Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

New Economic Development Minister for Dominica

Thursday, September 14, 2006

by: Malaika Laurent
Caribbean Net News Dominica Correspondent
Email: malaika@caribbeannetnews.com

ROSEAU, Dominica: Dominica’s Prime Minister has revealed that there will be an addition to the government, with former deputy leader of the opposition party taking on the role as Minister for Economic Development and Planning.

PM Skerrit made the announcement Wednesday, months after announcing in Parliament that he wanted to create a vibrant offshore financial services sector.

“We are pursuing the offshore sector with renewed vigour and determination. We intend to avoid the mistakes of the past and come up with a sector that is not only clean but one which is also vibrant,” PM Skerrit said in his address.

Julius Timothy, who is expected to assume the position on September 25, has already served as Finance Minister under the United Workers Party (UWP) regime from 1995-2000 and is now the Member of Parliament for the Roseau North Constituency.

Over the past few months, Timothy has distanced himself from the UWP and has openly expressed an interest in accepting a Ministerial position within the government.

Timothy said Wednesday that he is ready to handle the job.

“I don’t have any difficulty; I am mentally prepared for the job. As long as I can get into the government and deliver for the country and deliver for the people of Roseau north, I think they’ll be very happy,” Timothy said on a live radio interview Wednesday.

Meanwhile Skerrit noted in his address that Timothy is not obligated to join the Dominica Labour Party, saying that,"His future political actions and affiliations are his to determine when the time comes."

The PM highlighted the responsibilities of the new Minister in the address: he will be responsible for the development of an International Business Sector, the revision for the approval of the existing Economic Citizenship Programme and the creation of a Financial Services Commission.

Also, the Minister will be responsible for supervising and regulating the financial activities of specialised businesses and assisting in the draw downs of new and existing programmes.

The Prime Minister added that he will be considering other changes to ministerial portfolios and diplomatic appointments within the next few weeks.

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