BEST Rising for CHANGE

VOTE UWP TEAM VOTE UWP www.uwpdominica.com DOMINICA UWP IN GOVERNMENT - Jun 1995 to Jan 2000 1 A 4 /2 year record of getting the job done

√ Tourism offices established in √ Groundwork for abattoir to boost √ Bath Estate Housing Project New York, London and Paris. livestock sector has been laid down √ New Health Centres in: Warner, √ Established Diplomatic Ties with San Sauveur, Morne Prosper and Cuba √ Animal feed Processing and Woodford Hill. mixing plant, Jimmit √ UWP hosted International √ New Public Conveniences Tourism Conferences such √ Coral producing Facility at as The Caribbean Eco- Longhouse √ New Cricket Pavilions: Dublanc, Tourism Conference in 1997. Castle Bruce and Grand Bay The Caribbean Agenda 21 √ Marine Hatchery at Donkey playing fields Conference in 1998 and The Beach, Canefield Conference on World Heritage √ Mahaut, Sineku and Wotten Sites, 1998. √ New Mahaut market Waven schools extension.

√ Morne Trois Piton National Park √ New Belfast Bridge √ School Feeding Program. enlisted as a World Heritage Site- A first in the Caribbean. √ Mahaut Fisheries Jetty √ Basic Education Reform Project.

√ Tourist facilities at: Trafalgar, √ Microtrim Slice control and Titou √ Provision for free Text Books. Emerald Pool & Cabrits. Gorge √ Increased access to Secondary √ Built Tourist Reception Center at √ Penville/Blenheim Road School education Indian River Rehabilitation √ New wing for Clifton Dupigny √ Organized World Creole Music √ Layou River control works Technical College (now DSC) Festival √ Pte Michel Sea defense wall and √ Extension of Weirs Marigot √ Upgrading Soil Laboratory Road Expansion School.

√ More than $50 Million was made √ Trafalgar- Wotten Waven link √ Construction of Castle Bruce available to the Banana Industry road Secondary School. by way of direct cash to farmers, input to farmers and support to √ Campbell to Despor road √ Construction of Grand Bay the DBMC. Secondary School. √ Delices to Petit Savanne Road √ Markets for non-banana crops √ Construction of new wing of the were expanded, export figures √ Jimmit to Warner road Portsmouth Secondary School. moved from $12 Million to $27 Million and expanded markets. √ Construction of Fab Road (Petite √ Construction of Public Library in Savanne) Portsmouth. √ Successful lobbying missions to Europe, the United States, and in √ New Caliste Bridge. √ Construction of Food Pavilion at the region to save the Banana Ross University Sustainable Programmes Industry. √ White River Bridge. √ Increased Scholarships for √ The purchase of Geest Banana √ New Bath Estate Bridge. tertiary education- Cuba business. √ New Bridge joining Watty’s Lane Island Scholarship increased √ The involvement of Dominica and Leblanc Lane (Goodwill) from 1 to 4 and included one for and the Windwards in the technical studies. shipping and marketing of √ Michael Douglas Boulevard Bananas. √ Budget allocation of financial √ Thibaud retaining wall support for scholarships etc. √ Returns on investments in Geest moved from $300,000 to more Bananas. √ 84 acres of land for the than $3 Million. expansion of Thibaud √ Sustained and reasonable prices √ Developed Dominica Unity Trust for bananas. √ West coast road retaining wall. Corporation (DUTC) (Coulibistrie, Mero, Massacre) √ Agriculture modernized through √ Reintroduced Live Broadcast of the expansion of irrigation √ Water supply for: Carib Territory, Parliamentary proceedings systems and greenhouses Galion, Glasgow, Petite Soufriere, Good Hope, San √ Liberalized the regional √ Livestock Breeding Operation at Sauveur. Telecoms Market Savanne Yorke, Salisbury √ Layou Housing Project √ Revitalization of the National Youth Council

UWP in Government - 1995-2000

1/ Major Achievements in 4 2 years

North-East Comprehensive School Pierre Charles Secondary School Castle Bruce Secondary School • Schools • Bridges • Roads

Sustainable Programmes

World Creole UNESCO Music World Festival (currently in its Heritage sites 18th year) (first in Dominica)

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 3 Change is a Vote UWP UWP in Government - 1995-2000

1/ Major Achievements in 4 2 years

Petite Savanne to Delices Road Michael Douglas Boulevard Jimmit to Warner Road • Tourist Reception Center at Indian River • New Mahaut Market

Free Textbooks

Liberalized the Regional Telecoms Market

Water Glo for the wivé Territory Gallion

4 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP UWP in Government - 1995-2000 Table of Contents 1/ Foreword : Party Leader’s Message...... 5 Major Achievements in 4 2 years Our Vision, Mission, Values...... 7 The Economy & Job Creation...... 8 Agriculture & Fisheries...... 11 Tourism...... 14 Manufacturing, Agro-processing & Natural Resources...... 18 Construction, Housing & Infrastructural Development...... 20 The Blue - Green Economy = $$ for Development...... 22 Water Industry...... 25 How the Jobs Add Up ...... 27 Cultural Industry...... 28 • Tourist Reception Center at Indian River • New Mahaut Market The Kalinago - Our Indigenous People...... 30 Information Communication Technology (ICT)...... 32 Meet the Team...... 34-35 Market Access & Connectivity...... 36 Youth Empowerment...... 38 The Public Service...... 40 Education & Human Resource Development...... 41 Sports ...... 43 Health...... 46 Elderly Care...... 48 The Diaspora...... 50 Foreign Affairs ...... 51 Liberalized the Regional Telecoms Market Financial Services...... 53 Governance, Law, Justice & Human Rights ...... 55 National Security & Disaster Management...... 57 Partnerships for Growth ...... 59 Living in Dignity with Disability...... 60 Gender Affairs...... 61 Our Children, Our Future ...... 63 UWP ready to make Dominica the Best...... 65 Better Days are Coming...... 66

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 5 Change is a Vote UWP Putting Dominica First

The UWP Team Dominica Vision for our “Isle performance, last in job creation, last in foreign of Beauty” is sustainable, harmonized growth exchange earnings and last in attracting and development in which every Dominican Foreign Direct Investments . But we have been has an opportunity to have an education; first in selling our passports to international proper health care; a job; an affordable crooks and criminals and first in employing home; a reasonable standard of living and non-nationals to do jobs that nationals are quality of life, in a peaceful and secure social capable of doing . environment . We are a much better country than that . With the largest Cabinet of Ministers in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union over the UWP TEAM Dominica is committed to making last 15 years we have been last in economic Dominica the best place to live, the best growth, last in agriculture and tourism place to work and the best place to enjoy

6 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP life . To this end, our long-term economic • adjusting taxes and duties to reduce plan will build a stronger, more competitive the cost of living and help hardworking economy; a fairer society; create more jobs; people be more financially secure and secure a better future for Dominica by: • ensuring welfare based on merit and • making Dominica a low-tax jurisdiction prioritizing employment opportunities open to increased investment for Dominicans first so the economy dollars across all economic growth delivers for citizens who want to drivers from at home and abroad work hard and play by the rules

• backing small business and enterprise • delivering the best schools, skills with better infrastructure and lower and apprenticeships for young job taxes in an environment of strong, people so the next generation market driven revival of agriculture, can succeed in the global race tourism, and manufacturing; This is our UWP TEAM Dominica invitation to • boosting the activities and join Dominican hearts and minds around performance of the construction sector; the world so that together, WE THE PEOPLE maximizing the economic benefits of will rise up from this long night of pessimism our water, music and cultural resources; and broken dreams imposed by a corrupt, incompetent Dominica Labour Party regime . • ensuring on-time and complete implementation of renewable We rise to put 5,000 Dominicans in new jobs energy projects; and embracing within the first three years of a UWP Team ICT as the backbone of our bid Dominica government; we rise to reduce to earn a profitable place in the the cost of living; and we rise for the exit of global trade of goods and services . beggar days and the entry of better days,

• condemning to the dustbin of history UWP TEAM Dominica the governance disgrace of having the largest and most inefficient government in the OECS and officially unplugged from the responsibility to LENNOX LINTON green, renew and grow the economy . Political Leader

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 7 Change is a Vote UWP Our Vision To make Dominica the best place to live, work and enjoy life Our Values in the global community  Innovative Leadership

Our Mission  Care To create in the Commonwealth  Honesty of Dominica a globally recognized Nature Island democracy of the people,  Integrity by the people, for the people through the engagement of  Accountability citizens and investors at home and abroad utilising their  Pursuit of Excellence talents, knowledge, skills and appropriate technologies to grow the economy, protect the  Continuous Improvement environment and ensure social equity  Global Teamwork

8 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP The Economy and Job Creation

The UWP Team Dominica’s strategy for immediately rekindling growth in Dominica’s Economy, is to build a strong partnership with our other two very important Development Partners, that is, the Private Sector and the NGO sector, and together, identify and fix the most serious problems in our most important growth sectors.

Background - Situational analysis

Dominica Currently faces major economic and social hardship; while we have the largest cabinet in the region unemployment among the youth is estimated at 75%.

 Low and falling GDP growth has contributed to high and increasing unemployment, which is most severe among the highly productive ---the young.

 Unemployment has deepened with the long term employed joining the ranks of unemployed

According to Central Statistics record on External Trade between 1968 and 2010 Dominica’s top two highest export performances were EC$167.5 and EC$150.5 million in 1998 and 1999 respectively, when the United Workers Party (UWP TEAM DOMINICA) was in office. The records also show that the estimates for visible trade exports in 2010 was EC$83.3 million under the Dominica Labour Party government. This is equivalent to a decline of 50% and 45% as compared to 1998 and 1999 respectively when the UWP TEAM DOMINICA was in office

The balance of visible trade showed a deficit of EC$ 222.8 million in 1999 the year when UWP TEAM DOMINICA left office; In 2010 it climbed to a staggering half a billion dollars (EC$505.7 million) under the Dominica Labour Part, effectively worsening the performance by 127%.

Furthermore, Dominica is currently trailing the OECS region in economic performance and is its poverty rate is among the highest in the region.

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 9 Change is a Vote UWP Key Economic Objective

Create a new economy that grows by 5 – 7% per year and delivers 5000 new sustainable jobs within the first three year of a UWP Team Dominica Government through creatively rebuilding 10 major pillars/drivers of the economy .

Figure 1: UWP TEAM DOMINICA proposed economic pillars for increasing productivity and economic growth

The United Workers Party (UWP TEAM DOMINICA)  Encourage and facilitate job creation strategy/approach will: entrepreneurship development across the productive sectors;  Be rooted in stimulating economic growth;  Drive the export market through robust product development and marketing;  Place emphasis on key sectors of agriculture, construction,  Grow the Tourism Sector by increased manufacturing , tourism and services marketing, increased visitor spending, and natural resources; and reduced taxes .

10 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP  Ensure supporting fiscal and monetary Investment (FDI) increases by 50% policies; within the first 3 years.

 Encourage, Facilitate and Incentivise • Establish a Venture Capital (VC) Fund, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) . provide low interest financing, and Technical Assistance (TA) support to  Provide supporting infrastructure . the private sector, particularly small  Embark on a comprehensive air and businesses . sea access initiative to include the • Enact Small Business Legislation . development of an International Airport, a Dominica based airline • Review and amend the Fiscal and a shipping industry to include a Incentive Act and Hotel Aid Act in high speed ferry service and reliable, order to make them more relevant competitive cargo service . and to ensure transparency in the administrative process . Key Policy Initiatives for Job Creation • Strengthen consular offices to • Review and improve the existing tax facilitate export, engage in investment regimes (Income, Corporate and VAT) promotion and establish trading with a view to making business more houses in appropriate targeted competitive and reducing the cost of markets . living .

• Removal of duties and taxes on construction materials . UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach

• Reduction of VAT on Hotels from high  Initiate a comprehensive fiscal reform of 15% to flat 7.5% programme to include reducing existing tax rates • Take the lead role in the OECS in advocating for monetary policy to  Immediate removal of all duties and play a major role in the management taxes on construction materials of the economy .  Initiate discussion with ECCB and OECS • Reduce the “Cost of Doing Business” member states to lower interest rates to ensure local and Foreign Direct

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 11 Change is a Vote UWP  Implement legislative and administrative reforms and improve access into and out of Dominica, aimed at improving ease and cost of doing business

 Provide Technical and VC and financing support to new and existing Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

 Ensure effective debt management and restructuring of the economy

 Introduce initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and sustainable jobs .

Economic and Social Impact Outcome:  Money in your pocket and food on your table  Education for your children  Significant reduction in poverty  Independent people  Improved quality of life

12 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Agriculture and Fisheries Sustainable Agriculture and sustainable Tourism go hand in hand

UWP TEAM DOMINICA believes agriculture and fisheries infrastructure in order to enhance is central to Dominica’s short and long term productivity and production volumes . development strategy . Agriculture offers the In addition to revitalizing our traditionally triple advantage of enhanced productivity, successful agricultural products, we will food security and reduction in greenhouse reopen the sector for successful niche gas emissions . Thus, tremendous effort will be business in select global markets for high value placed on the revitalization of this sector in products like coconut oil; cocoa; essential order to stimulate the rural economy . This will oils – bay oil, vertiver, patchouli, lemon grass involve improved land management, direct and wellness herbs like industrial & medical support to farmers and fishermen, technology marijuana, ginger, mint, cumin and basil . deployment, and improvement in agricultural

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 13 Change is a Vote UWP Goal Additionally • We will guarantee purchase of To double agricultural production and earn- targeted agriculture produce and fish ings within three (3) years in order to ensure of commercial value . food security and increase export earnings . • Engage agricultural technicians, UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach physical planning division and regional agricultural institutions to develop The Problem: In the Agricultural sector, disor- policies and implement plans, which ganized markets, high production costs, and will outline guidelines and best suited inadequate technical support to the farmers location for respective agricultural are the most critical problems leading to low produce to maximize production . profitability on investment, abandonment of farms and eventual sale of lands . • Implement agricultural land management programmes . Solution: (a) UWP Team Dominica will increase its • Establish district young farmers investment of the financial, technical and entrepreneurship projects . other resources in agriculture, including direct support to farmers, in order to double • Reduce or eliminate where necessary agricultural production in the shortest possible taxes on fisheries and agricultural time . inputs, tools, equipment and vehicles .

(b) UWP Team Dominica will work with • Provide necessary technology and the Hucksters, DAPEX, Fairtrade, Winfresh training to technicians and farmers in and other stakeholders, to organize the the use of appropriate technology to local, regional and international market for combat pest and diseases . Agricultural Produce, to ensure that when the farmers produce, their produce are bought . • Collaborate with local and regional research and development entities (c) UWP Team Dominica will rapidly implement (IICA, CARDI, UWI and DSC) . the $54M Agricultural development program under the EU-BAM, which has been delayed • Provide access to land and financing too long by the DLP . and operationalize a land bank to

14 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP bring suitable idle farm lands into communities and improve landing production . sites for fishermen.

• Establish production of animal feed, • Establish an immigration policy aligned breeding facilities for livestock and to the demand for agricultural labour fresh water fish and the upgrade and encourage the establishment of and certification of new and existing farm labour groups in order to increase production and slaughtering facilities . labour productivity in the agricultural sector . • Implementation of contract farming programs . • Establish a national agricultural and fisheries insurance programme • Provide at least five fleets of three fishing trawlers in major fishing

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 15 Change is a Vote UWP Tourism Sustainable Tourism and sustainable Agriculture go hand in hand International

UWP TEAM DOMINICA’s tourism policy and Goal strategy for Dominica focuses on an inte- To increase the hotel occupancy rate and grated inter- sectoral approach to the de- cruise passenger spending by 100% within the velopment of tourism . The strategy is aimed first three years of coming into government at maximizing the benefits of tourism without compromising our social values while ensur- UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach ing the preservation of our environment and The Problem:- In the Tourism sector, low room ecosystems . Tourism married to agriculture is occupancy, and high taxes are the most se- one of the major economic development ini- rious problems leading to low profitability on tiatives . An international airport is considered investment, run down properties and eventu- to be crucial to the overall success of the al closure . tourism sector .

16 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Airport

Tourism Solution: heritage, sports, cruise ship, yachting, and health and wellness tourism a) UWP will Cut Taxes across the production sectors .  Develop the international airport, facilitate the establishment of a (b) Reduce VAT on Hotel operations to 7 .5% . Dominica based airline and a high speed ferry service to ensure reliable (c) Remove government transfer fees on market access . land .  Conduct tourism sector skills needs (d) Construct an International Airport and assessment, embark on a major introduce a high-speed ferry service to human resource alignment initiative, neighbouring islands and provide access to finance for businesses and communities involved (e) Increase the Tourism marketing budget in tourism from the low of $5 million to $10 million  Ensure that state institutions serving the (f) Establish a well equipped Marketing tourism sector are adequately staffed Agency in French Islands:- and financed

Additionally:  Provide tax incentives to existing  Develop a tourism strategy and policy establishments creating sustainable framework,International focused on high-end new jobs tourism in the areas of eco, cultural,

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 17 Change is a AirportVote UWP

Tourism UWP TEAM DOMINICA AIR ACCESS  Preparation of detailed design and IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY related studies for construction and international certification of the Inadequate air access continues to have international airport a strangle hold on Dominica’s economic development, particularly in the tourism,  Negotiation of grant funding totalling agricultural and manufacturing sectors . UWP over US$35 million dollars towards Team Dominica, therefore, recognises that construction of the airport . construction of an international airport is Additionally, reputable international indispensable to sustainable development of financiers and development companies, our isle of beauty, isle of splendour . including the Canadian Imperial Bank of Since gaining independence, every Commerce (CIBC), Geest Industries and Four administration has advocated intentions to Seasons Hotels had given firm commitments construct an international airport . However, to construct high end hotels and related the UWP is the only party that has taken tourism development projects to coincide material steps towards implementation of this with completion of the international airport . important economic infrastructure . Notwithstanding promises in the DLP By the end of our 4 1/2 years term of office in manifestos from 2000, the Prime Minister’s 2000, the UWP had taken the following action 2010/2011 Budget Address to construct towards construction of an international an international airport, and the PM’s airport: pronouncement at St Joseph Rally in May 2014, to date no meaningful action has  Purchase by private treaty been taken by the DLP after almost fifteen approximately 448 acres of land from (15) years in office to fulfill this promise to the 161 land owners in the Woodford Hill citizens of Dominica . to Wesley area for runway and airside facilities Recognizing the urgency and great importance of improved air access and an  Allocation of agricultural land to settle international airport to sustainable economic displaced farmers advancement of Dominica, UWP Team  Purchase of Londonderry Estate Dominica will immediately, upon taking (approximately 900 acres) for hotel office, institute the following measures: development and resettlement of  Facilitate establishment of a displaced farmers in particular

18 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Dominica based airline to provide commissioned by the UWP express and direct air services administration for construction between Dominica and the thirteen of the international airport (13) existing international airports  Settlement of all issues located north (San Juan) and south surrounding lands purchased (Caracas) of Dominica; along by the UWP for construction of operational models developed by the international airport and past and present operators such as related developments Cardinal Airways and Coastal Air .  Mobilize financing and finalise  Establish the Dominica International arrangements for construction Airport Development Project and commissioning of the Management Office with international airport . responsibility for the following:

 Update detailed studies

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 19 Change is a Vote UWP Manufacturing, Agro-processing and Natural Resources

UWP TEAM DOMINICA recognizes the Key Policy Initiatives untapped potential of Dominica’s • Provide access to low cost and agricultural and natural resources and its venture capital financing, training light manufacturing sector . In seeking to and technical assistance support, to attain our true economic potential, we will new and existing businesses in light diversify the economy through innovation, manufacturing, agro processing, the nurturing of infant industries, and value quarrying, and water export . added initiatives . In addition, we will facilitate import substitution business initiatives aimed • Review the fiscal incentive act at reducing the country’s massive trade (1984), quarry related legislation and deficit while at the same time creating much regulations as deemed necessary, needed jobs . and enact Small Business Legislation

Goal • Streamline the application process for new business start-ups to result in a one Increase Dominica’s export earnings by 100% stop shop thus improving efficiency within the targeted economic subsectors in the first 3 years of a UWP Administration. • Develop a comprehensive human

20 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP resource development program  Identify, develop, and assist existing aligned to the priority industries . private sector firms involved in light manufacturing and agro-processing UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach and embark on the exportation of  Set criteria for the selection bulk and bottled water to targeted of start-up and existing companies markets . within the essential oil, fruits, root Rebuild local furniture Industry crops, renewable energy, light manufacturing and quarry industries,  Determine priority areas and and provide appropriate financial, train individuals for the effective business development and technical development and management of support . enterprises within the priority industries .

 Embark on a comprehensive product  Provide tax credits to new and existing development, branding and market companies involved in creating access program . sustainable new jobs .

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 21 Change is a Vote UWP Construction, Housing and Infrastructural Development

UWP TEAM DOMINICA is fully committed Goal to the revitalization of our construction • Improve housing conditions nationally industry, through the development of an by building and repairing 1,000 houses affordable and climate resilient housing in 3 years . stock and infrastructure, in a transparent and responsible manner . We will rehabilitate and • Develop, repair and enhance road expand Dominica’s infrastructure through networks, modernise the sea ports, our government Public Sector Investment create a modern industrial park using Program (PSIP) and Public- Private Sector renewable energy, and build climate Partnership (PPP) . Furthermore we will help resilient supporting structures such as stimulate the construction sector through bridges, sea and retaining walls policy reform in order to boost economic growth, generate new jobs, improve housing Key Policy Initiatives conditions, instil pride and ensure the health • Removal of duties on construction and safety of our people . and building materials .

22 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP • Develop a Housing Market to enable • Review of utility services providers’ pol- easy purchase of a house icies with respect to housing develop- ment . • Develop and implement a housing policy with particular attention to so- • Adoption of a sustainable and trans- cial and affordable housing . parent squatter regularisation pro- gramme . • Development and implement an in- dustrial development policy . • Review and strengthening of public assistance housing programmes . • The provision of low interest rate loans for housing, commercial and industri- • Lowering of interest rates and increase al development through the AID bank of housing mortgage financing. and other financial institutions. • Review of current land use policies, • Engage in foreign policy initiatives legislation and regulations . with friendly governments and donor • Rehabilitation and expansion of the agencies in order to finance public in- agricultural feeder road network . frastructure development projects .

• Enforce transparent public sector pro- curement procedures .

UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach

• Adopt a proactive maintenance pro- gramme of public buildings, bridges, walls, public and feeder roads

• Implementation of the Roseau Road Reinstatement Project

• Rehabilitation of dilapidated housing stock

• Review of rent control legislation

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 23 Change is a Vote UWP The Blue – Green Economy = $$ for Development

Climate Change, Environmental Preservation, UWP has been developing and articulating Reforestation, Water Resources, Organic since 2009 puts people and good paying jobs Agriculture and Renewable Energy, at the Centre . It is lead by a clear, consistent Marine Resources = Basket of Sustainable policy which will be the guiding principle Development and is the area with the most for The Change We Need. Dominicans at financial resources for the development of home and abroad will know, foreign investors Small Island States (SIDS) like Dominica. will know, and tourists will know clearly what Dominica and Dominicans stand for: Key Policy Intiatives • Adherence to World Heritage The Clean and Green Policy . The Change we Guidelines . Need . • Adoption of Green Globe Standards . Dominica, the Nature Island of the Caribbean has as much as 60 percent forest cover; • Holistic Development of a Sustainable however, recent study by Consultant Romelli Tourism Integrated plan with warned that while Dominica is fortunate to Sustainable Agriculture, Healthy Food, be in a position of being carbon-neutral, it is and Fresh Juices produced here in losing forested areas because of natural and Dominica . human events . • Fresh fish, farmed or caught here in The New Clean and Green Economy, which Dominica .

24 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP • Enhanced Sports, Hot Mineral Spas, at low levels and further decreasing into a total Health and Wellness forest degradation experience  Establish a $100M Reforestation and Natural Resouce Restoration and UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach Renewable Energy Dev . Fund (RRREF)

 UWP will maximize Dominica’s access to sustainable development Financing RENEWABLE ENERGY

 Increase the Human Resource and PEOPLE’s SAFETY FIRST Technical Capacity of Environmental In the matter of Dominica’s renewable Ministry, Ministry of Finance and energy and natural resources development, National Authorising Office (NAO) UWP TEAM DOMINICA puts the overall to enable them to rapidly develop health and safety of our people and sustainable projects to position sustainable development of the country of Dominica to access, within UWP’s Dominica first. We are fully committed to first term, up to EC one billion dollars the development of cheaper alternative in Official development assistance energy from renewable sources to meet 100 (ODA) and Foreign Direct Investment percent of Dominica’s energy needs . At the (FDI) from the various green financing centre of Dominica’s approach will be a institutions and governments, including comprehensive environmental impact and World bank, Norway, EU, US, Japan, cost-benefit analysis in order to consider and Canada, and NGOs which have select the best and safest options . pledged resources for development of Blue-Green Economy in SIDS Goal

 Expand the Dominica Low Carbon Make Dominica the world’s premier clean Climate Resilient Development and green destination where competitive Strategy to include the Guyana Model energy costs encourage local and foreign of sustainable forest management in investment by ensuring that 100% of exchange for Carbon credits . Dominica’s energy needs is produced from sustainable renewable sources within 5 years  Tap into the US$2 5. billion Norway Fund in a safe and sustainable manner . to limit emissions from deforestation

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 25 Change is a Vote UWP Key Policy Intiatives  Facilitate partnerships with these energy companies that will see young • Review, legislate and implement the Dominicans trained in the design, National Energy Policy . service and maintenance of clean • Remove all taxes on equipment and systems . spare parts used in the generation of  Critically and thoroughly assess the power from sustainable renewable development of geothermal energy sources . to ensure its safety to our people, • Develop a sustainable energy industry ecosystem, and the environment . which will include, but not limited  Establish small hydro plants in the to, research and development, South East, North East and North manufacturing and export of technical West of the island, supported by an services in the area of renewable integrated, forest soils, water and energy . other natural resource restoration and UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach management program .

 Facilitate the private sector in the  Develop the right mix of the production establishment of businesses to engage of sustainable energy using hydro, in the design, fabrication, installation, wind, and solar to optimize energy maintenance and enhancement of output . renewable systems .  Provide fiscal incentives and tax credits  Introduce an Associate Degree to companies creating sustainable programme in Renewable Energy new jobs in the renewable energy Systems at the Dominica State sub-sector . College .  Encourage communities in sustainable energy usage initiatives through the establishment of several model eco villages .

26 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Water Industry Blue Economy Initiative

“Water is life.” UWP TEAM DOMINICA recognizes the importance of water to Dominica and the rest of the world . Thus, we will work to ensure the sustainable use, restoration and preservation of this valuable resource . UWP Team Dominica has already begun discussions with a view to forming an alliance with the Blue Economy Initiative of Canada to build the business case for water sustainability . The Blue Economy Initiative is a project founded by the Royal Bank of Canada, the Canadian Water Network, and the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation . The mission of the Blue Economy Initiative, is to catalyze well-informed water management decisions, policies and practices that ensure maximum social, environmental, and economic benefits to current and future generations . Goal

Increase the exportation of bulk and bottled water by 100 percent within the first three years.

Key Policy Initiatives

• Prepare, develop and implement a water resource management policy and development strategy .

• Conduct studies to determine current water usage by people and habitats .

• Review and make amendments to existing legis- lation to ensure effectiveness and sustainability .

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 27 Change is a Vote UWP UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach Marine Resources and Law of the Sea

 Provide incentives, technical and As Small Island Developing State, (SIDS), business support to private sector and Dominica has more marine territory than its statutory bodies involved in water land area . Although our marine resources resource exportation and preservation provide us with food in the form of fish, as well in order to enhance their productivity as tourism revenue from our diving, Dominica and effectiveness . has hardly begun to exploit the potential of its marine resources .  Utilize Dominica’s forest reserve as col- lateral (carbon credits) for attracting UWP Team Dominica will take all necessary financing for environmentally con- actions under The UN Convention of the Law scious international institutions like the of the Sea, to protect Dominica’s Exclusive World Bank . Economic Zone and its marine resources for the economic benefit of the people of  Embark on a massive reforestation Dominica . program, encourage environmentally friendly practices and conduct technical studies/ research to inform decision making .

 Develop and implement a Human Resource Development (HRD) programme targeting public and private sector institutions and firms to enhance productivity .

28 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 29 Change is a Vote UWP Cultural Industry

The UWP TEAM DOMINICA will re-ignite the Key Policy Initiatives development of our cultural industry to create • Ensure the protection of intellectual more economic opportunities for musicians, property rights through the writers, artists, Kalinago people and other strengthening of legislation consistent craftsmen, dancers, and to enable them to with the provisions of the UNESCO take advantage of the export opportunities convention for safeguarding of the being offered under the European Partnership intangible cultural heritage Agreement (EPA), ALBA, CARICOM and North America . • To provide financial, technical, administrative, HR and infrastructural Goal support to the private sector to ensure To create a vibrant cultural industry which their competitiveness would double earnings from performances • Position Dominica to become the and sales in local and overseas markets cultural capital of the Francophone and OECS countries

30 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP • Review, legislate and implement the Development(HRD) programme for National Cultural Policy culture to include training in sound engineering, videography and UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach:– animation  Strengthen the WCMF & Jazz Festival brands, improve and diversify products

 Establish a Festival City to include a modern center for the performing arts and a state of the art recording studio

 Form “The Dominica National Steel Band Orchestra” and “The Dominica National Jing Ping Orchestra”

 Develop new marketing channels including a Dominican music channel geared to showcasing local dance, poetry, musical talents in the region and francophone countries

 Ensure the preservation of our historical heritage in order to take advantage of film making and tourism opportunities

 Expand the Film Commission Office into a fully staffed and equipped unit that turns Dominica into a major film destination and facilitate the development of the Writers Guild

 Incorporate Creole Language and culture into the primary and secondary school curriculum

 Develop a National Human Resource

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 31 Change is a Vote UWP The Kalinago - Our Indigenous People

Goal UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach

To advance the economic and social well-  Review and make appropriate being of our Kalinago people and preserve amendments to the Carib Act of 1978 and build their cultural heritage . in oder to make it relevant to modern day Dominica Key Policy Initiatives  Establish the Kalinago Development  Ensure that the rights and privilege Corporation (KDC) to work in collab- of Kalinago people are protected oration with the chief and council to and preserved develop social and economic devel-  Take measures to ensure that opment programmes such as: Kalinago people are empowered o A Five Star Eco-tourism Resort to take advantage of jobs and business opportunities o Official “Chief House”  To preserve and advance cultural Cassava factory and process- heritage of our indigenous people o ing facility

32 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP o Sporting facilities and other programme for the Kalinago Territory projects that will create jobs which will include scholarship, general and uplift the community management and special technical training to ensure that the business and job opportunities that will be created  Establish the Kalinago Development are embraced by the Kalinago people Fund or Trust which would finance the development of the Kalinago people  Encourage use of development in the absence of the use of land as agreements to attract investment into collateral the Kalinago Territory

 Encourage and facilitate cultural  Facilitate exploitation of renewable exchange programmes with other energy resources in the Territory for the indigenous people, develop and benefit of residents trade mark the “Kalinago Brand” and establish sales outlets in strategic  Increase investment in agricultural locations in Dominica and overseas diversification market

 Engage in a comprehensive Human Resource Development (HRD)

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 33 Change is a Vote UWP Information Communication Technology (ICT)

The global socio-economic advancement Goal has shifted because of ICT . It has changed To develop the ICT sector as a lead growth the pattern of production, the knowledge engine powering a range of high value jobs of employees and investors; while increas- opportunities in the Dominican economy . ing yield and adding value . The UWP TEAM DOMINICA government will move ahead to Key Policy Initiatives facilitate increased utilization of the available fibre optic, voice and video capacity for an • Introduce new legislation to make attractive mix of value added internationally Dominica an attractive domicile for competitive services . ICT development

34 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP • Provide specialized training, incentives serving medical, online music store, and financial support to private accounting and financial services and sector for the establishment and other high end fields development ICT related companies  Facilitate the establishment of an • Embark on a Human Resources Application Service Center (Micro- Development (HRD) plan to create a soft, oracle, Dell etc) and attract more vibrant and well-trained workforce in ICT outsourcing job opportunities ICT and promote local and Foreign  Strengthen existing CALL Centers and Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector facilitate the establishment of at least UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach three(3) more CALL Centers in the North, South and East of Dominica  Proactively engage the private sector in the establishment of ICT firms

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 35 Change is a Vote UWP Hector John Claudius Sanford Ezekiel Bazil Salisbury Salybia Wesley

UNITED WORKERS PARTY TEAM

Alex Birmingham Joseph Isaac Eunica Anthony-Victor Lennox Linton DOMINICA Pledge: Vieille Case Roseau Central Paix Bouche Marigot 5000 JOBS Joshua Francis Ronald Charles Roseau South Roseau Valley In the 1st Three Years VOTE UWP

Urban Baron Higgs Adams James Alexander www.uwpdominica.com Petite Savanne Soufriere Grand Bay

36 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Daniel Lugay Stewart Burton Felix Thomas Roseau North Cottage Mahaut

UNITED WORKERS PARTY TEAM Pledge: DOMINICA Monell Williams Nicholas George St. Joseph Colihaut 5000 JOBS Ronald Green Dr. Thomson Fontaine In the 1st Three Years Laplaine Morne Jaune/Riviere Cyrique VOTE UWP www.uwpdominica.com Isaac Baptiste Jefferson James Castle Bruce Portsmouth

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 37 Change is a Vote UWP Market Access and Connectivity

The United Workers Party (UWP TEAM DOMINICA) administration recognizes that in order for any Island State to attract significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and significantly improve its stay over and cruise tourism economic situation, it must ensure that the infrastructure for facilitating market access and connectivity is in place .

Goal

To facilitate and /or provide the relevant infrastructure to stimulate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and tourism arrivals to Dominica, thus having a major economic impact on Dominica

Key Policy Initiatives

• Embark on the mobilization of resources for the establishment of an International Airport and introduction of a high speed vessel for bringing in people and facilitating exports in targeted regional markets

• To provide special incentives package to the private sector for improving Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and development of Business Models that would enhance connectivity in and out of Dominica

38 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach

• Embark on the establishment of an International Airport through accessing resources through bilateral relations, Development Banks, Economic Citizenship Programme and the Dominican Diaspora

• Introduce a high speed vessel for bringing people and facilitating exports in targeted regional markets through bilateral relations, Development Banks, Economic Citizenship programme and the Dominican Diaspora

• Provide direct financial and technical support to the private sector to provide world ICT connectivity in and out of Dominica

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 39 Change is a Vote UWP Youth Empowerment Jobs • Education • Sports – Love, Understanding, Support

The UWP TEAM DOMINICA understands • Provide sports and academic the pain and the struggles of the young Scholarships which involves people growing up in the state of our transparent selection criteria based current society . A UWP TEAM DOMINICA on merit and need administration will facilitate job creation and • Diversify subject areas in primary, business opportunities, provide and improve secondary, and tertiary schools to sports and recreational facilities, assist in the include Technical Vocational Training development of youth creativity and talents, to ultimately improve the quality of life of our • Development of a comprehensive young people . sports policy and action plan

Goal • Provide exposure, business opportunities, technical and financial Key Policy Initiatives support for youth • Provide sustainable jobs for youth • Further advancement of ITC across all sectors integration in schools and workplace

40 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP • Increased social safety netting for (ICT) at schools, government youth which would give young institutions, and workplaces to improve people facing social and academic productivity and speed up services challenges a second chance and empower youth

• Provision of job and housing  Support the National Youth Council opportunities for youth in city, sub-  Facilitate participation of youth in local, urban and rural areas regional, and international sporting UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach tournaments and conferences

 Develop a transparent system for  Work with educational institutions accessing sporting and academic to include and expand on curricula scholarships based on merit to include entrepreneurship studies, as well as sports management,  Prepare and implement sports facilities music, dance, culture, technical and development plan and training vocational skills . program targeting youth across the nation  Greater emphasis placed on the acquisition of technical and vocational  Establish a youth village which qualifications than currently exist. would provide specialized training, recreational facilities for specialized sports . A state of the art musical facility for recording and rehearsing studio will form part of this .

 Review and enhance existing entrepreneurship programs and establish business incubators in Key Market locations for housing and technical advice for small business growth .

 Initiate a comprehensive adoption of Internet Communication Technology

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 41 Change is a Vote UWP The Public Service

In the leadership responsibility for a better excessive travel; and unnecessarily high utility Dominica, UWP TEAM Dominica values caring, bills . honesty, integrity, accountability, the pursuit UWP Team Dominica will correct the injustice of excellence, continuous improvement of the five percent removed from the salaries and world class teamwork . These values will of public officers by the Dominica Labour drive our commitment to manage the public Party in respect of which reimbursement for servants and services of Dominica to the two years remains outstanding . highest levels of professional success in the public interest . Cabinet will be downsized from 16 to 10 ministers and all politically created advisor As a first order of business, we will improve the positions will be eliminated . Otherwise, quality of governance by eliminating waste there will be no reduction in the current and inefficiency in government spending head count of the public service . With the and optimizing public sector investment reduction in ministries, staff will be retrained resources . We will pay salary increases and redeployed as appropriate to important to public servants at the level of 1 .5 % for areas of government responsibility for greater 2012/2013; 1 .5% for 2013/2014; and 3% for public sector efficiency overall. 2014/2015 . UWP Team Dominica will appoint a These increases will be funded by savings Parliamentary Commissioner (Ombudsman) derived from eliminating wasteful spending pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution. on an oversized Cabinet of ministers; an army of useless advisors and political appointees;

42 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Education and Human Resource Development

Everyone has the Right to Education. UWP to Create “A New Deal” for Teachers “Education is a catalyst for development . It Lifelong Education for Jobs contributes to economic growth, reduces poverty, improves health, nutrition, income The UWP TEAM DOMINICA Philosophy of and livelihoods, and promotes good lifelong learning and outlook on economic citizenship and democracy .” (Article 26, performance and global competition will Universal Declaration of Human Rights). guide the development of the necessary principles of learning, policies and practices Together we will educate our sons and in the education system in Dominica . Most daughters to become successful global importantly, the UWP TEAM DOMINICA will citizens capable of competing and winning reposition its education focus to be in sync in the varied fields of human endeavour. with the needs of the Dominican economy

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 43 Change is a Vote UWP and to take advantage of regional and people of Dominica . This involves global opportunities . the reformation of Dominica’s early childhood, primary, secondary and Goal tertiary education system in order To develop a robust internationally to get the best mix of technical, competitive education system aligned to academic and artistic curriculum at the economic, social, cultural and sporting the different levels needs of Dominica • Re-engineer the Universal Secondary Key Policy Initiatives Education system to ensure that the intended objectives and benefits are • A New Deal for all teachers including optimally met Preschool Teachers and Government Assisted Schools . • Move towards more personalised learning to improve support for low- • In consultation with the Dominica achieving pupils . Teachers Association (DTA) and the Dominica Catholic Teachers • Place greater emphasis on technical/ Association, (DCTA) immediately vocational education training and commission a full review of salaries, strengthen the technical division benefits, working conditions, • Strengthen the regime of professional training opportunities accreditation of the Dominica State and career development needs College (DSC), expand bachelor’s of all teachers, including those in degree programmes into selected Government Assisted Schools . field of study at DSC and develop • Create more posts for graduate, and the institution to conduct and publish trained or qualified teachers at both research in selected fields primary and secondary school . • Develop and establish a • Engage stakeholders in maximizing comprehensive after school Human the benefits of the Education Act Resource Development (HRD) and in developing a comprehensive programme targeting public and education policy framework to best private sector personnel serve the needs of the economy and

44 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Sports

The Problem: In the area of Sports, the most Best Solution: The people must take the serious problems facing the youth of Dominica first step and UWP will take these 6-Steps to are that the present Government does not rebuild Youth Pride and Glory of Sports . see or treat sports as a high national priority . 1. First Step: Change the Government. As such, the national resources allocated to Sports are woefully inadequate . Thus, there are After fifteen years, the sports policy of the insufficient trained sports teachers, coaches, present government is hampering rather than doctors and managers . Inadequate time is advancing sports . The people of Dominica allocated to sports in schools and college must now put in office a government which is program . This is compounded by a lack of committed to make sports a national priority sporting facilities in the communities, at the and rebuild the Youth pride and glory of schools and at the Dominica State College sports . (DSC) .

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 45 Change is a Vote UWP 2. Establish a Sports Academy at DSC well as a swimming facility.

A solemn Mission of UWP Team Dominica is 5. Problem: Too many Youth in the to establish a State of the Art Multi-discipline Communities are either not involved or Sporting Academy at the Dominica State underperforming in sports. College well equipped, and fully staffed, Best Solution: UWP will upkeep, upgrade and with the necessary facilities to ensure that transform Community Sporting Facilities and the State College becomes a major route to engage more trained sports development National, Regional and International fame in officers. In every community that UWP Team sports Dominica visited during its Historic Coast to 3. Problem: Students at DSC show low interest Coast 21 in 25, Scots head to Capuchin and in sports Bagatelle to Paix Bouche, it was the same depressing sight . All the community playing Best Solution: Establish Associate Degrees in fields were in a state of abandonment by the Sports at DSC. DLP Government . The Roseau Community (a) Immediately upon entering Government, and Grammar School playing field located Team Dominica will work with the State behind the Stadium, is a top priority . College and other stakeholders to establish 6. Problem: The return on the investment in an Associate Degree in Sports and PE, at the the Sports Stadium is too low . State College, to meet our needs for trained coaches, sports managers, administrators, Best Solution: Just as the UWP Government therapists and PE teachers . In this way, established in 1997 the Dominica Festivals together we will reduce the ratio of Sports Commission to develop The World Creole and PE teachers from the present ineffective Music Festival, immediately upon resuming level of 1:2500 to an effective ratio closer to office, the New UWP Government will 1:500 . establish The Dominica Sports Development Corporation (DSDC) . The DSDC will be a 4. Problem: Our rainy weather makes all year Joint venture between the major Sports round sports a challenge Associations, sports clubs, Dominica Lottery, Best Solution: UWP Team Dominica will build a Private Sector, Government, general public, Gymnasium for indoor Sports and a Synthetic &other stake holders . The Dominica Sports track for athletics, as were originally designed Development Corporation, will be mandated by the UWP for the Windsor Park Stadium as to manage the Windsor Park Stadium in

46 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP a manner that ensures a proper balance Through initiatives like the introduction of an between the development of our young annual World Kweyol Football Tournament athletes, and our hosting of international or a World Kweyol Sports Festival, UWP Team sporting and other events . Dominica will enable our youth to realize world excellence in sports . Together we will lift our youth to make the West Indies Cricket United Workers Party (UWP TEAM DOMINICA) Team . Together we will lift our youth to recognizes the importance of sports in become international stars in cricket, soccer building youth character, the impact on and basketball . Together we will lift our youth health of our nation, the economic benefits, to compete successfully in the Olympics, and the national pride and publicity that can be together we will build a healthier, happier derived from successful performances of a Nation . nation on the world stage . To this end, sports development will be at the center of our effort in youth development .

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 47 Change is a Vote UWP Health

UWP TEAM DOMINICA predicates its Key Policy Initiatives approach health on strengthening the vital • Remove duties and VAT on equipment links between food, nutrition, agriculture, and goods which promote healthy public health and the environment . lifestyle This integrated approach to health places • Develop a health policy HRD plan a high value on connecting traditional with and introduce a medical services new technologies such as telemedicine and development act new surgical and diagnostic techniques that reduce morbidity and lengths of stay • Develop a national health insurance in hospitals for residents while extending the scheme stay of visitors seeking to make use of our wellness services . • Design and implement a national health and nutrition programme for Goal pre-primary, primary and secondary schools To reduce the incidence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, improve • Provide incentives to existing medical the quality of health services and develop schools, private hospitals and explore health related infrastructure possibility of diversifying offshore

48 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP school programs to include nursing development needs of nurses . This and dentistry . includes transparency and fair treatment in promotions, Health • Upgrade and modernize existing Insurance, nurse-patient ratios and hospitals and health care services midwife-patient ratios, transportation in Portsmouth and Marigot; give the for nurses to get home safely and Kalinago territory its own hospital; timely after leaving work at 8pm . The and develop a new modern National review will deal with other workplace hospital to provide world class tertiary issues as, the issue of bullying of nurses, medical care . SOS – Speak out Safely Network; so • Develop and implement a drug use that nurses can raise nurse/patient/ prevention and mental health policy healthcare concerns without being and implementation plan victimized and marginalized .

• Develop a health, wellness, medi- √ Build and operate a drug rehabilitation tourism strategy center

UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach √ Implement health policy which includes incentives for health workers, √ UWP Team Dominica’s No.1 priority free healthcare for elderly, physically will be to address the concerns and challenged, students, and health the needs of the nurses, in order to service providers . Furthermore, raise the low staff morale, rebuild the specialized training for doctors and status of the nursing profession and nurses and review of their remuneration make nursing in Dominica a happy profession again . √ Upgrade buildings and equipment of all public healthcare facilities √ To develop a blue print for a “New and Better Deal” for nurses, √ Strengthen environmental health UWP will, in consultation with the programs and primary and secondary Dominica Nurses Association (DNA), healthcare system immediately commission a full √ Implement an indigenous dietary plan review of the report dealing with job at all primary schools through school reclassification, salaries, professional feeding programme training opportunities and career

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 49 Change is a Vote UWP Elderly Care For wellness, preservation of dignity and the continuing pursuit of happiness

It is the responsibility of government of the people, by the people, for the people to pay attention to continuous improvement in the living conditions of all citizens especially our seniors . In this regard, we will protect the spending money of our retired citizens by significantly reducing the VAT on food and utilities . Additionally, incomes will be reviewed regularly to ensure that they are able to cope with cost of living increases .

UWP TEAM Dominica will establish six Senior Care Centers, each with the capacity to accommodate up to 100 residents, in strategic locations around the country . The Senior Care Centers will provide food, clothing, shelter, medical attention, nursing care, companionship and social interaction for our senior citizens ordinarily condemned by circumstances beyond their control to lives of isolation and aloneness .

In partnership with Non-Governmental Organizations and charitable institutions dedicated to 1st class care for elderly citizens, a UWP Team Dominica government will utilize emerging best practices at home and abroad to develop standardized facilities that meet and exceed

50 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP the requirements of our seniors in safe, by civil society . It will also give youth and clean, properly maintained and efficiently children, through visits with our seniors as part managed care centers . Each Center will have of their family life curriculum, the opportunity an outreach program comprising specially to learn valuable history and cultural lessons trained elderly care professionals dedicated that drive successful living . The self esteem to providing care as needed (especially at the elderly will derive from sharing their night and on weekends) for seniors living experience, knowledge and wisdom will help alone or living with family members, relatives preserve their dignity and add value to their or friends . continuing pursuit of happiness .

Residence in the Senior Care Centers and Team Dominica congratulates and thanks service from the outreach facility will be The Council on Aging, DORCAS, the based solely on merit with priority going to Dominica Infirmary, The Mahaut Home for those most in need based on assessments by the Elderly, the Grange Home for the Elderly, the welfare professionals of the state . and all other persons and institutions for the assistance they give to the elderly . This elderly care model will allow for easier ownership, sponsorship and participation

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 51 Change is a Vote UWP The Diaspora

The UWP TEAM DOMINICA government will Key Policy Initiatives create a ‘Dominica First’ environment of • Streamline legal and administrative caring, mutual respect, trust and commitment procedure in order to facilitate in which nationals at home and abroad, can resettlement, small business participate fully with their unique talents and development and investment from backgrounds in achieving and sharing the our citizens living abroad fruits of our success . • Develop a strategy for engaging the The Diaspora policy developed by diaspora in major infrastructural and Dominican patriots and presented to the DLP business development projects such government many years ago will be reviewed as airport, marina, high-speed ferry and implemented to ensure that the diaspora and other national development is engaged in national development in a projects meaningful manner . There are a number of Dominicans in the diaspora who are UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach - well positioned to assist with the growth of our productive sector through strategic  Establish the Dominica Diaspora planning and execution for global business Development Fund for capital development; investments; construction of mobilization by “Dominicans building homes; and operating their own businesses . Dominica $100 at a time”

Goal  Establish consular officers in countries with high concentration of To pro-actively engage our citizens in the Dominicans to facilitate trade and diaspora to become a major component of engage Dominicans in the overall Dominica’s socio economic development development thrust

 Ensure that all diplomatic positions are held by Dominicans

52 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Foreign Affairs

The Foreign Affairs policy of UWP TEAM DOMINICA will be guided by; the highest moral principles and not solely by short term economic considerations .

This policy of enlightened, responsible global citizenship will move away from a 15 year obsession with aid to a tight focus on trade that will build our productive capacity and world market competitiveness . Our sincerity of purpose and responsible world view will consolidate our relationships with traditional partners in development, win new friends and influence new support for our commitment to be the best .

Goal

To establish and strengthen diplomatic relations with friendly nations based on mutual respect, national interest and values

Key Policy Initiatives

• Review, strengthen and revitalize relationships with our traditional allies

• Identify countries with whom we share similar values and principles and establish diplomatic relations on the basis of our commitment to develop globally competitive human resources and build capacity for international trade

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 53 Change is a Vote UWP UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach least 50% of the jobs on grant funded projects and 75% of the jobs on loan  Align our foreign policy with national funded projects will be done by development strategy for continuous Dominican nationals . In addition, we improvement in human resource will ensure that there is knowledge development, cultural exchanges, transfer through counter-parting and sharing of information, research and sub-contracting . development, technology transfer, trade, infrastructure and business  Ensure that the conduct of our foreign development . affairs effectively drives increased foreign direct investment, foreign  Ensure that when funding for trade and foreign exchange earnings . development projects is negotiated through bilateral agreements, at

54 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Financial Services

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Offshore Banking, Economic Citizenship and Intellectual Property (IP) Management

With a firm sense of purpose a United Workers Key Policy Initiatives Party (UWP TEAM DOMINICA) administration • Embark on a comprehensive will restore the Financial Services Sector legislative reform program of the to its position of unparalleled economic financial services sector opportunity through legislative reform and the active recruitment of reputable financial • Examine and re-structure the criteria, services companies to our shores process and implementation of the Economic Citizenship Program Goal • Integrate Intellectual Property (IP) To develop a vibrant financial services matters as a major component of the sector driven by renewed approaches to development of Dominica’s Foreign the Economic Citizenship Program, offshore Direct Investment(FDI) Strategy banking and Intellectual Property (IP) Management, resulting in the creation of high-end job opportunities

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 55 Change is a Vote UWP UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach revision will entail the development of a comprehensive policy and reform Problem: Low Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): document clearly outlining the type of investors, priority investment (a) Corruption in Government’s initiatives for financing under the administration of the Economic programme and a breakdown on Citizenship Programme which has the proposed use of funds received . negatively affected the image of Additionally, the process will ensure Dominica as a worthwhile location that all proceeds go directly to the for the international business Dominica Treasury in a development operations of serious investors fund from which agents and legal operating with honesty and integrity practitioners will be paid . in world markets

(b) Corrupt practices by government (c) Ensure full transparency and officials and their agents, and a lack accountability in government of transparency and accountability procurement . in awarding of government supply (d) Review and enact legislation that is in contracts and fiscal incentives, are harmony with international practice the most serious problems leading to and requirements that would ensure low returns on FDI . the sustainable development of Solution: offshore financial and banking sub- sector (a) UWP Team Dominica will stamp out corruption in government by setting (e) Develop and implement a strategy the example of leadership and for the enhancement of the registry management with honesty, integrity for and zero tolerance for corruption in o Offshore and onshore public life . companies (b) Revise the Economic Citizenship o International Ship carriers Programme to purge it of loop holes for corrupt activities and bring it o Intellectual Property matters in line with the best practices of (copyright, trademarks, the most successful and reputable patents, industrial design and programmes around the world . This Geographic Indicators)

56 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Governance, Law, Justice and Human Rights

A United Workers Party TEAM DOMINICA Goal government will take the necessary actions To embark on the implementation of to improve the quality of governance and to good governance best practices, the bring the conduct of our affairs in line with the modernization of the legal system and requirements of the constitutional rule of law . process and to ensure that the rights of all In this regard, we will strengthen democracy citizens are respected in government institutions and civil society organizations while purposefully reducing the Key Policy Initiatives size and cost of government . • Engage parliament in making OUR COMMITMENT legislative changes to secure term limits for holders of the office of Prime United Workers Party Team Dominica, is Minister; a fixed date for elections committed to guarantee every citizen, the every five years; the strengthening of protection of their full rights as enshrined in Integrity legislation and procurement the Constitution of Dominica and the United legislation in order to eliminate corrupt Nations Charter on Human Rights . practices within the government

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 57 Change is a Vote UWP • To pursue and implement legislative  Make all necessary legislative, and administrative reform to ensure administrative and infrastructural that law and order become a critical arrangements to ensure that the youth component to making Dominica the rights and challenges are dealt with as best place to live and do business a priority . This involves the building of a modern drug rehabilitation center . • To improve governance efficiency by optimally aligning ministries and  Construction of a hall of justice to reducing the number of ministries to a house two high courts, one masters maximum of 10 (ten) ministries court and four magistrates courts

• Enact into law the Legal Professional  Recruit magistrates and judges from Bill . within Dominica, the region and internationally to ensure that justice is UWP TEAM DOMINICA approach not delayed and the backlog cases  Secure appropriate constitutional are dealt with immediately amendment and enact legislation  Ensure the effective functioning of for a maximum of two(2) consecutive an independent Legal Aid Clinic to terms for anyone serving in the office alleviate the plight of the less privileged of Prime Minister when faced with legal challenges  Secure appropriate constitutional amendment and enact legislation for a fixed date for general elections every five years

 Enact Freedom of Information and Whistle Blower Protection legislation within the first year.

 Review, strengthen and implement integrity, procurement, Intellectual Property (IP) and business legislation and regulations to significantly improve Dominica’s legislative system

58 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP National Security and Disaster Management New Deal for Policemen, Firemen and Prison Officers

UWP TEAM DOMINICA recognizes that Illegal drug Trafficking, Human Trafficking/ living in a safe environment is a prequisite Smuggling, Illegal firearms and ammunition, to attracting and retaining investment in a importation/ exportation and possession, country . In order for Dominica to be the best Money Laundering, as well as Cyber Crimes . place to live we must ensure that we minimize Similarly, we the citizens of Dominica rely the impact of crimes and natural disasters on the Fire and Ambulance Services for on our people and infrastructure through assistance in traffic and other accidents, fire proactively planning and implementing and natural disaster situations, and the prison systems and processes that would ensure officers to keep dangerous prisoners from that we meet set goals . roaming about . The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force UWP Team Dominica believes that these is the country’s primary Law Enforcement officers ought to be remunerated, and Institution . In today’s situation in addition to outfitted in such a manner that they are able the usual petty and violent crimes, the police to discharge their duties in a fully professional find themselves having to deal with such manner, at all times . crimes as, Territorial Aggression, Terrorism,

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 59 Change is a Vote UWP Towards Developing the blue print for a New o Modern telecommunication network Deal for Police and Fire Service and Prison o Fully functional Intranet Officers: o Advanced Fingerprint System √ UWP Team Dominica will, in consultation with, the Police Welfare Association and o Properly equipped Police vehicles leaders in the Services, set up a Commission o Impartial promotion considerations to inquire into matters affecting the Police, Fire and Prison services, including such matters as: Goal – A Safe Society with Equal Rights and o Adequacy of fighting equipment Justice for all

o Training requirements of officers To maintain public confidence in the justice o Improvement of conditions of service, and legal system, reduce crimes significantly such as low salaries and unhealthy and ensure that the impact of natural disasters working environments, living quarters on people, property and public infrastructure is minimized .

60 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Partnerships for Growth - Non Profit Sector (NGOs)

Dominica needs a vibrant non profit sector, and whether contributions to it should be more than ever before. The non profit sector tax deductible, serve as a deterrent to the in Dominica experienced rapid expansion, development of nonprofits which seek to both in numbers and in areas of activity, hold the government accountable, or which from the 1950s up to independence in 1978 . are being proposed by persons politically As a result of the change in government opposed to the government . policy towards the non profit sector, from BEST Solution: one of encouraging and facilitating, to one of politicizing and marginalization there has (a) UWP Govt will amend the laws to provide been a rapid decline in the non profit sector for clear criteria in law to determine non activity in Dominica . To reverse this untenable profit status of organizations, and clarifying situation, the poor must be organized and what contributions are tax deductible mobilized to create sustainable solutions to more of their socio-economic problems . (b) UWP Team Dominica will build genuine Partnership For Growth with the Non State The Most Serious Problem: Eligibility for non- Actors to include: the private sector, profit status. With the passing of the Company’s community based organizations, women’s Act, 1994, Laws of Dominica, a non profit groups, human rights associations, non company must have the prior approval of government organizations (NGOs), the Minister of Legal Affairs before articles of religious organizations, farmer’s incorporation can be accepted for filing by cooperatives, trade unions, universities the Registrar . The retention by government and research institutes, the media, of the subjective prerogative for the minister informal groups such as grass roots to determine whether an organization organizations and informal private sector should be granted non profit status or not , associations .

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 61 Change is a Vote UWP Living in dignity with disability – DAPD

UWP Team Dominica hears the cry of the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD) on behalf of its members for permanent services like more jobs for persons with challenges and disabilities, legislation demanding rights for persons with challenges and disabilities in the workplace, banks, utility companies, and facilities like ramps, wheelchair accessible toilets in public places, sidewalks, schools and churches . UWP Team Dominica guarantees these basic human rights to all persons with disabilities . UWP Team Dominica reaffirms its commitment and readiness to work in consultation and partnership with DAPD in effective implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities.

62 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Gender Affairs UWP Team Dominica Brings Prosperity, Dignity & Respect to our Women

We will strengthen partnership between the We will create a partnership between the Legal Aid Clinic and Women’s Bureau to deal Welfare Division and the Women’s Bureau with child maintenance issues . Adequate which will empower the Welfare Division finance and human resource will be placed to make decisions concerning the most in these departments to ensure that the vulnerable women, give them the autonomy needs of vulnerable women are well catered to employ the most competent staff and to . provide staff with better remuneration . It is inexcusable when Welfare Officers’ field visits We will also strengthen the partnership are curtailed because they have reached between Women Bureau and National their travel allowance threshold . A new Development Foundation of Dominica policy will be introduced that will allow a (NDFD) . A special facility for single women to welfare officer to travel anytime a report is access small business loans at very low interest made . We have to take care of our families . rate will be created and administered by the NDFD after assessment for qualification by Abuse of women can be physical and the NDFD and Women’s Bureau . emotional and it affects the entire family circle . We will provide a special clinic for

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 63 Change is a Vote UWP rehabilitation and support for battered We will review legislation such as the intestate women and battered men . No longer will Estate Act and review the status of women a battered individual be left on their own in common-law relationship . It is not right for without support forcing them to go back into society to allow a mother to walk away empty an abused relationship . We will also train handed where she has been a partner for more police officers in dealing with report several years and she has assisted in building of domestic violence and sensitize them a home for her family . towards the needs of such vulnerable persons . We will review the laws of Maternity Leave Selected officers will work with the womens and we are proposing at least 1 month bureau, legal aid Clinic and Welfare Division (paternity leave) because we recognize the to combat domestic violence . Your Team family includes both parents and needs the is dedicated to advancing Gender affairs, support of the father . and there will be no excuse for domestic violence . Rehabilitation facilities will also be provided for the aggressors as well . Our aim is to address the problem by dealing with the root of the matter .

We shall review Maintenance Act and remove the cap at which magistrates may sanction a father or mother to pay maintenance .

We will provide for a better system at magistrate court to collect maintenance payment and modernize the system so that the magistrate may also provide for compulsory salary deduction .

We will also work with the fathers as well because we recognize that this is not our traditional method of caring for children and as a result we encourage fathers to care for their children because no amount of court payments and money can take the place of the bonds between a father and a child .

64 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP Our Children, Our Future

Children will hold pride of place in the best or caretakers will no longer be allowed to place to live, the best place to work and the use “hush money” to obstruct justice for our best place to enjoy life . UWP Team Dominica children . wholeheartedly embraces its responsibility Whether it requires changing existing laws, to ensure the rights of our children are creating new ones or establishing appropriate respected, protected and fulfilled. We systems and facilities, UWP Team Dominica agree to comprehensive reviews of the is fully committed to help families protect laws relating to the well-being, happiness children’s rights and create an environment and development of children . We are fully where they can grow into the realization of committed to providing the social services, their full creative potential . legal, health and educational systems, and the financing required for these services. UWP Team Dominica fully and without reservation, respect the rights and In order to provide a more equitable legal responsibilities of families to direct and guide framework in the interest of our children, we their children so that, as they grow, they learn will enact legislation for juvenile law reform, to use their rights properly . We encourage child maintenance and other family matters parents to deal with rights issues “in a manner impacting on the rights of the child . Side consistent with the evolving capacities of by side with that, we will establish special their children” . And we pledge to effectively training centers to facilitate the rehabilitation discharge the responsibility to protect and of young offenders . A top priority on our assist families in fulfilling their essential role agenda to revise existing laws will be the as nurturers of strong, healthy, intelligent Sexual Offenses act. Specifically, we are children . committed to ensure that parents, guardians

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 65 Change is a Vote UWP Partnerships for Growth

UWP Team Dominica recognizes the It is now 10 years since the DLP claimed it has importance of the Vendors, the Hucksters the money, yet the open area at the Roseau and the Small Business Sector, in moving our Market remains uncovered, leaving the Economy from the present low level of less vendors to operate in the rain and in the sun . than 1% growth, to the UWP Team Dominica We will cover the open area in the (Roseau) target of 5-7% . It has been the business method Market, establish a world class creole employed by many people, especially restaurant, and upgrade the market to single women, to successfully support their become an agro-tourism market for both households . To this end UWP Team Dominica agricultural products and souvenir . will work with these sectors to modernize, build and strengthen their businesses . We will also develop additional vendor facilities at the Bay Front and the Old Market .

66 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP UWP ready to make Dominica the best

With a well structured plan developed by the entire Team in consultation with a cross section of Dominicans from the Public Sector, Private Sector and the NGO sector, at home and abroad, UWP Team Dominica is ready to rebuild Dominica’s economy, create 5000 jobs in the first three years and rebuild the social and moral fabric of our Society .

In accepting this leadership and management responsibility to ensure a better Dominica for all, we embrace the talents, skills, competencies and resourcefulness of our brothers and sisters committed to the progressive change we so richly deserve .

We are fully committed to working harmoniously and effectively with leaders of industry, com- merce, services and their organizations in the private sector along with all other civil society organizations to improve the socio-economic performance of Dominica .

We welcome the challenge as much as you will welcome the results our of work together for God and country. Accordingly, we ask for your vote to become the next government of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 67 Change is a Vote UWP Better Days Are Coming • 5000 jobs in three years • The return of income from banana and non- banana agriculture • Reduced VAT on hotel operations and 100% increase in destination marketing budget • International Airport • High Speed Ferry Service • State of the Art Yacht Marina in Portsmouth • Islandwide town and village enhancements • High End Eco Resort In the Kalinago Territory • Removal of VAT on essential foods to reduce the cost of living • Removal of VAT on raw and packaging materials to boost manufacturing output • Removal of taxes on construction materials to stimulate the housing sector • 500 low cost houses in 1500 days • New State of the art National Hospital • Upgraded and modernized hospitals for Portsmouth and Marigot • Salary increases for public servants • Reimbursement of the 5% taken from the salaries of public officers during the DLP days of austerity • World class Senior care centers at strategic locations around the country • Reduction of Cabinet from 16 to 10 ministers • A fixed election date every five years • A limit of 2 consecutive terms for anyone serving in the office of Prime Minister

68 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care 69 Change is a Vote UWP 70 For Jobs. Equal Rights, Justice & First Class Elderly Care Change is a Vote UWP UWP IN GOVERNMENT - Jun 1995 to Jan 2000 1 A 4 /2 year record of getting the job done

√ Tourism offices established in √ Groundwork for abattoir to boost √ Bath Estate Housing Project New York, London and Paris. livestock sector has been laid down √ New Health Centres in: Warner, √ Established Diplomatic Ties with San Sauveur, Morne Prosper and Cuba √ Animal feed Processing and Woodford Hill. mixing plant, Jimmit √ UWP hosted International √ New Public Conveniences Tourism Conferences such √ Coral producing Facility at as The Caribbean Eco- Longhouse √ New Cricket Pavilions: Dublanc, Tourism Conference in 1997. Castle Bruce and Grand Bay The Caribbean Agenda 21 √ Marine Hatchery at Donkey playing fields Conference in 1998 and The Beach, Canefield Conference on World Heritage √ Mahaut, Sineku and Wotten Sites, 1998. √ New Mahaut market Waven schools extension.

√ Morne Trois Piton National Park √ New Belfast Bridge √ School Feeding Program. enlisted as a World Heritage Site- A first in the Caribbean. √ Mahaut Fisheries Jetty √ Basic Education Reform Project.

√ Tourist facilities at: Trafalgar, √ Microtrim Slice control and Titou √ Provision for free Text Books. Emerald Pool & Cabrits. Gorge √ Increased access to Secondary √ Built Tourist Reception Center at √ Penville/Blenheim Road School education Indian River Rehabilitation √ New wing for Clifton Dupigny √ Organized World Creole Music √ Layou River control works Technical College (now DSC) Festival √ Pte Michel Sea defense wall and √ Extension of Weirs Marigot √ Upgrading Soil Laboratory Road Expansion School.

√ More than $50 Million was made √ Trafalgar- Wotten Waven link √ Construction of Castle Bruce available to the Banana Industry road Secondary School. by way of direct cash to farmers, input to farmers and support to √ Campbell to Despor road √ Construction of Grand Bay the DBMC. Secondary School. √ Delices to Petit Savanne Road √ Markets for non-banana crops √ Construction of new wing of the were expanded, export figures √ Jimmit to Warner road Portsmouth Secondary School. moved from $12 Million to $27 Million and expanded markets. √ Construction of Fab Road (Petite √ Construction of Public Library in Savanne) Portsmouth. √ Successful lobbying missions to Europe, the United States, and in √ New Caliste Bridge. √ Construction of Food Pavilion at the region to save the Banana Ross University Industry. √ White River Bridge. √ Increased Scholarships for √ The purchase of Geest Banana √ New Bath Estate Bridge. tertiary education- Cuba business. √ New Bridge joining Watty’s Lane Island Scholarship increased √ The involvement of Dominica and Leblanc Lane (Goodwill) from 1 to 4 and included one for and the Windwards in the technical studies. shipping and marketing of √ Michael Douglas Boulevard Bananas. √ Budget allocation of financial √ Thibaud retaining wall support for scholarships etc. √ Returns on investments in Geest moved from $300,000 to more Bananas. √ 84 acres of land for the than $3 Million. expansion of Thibaud √ Sustained and reasonable prices √ Developed Dominica Unity Trust for bananas. √ West coast road retaining wall. Corporation (DUTC) (Coulibistrie, Mero, Massacre) √ Agriculture modernized through √ Reintroduced Live Broadcast of the expansion of irrigation √ Water supply for: Carib Territory, Parliamentary proceedings systems and greenhouses Galion, Glasgow, Petite Soufriere, Good Hope, San √ Liberalized the regional √ Livestock Breeding Operation at Sauveur. Telecoms Market Savanne Yorke, Salisbury √ Layou Housing Project √ Revitalization of the National Youth Council

BEST Rising for CHANGE

VOTE UWP TEAM VOTE UWP www.uwpdominica.com DOMINICA