensure the country’s further progress as it builds on its achievements over the past 40 years in the economic, social, cultural and academic spheres, among others. 

Honourable Prime Minister, let me take this opportunity to extend to you and to the people of Dominica best wishes for the continued development and prosperity of your country as it proudly celebrates Forty Years of Independence.”