ROSEAU, Dominica (GIS) — At the ground breaking ceremony for the Roseau to Portsmouth Road Rehabilitation project last Friday, Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit stated again that his Government was right when it severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan and established diplomatic relations with China in 2004. “I told you that I was encouraged to be here. And that encouragement arises from the evidence available to all those who have eyes to see that our support for the One-China policy was far-sighted, progressive and definitely in the interest of all the Dominican people. I am happy therefore to reaffirm our commitment to the One-China policy and to further confirm our intention to work at strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation in order to advance the development of the People’s Republic of China and that of the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica,” Skerrit said.

The Prime Minister explained that the Roseau to Portsmouth Road Rehabilitation project is the third pillar of the four pillar projects agreed to in Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Dominica and China when the two countries established diplomatic relations in 2004.

Officials at ground breaking Since that historic day in Beijing on March 23rd 2004, the Windsor Park Stadium has been completed and two phases of the new Dominica Grammar School have also been completed. The total rehabilitation of the Princess Margaret Hospital is the fourth project that will be financed, all through grants, by the Chinese government.

The Roseau to Portsmouth Road Rehabilitation project will seek to significantly improve the pavement structure, drainage structure, sea defence structures and will include horizontal alignment at designated areas such as Tarreau and Coulibistrie.

Significant features of the 45km road will include:

-Construction of a two-lane bridge including sidewalks from Hanover Street to Elliot Avenue

-Replacement of damaged railings along bridges or other crossing structures

-Construction of two (2) larger box culverts at Woodbridge Bay and Picard, Portsmouth

Woodbridge Bay route realignment

-Construction of lined drains, box drains and sidewalks in designated areas

-Construction of a total of 1.6km of Sea Defences at Tarreau and Coulibistrie

-Road widening at Habbat

-Road markings and signage