THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY MANIFESTO 2014
Relentlessly Pursuing The Dream Of A Prosperous, Peaceful And Just Dominica
VOTE LABOUR ✖ Leadership is everything! LABOUR IN THE COMMUNITY
VOTE LABOUR ✖ Leadership is everything!
THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY LABOUR Ka Twavay!
CONTENTS
Page Page • Letter From Political Leader 4 - 5 • Youth 39 - 41 • Introduction 6 - 7 • Gender 42 • The Economy 8 • Indigenous Prople 43 - 44 • Financial Policies 9 - 10 • Sports 45 - 46 • Primary Infrastructure 11 - 12 • Culture and The Arts 47 - 48 • Preserving and Protecting the Environment 13 - 14 • Public Service 49 - 50 • Towards the establishment • Civil Service 51 of a Green Economy 15 - 16 • Social Safety Net 52 - 53 • Entrepreneurship and Micro- • Law and Order, Justice, Business Development 17 - 19 National Safety • Agriculture and Fisheries 20 - 21 and Security 54 - 55 • Manufacturing • Embracing the Diaspora 56 - 57 and Agro Processing 22 • Foreign Policy 58 - 60 • Tourism 23 - 25 • Conclusion 61 - 62 • The Society-Poverty Level 26 • Family and Community 27 • Health 28 - 29 VOTE LABOUR • Education 30 - 31 cont’ on 34 • The Candidates 32 - 33 • Science and Technology 35 - 36 • Housing 37 - 38 Leadership is everything!✖ T H E D O M I N I C A L A B O U R P A R T Y 3 LETTER FROM THE POLITICAL LEADER
Fellow Dominicans, turn around the economy and society in Dominica that two I must start by thanking you for outstanding leaders made the the confidence you have shown ultimate sacrifice before the in me by electing me to play an end of the term. However, increasingly important role as during that short period of a political leader from 2000. time they convinced us Little did I realize then the that success would only enormity of the responsibility be achieved by leaders that would be thrust upon me who were fully committed by a succession of challenges to the principles of hard - local, regional and global - work, honesty, integrity, during the next 14 years. accountability, justice and inclusion. As many of you would recall, one of the first casualties of When I was handed the globalizing process at the the mantle of national close of the 20th century was leadership in 2004, with our banana industry. No longer God’s help, I followed could we rely on preferential the path carved out access to European markets by my immediate and bank on a substantial stream predecessors. Then of income. Yet the incumbent in 2008 we were hit by United Worker’s Party the storm stirred up by misunderstood the changes the financial crisis and and continued to borrow the global recession. recklessly and spend lavishly. As a small, open Dominica was soon reeling economy that relied from the austerity measures on trade and investment imposed by the International from developed countries, Monetary Fund to correct the we felt the impact of their fiscal damage caused by such shrinking economies. irresponsibility. Added to this, Dominica, because of its location and In 2000 the people of Dominica topography, fell victim to the instinctively turned to the destructive forces of nature - Dominica Labour Party and hurricanes, floods, landslides, gave it the mandate for “A earthquakes, sea swells - that New Start”. Unfortunately, so were released worldwide by demanding was the effort to climate change. ...This Manifesto is therefore a record of how we have pursued that dream relentlessly; and how we intend using that rich experience as a springboard for realizing our shared vision in the coming years... LABOUR Ka Twavay!
LETTER FROM THE POLITICAL LEADER cont’d from page 4
Let me remind you, however, that the Dominica from the family, the village community, the school, the Labour Party saw these challenges, not as disasters, workplace, up to the House of Assembly. but as opportunities to use our God-given resources to pursue the vision of a prosperous, peaceful and just We further pledge that we shall leave no one behind Dominica. This Manifesto is therefore a record of how as we pursue the shared vision for Dominica. Not we have pursued that dream relentlessly; and how we even the most vulnerable members of society will be intend using that rich experience as a springboard for overlooked. Indeed the social protection of the young realizing our shared vision in the coming years. and the old, the sick and the needy, form an integral part of our Growth and Social Protection Strategy for We have a team made up of competent, committed taking Dominica forward. and caring men and women, of varying ages and experience, standing as Candidates at the next As we approach the next election, I ask you to vote for election. We are all united around the DLP pledge to the Dominica Labour Party. We know the terrain. you that we shall not give up our efforts to improve the We have walked the walk. We have confronted and standard of living and the quality of life of our people. overcome the big challenges and delivered the goods. In order to achieve this, we shall continue to diversify All along the way we have been encouraged by you and grow our economy, simultaneously making it face-to-face and through the social media. We are not resistant to external shocks and more sustainable over novices. We are the best-equipped Party to achieve time. We believe that this can only be achieved by true Independence by merging political sovereignty increasing the investment in our human resources, by with economic security, prosperity and social justice. continuing to educate and train our people to become I gratefully and humbly remind you that we need your more enterprising in the emerging highly competitive support to complete the job that you gave to us in global village. Throughout the process we will act 2000. responsibly in mobilizing the financial resources that are necessary to make things happen.
We will make Dominica prosperous, peaceful and Yours sincerely just through Good Governance and a fair distribution of our wealth. During the past 14 years we have represented you to the best of our ability. We have listened to you, in private and in public, and we have VOTE LABOUR responded by empowering you to become partners in Roosevelt Skerrit development, with equal opportunities to achieve. In the process we have instilled a sense of responsibility and accountability in all social institutions ranging Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 5 Introduction
When the Dominica Labour Party came to power in The other was the technological revolution based on 2000, after 28 years out of office, the country was in a the micro-chip. This made it possible for volumes of state of crisis. It was still suffering from the whirlwind information and other resources to be transmitted over of fiscal irresponsibility of the United Workers’ Party long distances instantaneously. Geographical borders (UWP) that would necessitate the adoption of the no longer served as barriers to trade in goods and economic stabilization programme recommended by services; and the world became a highly competitive the International Monetary Fund. Basically the UWP marketplace. misunderstood - and continues to misunderstand - the new world order that was evolving. The impact of these changes on small open economies was dramatic. No longer was it possible to rely on The last 5 years of the 20th century saw the climax of preferential access to traditional markets with primary two fundamental on-going developments. One was agricultural products. In the case of Dominica it led to the tendency for increasing numbers of governments, the demise of the banana industry, the main pillar of through the World Trade Organization, to adopt free- our economy. market economic systems. This led them to negotiate dramatic reductions in barriers to commerce and to These changes also made developing countries establish international agreements to promote free vulnerable to the greed of financial institutions which trade in goods, services, and financial assets. were able, in unregulated environments, to arrange and transfer investments quickly, on exorbitant terms. In the case of Dominica, large loans with high interest rates were readily accepted by the UWP.
NEW CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL ...Coming in Labour’s next term!
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6 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY Introduction
cont’d fr om pag e 6 The mandate given to the DLP in 2000 was based on a 21st Century Vision of sustainable growth of the economy, together with a commitment to the socialist ideals of the Labour Movement. Hence the goals and objectives of the Dominica Labour Party revolved around fiscal discipline, diversifying and growing the economy, and the more equitable distribution of the wealth of the nation. In the new dispensation equal opportunities would be given to all citizens to help create wealth and employment; to ensure that poverty would be eradicated; and to improve both the standard of living and the quality of life of all Dominicans.
The stresses of the global changes took their toll on a succession of political leaders. Two of them - Hon. Rosie Douglas and the Hon. Pierre Charles - laid down their lives for this nation within a period of less than three and a half years. So to hedge their bets, the Dominica Labour Party elected a promising young leader to pilot the nation through the coming years, which commentators predicted would be turbulent.
It was a wise decision. When the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit was elected leader of the Dominica Labour Party, and Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, in January 2004, he at the age of 31, became one of the world’s youngest leaders. During the next 10 years, he laid the foundation for the transformation of the economy and society of Dominica and made significant progress in pursuing the vision of a prosperous, peaceful and just Dominica. He is VOTE LABOUR now poised to deliver even more.
Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 7 THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF THE VISION: 2000 TO 2014 AND BEYOND The Economy OVERALL ECONOMIC GROWTH From the inception the Dominica Labour Party VIGOROUSLY TO THE RECESSION AND understood that the achievement of sustained high OTHER CHALLENGES DURING THE PAST economic growth was the single most important 14 YEARS: route to poverty reduction and improved standard of ¬ Sound fiscal policies and administrative living and quality of life. But to achieve these goals it reform, particularly improvement to the had to face and overcome several challenges. From environment for local private investment and 2004, the disciplined and enlightened management the attraction of foreign direct investment. of the economy by a succession of DLP leaders led to the economy of Dominica being placed on a sound ¬ Sensitively exploiting opportunities in footing. However, the 3% growth rate achieved geothermal energy; eco-tourism; agro- in 2004 was subsequently challenged by Hurricane processing; niche-focused agriculture; Dean in 2007; and by the global financial and and water, in which Dominica has some economic crisis which began in 2008. Throughout comparative advantage. these crises and up to the present, the led DLP ¬ Further diversifying the economy with from the front. It accelerated the Public Sector the development of the Information and Investment Programme (PSIP) so as to support Communication Technology (ICT), specialized the level of economic activity in the country. Also manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals programmes were introduced to reduce the cost of sectors. doing business, as well as measures to facilitate trade, and give greater access to lower interest ¬ Continuing to invest heavily and meaningfully financing and concessions wherever legally possible. in our human resources to enhance our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) experienced modest competitiveness in the global marketplace. growth supported mainly by agriculture, construction and tourism, the main pillars of the economy. ¬ Growth rates of between 5% and 7% as shown in the Growth and Social Protection IN THE NEXT TERM THE DLP GOVERNMENT Strategies (GSPS) 2014-2018. IS COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING THE FOLLOWING GOALS BASED ON ¬ Continuing to reduce levels of unemployment THE EXPERIENCE OF RESPONDING to 5%.
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8 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY Ka Twavay! LABOUR THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF THE VISION: 2000 TO 2014 AND BEYOND
FINANCIAL POLICIES
In 2000 the UWP Government was voted out of office because of its economic recklessness and fiscal irresponsibility. This convinced the electorate to turn to the DLP to rescue the economy and to put it on the path of sustainable growth.
The first task was to reduce the high debt-to-GDP ratio that had plagued the country since 1995. In 2003 national debt stood at 130% of GDP. By 2013 the DLP had reduced it to 70% of GDP.
The second task was to reduce the high cost of living. In a country where the inflation rate was rising, the unemployment rate was 20%, and where the level of poverty was over 39%, something had to be done to relieve the suffering of poor Dominicans.
As a responsible Government the DLP used its authority to raise grants and concessionary financing for the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) in an effort to boost the economy and create employment. The DLP Government’s careful investment in PSIP rose annually reaching an estimated $131.5 million, with a 39% grant component, at the end of the fiscal year 2013-14.
As a result of such prudent fiscal policies, the high fiscal deficits that were common at the end of the 20th century have given way to primary surpluses by 2013.
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Leadership is everything!✖ T H E D O M I N I C A L A B O U R P A R T Y 9 Ka Twavay! THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF THE VISION: LABOUR 2000 TO 2014 AND BEYOND
FINANCIAL POLICIES cont’d from page 9
GOING FORWARD, THE DLP PLEDGES TO CONTINUE TO:
¬ Provide a stable fiscal framework for ¬ Carry out a comprehensive review of the the country as a basis for attracting income tax system with a view to having investment and aiding attainment of the a single tax rate. country’s growth objectives. ¬ Keep income tax allowances under ¬ Manage the country’s public finances review to increase the disposable income prudently, including public debt. of tax payers.
¬ Borrow only at concessionary rates. ¬ Remove import duties on computers and other key ICT hardware. ¬ Strive towards achieving a debt-to-GDP ratio of 60% by 2020. ¬ Make arrangements to set aside a percentage of the country’s revenue ¬ Maintain a primary surplus of 3%. for purposes of a National Emergency Fund. ¬ Reduce corporation tax further from 25% to 20%. ¬ Use the Citizenship By Investment Programme as a vehicle for investing in VOTE LABOUR ¬ Raise mortgage projects that provide sustainable jobs. allowance from $15,000 ✖ to $25,000.
10 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY LABOUR Ka Twavay!
PRIMARY INFRASTRUCTURE
Infrastructure is a major factor in economic Since 2004, the commitment to diversify agriculture, growth and social development. For years poor to develop the agro-processing sector, and to boost infrastructure, partly due to the topography of the manufacturing make it absolutely necessary to island, hindered the development of Dominica. have adequate shipping facilities to export primary Part of the “New Start’” for Dominica adopted as well as value-added agricultural products and by the DLP in 2000 was to dramatically improve manufactured goods from Dominica. communication by land, sea and air, in and around Dominica. The people of Dominica have for a long time been dreaming of an international airport in order to The vision was to have60% of major road networks facilitate development. The first attempt at making in good condition by 2015 and 100% in top shape this possible was with grant financing under the by 2020. By 2013, 61% of major roads had been Freedom Party Government; but it was frustrated brought up to adequate standards, ahead of by Edison James and the UWP. schedule. Among them were the flagship Melville Hall to Roseau and the Roseau to Portsmouth Having seen how rash decisions by the UWP to highways. borrow large sums of money at high rates of interest could have disastrous fiscal consequences, the With respect to shipping, the need to solve the long- DLP in 2000 decided to take a more cautious standing problem of transportation to neighbouring approach to acquiring an international airport Caribbean islands became critical. capable of accommodating large passenger jets.
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Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 11 Ka Twavay! LABOUR
PRIMARY INFRASTRUCTURE
cont’d from page 11
Instead of borrowing a billion dollars to build a new ¬ Implement the agreement which we have airport, it chose to improve the facilities at Melville already reached with a private sector firm in Hall. By 2013 Melville Hall was within reach of the People’s Republic of China to undertake travellers from most parts of Dominica’s source the construction of an international airport markets without having to over-night in any of the using the BOT (Build, Operate & Transfer) regional hubs. To date, approximately 40,000 Model. travellers have landed at Melville Hall airport after dark. ¬ Develop the previously purchased state lands at Wesley for urban expansion and GOING FORWARD, WE ARE ON industrial sites related to optimizing the use TARGET TO ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING of the new airport. INFRASTRUCTURAL OBJECTIVES DURING THE NEXT TERM: FOCUSING ON CITY AND TOWN ¬ Bring all major and secondary roads DEVELOPMENT, WE SHALL: connecting villages and urban centres up to ¬ Undertake major infrastructural works in the desired standards. ROSEAU that will include road works, bridge replacement, improvement to tourism ¬ Complete the rehabilitation and upgrading areas and improvement or construction of of the East Coast Roads from Pont Casse administrative buildings. to Petite Savanne and from Pont Casse to ¬ Complete the Roseau River Promenade as the Carib Territory via Castle Bruce. a major tourist attraction. ¬ Rebuild the West Bridge. ¬ Install LED (light emitting diode) street lights ¬ Construct the Botanical Gardens By-pass along all the major roads in the country. Road. ¬ Improve all roads and sidewalks in ¬ Acquire a vessel to transport agricultural Roseau. products and manufactured goods to ¬ Implement the PORTSMOUTH regional markets. Enhancement Project to transform this WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE town into a modern urban centre and major INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, WE SHALL: tourist attraction. ¬ Complete the reconstruction of the ¬ Build the long-desired international airport Portsmouth By-pass Road. at Crompton Point with ¬ Complete the Cabrits Hotel Resort and Spa; the help of our most and the Yacht and Cruise Centre. VOTE LABOUR supportive partner in ¬ Complete the development of the Fort development. ✖ Shirley site.
12 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY LABOUR Ka Twavay!
PRESERVING AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The DLP Government believes that the social, and poverty reduction targets. The plan has aided economic, cultural and environmental benefits the development of the 115-mile Waitukubuli conferred on the Dominican people by our forests National Trail (WNT). It will also enable the DLP and related natural environment are many and Government to put to good use the abundance of varied. The country owes its quantities of fresh water from its 365 rivers. During the past 14 years air, clean water, rich soil, abundant flora and fauna it has worked, through the Dominica Water and and luxurious scenery to our forests. The policy of Sewerage Company (DOWASCO), to improve the the DLP is therefore to ensure the conservation, supply of potable water to households and explore protection, management and use of the nation’s the feasibility of exporting water regionally and forest resources, while benefiting from the productive internationally. capacity of the forests for goods, products and services in such a way that they are maintained or With respect to reckless solid waste disposal that enhanced for present and future generations. pollutes the environment, the Government has over the years, sustained a vigorous public education Since 2000 this environmental policy has gained a programme. To reinforce this education, the place of prominence in the affairs of government. Government has embarked on a vibrant housing The DLP Government has established a Ministry programme for the underprivileged that focuses of the Environment with the mandate to preserve on improving sanitation and solid and liquid waste and protect the Nature Island from insensitive disposal, together with the use of renewable development that destroys the natural environment; energy. from reckless solid waste disposal; and from man- made and natural disasters. By 2013 the DLP In addition to the prevention of disasters, had adopted the Low Carbon Climate Resilient Government’s policy is to reduce environmental Development Strategy (2012-2020) and gained vulnerability through a combination of risk access to significant amounts of funds (US$21 reduction, impact mitigation and other measures. million). This strategy recognizes the challenges The message is that even VOTE LABOURthough we that Small Island Developing States face with regard may not always be able to the impacts of climate change. It puts forward a to prevent the threat of plan to achieve the island’s sustainable development natural disasters, we can goals whilst meeting critical social development reduce our vulnerability to them. Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 13 Ka Twavay! LABOUR PRESERVING AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT cont’d from page 13
GOING FORWARD, THE DLP GOVERNMENT WILL:
¬ Revise the Physical Planning Act and ¬ Begin to export water to our neighbours the National Environmental Management and further afield. Strategy and Action Plan for Dominica based on UN Environmental Protocols. ¬ Continue the vibrant housing programme for the underprivileged that focuses on ¬ Introduce land use and zoning policies to improving sanitation and solid and liquid protect our natural environment. waste disposal.
¬ Continue to collaborate with the Discover ¬ Improve the country’s capacity for disaster Dominica Authority (DDA) and other management. partners towards declaring WNT an eco- tourism site; and promoting and marketing ¬ Establish a Natural Disaster Contingency it to increase revenue streams. Fund.
¬ Achieve the goal of 100% access to ¬ Set aside 5% of the PSIP for purposes of potable water supply by the end of 2015. starting this fund.
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14 Leadership is everything! T H E D O M I N I C A L A B O U R P A R T Y LABOUR Ka Twavay!
TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A GREEN ECONOMY
During the past 14 years, the policy of the DLP lower prices, it will reduce the cost of living and has been to integrate green principles into the cost of producing the goods and services that national economic planning and management. It are needed to diversify and grow the economy. is an effort to marry environmental preservation and management with our country’s strategy for In 2004 the Government embarked on a systematic achieving higher levels of economic growth. programme of exploring the availability of geothermal energy and the feasibility of producing Even though Dominica is blessed with a variety of commercial quantities in Dominica. Since then renewable energy resources such as geothermal, the Government has invested over $54 million in solar, wind and hydroelectric reserves, the most the Geothermal Energy Project; in plants for local important catalyst for greening the economy is consumption and export. Geothermal the development of the geothermal sector. It can power generation in VOTE LABOUR free Dominica from over-reliance on expensive commercial quantities will fossil fuels that pollute the atmosphere and are begin in 2016. ultimately exhaustible. By producing energy at ✖ Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 15 Ka Twavay! LABOUR TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A GREEN ECONOMY
cont’d from page 15 GOING FORWARD THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY WILL:
¬ Remain committed to greening the economy ¬ Pay attention to the other dimensions of the by exploring and developing alternative, green economy including: renewable sources of energy. — Tree planting and beautification; ¬ Introduce legislation that secures the interest of stakeholders - the people, Government, — Efficient garbage disposal; and investors - in developing geothermal — Inculcating into the population green energy. economy concepts and practices; ¬ Continue to place the production of geothermal — Incorporating green economy energy at the top of the priority list. approaches into project planning and ¬ Use the Low Carbon Climate Resilient development; Development Strategy, 2012-2020 as the — Exploring avenues for green job framework for critical investments. creation; ¬ Continue to work closely with development — Encouraging the development and partners and funding agencies that include use of renewable energy. the Government of France, the Regional Councils of Guadeloupe and Martinique, ¬ Reward all individuals and communities that New Zealand, the OAS, make noticeable and significant contributions UNDP, AFD, EU, World to greening the economy. VOTE LABOUR Bank, National Energy Authority of Iceland, ✖ and Mexico.
16 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY LABOUR Ka Twavay! ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MICRO-BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The DLP Government recognizes the importance transition from a preoccupation with finding a job, to of the small and micro-business sector as a vibrant creating employment and wealth, while meeting the contributor to the economic and social transformation demand for goods and services in niches in which of Dominica. The sector provides meaningful Dominica has a comparative advantage. One of employment, skills transfer, wealth creation and the most important components of the provision of diverse opportunities for all our people to participate these institutions was management training. This in national development. was based on the fact that many existing small businesses in Dominica have remained one-man or From 2005 the DLP intensified its efforts to create one-woman enterprises simply because there were a supporting environment for doing business. no management systems built into the operation of These efforts included increasing support to the these businesses to facilitate growth. established private sector as well as spreading the entrepreneurial culture. Dominica needed The Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT), within a larger class of entrepreneurs to identify and the Youth Development Division, has been making seize opportunities in the global economy for the a significant contribution to business development production of goods and services. Nothing short of in Dominica with a focus on youth. Since 2003, a revolution in our informal and formal educational its mandate has been to train young people, institutions that would place increasing emphasis on facilitate their access to loans, and provide on- a problem-solving approach to life was necessary. going mentorship. Under its Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) and its Small Hence the DLP Government has created and Business Assistance Facility (SBAF) it has trained strengthened a number of institutions to help over 475 young people of whom over 250 are still potential and actual entrepreneurs to make the in business.
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Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 17 ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MICRO-BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT cont’d from page 17
The National Development Foundation of Dominica received small business grants and loans to the tune (NDFD) has intensified its efforts to mobilize funds for of EC$13 million. This investment in small business is credit, training and technical support to entrepreneurs spread over 33 small business sectors including arts of all ages. It has made a significant contribution and crafts, creative manicure and pedicure, hospitality to enterprises in agriculture, fishing, tourism, the services, tourism, manufacturing, export services, distributive trades and services. At the end of 2013, agriculture, construction and ICT services. its loan portfolio contained 1,895 loans, amounting to over $8.6 million. More recently the DLP has made The National Employment Programme (NEP) was available to NDFD $5 million to expand its loan portfolio launched in December 2013 and has provided to include loans to young professionals to establish employment opportunities for young Dominicans in their businesses. various public and private sector organizations. It was an imaginative response by the DLP Government to The Employment and Small Business Support the plight of young people coming on to the job market Agency (ESBSA) has been established over the at a time when traditional jobs were disappearing. The years by the DLP Government. Located within the several components include: On-the-job Training and Ministry of Employment, Trade, Industry & Diaspora Mentorship Programme; Community Employment; Affairs, ESBSA targets people aged 18 to 45 years, Internships; and Marketing Assistance. Embedded interested in setting up businesses. It pays a stipend in the programme is the exposure of young people while providing training in a range of vocational skills. to business opportunities in areas in which Dominica At the end of the training it makes grants and soft has a distinct advantage. Currently over 1,400 young loans available to persons who meet the criteria for persons are employed under this Programme. borrowing. By 2014, over 1,600 business persons had
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18 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY LABOUR Ka Twavay!
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MICRO-BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT cont’d from page 18
GOING FORWARD , THE DLP ¬ Link these agencies with the Dominica GOVERNMENT WILL: State College as it focuses on altering its curricula to enhance its contribution to ¬ Focus on management training to enable the new entrepreneurship and business small businesses to grow. development drive.
¬ Work closely with the National Bank of ¬ Make more young people aware of the Dominica, the Dominica Agricultural and economic emancipation, through self- Industrial Development Bank, Dominica employment, that is within our grasp. Social Security, the Credit Unions and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union in ¬ Use the new National Youth Service an effort to facilitate access to investment as a means of s p r e a d i n g capital. the entrepreneurial VOTE LABOUR culture.
Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 19 Ka Twavay! LABOUR
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES
The Dominica Labour Party believes that Agriculture vegetables which yield higher economic returns than should remain an essential part of our economy. The bananas. The Ministry of Agriculture relentlessly reasons for this include: (a) Food security in the event helped farmers to increase the production of root of disasters; (b) the creation of jobs in rural areas; (c) crops, passion fruit, ginger, christophenes, cassava, making a contribution to foreign exchange earnings; arrowroot, cocoa and floriculture by providing support and (d) establishing linkages with tourism and with our to over 1,000 farmers. At the same time work began cultural industries. on two pack-houses in Roseau and Portsmouth to raise standards and facilitate the export of agricultural From 2000 the DLP Government embarked on a series produce. of policies and programmes to ensure that agriculture remained an important sector of the economy. Primary Livestock production has received increased attention. among them was the policy of diversification and In 2013 work started on the construction of a $10 increasing production for export. Hence the Government million modern abattoir in Layou Park. With help from reached out to farmers to encourage them to diversify the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, this abattoir will their produce. Through the Agricultural Investment Unit boost pork and poultry production in Dominica. (AIU), Government made available $1.9 million, which was disbursed to farmers. The investment has been Also with the help of the Bolivarian Republic of operating as a revolving fund since 2010. In addition, Venezuela a Coffee processing plant has been built all farmers have had access to zero interest loans at in Portsmouth. The plant has the capacity to process the AID Bank, with banana farmers receiving 50/50 2,000 tons of green beans per year. Nature Island loan/grant financing. Farmers have also had access to Coffee Co. established in partnership with Venezuela a 40% price subsidy on purchases of fertilizers, and in Coffee Corporation will have access to funds from ALBA some cases, free fertilizers. Bank to develop the industry and market the produce.
In the years leading up The Dominica-China Modern Agricultural Centre was to 2013/2014, farmers opened in May 2014 at One Mile, Portsmouth. From VOTE LABOUR were encouraged to this base, the Government will work with the technical concentrate on crops agricultural mission from the People’s Republic of such as spices, peppers, China to improve agricultural technology and enhance ✖ flowers and selected vegetable production. 20 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES cont’d fr om pag e 20
IN THE NEXT TERM THE DLP ¬ Ensure that the Dominica State College GOVERNMENT WILL: provides the necessary education and training to raise the status of Agriculture among young ¬ Replace DEXIA by Dominica Export to provide students. support for investments in agriculture, agro- processing and manufacturing, and the export ¬ Develop one of the closed Agricultural Stations of local products. into a model facility for training and retraining farmers. ¬ Complete the abattoir and make concessionary financing available to farmers for the ¬ Complete the national programme for feeder establishment of pork and poultry farms. road construction and rehabilitation.
¬ Support and encourage the cultivation of coffee ¬ Acquire at least one modern vessel to facilitate to meet the requirements of the processing the export of agricultural commodities to the plant. region.
¬ Continue to diversify agricultural production for ¬ Establish Agricultural Trading Houses in local and overseas markets. selected markets overseas.
¬ Expedite the DLP Government’s ongoing WITH RESPECT TO FISHERIES THE DLP initiative in organic agriculture to establish GOVERNMENT WILL: Dominica as an organic island and wellness ¬ Encourage more Dominicans and visitors to tourism destination. supplement their diets with more fish; ¬ Continue to subsidize standard fertilizers, while ¬ Continue to train fisher folk in modern methods encouraging the local production of organic of fishing and help them to modernize and manure. commercialize their fishing fleets; ¬ Establish linkages with tourism in order to ¬ Continue to invest in the sector by up-grading the create demand for local agricultural produce facilities at Marigot, San Sauveur, Anse De Mai, and value-added goods. Portsmouth, Fond St Jean/Stowe, Roseau ¬ Use the Modern Agricultural Centre financed and Scotts Head to VOTE LABOUR by China as a catalyst for agricultural serve as the major transformation. centres for fishing operations on the island. Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 21 Ka Twavay! LABOUR
MANUFACTURING AND AGRO PROCESSING
In the last quarter of the 20th century manufacturing ¬ Use the availability of cheap geothermal accounted for 9-12% of Gross Domestic Product energy in Dominica to attract manufacturers (GDP). However, due to the increasing emphasis from CARICOM, the Dominican Diaspora that was put on imports by DEXIA, the intense and further afield. competition from the emerging superpowers, the high cost of imported fossil fuels, and the shrinking ¬ Give special attention to manufacturing in of the economy due to the prolonged recession, the ongoing review of fiscal incentives to manufacturing has contributed an average of 4.5% boost expansion of the sector. to GDP. ¬ Offer tax relief on imported raw materials and packaging to all manufacturers.
DURING THE NEXT TERM THE DLP ¬ Focus on agro-processing as an outlet for WILL: the increasing production deriving from the technical assistance and investment being ¬ Create at least two more industrial estates to made in Agriculture. encourage and help local entrepreneurs to manufacture goods in Dominica and ¬ Grow the manufacturing sector’s contribution benefit from cheap to GDP from 4.5% to at least 10%. VOTE LABOUR geothermal energy and ✖ improved infrastructure. 22 Leadership is everything! T H E D O M I N I C A L A B O U R P A R T Y LABOUR Ka Twavay!
THE NEW CABRITS STATE LAND HOTEL ...Coming, once La bour is r e-elected!
TOURISM
In 2000, while Tourism’s contribution to global GDP was 14% and to Caribbean GDP 32%, its contribution to Dominica’s GDP was 5%. So when (ii) Shortage of “Market Ready” Accommodation; the DLP came to power that year, one of the first (iii) Poor tourism infrastructure; (iv) Dissatisfaction things it did was to review the performance of the with the quality of the cruise product; (v) Dominica tourism sector; and to further diversify the tourism not well known in the market place. product offered by Dominica. By 2005 a critical In the revised Tourism Master Plan of 2013, decision was made to use the natural, topological the Government reiterated its commitment to features of Dominica to attract the more discerning developing the Tourism sector as one of the drivers tourist. Eco-tourism that focused on the forests, of national economic activity and diversification. It the mountains, the rivers, waterfalls, lakes, virgin has established Tourism as a high priority sector, trails, and marine adventures including whale- based on the country’s natural and cultural resources spotting in the seas surrounding Dominica, was upon which to develop a sustainable industry. promoted. After the 2009 election the Government It is now poised to take advantage commissioned a major consultation to draw up a of the expanding global VOTE LABOUR Tourism Master Plan. The research found that there market for international were five constraints that prevented the successful travel and the growing development of the sector, namely: (i) Inadequate interest in environmental air and sea connectivity; conservation. Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 23 Ka Twavay! LABOUR TOURISM
cont’d from page 23
GOING FORWARD, THE DOMINICA ¬ Continue to improve the infrastructure that LABOUR PARTY WILL: is essential for Tourism. ¬ Improve the quality of the Tourism product ¬ Continue to address the stated constraints by making Roseau more visitor friendly, to developing the Tourism sector, and with more parking spaces and better more. signage. ¬ Improve the environment for investing in ¬ Complete the construction of the Roseau Tourism by reviewing all legislation, fees River Promenade. and other charges applied to transactions ¬ Continue the renovation works at the within the sector. Cruise Ship Terminal in Roseau to improve ¬ Improve air transport to Dominica by its operations for cruise calls and ferry constructing the international airport - for services. which there is already an agreement - in ¬ Continue the Portsmouth Enhancement collaboration with a private sector partner Project with the completion of the new hotel from the People’s Republic of China. built with the assistance of the Kingdom of ¬ Attract private foreign direct investment in Morocco; and the building of a Yacht and the Tourism sector through the Citizenship Cruise Centre funded by China. by Investment Programme. ¬ Complete the development of the Fort ¬ Complete the 3-star hotel in the Carib Shirley site. Territory and the Cabrits Hotel and Spa. ¬ Invest more heavily in the systematic ¬ Build at least 2 more hotels including the promotion of Dominica to travel agents, 5-star hotel on the Public Works site in tour operators, and potential tourists with Roseau. such promotion being targeted at niche product segments that match Dominica’s strengths.
“THE RANGE” LUXURIOUS RESORT DEVELOPMENT ...Coming in La bour’s next ter m!
VOTE LABOUR✖ 24 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY LABOUR Ka Twavay! TOURISM
NEW CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL ...Coming, once La bour is re-elected!
EXISTING CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL
cont’d from page 24
¬ Promote eco-tourism and community tourism as high priorities because of their potential as significant tourism products and as means of rural and community empowerment. ¬ Continue to develop key niche tourism sites such as: The Carib Model Village (Kalinago Barana Aute); the Waitukubuli ¬ National Trail; the Giraudel/Eggleston Up-grade the service skills and standards plants and gardens project; the Indian River by increasing the training opportunities development at Portsmouth; tour guiding, both off-site and on-site in collaboration restaurant and other business services in with the Dominica State College and major the Calibishie area; Agro-tourism tours to hotels. Bellevue Chopin; the Grand Bay Arts and ¬ Use the National Employment Programme Crafts Centre; the Mero Beach facility for to increase the provision of on-the-job recreation, food and entertainment; Water training for people seeking employment Sports, especially Scuba Diving. and business opportunities in the Tourism ¬ Offer a combination of heritage, cultural, sector. urban and environmental experiences to visitors. ¬ Reach the target of VOTE LABOUR ¬ Work closely with hoteliers to offer Tourism contributing condominiums and timeshare facilities to at least 15% of GDP visitors. by 2020.
Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 25 Ka Twavay! LABOUR The Society
POVERTY LEVEL
One of the most reliable measures of a country’s EXPANDED IN THIS MANIFESTO, THE progress towards achieving a prosperous and just NEXT DLP GOVERNMENT WILL: society is the poverty level. In 2003 the poverty level in Dominica was over 39%; and the level ¬ Continue to support measures to sustain of indigence 10%. The latest Country Poverty enterprise, wealth creation and a more Assessment found that the level of poverty had equitable distribution of material goods. been reduced to 28%; and the indigence level had ¬ Continue to support agencies providing fallen to 3.1%. services to the poor and neglected. BASED ON THE PROVISIONS IN THE ¬ Reduce the level of poverty to 10-15% and GROWTH AND SOCIAL PROTECTION the level of indigence to 0% by 2020. S T R A T E G Y (2014-2018) AND ¬ Do all that is humanly possible to right VOTE LABOUR NOW FURTHER the wrongs of the past; and strive to wipe E X P L A I N E D , out ignorance, poverty and injustice in ✖ REINFORCED AND Dominica. 26 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY LABOUR Ka Twavay! FAMILY AND COMMUNITY
The success of the family and its support systems in the community is a top priority for the DLP. Hence, the Dominica Labour Party has continued to empower the Local Government system to support communities and families in every village and community in Dominica. The 42 local authorities are good examples of participatory Government that facilitates the flow of information and essential resources between Central and Local Government. In 2013, a Ministry of Constituency Empowerment was established to further empower communities to implement programmes and projects ; and to ensure that disconnect does not develop between Parliamentary Representatives and their constituencies.
DURING THE NEXT TERM THE DLP WILL:
¬ Extend the provision of Family Life Education in schools.
¬ Continue to strengthen Village Councils and Community Based Organizations (CBOs).
¬ Create more educational, employment and recreational opportunities in villages to stem the flow of migration to urban centres.
¬ Continue to identify challenged families and individuals and guide them to opportunities for enriching their lives.
¬ Enhance the powers of local authorities to ensure that each community gets its fair share of benefits. ¬ Equip all Community Centres with modern VOTE LABOUR facilities, including access to Information and Communication Technology, for education, training and the convenience of e-Government and e-Commerce. Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 27 Ka Twavay! LABOUR HEALTH
THE NEW, STATE-OF-THE-ART, PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL ...Coming in La bour’s next ter m!
The Health of a nation is the Wealth of a nation. In 2000 there was no National Health Insurance Programme in Dominica. Health was essentially a personal responsibility; and access to health services depended on status and class. Since then, new lifestyles have led to new health challenges. The incidence of Chronic Non- Communicable Diseases, the spread of HIV/AIDS and new This DLP Government is committed to providing contagious diseases, like Ebola, now pose serious health care for all, regardless of their income. From threats to the health of citizens. 2009, health care has been made free to those aged under 18 years and those over 65 years of VOTE LABOUR age. The cost of health care financing is therefore of grave concern. Hence, the DLP Government has sought the assistance of PAHO to find options ✖ to address the issue of health financing. 28 Leadership is everything! T H E D O M I N I C A L A B O U R P A R T Y HEALTH cont’d fr om pag e 28
DURING THE NEXT TERM THE DLP to benefit from the new “I Can See Clearly Now” GOVERNMENT WILL: Eye Care Programme. ¬ Build a new, modern and well-equipped General ¬ Hospital - with the assistance of the People’s Tackle Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases Republic of China. more vigorously by providing additional educational and sports facilities for healthy ¬ Offer at this new hospital a range of specialist lifestyles. services which are currently unavailable in ¬ Dominica and which include treatment for Increase the number of HIV/AIDS Rapid Testing cancer, access to dialysis facilities and Magnetic sites from 4 to 10. Resonance Imaging (MRI). ¬ Strengthen our capacity to identify, diagnose ¬ Continue to train doctors to provide specialized and treat new diseases like Chikungunya and care. Ebola. ¬ ¬ Build a new Marigot Hospital. Establish a special off-site unit to isolate and treat cases of Ebola. ¬ Work even more closely with Ross University ¬ School of Medicine to enhance both the Launch a national programme to rehabilitate health services and the economic benefits that and upgrade all health centres on the island. Dominica derives from this Medical School. ¬ Design and VOTE LABOUR ¬ Expand Portsmouth Hospital, under the introduce a form management of Ross University. of National Health Insurance in ¬ Continue the Cuban “Miracle Eye Care collaboration with Programme”; and enable more school children PAHO. Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 29 Ka Twavay! LABOUR EDUCATION
Education, with related training, constitutes one of the In 2000, even though most children had access to most important tools for development. Hence, universal Primary education , only 2.5% of Primary school access to education at all levels is a pre-condition for students went on toSecondary Schools. The Common making the leap to becoming a prosperous, peaceful Entrance Examination militated against the poor, those and just society. living in certain rural districts, and girls, whose place was considered to be at home. As early as 2000 the DLP introduced its Education Development Plan 2000-2005 and Beyond , to: Under the enlightened leadership of a Prime Minister “Guarantee equitable access to high quality education who is an educator, the Dominica Labour Party and training to develop in all its citizens the capacity replaced the Common Entrance Examination with to lead productive and fulfilling lives in a complex and the Grade 6 Examination. All students taking the changing society.” Grade 6 Examination were helped to go to Secondary School with the following assistance from the DLP Traditionally, Early Childhood education was left to Government: (a) Student Transfer Grants; (b) Textbook the family and the private sector. As such, the poor Grants; (c) Uniform Assistance Programmes; (d) were deprived of access to an early start in formal School Transportation; (e) Examination fees; (f) School education to enable their Feeding Programmes. VOTE LABOUR children to rise up the educational ladder. As ear l y as 2000 the DLP intr oduced its Education ✖ Development Plan 2000-2005 30 Leadership is everything! T H E D O M I N I C A L A B O U R P A R T Y LABOUR Ka Twavay! EDUCATION
cont’d from page 30
In 2006, Universal Primary and Secondary Education The Dominica State College played a pivotal role in was achieved. And within 5 years, in 2011, the the Educational Revolution which is intensifying in Population and Housing Census observed a 28.5% Dominica. In 2002, soon after the DLP came to power, increase in the number of persons attaining G.C.E or the DSC was established in a merger between three C.X.C certificates. tertiary level institutions, catering for 500 students in Nursing, Teacher Training and General Education. With respect to Tertiary level education, at the turn of Only 7% of school leavers went on the DSC. Then in the century, only 1% of students went on to university 2009 it was expanded to serve 1,500 students. Today, education. By 2011, the number of students attaining 87% of all Secondary School graduates go on to the Associate Degrees rose exponentially by 972.5%. DSC. Many of them go on to pursue degrees on the Bachelor’s Degree achievement registered a 130.6% campuses of the University of the West Indies and in increase. Higher degree attainment recorded a 61.7% China, Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico, USA, and Russia. increase. A gender analysis of the data suggested that at every level of education, females accounted for higher percentages of success than males.
In 2002, soon after the DLP came to pow er, the DSC w as established in a merger betw een three tertiary level institutions, catering for 500 students in Nursing, Teacher Training and General Education.
VOTE LABOUR ✖ Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 31 THE BEST TEAM FOR THESE TIMES THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY
Skerrit Bernard Roosevelt Alvin George Vieille Case Roseau Central AmbroseRoseau South
Pinard Stephenson McIntyre Drigo IanSoufriere GrandIvor Fond/Morne Jaune/ Dr.J. Collin Johnson Riviere Cyrique Roseau Valley Castle Bruce
VOTE LABOUR Christmas “Shanks” Esprit Blackmoore Dr. Martin Nicholls Rayburn ✖ Marigot Salisbury Mahaut 32 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY THE BEST TEAM FOR THESE TIMES T H E D O M I N I C A L A B O U R PA R T Y
Benjamin Douglas Athenia Darroux Daniel Wesley CasiusSalybia CatherineColihaut IanPortsmouth
Timothy Charles Darroux Julius Darroux Kenneth Roseau North JustinaGrand Bay KelverSt. Joseph Petite Savanne
VOTE LABOUR
Saint Jean Austrie Petter Reginald Paul LaPlaine Cottage RoselynPaix-Bouche
Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 33 EDUCATION cont’d from page 31
DURING THE NEXT TERM, THE DLP ¬ Introduce more Technical and Vocational GOVERNMENT WILL: subjects in Secondary Schools leading to Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ’s). ¬ Achieve universal access to Early Childhood Education. ¬ Establish a new Polytechnic to pursue excellence in Technical and Vocational ¬ Continue to set and monitor standards Education and Training (TVET), offering in both public and private Nurseries and qualifications accredited by the Dominica State Kindergartens. College.
¬ Fully implement the CDB-funded Dominica ¬ Refocus the education and training systems to Education Enhancement Project (DEEP) to building skills demanded by employers. upgrade sixty (60) Primary and fifteen (15) Secondary schools on the island; as well as ¬ Introduce Schools of Agriculture and Hospitality improve the Curriculum Measurement and at the Dominica State College to meet the skill Evaluation Unit. demands of the country’s two main economic sectors. ¬ Continue this process by rehabilitating and upgrading all schools on the island. ¬ Transform the DSC into a modern, directly relevant tertiary education facility, offering ¬ Continue to create a new administrative degree programmes that meet not only the organizational structure for all Secondary current skill needs but also the future needs of schools. the nation.
¬ Address issues of quality improvement and ¬ Pursue issues of accreditation for new relevance of all subjects at all levels. disciplines with regional and international ¬ educational institutions. VOTE LABOUR Make the teaching of Civics ¬ Provide laptops for all Secondary School and mandatory at all College students. ✖ schools. 34 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY LABOUR Ka Twavay! SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Since the turn of the century, modern technology Census figures show that in 2001, 8.6% of driven by science, has transformed the world. households in Dominica had connection to the Information and Communication Technology internet. By 2011 that figure had risen to 44.5%. has come to dominate education at all levels; is Realizing the importance of access to the internet, essential for achieving efficiencies in both the public the Dominica National Internet Exchange Point and private sectors; and saves lives in disciplines (DANIX) was launched in 2013. It enabled more ranging from medicine, security systems and even service providers to enter the market and improve warfare with the use of surveillance instruments the availability of wireless access in all areas of the and drones. We now live in the Information Age, country. with technologies that give us immediate access VOTE LABOUR to vital information. The lack of access to or unfamiliarity with the new technology places one at a gross disadvantage. Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 35 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY cont’d from page 35
DURING THE NEXT TERM THE DLP GOVERNMENT WILL:
¬ Continue the development and ¬ expansion of telecommunications Reduce the cost of services island-wide. telecommunication services. ¬ ¬ Ensure that there is universal Seek, in collaboration with the coverage of the island through relevant private sector concerns, broadband connectivity. to contribute to the further development of the country’s ICT ¬ Engage in Public/Private infrastructure and skills so that the sector Partnerships with country arrives at the cutting edge of telecommunications companies to the Information and Communication expand the use of computers. Technology (ICT) revolution.
¬ Facilitate access ¬ Establish an ICT Park with units for to the internet by all training and business enterprises, VOTE LABOUR Dominicans in their in an effort to create new jobs in the homes or in Community ICT sector. ✖ Resource Centres. 36 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY LABOUR Ka Twavay! HOUSING
At the end of the 20th century, the high level of million to the Government Housing Loans Board poverty manifested itself in poor housing conditions. and the AID Bank respectively for financing home The incoming DLP Governmen t, fully cognizant construction by lower income earners within the of the social impact of poor housing, introduced public and private sectors. the Housing and Sanitation Programme as a springboard for socio-economic development. At With respect to the Carib Territory , the Labour the same time it introduced the Squatter Regulation Party Government’s goal has been and remains Programme that would enable low-income earners the construction of safe, affordable and decent and squatters to buy land at one dollar ($1) per traditional-style houses for the inhabitants in at least square foot. eight local communities. So far, it has constructed more than 70 two-bedroom units, complete with all By 2010 the Housing Revolution , with the amenities, in all communities within the Territory, assistance of ALBA funds from Venezuela, had with finance from the Government of Venezuela, reached 40 communities bringing benefits related the Government of the People’s Republic of China to physical renovation, access to potable water and and the Government of Dominica. the replacement of pit latrines with water closets. By 2013 over $26 million was spent on this form Between 2009 and 2013 the Government of the of intervention with about 800 beneficiaries spread Commonwealth of Dominica has helped over 3,500 throughout the country. At the same time the people to improve their housing conditions through construction component of the Housing Revolution the Housing and Sanitation Programme. involved disbursement of $7.0 million and $5.0
VOTE LABOUR
Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 37 HOUSING
cont’d from page 37 DURING THE NEXT TERM, THE DLP GOVERNMENT PLEDGES TO:
¬ Continue to source concessionary ¬ Complete the process of refurbishing or financing to help public and private rebuilding all dilapidated houses. sector workers to build their homes. ¬ Replace all pit latrines by 2020. ¬ Begin the construction of 1,500 ¬ Focus on the acquisition of building affordable houses from late 2014. and construction skills at the new ¬ Assist retired persons with finance to Polytechnic. maintain their homes.
VOTE LABOUR✖ 38 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY LABOUR Ka Twavay! YOUTH
In 2000, half the population of Dominica was under young men and women in Dominica grow up with a 35 years of age. As many as 65% of those under sense of belonging and worth; and are empowered 24, primarily newcomers to the job market, were to participate fully in the social and economic unemployed/underemployed/misemployed. As a development of the nation. result, the majority of them were marginalized from the mainstream of the society, and considered, in In order to fulfill this Mission the Youth the traditional way, as “not ready”. Development Division was strengthened and restructured to collaborate with other stakeholders Then in 2004, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit , a young in the development of young people. The primary man aged 31 was elected leader of the Dominica stakeholder organization it has been working with Labour Party and by extension the Prime Minister is the National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD). of Dominica. This critical decision would lead to This umbrella youth organization has a mission to the building of faith in youth; and reinforce the unite young Dominicans, articulate their concerns conviction that the evolving world order would be and involve them in the decision-making and driven by young people, who understood it better. implementation processes of their nation at all So one of the first things the new Prime Minister did levels. Through the Youth Development Division, was to ratify the National Youth Policy of Dominica. the NYCD and other related agencies, the DLP The Mission of the National Youth Policy (NYP) Government has relentlessly pursued its vision for is to create a framework that would ensure that youth.
VOTE LABOUR
Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 39 Ka Twavay! LABOUR
YOUTH cont’d from page 39
Since 2008 the most urgent issue facing young With the renewed emphasis on Agriculture, the people was the high levels of unemployment and Youth Division partnered 4-H Clubs in efforts to the global threat to standard jobs. The Youth change the perception of agriculture by young Development Division therefore intensified its people, and helped them to acquire technical skills efforts to spread the entrepreneurial culture to all and experiment with new crops. Similarly, the classes and categories of young people. Hence Youth Division organized a succession of activities the Division focused on mobilizing resources for under its Youth Environmental Service (YES) the expansion of the Dominica Youth Business Corps to change young people’s attitude towards Trust, which provided a package of assistance to recognizing Dominica’s natural resources as assets actual and potential young business persons. To for the sustainable development of the country. complement the entrepreneurial drive of the Youth Business Trust, the Skills Training Programme In keeping with the policy of inclusion of the was enhanced to provide both employers and Dominica Labour Party, the Youth Division worked employees with technical and life skills. closely with the “A Ganar” Programme to give young offenders a second chance to become law- The Youth Development Division also partnered abiding and productive citizens. This Programme, with the Ministry of Housing and the Ministry of funded by USAID, has proven to be an effective Employment under the National Employment means of rehabilitating misguided youth. Similar Programme (NEP) for the implementation of relationships were established with From several social projects introduced by Government. Offending to Achieving (FOTA), an international The Youth Development Division also organized agency, targeting “at risk” boys from 2008. annual Summer Volunteerism Programmes and Work and Study Camps. These initiatives, funded As a result of this vigorous response to the by UNDP, mobilized hundreds of Fifth Form and needs of youth, the young people of Dominica College students to provide training and have embraced a positive attitude towards the wholesome activities for challenges they face. It is for these reasons VOTE LABOUR children and young people that the Youth Development Division has in all communities across been recognized by the Commonwealth Youth the country. Programme (CYP) and UNDP as one of the most ✖ outstanding change agents of the region. 40 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY YOUTH cont’d fr om pag e 40
GOING FORWARD, THE DOMINICA ¬ Provide a special framework for youth to LABOUR PARTY PLEDGES TO: gain direct access to duty-free and VAT- exempt status for investments in agricultural ¬ Continue to empower young people, primarily technology, supplies, and equipment. through the Youth Development Division and related Agencies, to help transform the ¬ Introduce a form of National Youth Service economy and society of Dominica. to ensure that young people take advantage of all the facilities available for them to play a ¬ Finance the expanded programme of the leadership role in pursuing the vision. National Youth Council of Dominica for additional office space and personnel to reach ¬ Empower the Youth Development Division, out to more young people. NYCD and other Youth organizations to channel Help the NYCD to develop its Goat Meat, Milk unemployed young people into opportunities and Cheese Production projects. for work experience, training and employment in fulfillment of their National Youth ¬ Help NYCD to pioneer the acquisition of idle Service obligations. VOTE LABOUR public and private land for investments by young persons with positive agricultural ideas.
Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 41 Ka Twavay! LABOUR GENDER
Caribbean women are internationally renowned as the Domestic Violence (DV) Registry. It has for the progress they have made at a personal also highlighted the benefits of gender equality; and national level. Even though they out-perform and acknowledged the importance of gender in their male counterparts at all levels of education social and economic planning. It has explained they fail to translate this achievement to all the how greater gender equality can help reduce formal political, economic and social institutions poverty and promote growth of the economy. of society. A measure of the reluctance of society to allow women to occupy positions of IN THE NEXT TERM THE DLP WILL: responsibility commensurate with their ability is their failure to achieve adequate representation ¬ Continue to monitor and respond in National Parliaments throughout the region. vigorously to incidents of domestic After the last General Elections in Dominica, 10% violence; and the use of bribery to keep of the elected representatives were female. silent about sexual abuse. ¬ Establish a place of safety for victims of Over the years, the DLP Government has domestic violence and abuse. endorsed a number of policies to achieve greater ¬ Incorporate a gender perspective in all gender equality in the name of justice. These development planning. include: (i) The updated National Gender Policy ¬ Establish a system of gender and Action Plan; (ii) The National Action Plan mainstreaming into all sectors of on Gender Violence; (iii) The National Strategic government and society. Plan for Gender Mainstreaming. ¬ Encourage support systems for working mothers, such as Nurseries in both the The DLP Government public and private sectors. has advanced a number ¬ Help more women to gain political office VOTE LABOUR of initiatives to monitor at the highest level in pursuit of their the incidence of entitlement to 50% representation. ✖ domestic violence, such 42 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY LABOUR Ka Twavay! INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
The indigenous people of Dominica - The Kalinago - lived. During the last 14 years it established, first a have during the past 400 years made great sacrifices; Department of Carib Affairs and then a Ministry of and like all Dominicans contributed to the quest for Carib Affairs to address the challenges which our Independence. In 2000 it was estimated that 70% first citizens faced. The Kalinago have subsequently of the 3,000 Kalinago remaining in Dominica were benefited from the opportunities created for all classified as poor. The DLP Government , as part Dominicans to enjoy upward social mobility through of its philosophy and policy of inclusion and justice, better education, access to all types of employment, found this totally unacceptable and committed itself social protection and decent, affordable housing. to improving the conditions under which the Kalinago The DLP believes that the Kalinago deserve more.
VOTE LABOUR
Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 43 THE PROPOSED NEW CARIB COUNCIL CENTRE ...Coming, once Labour is re-elected!
cont’d from page 43
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
DURING ITS NEXT TERM IN OFFICE, THE ¬ Establish an effective Agricultural station within DLP GOVERNMENT WILL: the borders of the Kalinago Territory. ¬ Intensify specialized trade and communication ¬ Construct a new Carib Council Centre to with the French Departments and First Citizens’ house the Office of the Chief and Council, as Territories of the Region using at least one well as a Conference Room, a Cultural Centre Government-sponsored sea vessel. and a Post Office. ¬ Develop a Kalinago Language programme ¬ Continue to spread the entrepreneurial culture and a more relevant curriculum for community among the Kalinago. schools. ¬ Establish a Small Business Development Fund for the Kalinago. ¬ Organize a major Cultural Extravaganza on or around July 4th annually, to celebrate the ¬ Appoint an Advisory Group for the social and establishment of the Territory. economic development of the Carib Territory. ¬ ¬ Involve the Carib leaders in developing Establish an official Kalinago Day proposed for th ecological, community and heritage tourism September 19 in memory of fallen ancestors products as part of the national effort to of the 1930 uprising. diversify the industry. ¬ Erect a monument in recognition of the Kalinago ¬ Support the construction of a three-star hotel people. in the Carib Territory. ¬ Amend the Carib Act, and change the name ¬ Support the extension of the overnight from Carib to Kalinago as an official government services at the Kalinago Barana policy. Aute (KBA). ¬ Give urgent and serious consideration to ¬ Position the Carib Territory to enjoy a greater designating the Kalinago Territory as a Tax and slice of the tourism Duty Free Zone. VOTE LABOUR business by enhancing ¬ Continue to give the Kalinago and ALL the production and Dominicans equal opportunities to enter the marketing of craft items mainstream of society without abandoning ✖ and cassava. their heritage. 44 THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY Leadership is everything! LABOUR Ka Twavay! SPORTS
When the DLP came to power in 2000, there were Hence a decision was made to improve the Windsor no modern sports facilities in the country or well Park Sports Stadium to enable Dominica to host established systems for encouraging sports and some of the Cricket World Cup games in 2007. producing super athletes. Since then, Dominica, This modern facility, built as a gift from the People’s like all its neighbours, has fully embraced the new Republic of China, has subsequently hosted the perspective on Sports in order to: World Creole Music Festival, the National Youth Rally, the Annual Parade of Uniformed Groups, and (a) Encourage healthy lifestyles to several international Cricket matches and athletic reduce the incidence and cost of tournaments. In addition to this, theDLP Government Chronic Non-Communicable decided to develop a grassroots sports programme Diseases; by involving school children in structured Physical Education from Grade K to Grade 6. A decision was (b) Create opportunities for lucrative also made to build or improve playing fields in every careers, not only as athletes but community and organize district sports festivals. also in all the other dimensions of There is now a growing demand for Sports, such as organizing and a National Sports Policy staging sporting events; and VOTE LABOUR to guarantee significant (c) Help in diversifying the Tourism improvement of facilities industry with Sports Tourism. and the management of sports at all levels. Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 45 Ka Twavay! LABOUR
cont’d from page 45 SPORTS
DURING ITS NEXT TERM IN OFFICE, THE DLP WILL:
¬ Introduce a new Sports Act. ¬ Construct public Tennis courts in selected ¬ Review the Dominica National Sports Policy communities. and Action Plan. ¬ Build an Olympic-sized swimming pool in ¬ Establish a National Sports Council. Roseau. ¬ Build an indoor sporting facility in Stock ¬ Continue to invest in sports by up-grading Farm that has the capacity to host regional playing fields and hard courts in every and international games, like the Windsor community. Park Stadium. ¬ Offer tax exemption for sports equipment as ¬ Provide training in Stock Farm for a range an incentive for more people to get involved of sports, with the emphasis on Basketball, in sports. Netball, and Volleyball. ¬ Give more support to Sports Clubs. ¬ Empower the Working Group to oversee the ¬ Encourage unemployed young people to construction of the Stock Farm facility and participate in sports in meeting their National ensure that the necessary infrastructure Youth Service obligations. and amenities, including parking space, are put in place.
THE NEW MULTI-PURPOSE INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE ...Coming in La bour’s next ter m!
VOTE LABOUR✖ 46 THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY Leadership is everything! LABOUR Ka Twavay! CULTURE AND THE ARTS
Dominica has always been proud of its cultural put forward a 14-point framework for making cultural heritage. However, it was taken for granted that this expressions successful industries. A National culture would continue to be publicly manifested in Cultural Council was empowered to oversee the spontaneous outpourings and naturally passed on protection and promotion of Dominican culture. from generation to generation. But by 2000 it becameIn 2007, the National Cultural Policy was revised clear that cultural penetration, made possible by the and ratified in time for the celebrations of the 30th new technology, could wipe out this culture if it was Anniversary of Independence in 2008. The Grand not protected. In addition to this, the link between Reunion of members of the Dominican Diaspora cultural preservation and economic development with their relatives and friends at home, the staging became a priority for decision makers. of community festivals and the World Creole Music Festival, demonstrated In May 2001, the incoming DLP Administration how important the cultural VOTE LABOUR introduced a National Cultural Policy, which was industries were to the approved by Cabinet. It recognized the richness development of Heritage and uniqueness of Dominica’s cultural heritage and Tourism. Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 47 Ka Twavay! LABOUR
cont’d from page 47
CULTURE AND THE ARTS
GOING FORWARD, THE NEXT DLP ¬ Provide financial support and training for GOVERNMENT WILL: artistes and recording studios.
¬ Review and strengthen the role of the ¬ Provide finance to local bands for Dominica Festivals Commission. purchasing instruments and for recording music. ¬ Create a National Cultural Foundation. ¬ Encourage more annual competitions ¬ Preserve and develop indigenous and and expositions for local artistes and popular cultural expressions in order bands. to foster a Dominican and Caribbean identity. ¬ Foster an awareness of those positive traditional customs and practices ¬ Position Dominica as a leading player in which have contributed to our peoples’ cultural matters in the OECS, CARICOM development as a nation. and the Creole World. ¬ Create avenues which will engage ¬ Execute the National Strategy and our youth in activities geared towards Action Plan to develop Entertainment maintaining the positive elements and and Cultural Tourism. habits of our culture.
¬ Continue to mobilize ¬ Integrate cultural studies into the curricula economic and other of all educational institutions. VOTE LABOUR material benefits for our people through the ✖ cultural industries. 48 T H E D O M I N I C A L A B O U R P A R T Y Leadership is everything! LABOUR Ka Twavay! PUBLIC SERVICE
THE EXISTING SINGLE LANE WEST BRIDGE
THE ALREADY COMMISSIONED TWO-LANE WEST BRIDGE ...Coming, once La bour is r e-elected!
The effectiveness of any Government depends e) Constructing permanent, modern offices on the efficiency of the public service; and in the adjacent to State House, to accommodate final analysis, an Administration is judged by the the Public Service Commission, the Police quality of service dispensed by those who interface Commission, the Electoral Commission, and with the public. Hence the invigorated, new DLP the Integrity in Public Office Commission. Government in 2005 seriously addressed the issue of Public Sector Reform. It then embarked By 2013 it was evident that public sector workers had on a comprehensive public sector modernization embraced the new technology as a tool for enhancing programme that included: productivity. The performance of staff and the delivery of services had improved considerably. Above all, an a) Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of ICT Unit was established to enhance the service to public service delivery; the public using the following guidelines and facilities: b) Enhancing accountability through greater (i) The e-Governance Strategy and Plan; (ii) The e- openness and improved access to Governance and Accountability Framework; (iii) On- information; line Business Registry; (iv) Document Management Systems; VOTE LABOUR c) Streamlining and modernizing Government (v) The Government of regulations and processes that have an Dominica Web Portal; and impact on private sector economic activity; (vi) The setting of Service d) Strengthening Local Government; Standards for all jobs. Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 49 Ka Twavay! LABOUR PUBLIC SERVICE
cont’d from page 49
IN THE NEXT TERM THE DLP ¬ Finalize the Customer Service GOVERNMENT WILL: Charter.
¬ Continue to provide training for ¬ Complete the process of giving staff to keep them abreast of all Dominicans access to changes in the technology. computers and the internet to benefit from e-Government and ¬ Complete the expansion of the e-Commerce. Public Service Training Centre. ¬ Appoint all public servants who ¬ Construct modern Government have served for 10 years or Offices in the High Street of more. Roseau and in the town of Portsmouth. ¬ Increase the remuneration of public servants - commensurate with their performance - through regular increments.
VOTE LABOUR✖ 50 THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY Leadership is everything! LABOUR Ka Twavay! CIVIL SOCIETY
One of the major characteristics of Good DURING THE NEXT TERM THE DLP Governance is participation by citizens in the GOVERNMENT WILL: decision-making process, both individually and collectively. Dominica’s Non-Governmental ¬ Continue to support and consult with civil Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society society organizations. Organizations (CSOs) actively participate in a ¬ Work closely with the respective wide range of social welfare and developmental organizations to achieve the goals of areas. The Dominica National Council of Women women, youth, the elderly, the disabled, and Dominica Conservation Association are the environmentalists, and other categories of country’s more prominent NGOs. In recent years Dominicans. the National Youth Council of Dominica has become a major force for addressing the challenges facing ¬ Help all registered and approved civil young people. society organizations to access funding, not only from Government but also from The Dominica Labour Party considers civil international aid agencies. society to be the third sector of society with the responsibility to give voice to every category of Dominicans. It considers the participation of civil VOTE LABOUR society in the affairs of the nation a measure of the health of democracy in Dominica.
Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 51 Ka Twavay! LABOUR SOCIAL SAFETY NET
One of the fundamental principles of Democratic facilities; and provided appropriate skills training Socialism embraced by the DLP is the establishment opportunities. and strengthening of a social safety net to prevent the most vulnerable members of society from falling With respect to children, the primary area of concern through to abject poverty. Particularly vulnerable was the fact that a large number of children from members of society would include (a) Children; poor homes were going to school on hungry bellies. (b) the Elderly; (c) the Kalinago people; (d) the ill; Immediately after being re-elected in 2005 the the disabled; and (e) individuals deprived of the DLP Government expanded the School Feeding standard support systems. Programme to ensure that children got the at least one nutritional meal to aid their education. Then At the turn of the century the level of poverty was after 2009, the spotlight was put on the abuse of around 40%. The situation was made worse children. Research showed that an unacceptable by the absence of a National Health Insurance number of children were being routinely abused in Scheme. So, soon after the election in 2005, the their homes and community. A robust response DLP Government introduced a Social Protection by the Ministry of Social Services led to the setting and Poverty Alleviation Policy, that brought relief up of CHANCES to provide safe, transitional to various sections of the society. Drawing on housing to children who have been removed from resources from the Basic Needs Trust Fund and their homes as a result of abandonment, violence, the Social Investment Fund, the Government has neglect, or abuse, until alternative family or foster reduced poverty through working with communities care arrangements can be made for them. Since to dispense services; 2011 a total of 105 children have been helped to established essential overcome the trauma of abuse. VOTE LABOUR c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d ✖ 52 THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY Leadership is everything! cont’d fr om pag e 52
SOCIAL SAFETY NET The Country Poverty Assessment (CPA) showed that THE DLP GOVERNMENT DURING THE by 2004 Dominica had an ageing population. Migration NEXT TERM IN OFFICE WILL: and changing family structures had left many elderly ¬ citizens in a state of isolation and deprivation. Hence Continue to monitor the social safety net and in 2010, the DLP Government launched the “Yes, respond swiftly to rescue any citizens who slip We Care” programme to provide older persons with through to acute poverty. protection and care as well as support services while ¬ Make sure that mechanisms are put in place to preserving their human dignity and enabling them respond to new needs. to live worthwhile lives. With financial assistance from Libya, the elderly have been supplied with free ¬ Ensure that the increasing national wealth is cooking gas, an increasing allowance, and Home shared more justly. Care providers. For those who needed greater care, access to Homes for the elderly was made available. ¬ Ensure that disabled citizens have equal access to Government offices and other facilities. From 2000, in response to the finding that 70% of the ¬ Provide care packages for all children under Kalinago were living in poverty, the DLP Government the age of one, particularly the children of embarked on a programme to embrace them and unemployed single parents. create opportunities for them to benefit from the various national initiatives to raise the standard of living of all BECAUSE DOMINICA IS AN AGEING Dominicans. Hence an increasing number of them SOCIETY, WE SHALL TARGET AND took advantage of opportunities for better education, PROTECT THE ELEDERLY BY: improved infrastructure, better housing and the creation of employment and wealth. ¬ Ensuring that support systems such as “Yes We Care” are enhanced to meet their needs. Despite the establishment of these measures, there continued to be a need for quick response to emergency ¬ Building Day Care Centres in communities for situations of citizens with little or no means to avoid the elderly so that they can engage in meaningful falling through the safety net to acute poverty. So, the and enjoyable activities on a daily basis. Prime Minister set up the Public Support Programme ¬ in his office to ensure that these needs were met. Reviewing their income from Government so that it keeps This facility also provided the Prime Minister with VOTE LABOUR rich feedback to assess the effectiveness of poverty in line with the reduction and social protection initiatives and to rectify cost of living and any deficiencies. improvements in the standard of living. Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 53 Ka Twavay! LABOUR LAW AND ORDER, JUSTICE, NATIONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY
The sustainable development of Dominica depends With financial assistance from the People’s Republic on the successful socialization of Dominicans to of China it exposed more police officers to training, be law-abiding citizens; and maintain peaceful renovated several police stations, and acquired and safe environments, locally and nationally. modern equipment such as surveillance systems and From the inception, the Dominica Labour Party motor cycles to make officers of the law more visible. was conscious of the risks of acute poverty and It also reduced the levels of recidivism by equipping unemployment leading to an increase in anti-social the prison with facilities to rehabilitate prisoners. behaviour. The Government therefore embarked on a comprehensive campaign that included new The Attorney General’s Chambers, the Office of the policies and programmes to stimulate economic Director of Public Prosecutions, the High Court of growth and create employment, provide social Justice, the Magistrate’s Court, all contributed in a protection, preserve the traditional culture with its meaningful way to ensure that Dominica’s justice essential core values, and make education more system functioned effectively and efficiently during the relevant to the needs of 21st century Dominica. period under review. In addition to this, the Dominica Legal Aid Clinic has established itself as an effective To maintain law and order, the DLP increased the legal service provider to the poor and disadvantaged number of police officers to over 500 and focused sections of the Dominican populace. on improving police training and physical facilities.
To maintain law and order, the DLP increased the number of police officers to over 500 and focused on impr oving police training and physical facilities.
VOTE LABOUR ✖ 54 T H E D O M I N I C A L A B O U R P A R T Y Leadership is everything! cont’d fr om pag e 54
LAW AND ORDER, JUSTICE, N ATION AL SAFETY AND SECURITY
In an effort to control the flow of guns and drugs ¬ Establish a Unit to specifically focus on into the country it worked closely with countries raising professional standards within the of the region to increase surveillance. With the police force. assistance from the USA the Coast Guard received 2 additional vessels to patrol our waters. ¬ Introduce a more effective community- policing programme, through which effective These measures led to a decrease of 10.2% in and meaningful alliances can be forged the serious crime statistics in 2013 compared with between the Police and communities to those for 2012. As of 2014, Dominica - with one of engender an environment for maintaining the lowest crime rates in the world - remains a safe law and order. place to live, work, visit and do business. ¬ Increase probation opportunities; and put As a member of the OECS and CARICOM, theDLP in place community service sentencing for Government considers it imperative that security certain offences. arrangements are coordinated at the regional level. Dominica therefore works with other Caribbean ¬ Continue to improve the State Prison’s countries to retain the features of the Regional rehabilitative model of corrections, and Intelligence Group and the CARICOM Intelligence ensure that prisoners are kept in a safe, Sharing Network in conjunction with the Regional secure and humanitarian environment. Security System. ¬ Construct a new Juvenile Rehabilitation THE DLP GOVERNMENT IN THE NEXT TERM Facility to reach out to offenders as early WILL: as possible.
¬ Continue to enable students to inculcate ¬ Construct a Rehabilitation Centre for drug the core values of society at all educational addicts. institutions. VOTE LABOUR ¬ Strive for even lower crime rates and a heightened sense of safety among residents and visitors alike.
Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 55 Ka Twavay! LABOUR EMBRACING THE DIASPORA
As early as 2000 the DLP realized the importance of Over the years, the Government and people of Dominica Dominicans in the far-flung Diaspora to the sustainable have grown to appreciate the significant contribution development of their motherland. Rosie Douglas members of the Diaspora have made to poverty recognized Dominicans abroad - whose numbers alleviation by their remittances to families at home and far exceeded those of Dominicans at home - as an their investments in real estate. These remittances important electoral district. Attention soon shifted to their account for over 10% of Dominica’s GDP and contribute role as partners in the socio-economic development of to economic growth as a source of foreign exchange Dominica. Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit then established a and a factor in the balance of payments. Diaspora Unit in the Ministry of Trade, Employment and Diaspora Affairs with a clear policy to facilitate The DLP Government recognized how the contributions their participation in the political as well as the social, by members of the country’s Diaspora to national economic, and cultural life of Dominica. The Diaspora development could more than compensate for any loss Unit now serves as the focal point for communicating from the migration of skilled, resourceful nationals. and interacting with the Diaspora. Hence, the Diaspora Policy of the DLP is to “build networks for trade, tourism, and investment promotion; harness its knowledge, skills, and assets; and attract higher and more efficient forms of remittances”. The Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit then esta blished a Diaspor a Unit in VOTE LABOUR the Ministry of Tr ade, Employment and Diaspor a Affairs with a clear policy to facilitate their participation in the political as ✖ well as the social, economic, and cultur al life of Dominica. 56 Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY EMBRACING THE DIASPORA cont’d fr om pag e 56
GOING FORWARD , THE DLP ¬ Encourage and reward members of the Diaspora GOVERNMENT WILL: to promote the unique Tourism products being developed in the Nature Island. ¬ Extend its dialogue with the Diaspora beyond the annual consultations that take place at ¬ Create opportunities for the members of the the time of Independence celebrations in Diaspora to make a greater contribution to November of each year. the development of Agriculture and its value- added products. ¬ Ask Embassies and Consulates to develop and keep updated databases of nationals, ¬ Entice Dominicans living abroad to establish which would identify qualifications and location enterprises in the Manufacturing Sector using of nationals who may be of service to the the abundant geothermal energy in Dominica. country. ¬ Consider qualified members of the Diaspora ¬ Ask all Ministries to examine and review their for recruitment to fill specialist positions in mandates, programmes and resources with a Dominica and abroad. view to identifying possible roles for members of the Diaspora. ¬ Review and increase the incentives and concessions offered to members of the ¬ Involve resourceful members of the Diaspora Diaspora to resettle in Dominica. in Foreign Policy initiatives, Cultural activities, and Community Development. ¬ Create a financial instrument to facilitate investment in both the public and private sectors ¬ Invite proposals from the Diaspora for the in Dominica by members of the Diaspora. enhancement of economic and social progress in the country.
VOTE LABOUR ✖ Leadership is everything! THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 57 Ka Twavay! LABOUR FOREIGN POLICY
It is beyond doubt that the shift of emphasis in Foreign Similar close relationships were established with the Policy enabled the DLP to make the greatest positive Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that led to the signing impact on Dominica in the past 36 years. Up to 2004, of the PetroCaribe Agreement and the joining of the there was a tendency for Dominica to tow the line Bolivarian Alliance for Peoples of our America (ALBA) in and let its Foreign Policy be determined by traditional 2008. The benefits that flowed from these agreements colonial custom. The 44 countries with which it had included access to low-price petroleum products; established diplomatic relations since Independence US$11 million to finance the Housing Revolution; were predominantly on the American side of the Cold grants for Hurricane Recovery, the National Security War divide. Programme, the construction of Sea Defense walls, Agricultural Diversification, Tourism Infrastructure, As the Cold War thawed out, the new DLP Prime Scholarships and the Melville hall Airport upgrade. Minister decided to review the country’s Foreign Policy. He rationally decided that it was in the best interest of Realignment with other countries brought other benefits Dominica to shift from supporting Taiwan to adopting such as: the One China Policy. This change of policy began to bear fruit immediately as support - in the form of grants • Health Care and Scholarships from Cuba; and concessionary loans - was received from the and People’s Republic of China. These included: building • Investments from the Kingdom of Morocco for the Windsor Park Sports Stadium; rehabilitating the the Cabrits Hotel Resort and Spa. Roseau to Portsmouth Road; improving housing in the Carib Territory; gaining access to on-going By 2014 Dominica had established meaningful and Agricultural technical co-operation; up-grading medical productive relationships with 94 states. In the process facilities; disbursing flood relief; offering scholarships it received international recognition for its efforts to to students; constructing State House, Conference eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development Centre, the Commissions Building, and the Dominica without destroying its natural environment and its State College. communities. In this way Dominica was able to attract more grants, concessionary loans and technical aid from friendly countries.
VOTE LABOUR ✖ 58 THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY Leadership is everything! FOREIGN POLICY cont’d fr om pag e 58
IN THE NEXT TERM THE DLP GOVERNMENT WILL: ¬ Remain committed to Caribbean integration and in particular to the ¬ Continue to promote and safeguard continuing pursuit of deeper integration Dominica’s national interests, with within the OECS and CARICOM leading respect to securing international to the long-anticipated Single Market and financing, promoting investment in Economy. Tourism and other sectors, identifying export opportunities, as well as protecting ¬ Respond expeditiously and effectively to and preserving its natural environment. assist the growing pool of entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities ¬ Continue to seek to establish relations that will be thrown up by the EPA. with countries with which Dominica has a philosophical or developmental ¬ Renew efforts at attracting more Direct compatibility; and to service its relations Foreign Investment to propel private with countries where such relations sector development and job creation; and already exist. to enhance effectiveness in managing public resources. ¬ Strengthen the relationship with VOTE LABOUR outstanding development partners such and the People’s Republic of China and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 59 FOREIGN POLICY
cont’d from page 59 the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, the (C) RESPONSIBILITY EU-ACP Economic Partnership Agreement and bilateral agreements that result from Government’s The Dominica Labour Party calls on Dominicans foreign policy initiatives. We shall deepen and – individuals in the Public and Private Sectors, in strengthen dialogue with and support the private Civil Society Organizations, in Communities and sector through the Business Forum and other in Families - to make a commitment to develop representative bodies. a changed attitude towards education and work; to embrace more firmly a problem-solving Employers and employees are required to be approach to life; and to take greater responsibility honest and productive; and to take pride in their for our livelihoods and our social and natural work. Employers must remember that workers environment. deserve decent pay for decent work.
We shall be playing a leadership role in these The DLP Government expects Local Government changes by creating the conditions for all to be highly participative and to act as channels stakeholders to play their part. We shall continue of communication for vital information and scarce to be more “entrepreneurial” and innovative. We resources between Central Government and shall continue to be the main driver of growth in communities. Urban and Village Councils are the the economy, by exceeding the 20% of GDP we eyes, ears and voices of their communities; and as have contributed over the past five years. This is such they are expected to be vigilant and ensure very visible in sectors such as construction and that no member suffers in silence. agriculture. The DLP Government expects every citizen to We expect the private sector to be entrepreneurial internalize, protect and pass on the core cultural and innovative; to take advantage of the values that have made Dominican society resilient, opportunities that present peaceful and safe. Every Dominican at home themselves in regional and abroad is expected to respect the national VOTE LABOUR and multilateral trade symbols, to strive to be law-abiding citizens and agreements such as the promote Dominica as a good place to live, work, ✖ OECS Economic Union, visit and invest. 60 THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY Leadership is everything! LABOUR Ka Twavay! CONCLUSION
Dominica has made tremendous progress under DLP from this experience is that no matter how noble or leadership over the past 14 years. Those who remembergood your intentions are, you cannot spend more than conditions in the last years of the 20th century could you earn. testify to the transformation which has taken place despite a prolonged recession. That progress can be It is for this reason that the Government has gone back measured in terms of the 8 Millennium Development to the drawing board, formulated new policies and Goals that countries have agreed to achieve by 2015. drawn up plans to diversify and grow the economy. It Dominica has either achieved these goals already or is has created countless opportunities for Dominicans to on track to achieve them by the end of 2015. experience upward social mobility - through education, employment, enterprise, decent housing - without Unlike some countries of the region and beyond, it leaving anyone behind. As part of its Growth and Social has not had to resort to crippling austerity measures Protection Policies it has VOTE LABOURbuilt ladders to balance its budget. It started with a rigid fiscal out of poverty while at the discipline and has maintained the grip on expenditure same time strengthening since then. The most important lesson it has learned the social safety net.
Leadership is everything!✖ THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY 61 Ka Twavay! LABOUR CONCLUSION
THE EXISTING GREAT GEORGE STREET A NEW LOOK GREAT GEORGE STREET ...Coming in La bour’s next term! (Alr eady Started)
THESE PROJECTS WILL NOT CONTINUE WITHOUT THE LEADERSHIP OF THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY. The Dominica Labour Party is grateful for the bilateral cont’d from page 61 and multilateral relationships it has developed with In the past 14 years, Dominica has moved relentlessly nearly 100 countries; and the enormous support it has towards the prosperous, peaceful and just society received from them and from International Agencies about which we have been dreaming for nearly 400 over the past 14 years. These Friends of Dominica years. That vision is now within reach of realization. have made a commitment to help finance all the The measures with which this Manifesto deals will projects and programmes outlined in this Manifesto. kick-start the process of economic emancipation that is necessary for prosperity. The established policies But none of this progress would have been possible of equal opportunity and social inclusion will ensure without the support of the people of Dominica and its that the wealth is more equitably distributed than if left Diaspora, whom the Dominica Labour Party has had to chance. the privilege to serve. THANK YOU. WE ARE NOW ON THE THRESHOLD OF MAKING HISTORY WITH A GREAT LEAP VOTE LABOUR FORWARD IN DOMINICA. ON ELECTION DAY, VOTE FOR THE DOMINICA LABOUR ✖ PARTY..... AGAIN. 62 THE DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY Leadership is everything!
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