Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit. AFP PHOTO

The Prime Minister said that Reunion 2008 “is an opportunity to do some introspection, take stock of our advancements, to appreciate what we have achieved, and to face our future with confidence and determination”.

The Dominican leader stated that in this period of assessment and stock-taking “certain fundamental preconditions must prevail”.

“We have to address key questions like, ‘What does it mean to be a Dominican?’. ‘What can we legitimately say about ourselves that can be authenticated by our social, cultural, political and economic achievement?’ ‘What can we do to fully express and sustain our national identity?’ ” 

Skerrit explained that this notion of national identity was a challenging one.

“It is not about day-dreaming or wishful thinking. It is about creating the climate and the social infrastructure to sustain a positive perception of Dominica on the world stage. It is about giving Dominicans reasons other than sentimental attachment for identifying with their place of birth.”

The Prime Minister also called on all Dominicans during Reunion Year 2008 to “revisit the stated purpose of our nation”.

“On the eve of independence 30 years ago, our enlightened leaders made it clear that the purpose of the struggle and the purpose of taking on one of the most monumental responsibilities of nation building was to throw off the colonial yoke and to ensure that the average Dominican enjoyed a higher standard of living and an improved quality of life.”

After nearly thirty years as an independent country, the Prime Minister asked: “How successful have we been in repairing the damage caused by the colonial exploitation of our people? How successful have we been in giving birth to the concept of a free and prosperous Dominica?”