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| Government Press Releases |
| PRESS RELEASE No. 110/2006
HON. ROOSEVELT SKERRIT OUT OF STATE, HON. MJ WALTER IS ACTING PM |
| Roseau, Dominica - August 8, 2006……..Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning, National Security and Overseas Nationals, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, is out of state on official business.
The Prime Minister is expected to visit the United Kingdom and France. Hon. Skerrit will be accompanied by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment, Senator the Hon. John Collin McIntyre. Chairman of the Windward Islands Banana Development Export Company (WIBDECO), Mr. Vanoulst Jno. Charles will accompany the Prime Minister on the United Kingdom leg of his trip.
The Dominican leader is expected back in Dominica next week.
In the absence of Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit from the State, Minister for Community Development, Gender Affairs and Information, Hon. Matthew Walter, is acting as Prime Minister. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 109/2006
PRIME MINISTER SKERRIT EXPRESSES SADNESS AT DR. FIDEL CASTRO'S ILLNESS IN LETTER TO CUBAN LEADER |
Roseau, Dominica - August 4, 2006……….. Dominica's Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit has expressed the sadness of the Government and people of Dominica on learning of the illness and subsequent hospitalization of Cuba's President Dr. Fidel Castro Ruz.
In a letter sent to the Cuban Leader, via the Cuban Embassy in Dominica, Dominica's Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit wrote:
"It is with deep sadness that we in the Commonwealth of Dominica learned of your illness and subsequent hospitalization due in part to the rigours of your hectic schedule over the past few weeks. We join the people of the Republic of Cuba and the rest of the Caribbean in wishing you a speedy recovery and the best of health as you continue to provide valuable leadership and insights to the peoples of the entire region.
"We are sure that your proactive positive spirit and energy will only serve to further the healing process.
"Your Excellency through you Cuba has given invaluable support to the Commonwealth of Dominica. Your efforts have earned you a special place in the hearts of many. We all look forward to your recovery and the resumption of your work with us as we brave the many challenges facing our region and its peoples."
Although Dominica established diplomatic relations with Cuba only in 1996, Dominica has enjoyed warm and fruitful relations with Cuba since 1979 when the first set of Dominican students left Dominica for Cuba to pursue degrees mainly in medicine at Cuban universities.(Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 108/2006
PRIME MINISTER SKERRIT URGES YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES AS HE MAKES AVAILABLE $1 MILLION TO YOUTH BUSINESS TRUST |
Roseau, Dominica - August 4, 2006……..Dominican youth have been urged to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them. That call came from Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, as he made available the sum of EC$1 million to the Dominica Youth Business Trust on Wednesday afternoon.
At a short ceremony described by Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit as an "important moment for young people", the Dominican leader presented a cheque for $1 million to the Dominica Youth Business Trust, the first instalment of an expected $2 million from the Government of Dominica. It is expected that these funds will be used for training and skills development as well as to allow for an increase in the guarantee fund.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Prime Minister Skerrit recalled the days when young people had difficulty in gaining finance from financial institutions.
"For several years, for decades we have been talking about young people unable to gain access to financing because they don't have the necessary security or collateral. And governments come and governments go and the same perennial issues are raised.
"It was under this government that we finally, with the support of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, launched this Programme.
"And we have been able to see, two graduation ceremonies thus far with several young persons being part of the training as a sign and demonstration of their commitment and their seriousness and diligence and at the end of the day, having prepared a business proposal, with the support of the staff, can gain access to financing to start their small businesses and create employment for themselves and other persons."
The Prime Minister urged young people to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Dominica Youth Business Trust as well as other initiatives geared at empowering young people.
"Every year through the Youth Division, we train over 300 young Dominicans who in turn find gainful employment for themselves.
"The Young Farmers Programme for example, where we provide direct financial and technical assistance to young farmers and young people who are interested in going into agriculture.
"You talk about the Enterprise Development Fund, where young persons can gain access to funding, 50% grant and 50% loan to engage themselves in small business enterprises."
Hon. Skerrit also spoke of the tremendous impact on Dominican youth of the attainment of Universal Secondary Education and the dozens of young persons who have benefited from the Youth Employment and Empowerment Programme.
In concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister said he was confident that the Programme of the Dominica Youth Business Trust would have an impact on unemployment among the youth.
The Dominica Youth Business Trust is a collaborative undertaking of the Government of Dominica through the Youth Division and the Commonwealth Youth Programme-Caribbean Centre. It is adapted from the Commonwealth Youth Credit Initiative (CYCI) model of the Commonwealth Youth Programme.
The Trust provides opportunities to young persons who have business ideas and want to start and operate their own business. The Trust provides guarantees to young persons between the ages of 16-35 who have no security. They are afforded the opportunity to acquire loans from the National Development Foundation of Dominica (NDFD), the AID Bank and the credit unions.
The Programme also involves training prior to the acquisition of loans which equips the young entrepreneur on the basics of operation and management and the preparation of business plans for their businesses. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 107/2006
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM HON. LOREEN BANNIS-ROBERTS STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIPS AT MEDIA LAUNCH OF DOMINICA'S 10TH ANNUAL WORLD CREOLE MUSIC FESTIVAL |
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Roseau, Dominica – August 3, 2006……..Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Private Sector Relations, Hon. Loreen Bannis-Roberts, has stressed the importance of the forging of partnerships as Dominica prepares to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its flagship musical event- the World Creole Music Festival, from October 27-29, 2006. |
The Minister made the remarks as she delivered the feature address at the Media Launch of the Festival at the Fort Young Hotel earlier this week. The Dominica Festivals Commission, which has undergone changes in its structure and management recently, is charged with the responsibility of organising the festival. The DFC is working in partnership with several public and private sector entities to ensure that this year’s event is the biggest of them all.
On the issue of partnerships, Hon. Bannis-Roberts said: “The DFC continues to forge other high level of partnerships both at the level of the public and private sectors, making it possible for local, regional and international patrons and music lovers who will be here in October to experience the biggest and most exciting festival ever.”
Mrs Roberts highlighted the fact that this year the Government of Dominica is doubling its annual subvention to the Festival by making available to the DFC the sum of $500,000 in cash as well as $100,000 in kind together with other waivers: “Government’s high level of confidence in the festival as shown by its increased level of financial and technical support to the event must be highlighted and applauded,” the minister added.
Mrs Roberts also expressed appreciation to Digicel for once again coming forward to sponsor the event:
”The launching of the 10th WCMF is also being held as we continue to build on the partnership which was started last year with Digicel. And once more the Telecoms company is the festival presenting sponsor, providing both a significant level of financial and technical support for the staging of the event.”
The Minister also spoke of the importance of partnerships in order to ensure the sustainability of the Festival. ” We realise that to sustain an event like the WCMF, it is critical to sustain these partnerships and to ensure that those who contribute to the cause are recognised for their efforts.”
Meanwhile newly appointed Executive Director of the Dominica Festivals Commission, Mr Valentine Cuffy, unveiled the line-up for this year’s festival at the Media Launch.
Over the three nights of ‘pulsating rhythms’, from Friday, October 27th to Sunday October 29th, 2006 patrons will be treated to the full genre of musical tastes and styles.
Some of the Acts destined to thrill and entertain the thousands expected to converge in Dominica for the entertainment highlight of the year-the WCMF- include, Jamaican dancehall reggae star Shaggy, Compa exponents CARIMI, Wyclef Jean, the legendary Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, Djakout, T-Vice, Tabou Combo and Dominican bands-the Swinging Stars, WCK, Triple Kay and Impromtu.
This year there will also be a number of fringe events to complement the World Creole Music Festival. These include a Cadence/Zouk/Compamania extravaganza on the Newtown Savannah on Saturday, October 21st 2006. The Official launch of the WCMF Traditional Culture Night will take place on Wednesday, October 25th 2006.
There will also be Creole in the North on Sunday, October 29, 2006 and Creole in the East on Thursday, November 2nd 2006.(Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 106/2006
IMF COMMENDS DOMINICA FOR ACHIEVING MACROECONOMIC STABILITY AS ITS EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPLETES SIXTH REVIEW OF DOMINICA'S PRGF ARRANGEMENT |
Roseau, Dominica - August 2, 2006……..The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund has praised the sterling efforts of the Government of Dominica in achieving macroeconomic stabilisation.
A press release was issued on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 following the Board's completion of the sixth review of Dominica's PRGF arrangement.
Mr. Augustin Carstens, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair stated:
"The Dominican authorities are to be commended for their efforts in achieving macroeconomic stability through sustained fiscal consolidation and a collaborative debt restructuring effort. Dominica's strong macroeconomic performance during 2005-06 which was supported by a solid fiscal performance, has set the stage for the moving forward with the implementation of robust structural reforms that will establish the foundations for sustained, strong growth and poverty reduction. The recently completed Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS), which sets out the authorities' approach to poverty reduction, is a further welcome step in this direction.
"The strong stance of the recently approved budget for FY2006/07, which incorporates a primary surplus target of 3 percent of GDP, has been in line with the attainment of medium-term sustainability for public finances and debt. The budget also includes fiscal reforms aimed at reducing the government's wage bill and strengthening budget execution and financial management."
The statement by Mr. Carstens commends the Dominica government for the introduction of a value added tax and an excise tax in March, 2006, but had one reservation: "Regrettably, subsequent amendments that provided incentives to selected sectors weakened a regime that was designed with few exemptions and a limited set of zero-rated supplies."
Mr Carstens however applauded the Government for its commitment to ensure that the VAT regime remains non-distortionary.
Mr. Carstens also stated that the Government's planned comprehensive review of the VAT regime "will contribute to setting the scope for future revenue reforms". Also receiving praise from the Fund is the Government's emphasis on establishing an administrative regime that sustains a high level of compliance, supported by a good audit system and the implementation of a system that allows timely refunds.
While acknowledging progress in a number of structural areas, Mr. Carstens believes that work in that area should be accelerated.
"While progress has been made in a number of structural areas, the pace of reform should be accelerated in line with priorities set out in the GSPS, including amending the Electricity Supply Act and related legislation; eliminating the unfunded liability of the Dominica Social Security (DSS); and addressing the fragility of the AID Bank. These structural reforms will play an important role in enhancing the economy's growth potential and alleviating existing vulnerabilities."
The success of the Government's debt restructuring programme has also been commended by the IMF.
"The authorities' good faith efforts to reach collaborative settlements with the remaining creditors in the debt restructuring process are commendable."
Completion of the sixth review of Dominica's PRGF arrangement enables the release of an amount equivalent to SDR $1.16 million (about US$1.7 million), which will bring total disbursements to SDR6.5 million (about US$9.6 million).
The present PRGF arrangement will end in December, 2006. ( Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 105/2006
ATTORNEY GENERAL DOUGLAS OUTLINES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LEGISLATION PASSED IN DOMINICA PARLIAMENT AT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WORKSHOP |
| Roseau, Dominica - August 1, 2006…Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs and Immigration, Hon. Ian Douglas, has outlined various pieces of legislation passed in Dominica's Parliament in the last decade with respect to intellectual property. Dominica is also a party to several international conventions on intellectual property issues.
The Attorney General was at the time addressing a World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) National Workshop on the enforcement of intellectual property rights at the Garraway Hotel in Roseau last week.
According to the Attorney General, Dominica is a state party to several international conventions administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation. These include: The Paris Convention which was signed in 1999; the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literacy and Artistic Works also signed in 1999 and the Nice Agreement concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purpose of the Registration of Marks signed in September, 2000.
Dominica is also a party to the International Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organisations signed on the 7th of August, 1999; the Patent Cooperation Treaty which Dominica became a party to in August, 1999 and on the 26th of September, 1998, Dominica became a state party to the treaty establishing WIPO.
Hon. Douglas also highlighted the significance of the Marrakesh agreement. The Marrakesh Agreement which established the World Trade Organisation was signed on the 15th of April, 1994 and entered into force on the 1st of January, 1995.
This agreement pertains to the trade related aspects of intellectual property rights(TRIPS) and is the most comprehensive multilateral agreement on intellectual property to date which replaced the GATT multilateral trading system.
To facilitate the implementation of the TRIPS agreement, the WTO concluded with WIPO an agreement on cooperation between the two organisations which came into force on January 1st 1996.
Dominica's Attorney General listed a number of modern intellectual property legislation enacted by Dominica's Parliament since 1998 in keeping with Dominica's obligations under the TRIPS agreement.
These include:
- Industrial Designs Act 1998 Act No 2 of 1998
- The Patent Act 1999 No 8 of 1999
- Marks, Collective Map and Trade Names Act 1999 No 12 of 1999
- The Geographical Indications Act of 1999
- The Protection of New Plant Varieties Act of 1999
- The Protection of Layout Designs Integrated Circuits Act
- The Copyright Act of 2003 No 5 of 2003
Mr Douglas added that the regulations required to bring most of these Acts into force are now before the AG for review, most notably The Patents regulations and the Industrial Designs regulations. The Copyright Act of 2003 is already in force.
Another workshop on intellectual property restricted to Judges from the Eastern Caribbean also took place in Roseau last week. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 104/2006
DOMINICA'S ATTORNEY GENERAL HON. IAN DOUGLAS DESCRIBES WORKSHOP ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND ENFORCEMENT AS TIMELY |
Roseau, Dominica - August 1, 2006…Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs and Immigration, Hon. Ian Douglas has described as '"timely" the convening of a workshop in Dominica on Intellectual Property Rights and Enforcement. The workshop took place last week.
The Attorney General was at the time delivering an address at a workshop on Intellectual Property Rights for Police and Customs Officials organised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in collaboration with the Government of Dominica, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
The Dominica Government's top legal adviser said the holding of the workshop on intellectual property rights and enforcement at this time was timely due to rapid changes in technology:
- At a time that the world that we live in has become globalised, and in the advent of information technology which has changed not only the traditional forms of doing business, but it has enabled basic human transactions to become more sophisticated;
- The emergence of trading blocs and economic unions have opened up new markets and made available a vast array of goods and services capable of being traded electronically facilitating transactions from one end of the globe to the next.
Mr Douglas further explained that due to these new global realities, "the area of and topic of Intellectual Property is so pertinent today". The AG impressed upon the Police and Customs officials present of the need for them as enforcement and judicial officers to understand the various facets and numerous issues involved in the administration of Intellectual Property.
The Attorney General also spoke of the assistance Dominica has been receiving from WIPO and elaborated on the benefits to Dominica and the Region of this new project.
"This Project is aimed at creating the conditions for development, protection ownership, management and use of intellectual property assets in the Caribbean region, fostering technological innovation and knowledge-based enterprises as well as a cultural industry.
"The project is expected to support ongoing regional initiatives for economic development contributing to the value of their intangible assets, including human resource and intellectual property.
"It is also expected to promote technology transfer, strengthen regional research and development initiatives, encourage funding of innovation and creativity and promote an intellectual property culture throughout the Caribbean region."
Hon. Douglas also made reference to recommendations coming out of a meeting of Heads of IP offices of the Caribbean in Suriname in June of 2002. One of the recommendations submitted by the Heads to their Ministers was for their ministers to request WIPO to conduct a needs assessment for the Caribbean offices which are in the process of establishing separate IP offices.
"The needs assessment for Dominica was conducted on January 9th 2003. The assessment concluded that there must be resources assigned especially to deal with IP issues both legal and administrative, especially bearing in mind the potential for generating national revenues is very significant.
"Patent registration and other areas of intellectual property can become significant revenue generating areas for government once properly established and managed with the necessary support mechanism.
In concluding his address, the Attorney General revealed that on November 27th 2003, Dominica, along with several other jurisdictions in the Commonwealth Caribbean signed a cooperation agreement with WIPO. A decision to conclude that agreement stems from the basis that both parties view intellectual property as a tool for the economic development of the Caribbean Region.(Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 103/2006
PRIME MINISTER SKERRIT ACKNOWLEDGES THE CONTRIBUTION OF CUBAN LEADER FIDEL CASTRO TO HUMANITY |
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Roseau, Dominica - July 31, 2006…… Dominica's Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit has acknowledged the contribution of Cuban President, Dr. Fidel Castro to humanity. The Dominican leader made the remarks last week at the opening ceremony for the newly refurbished Nursing School and Hostel, now called the Faculty of Health Sciences, Goodwill Campus. |
The Dominican leader thanked the Cuban Leader for his country's enormous contribution to Dominica's development and Cuba's significant contribution to the world: "At this point I wish to express my own personal thanks and that of the Government and people of Dominica to the President of Cuba, a personal friend of mine and I say so no matter where I go or who I speak to…. Fidel Castro is a friend of Dominica and a friend of humanity across the world and I believe he is someone who has touched the lives of every single human being on the face of the earth irrespective of which capital you live in, irrespective of which country you live in or which language you speak today.
"President Fidel Castro has a vision for the world where he believes that through genuine friendship and the desire and willingness to assist, we can transform the world and improve the lives of all our people.
"One would recall that after the earthquake in Pakistan, notwithstanding the fact that Cuba and Pakistan do not enjoy diplomatic relations, the Government of Cuba sent some 1600 medical practitioners to assist and to respond to the challenges placed by the earthquake last year."
Prime Minister Skerrit added that there is much Dominicans can learn from the Cuban experience.
"We, since 1979 have been benefiting from the goodwill of the Cuban leader and the Cuban people. And to appreciate the contribution of the Cuban people is to have a greater understanding of the struggles they have gone through as a result of the economic blockade that has been placed before them for so many years.
"As Dominican people there is a lot we can learn from the struggles and successes of the Cuban people. That where there is a challenge, there is an opportunity and there is hope if we are determined and committed to hard work.
"We must recognise that the struggles of our people must come first before that of any other third country. The challenge for us Dominicans is for us to recognise that we have a responsibility to give more to our country and to give more to our people.
"Let us not ask what is the government doing for us but what am I doing to assist the government to do more for ourselves and for our people. And this is what the Cuban people have been doing. Not what President Fidel Castro can do for them, but what can they do for themselves and to assist the President of Cuba in bringing more to them and addressing the challenges."
Meanwhile Prime Minister Skerrit used the occasion of the opening of the facility to outline in broad terms his vision for health in Dominica. "The vision for the health sector in Dominica is one where we can provide to our Dominican people the services which we have been travelling to Antigua, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Barbados, Trinidad and elsewhere for…we can have it right here in Dominica."
Meanwhile the Prime Minister announced that Cuba would soon be sending seventeen (17) doctors to Dominica to assist in the delivery of health services on the island. This contribution is in addition to the diagnostic centre that will be established at the Portsmouth Hospital by the Cuban Government shortly.
The Cuban Government has also agreed to establish an Intensive Care Unit at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau.
Seventeen medical personnel, including doctors, are currently in Dominica training eighty-four (84) student nurses under the Cuban Technical Assistance Programme.(Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 102/2006
CUBAN AMBASSADOR OSWALDO COBACHO MARTINEZ PRAISES BENEFITS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN CUBA AND LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN |
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Roseau, Dominica - July 31, 2006……Cuban Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency, Oswaldo Cobacho Martinez, has praised the benefits to the Caribbean region of cooperation between Cuba and Latin America and the Caribbean countries.
The Ambassador's comments were made at the opening ceremony last week of the newly refurbished Nursing School and Hostel financed jointly by the Governments of Dominica and Cuba. |
"Thanks to the strong commitment of the Government of Dominica towards its people and to the links and friendship, solidarity and cooperation joining our two nations, we can see today this beautiful building………a cooperation based in principles in the idea of giving to our peoples what they really deserve without the objective of obtaining any kind of economical benefit.
"It is the same principle through which more than 18,000 persons from the Caribbean region, 1300 from Dominica have been operated on in Cuba for different eye diseases under the well known eye care programme initiated by Cuba and Venezuela.
"In brief then the only and true way of cooperation where the needs of the peoples and not the money they could have are the most important targets."
Wednesday, July 26th 2006 was also an important day for the Cuban Ambassador and all the Cuban medical personnel in Dominica. That day marked the 26th anniversary of the assault of Moncada Barracks in Santiago. In the assault on the garrison, at least 68 of the group led by Fidel Castro were tortured and executed and most of the rest rounded up and put on trial.
On the anniversary of this historic event the Ambassador stated: "Dear friends, the 26th of July is of special significance and transcendence in the history of the Cuban revolution. We commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the assault of the Moncada garrison in Santiago de Cuba.
"Allow me then to remember on this special occasion those who sacrificed their lives that 26th of July, making possible the triumph of the revolution, the 1st of January, 1959. I would say that their heroic action also made this ceremony possible."
In concluding, Ambassador Martinez singled out the personal contribution of Dr Fidel Castro Ruiz to Latin America and the Caribbean.
"Finally, I would like your consent to devote the last words of this address to one of the greatest inspirers and promoters of the relation of cooperation and solidarity among the Caribbean nations to the President of the Republic of Cuba, Commander in Chief, Fidel Castro Ruiz. From here we send him our best regards together with our strongest commitment to the process of integration of the Latin American and Caribbean Regions and warm congratulations on his coming birthday." (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 101/2006
CARIBBEAN ECONOMIST JWALA RAMBARRAN PRAISES STRONG FISCAL CONSOLIDATION EFFORT IN DOMINICA |
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Roseau, Dominica - July 28, 2006…… The dramatic turnaround in Dominica's fiscal situation has come in for high praise from a leading Caribbean Economist. Chief Economist at Caribbean Money Market Brokers Research Centre, Mr. Jwala Rambarran, commented on Dominica's macroeconomic performance at a post budget seminar organised by CMMB at the Fort Young Hotel earlier this week. |
Mr. Rambarran delivered a presentation on the 2006/2007 Budget presented by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, focussing on the country's recent macroeconomic performance in the context of the regional and international economic environment.
The Caribbean Economist said: "In terms of fiscal performance, Dominica has shown what I consider to be the strongest fiscal consolidation effort in the Eastern Caribbean. As a matter of fact, in the wider Caribbean region, no other country except Jamaica can boast of a stronger consolidation effort, especially in the short space of three years."
Dominica's overall macroeconomic performance received rave reviews from the leading economist.
"You have managed to raise the Revenue to GDP ratio, from 28% of GDP in the crisis to about 33% of GDP now. Part of that is aided by the fact that you have growth taking place. But there have been improvements in terms of tax administration and collecting revenues.
"In terms of interest payments, that was averaging 5% of GDP a few years aback. And now it is down to just under 3% of GDP. That reflects the fiscal consolidation effort and the success of the debt restructuring exercise."
The reduction in the public sector wage bill was also noted by the leading Caribbean economist. Dominica's wage bill stood at 17% of GDP in 2002, among the highest in the Region at the time. At the end of the 2005/2006 fiscal year, the wage bill stood at 13.7% of GDP. The Government expects to reduce it further to 13.1 % by the end of the 2006/2007 fiscal year, falling to 12.25 % by fiscal year 2008/2009.
Mr Rambarran also commended the Government for a significant improvement in the overall balance:" Moving from an overall deficit at the height of the crisis of just over 8.5% of GDP …. That has now swung to a small overall surplus of 0.3% this year.
"That really speaks to how much effort has gone into fiscal performance. It has been very commendable. And clearly you can see it in terms of the Public Sector Debt to GDP ratio, which has come down from a high of 130% which was clearly unsustainable, and now it is declining. The last number showed it at 86% at the end of the last fiscal year."
Dominica's performance under the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility arrangement was also described in favourable language: "When you look at Dominica's performance under this PRGF programme, you do see a very good track record of macroeconomic performance. I have looked at programmes all over the world, especially PRGF programmes and I could tell you what I have seen here stands out globally in terms of fiscal effort.
"A lot of countries under PRGF programmes do not meet the performance criteria and even if they meet it, they don't meet it with the kind of margins like Dominica. It has done quite well."
This public announcement of the dramatic improvement in Dominica's fiscal situation by Chief Economist at CMMB, Mr Jwala Rambarran is indeed great news for the Government, but more importantly great news for the people of Dominica.
Mr Rambarran's statements confirm that the Government of Dominica, under the leadership of the then Prime Minister, Hon. Pierre Charles, was absolutely right to embark upon a Programme of Economic Stabilisation and Recovery in June 2002, despite the considerable political risks.
Dominica's economy is now an upward growth trajectory and is also firmly on the path to fiscal and debt sustainability. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 100/2006
NURSING SHORTAGE IN DOMINICA COULD BE ELIMINATED BY 2009 SAYS STATE COLLEGE PRESIDENT DR. J. ANNETTE BARDOUILLE |
Roseau, Dominica - July 27, 2006……The Nursing Shortage in Dominica could be eliminated by 2009. That statement was made by President of the Dominica State College, Dr. J. Annette Bardouille, as she addressed the official opening of the refurbished Nurses Hostel and Nursing School on Wednesday, July 26, 2006.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wednesday, Dr. J. Annette Bardouille said that with the technical assistance now being provided by Cuba, the problem of the shortage of nurses in Dominica could be eliminated by 2009.
"Eight-four students are currently enrolled under the Cuban Government assisted Nursing Programme. Another intake of a new cohort of 75 students is planned for 2007. An accelerated Nursing Programme is being planned to commence in 2007 designed to operate the skills and credentials of Nursing Assistants currently employed in our hospital health care system to that of registered nurses.
"With such a large intake of students over the next three years it is expected that there will be a significant decrease in the number of vacant registered nursing positions available in the public sector.
"This Programme being run with the assistance from the Cuban Government has the potential of adding another eighty-four nurses to the workforce in 2008.
"Based on current attrition trends within the nursing service and the past attrition patterns of nursing students, there is reason to believe that by 2009 the deficit of registered nurses within the government service will be eliminated."
Over the last five years, Dominica and many other countries in the Region have been grappling with an increase in nurse migration brought about by aggressive recruitment from North American agencies promising very attractive incentive packages that cannot be matched by countries like Dominica.
In response to the crisis to the Nursing shortage in Dominica, Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit approached Cuban President, Dr. Fidel Castro Ruiz for assistance. A delegation from Cuba visited Dominica in August 2005, to assess precisely how Cuba could assist in dealing with the impending crisis in the nursing profession in Dominica. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 99/2006
HEALTH MINISTER FABIEN ELATED WITH CUBAN GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE TO NURSING IN DOMINICA |
Roseau, Dominica - July 27, 2006……The Minister for Health and Social Security, Hon. John Fabien, is elated with the contribution the Cuban Government is making towards addressing the serious nursing shortage in Dominica.
Hon. Fabien expressed his satisfaction at the opening of the newly refurbished Nurses Hostel and old Nursing School (Faculty of Health Sciences, Goodwill Campus) on Wednesday, July 26, 2006.
Hon. John Fabien stated: "The Cuban assisted nursing programme will impact significantly on nursing education in the short to medium term, hence ultimately influencing the health system of our country."
The Minister for Health and Social Security used the occasion to thank the Cuban Government for their assistance: "I wish to thank the Government of the Republic of Cuba, the Cuban nurses and other medical collaborators who are currently in Dominica.
"We recognise you have sacrificed your personal, and in some cases family, to assist in contributing to our health services. We wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation. This is a true example of Caribbean integration and solidarity."
Hon. Fabien concluded by expressing thanks to many persons. "I also wish to recognise the hard work and commitment of our local technical staff and other counterparts in the areas of Health, Education, Public Works, Public Utilities and the Dominica State College.
"I also wish to take the opportunity to salute the nurses in the Commonwealth of Dominica who continue to support the health care system under difficult circumstances. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 98/2006
DOMINICA-CUBA RELATIONSHIP DEEPENS WITH THE OPENING OF REFURBISHED NURSING SCHOOL |
Roseau, Dominica - July 27, 2006……The excellent bilateral relationship that currently exists between the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Republic of Cuba has deepened with the opening of the newly refurbished Nursing School and Nurses hostel yesterday.
Not even intermittent rain was able to dampen the excitement and satisfaction of officials from both Dominica and Cuba for this historic occasion.
Under the Cuban Technical Assistance Programme, the Cuban Government has so far contributed materials in the amount of over $500,000 while the Government of Dominica has contributed labour in the amount of $400,000 towards the refurbishment of the old Nursing School and Nurses hostel, now to be referred to as the Faculty of Health Sciences, Goodwill Campus.
The refurbished building now consists of two (2) clinical labs, one (1) computer lab, four (4) classrooms, offices for tutors and the Dominica Nursing Council and a thirty-seven (37) room hostel with kitchen and common room.
Under the Programme, the Cuban Government is providing seventeen (17) nursing tutors over the next two and a half years.
Also present at the opening ceremony were President of Dominica, His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, DAH, Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Minister for Health and Social Security, Hon. John Fabien, Minister for Education, Hon. Vince Henderson, other members of Cabinet, Cuban Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency, Mr. Osvaldo Cobacho, other members of the diplomatic corps, Cuban medical officials, officials from the Ministries of Health and Education in Dominica, the media among many others. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 97/2006
Dominicans continue to benefit from Cuban Eye Care Programme |
Roseau, Dominica – July 26, 2006……Dominicans are continuing to benefit from the Eye Care Programme, an initiative of the Governments of the Republic of Cuba and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
On Tuesday, July 25, 2006, over 100 Dominicans gathered at the Youth Centre in Roseau. Some arrived to receive their glasses at no cost to them, courtesy of the Cuban Government. Other patients had their first consultation since receiving treatment for various eyes diseases in Cuba in the last few weeks.
Since the initiative dubbed Miracle Mission started in July, 2005, well over 1300 Dominicans have received free surgical eye treatment in Cuba. Thousands of persons in fourteen countries in the Caribbean Region have received treatment for various eye aliments in the last year.
Many patients have expressed satisfaction with their eyesight following the operations in Cuba. Some patients have seen a dramatic improvement in their eyesight. Others who were partially sighted, have now had their vision restored.
Patients have been flown to Cuba free of charge and all accommodation costs have been met by the Cuban Government.
In the last year, bilateral relations between Cuba and Dominica have strengthened. A Cuban Embassy in Dominica was opened earlier this year in Morne Daniel. The first ever Cuban Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency Mr. Osvaldo Cobacho has taken up residence here.
Mr. Clarkson Thomas is now Dominica’s Ambassador to Cuba and a Dominican Embassy has been established in Cuba.(Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 96/2006
Prime Minister Skerrit pledges EC$2 million for Dominica Youth Business Trust |
Roseau, Dominica - July 26, 2006……In keeping with its commitment to boost entrepreneurial activity among the youth of Dominica, the Government of Dominica has indicated its intention to make available $2 million dollars to the Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT) in the course of the 2006/2007 fiscal year. Some of that amount is expected to go towards the Loan Guarantee Fund of the DYBT.
Prime Minister Skerrit said: "An amount of $2 million will be channelled to the Youth Business Trust (YBT) for administration and management of the funds.
"This amount will be allocated to training and skills development as well as to allow for an increase in the guarantee fund. The latter we hope will assist more young persons to access funding for setting up small businesses."
This commitment was given by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning, National Security and Overseas Nationals, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, when he presented the 2006 Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals to Parliament on Tuesday, July 11, 2006.
This new commitment from the Prime Minister is on top of the amount of $100,000 that the Government of Dominica made available to the DYBT in 2003.
The Dominica Youth Business Trust is a collaborative undertaking of the Government of Dominica and the Commonwealth Youth Programme-Caribbean Centre. It is adapted from the Commonwealth Youth Credit Initiative (CYCI) model of the Commonwealth Youth Programme.
A Loan Guarantee Fund has been established to facilitate young entrepreneurs in accessing loans for micro enterprise development. A memorandum of Agreement was signed on March 16, 2005 between the Dominica Youth Business Trust and the National Development Foundation of Dominica, the Agricultural Industrial and Development Bank of Dominica and all the Cooperative Credit Unions.
Since the Trust was launched in 2004, eighty-nine young persons between the ages of 18-35, have graduated, having benefited from training courses in a number of areas, including: Small Business Management; Achievement Motivation and Financial Management. The Programme comprises a component of Personal Development, Small Business Development and Business Mentorship.
The Mission of the Dominica Youth Business Trust is: empowering Dominican youth in realising their entrepreneurial potential. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 95/2006
Dominica Focuses on Intellectual Property Rights and Enforcement |
Roseau, Dominica – July 25, 2006…… Police officers, customs officials, lawyers, judges and the private sector will turn their focus this week to intellectual property rights and its enforcement in Dominica through the convening of two workshops.
Intellectual property rights involve the protection of ideas and work product and often take the form of copyrights, trademarks and patents.
In Dominica and other Caribbean countries, intellectual property rights is key for musicians producing original music, for the preservation of cultural heritage, for conserving endemic plant species and for protecting the creations of manufacturers, designers, seamstresses and other artisans.
The media is invited to cover the opening ceremony of the first workshop on Thursday July 27, 2006 at the Garraway Hotel from 8:30am – 9:10 am. The first workshop will target Police and Customs officials. Business persons, lawyers, and inventors with an interest in intellectual property rights enforcement have also been invited.
This workshop will feature addresses by:
- The Hon. Ian Douglas, Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs and Immigration;
- Ms. Louise Van Greunen, Deputy Director, Enforcement and Special Projects Division, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); and
- Ms. Karen D. Turner, Mission Director, United States Agency for International Development, Jamaica-Caribbean Regional Programme.
The second workshop is a two-day forum at the Fort Young Hotel restricted to Judges from the Eastern Caribbean who will share experiences on the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights by the judiciary in the OECS and review case studies from the other parts of the world. That forum will feature speakers from South Africa, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.
Both workshops are organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in collaboration with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica and other partners such as the United States Agency for International Development and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
In order to build on the discussions that will be generated as a result of these workshops, The Ministry of Legal Affairs and Immigration, with donor funding, will embark upon a public relations campaign to sensitise the general public on intellectual property issues during the month of August, 2006. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 94/2006
AGRICULTURE MINISTER MCINTYRE HIGHLIGHTS SIGNIFICANCE OF FAO-FUNDED CITRUS DIE BACK PROJECT TO CITRUS FARMERS IN DOMINICA |
Roseau, Dominica – July 21, 2006……Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment, Senator, the Hon. Dr. John Collin McIntyre, has highlighted the full significance of a Food and Agricultural Organisation-funded project to manage the Citrus Die Back in Dominica.. The Citrus Die Back Project is expected to last for fifteen (15) months.
The Minister made the remarks at a signing ceremony earlier this month. Dr. McIntyre underscored the impact of the Citrus Die Back on citrus farmers in Dominica. “Our citrus farmers have been suffering for a number of years right now in not being able to obtain the necessary planting material as a result of the disease.
“We see this project as being very important in terms of the rehabilitation of our citrus industry because Dominica is well positioned in terms of its location in penetrating the market in terms of CSME.
“We would like our farmers and our hucksters to take more advantage of our position and continue supplying the necessary fruit in terms of citrus to the various markets in the Region.”
Dr. McIntrye concluded: “This project for me is very important. It is going to assist us seriously. I am looking forward to the implementation of this project.” (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 93/2006
GOVERNMENT AND FAO SIGN AGREEMENT WORTH $445,500 FOR MANAGEMENT OF CITRUS DIE BACK PROJECT IN DOMINICA |
Roseau, Dominica - July 21, 2006…… The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment, has signed an agreement with the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) for the Management of Citrus Dieback in Dominica.
In her remarks at a signing ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment, Mrs. Claudia Bellot, informed members of the media when the Ministry first detected the prevalence of Citrus Die Back in Dominica.
"Since 2000, both farmers and our agricultural technicians have been reporting an increasing incidence of a condition of Citrus Die Back in the field which leads to the eventual death of citrus trees. This condition was reported for all citrus varieties but was found to be extremely prevalent in limes in the south of the island, particularly in the Soufriere district. The southern area of Soufriere has been one of our major lime producing areas in Dominica.
"The decline in the lime industry in Soufriere has significantly affected the farming community in that area. In 2001, a survey by our local agricultural officials indicated that almost 80% of the trees in that area had suffered from the disease while damage was estimated at approximately 40% in Giraudel and Roseau Valley.
Mrs Bellot stated further that for long time the cause of the problem remained unclear. There was the suspicion that the Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) was the main causal agent. Various studies were done by different agricultural institutions in the Region. Mrs Bellot said however it was not until 2003 that it was established that CTV was in fact responsible for the disease that had decimated the citrus industry in parts of Dominica.
"In February 2003, field and laboratory investigations were conducted through an FAO-funded technical cooperation project and for the first time it was identified positively that the Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) was the cause of the Die Back in the citrus crop."
The Permanent Secretary further explained action taken by Government since then to deal with the disease. "Since then we have pursued the assistance that we need to attempt to monitor the disease: to put a surveillance programme in place; to implement training of farmers; to implement the type of activities which would bring the disease under control which would monitor the prevalence and incidence of the disease; to rehabilitate the fields and to have clean planting material and a certified planting material programme."
The Citrus industry in Dominica has enjoyed mixed fortunes over the years. Up until the mid 1930s, Dominica was the largest producer of limes in the world. With the success of L Rose and Company in Dominica for most of the 20th century, Dominica's lime juice became famous the world over.
In 1996, the Government of Dominica embarked on a citrus rehabilitation project which sought to offer assistance for the provision of inputs and services to the farmers in order to rehabilitate the sector.
After the termination of the citrus rehabilitation project, farmers began to notice and to report the prevalence of the Citrus Black Fly, which was a major pest affecting the citrus industry. With FAO assistance, the pest was brought under control with a technical cooperation project which sought to implement biological control of the Citrus Black Fly.
The Citrus Black Fly project focussed on the conduct of a post release study of biological insects in order to assess the impact of the introduced control agents, not only on the Citrus Black Fly but also on other non-target species.
The citrus industry is of great significance to the agricultural sector in Dominica. Citrus is one of our major crops in Dominica according to data collected in 1996. According to the data, in 1996, citrus acreage in Dominica was 5355 acres and of that, grapefruits and oranges accounted for 51% and 44% respectively.
The assistance given by the FAO in the amount of $445,500 to manage the Citrus Die Back in Dominica is a significant development in the context of the Government's strategy to resuscitate the citrus industry in Dominica.
The signing ceremony, which took place earlier this month, was attended by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment, Senator the Hon. Dr. John Collin McIntyre, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment, Mrs. Claudia Bellot, Director of Agriculture, Mr. Oliver Grell, FAO Sub-Regional Representative for the Caribbean, Dr. Barbara Graham and Dr. Gene Pollard, Regional Plant Protection Officer, Food and Agricultural Organisation. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 92/2006
PRIME MINISTER SKERRIT TO ATTEND MONETARY COUNCIL MEETING IN ST. VINCENT |
Roseau, Dominica – July 20, 2006……Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, left the State today to attend the 56th Meeting of the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, scheduled to take place on Friday, July 21, 2006 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Prime Minister is accompanied at the meeting by a senior official from the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
The Monetary Council will receive the Governor's report on monetary and credit conditions, and will provide directives and guidelines to the Bank, as mandated by the ECCB Agreement 1983, which governs the operations of the Central Bank.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will assume the chairmanship of the ECCB's Monetary Council. He will take over from the current Chairman, Saint Lucia's Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony at a brief handing over ceremony on Friday.
In the absence of Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit from the State, Minister for Public Works and Public Utilities, Hon. Ambrose George, is acting as Prime Minster. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 91/2006
PRIME MINISTER SKERRIT OUTLINES ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN 2005/2006 FINANCIAL YEAR |
Roseau, Dominica - July 20, 2006……Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit has outlined government achievements in the agricultural sector for the last financial year 2005/2006. The Prime Minister outlined the many successes in his presentation of the 2006/2007 Budget last week.
In the 2005/2006 financial year, approximately $730,000 was spent on farm access road rehabilitation. Of this amount, $430,000 was spent on the rehabilitation of twelve (12) farm access roads island wide, and $300,000 on a direct farm access road programme aimed at improving the access to individual farms. Over 300 farmers have benefited from these road improvements.
Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit also revealed that a contract has been awarded for the design and construction of three Inland Reception and Distribution centres at Marigot, Portsmouth and Fond Cole. A contract has also been awarded for the construction of a Tissue Culture Weaning and Hardening Facility at Londonderry. This facility is designed to produce up to 50,000 banana tissue culture plants per cycle and is expected to be completed in a matter of weeks.
According to the Prime Minister, the Young Farmers' Programme has provided support in the amount of $81,000 to several young persons to begin businesses in agriculture, ranging from vegetable and horticultural production, poultry and livestock production, sea moss cultivation, commercial wildlife farming, banana ripening and herbal products for medicinal purposes.
The Programme has also provided training to all project beneficiaries and interested young persons and has made $150,000 credit available through the National Development foundation to several young persons for additional projects.
Thirty-seven training activities were funded in the last financial year at a cost of $381,500. Training included: Vermi-composting; An Onion Study Tour; An Agro-Processing Study Tour, Training in Soil, Leaf and Food Analysis, A Plant Quarantine Capacity Building Workshop; Coffee Pruning and Livestock Management.
Also completed in the last financial year was the construction of a Molecular Laboratory at a cost of $160,000 to conduct research on the status of the amphibian population in Dominica. This facility is now fully functional in the amphibian research programme. The second phase of the project will include the construction of a captive breeding facility for crapauds. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 90/2006
OVER 167 LOW INCOME DOMINICANS BENEFIT FROM GOVERNMENT SQUATTER REGULARIZATION POLICY REVEALS PM SKERRIT IN 2006/2007 BUDGET ADDRESS> |
Roseau, Dominica – July 19, 2006…Over One hundred and sixty-seven low income persons and possibly over 500 persons altogether, have benefited from a decision made by the Roosevelt Skerrit administration last year to offer land to eligible squatters at only EC$1 per square foot.
In addition, all fees associated with the transfer of the land are being met by the Government of Dominica.
In its 2005 General Election manifesto, the Dominica Labour Party stated: “Every effort will be made to place squatters in decent housing environments. While Labour does not encourage or condone squatting, it is nevertheless appreciative of the vulnerabilities of such families and will seek to regularize their living conditions, including earmarking new state owned locations at peppercorn rates.”
In his Budget Address to Parliament on July 11, 2006, Prime Minister Skerrit stated the number of persons who have benefited from the Squatter Regularization Policy.
“In keeping with this Policy, approximately one hundred and sixty-seven(167) low-income persons who had been illegally occupying State lands at Ravine Bernard(Canefield), Stock Farm, Fond Cole Housing scheme, Guillette/Savanne Paille, Fond Cole South, Chemin Neuf(Point Mitchel), Jimmit, Tarish Pit, Calibishie and Maranatha Square(Geneva) have been regularized in the last year.”
It is Government’s intention to continue the Squatter Regularization process in all twenty-five(25) known squatter sites on the island. To this end two additional surveyors were awarded contracts with a view to accelerating the pace of implementation of the Programme.
In keeping with a long established tradition of ensuring that as many Dominicans as possible own their own land and build their own homes, Prime Minister Skerrit is holding true to a tradition that inspired the founding fathers of the Dominica Labour Party, namely Emmanuel Loblack, Phyllis Shand Alfrey and later Edward Oliver Leblanc, to form the Dominica Labour Party at a time when many Dominicans were landless and poor. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 89/2006
PRIME MINISTER SKERRIT FORMALLY ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF GROWTH AND SOCIAL PROTECTION STRATEGY (GSPS) |
Roseau, Dominica – July 19, 2006……In his presentation of the 2006/2007 Budget last Tuesday, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, confirmed the completion of Government’s Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS).
The GSPS articulates a medium-term strategy for growth and poverty reduction over the next five years. The Government has established that poverty reduction is the direct focus of its economic and social policy. The Roosevelt Skerrit administration regards the pursuit of sustained economic growth to be the main strategy to alleviate poverty.
According to Prime Minister Skerrit, the GSPS provides the overarching framework that informs the medium-term macro-economic framework, the structural reform agenda, the medium-term public investment programme and the annual budgets to be presented to Parliament.
The Prime Minister told Parliament that the GSPS seeks to foster growth in the economy by building on four pillars: Fiscal Policy and administrative reform; Enhancing the investment climate for private enterprise development; Sectoral Strategies for growth and Strategies for poverty reduction and social protection.
The GSPS has a high degree of public ownership. The document was prepared after extensive consultations and discussions involving senior staff of the Ministry of Finance and Planning and all the Permanent Secretaries spanning the various ministries across government.
The GSPS benefited from the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultative process and report. The Country Poverty Assessment of 2003 was also used in the formulation of the GSPS.
Thirty-five Local Authorities, nineteen Community-based Organizations, ten Non-Government organizations and nineteen Government Organizations participated in focus group discussions. The views of over 1000 representatives were directly or indirectly represented at those discussions.
The Prime Minister hailed the completion of the GSPS as a significant development: “Completion of the GSPS is a significant achievement in the context of going forward to grow the economy and reduce poverty. It constitutes our country’s development strategy into the medium-term. It is reflective Madam Speaker, of a Government that has a clear vision, mission and plan, driven by a sense of purpose that is realistic and responsible.”
In December, 2003, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund approved a three year US$11.4 million credit for Dominica under the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility on the basis of the World Bank’s approval of Dominica’s Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper.
Subsequently the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica proceeded to prepare a full Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) which is a requirement under the PRGF arrangement. The PRGF is the IMF’s concessional facility for low-income countries.
Given the Government’s renewed emphasis on the pursuit of sustained economic growth, Government opted to broaden the scope of the PRSP to include, not only poverty related issues, but also to outline a growth strategy for the country. Hence the preparation of the Growth and Social Protection Strategy.
The GSPS will be tabled in Parliament shortly. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 88/2006
DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT IN COUNTRY'S FISCAL POSITION REPORTED AS PRIME MINISTER SKERRIT PRESENTS $288.1 MILLION BUDGET TO PARLIAMENT |
Roseau, Dominica – July 14, 2006……Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit reported a remarkable improvement in Central Government’s fiscal operations during Tuesday’s presentation of the 2006 Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals under the theme, “Enhancing the Investment Climate”.
The Prime Minister stated: “There has been significant reduction in arrears (as represented by the value of unpaid cheques) from EC$31.0 million at the end of June 2005 to EC$12.1 million at the end of June 2006.
“It is noteworthy to mention that unpaid cheques to the Dominica Social Security have declined in value from EC$28.3 million in June 2005 to $7.7 million in June, 2006. As at 30th June 2006, all Government balances were positive. This means that the overdraft balances at the commercial banks in respect of Government of Dominica accounts had been completely eliminated.”
This dramatic turnaround in the public finances can only be fully understood and appreciated in the context of the situation which existed before the Government decided to embark on a programme of Fiscal Stabilization and Recovery in June 2002.
As at December 31st 2001, the Government overdraft was $62.5 million, which included an overdraft balance of $36.9 million at the National Commercial Bank, more than treble the legal limit of $12 million. The Value of Unpaid Cheques stood at $55.9 million on December 31st 2001, compared to the present balance of $12.1 million.
The Prime Minister also reported a projected primary surplus for the 2005/2006 fiscal year of $14.4 million. The primary balance is the critical fiscal target of the ongoing arrangement with the International Monetary Fund. The primary surplus is defined as total revenues minus total expenditures net of interest payments.
A critical plank of the Fiscal Stabilization and Recovery Programme is the debt restructuring programme. In 2003, Dominica’s Debt/GDP ratio had reached over 115 %, significantly higher than the prudential norm of 60% recommended by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
In his 2006/2007 Budget address, Prime Minister Skerrit told the House that in fiscal year 2005/2006, further consolidation of central government debt had occurred.
“Total Central Government Debt now stands at EC$677 million (excluding arrears) of which EC$457.2 million or 67.5 % percent is external, and EC$219.8 million or 32.5% is domestic. The ratio of central government debt to GDP stands at 86.2 percent which is a reduction of 1.5 percentage points from 87.7 percent at the end of June 2005.”
It was revealed that in the 2005/2006 fiscal year, current revenues performed better than budgeted. The amount budgeted for the FY 2005/2006 was EC$234.3 million. It is now anticipated that revenue will exceed projections.
The Prime Minister also told the nation that in 2005 the economy continued to grow, with real GDP growing at about 3.5 percent to yield the second straight year of above-average growth.
The return to fiscal health is one of the fruits of the success of the stabilisation programme. In 2002, the then Prime Minister, Hon. Pierre Charles, warned that “economic growth would be forever compromised if we allowed a poor fiscal situation to continue unattended”. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 87/2006
THE TIME FOR PORTSMOUTH HAS COME PLEDGES PRIME MINISTER HON. ROOSEVELT SKERRIT DURING BUDGET PRESENTATION |
Roseau, Dominica – July 14, 2006……The northern town of Portsmouth, for so long trumpeted as a sleeping giant, may finally awake from its slumber as a result of commitments made by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, when he delivered the 2006/2007 Budget address to Parliament on Tuesday.
Using some of the resources from the CARICOM Petroleum Fund, estimated to be in the region of EC$24.8 million, the Indian River Bridge, compromised by the earthquake of November 2004, will be replaced. A new bridge in Lagoon will be built. Under the Portsmouth Streets Reinstatement Project, the entire road system in Portsmouth will be modernized, including the provision of sidewalks, roundabouts and other intersection improvements.
Within the next few months, a Diagnostic Centre will be established at the Portsmouth hospital. The facility, which is being provided free of charge by the Cuban Government will be a modern facility equipped with E.K.G Services, Endoscopy Equipment, Ultrasound equipment, X-Ray equipment and a Mini-lab that will meet International Standards Organisation(ISO) standards. It will be the best of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean.
The Prime Minister also announced that with the anticipated investments to be made in Portsmouth, Chance, Picard and Cotton Hill, “Government is therefore actively exploring the possibility of undertaking a feasibility study with the ultimate goal of developing an appropriate water and sewerage project for our second town of Portsmouth”.
It was also revealed during the budget presentation that a contract had been signed for the design and construction of three Inland Reception and Distribution Centres at Marigot, Fond Cole and Portsmouth. Work on a Multipurpose Packing House for fresh produce at Portsmouth should begin in early 2007.
The Prime Minister also gave an update on the status of works on the restoration of Fort Shirley at the Cabrits. This Project is being financed under the European Union Funded Eco-Tourism Development Programme at a cost of over EC$500,000. Upon completion, the facility is expected to be a major tourist attraction, a welcome boost as Portsmouth gets ready to welcome passengers for the new cruise ship season.
Apart from the projects to be executed by the Government of Dominica in the Portsmouth area in the next few months, the Prime Minister announced that a number of investors are exploring the possibility of investing in marina/hotel development in the Portsmouth area.
For many years the late Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Douglas argued that the future development of Dominica could only be secured with the development of Portsmouth and the north of the island. Parliamentary Representative for the Portsmouth Constituency, Hon. Ian Douglas, has long held the view that the economic resurgence of Dominica can only begin in Portsmouth.
The 2006/2007 Budget represents the best chance Portsmouth has had for generations to realise its vast economic potential. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 86/2006
NEW JAPANESE AMBASSADOR TO DOMINICA HIS EXCELLENCY KOICHIRO SEKI ARRIVES IN DOMINICA FOR PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS |
| Roseau, Dominica – July 12, 2006……New Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Japan to the Commonwealth of Dominica, His Excellency, Mr. Koichiro Seki arrived in Dominica yesterday on a two-day visit.
Earlier today, His Excellency Mr Koichiro Seki presented his credentials to President of Dominica, His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, DAH.
In his remarks on the occasion of the presentation of credentials by His Excellency, Mr. Koichiro Seki, President of Dominica, His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, noted the benefits Dominica has enjoyed under the Japan Aid Programme through grant aid and technical cooperation including the provision of experts and training for Dominican nationals.
Dominica’s Head of State also highlighted the assistance by Japan to Dominica in the area of fishing. In 2004, the Government of Dominica was pleased to formally open the Fish Landing Facility at Marigot which was funded by the Government of Japan at a cost of EC$34 million.
Dr Liverpool also stated: “Your country has been able to count on the support of the Commonwealth of Dominica in elections to various International bodies in 2006 and we hope to be able to continue to lend support in other instances whenever circumstances permit.
“We appreciate the assistance extended to Dominica under the auspices of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and we hope that the scope of initiatives such as the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers Programme and the Grassroots Programme could be significantly expanded.”
While in Dominica the new Japanese Ambassador to Dominica will also pay courtesy calls on Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Labour, Hon. Charles Savarin and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment, the Hon. Dr. Colin McIntyre.
Dominica established diplomatic relations with Japan in 1978. The Embassy of Japan in Trinidad is responsible for the conduct of relations with Dominica. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 85/2006
DOMINICA SET TO BENEFIT FROM PROJECT AIMED AT INCREASING SERVICES TRADE IN COMMONWEALTH CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES |
Roseau, Dominica - July 12, 2006……. Persons working in the Professional Services Sector in Commonwealth Caribbean countries will get an opportunity to enhance their ability to increase trade in professional services when the "Strategic Programme for the Promotion of Professional Services" Project is implemented in Dominica.
The Project, coordinated and funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Barbados-based Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), will be launched at the Garraway Hotel in Roseau on Friday, July 14, 2006 at 9:00 am.
The small states of the Commonwealth depend heavily on exports of goods and services; however, the erosion of preferences by trade liberalization commitments have adversely affected their economic situation, hence the need for this Project at this time.
The Project is intended to enhance the capability of these countries to diversify their economies to increase their services trade, in particular trade in professional services. Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago have been chosen by Caribbean Export as pilot cases to be used for developing an approach.
The overall objective of this Project is to build the capacity of Caribbean Export to assist its members in developing a Strategic Programme for the Promotion of Professional Services.
This Project will heighten the awareness of the economic potential of and development of export of professional services from the Commonwealth Caribbean.
The professional services sub-sectors with possible potential for expanded export include -Legal, medical and healthcare, education, engineering related, construction related, accounting, managing, planning, film, Software development and IT-related services.
The launching of the Project will include an inception meeting when the Project will be formally presented to the various professional services sectors. This will be conducted by the project consultants Emerging Market Economies (EME).
Remarks at Friday's launching will be delivered by Hon. Charles Savarin, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Labour, Mr. Andrew Satney, Project Manager, Commonwealth Secretariat, Veona Maloney, Project Manager, Caribbean Export and a representative of the CARICOM Secretariat.(Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 84/2006
MASSIVE EXPOSURE FOR DOMINICA AS PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST SHATTERS RECORD AT NORTH AMERICAN BOX OFFICE |
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Roseau, Dominica – July 11, 2006…….The release of Disney’s latest blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, which features images of Dominica’s most beautiful spots, has thrust the eastern Caribbean Island of Dominica into full international glare, with the country receiving massive exposure on the big screen and several newspaper inches as a result of the early spectacular success of the sequel to the original Pirates film.
The movie which was largely shot in Hampstead, Portsmouth, Vieille Case and Soufriere in Dominica, took an estimated US$132 million in its first three days, beating the previous best debut of US$115 million set by Spider Man in 2002. |
The breathtaking images of Dominica in the movie, which stars Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley, has spawned favourable comment and praise for Dominica from some of the world’s major media organisations.
The July 4, 2006 edition of the New York Post Online carried an interview with Rick Heinrichs. In the piece, the Pirates production designer explained why Dominica was chosen to film large sections of the movie.
“We liked the island for its rainforest look-everything is alive and green, full and lush……. take a rainforest hike, one of the most popular activities for visitors on the island. You’ll be heading right through the film set which consisted of the hills on the rugged northern coast, and the cliffs of the south-western coast between Pointe Michel and the town of Soufriere.
“Or go snorkelling and diving. The cast did. There’s amazing marine life.”
In a feature which appeared in Britain’s Guardian Newspaper on Saturday, July 8th 2006, and written by Polly Pattullo, producer Jerry Bruckheimer explained why most of the scenes of the movie were shot in Dominica.
“We selected Dominica because it’s beautiful and virtually untouched-and totally undiscovered by film-makers.”
The filming of the movie in the early part of 2005 was a major boost for the Dominican economy. Well over 400 Dominicans were employed for several months in 2005, yielding significant economic benefits for the hotel, transportation, security and catering sectors.
In the last two years Dominica has attracted international acclaim from travel writers writing for international publications. In 2005, Dominica was given a two-page spread in the world renowned newspaper The New York Times.
In early 2006 Dominica was named in the Top 10 eco-tourism destinations in the world. Dominica is now ranked in the top 5 dive destinations in the world.
Earlier this year, Dominica was described by the Smithsonian Institute as a “giant plant laboratory”.
Meanwhile Pirates of the Caribbean 3 will also feature scenes shot in Dominica. (Ends)
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| PRESS RELEASE No. 83/2006
PRIME MINISTER SKERRIT TO PRESENT $288.1 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET AT GRAND OPENING OF PARLIAMENT ON TUESDAY |
Roseau, Dominica - July 10, 2006…….Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, will present the Draft Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the financial year 2006/2007 amounting to two hundred and eighty-eight million, one hundred and six thousand, seven hundred and ninety-three dollars ($288,106,793) when Parliament meets for the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Seventh Parliament under the Commonwealth of Dominica Constitution on Tuesday, July 11, 2006.
This year's estimates of expenditure is about $13 million more than what was presented to Parliament last year. $202.9 million represents total recurrent expenditure and $85.1 million represents capital expenditure. An additional amount of $37.9 million is provided for by law and does not require parliamentary approval. This amount represents allocations for the Office of the President, Audit, Elections, Commissions and Debt Service.
In what is expected to be a grand occasion filled with pomp and pageantry, President of Dominica, His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas J.O Liverpool, will deliver his annual address.
The Report of the Director of Audit on the Audit of Accounts for the fiscal year ended 30th June 2005 will be laid on the table.
At this sitting, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Planning, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, will also seek parliamentary approval to borrow and guarantee by means of fluctuating overdraft, a sum not exceeding in the aggregate of thirty-four million, five hundred thousand ($34,500,000) from the Bank of Nova Scotia, First Caribbean International Bank, National Bank of Dominica, Royal Bank of Canada and any other approved Financial Institution to meet Central Government's current overdraft requirements and to guarantee overdrafts to statutory boards and public corporations for a period of one year commencing from the 1st day of July 2006.
Tuesday's opening of the Parliament is expected to be filled with colour. There will be the traditional Guard of Honour by the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force with musical accompaniment by the Dominica Government Band. The President and the Prime Minister will arrive in the Chamber under full escort. (Ends)
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