Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced his government’s intention to seek parliamentary approval for a loan from the National Bank of Dominica to finance the implementation of electoral reform. The Prime Minister will present his request to Parliament at its upcoming session on Monday, May 19.
In March, the Dominica Parliament passed three key pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral process, including the Registration of Electors Act, which mandates voter confirmation within a designated 12-month period. However, Prime Minister Skerrit acknowledged that implementing these reforms would be costly and emphasized the need for secured funding.
“I want to ensure that the Electoral Commission has all of the money upfront so nobody says that they don’t have the money,” Skerrit stated, during the ‘Government in 5’ radio programme. “The Minister of Finance has started discussing the issue of the loan, and I’m hoping we can go to Parliament on May 19 to contract this loan and transfer the money in one scoop to the Electoral Commission.”
The Prime Minister stressed that this financial commitment would ensure transparency and accountability. “Nobody can accuse me or the government and say, well, they don’t have the money and the money doesn’t come yet,” he stated.
Once approved, the funds will allow the Electoral Commission to cover staffing, confirmation officers, rent, and necessary equipment. Skerrit mentioned that discussions are underway with a European firm to provide electoral technology.
Beyond electoral reform, the government will also seek approval for a separate loan from the World Bank to support the relocation of residents from vulnerable areas, including Petite Soufrière, San Sauveur, and Campbell. The relocation efforts will ensure safer living conditions and economic stability for affected communities.
“A portion of the funds will also be used to pay off private sector service providers and contractors to stimulate economic circulation,” Skerrit explained.
