Skerrit defends support programme

Dominica\'s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has been forced to defend his government\'s Public Support Programme.



The programme, which was launched in 2007, is described as one that allows Prime Minister Skerrit to make timely and speedy intervention to individuals, groups and organisations that directly request public support.



However opposition parties have denounced it as a vote-buying initiative.



Prime Minster Skerrit says the programme is intended to help needy Dominicans and he would keep it going despite the criticisms.



Critics of the programme point to a report by the country’s director of audit, which revealed that Prime Minister Skerrit personally approves the disbursement of funds.



The report also states that there are no written guidelines or criteria for the funds which come from the Treasury.