You got it. Heat. Heat. Isel Scarat, members of cabinet, the financial secretary, other permanent secretaries, senior officials of the office of the prime minister. I see we also have with us Miss Paul from the Salsbury Constituency. Welcome members of the media, those of you tuned in via various broadcast and online media. Thank you for joining us and welcome to another of our press conferences hosted by the Honorable Roosevelt Scarret, Prime Minister. As usual, we begin with opening remarks from the Prime Minister. Please welcome the Honorable Prime Minister, Roosevelt Scarret. Morning everybody. Let me um greet the members of the media um of my colleagues who are here as well, senior government officials, the leader of the opposition and of course to all those um listening via the live broadcast of this press conference. I want to say good morning to everyone. Uh let me first of all congratulate the new parliamentary representative for the Rosenoff constituency uh Miss Asha McDougall for her resounding victory in the bi-election of September 7, 2026. Uh she worked hard and I believe that she deserves that victory. Her responsibility now is to remain present, accessible, and focused on delivering for the people of the Rosenov constituency. She must also serve those who did not vote for her because representation must extend to every resident of the constituency. I want to assure the people of Rosenoff that the government will work closely with her to advance the development priorities of the Rosenoff constituency. We will review the immediate needs of the various communities and determine how best to address them within the resources available to the state. I thank our Labor team in the Rosenoff constituency and around the country for their dedicated work on the campaign over the past two months. I thank the other participants in in the race. I thank the electoral commission, the chief elections officer and the staff of the electoral office for the free and fair conduct of the first ever election with voter identification in the history of Dominica. Most of all, I thank the people of Rosenoff for entrusting us with the sacred duty of delivering on your interest in securing better lives for all the sons and daughters of our beloved country. This electoral victory is as much is is a much more consequential result than the 523 vote margin suggests. The central story is not that Labour dramatically expanded its vote. It is that more than half of the UWP's 2019 Rosenov vote disappeared from the ballot box. The final count reported by electoral office is 1,56 for Ashra McDougall, 983 for Danny Lugi, and 50 for Sherman Boston with 2595 ballot cast. Okay. >> Yeah. A few um ballots cast the because September by election the the last time both parties faced each other was in 2019 general elections. The 2019 official figures were UWP 2,134 and DLP 1,638. 2019 ULP 21 2 1 34 uh 2026 983 uh negative 1,151 voters with a negative 53.9% drop in the ULP's showing compared to 2019. In 2019, the DLP got 1,638 votes. In this election, the bi-election, the DLP got 1,56 votes. There may have been some slight alterations after the final count and was given in the preary results of the bi-election. Um, and of course, DLP had a a minus 142 votes or a negative 8.1% votes compared to 2019 general election. the UWP DLP margin, the UWP um plus 496 DLP plus um 523 um with a 1,19 vote swing in margin. Labor received 1,000 fewer votes in 2026 than in 2019. Yet, Labor went from losing by 496 in 2019 to winning by 523 in 2026. In other words, Labour won overwhelmingly because it its vote held up far better while the UDLP vote collapsed. The Europe Rosenoff vote collapse is is is is spectacular in fashion because supporters of disillusioned and disappointed with a party in disarray bogged down by internal disputes in fighting, disunityity, leadership incompetence, doubts about governmental readiness, organizational weaknesses, and growing uncertainty about the party's direction. supporters are confused about who is in charge of the UDLP. Is it Dr. Fountain whose first order of business in government will be to reduce the size and cost of public service which means sending home public servants? Is it the man who does not want the working people of Dominica to have more disposable income and is therefore protesting against the 10% flat tax on income that will further reduce the tax burden? Is it the man who has threatened to shut down the CBI program once he becomes prime minister with not a single word about replacing the more than half a billion dollars it brings into the Treasury every year? Or is it the yet to be first time voter Gregor Nassiff who leads his independent opposition group but is controlling Thompson Fountain's ULP team who has advised them to set aside their 10pillar economic plan beating up UDLP's promises of higher wages and fighting to prevent the UDLP political leader from killing the CBI. or is it the ULP leader dancing to the drum bit of of all person the UP leader whichever whoever is in charge the confusion is real and UP supporters are not amused UDLP turned a constituency bi-election into a referendum on 26 years of Roosevelt scarit and a DLP but the UDLP's 26 year and nothing to show argument failed and it was unable to convince the people of Rosenoff that a UWP government would make their lives better. UP lost credibility in telling people who have lived under a government for 26 years that nothing has been done. Rosenov voters, even those who complained about unemployment, roads, cost of living, governance or CBI, compared the criticism with their relieved experience and concluded that saying absolutely nothing has been done is simply untrue. WP portrayed Rosenoff as a tip of the spear against Scarit and Labor. Their proposition was to use Rosen enough to begin bringing down Scarit. Our proposition was to elect Ashdoga, the first choice of the UDLP ahead of Danny Lug to represent Rosenoff and deliver for the constituency. UDLP spent more than a year recklessly trashing the electoral reform process, the new electoral laws, the electoral commission, and the electoral office as unfit for purpose. In so doing, they actively discouraged their supporters from confirming their registration by distancing themselves from exercising their right to vote. On the evidence of this week's bi-election, hundreds of voters in Rosenov obliged. The DLP kept roughly 90% of its 2019 vote. The ULP kept only 46% of its 2019 vote. And that occurred despite UW protesting contesting rather with the same candidate who won the constituency in 2019 and despite framing the election as a major opportunity to repudiate a government for 26 years in office, the DLP emerged. And as I intimated on Monday, we see this victory in Rosenoff as a clear instruction from the people of Dominica to continue working to listen more closely and to deliver with greater urgency. For the Dominican party, it is a renewed vote of confidence in our vision for the country and in our commitment to improving the lives of the people of Dominica. We're not saying things are perfect. Nothing will ever be perfect. We're not saying that there are many things which need to be done. We are contesting that. But we also understand that confidence must be earned every day through honest leadership, effective representation, and visible results in our communities. We therefore accept this victory with humility and a deep sense of responsibility. will continue to strengthen our economy, create opportunities for our young people, expand access to housing, improve health care and education, and provide greater support to families, farmers, small businesses, and the most vulnerable among us. Elections will come and go, but the task of building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Dominica must remain our shared national purpose. In respect to the budget which was just passed, the 1.2 billion 2026 2027 national budget was presented last month. But that was not the end of the conversation. The budget presentation was part of a wider national discussion on how we make life more affordable and create great opportunities for the Dominican people and to ensure that people can make more money. Over the coming weeks, the government will continue consultations on several of the key measures announced in the budget. We want to hear from the workers, business owners, farmers, young people, community organizations and citizens across the country. This Thursday, we take our discussion to Sansover in the Casabus constituency and we invite all residents to engage with us. Among other measures, the discussions are focused on introduction of the 10% flat personal income tax rate from January 1, 2027. the removal of the tax compounding at the port from October 1, 2026 and a new 13.5 million credit facility for micro small 19 million credit facility for micro small and medium-siz businesses at the aid bank. The consultations allow us to explain how these measures will work, listen to the concerns and recommendations of the public and ensure that the implementation arrangements are practical and effective. We also want to hear directly from families about the cost of living pressures they are experiencing. That feedback will help us assess whether the relief measures are reaching the people whom they are intended. We'll also meet with stakeholders to discuss other measures announced in the budget. These include support for the creative industries uh the orange economy, continued investments in agriculture and tourism and new support services for persons with disabilities. I believe that the public has every right to ask questions, monitor progress, and hold the government accountable for what was announced. We welcome that engagement, and we will provide regular updates on implementation and make adjustments where necessary. This budget belongs to the people. We therefore invite all Dominicans to participate in the consultations, share your views, and help us turn the measures announced into meaningful improvements in your daily lives. In respect to housing, as you may have noticed, the government is continuing its housing program across the country with more families expected to receive keys to new homes in the coming weeks. Last Friday, 11 families received homes at Kanefield East. These units form part of 215 homes and apartments scheduled to be handed over in nine communities. Our housing policy is based on a simple principle. Every Dominican deserves the opportunity to live in a safe and secure home regardless of income or circumstance. We have therefore made it a priority to assist families living in difficult conditions, single parent households, senior citizens, persons affected by disasters and other vulnerable citizens who may be unable to meet their housing needs on their own. As a matter of fact, I was watching Prime Minister's questions in the UK Parliament and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom spent a significant amount of his time um speaking to the housing needs of the United Kingdom and the residents and indicating that his Labor government will continue to ensure that they advance the housing um program in United Kingdom because if they do not, there will be several millions of families amilies who will be made homeless in United Kingdom and so it's a major priority for governments across the world. Um the Kanefield East handover was another step in advancing the commitment we have to Dominican people. Over the coming weeks more families across Dominica will receive keys while we work while while work continues on other housing developments, home repairs and various other forms of housing assistance. You'll be in We'll be in Woodford on Friday afternoon. Is it 16 homes, Brent? 16 >> 16 three-bedroom homes will be handed over uh to residents of Woodford and I'm so happy for them there. We recognize that the demands that the demand remains uh significant and that many families are still waiting for support. No one will be left behind. As resources become available, we'll continue to respond in a fair and systematic manner. Uh ensuring that assistance reaches those with the greatest need. We are proud of our housing program. It is about giving families greater stability, creating safer living conditions, and ensuring that more Dominicans share in the country's progress. Despite the criticisms, we will continue to press ahead because we know the difference a safe and secure home can make in the lives of our people. I wish also to inform the public and in particular public officers and police officers that the government has approved a $10 million loan portfolio for the government housing loan board to un lend to those officers who earn $45,000 or less annually. And now turn to the state of our democracy. Let's let's let me deal with some questions that have surfaced recently about the state of our democracy following the passage of the electoral reform laws in March of 2025. The notion that parliament approved the electoral bills knowing that the electoral commission was unready to implement their provisions is false and politically motivated. It has no bearing on the state of our democracy. I have publicly criticized the suspension of continuous voter registration by the electoral commission as an action without legal authority. The commission is an independent creature of the constitution. I do not direct the commission. It is not under my control. But I do not believe that the commission's error resulted in any compromise of our democracy. The delay in the availability of the voter ID card system was a clear example of administrative mishap which had absolutely no effect on the state of our democracy as alleged or at all. The 23 plus thousand confirmed and newly registered voters compared to more than 40,000 who voted in 2019 is largely the result of opposition party leaders relentlessly criticizing the confirmation process and literally instructing their supporters during the first 10 months of the confirmation process. process not to confirm. The opposition has a democ democratic right to speak and advise its supporters freely. Supporters of the opposition have the democratic right to accept or reject the advice of the leader. Either way, it is well within our it is well in our democracy. All around the world, parliaments routinely amend legislation in the course of implementation because in practice in practice matters arise that could not have been anticipated while the law was being written in the first place. It is ludicrous to suggest the amendment to our electoral laws on the 7th of last month indicates that they were not ready for implementation and therefore represent a blight on the state of our democracy. This is totally mischievous and and and and unfair. Um and it is our view that the elections could have gone ahead without the amendment but the electoral commission wanted to remove any doubt and and to ensure that that um it clarifies the law to the tea. So it sought the government's um efforts to taking the matter to parliament. So we could have had elections without the amendment but they they felt that it was important to to remove that that that suspicion of any misunderstanding or misrepresentation. So the spirious claim that what was supposed to be reform has instead become confusion, inefficiency and for many people voter suppression is a dangerously false narrative concocted by the leaders of the opposition parties to cast doubt on the integrity of electoral process. But the fact that such injurious statements to the public interest can be made so freely without let or hindrance is a clear indication of the health and strength of our democracy. They said that for these reasons the dem democratic process and free and fair elections for the entire country is what was at stake on September 7th. The response of Rosa and my extension of people of Dominica was loud and clear. Now let me deal with the Gregoron Nassiff letters. Finally, there is an impression being spread out there that I do not respect the citizens of this country who reach out to me on matters of concern. And I refer here specifically to correspondences in recent years from Gregor Nassive in respect of which he says he has received no response. I want to say to you that this is categorically untrue. Yeah. This morning I have several letters I wrote to Mr. Grego Nast in response to his letters. Now I can't respond to every letter someone writes to me but I respond to the substantive aspect of the letter and Mr. Nasty has written to me on several issues and I'll share with the media at some point those correspondent because I know they have not been made public um in the whole transparency process but let me say something on this people know me I'm a hard-hitting politician I don't speak much I take a lot of blows and I some when I speak once out of a hundred blows I get people have take offense to this stuff I I appreciate the right of any citizen in Dominica to criticize the government and the prime minister and the record will show that if people are speaking from their professional standpoint and they say so publicly whether it's through open letters or on Facebook or otherwise I don't challenge those people. I hear priests say things sometimes I don't like on the pullpit. I pastor say things I don't like trade unionist people business people ordinary folks and sometime I meet those people privately I meet a pastor privately I say bosman why you what nonsense is you talking on for because I know if I go and take on the pastor publicly I think that my voice carries some weight in the country and already churches have been constrained by attendance the last thing I want to do is to is to allow a church to lose members so I would Not I will not go and engage publicly. Mr. Nassiff has written several open letters to the prime minister. I will not respond to somebody publicly in an open letter. But Mr. Nassiff should tell you that I responded to him by WhatsApp. And in some of the letters where he felt that he had some points, I highlighted that to him in his WhatsApp message. And some areas where he thought that he was lacking understanding and knowledge of the processes and the laws. I drew that to his attention. But you've never heard me say publicly chastise him about his open letters. Okay. So Mr. Mr. Nassive has written to me about CBI program in which he's a beneficiary. He has written about concessions for his business concerns. He's written to me about the minimum wage among other things. And I have responded not to every single letter and not necessarily with the kind of replies Mr. Narf would want. And so he has not published my letters to him. But I have certainly responded most respectfully. It is not easy and sometimes it is impossible. But I do not I do my best even with the 100page letters. For example, Mr. Nars accuses me of not responding to his allegations that for seven years he has repeatedly documented that billions of dollars have been diverted away from our treasury to foreign firms. I respond to Mr. NASA on this and Mr. Nassf also knows because he was told so that the the letters of allegation because when you make an accusation it's an allegation until proven otherwise and there's a system in place for investigating those matters and I said to Mr. Nassive and others may have said to him that his allegations and the evidence that he has submitted have been forwarded to me from by me to the FI FIU for investigation. So I sent those things to FIU for investigation. There's another letter that he wrote to me about on CBI and of course many of them and I responded to him you know um on this on this which we have made available to him um and he's aware of of this thing and um it says here for example thank you for your full letter date is March 69 I have I have I have noted your opinion as discussed during our meeting which means I'm meeting I'm meeting The government of Dominica is aware of some of the non-compliance issues mentioned and has begun exploring ways of addressing the same with assist with regards to assistance to the hotel sector. You will recall during our meeting I instructed the financial secretary to leers with the ministry of tourism to assess the current situation in order to determine the nature of assistance which could be facilitated. Notwithstanding the government's current fiscal challenges we remain committed to supporting livelihoods and building a resilient and sustainable economy. In terms of the alien land tax, government has reviewed your request and has decided that it would not be prudent to revise the rates or grant concessions at this point in time. He was asking for the alien holding tax to be removed or revised downwards to facilitate his business. And I felt that people coming in Dominica must pay something. Only only Dominican should pay taxes pay something. just wanted to um there's another letter and it says thank you say always saying thanks you see how respectful I am you know thank you for your letter dated September 10 2023 the content of which has been noted your frank commentary and advice are and have been greatly appreciated hear me that's scary writing that and I write a letter myself you I wrote a letter myself along with other sources have contributed to the improvements made to the program particularly during the last 18 months. So there been consultations changes have been made to the program as you will appreciate the CBI program is being operated in an involving evolving environment. The government has therefore put in place systems to ensure continuous oversight and management of the CBI program and application for an effective regulatory framework with a view to maintaining the integrity and viability of the program. I am sure you are aware of some of the of some of the recent changes we have made to safeguard the integrity of the program including amendments to the legislation and procedures as well as revision to the structure and staffing of the CBI unit to increase operational efficiency. These reforms will significantly benefit the country. Moreover, the monitoring of the and of the administration of the program has been amplified considerably. We are committed to ensuring accountability and transparency within the program to the benefit of the Dominican people and all stakeholders. Once again, many thanks for um for your contribution. Together, we will continue to work towards a brighter future for the people of Dominica. Sincerely, Roosevelt. Mr. Mr. Nas wrote to me several letters about the minimum wage. One once in 2021 and once in 2025 already two 2025 letter with the recent minimum wage increase because he wasn't in support of the increase to $99. Then Mr. Nassif, I acknowledge receipt of your letter of December 3rd and thank you for outlining the concerns of GEMS holding limited regarding the recently implemented minimum wage adjustments. I say thank you again there. Let me let me first say that the government recognizes the important contribution GEMS continues to make to Dominica's tourism sector and to national employment. Your investment and your commitment to service excellence are well known and greatly appreciated. At the same time, the government has an obligation to ensure that workers across all sectors, especially those at the lowest income levels, receive wages that reflect today's cost of living and allow them to support their families with dignity. The minimum wage advisory board engaged in months of review including submissions from the hospitality sector and the DHT and the government acted on its recommendations with some slight modifications in keeping with that broader national responsibility. I note your concerns about the timeline. While adjustments can be challenging, the urgency of addressing longstanding wage stagnation required decisive action. Nevertheless, I have asked the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Tourism to meet sector stakeholders to ensure that any practical transition issues are addressed in a reasonable and responsible manner. The government values its partnership with the private sector and we remain committed to dialogue, but we are equally committed to ensuring that progress and prosperity are shared by the men and women whose labor sustains our hospitality and other industries. The government's objective is not merely to raise wages, but to raise standards, to encourage decent work, and to support a sustainable, competitive, and vibrant private sector. Thank you once again for engaging in this important national development initiative. I assure you that the government remains committed to consultation, fairness, and the continued growth of our economy and its employers. So I say thanks in in in twice in one letter. I nobody else does that but except Fral Scar and so on. People don't say thanks these days. And in in 2021 regards to the minimum wage again. I responded your letter your letter of July 13, 2021 entitled reference minimum wage increase has been reviewed received and reviewed with interest. The government of Dominica has for many years consulted with the private sector and the unions on the need for a minimum wage increase. Indeed, the discussion is almost 20 years old and has spanned three global financial meltdowns and a series of disasters including this unprecedented pandemic. That letter was written during the pandemic of all times. Consensus has therefore been reached on the rates which have been announced. This is very positive and as an unchallenged unanimous point of agreement between all parties. However, the main point of contestion gleaned from the letter is a timing of such an announcement. In previous consultations with both the DEF and the DIC and indeed a DHDA which is also reflected in your letter, the communication has been consistent. The majority or all of the employees across many of the major businesses such as yours indeed are set to be paid well above minimum wage. That was what was reported to us. During this difficult pandemic period, this government has instituted income support established at and administered through the DSS. This income support has rolled over through twice um the budgeted period and has helped hundreds of tourism workers to um to survive. At the same time, the cost of living, namely in the price of goods and services to consumers and thus employees at lowest levels has driven has risen sharply in recent months. As a government, we have to consider the broad broad number of impacts to society and in this case we have reached out to those who will be impacted most especially as the country opens up. The research backed up by the private sector feedback suggests that minimum wage enterprises are either soul trader shops or more importantly new business entrance on Ireland who will pay minimum wage rates at the mandatory level requirement for doing business on Ireland. This does not cover the majority of the private sector bodies on island. This government therefore has made the decision to start our economic reform process with the rise in the minimum wage not as a punitive measure but as a progressive one. At the same time, there has been an open door to all private sector bodies to present proposals towards both annual budgets and to income and tax reform. Government has indicated its commitment to refunding the aid bank facility as part of the economic support package for all private sector entities in particular those in the tourism and manufacturing designations. This will follow as part of the ongoing economic reform coming out of the most restrictive period of co 19 and its ongoing financial impact. In previous iterations of this of this same aid bank facility to provide financial support at concessionary rates, much of the relief has been snapped up quickly. This indicates that government has to be cognizant that equitable dispersement of the next wave of financial resources must complement what will be highly sought after financing support for the private sector on Ireland. And at that point I was referencing that there was one particular company that took about 50% of the monies that were put in there and I felt that was unfair to the rest of the private sector. We will we will we will in turn be announcing a number of follow-up measures and again are open to submissions which talk to viable and pragmatic opportunities for economic reform or growth of the economy. We also seek the urgent support of the entire private sector's voice in in the push to increase the numbers of vaccinated coverage of our citizenry given the repercussions for tourism industry and further normalized inward activity on the island. I have also written to the DHTA and I have no doubt they will share with you its contents. The government welcomes your feedback and at the same time is firm in its resolve to build a fairer society while assisting the private sector to recover postcoid9. There's much work to be done and we continue to welcome your contribution to national development. What you and everyone should also bear in mind is that the government has had to borrow significantly to offset a drop in revenue and a dramatic increase in its expenditure especially to manage and contain the spread of COVID 19 and to provide support to various other sectors of the economy. sincerely Roosevelt Sky and the letters can go on but I felt it important to make available to the public to see how I've been engaging. There are people who may not like me for one reason or the other. There are people who want to remove me from office and that's their right. They can try to take me out. It's okay. But let us if if we really have genuine concerns and we take it to the public, I believe it's only fair that we are transparent. We have full disclosure. We we we indicate our personal interests. We indicate the public's interest and we indicate what the government has said to us over a period of time. And I can say to the public that in all businessmen in Dominic, I have had more communication and engagements with Mr. Nassie on many issues, especially issues regarding his business. I have been to his businesses. I've been on Zoom meetings even co time promoting his business. um sell promoting his his um secret bay to investors across the world. I've done so. I was I was I was a star at his recently um launched um villas and I spoke there at at length and I stayed there. I walked in the the the I work all property promoting it. That was a few months ago. So what has changed? So he has accused me of of um and and giving pillion that I am dismissive of the private sector. But here is what Mr. Nasi said seven years ago and he made his position known on the CBI program and I quote, "It continues to astound me the numerous myths and fallacies that abound about the CBI program. And more astounding is how anyone could really take seriously an allegation that EC $1.2 billion could go quote unquote missing in an economy the size of ours. To serely engage in the nonsensical speculation of $1.2 $2 billion missing is at best intellectual dishonesty and at worst intellectual incompetence. End of quote. That is what Mr. Nasu said a few years ago in an open letter. It's on social media. You can find it. Google it. The question I have to you is what more could I say in response to Mr. Nassiff? You understand? But I know that you have many questions for me today. Um I will end here and to allow you to ask me all the questions you want. Um and I promise you I I I will not I will not attack you. Thank you. All right. >> To the honorable prime minister for his comprehensive remarks. He's given us quite a bit to chew on. We will now open the floor for questions from the members of the media who are present for the next half hour or so. Thank you so much, Mr. John Baptist. You may proceed. >> That's right. >> We'll see. Prime Minister, can you please give us the latest update with the OECS delegation plans to visit Brussels to discuss the CBI issue? That's one. Number two, we are aware that uh Prime Minister Philip JP of St. Lucia addressed the issue regarding the ongoing impass with the cariccom secretary general. But given that the first contract of the employment ended August and we are now in September, does it mean that despite that she will continue to serve in spite of the opinion of the CCG? And number three for now, you did indicate that Rosen North MP elect Asha McDougall will be part of the cabinet. Does it mean that she will be given a ministerial portfolio? And in light of your revelation, can we expect a cabinet reshuffle? Um, in respect to your first questions, we we are coordinating that visit with the um with the European uh commission. Um, I'm I'm to have a telephone discussion with the prime minister and Barb um this afternoon uh so we can follow up on on this. But the the the plan was to have a meeting towards the end of September and we're hoping that um both sides can seek to keep um looking at it but we haven't pinned upon the date precise date yet but that was a discussion we had with the European Commission the president of the commission um on on this matter um and of course on on this issue I I I want to publicly thank the European Commission um they have been very respectful I must say and I believe that they understand and appreciate the importance of the CBI program to our economies. So, they're very clear on this. Um obviously they have certain concerns and we will continue to sit down with them towards addressing those concerns but I think so far it has been a very um it was profoundly mutually respectful and um and and and the European Union is very um understanding and appreciative of of the importance of the program to us and and and so they approaching it in that in from that perspective and we're very grateful to them for that. regards to the matter of the secretary general kiccom. Um if my memory is ser right the my our decision at at cariccom was that the matter that that should go to the CTJ is not whether she should be the secretary general. It is whether the process the procedure was followed um in accordance with the with the um revised treaty of Shagaravas. So it's it is more of an interpretation of the process. Um and and we all felt that um in deference to the concerns raised by the prime minister of Tran Tobago that we needed to to to clarify this matter um so that the the CCJ would give us a an advisory on this. It it is not a it is not a decision of the CCJ but an advisory. Courts do that. So it's not a it's an adjudication but telling you this is how the process will follow so that going forward um we all know that this is the process to follow in respect to the um appointment of the secretary general. So the secretary general will continue um but the court will will examine um the the um process. This is why we agreed at the heads that we wouldn't have different lawyers representing different people that one lawyer would one lawyer will be engaged and the senior council from St. Lucia has been engaged on this who will get the submissions from all parties and he will go before the CCJ to prevent present the submissions from all parties. Okay. So one person will represent all of the issues. Um yeah because it's not really arguments back and forth is this is what was done to appoint the secretary general. This is the settled practice. Um Trinidad will have his own submission and then he will take that and present it and then the judges will make a determination on on what is the best process to follow. Um regards to to um Rosenoff and and the my announcement about the cabinet position obviously in in due time um those details will be u made public. Okay. Yeah, >> sir. Good morning to you. I have two questions in this round. In recent days, you have uh stated that an investor will be here to basically build a new cruise village at a cost of $75 million US. Can you tell us who is that investor and when is construction expected to begin? My other question with the third country nationals from the US St. Lucia in recent time that they are going to accept third country nationals from the United States. In fact, they were saying last week they would have accepted third country nationals from the US under that arrangement with Caribbean islands. Has Dominica completed an agreement with these third country nationals? Thank you. Um the first question there there are two firms that are showing interest in in um investing in our cruise um ports um global ports and also ABL and we have decided to advance discussions with ABL um on on this investment in the in the port facilities. We have not finalized the agreement as I said but I'm hoping that in next few weeks or so we'll finalize the agreement on this to move forward. This is going to be um direct foreign investments is not CBI related. Um neither would those funds come from the any bank in Dominica and neither is government expected to put in any monies into the capital investments of of the port. So so we look forward to to finalizing those those negotiations. In respect to the third country nationals, um we have concluded all arrangements with the United States. Um the United States sent us a first list of people um and we did not accept those names and they subsequently sent us a second list of of um people to choose from. Normally they give you a list to choose from. and we selected five people um they all five Colombians um and um they came into Dominica and they've all left um and and and returned to Colombia. So there were five Colombians who came in and quick quick time they left Dominica and they went to Colombia and it it was very fast. Um and um so we at present we have no third country nationals in Dominica. Um we have engaged the M to manage on our behalf. The United States government gave um a sum of funds to provide for those individuals. Um they were placed at the hotel and they were fed and they were taken care of. They went shopping at the shops in Dominica. They went to the barber shop and got the haircuts and so on. Um and they all decided um to go to return to the home country of Colombia. Um once they arrived, we we we made that offer to them of whether they they intend to go to back to the country and they all indicated that they were willing to go back to country. Tickets were purchased and they all facilitated out of Dominica. Um and and I and I I want to say too that even in this agreement I mean the United States has been um pragmatic on this. They said they sent us a first list and we felt that um one there are some people wouldn't would not accept and secondly wanted more information on those persons at the time. They could not they could not provide to us additional information. Um and they sent us a second list and all that list um with the information that we we needed um and um and they all went away. None of the people who none of the five people I believe there was one minor but none none of the five people had any criminal um records. Um they were I guess they were just people trying to make a better living in the United States and um they found themselves in difficulties and had to be um sent out. But um but but none of them had any criminal records or something. Um they never gave any issues. They they landed here, went transported, hotel, moved around, they went bathing in the sea, you know, in the pool, you know. Um um you know I I believe that we have we have a duty to humanity you know and there are so many Dominicans who live in people's countries that um we we so we see it beyond just a foot country national issue and a bilateral arrangement between ourselves and United States uh we have a a higher philosophical view on on humanity and the right for everybody to to survive and to um be regarded, you know. Yeah. >> For your comment, let me just ask a followup. Mr. Prime Minister, would Dominica expected in the future to accept more more of these uh third country nationals? >> Yes sir. Yes. We we have an agreement United States, I believe, where we have agreed every quarter to accept five or seven. Don't hold me to you but between five and seven either five or seven but certain number more than that um every quarter. So we received the first five um and I'm sure that if the need arises from the United States standpoint, they will make another request to us and we will examine that request based on the agreement that we have in the United States. Um and the conditions under which those persons will be accepted into Dominica. Um and both sides have been respectful to each other on on on that. I must say I make that point public. Okay, Prime Minister, during the 2026 202 27 budget presentation, your government decided to increase the payment on gun license fees. However, we have since been informed that presently this item is now under review. Can you please give a status update on this matter and why the sudden change? one. >> My next question is the voter confirmation process is quickly coming to an end. That process can also be extended as I understand it. If a request is made by the electoral commission if such a request is made, would you answer in the affirmative? If your answer, if you can indicate why and if you can also indicate why if you go the other way and uh my next question is any updates talks with the British government as it relates to the removal of the visa. Thank you. >> Yeah, thank you. Um on the issue of the gun licenses, um it it's it's it wasn't necess this wasn't necessarily a revenue measure because you don't get any significant revenue from it. I think it will signal to the country that everyone has to play their part in the security and the welfare and wellbeing of the country. And if the state gives you the privilege of carrying a firearm that there's a certain responsibility and contribution that you must make yourself towards national security is just not having thing on your side there and okay you have a gun. Um but obviously in part in the process of consultation this is why we having this postbudget consultations and listening to the people so they can draw to attention the practicality of some of our measures um some of the challenges that we may experience in implementing some of our measures and we take note of those concerns. Um and and and this this has been the hallmark of this part in government that um we're not indifferent to differing views. Um and if we make a decision that we need to give some reconsideration to then we're prepared to do so. Um and what we have agreed in the cabinet um is that um we may need to have a more comprehensive engagement with the gun license holders on reform of gun licenses and and um um and firearm licenses sorry in the country because there are a number of recommendations that have that have been made available to us by some of the major um suppliers of of firearms, legal firearms in the country and and they're very interesting recommendations including suggesting that there are some fees that we may want to look at that were not considered because we only looking at just the um the firearm license but they recommend many recommendations and if you even the issue of safety and ensuring that this idea this notion of of of of giving somebody a firearm that there must be proper regulations um on on safety keeping etc and and So all of these things need to be strengthened. So what we have agreed to do is to put a suspension on the implementation of that increase um and then have stakeholder consultations and I believe maybe next week we'll have a first meeting with um the stakeholders so that we can elicit from them additional suggestions that they have been making to us privately and I want to thank publicly um people like um um Mr. Mr. Ferrell, former police officer um and um and Kimo Astan who reached out to me several times and um and Mr. Antoine from from Pit Savan living at Bel Vishop. Um and the many other people the police welfare association wrote to me and I note I noted their concerns because there several police officers as you know the law doesn't allow a police officer to go home with a government firearm and many of them have their private firearm licenses and and and it would impact many police officers. So we've taken all those points into consideration. You understand? um which tells you kai clearly that this is a government that listens and and and respects people's divergent views um on all issue. Okay. Um the issue of voter confirmation the law provides that the confirmation period shall be 12 months um and a possibility of a 3-month extension. I am not part of the electoral commission and I do not want to preempt what the advice will be if any but I believe that one would have to take into consideration um whether um there had been a rush to the centers and people have not been able to get confirmed because they were there for too long. You'll have to look at the numbers per day for confirmation and to see whether um um the numbers would justify it because you also have to look at the cost of it and it's been a significant cost to the treasury even outside of the monies that we gave to the to the um commission there many other expenses that we had to incur um and and so forth and um we make all of the monies available to the commission whenever they ask for machines for Example, I'll tell you. They asked for three machines. I told them, "No, we'll buy 10." I don't want to have nothing to say. Well, two dong and one not working. No. So, we bought 10 and make sure you have all printing with extra story. Better you have more than than than not enough. So, we've gone beyond that. You understand? But they'll have to make a a proper case one way or the other. Um but from where I sit um if you ask me as a citizen of the country and looking at what the commission um publishes um I am not aware that um there's been a clamoring at the polling stations and all of these unfortunate open letters and all of these advice not to confirm and questioning the process. Uh all these things have not helped and I did tell Mr. and asked if that his letters are not helping the public in confirmation. What we need to do as citizens is all of us should encourage people to go and confirm. Yes, there may be issues as we go along. We'll address the issues but to want to set aside all of his years of consultation, all of those years of acrimony and fighting for electoral reform, which in my view wasn't necessarily needed because I always warn your opposition that you'll ask for something that you do not want. Um, and it was We could have made some reforms, introduced photo vote ID cards rather than going through a cumbersome process, you understand? And we suggested that during the consultation, but um people never took those those suggestions into consideration. Um and um it it was left to us as civil society, trade unions, the private sector, political parties, NOS's as I said to Mr. by WhatsApp. That's what we should be doing. Should be encouraging people. We should be transporting people. Let's help people get their IDs and take people to the confirmation centers, witness for them. You know, this is the things that we should be doing. Encouraging people to to confirm so that people can protect their franchise, their right to vote. You understand? By not confirming and not wanting to register, um you you not going to be able to vote. You know, you're not going to vote and and is it is that's what we want to achieve. Do we want people not to be able to vote? So to come now and tell the people after you spend 10 and a half months telling them not to confirm writing all kind of letters encouraging dissuading people from essentially confirming Mr. Dr. fountain consistently saying we should not go and confirm. Now you want to tell we go and confirm. Now you want to beg people to confirm. But in psychology a term called conditioning. We have conditioned people's mind not to confirm. So to to uncondition it is going to take more than 10 months to unlearn something is is longer than to teach you somebody to learn something. You understand I'm saying? And this is what we did. We really did a these people did a very very um dangerous national thing. This this this open letters and this constant telling people do not confirm this huge national disservice. You understand? when the people who are some of the people who were who were up front now questioning the process and the and the electoral reform laws were never present in the in the in the in the consultation. Never present because that wasn't that wasn't interested them then never even voted in their lives Mr. Nassin has never voted 60 years but because he was going around trying to get independent candidate but you know reg you can't vote why you talking to me so he run he run and register because everybody he went to talk to as a candidate but he not registered to vote so he not going to register to vote for the national cause for personal cause you understand and and and it's unfortunate what it did uh what we did was that we encouraged people we facilitated people because at the end of the day it is not the responsibility of the commission to cause you to confirm. It is your responsibility as an individual and those who have influence over you whether through a political party, a church, trade union, NGO, civil society, private sector, influential people and if each of us were to take two people to confirm in our villages, our constituency and there are 100 of us, the numbers would increase. You understand? And um it's unfortunate what they've done. Um but I I from where I sit I do not believe that there is any sound argument that anyone can make to justify um putting additional financial burden on the treasury to extend the confirmation process. I I I I I would I would want to see what kind of arguments could be made and we can't use the argument about um there was a suspension of continuous registration. That's a separate issue. you see a separate issue and and and no one um no there's nobody in Rose enough who who was not registered um um when the suspension arose who who did not vote in that election they went on to they went on to register as soon as the registration process um was reopened I I I I I highlighted that point to the electoral commission publicly in the parliament that they had no legal authority to suspend But the question is how do you move forward? They open the registration and since then there has been continuous registration. So I think we sometimes we focus on issues that we believe can make our point rather than focusing on how we move forward. Okay. >> Just before you answer the my other question. >> Yeah. Go ahead. I want to follow because you went you said a lot and at the end you said you want them to >> you >> uh or you have not seen anything that will have you change in other words that whatever that would come you are saying that basically you are not inclined to answer in the affirmative >> what I'm saying the country >> is that >> is that >> whatever >> whatever arguments are going to be made to justify a position must be based on empirical data must be sound you understand I'm saying must be sound um so so it is left to them to make a case now after the remember you have two things taking place confirmation and confirmation is for those who are on the voting list to confirm their name on the voters so we can remain on the list of electors and you have regist registration new registration. So you have that but when 14th of October comes is not the end of the world you can you those those who are not confirmed can avail themselves to the regist reg registration process. So if Dr. Dr. Fountain, for example, I'm not sure if he has confirmed yet. I I don't think so, but we can cross check. The last time I check, he wasn't confirmed yet. If if when October 14, so what? Why hasn't Dr. Fountain confirmed? He hasn't confirmed yet because as I checked last time, he hasn't confirmed yet. Maybe he did it recently. So if he is not confirmed, he can go and get registered on the 15th or the 16th or December or January or March or April. You can register anytime. So we must not give people the impression that if they do not confirm then they take away their right to register and to be on the list of electors if they made the qualification to be a voter in Dominica. So they can they can continue but but but there are people who are deliberately focusing on confirmation on the 14 to advance a a very disingenuous argument and crusade and which is unfortunate. If we if we have intellectual capacity we must use it to to educate people not to confuse them. And and I think those persons are using it to confuse people to advance their cause, advance a selfish cause which is not right to the country. And that's why that's why I don't like and and that's why he spoke the way I spoke as the leader of the Labor Party. I'm speaking as prime minister. So I'm two different people sometimes. >> You should have said that. >> But I said that then. So I'm I mean as prime minister I'm prime minister now. But if you if I was there, I would be all in red and more fiery. Usually as prime minister, I'm calm. >> Next question. >> And next question. Yeah, we continue to engage the British government is is continuous. We we continue to engage the British government in the next um couple weeks or so. We will also formally appoint an envoy who will who will coordinate on Dominica's behalf both with the UK government and the and the EU government. So very soon we will make an announcement. >> Yes. Yes, Mr. >> Uh good morning Prime Minister. >> Morning. >> I know you earlier mentioned about the open letters from Mr. Nassiff. I'm not too sure if I missed it, but I know Mr. NAS also alleged that um some members of your security detail were present at a meeting at Fortune. I'm not too sure if you want to speak to that allegation. >> Thank you. >> In every in every um police service everywhere in the world, there's a there's a national security arm. Um, in the United Kingdom it's called M MI MI MI5 and MI6. In the United States it's called FBI and CIA and National Intelligence Unit um um unit or whatever we call it. Um in in France I can't remember the name but all agencies in the Caribbean is usually called Special Branch in the former British colonies. Special branch. I recall in 1999 I I I became um overtly involved in the political uh movement in Dominica. I was a lecturer at the state college or a public officer along with IM Nanton who was a public officer, Ian Douglas who was a public a public officer and um Ricky Broomand was a public officer and some others and we were we would meet every week and the special branch officers would pack the vehicle outside a private home um and monitor who was going in and was going out of the meeting because they had heard about us because we were becoming a force to be reckoned with within the political landscape down and um and there are times we would offer them um Sprite and coke and and bread and cheese. Um we respected because they were doing their duty. As a matter of fact, when Rosie became prime minister and we went to Ros's office, we actually found some of those reports, you understand, with our names on it. And I remember joking with Mr. James at some point and and um and um he all he told me he knew about us and so on but he very cordial exchange and so that has been the case since ei branch that whenever there's a publicly announced meeting um the special branch finds itself there to note any concerns um of national interest national security interest um Fortune Hotel is a public space. Um, anybody can go to Fortune Hotel and sit down there and have a drink or or loiter if they wish and if you have the the point has been made they never they never disturb the meeting. They were not inside this meeting. Um um as far as I understand it and just make it clear that I don't give instructions where to go and where to go. So there's a there's a there's a there's a move to say well scar it send them. No, I wasn't aware until I heard about the special branch, but I expect them to be there anyway because that's their duty. Um that's their duty to do so. And I think that we have to respect the police right to do this work and to maintain the national security and collect intelligence information and if there any threat to the national security of the country that the chief police must know and and and so forth. So to make it look like as as if well there's something new and unheard of in Dominica. Um um you can ask any any for police commission of police in Dominica they'll tell you that that and the meetings that they've gone to um if they're honest with themselves but this happens everywhere. Um, we have CIA officers come to Dominica and they talk to people and um, so all you know that's that's a really a non-issue but I think it it Mr. Nasty believe that is helping his cause to make it look like as if we we're an oppressive country and we don't want people to talk. I mean who in Jamaica cannot talk my friend. I mean it's much things man say about me I don't do nothing to them. I mean that's do the freest country in the world. People saying what they want. Public officers on political platform. People on social media saying what they want. Shoot scary kill scared family. Kidnap scary family. All kinds of things people say in Dominica. Nobody has been arrested for those things. You understand I'm saying? If you're in America, my friend, and you you see how Comey put some um shells on on the on the on the sand on a beach, and he you he's been charged. He has to answer to the to the to the to the courts. He's been charged by the DOJ for making subtle threats to the life of the president of the United States. Far more if you say you you you say explicitly if you to do something to harm the president of United States, any country in the world. You understand what I'm saying? So, so this this is this is a red herring to be honest with you. Um I think it's a non-issue and history will will know this. Um that all all police or all all governments in Dominica, Bahamas, Jamaica, wherever it is that they have a duty that if there's something being done that they they find out what it is and so that the CH police can put systems in place to protect the national security of our country. So so there's nothing on toward about this. is not he's not that not targeted solely at Mr. Nasty or anybody um at everybody. I told you of our experience in 20 in 2019. I mean I mean Ro Ros Rosie was followed not not only by Polish in Dominica but Polish overseas too because they felt he was a communist and they want and he was too influential in too many parts of the world and they were monitoring his his actions and people will do those things and nothing there that's not newsworthy to be honest if you Yeah. Okay. Any other questions please? Yes ma'am please. Prime Minister, there has been a growing public concern regarding gender based violence and intimate partner violence and my question is will you guys be considering increasing funding as well as facilitating communication between local agencies such as the lifeline helpline as well? Will there be another press conference by the police force to address public concerns and give an update on investigations? In respect to gender based violence, um the parliament will have comprehensively amended the laws of Dominica um to strengthen the hands of the state and state agencies uh to deal with gender- based violence. Um police officers were specially assigned to investigate those matters including um including um actions against children um and and parents as well. Um and of course we have restructured the the um welfare department and created the social services department to broaden the scope and his mandate and including additional staff and resources. Um so so the the legislative and administrative frameworks are there. The issue of gender based violence and so forth. My concern is that we must not wait for one an when an incident happens for us to speak about it and then when the when the impact subsides then we go back to our normal way. There has to be continuous education and I think those things also must be taught at the schools. You know schools must must must let our children know that they must be able to to to collaborate to cooperate and solve problems without resorting to violence. Um, and this is why I've been a I I've been a strong advocate for dramatic education reform in our country. But but the church also has a role to play in this thing. Um, and to and to and to speak to those things. Um, civil society, private sector. So, it's a societal issue and every voice matters um in that regard and it will be full hardy on our part in the country to look solely to the government to solve this problem. um government alone in as we know it will not be able to solve the problem. The government has a huge role to play as um as the one who normally takes matters to the parliament and for laws and for the good governance of the country and the resources that are required both human and otherwise uh to help with that situation. At the welfare department there are many systems in place to provide support uh to families. We rent homes for people who have to move away from homes, provide them with income support. Um, you know, if we rent a house for you, we outfit it with the amenities, the facilities, you know. So, so there are a number of things that, um, we do within the government system. But we really have to crank up on our continuous public education. Um, and um, those of us who have a voice, we must use it for those kinds of things on a continuous basis. But if we're going to wait for when something happens then we speak about it. Um it's not going to solve the problem. Uh I think we need to continuously speak about this and the need for us to be tolerant. We also have to pay attention to to our to the environment because you look at social media a lot of bullying taking place harassments you know all kinds of things are being done and said on social media. you see now that they they're curtailing the what can be placed on social media and so on. So it's it's a it's a I mean gender based violence has always been there. So it's not something that is has just arrived. It has always been there from time from time or eternity. I mean I mean you saw this situation K and Abel. So, so I mean um brother killing brother and and and and so there's always been this issue way back you know of of violence against each other and and I think continuous education and and and finding a way to institutionalize um that education that information is important that the workplace at the the schools at the community at the sports field uh all of these areas I believe that um we need that advocacy um on Can you speak to whe >> Well, well, I'm not sure whether I I see that's what I'm saying. I don't think a press conference. The only thing the police can do is to what I've said there is to urge people and to indicate that they investigate the matter and to and to advise who has been charged um for for this crime. But that's after the fact. You understand? What we have to do is proactive preemptive um education and sensitization so that so that we and when we see something we have to say it. Um you know too many times we allow things to to we appear to be indifferent in the society to when these things happen because somebody knows something's happening. Um and and when the ultimate thing happened which is murder um it's too late. You understand? and and so we all must be vigilant and we must all play our part in this and um and I believe from the government standpoint I've always said that we need to have more education um more public centralization we we the information must be more pervasive it must not only after something happen we say we it has be it has been in schools and we have to sessions for this thing we cannot only teach children how to pass CXE it's a dangerous thing and unfortunately We're doing too much of that these days in our education system. >> That seems to be my final three questions I'm told by the jura. Can you reveal Prime Minister who will take over as chief executive officer of the Dominica Air and Seaport Authority to replace the Mr. Ian Pinad, the deceased Ian Pinad. And while I'm on ports, um, the Marot fisheries complex was on course to become a port of entry. That was stated a few months ago. Can you bring us the very latest and does the government will do you continue to um intend to go ahead with the plans for a bottling plant in the Lubia area? And the Juba Amata has been rocking Dominica for some time. A lot of discussion on the Jubai Paul matter in uh in Portsmouth. The police have received some commendation as well as criticisms on what has happened so far. As prime minister, um can you comment on this matter? Thank you. >> Sure. Um in respect to the new CEO of Diaspora, Dominica and Port Authority, um the position was advertised. Um my understanding is that um the period for the receipt of applications has closed and um it is now left to the board of directors to examine those um applications to see who would have met the requirements and then have a short list and then proceed with interviews of those persons who would have been shortlisted uh for interviews. So that's entirely and of course they'll advise u the minister of tourism holding and advise me on on on who is the proposed candidate um for the for diaspora. Um our position is that we need to move a little faster on this and because of course we need to bring clarity in the leadership um at the port because this port is very important um there and then so we look forward to them to the to the two diaspora board of directors making a quick decision on that um fisheries complex and and um and operationalization of Maragot fishes complex or Maragot Bay rather as um a parliamentary Um we've had discussions, work is ongoing. I think um we now have to we need to finalize because we had some we had some push back and rightly so and respectfully so from the fishermanmen and I think that has been reconciled. So I think it's a matter for us to follow up and to to put in the facilities in place um to move forward on this. I I must say that um the local coordinator Mr. Brian L been doing a very good job on this and he's on top of the action there. I think now left for the government departments diaspora and others to to go in and to put those systems in place and to have the port operationalized. It's going to be a very important um economic opportunity um for Maragot and environments um all the way down to Kalibishi and the Kalago territory um to allow that port to become parliamentary and with the suggestion of the government that we turn the we turn the Douglas Charles airport into a dedicated car and and alternative sports center. Um, one can only appreciate that the boat's coming from Guadaloop, the ferry can come in there and people go across to to Maragot there and you turn the fire service into a guest house and somebody is managing this and you have restaurants and shops and and you have year round activities bringing people in. So from car show to bike race to other stuff and so on. um the Maratam um development committee and the and the event they normally have can be held there you know all all the amenities there and so it's it's huge opportunities then connecting all of the things the airport is just 10 minutes away the new airport international airport um so and so all of those things will work in in tandem of course the lease of lands in the area to farmers to to plant more um all of this complementing what you're seeking to do in in in bringing more economic activity uh to this part of the country. Um the issue of Jabaya Paul, you know, I had the opportunity to visit the home of the family to express my my my solidarity and condolences um to them. This is a difficult circumstance for the family. Um the police has done the investigations. Um uh all young people involved. It's unfortunate. Um and so we we stand in prayerful solidarity with the family of Jabio Paul. And also we stand in we we we also extend our solidarity to the family of those involved because I mean they too are victims in a sense you know um so um I can only imagine and appreciate the anguish of everybody involved um everybody involved. So, so as as prime minister, I have a duty to everyone. Um, and and and to ensure that we can give comfort to those who need the comfort. It's a very unfortunate circumstance and we just have to let the process um allow the process go through in accordance with the laws of the country and and let the other arm of the state um deal that issue. Okay. Yes. Yes. Mr. Prime Minister, you >> on the third country nationally, the Trump administration, you did indicate that a list was sent, a first was sent and after being it was reviewed, it was rejected, but you did not indicate reason or reasons for that being rejected. Can you expound on that please? to reiterate. Um yes. >> Yes. Um the first list um the names that we selected from the list we were not able to get um the information on those persons that we requested. Okay. Um and um and sometimes sometimes these names comes and and come sorry and then a decision has to be made almost immediately um because of the of the arrangements in United States. you know, um but they were very respectful and and and so they recognized that they did not have the information at the time that we requested. So they sent a second lease and um we we requested information on the five people we selected out of the list that they sent to us. um and they were able to provide the information on each of these five people and then we allow for the plane for those five people to be um to be sent to Dominica. Um and they they came in as I said and we able to have them facilitated back to your country the home country of Colombia. >> Okay. And and and finally I did ask on the issue of um Ash and I also asked on the cabinet reshuffle. You missed that part. So I'm doing some followup. You you missed that part. >> Thank you. You you you want me to give information I can't give now >> question. I I I I youly moved away from it. >> No I I mean there will be changes there will be changes so there'll be changes but I am not in a position to tell you any specifics or you ask me regards to to Ashma which portfolio I'll give or something like that no >> something to that effect. >> Yeah. Um but but um but yes um some some minor changes there. as question. >> That's okay. >> So, Prime Minister, you've said that um the next government, the next cabinet after the elections, we should see a cabinet of national unity. Can you explain further? That's after the election is called. >> Well, my view my view is look I I have I personally have no axis to grind. I I I came into politics to represent my constituents. I couldn't say no to them after deep reflection and second day I wanted Rosie to be prime minister of the country. So I played my part in in ensuring that Rosie Logos became the prime minister of Dominico. Um because we shared the same philosophical and ideical views on on on on maybe everything, you know. Um and so I have no axe to grind. I I I um and I believe that our country is too small and the world has the world is pregnant with challenges and and therefore it's important for us to have a consolidation of of the intellectual capacities of the country for the greater good of the country. So once somebody is prepared to put Dominica first, not self first but Dominica first, you can you can work with us. We can work with you. Um irrespective of who you are and irrespective of where you were yesterday. Uh because for me not where you were yesterday, where you today and where you want to be tomorrow. And so we're prepared to to engage anybody. And if you look at the practice I have engaged in my time as the leader of the party, you have seen many people have joined the Labor party who were extremely opposed to us and and virulently opposed to us and we're able to engage them. And so we and we we do not we do not claim that we have a monopoly of ideas within Labor Party. um or not do we know all of what Dominica needs or wants or we should do. So no um we we believe in engaging people and utilizing uh people's skills and talents um for the greater good of the country. Um this is not this this job is not my home you know I'm just holding it for some time. Um and um but at the end of the day there'll be a country called Dominica whether I am prime minister, somebody else is prime minister. That in my mind is inconsequential. Um I believe that um what is important is um that we work together. Now you have to decide on a choice because the reality is and I and I say so with the greatest sense of sincerity and humility that the Labor Party as it is now in the context of politics in Dominica and governance in Dominica is the only serious organization political organization is the only organized political organization is the only political organization that has uh that has defined leadership roles and functions and the only political party that that has articulated a clear vision for the country and a path for the country. And this is the this is the this is the governmental party that has done more to transform the lives of Dominican people and the and the and the and the um landscape of Dominica. There there's there's no question about it. And we're not not saying so to boast. We're saying so stating a fact. And so instead of trying to fight us, I think it'd be better to join us and bring to the table your divergent views and let us have an argument and then move based on consensus because we move based on consensus within Labor Party. People will be surprised that the things that the government the decision the government may take I I don't support. But if I feel that there is a consensus on a particular position, I'll go ahead with it and I'll be the strong first defender of the position if it become a topical issue. Um, within my party, I I don't agree. Some things are happening. But this is not about me. Um, we allow things to pass and people now saying scary soft man or something. People tell me that sometimes you know some people tell me the party get soft and so on. But you have to have a level of tolerance and understanding that not everybody will see things the way that you see it at the point in time. Um and um you have to allow ideas to contend and you move on. Uh because you you have different personalities in an organization, different viewpoints, different perspectives. People see things differently and everybody needs to share the view. Um and um let it move. people people talk about one man one party state um I think what they should say is that that one man and that one party are are are hardworking people and so our work is exemplified and magnified this notion that that that scary is a oneman thing is is is I wish I was a oneman of things I would do in Domica positively If I if if I if I was one man thing you and this is why President Trump sometimes circumvent um Congress and everything just do things because there's an urgency to get things done in the United States and likewise but if I I some I wish I wish what they would say was true say constitutionally we just men the constitution man just you know, put one man inside the country and just finish it whether it's me or somebody else, you know, Curtis or Yeah. But but thank you so much. That's it. Remy, right? All right. Thank you so much everybody. Thank you. >> Thank you everyone. You've been a wonderful audience and you came out in your numbers and we appreciative of your presence. Thank you, Prime Minister. Have a good day everyone.