Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has issued a statement following the announcement of the Honourable Miriam Blanchard to resign as the Parliamentary Representative for Roseau North.
Prime Minister Skerrit said, “I wish to express the deepest sentiments of a grateful government and nation for her extraordinary years of service. As I reflect, I look back with immense gratitude on Miriam’s decision to answer the call to enter public life, choosing to raise her hand and be counted when the country needed selfless service.”
In his statement, the Prime Minister praised Blanchard’s contribution to national development and described her nearly decade-long tenure in government as one marked by dedication and distinction.
“For nearly ten years, Miriam served the people of Dominica in Cabinet with distinction, leading the reconstruction of our country’s infrastructure after Tropical Storm Erika, guiding our planning and economic development and championing our workers, our public servants and our small businesses,” he said.
“Throughout this journey, even as the inherent fragilities of life and health became apparent, her perseverance never wavered. Miriam gave of herself entirely to the advancement of our people, and it is now time that we, as a grateful country, do the same for her. It is our turn to lift her up, to wrap her in our collective support and to hold her up continuously in prayer,” the Prime Minister said.
The statement adds that the people of Roseau North have known Blanchard not only as a Minister, but as a tireless advocate who made sure their community shared fully in Dominica’s progress.
“As she steps away to focus fully on making a complete recovery, I pray that the same remarkable resilience, which she brought to the service of our country, continues to hold her in good strain, bringing her comfort and renewed strength during this season of healing.”
The Prime Minister further assured residents that their interests would continue to be represented and confirmed that a by-election will be held within the timeframe required under the Constitution. “I want to assure the residents of Roseau North that your interests will continue to be served without interruption, and that a by-election will be held within the period prescribed by our Constitution,” he said.
PM Skerrit concluded by describing Blanchard’s contribution to Dominica as a lasting legacy and pledged the continued support of both the Government and the Dominica Labour Party as she focuses on her recovery.
