The House of Assembly opened its new parliamentary session in Roseau with the traditional Throne Speech, setting out the government's legislative programme for the coming year. The speech, delivered on behalf of the President, placed the national budget, disaster resilience and economic recovery at the centre of the agenda.
Parliamentarians returned to the chamber for the ceremonial opening, which was attended by the Speaker, the Prime Minister and members of both sides of the House. The Throne Speech is a key constitutional moment in Dominica's political calendar, marking the formal start of the legislative year and outlining the bills and policies the government intends to pursue.
According to the speech, the government will prioritise the passage of the annual budget, with measures aimed at strengthening the economy and supporting households still recovering from recent storms. The legislative programme also includes provisions for infrastructure renewal, particularly in communities affected by flooding and landslides.
The Prime Minister is expected to present the budget in the coming weeks, after which the House will debate the estimates. Members of the opposition are also expected to respond to the Throne Speech during the debate on the address.
The opening of Parliament follows a period of active government business, including preparations for the hurricane season and ongoing work on geothermal energy and other national projects. The session will also see the consideration of routine legislation and motions.
Residents can follow the proceedings through official channels, as the House of Assembly continues its work in the capital. The government has indicated that further details on the budget and other measures will be made public as the session progresses.