APPENDIX ‘J’

VERBATIM COMMENTS FROM RETURNED NATIONALS

Question 11.   Reason for dissatisfaction with Foreign Representatives.

(a)    Hardly any contacts from representatives. (UK).

(b)    Very little contact on what is going on.  (USA).

(c)    Information on Custom Duty and how it is claimed. (UK).

(d)    Tardiness in official response.  Problems with passport renewal. (UK)

(e)    Low expectation of assistance.

(f)      Not appreciated.  Lack of cooperation by government agencies.  If opposition support, no business.  NDC ineffective.

(g)    Difficulties with Dominica Immigration on entry.

(h)    Time and expense in clearing Customs.

(i)      Arbitrary customs clearance procedures.  Prohibitive customs duties.  No incentives for commercial investment.

Question 12.   How would you correct problems in Q11?

(a)    Government and overseas reps to be more visible. (UK).

(b)    Help build  “Associations” in various areas.  High Commission to keep in contact with them. (UK).

(c)    Establish a unit or process to explain immigration and customs processes and requirements. (UK).

(d)    Need for more efficient services. (USA).

(e)    Decisions “re” private investment should be made by an independent agency. (V.I.)

(f)      Courtesy and education of Customs and Immigration officials. (USA).

(g)    Change “laissez faire” in public service. (USA).

(h)    New commercial operators, which have high income and employment benefits in the hospitality industry, should receive similar exemptions as hotels (which compete with them). (Can).

Question 14.   Reason for dissatisfaction with the decision to return.

(a)    People should be more friendly. (UK).

(b)    Still too much incompetence and poor service in both public and private sectors. (USA).

(c)    Political interference in public service. (USA).

(d)   Poor attitude to basic private and public service. (USA).

(e)    Lack of opportunity to contribute in skill area.  (Can).

(f)     Negative attitude to overseas skilled people. (Can).

(g)    Poor work ethic.  Need for better examples from leadership. (USA).

Question 15.    How can the situation (Q14) be improved?

(a)    Returnees should be accepted as Dominicans.  They should not apply different prices to returnees. (UK).

(b)    Government should acknowledge contribution of returnees and Diaspora to economic development.  Unfortunate that some returnees have gone back because of poor treatment. (USA).

(c)    Seed public institutions with returnees versus political appointees.  Government should receive respectfully advice and recommendations on manpower planning, setting standards (e.g.) the Dominica State College. (Can).

Question 17.   Under what conditions would you share your skills?

(a)      Advisory capacity. (UK).

(b)      Provision of services to the needy at no fee. (UK).

(c)      Charitable basis consultancy in education. (USA).

(d)      Technical vocational teaching. (UK).

(e)      Assistance to churches (cooking); helping the elderly; law promotion and enforcement. (UK).

(f)        Road signs/directions in key places. (UK).

(g)      Reimbursement of expenses. (W.I.).

(h)      No remuneration but need cooperation. (USA).

(i)        As time permits. (W.I.).

Question 18.    Any other concerns?

(a)      Dominicans should buck up and give a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.  Work ethic should start with government. (UK).

(b)      We need improvement in work attitude, health service.  There is a poor attitude to work and service. (UK).

(c)      Put politics to one side and work for the benefit of the country. (UK).

(d)      Need for a National Development Plan to guide economic growth in all sectors.  There is a lack of adequate human resource capacity to build the country. (USA).

(e)      Uphold laws. (UK).

(f)        Improve service attitude in shops etc.

(g)      End discrimination at the Customs. (UK).

(h)      Set up an independent body for returnees. (V.I.).

(i)        Trustworthy help needed for the elderly. (UK).

(j)        Government to get self-employed to pay taxes.

(k)      Improve business skills and climate. (W.I.).

(l)        Change “freeness” attitude.  Sensitize clientele to pay for services. (W.I.).

(m)    Balance development with conservation. (USA).

(n)      Develop and adhere to National Plan.  (USA).

(o)      Greater emphasis on Agricultural Diversification, organics as niche, and compete. (USA).

(p)      Vision needed for the country. (W.I.).

(q)      Improve work ethic.  (W.I.).

(r)       End discrimination by local tradesmen.  (Can).

(s)       Reform arbitrary income tax administration regulations. (Can).