Sandra Irmine Royer will serve as Mayor of the City of Roseau for a second term.
She was re-elected at the Roseau City Council 14th Inauguration Ceremony held at the Goodwill Parish Hall on Wednesday.
Royer highlighted a number of plans for the council including and not limited to a finance committee with special responsibility for budgeting revenue collection, payments of all due fees, and taxes due to the council.
“It will also have responsibility for ensuring proper accounting and monitoring of the council finances,” she said.
She continued, “An education, culture, sports and entertainment committee who will focus on educating the general public and other users of the City, an environmental sanitation and beautification committee.”
Royer also mentioned a public relation committee geared toward improving relationships with the public.
Furthermore, she stated that the Parliamentary Representative, the private sector, the government institutions, such as the Dominica Air and Seaport Authority (DASPA), Discover Dominica Authority, Solid Waste Management Corporation, the Ministry of Planning as well as other government agencies or institutions that are, in one way or the other, connected to the activities within the City.
“It will also focus on the establishment of regional and international relationships with other councils, additional persons with relevant skills and ability will be incorporated in this committee,” Royer noted.
Parliamentary Representation for the Roseau North Constituency, Miriam Blanchard wants to see Dominicans thriving more in wholesome environments.
“I want our children to access their education in better surroundings and our youth to have more opportunities for personal and professional growth,” she stated.
“Like you, I want to be sure that appropriate services are provided to citizens and property owners and that we establish policies and programs which have an actual positive impact on their quality of life,” Blanchard noted.
She continued, “Madam Mayor, I am sure our goals are aligned and it is to provide leadership that is sensitive to the needs of the people, leadership that is relevant and up to the times.”
Blanchard added, “It calls for a high level of awareness of the challenges faced in our communities and our role in helping to address these, which I am sure you are on top of already.”
According to her, to be successful, “we need to be united in our efforts willing to put aside political differences and work in the interest of all constituents regardless of their political persuasion or religion.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Finance, Dr. Irving McIntyre stated that the government continues to assist councils with a significant amount of funds for the implementation of community-based projects.
“Over the years we have seen an improved partnership between the government and the councils in addressing the community needs and social protection mechanisms,” he stated. “Through these measures we have been able to improve the quality of life of many vulnerable persons within our communities and provide opportunities for others to improve their circumstances.”
Dr. McIntyre highlighted the National Employment Program, the non-contributory allowance for elderly 65 years and over who do not qualify for a pension, the assistance provided to the country’s centenarians through the Yes We Care Program and other initiatives, and the numerous interventions to provide residents with safe and improved housing.
“These are all national interventions, but many in Roseau have benefited from these measures,” he noted.
He said these policy moves by the Government of Dominica have enhanced the socio-economic development of the communities and he trusts this new council will provide support to ensure these programs continue to thrive, “and reach the greatest number of our vulnerable citizens.”
The councilors are as follows:
Elected: Marillia Vernice Adamsss
Sherman Hartford Boston
Ken joseph
Michael Anthony Moreau
Ericson Romain
Sandra Irmine Royer
Rhoda St John
Sherika Winston
Nominated: Sonia Felix
Moeshia Joseph
Kenroy LeBlanc
Paloma Mark
Lucy Belle-Matthew
