CARICOM Secretary-General Mr. Edwin Carrington welcomed the news of the appointment of the Hon. Roosevelt Skerritt as Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Mr. Skerritt, 31, was appointed on Thursday 8 January 2004 following the untimely passing two days earlier of the former Prime Minister the Hon. Pierre Charles.

Mr. Carrington said the youthful Mr. Skerritt could prove to be a role model for the youth of the Caribbean and bring a fresh perspective to the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community. He noted that despite his youth, Mr. Skerritt has had some experience as a member of cabinet over the past three years having served as both Minister of Youth and Sports and Minister of Education, which were extremely important portfolios.

The Secretary-General wished the new Prime Minister a successful term of office and looked forward to working closely with him.