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Dominica
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Government
- Prime Minister - Roosevelt SKERRIT
- Jr. Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister - Peter ST.JEAN
- Min. of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry - Matthew WALTER
- Min. for Carib Affairs - Kelly GRANEAU
- Min. responsible for CARICOM, OECS & Diaspora Affairs - Dr. Collin McINTYRE
- Min. of Community Development,Culture & Gender Affairs. - Loreen Bannis ROBERTS
- Min. of Education, Human Resources Development, Sports & Youth Affairs - Sonia WILLIAMS
- Jr. Minister. Education, Human Resources Dev., Sports & Youth Affairs - Ian PINARD
- Min. of Finance, Planning, Social Security, and Foreign Affairs - Roosevelt SKERRIT
- Foreign Affairs, Immigration & Labor - Vince HENDERSON
- Min. of Housing, Lands & Telecommunications - Reginald AUSTRIE
- Min. of National Security - Roosevelt SKERRIT
- Min. of Public Utilities, Energy, Ports & The Public Service - Charles SAVARIN
- Min. for Public Works & Infrastructural Development - Rayburn BLACKMORE
- Jr. Minister. Public Works & Infrastructural Development - Urban BARON
- Min. of Trade, Industry, Consumer Affairs & Private Sector Relations - Dr. Collin McIntyre
- Min. of Tourism, Legal Affairs & Civil Aviation. - Ian DOUGLAS
- Min. of Urban Renewal - Julius TIMOTHY
- Attorney General - Francine BARON ROYER
- Permanent Representative to the UN, New York - Crispin GREGOIRE
Public Holidays: New Year's Day (01 January); Carnival (Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday); Good Friday, Easter Monday; Labour Day (01 May); Whit Monday (50 days after Easter Sunday); August Monday (First Monday in August); Independence Day (03 November); Community Day of Service (04 November); Christmas Day (25 December); Boxing Day (26 December)
Economic Development
Economic Survey of the Caribbean 2007-2008
According to the survey the economies of the ECCU continued to show positive growth for the sixth consecutive year. In 2007, preliminary data indicated that growth slowed to 5.2% from 6.3% in 2006 as many public and private construction activities geared towards the CWC were completed. In addition there was a significant contraction in the tourism sector, which actually declined by 0.6% in 2007 compared to 6% in 2006. Fuelled by hikes in oil and food prices, especially in the last quarter of 2007, the rate of inflation increased to 6.1% from 1.3% in 2006 and is expected to continue on an upward trend in 2008. Economic growth will continue to slow but remain positive in 2008, projected at 3.8%, mainly influenced by the slowdown in the United States economy and rising international oil, food and other commodity prices.
In 2007 growth was strongest in Anguilla (21%), St Vincent and the Grenadines (6.9%) and Antigua and Barbuda (6.9%) while Hurricane Dean, which struck in August 2007, negatively impacted on the growth rates of Dominica (1.8% compared to 3.8% in 2006) and Saint Lucia (1.7% compared to 4.9% in 2006) . Despite the challenge of continuous volcanic activity in Montserrat, the economy grew by 2.8% compared to negative growth of 3.8% in 2006. Intermediate growth of 3% was recorded in both St Kitts and Nevis while growth in Grenada was 4.4%. The main impetus of growth continued to be the construction sector with spill over effects into mining and quarrying, transportation and communication,
electricity and water and banks and insurance. Construction activity will remain robust in 2008 driven by the private sector and the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).
Economic Performance
Sourced from 2006/07 Budget, Eastern Caribbean Bank 2006 Review
Proficient regulations of fiscal and macro-economic structural framework made Dominica achieve a better real growth rate of 3.5% in the fiscal year of 2005/2006. Agriculture, Tourism, Construction and Manufacturing were the thriving sectors that also assisted in sustaining this economy.
Favourable whether conditions led to an increase in the production of bananas by 1.1%; whilst the expansion of Melville Hall airport, eco-tourism and public sector activity, proved to be highly significant to the enhanced performance of the construction sector in 2006. Though visitor arrivals may have contracted for the year, there was an increased value in the tourism sector (due to higher tourist spending from paid accommodation), hence improving the sector’s GDP contributions.
The government’s theme for the 2006/07 fiscal year is to intensify and encourage a better environment for business investment. This strategy, coupled with the high profiled PRGF(Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility) funded by the IMF could establish the Dominican government as an OECS success case in the near future.
The IMF’s PRGF objectives are to make lending (for poverty reduction and growth) more central to poor or low-income countries; after key measures and structural reforms are identified by a country’s PRSP (Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers), then the IMF prepares the targets and policy conditions for that particular country to be supported by a PRGF program. The facilitation of the poverty reduction (three 3-year) program was given to Dominica in 2003. Following the concluding assessment of the PRGF for 2006, IMF officials commended the Dominican authorities on the precise implementation of the economic program, which saw economic activity in most sectors expanding. Moreover, the strong fiscal performance for 05/06 fiscal year illustrates the government’s commitment towards medium-term sustainability of public finances and debt.
Social Development
Cabinet approves policy on Crime Prevention and Control in Dominica. 13 June 2006
The Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Dominica under the leadership of Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, has approved a policy on Crime Prevention and Control in Dominica. That decision was taken at the Cabinet Meeting of Tuesday, May 9, 2006.
The aim of the Policy is to take appropriate measures to preserve the reputation of Dominica as being a safe place to reside in, by striving for even lower crime rates and a heightened sense of safety among its residents and visitors alike.
Source:Office of the Prime Minister. Dominica
2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (Western Hemisphere)
All men and women desire and deserve to live in dignity and liberty. As President Bush said: "The advance of freedom is the great story of our time." Promoting human rights and democracy is a worldwide phenomenon and there is a growing global discussion of democracy and the universal values protected by democratic governance.
By defending and advancing human rights and democratic principles, we keep faith with our country’s most cherished values and lay the foundation for lasting peace. Fulfilling the promise of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and building vibrant democracies worldwide will take generations, but it is work of the utmost urgency that cannot be delayed.
Source:US Dept. of State
Education
Anguilla’s government has pledged that they will dedicate themselves to social upgrading for the period of 2005- 2010. This will be achieved by addressing the problems set forth by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. They include 1 Eradicating poverty 2 Achievement of universal primary education 3 Promotion of gender equality 4 Environmental Sustainability etc.
In 2005 the government of Anguilla proposed a five year plan, the Education Development Plan 2005-2010, designed to increase student achievements. The plan was quite comprehensive and highlights the government’s vision for the educational system on the island and the methods for achieving this. Some of the programmes suggested were curriculum development, the establishing of school boards, introducing new financing for education and the evaluation of school performance. Some of these programmes have already taken effect. The building of a Community College began in 2006 and financial assistance is being offered to individuals for tertiary education. The government is also in the process of improving primary and secondary school infrastructure. In February 2007, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the extension project of the AA Primary School in West End. The Department of Youth, Sport and Culture was also established to improve the sporting facilities and training available to youths.
The Education Development Plan 2005-2010
Health
Government is in the process of establishing a National Health Fund to finance health care services for eligible citizens. Government contributions as well as mandatory contributions of 2.5% from employers and employees will fund this service. The fund will cover basic primary, dental and vision care, as well as prescription drugs. The establishment of this National Health Fund will provide universal health care, one of the UN Millennium Development Goals. The government also hopes to improve the health sector by strengthening the Ministry of Health through policy development and regulations. Efforts to raise HIV/AIDS awareness are also being intensified. Through the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre, Anguilla issued its updated Preparedness Plan for Surveillance and Treatment for Avian (Bird) influenza in 2006.
Anguilla National Health Fund Act
Avian Influenza Pre-Pandemic Plan 2006
Legislation
- TRUST COMPANIES & OFFSHORE BANKING ACT 2000
- COMPANY MANAGEMENT ACT 2000
- COMPANIES ACT 2000
- COMPANY REGULATIONS 2000
- INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT 2000
- INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS REGULATIONS 2000
- LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT 2000
- LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY REGULATIONS 2000
- LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ACT 2000
- LIMITED PARTNERSHIP RULES
- TRUSTS ORDINANCE 1994
- TRUSTS ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT) 2000
- CONFIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS ORDINANCE 1981
- CONFIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS ORDINANCE 1998
- FRAUDULENT DISPOSITIONS ORDINANCE , 1994
- OCTOBER 2000 LEGISLATION 39
Statistics
More Information
Dominican diplomatic mission for Japan
Roseau, Dominica, August 17, 2006
Dominica is to appoint an Ambassador to Japan.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Charles Savarin, said the move has become necessary as the government desires to broaden the scope of cooperation with Japan beyond that of fisheries.
Source:Caribbean360.com
Key Documents
Up one level- Impact of changes in the European Union import regimes for sugar, banana and rice on selected CARICOM countries: LC/CAR/L.168
- Directory of Services for Older Persons in Dominica
- The OECS Deepening and Strengthening Integration Through an Economic Union: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- AN ASSESSMENT OF THE AGRI-FOOD DISTRIBUTION SERVICES INDUSTRY IN CARICOM
- Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2007-2008
- IMF Executive Board Concludes 2008 Article IV Consultation with Dominica
- The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank 'Economic and Financial Review' March 2008
- Dominica Budget Address for the fiscal year 2006/07
- 2005 Latin America and the Caribbean Selected Economic and Social Data
- OECS FISCAL ISSUES: DOMINICA - POLICIES TO ACHIEVE FISCAL S USTAINABILITY AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND EQUITY OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURES
- Toward a Caribbean Vision 2020: A Regional Perspective on Development Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies for
- Dominica. OECS Fiscal Issues: Policies to Achieve Fiscal Sustainability and Improve Efficiency and Equity of Public Expenditures
- Dominica Budget Address For the Fiscal year 2006/2007:Enhancing the Investment Climate
- ECCB. Financial Statistics Yearbook. 2005
- Dominica: 2008 Article IV Consultation
- Dominica Sustainable Energy Plan
- Draft ICT Policy in Education - Dominica
- Towards a Single Economy and a Single Development Vision
- CARIBBEAN CONNECT: A HIGH LEVEL SYMPOSIUM ON THE CARICOM SINGLE MARKET 28 - 30 June, 2006, Sherbourne Conference Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, BarbadosND ECONOMY.
- Trade Integration in the Americas
Bibliography
Up one level- Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States: Draft of the New Treaty
- Country Poverty Assessment -Dominica ; final report
- Oils and Fats Agreement 1963-1966
- The Impact of Globalization on the Caribbean Sugar and Banana Industries
- CARIFORUM and European Union: Caribbean Agriculture & Fisheries Programme (CAFP)
- Fairtrade Bananas Impact Study - Dominica, Windward Islands
- Dominica Fishery Profile
- Compendium of Food and Agriculture Indicators - Dominica
- Problems and Constraints to the Development of the Agro-Processing Sector
- Caribbean culture and the world market: Reflections on the past and the future - an industry view
- Voodoo: From Medicine to Zombies. [no date]
- Creole for beginners
- A - Z of Dominica heritage by Lennox Honeychurch
- The Carib Canoe Project: the Gli Gli Project
- Traditional dress in Dominica
- A Brief History of Theatre in Dominica
- THE CULTURAL INDUSTRIES IN CARICOM: TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES
- Marketing Your Business on the Internet
- Foreign Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2007
- Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Brief. World Bank, 2008