Dominica to strengthen relations with Venezuela

by Paul Charles

Thursday, January 22, 2004

ROSEAU, Dominica: Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit disclosed on Wednesday that his country intends to deepen and strengthen relations with Venezuela who is an ''important player in our development.'' 

Skerrit met with the Venezuelan Internal Affairs and Justice Minister Lucas Rincon on Saturday when he arrived here to attend the funeral service of the late Dominica leader Pierre Charles who died in office on January 6.

Speaking ahead of his departure to St Lucia for his first OECS heads meeting, Skerrit said: ''We view Venezuela as an important player in our development, we've been friends for the past 25 years and we intend on further strengthening and deepening those relationships.''

According to him, debt forgiveness, air access improvements, an oil deal and national security were major issues Roseau and Caracas focused on in their short meeting last weekend. Dominica owes Venezuela over US$2 million. 

The issue of national security also came up in the talks after the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez cancelled his trip to Dominica at the last minute citing security concerns.

Skerrit also mentioned that, ''there were other issues with regard to human resource development which Venezuela has been assisting us quite nicely through their institute.''  

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