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Dominica

Quick Facts

Population: 69,029
Land area: 754 square Km
Capital: Roseau
Language(s): English French Patois ("Kwéyòl")
Local Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Exchange: US$1.00 = EC$2.7169
UNDP Human Development Rank: 71 of 177
     Life Expectancy: 75.6 yrs
     Adult Literacy rate: 88.0
Official Government website: http://www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/

Government

      • President - Nicholas J. O. LIVERPOOL
      • Prime Minister - Roosevelt SKERRIT
      • Jr. Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister - Peter ST. JEAN
      • Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister - Kelver Darroux
      • 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, Foreign Affairs and Information Technology - Roosevelt SKERRIT
      • 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 and Legal Affairs - Ian DOUGLAS
      • Min. of Urban Renewal - Julius TIMOTHY
      • Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Senator Alvin BERNARD

      • 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

Dominica doing better than OECS neighbours

June 4 2010
AMIDST the global economic crisis, the island of Dominica has been identified as the most resilient in the Eastern Caribbean.  
more.....

IMF Executive Board Concludes 2010 Article IV Consultation with Dominica.

May10 2010
The global downturn has adversely affected the Dominican economy through lower tourism arrivals, foreign direct investment inflows and remittances, although less severely than other Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) economies. Real Gross Domestic Product is estimated to have declined by only 0.3 percent in 2009.....
source: IMF

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

  • Dominica: 2008 Article IV Consultation. Source: IMF
    Dominica is extremely vulnerable to exogenous shocks, and recent economic policy has been aimed at creating buffers against such events. The economy is susceptible to a variety of natural disasters, and is ranked 12th on the list of 111 countries on the Commonwealth Secretariat/World Bank’s composite vulnerability index. The economy is also sensitive to external economic developments such as the global slowdown after September 11, 2001. The crisis in 2002 was also precipitated, however by lax fiscal policy, as inefficiencies in the tax system magnified the revenue impact of weaker activity. In contrast, the current slowdown finds the economy with slightly more fiscal room to maneuver due to a lower debt burden and greater flexibility from structural reforms.
  • Sourced from 2006/07 Budget, Eastern Caribbean Central 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.

A complete country profile which includes the economic, social and political aspects of Dominica's investment portfolio.

Social Development

  • Directory of Services for Older Persons in Dominica. 

The publication of this Directory of Services for Older Persons in Dominica is an acknowledgement of the right of older persons to be able to readily identify available national social service provisions, understand the criteria for receiving assistance and have quick access to the respective services. It is intended to remove the mystery surrounding these services and facilitate older persons, their relatives and caregivers in their quest to receive or provide optimum care, whether from the State or from the non governmental sector.
Source: HelpAge Intl./UNDP/Dominica Council on Ageing

  • Medium-Term Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS)

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (GOCD) Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS) articulates a medium-term strategy for growth and poverty reduction over the next five years. Priorities set in this document make poverty reduction the direct focus of the Government’s economic and social policy. GOCD regards the pursuit of sustained strong economic growth to be the main strategy to alleviate poverty. The GSPS provides the framework that informs the medium-term macro-economic framework,the structural reform agenda, the medium-term public investment programme, and the annual budgets to be presented to Parliament are available to all.  Source: Commowealth of Dominica. April 2006

  • 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

  • FISCAL  INCENTIVES ACT
  • 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

More Information

  • Parliament in Dominica to meet for the first time since December 18th 2009 General Election
    February 2, 2010…… The First Meeting of the First Session of the Eight Parliament will be held at the House of Assembly in Roseau on Thursday, February 4th 2010, the first convening of Parliament since the Dominica Labour Party captured eighteen (18) out of the twenty-one (21) seats in the December 18th 2009 General Elections.
  • Energy Development Programme for Dominica.
    November 2009.. Use of clean renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies will enhance opportunities for investment in the tourism sector.  These technologies will also benefit development initiatives in agriculture, industry, commerce, government services and residential accommodation.
    source: Dominica Renewable Energy Program

January 29, 2009
ROSEAU, Dominica: An $8.7 million capacity building project, launched in the Carib Territory of Dominica on January 27, is expected to provide several benefits for the Kalinago people.

Key Documents

Up one level
Commonwealth of Dominica - Socio-economic assessment of the damage and losses caused by Hurricane Dean
 
Energy Development Programme for Dominica. November 2009
 
Report on the Expert group meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction in the Education Sector LC/CAR/L.236 December 2009
 
Dominica: 2008 Article IV Consultation
 
Survey of ICT and Education in the Caribbean:a summary report based on 16 country surveys. (Vol. 2)
 
Enhancing the Climate Risk and Adaptation Fact Base for the Caribbean: An informational brochure highlighting the preliminary results of the ECA Study
 
ECCB. Financial Statistics Yearbook. 2005
 
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)
 
Medium-Term Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS)
 
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
 
Health in the Americas 2007: country profile for Dominica
 

Bibliography

Up one level
Country Poverty Assessment -Dominica ; final report
 
Environmentally Sound Technologies for Wastewater and Stormwater Management - Financing
 
Diagnosis of the erosion process in the Caribbean Sandy Beaches
 
Naturalistic and existential realms of place in Roseau, Dominica. Lipsanen Niko. Thesis. 2001. University of Helsinki
 
A Initial National Communication of the Commonwealth of Dominica under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
 
Wise practices for coping with beach erosion: Dominica
 
External economic pressures and park planning: a case study from Dominica by Barry Allen & Lee Lines
 
OECS NRMU WATERSHED MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
 
Recommended Biomedical Waste Management Procedures outline
 
Assessment and Recommendations of Commonwealth of Dominca Biomedical Waste Managment Program
 
Statement of Dominica Delegation to the International Meeting on SIDS
 
Wave Hazard Assessement for Selected Sites on the West Coast of Dominica, West Indies
 
BIRD ISLAND: TIME TO ACT
 
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank-About Us
 
The Real Objective of the OECD: Money Laundering and the Offshore Sector
 
The State of Early Childhood Provision in Dominica by Sian Williams
 
Youth, unemployment and the Caribbean Information Society: a challenge and an opportunity
 
Caribbean Regional Youth Caucus
 
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States: Draft of the New Treaty
 
Dominica Fishery Profile