Government contributes half a million dollars towards rehabilitation of Roseau Cathedral

Roseau, Dominica – Wednesday, June 4, 2014 – The Government of Dominica has contributed half a million dollars towards the restoration of the Roseau Cathedral. Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Roosevelt Skerrit, presented a cheque worth $300,000 to Bishop of Roseau, His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire at a short ceremony at the Cathedral on Wednesday, June 4, 2015.

A $200,000 cheque will be made available in the coming days, Press Attaché Daryl Titre said in a press release.

Prime Minister Skerrit stated that he understood "there always has to be separation of the state and church but one can all agree that we cannot do without the presence of the church in the state." He highlighted the importance of the cathedral not only as a place of worship but as a major tourist attraction in the country.

"Many tourist who come from either the cruise ship or stay over, make it to the cathedral and so it is part of the historical landscape and also our tourist attraction," the Prime Minister stated.

Bishop Malzaire expressed gratitude to the government for their contribution to the project. "We do appreciate this very kind gesture of the government and we know that it will not go without rewards," Bishop Malzaire stated.

The restoration of the Roseau cathedral began in 2012. So far work has been completed on the foundation reinforcement and retrofitting. The next stage is the placement of the frame for the roof.