Frankly Speaking...

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author only, and do not necessarily represent that of the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS).

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Frankly Speaking

FRANKLY SPEAKING ..an insight

The responsibility for charting the course of development for an area belongs to the government of the day. It is the shared responsibility of all citizens to assist that process by contributing ideas and, where so inclined, such material and other support as would further those efforts. It is equally understandable that anyone who seeks to influence those decisions and initiatives should make his or her motives and biases known, should they exist. Therefore, in contributing to those efforts through this column it is reasonable that I should be asked to state my reasons.

Forty years as an overseas resident of other countries have not dimmed my love for Dominica, and during those years, I have been asked by various governments and private organizations on a number of occasions to contribute to a variety of initiatives at home. Within the limits of my ability, it has been an honour to do so. When the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS) was formed to harness the energies and resources of Dominicans in Diaspora in contributing to the task of growth and development in Dominica, this clearly provided an opportunity for continuing service. Yet, while the views in this column may be shared by individuals in DAAS or even by DAAS as an organization itself, I assume full responsibility for its contents.

I do not pretend that the opinions expressed here are the most authoritative or the final word on any subject. They are only additional contributions to a dialogue that ought to precede major decisions affecting the island. They are, within the limits of not having undertaken on-the-ground, detailed research, the most informed and professionally defensible opinions that can be offered from where I sit. They are not as far as I am aware, tainted by any philosophical stance or political affiliation or posture. They have one objective and one objective only, that is, to further the interests of Dominica. I invite corrections, clarifications or suggestions through whatever available medium or to me directly in as responsible a manner as I shall strive for in these columns. I also invite suggestions for subjects on which it is felt I can make a useful contribution.

It is said that distance (spatial and social) sometimes lends clarity of perception and therefore not being part of the melee that often surrounds issues on the ground may not necessarily be a drawback. At the same time, problem-solving can be assisted by drawing on relevant non-local experiences, balanced assessments, guided always by professional conduct, training and ethics.

As a Dominican national, educated in the Caribbean (as well as overseas) who has worked albeit for a brief period in Dominica, I am not unaware of "local sensitivities" and the practical realities of the local situation. Many of the policies in which I was involved in Dominica still continue to guide development, some in up-dated versions. Some of the projects, which I promoted and supported, continue to exist in viable forms. Some of the positions advocated, projects recommended, strategies developed then, as a junior civil servant, did not come to fruition, as often happens. Such decisions are for the elected politicians of the day to make. For my part, I make no judgements on whether or not these outcomes were good, bad or unfortunate.

Time has moved on, and the challenges for all Dominicans, at home and abroad, continue and are likely to further deepen, if we sit idly by without lending a hand. Hopefully, FRANKLY SPEAKING…..will make a useful contribution.

The writer, W.R.Franklin Watty, a Dominican national, is a professional economist, land use planner and tourism consultant. He is a former economist and planner with the Province of Ontario; and, the former Director of Planning and Transportation for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. In addition, he has served for twelve years as a professional adjudicator,mediator, negotiator and arbitrator in the Ministry of the Attorney General, Government of Ontario. He is currently retired from the Public Service; is the Principal of FRANK WATTY CONSULTANCIES INC., economic, land use and tourism planners; and, is Adjunct Professor, School of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Waterloo. He can be reached at [email protected]

Frankly Speaking...

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