LEADING GOVERNMENT FIGURES TO ATTEND CELEBRATION TONIGHT ON THE OCCASION OF VENEZUELA’S 197TH ANNIVE

Roseau, Dominica – July 24, 2008………President of Dominica, His Excellency,                 Dr. Nicholas J. O. Liverpool, DAH, OCC,  Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit as well as other Ministers of Government are expected at the State House this evening on the occasion of the celebration of the 197^th Anniversary of Venezuela’s Independence.

 

The celebration of Venezuela’s Independence in Dominica is taking place today, Thursday July 24, 2008, on the anniversary of the birth of revolutionary leader, Simon Bolivar, who liberated Venezuela from Spanish rule.

 

Addresses at tonight’s celebration are expected from Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit and Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Dominica, Her Excellency, Carmen Martinez de Grijalva.

 

The event tonight at the State House will provide the opportunity for the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to reaffirm their commitment to the strengthening and deepening of their bilateral relations.

 

Although Dominica established diplomatic relations with Venezuela way back in 1979, the relationship between the two countries has strengthened, especially under the leadership of Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit and Venezuelan President, His Excellency, Hugo Chavez Frias.

 

The two countries continue to forge closer ties in several areas including Dominica’s participation in PetroCaribe, its membership of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) and cooperation in housing, education, infrastructural development, agriculture, tourism and energy