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UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-2015 i

W I T H T H E U N I T E D W O R K E R S P A R T Y

FOREWORD

CANDIDATE BIOS

A NEW BEGINNING

20 PLEDGES THAT SET US ON THE ROAD TO SMART GROWTH

THE MAIN PATH TO RECOVERY AND GROWTH

MAKING THE TRANSITION TO A CLEAN AND GREEN ECONOMY

A BUDGET PROCESS THAT SUPPORTS THE “NEW BEGINNING”

IMMEDIATE URGENT ACTIONS TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT

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MANIFESTO 2010 - 2015

UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-20151

The United Workers Party welcomes you to its

“United for Dominica” Manifesto for 2010 -

2015 which articulates the Party’s position on

development issues facing our Country

Dominica.

In many ways it is not the traditional Manifesto

as it seeks to focus on the twenty pledges to be

achieved in twenty-four months presented in

the St Joseph Rally on 29th November 2009.

No excuses.

Having listened closely to the people of

Dominica these last few years, the many

unanswered questions, the hardships suffered

due to dramatic economic decline, the

concerns over corruption and lack of integrity,

we have sought to shape and form ours

peoples concerns for relief, action and delivery

as Pledges.

Our Pledge commitment is clear. Twenty in

twenty-four months. No excuses. These are

published in a separate pamphlet but also are

the bones of this Manifesto.

Our Country is at a major crossroads in its

political life. Either we continue to walk the

road of lies, corruption, crime and poverty or

we challenge ourselves to make a change

towards honesty, accountability, good

governance and a sustainable economy,

which we have dubbed a “clean and green

Dominica”. Clearly the latter is the only

option, so we have campaigned vigorously

that we must step up, raise our voices and vote

to Save our Country. The time is now.

Our strong Team of United Workers Party

candidates stand ready to take full

responsibility for saving our Country once we

receive the peoples’ mandate.

We welcome your ideas, suggestions and

guidance to this Manifesto which captures our

plans, approaches and policies for a better

Dominica which we all as Dominicans can be

proud of.

Thank you

May God Bless us All

United Workers Party

FOREWORD

UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-2015 2

After nearly four decades of service toDominica internationally, nationally,and at community level this son of thesoil, who makes his home with his wifeJoycelyn, in Felicite, LaPlaine, is poisedat the peak of his professional life tolead a team of outstanding Dominicanson a mission to rescue his Country . Histwo daughters Malaika and Josina, infinal stages of their University studies,are in full support, playing active rolesin this worthy mission.

Humble, honest, and hard working he isdetermined to utilize his vastexperience, practical approach, andteam building style to ensure Dominicaadvances. A teacher, sports coach,community developer, administrator,and manager Mr. Green calmly assessesand recognizes the many talents wehave as a people that remain untapped,and is committed to take action tomobilize those talents for realdevelopment.

His father, grandfather and great grandfather all buried in La Plaine will rejoicein pride that Ronald’s perseverance,focus, quiet fortitude and groundedpeoples politics will be put to theservice of all Dominicans as PrimeMinister, especially at this gravejunction in our nations life.

Ronald Green has experience inteaching, coaching, sportsadministration, communitydevelopment, NGO management,

project planning and management,organizational development andtraining, program evaluation, localgovernance, and policy development.With such a combination ofexperiences: the formal educationsystem; from teacher to Minister; theinformal/NGO sector; from communityworker/researcher toCoordinator/Regional NetworkExecutive; the Governance sector fromelected Village Councilor to electedMember of Parliament and Minister,and having worked in Africa, USA andthe Caribbean he is well poised,flexible, energized and amply qualifiedto handle the top job in Dominica.

Ron is comfortable on the farm toowith some four acres of tree crops,avocados, plantain and his goatpaddock. His home on his farm inFelicite where he has lived with hisfamily since 1981 is simple, comfortableand in a relaxing setting minutes awayfrom the center of La Plaine VillageWhen in the Capital City Roseau, oftenenough these days, he is at home withhis 94 year old Mother Alix and BrotherLowell.

Dominica deserves all its patrioticspirits, like Ron, to rally onward toreplace lies and corruption withhonesty, openness and accountabilityso that, this new politics, a positivechange for jobs and economicopportunity can become a reality.

UWP Candidates

Ronald M. GreenLaPlaine Constituency


Bobby Frederick, a proud Rastafarian andfather of six children uses thesecharacteristics to effectively relate to asector of the Dominican population largelyleft unrepresented in general electionsmaking him a real man of the people. Wellknown and liked by all he grew up with inthe community of Newtown, Bobbyattended the Roseau Boys School, and theDominica Grammar School. He then wenton to attend the George Brown College inCanada.

A business genius, the masterpiece of eco-tourism known as the Cocoa CottagesResort at Trafalgar is Bobby's brainchild.During his time as its owner he was alsopresident of the Dominica Hotel andTourism Association, lending him a uniqueadvantage and experience in the field. Heis currently Chairman of the TrafalgarVillage Council, a position not new to a manwell known as a community activist andmember of various boards and institutions.

He is also the current owner of the everpopular Harlem Plaza, an entertainmentrefuge for the entire south of Dominica. Healso owned and developed the worldfamous Gingerette Nature Santuary in theLayou Valley

Bobby plans to put his business acuity togood use in the development of RoseauSouth including apartment housing inNewtown and Silver Lake, yachting andtourism development in Newtown,Citronier and Loubiere, the upgrading andlighting of all playing facilities in theconstituency, revitalizing the farmingsector in Giraudel / Eggleston and furtherdevelopment of the Fishing and bakingindustries among other things. He is alsoconcerned about the road network inCastle Comfort and Wallhouse and thebridge leading to and from the Elmshallcommunity.

WE ARE READY WITH BOBBY

UWP Candidates

Bobby A. C. FrederickRoseau South Constituency

Having heard the call of the people, EzekielBazil born on the 16th of November, 1965in the village of Wesley took the decisionand heeded the call to service the people.Ezekiel who is a catholic was educated atthe Wesley Primary Government School,the Dominica Grammar school and wastransferred to the St Andrews high schoolafter the devastating Hurricane David.

Ezekiel is holder of a degree from theAmerican Institute for CPCU/ Insuranceinstitute of America in property andcasualty claims, he also pursued studiesand obtained Diplomas with CrawfordLearning and resource center in AtlantaGeorgia in the field of Liability ClaimsAdjusting and the other in automobileappraisal. He is the holder of certificates infire surveying and claims condition as wellas motor claims management from the StLucia Insurance Institute.

Ezekiel served as an agricultural extensionofficer for the Wesley/ Woodfordhill districtwith the North East agricultural programbefore gaining employment with AmericanLife Insurance Company and Life ofBarbados as a life underwriter. He then

went on as manager of Dom waters inAntigua. He was later employed assupervisor at Insurance Consultants Ltdagents for American Home Insurance Co.Nemwil and Barbados Fire and General.Ezekiel then decided to move back toDominica to make his contribution tocommunity building and nationaldevelopment. He was appointedmanaging director for Mc Breadston Foods(Perkys) and is now a director of TheResource Management Service and theClaims Manager of First Domestic InsuranceCompany Ltd.

He also served as general secretary to theTipper Trucker Association of Dominica andwas involved in a number of groups at theWesley Catholic Church and the St AndrewsHigh School. Ezekiel chaired the local groupwhich brought the largest ever generalinsurance conference of the Caribbean tothe shores of Dominica.

Ezekiel who is married and a father of fourand is determined to bring back to thepeople of Wesley, and Woodfordhill thepride and respect that they once cherished.

Ezekiel BazilWesley, Woodfordhill Constituency


“I thank God for the gifts of Courage,Commitment, Capability, Honesty and Hardwork, with which he has enabled me to serveyou the people of Roseau, as your MP for thepast 5 years. I thank you the people ofRoseau, for the Great Trust you have placed inme. I am committed to give you the bestrepresentation in Parliament and in theCommunity.”

Norris Prevost holds a Masters in PublicAdministration from Harvard University,Kennedy School of Government and aMasters in Business Administration andBachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics,from University of the West Indies.

He served as Minister of Tourism from 1995 to2000, Senator in Parliament from 1990 to2005, and won the Roseau Central seat in2005.

“I love sports. Sports have a lot to do with theCommunity Spirit that I have today. That iswhy in the Roseau Improvement CommitteeInc. (RIC Inc), I dedicate so much effort toSports. Unfortunately, for the past ten years,Roseau does not have a place for the youthsto play Sports and this has really broken downtheir spirit. When I am re-elected onDecember 18th, my first pledge is to build the

playing field for the Roseau Community andthe Grammar School”, says Norris Prevost.

Prevost’s love for Sports goes back to schooldays, when he played “sa ky tapay” in WindsorPark with boys like Hosay, and Lafond, andwould sometimes, sit on the Windsor Parkstands until dark, listening to men likeThomas Baptise, Patrick John, and JohnsonIsaac, one of Dominica’s best goal keepers,discussing why Combermere had won or lostthe game.

Under His Patronage, RIC Inc. has been in theforefront of organizing community sports inRoseau; in basketball, volley ball, Dominoes,small goal football, women’s cricket androunders. The RIC Mothers Day Celebration,RIC Children’s Christmas Party, and the RICSunday lunch for the needy of Roseau, havebecome signature programs.

“It pains me to see the poverty in Roseau. Ipledge to break this chain of poverty inRoseau. I will assist the Medical School withbuildings and land in Canefield for them toexpand, and give the Old Roseau HealthCentre back to the people of Roseau so theyouth, fathers and mothers can establish theirsmall businesses and create jobs.”

UWP Candidates

Norris Prevost Roseau Central Constituency

Ronald Isidore is the son of Charles Isidore ofMahaut and Winnie Isidore of Campbell. He isa graduate of Saint Mary’s Academy and later,Iona College, New York where he studies masspsychology, both of these institutions oflearning lead by the Christian Brothers in thecharisma of Edmund Rice. His ContinuingEducation endeavors have been at Seton HallUniversity, International Labour Organization,Pan American Sports Organization,International Tennis Federation and FIFA.

Ronnie has been committed to family,community and church activities from a veryearly age. He has brought his vast experiencein Human Resource & OperationsManagement, Policy & PerformanceManagement, Sports Management, Training& Development, Counseling, and Coaching &Mentoring, towards the development ofmany corporate and small businesses invarious sectors of Dominica. These sectorsinclude the Telecoms, Tourism, Sales &Marketing and Non-GovernmentalOrganization sectors. Ronnie also has over 20years working within the education, sportsand youth environment. He has conducted

many retreat and training workshops for bothyouth and adults alike with over 12 yearsdirect training and development experiencewithin the Dominica business environment.

Ronnie’s present activities and passion are forthe care and development of the youth andmarginalized of his Constituency and Nation.He serves his community well as the Managerof the Dominica Senior National FootballTeam and the Manager/ Coach of Footballeffort in the Village of Mahaut. He is amember of the Youth Development Team ofhis Parish Church. Ronnie has also served as aBoard Member of the St. Paul’s Co-operativeCredit Union.

Ronnie believes in the integration of theDiaspora in the development of Dominica.Among his affiliations are the DominicaAcademy of Arts and Science and the RDF. Henever failed to support the work of theDominica Consulate in New York, U.S.A.Ronnie is a married community man whorelates well with the young and old alike.

RONNIE……YOU KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ronald IsidoreMahaut Constituency


Abraham Browne was born and raised in hisvillage of Grand Fond, where he attended thelocal primary school. From there, heattended the St. Mary's Academy where heexcelled and quickly went on to achieveDiplomas in Tropical Agriculture and Typing atwell accredited institutions both London andCanada.

Ever the servant to his country Browne wasemployed as a Library Assistant at the PublicLibrary in Roseau, and then later ExecutiveOfficer at the Social Centre. He was also at theforefront of many projects during his time as aCredit/Projects Officer of the NationalDevelopment Foundation of Dominica.

Browne always had an active interest in sportsespecially as a tool to steer the country'syouth in a better direction. He worked as aSports Officer in the Ministry of Education andSports, was Secretary of the Dominica TableTennis Association for 23 years, as well asorganizer of the South-East Sports Committeetogether with party leader Mr. Ron Green. Heserved as a committee member of theDominica Olympic Committee between 2001

- 2005 and was the Dominica OlympicCommittee’s representative at a Sports andEnvironment Seminar in Costa Rica in 2006.He has since organized the Morne C FondCricket team and is an active player.

Browne has remained involved in his homecommunity as a prior Elected Member of theGrand Fond Village Council as well as holdingthe position of Treasurer at the Grand FondCredit Union. In May 2005 Browne waselected by the people of Grand Fond, MorneJaune, Frayal and Riviere Cyrique to serve inParliament under the United Workers Party.

His most recent successes include beingCoordinator of the From Offending toAchieving (F.O.T.A.) Program at the SocialCentre, submitting prize winning bestpractices for boys at risk sponsored by theWorld Bank and Commonwealth Secretariat,May 2008, and being selected as solerepresentative to International ParliamentaryGovernance Seminar, Westminster, Brussels,Edinburgh November 2009.

UWP Candidates

Abraham BrowneMorne Jaune/Riviere CyriqueConstituency

Daniel Lugay is a 50 year old family man,married with two children and a devoutChristian.

His formal training has been as a RuralCommunications Specialist and he has thusworked as a Communications Manager forDominica Banana Produces Ltd.; Video &Radio Producer, but also has experienceworking as an Agricultural Extension and FruitQuality Specialist.

A man known for his passion for, andpromotion of sports, Danny was a member ofthe National Football team in 1978 & 1985,and is served as President of the DominicaSoftball Cricket Association, and currentlyMember of the Lindo Park improvementCommittee. He also holds membership inclubs such as the Henieken Saints and theSignman Allstars.

Lugay’s sports development projectsplanning include the following:• The Lindo Park Development Plan; lighting, fencing, stands, joggers track

• The Pottersville Savannah; lighting

returfing and regrassing• The Tarish Pit Playing Field; lighting, grading, returfing and stands

• The acquiring of lands for playing field at Fond Cole

• The Pottersville and Goodwill Football Academy; adoption and securing

sponsors.

His love of community and sense of dutyhowever extends beyond the playing field.Lugay has been a Roseau City Councilor since1996, and as part of his campaign pledgeintends to construct a Tourist ReceptionCentre, the acquiring of land and setting up ofsheds for Relocating roadside mechanics,trade-men and small businesses, theupgrading of fishing industry at Fond Coleand Pottersville, and the identification of landfor a Composting Plant and Tire RecyclingPlant.

Daniel LugayRoseau North Constituency


John Bruno is a young, professional with aflorid history of education and varied workexperience that pegs him as a primecandidate for service to his country.

Born on October 3rd 1965, Bruno wentthrough a typical primary and secondaryeducation in Dominica before becoming aPolice Officer in 1985. He served for 2 yearsbefore he took the opportunity to work as aDeputy Information Technology DistrictManager in Florida where he gainedexperience in Auditing, InformationTechnology, scheduling and management.

He pursued, and obtained a degree in Pilotingand Navigation followed by a Bachelor ofScience degree (BSc) in that field. John thenwent on to pursue two graduate degrees; aMaster of Business Administration (MBA) anda Master's degree in Computer Science(MMIS).

He continued his career in IT when heaccepted the position of Code EnforcementOfficer with the City of Hollywood, Florida. Hedesigned IT infrastructure for the department,

trained middle management in IT andcomputing, and educated the citizenry inforums and meetings as well as advising theCity Commission on IT and Code Enforcementissues.

In December 2004 he returned to Dominica tooffer his extensive skills and education asManaging Director of Town Network inPortsmouth, a company he now owns.

UWP Candidates

John BrunoPaix Bouche Constituency

Maynard Joseph, born on the 4th of May,1957 attended the Vieille Case PrimarySchool, then the Dominica Grammar Schoolwhere he obtained GCE O Levels enablinghim to attend University in Guyana where heachieved a certificate in Co-operativeAccounting.

He returned to Dominica to serve on theDominica Co-operative Credit Union LeagueBoard as well as the Dominica Credit UnionLeague Boards Law Review Committee.

Joseph also pursued qualifications in teachertraining, obtaining certificates from theDominica Teachers College and the UWISchool of education. Even as recently as 2002he obtained an Executive Diploma inManagement at the UWI Centre forManagement studies.

Over the years he has been continuouslyinvolved in development, sitting on theboards of various committees such as VicePresident of the Dominica Civil ServiceAssociation, member of the Dominica BananaGrowers Central Committee and Member ofthe Dominica Marketing Corporation Board ofDirectors.

He has also remained active is his communityof Vieille Case where he had served ondifferent committees of the Vieille Case Co-operative Credit Union since the age of 18eventually being elected Treasurer (Manager)in 1983. He served as Chairman of the VieilleCase District Branch of the Dominica BananaGrower's Association as well as the Chairmanof the DBMC northern zonal committee. Hehas been elected three times consecutively toserve on the Vieille Case Village Council - LocalAuthority.

In 1990 he was elected ParliamentaryRepresentative of Vieille Case and appointedMinister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries andForestry serving for 5 years after which he wasappointed senator in the Dominica House ofAssembly.

Joseph has also been Associated with CLICOinternational Life - Barbados Ltd. as a FinancialAdvisor/Insurance Agent and engaged insmall scale diversified agriculture involvingtree crops, livestock, root crops andvegetables, writing of Last Wills andTestaments and the Drawing of Agreements

Maynard JosephVieille Case Constituency


Born to Mr. Israel Pacquette and Mrs. VeronicaHenderson Pacquette the 8th day ofDecember, 1968, Leanthia Pacquette Lewis isnow happily married to Clement Peter Lewiswith 3 children – Tariq, Ninka and Carl. Shewas employed in Roseau, but has always beenin her community Grand Bay spending timewith family and friends.

Having attended the Dominica GrammarSchool where she obtained her GCE O Levels,and subsequently the Dominica Sixth formCollege, Lewis continued to pursue anExecutive Diploma in Management fromUniversity of West Indies and Post GraduateCertificate in Project Planning, Appraisal andManagement from the University of Bradford(Trinidad). She pursuing a masters degree inBusiness Management.

She has also had extensive training inAuditing fields, Development Training, ProjectFormulation and Financial Analysis. Lewis has devoted twenty-two (22) years toGovernment service, mostly at the Auditdepartment, but also in the Forestry division,Ministry of Agriculture, General Post Office,Magistrate's Court and Ministry of Housingamong many others, leaving her wellacquainted with Government policy andprotocol. She also gave voluntary services

during the national parade, at the officialopening of the house of assembly and atother Government official functions.

She also lends her time to local as well asinternational development societies such asthe International Project ManagementAssociation (IPMA), the American Society forAdvancement of Project Management(ASAPM), the International DevelopmentEvaluation Association (IDEAS) and theDominica Public Service Union Women'sgroup.

She is presently providing consultancyservices in project management training forthe International Project ManagementAssociation in conjunction with Proportionsof the United States of American. Mrs. Lewisrecently opened her own small businessnamed “PACLEWIS CONSULTANCY ANDAGENCY SERVICES.”

She had the opportunity to be classrepresentative at College and University.

Her experience in Project ManagementAuditing afforded her the opportunity tointeract with all communities she wasassigned to monitor and evaluate allGovernment projects.

UWP Candidates

Leanthia Pacquette LewisGrand Bay Constituency

47 year old Glen Etienne of the Pointe MichelVillage is well recognized by his neighbors asa staunch catholic and family man, and hasmade his presence felt as someone deeplyinvolved in social and community efforts.

He has been a Pointe Michel Village Councilorsince 2002, was elected Deputy Chairman in2005 and has held the position since, actingas a medium between the people and theobjectives they want to achieve for theircommunity. Etienne was a member of theSupervisory Committee of the La SaletteCredit Union.

An avid sportsman, Etienne has been both amember of the National Football Team andNational Cricket Team, played with variousteams such as the Celtics, Grand Academites,D.G.S. Scene City and Pointe Michel Footballteam and still hold the Dominica GrammarSchool Cross Country Record. He also lendshis time and experience as manager of PointeMichel football teams, manager of theDominica Under-20 football team, DeputyChairman of the Pointe Michel Sports Council

and a Board Member of the DominicaFootball Association.

Etienne's love of his community hasengendered a slew of ideas and plans for itsimprovement and sustainability. In PointeMichel, his priorities are the completion of theSea Defense Wall and the development of thePoree Playing field and farming facilities and aResource Centre. In Soufriere he plans toenhance the Tourism Industry with a Hoteland improvement of the Sulphur Springattractions as well as develop sportingfacilities there. The plans for Scotts Headinclude rehabilitation of the Fishing Complex,beautification of the beach and the openingof a community resource centre at the oldschool. Glen Etienne

Soufriere Constituency


Claudius Sanford, a proud Kalinago of theCarib Territory made a name for himself at ayoung age by obtaining eight CXC O Levelsubjects whilst attending the St.AndrewsHigh School. He went on to be a UWI qualifiedTeacher, certified in Education, PhysicalEducation and sports at the Macolin SportsSchool from Bienne Switzerland respectively.

Always proud of his heritage and involved inhis community he was a member of theOcean 4 Youth Group from an early age andPresident of the Carib Roots Youth Group.After his initial foray into tertiary educationSanford returned home to be ProjectManager of the Mahaut-River SportsComplex, during which he was largelyresponsible for developing the projectproposal, seeking sponsorship, recruitingworkers and directing the work plan to ensuresuccessful completion of the project inestimated time period.

Sanford has also been involved in many socialand developmental endeavors such asChairman of the Carib Territory fair TradeFarmers Group, Vice president of theDominica Students Association at Cave Hill,Organizer of the 1st Dominica Relay Marathonheld in the Carib Territory, founder andpresident of the Winds of Change group in

the Carib Territory as well as Organizer of`Combined Forces; an initiative seekingredress for the Unfair selection and treatmentof non Barbadian players on the combinedcolleges and campuses cricket team (UWI)

More recently he has been employed as theSports Administrator of the North EasternDistrict Sports Division and a Lecturer inEconomics at the Dominica State College. In2005 he was appointed an OppositionSenator and holds this position up to today.

Sanford has never stopped improving on hiseducation and in 2002 obtained an AdvanceDiploma in Human Resources Planning andDevelopment also receiving the President'sgold medal for academic excellence. Today heholds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Economics andManagement from the University of the WestIndies. As the Deputy Political Leader of theUnited Workers Party, he hopes to bringfurther edification to the services he offers hisconstituents.

UWP Candidates

Claudius SanfordSalybia Constituency

Edison C. James was born 18th October 1943in Marigot. His parents are David and PatriciaJames and he was raised by his maternalGrandmother Ella “Ma Hazel” Andrew. He ismarried with three children.

Mr. James received his early education at theMarigot Government School and DominicaGrammar School. With diploma in hand heimmediately took up a position in theDominica Civil Service. He left Dominica in1964 to pursue higher education in London,England henceforth becoming a trained andaccomplished Agronomist. While working fulltime in the British Civil Service he completedhis degrees. He holds a Bsc. Hons. in Botanyand Biochemistry from the University of EastLondon, a Msc. in Biochemistry from theprestigious University of Reading and a postgraduate diploma in Crop ProtectionTechnology from Imperial College London.

Returning to Dominica in 1973 Mr. Jamesbecame a teacher at the St. Mary’s Academy.There he taught English and Science tostudents preparing for the Caribbean

Examination Counsel examinations.Simultaneously he taught A’ level eveningclasses at the Six Form College (Now knownas the Dominica State College).

Mr. James went on to take a Management rolewith the Division of Agriculture at the WestArea Experiment Station. Following was theposition of Farm Improvement Officer of theCaribbean Development Bank attached to theAgricultural and Industrial DevelopmentBank. This further led to him being hired asthe first ever Coordinator of the CoconutRehabilitation and Development Project. Mr.James has always been a business man whothrough his Agricultural Consulting Firm andprivately owned estate has over the yearsprovided gainful employment to all.

It was as CEO and General Manager of theDominica Banana Marketing/GrowersAssociation that he rose to prominence onthe island. Even further, during this time Mr.James became Team Leader of the WindwardIslands Banana Growers Association, aposition where he negotiated all matters on

Edison C. JamesMarigot Constituency


behalf of Banana farmers with GeestIndustries. Additionally he was leadnegotiator on behalf of the Dominicabanana industry with the BritishDevelopment Division, Organization ofAmerican States, among others from 1980 -1987.Mr. James aided in changing both thepolitical structure and climate in Dominicawhen in 1988 he headed a committeewhich founded the United Workers' Partyand became its first political leader. In 1990the party captured 6 seats in the 21 seatHouse of Assembly and James became theleader of the opposition. In the June 12,1995 elections he led the party to victorywith 11 out of 21 seats and became PrimeMinister.

Dominica, with Edison James as PrimeMinister, produced significantachievements. There was a proliferation inthe number of scholarships available forsecondary and college education. Therewas success in diversifying the island'smonocrop agricultural sector away frombananas and towards other crops. Therewas also increased public spending oncapital project including roads, schools,electricity, water & sewage projects and seawalls. These projects had a visible impact onthe economy and the economy grew everyyear under James' leadership. This sort ofeconomic program was branded 'tou-pas-

touism', a Creole word meaning'everywhere'

Edison James has played leading roles onbehalf of the region:• Within less than one month of taking up office in 1995 he assumed the chairmanship of CARICOM and in 2000 he was chairman of the OECS authority.

• Named by his prime ministerial colleagues as CARICOM Chief Spokesman on Bananas.

• He was the lead Prime Minister and spokesman on Bananas and the CARICOM representative to the Organization of Africa Unity summit in Zimbabwe, 1997.

• Member of CARICOM Regional Prime Ministerial Sub- Committee on External Negotiations, CARICOM Sub-Committee on Cricket and external negotiations, CARICOM Prime Ministerial committee on cricket and member of the CARICOM two-man Fact Finding Commission to St. Kitts/Nevis.

• He actively participated in negotiations on behalf of Dominica and the region with the US, Canada, South Africa, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, European Union as well as international organizations such as the United Nations, FAO and the Commonwealth. Service means everything to Mr. James, he has serviced Dominicans as:

• Chairman - Marigot Banana District Branch

• Chairman - Dominica Banana Growers Association (DBGA)

• Member- Dominica Banana Marketing Corporation (DBMC)

• Member - Board of the Dominica Employers Federation

• President - Dominica Cricket Association• Member - Windward Islands Cricket Association

• Manager - Dominica Windward Islands and Combined Islands Cricket Teams

• Member - Board and Committee of the Roseau Cooperative Cricket Unions

• Board Member - Roseau Credit Union• Vice President and Committee Member of the Dominica Rotary Club

• In his Church he served as Secretary of the Education Committee, and President of the Marigot Methodist Men’s Group

“I am thankful for your cooperation,guidance and support in the past andreturn to you for a renewed mandate tolead our constituency comprising Marigotand Concord. To bring us back on a path ofgrowth and development. To rid ourselvesof stunted progress and diseasedgovernment. With a fresh vigor that we willsucceed together, I ask yet again for yourmandate”

UWP Candidates

Hector John who is most affectionately knownas ‘Spags’ was born on October 22, 1970 in LaSavanne, Salisbury to Merle Isidore and McfieldJohn. He is a graduate of the St Joseph Campusof the Dominica Grammar School, now ITSS.Hector is also a recent graduate of MonroeCollege in New York where he did a Bachelors ofArts in Information Technology.

Hector has always seen the need to helpcommunity at a very young age he becameactively involved in the Salisbury Catholic YouthMovement where he served as the group’spresident for several years dealing mainly withCommunity organizer. He also served asPresident of the Salisbury ImprovementCommittee (SIC) and on the Credit Committee ofWest Coast Co-operative Credit Union. Hectorwas involved in the re-vitalization of theNational Youth Council and served as chairmanfor three years. Hector worked in the Bananaindustry for over 16 years where he was astatistics officer/ information technologyassistant.

Spags is an avid cricketer and for three yearsplayed for the Dominica Under-19 cricket team.He also played cricket for Tropical Star SalisburyUnited, DCP Mahaut United, Somerset SportsClub, Terrors United, Cavaliers Cricket Club andRockstone Cricket Club (New York).

While at Monroe, Hector got involved with theMulticultural Association, debate club, andNational Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)where he was the first president. Hector becamethe first student to address the graduationceremony in its 76th year history of MonroeCollege.

Hector enjoys blogging and writing poems,articles and creole songs. Spags believes that ifsomeone truly appreciates their humblebeginnings, then helping to empower othersbecomes easy. Every citizen should have theopportunity to protect, develop and benefitfrom the resources of the country.

HECTOR………. THE PROTECTOR

Hector JohnSalisbury Constituency


UWP Candidates

Bernard Wiltshire was born on the 22nd day ofNovember, 1947 in Montin, Grand Bay.Bernard was schooled and raised in CastleBruce from age 3. There, he attended theCastle Bruce primary school, and later movedon to the Dominica Grammar school. Bernardthen went on to University of York andUniversity of London in England, and later toColumbia University in New York where hepursued law.

Whilst in England Bernard served as deputypolitical leader of the Inner London EducationAuthority (ILEA). He has served as UWI ExtraMural Resident Tutor and is the founder of theWaitukubuli National Trail and theWaitukubuli Ecological Foundation (WEF).Bernard was one of the initiator of the CubanScholarship and Medical Doctors’ Programme.He has served as Attorney General of theCommonwealth of Dominica and is practicingattorney and head of Bala-Congoree lawchambers.

Bernard heeded the call to serve his people along time ago.

Some of his significant accomplishments inthe Castle Bruce area are:

• The initiator of Creole in the East, San Sauveur Fisheries, the Good Hope Progressive Force and the Good Hope Resource Centre.

• Pipe borne water to some 200 households from parts of Good Hope, Morpo, Dis Pas, Tranto, Wind Blow (Castle Bruce) and the Mustard Seed Bakery.

• Provided the first set of computers (26) for the Castle Bruce Secondary School

• Street lights installed in central meeting places in Dix Pas

• Light up the basketball court in Goo-Gloo• Reconstructed the Elmshall Road • Secured $12 million in 2001 for the Soufriere-Rosalie road

• Sponsor of the Castle Bruce Football team in the 1980s and present sponsor of the Good-San Football team.

• Fund raiser for Sukrose Band (Petite Soufriere), Blazing Squad (Grand Fond), Earth Vibes (Dix Pax), and Genesis Gospel (Castle Bruce).

Friend of the people, our naturalenvironment, and resources, tireless fighterfor human rights and poor.

Bernard WiltshireCastle Bruce Constituency

John Henry Abraham, a native of his belovedSt. Joseph constituency was born May 6th1951. He breezed through his academic yearsin Dominica attending the St. JosephGovernment School and earning the gradesto attend the St. Mary's Academy.Inspired by his Scholastic experience he thenchose to pursue a career in Educationattending the Dominica Teachers TrainingCollege, the Technical Teachers College in St.Lucia and the prestigious University ofTechnology in Jamaica.

Abraham, a team player from his youth, wasan avid member of the St. JosephGovernment School & St. Mary’s AcademyCricket teams. He carried his love for sportsand comradeship into adulthoodparticipating in the Saint Sports Club and theDominica Island Trail Team, but always kepthis heart close to home being involved in theYorkshire Cricket Club, the Harlem FootballTeam and Pioneering Table Tennis all in St.Joseph.

A dedicated patriot, Abraham has devotedthirty-six years to the education of youngDominicans at the St. Joseph Government

School and Isaiah Thomas Secondary Schoolwhere he was promoted to Vice Principal in1999 and served eight years in the position.He has played a pivotal role in theimprovement of the school’s academicstanding; during his tenure there was amarked increase in the pass rate at CXC level.It is also a known fact that the students whomhe has nurtured at various schools havegrown to trust and respect him.

After his years as a shaper and guide of thecitizens of Dominica, he has learned to valuetrust, honesty and respect and not onlydemands it of his peers but ensures hehimself is an example of these qualities.Central to his potential duties as aParliamentary Representative, Abrahampromises proof of his Credibility and that ofhis policies, Accountability for ALL his actions:personal and political, a profound sense ofResponsibility for his constituents andProfessionalism in all his undertakings.Abraham is poised as an upstanding citizenwith outstanding morale to be a fair andtrustworthy voice of the people of St. Joseph.

John H AbrahamSt. Joseph Constituency


UWP Candidates

Norris Michael Charles was born in the scenicvillage of Morne Prosper. His parents werefarmers as a result he developed an interest inAgricultural Production and Marketing at avery early stage of his life.

He attended the Morne Prosper PrimarySchool and was one of the first boys of hisvillage to attend the Dominica GrammarSchool. While at the Grammar School heparticipated in several youth activities. Norrisobtained Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals fromthe Duke of Edinburgh award Scheme and heserved as a scout and cadet.

After his graduation he was employed at theCitrus Plant and the Agricultural MarketingBoard for over a decade. He later worked as agrapefruit Procurement Officer at theDominica Agro Industries and then becamethe first Marketing Development Officer at theDominica Export/Import Agency.

Recognizing his tremendous contribution inthe field of Agricultural Marketing, Norris wascalled to manage the export operations of theCaribbean Agricultural Trading Company asTrading Manager.

When the OECS Agricultural DiversificationCoordinating Unit established the JointRegional Marketing Programme Norris wasoffered the position of Operations Manager.Having acquired the expertise in the export ofagricultural produce internationally, Norrislater became a producer and exporter to theRegion and the United Kingdom.

Norris attended many Workshops and TrainingCourses locally, regionally and internationallyto equip him to perform diligently. Heattended Courses in Agricultural Marketingand Post Harvest Technology at the Universityof the West Indies in Trinidad and he pursueda course in Agriculture Production andManagement Principles at California StateUniversity in Fresno.

In addition to his marketing Skills, Norris hasbeen very active in community service. Heserved for many years on the Roseau CreditUnion Credit Committee and as Treasurer andSecretary for Organization in the DominicaAmalgamated Workers Union. It was while onthe executive Committee of the Union that hepursued a course at Oxford University inIndustrial Relations and Economics.

In response to a call from the people of theRoseau Valley, In 1995 Norris was elected as

the Parliament Representative and becamethe Minister of Trade and Marketing and laterthe Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade andMarketing.

In his capacity as Minister for Foreign AffairsHon. Norris Charles addressed the UnitedNations General Assembly in 1999. He alsowas the head of Delegation at the AfricanCaribbean and Pacific (ACP) Summit in Gabon-Arica and a member of the United NationsObserver Mission to South Africa to monitorthe General Election in 1998. He served as vicepresident of the ACP-EU Joint ParliamentAssembly and Chairman of the ACP MinisterialWorking Group on Bananas. He was also adelegate to many Caricom and OECS Heads ofGovernment Conferences.

Among the major achievements of hisMinistry were, the increase in the export valueof Non Banana Crops from $12.88 million in1995 to $29.5 million in 1999 and hepresented legislation to Parliament toestablish the Bureau of Standards.

Some of his significant accomplishments inthe Roseau Valley were: • The construction of the tourist Facility at the Trafalgar Water Fall

• Formation of the Trafalgar, Shawford, Fond Canie Village Council

• Construction of the Wotton Waven /Trafalgar Link Road

• Extension of the Water Supply and Electricity at Wotten Waven

• Construction of Tourist Facility at Middle Ham Falls and at the Fresh water Lake

• Financial Support to establish the Rainforest Aerial Tram

• Improvement of Cockrane Playing Field and upgrading the village main Road.

• Rehabilitate the Morne Hill Road in Morne Prosper

• Construction of the Morne Prosper Health Center and

• The establishment of the Morne Prosper Village Council.

Hon. Norris Charles wishes to express sincerethanks and appreciation to the people of theRoseau Valley for placing their confidence inhim as their Parliamentary Representativewho has been tested and trusted.

He is looking forward for your continuedsupport to complete all the plans which thepeople of the Valley have identified to providejobs and prosperity in a sustainable Clean andGreen Environment.

Norris Michael CharlesRoseau Valley Constituency


A NEW BEGINNINGG o o d G o v e r n a n c e , R e c o v e r y a n d G r o w t h o f t h e D o m i n i c a n E c o n o m y

At a National Rally held in the

Village of St. Joseph on the 29th of

November 2009, the Leadership

of the United Workers Party created

political history by moving beyond the

presentation of a Political Manifesto and

submitting instead, 20 specific Pledges to

be addressed within 24 months of being

in Office.

These Pledges signal the launch of a “new

kind of politics in Dominica that is based

on a clear and enforceable social contract

between the People and their elected

Representatives.

OVERALL GOALS OF THE SOCIALCONTRACTWe propose and advocate a common

vision and mindset among Domincans at

home and abroad that restores and

applies the traditional Christian family

values of mutual respect, integrity,

cooperation, alongside the protection of

our ”gifts so rich and rare”, as the centralpillars of our relationship withourselves, with our island and with ourGod.

We shall focus the national effort on

building an economy that meets the

present needs of the people for

investment and jobs.

We shall do this by engaging the

population in the orderly and transparent

management of the production of goods

and services through careful

management of the natural resources of

the island.

We will ensure that this CONTRACT is

adhered to in ways that secure the

chances of future generations of

Dominicans to enjoy an even better

quality of life than we have.

We will establish the right conditions for

investment that create jobs and generate

incomes that meet our people’s needs.

We shall establish and strengthen the

policies that facilitate and encourage this

by ensuring that economic viability and

environmental sustainability are essential

elements of the growth strategy for firms,

sectors and the economy as a whole.

We will ensure the eradication of

indigence and poverty and, protection of

vital natural resources remain indicators

of growth and progress.

We will create the opportunities for

Dominicans resident and living overseas

to network and partner in this national

growth enterprise.

We shall ensure that the Constitution,

Laws and institutions of the country are

respected by all and provide for oversight

and accountability of all levels of

leadership.

A VISION – Pledges 9, 10, 11, 16, 20 We are a God fearing people that value

family, peace, friendship, unity,

community and our young independent

Nationhood. It is these attributes that will

allow us to move beyond the negative

experiences of colonialism, class

privilege, economic deprivation, poverty

and the current politics of greed and

selfish wealth accumulation that have

frayed our society, divided us and

scattered our people worldwide.

It is this vision that is captured in the 20

PLEDGES presented to the Dominican

people on 29th November.

This vision underscores the need for

major strengthening of ourgovernance structures and mechanismsincluding our Local Government which

we claim to be so proud of, yet have

allowed to fall into disrepair.

This vision involves, democratizing andmaking accountable new district and

local government systems and linking

them intimately with community and

with central government in terms of

planning, service delivery, and integrated

community development.

Civil society non-state organizationsmust be assisted and recognized as they

vigorously seek to achieve a new lease on

life.

Issues of transparency, accountabilityand planning have to be improved at

Constitutional, Legal and Administrative

levels, national and local, if the possibility

of becoming a model democracy in the

region and world, is to be realized.

Our people’s capacity must be reliedupon and challenged to deliver to the

maximum as opposed to the present

dependent and mendicant approach

which relies on a few at the top and

suppresses peoples initiatives on the


ground.

Our economy must be adapted to bemore in line with our Nature IslandImage which means a greater emphasison sustainable agriculture, protection of

the environment, development and

management of alternative energy

systems, water, forests and other land-

based resources as well as marine

resources.

Our economy must reflect that thrustfor productivity and sustainability inways that engage the local privatesector, in partnership with Dominicansliving overseas and foreign investmentinterests.

The State sector must not be hesitant to

partner with the private sector and local

communities especially in the start-up

phases.

A modern, efficient, eco-friendly, and

culturally sensitive International Airportshould be an essential component of that

economy, that will facilitate the

international dimensions of a new and

productive economy.

We see this aviation dimension of our

transportation and trading infrastructure

as being accompanied by development

of efficient and accessible marine

transportation facilities that also address

our needs to be open to regional and

hemispheral business and

communication.

In these major new areas of economic

investment there is need for sensible

funding arrangements that engage ourpeople here and overseas in the financing

as well as the management and

marketing of these essential services to

faithfully reflect and enhance the image

and brand of the Nature Island.

Our society needs a fresh start in tackling

its many problems affecting our youth.Established institutions like schools,

churches, and civil society groups must

be encouraged and assisted to partner

with the agencies of the State in

identifying lasting solutions to the

challenges confronting our young

people.

In this area, institutions like the National

Youth Environmental Service Corps, the

National youth Council, The Dominica

Youth Environmental Organization, the 4-

H Clubs, and many others, must blaze

fresh trails in ecological research, internet

and digital technology, renewable

energy, modern agriculture, community

governance, heritage art, culture and

entertainment that lay the foundation for

the attitudes and the skills needed to

create the entrepreneurs and businesses

of the future owned and managed by

these same young people.

Closely connected with youth-directed

initiatives are opportunities for quality

comprehensive secondary education in

Dominica. A modern secondary andtertiary education sector must addressissues of sustainable agriculture, nature

tourism, health and wellness, heritage,

culture, communication, literature and,

theatre.

As with the vision for civil society

organizations, for the formal education

sector a priority must be developing a

core of workers with the modern

technical skills associated with building

industries around these intellectual and

other knowledge enterprises.

The Police Services must be assisted inrecapturing its honored image as a

dependable and disciplined defender of

the people and their assets. All Branches

of the Service must be facilitated to

become people-centered and

partnership driven, engaging in the many

aspects of community life including

sports and culture while displaying the

high standard of discipline, teamwork

and efficiency that is associated with

safe, peaceful and productivecommunities.

National sporting association must work

together in one national body

stimulating community sporting andwellness activities to a level wherebyDominica can display quality

achievements in team sports like Cricket,

Soccer, Basketball and Athletics at the

Regional and International levels.

The Dominica Olympic Committee must

be assured of full support for initiatives

aimed at regular participation in the

activities of the International Olympic

Committee including the Olympic Games

and in programmes associated with that

organization’s Sports and the

Environment portfolio. We need not go

far for examples of suitable areas of

collaboration as the DOC proposal for

establishment of The Nature Island

Games as Dominica’s international

contribution to the world of sports

requires urgent attention.

This vision is of a healthy, active,hopeful, dynamic, respectful, proudsociety focusing intensely on its God-given natural assets and toiling hardand smart to live well and createlasting employment for our youth inparticular. We can refer to this as avision for “smart growth”.

There are four strategic objectives that

A NEW BEGINNING


we end up trying to integrate in our

planning model. These address the basic

issues in a way that would have

immediate impact on Families,

Households and the National Economy.

These are:

• Economic sustainability (income

and employment; health and

affordable living)

• Social integration (becoming a

functional part of the community)

• Political participation (helping to

determine the future

configuration of power and control)

• Environmental Protection (helping

to have a physical legacy to pass on)

The Integration challenge is addressed by

our embrace of the principles and

proposals of The Integrated

Development Plan prepared for

Dominica in 2003 which defines a cluster

of socio-economic indicators of progress

that will be used to monitor progress.

These indicators are: (see table below)

This approach forces us to ensure that

growth of GDP comprises not just

increased expenditure but of productive

activities built on people having access to

goods and services that are central to

quality of life, including, water, education,

sports, health facilities and land.

Government expenditures as indicated in

a National Budget will reflect these and

other human development priorities

such as child nutrition, literacy, paved

access roads, entrepreneurial

opportunities, etc.


THE “SMART GROWTH” APPROACH TOMAKING A NEW BEGINNING –Pledges16, 20While the country is confronted withmany ills we believe that there are fivekey areas of action which demand urgentand sustained attention by theGovernment and the people. These are:

1. Stimulating new Investment that creates employment and protects the environment.

2. Confront the declining sense of order, safety and peace especially as this affects our young people.

3. Creating a modern and efficient public service.

4. Developing an international relations strategy that complements and facilitates items 1, 2 and 3, above.

5. Taking Constitutional, Legal and Administrative actions that ensure good and accountable governance at all levels of the affairs of State.


HEALTH – Pledge 2Health as we know it from the Sectoralpoint of view is an important indicator ofhuman development. The UWPpredicates its approach to this issue ofHealth, on strengthening the vital linksbetween food, nutrition, agriculture andpublic health.

This cross-cutting approach requires anintegrated approach that can seeinvestments in agriculturaldiversification, agro-processing,education and skills training,transportation and business services, aspart of the overall strategy for ensuring ahealthy population.

This integrated approach to health placesa high value on connecting traditionalwith new technologies such astelemedicine and new surgical anddiagnostic techniques that reducemorbidity and lengths of stay in hospitalsfor residents while extending the stay ofvisitors seeking to make use of ourwellness services.

One example of the principal measuresbeing recommended include: • Developing information systems

that link the various components of the public sector and private sector and provides for monitoring

the organisational relationships and resource distribution that help determine the productivity, efficiency and quality of health care;

• Ensuring timely information for decision making and forming partnerships within the sector to provide access to more sophisticated and effective technology (e.g. mammography services);

Nurses and other medical professionalwho must manage this morecomprehensive approach to healthmust be properly trained andcompensated.

EDUCATION – Pledges 3, 4, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20 Since 1998, the UWP formulated a wellthought-out Education Plan forDominica. The plan incorporates a seriesof key targets and goals for earlychildhood education; primary education;secondary education; tertiary andcontinuing education; library andinformation services; teacher andteachers education; and science andtechnology.

The UWP expects quality and relevance inthe educational opportunities for allchildren in the Nation. It accepts the

premise that for our education system toproduce a citizen capable of performingand competing in the 21st Century, wewould need to give priority attention toimplementing a curriculum that directlyresponds to our need for gainful anddignified employment.

Education is identified as a central issueand reflected the community’s concernsabout the welfare of the young and thewidespread conviction that education isone of the important investments to bemade if the country is to take advantageof the new development opportunitiesavailable in a clean and green economy.

This link between education and theprospects for renewed economic activitycan be illustrated by the preparation ofthe youth for management of the newtechnologies in the knowledge andinformation fields.

The emergence of the Dominica StateCollege as a premier Tertiary Institutionoffers the additional opening for allstudents to become prepared for thesenior management and productionopenings that are demanded by amodern and diversified economy.

This move to invest in the human capitalof the community is reflected in the


creative organization of professionalservices through the establishment ofFull Service Resource Centers (FSRC’s) asICT sites in each community that willallow multi-disciplinary teams of youngprofessionals to complement theseinformation kiosks with hand-heldcommunication devices to help meet theinformation needs of all segments of theircommunity. Information on demandshould become available in such vitalareas as the weather, finance,procurement of inputs, technology,markets and investment opportunities.

EMPLOYMENT AND INCOMES –Pledges 14, 16, 18Employment and incomes not onlyreflect the status of the economy, but alsodemonstrate how the state of theeconomy determines the humancondition.

A key focus on mobilizing all humanresources in the broad development ofservices for the domestic and exportmarkets would involve the followingmeasures:

Investing in quality training inconstruction skills, agricultural supportskills private extension, marketing andfarm-management support), personalservice skills (tourism), performing artsskills (music/culture/art) and informationtechnology skills.

The UWP also sees the development ofrural enterprise and services as a majorproject in human development.

It proposes the establishment of a “RuralIndustry Support Fund” which willprovide technical assistance and smallgrants for physical assets development asa complementary program to increasethe debt-equity ratio of inactive banana

farmers and workers seeking productiveloans, with emphasis on animalhusbandry and women participation.

The UWP will also establish Trainingopportunities for CommunityDevelopment Officers to impart to villagecouncils, community groups, women’sgroups and individuals the informationand skills of putting together their ownfinancing packages for their project ideas,inclusive of use of the various SupportFunds.

Ministry of Agriculture (Extension) andother professionals and agriculturalpractitioners should be conductingworkshops in targeted areas on theestablishment of four small agri-inputsservices: • Composting and organic

materials to improving soil quality; • Production of quality seedlings • Other non-chemical farm inputs

(manure) • Farm management extension

service• Agro Processing- adding value to

Breadfruit, Banana, Grapefruit and other local produce.

THE DIASPORA POLICY – Pledges 16,18, 20One very pertinent issue is the potentialfor Dominica to mobilize much-neededinvestment capital from among theoverseas Dominican community byappropriate attention to streamlininglegal and procedural aspects of re-settlement and expansion of the range ofinvestment instruments available to ourpeople living overseas.

The Government will implementproposals made by the DAAS for moredirect engagement of our citizensoverseas in making their skills available to

the island as part of a DominicaDevelopment Corps, and the many otherinteresting suggestions that have comefrom DUKA, DAAS and otherorganizations of Dominicans livingabroad.

The UWP Government will develop adiaspora policy to ensure we engage thediaspora in national development. Thereare a number of Dominicans in thediaspora who are strategically positionedto assist with the growth of ourproductive sector and are able toconstruct homes in Dominica.

The diaspora will be engaged as anappropriate medium for capitalmobilization. The UWP Government willembark on a capital mobilizationprogram namely “Dominicans buildingDominica $100 at a time”. This programwill involve the issuing of zero interest,non-redeemable bonds indenominations of US$100 to the variousgenerations and associates ofDominicans. The objective is to appeal tothe nationalism of Dominicans and toafford an inexpensive opportunity forDominicans to build their country. Fundsraised from this program will be properlymanaged and will be targeted at theproductive sector.

Assuming that we have 200,000Dominicans of various generations in thediaspora and 50% of these Dominicanspurchase one unit in the first issue; anamount of US$10,000,000 can be raisedin the first issue.

The potential of this capital mobilizationprogram is enormous.

A coordinated approach to this and otherissues affecting Dominicans living abroadand those returning home will be


addressed by giving urgent attention tofinalizing approval of the Diaspora Policydocument submitted by the DAASseveral years ago.

RESTORING ECONOMIC GROWTH –Pledges 16, 20 The UWP proposes information/datasetsbe prepared as complements toeconomic and financial measures. Thedesired uses of these datasets include:

• Establishing the physical and economic costs of production, processing and market prices so that the market advantage of competing producers can be identified, evaluated and turned into a useful input to investment and policy decision-making;

• Assessing the comparative energy cost of commodities and the competitive edge and options available to one producer or one region of the island over another;

• Identifying price signal distortions due to subsidies available to producers in larger economies where natural systems subsidies are often represented as cash payments ortechnical support to producers;

The UWP promotes an economicrecovery strategy that focuses on threedynamic movements.

a) Increasing Export Earnings,increasing opportunities for theprofitable use of investment funds,generating Capital formationexpenditures, Employment andeconomic Growth;

b) Investment in Wellness (Health) andhuman resource capability (Education

Services) promoting the increase ofentrepreneurs and service providers;leading to an increase in income fromservices both locally and exported.

c) Reviving domestic demandbeginning with demand in the ruralsector though targeted Social &Economic Recovery Expenditures ascapital resources to existing and newindigenous enterprises in the rural areasin sectors of agriculture, tourism andhuman services.

INCREASING EXPORT EARNINGS –Pledges 3, 4, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20Government cannot bring about aneconomic recovery on its own. To sustaina renewed economic drive it will have toinvolve the private sector in activelypursuing opportunities at home and inthe export market. The cornerstone of economic recoverythrough exports is to be found instimulating trade and capital flows and inbroadening the level of participation inthe main export sectors of tourism,manufacturing and agriculture. The UWPproposes the following measures to beundertaken for increasing trade andcapital flows:

• Stabilizing banana exports at EC$25 million within two years.

• To broaden participation in the Tourism industry, the UWP proposes the following measures: Broadening the participation of income earners in the tourism industry (opportunities for agriculture, agro-forestry; music/entertainment and sports).

• Supporting capital formation expenditures in response to local area (village councils) planning initiatives to attract investment to their areas.

• Supporting projects which promote small agri-input supplies industry, train persons for rural-based tourism industries and promote area-wide development committees alongthe model of the NETTSE and South-East Tourism and Environment Development Committee.

Currently, there are too many entitiesproviding uncoordinated andconsequently, ineffective support tosmall businesses. A major objective willbe to centralize and coordinate thecritical support to small businesses.

Small business incubators will beestablished in at least four areas in thecountry focusing on value added areas.These incubators will also be used ascenters for research and developmentand the igniting of the entrepreneurialflare. Good business practices will also beinstilled in small businesses operating inthese incubators. In the areas wherecomputer resource centers will beinstituted (Pledge No. 15), there will be anestablishment of a strategic linkagebetween these centers and theincubators.

As pertains to small business operationsin the distributive sector in Roseau, aprogram will be developed to allow localsmall business operators to regain asignificant presence in the City.

REBUILDING DOMESTIC DEMAND –Pledges 16, 17, 18, 19, 20This part of the strategy puts heavyemphasis on rebuilding the level ofeffective demand in the rural economy. Itseeks to do so by utilizing the SocialInvestment Fund with the participation ofthe Government and the Donorcommunity. This strategy recognizes thatthe Rural Economy is more than



Agriculture. It encompasses all of theopportunities for creating income andwealth in a land-based environment. Thestrategy seeks to boost local demand andto finance indigenous investments inhuman resource development and localarea development.

Income Support to rural economy to befinanced through the EU funding of theSocial Recovery Program is also viewed asa measure to boost domestic spending.This will involve: • Targeting support in income, and

health services to rural poor • Pro-growth initiatives in support to

small agri-input supplies industry, • Training of persons for rural-based

tourism industries and • Supporting local area-wide

development committees’ investment initiatives.

• Support to enterprise initiatives (such as farm inputs supplies) responding to local area demand and which can release new products for national or international commercialization

The Social Investment Fund (SIF)5 hasto be an important aspect of the strategyfor economic recovery. It is proposed as ameasure to provide access to financialresources grants, revolving loans,guarantees) by local developmentgroups, community groups for basicsocial and economic infrastructure andservices.

The SIF can be used to support smallscale projects, identified andimplemented through communityparticipation. Included in the SIF GrantPortfolio, should be community sub-projects sponsored by eligible NGOs andCBOs for demand-driven investments ineducation, health/nutrition, small scale

infrastructure, agriculture productivity,natural resource management,developing social capital, empoweringwomen, providing economicopportunities for youth.

ECONOMIC RECOVERY & ECONOMICINCLUSION – Pledges 9, 10, 16, 17, 20The way for a Government to establishconfidence in its management of theeconomy is to proceed along both linesof economic recovery and economicinclusion. That would mean that theGovernment’s recovery program mustdemonstrate how it will manage its short-term cash obligations and reduce thefiscal deficit, while at the same timepartnering with the private sector andcivil society to stimulate domesticconsumption and maintain socialinvestments through extra-budgetarysources of funding.

A modern public service will enhance theefficiency of government with theemphasis on creating new sources of nontax revenue in order to reduce theexclusive dependence on tax revenue.

Some of the areas where non tax revenuecan be generated are the Prison Services,the Government Printery, BotanicalGardens, International Business, MaritimeServices, Mining Royalties, Managementof the Sale of National Flags by theCultural Division, “No Parking” bays on theroads of Roseau.

Economic exclusion is a reality inDominica. In its most obvious form it ismanifesting itself in the displacement of4,000 banana farmers and farm workersin the wake of the contraction in thatindustry. In its hidden form it is reflectedin youth unemployment, migration, andinter-generational poverty (generationafter generation following each other in

poverty).

Economic growth alone will not combateconomic exclusion. There must bedirect intervention to capture thebenefits of growth by groups like theyouth in particular, which may otherwisebe left outside of the unfolding events.

This is achievable by promoting jobcreation in both Agriculture and Tourismsectors, sustaining Domestic demand inrural area, promoting local area planningand rational Land utilization andsupporting programs aimed at reducinginter-generational poverty through skillsacquisition and local economicopportunities.

Some of the indicative programobjectives proposed by the UWP are: • Broad based participation in

agricultural enterprises through small credit, promotion of agricultural services and input suppliers.

• Broad-based participation in tourism industry through community tourism and participation in the services.

• Building coalitions at the local area to develop local area concept plansto provide the basis for promoting local enterprises.

• Seeking market niche in organic products.

• Providing institutional support to Non-banana exports producers of root crops, hot peppers, pineapples and other fruits to organize and regulate their own joint marketing efforts.

• Co-management of national parks and eco-tourism sites in order to effectively bring adjacent communities into the Tourism service industry.


• Financial intervention that would seek to match local community skills with local expressed needs. The Dominica Conservation Association, Ministry of Agriculture, local farmers’ groups and other NGOs should jointly promote environment resource management, soil quality preservation and organic farming.

• DHTA, Forestry Division, NDC and Ministry of Tourism and Local Government should jointly support Eco-Tourism product development under EU financed Eco-Tourism Project.

• An initiative should be undertaken by Ministry of Finance & Planning to assist local communities to conduct surveys identifying the skills available in the community.

Agriculture remains at the forefront ofthis battle to combat economic exclusion,and to restore Agriculture to its primarypurpose, i.e., producing healthy food for

domestic consumption as well as forexport, the UWP proposes theestablishment of a multi-SectoralAgriculture Commission as the mainadvisory body to the Government on thesector.

More specifically, the UWP proposesmeasures that would address the issue ofeconomic inclusion in Agriculture. Theseinclude:

• Initiating an Inventory of the state of the island’s major environmental systems.

• Based on the inventory, creating Special Interest Areas suitable for major production according to land use capability, conservation and the current demand for land and water by different groups.

• Mobilizing both the Social Sector Ministries and the Economic Sector Ministries to integrate the provision of their services within these areas and to inform the

public and private sector as to the services packages that are available within these areas.

• Encouraging Professional Associations and other NGOs to support local area development committees and other organization to initiate appropriate organized production within these areas

Non-Budgetary Funds to CombatPoverty – Pledge 9 The UWP recognizes that there arealready efforts underway to financeprograms, which have the potential forcombating poverty and economicexclusion. The problem is that theseprograms either do not see theirobjectives in this way, or are notstructured to give maximum support toindividual efforts to combat poverty.There are eight (8) current non-budgetarysources of funding social and economicinvestments that have potential. Theseshould be encouraged to adopt anapproach and objectives more pointedlytowards combating poverty andeconomic exclusion along C & G lines.


For over four decades, Dominica hasenjoyed the reputation as a “green”island. The term “nature island” was

first used to describe Dominica in the1960’s after the Shankland and CoxReport proposed that the island’s bestoption for development was thepreservation and management of theextraordinary naturally healthy ecologythat was represented by the forests andrivers of the island.

This proposal was ahead of its time andwell ahead of the realization by the rest ofthe world that a “ green option fordevelopment” was in fact a viableproposition. It was not until the EarthSummit in Rio in 1992, some 30 yearsafter the “nature island” brand wasapplied to Dominica, that the idea ofbuilding a “green “ economy attractedattention of the major financial anddevelopment-support institutions of theworld.

Although we were ahead of the rest onwhat became known as “sustainabledevelopment alternatives”, Dominicaseems to have faltered on implementingand mainstreaming the many smallprojects that illustrated that a “green”option for development was indeedpossible and practical.

The work of SPAT in demonstrating theprospects for biogas digesters as cleanenergy sources, the work of the DCA onrecycling and composting as viableoptions for farming without toxicchemicals, the work of the forestrydivision in reafforestation, and speciesprotection through controlled huntingseasons, the efforts of Glennis Bellot,Disciple Caesar, Mr. Simon George ofGrand Fond, Eddie Leblanc and others in

the areas of herbal and medicinal plantsfor healing and promoting wellness, thework of Sister Nats in producing manyfoods from bananas and other local fruitstand out as early examples of efforts byDominicans to convert the notion of a“green development option into reality.

The UWPs efforts at establishing theWorld Heritage Site, and Green GlobeStandards also set a clear path.Today, with climate change a realitybased on the unsustainable dependenceon fossil fuels and the decimation of theearth’s forest, water and animal systems,even the large industrialized countriesnow invest billions of dollars inattempting to do what Dominica starteddecades ago, building a green economy.

The head start advantage is not all lost.Dominica still today has sufficient sourcesof renewable energy upon which to builda completely fossil-free energy sector fordomestic use and for export within 5years. While other islands have similargeothermal, wind and solar resources,Dominica has them all in addition tohydro and biogas.

The building of a green economy is nowno longer just an option, it is a necessity.The first step in this regard is for there tobe an unambiguous commitment at thehighest levels of the public and privatesector to giving policy and financialsupport to enterprises and communitieswilling to implement the green option.

The policy framework needed mustidentify and facilitate the links betweenthe technology needed, the financerequired, the skills and expertise neededand the promotion, production andmarketing of the full range of green

goods and services that Dominica canproduce for local consumption and forexport.“Our new Government will providethis ...”Practical opportunities exist as noted, inrenewable energy and local companiesmust be facilitated in their efforts atgetting started in this field. Aninvestment code and strategy mustpromote the direct involvement and jointventuring of locals with internationalcompanies in this vital area.

Financial support must be directed intothis area from major sources such as theNational and Development Banks, theDSIF, the ALBA and the majorinternational donor institutions willing towork with us.“Our new Government will facilitate this…”

Training for locals in this and other“green” areas must become a nationalpriority at the level of the schools, theCollege and overseas institutions.

Incentives for investment available to thetourism sector must be customized to therenewable energy sector.

A full inventory of the available sources ofrenewable energy must be completedand be used to guide the location andaggressive pace of investment in thissector.“Our New Government will ensure thatthis happens …”

Dominica should cooperate with theGovernment of Guyana in its efforts atgetting natural forests accepted aslegitimate sources of carbonsequestration that can benefit from

THE MAIN PATH TO RECOVERY AND GROWTH:Greening the Dominican Economy – Pledges 16, 20


arrangements for carbon credits.

In the food and agriculture sector, theproposal for an organic farm sector mustbe a priority. A composting sectorassociated with the reduction of solidwaste and the generation of cleannutrient sources reveal new investmentand employment opportunities.

Housing and construction making use ofwell designed structures and of locallymanufactured components and fixturesand furnishings opens up new niches formanufacturers, craftsmen and artisans.

Health and wellness issues that are stillleft to the health Ministry must now beconnected to the farm andmanufacturing sectors that produce thehealthy raw materials that are thefoundation of good health. The greenoptions for new health and wellnessindustries associated with nature tourismspeak to a new dynamics that defines thegreen economy.

For any of these to occur, there must bechampions at the public sector level atthe private investor level and at the localcommunity level. The Government needsto sense the opportunity and to seize thetime.

Talk of organic agriculture requiresinvestments in compost manufacturingand natural growth fortifiers.

All financial institutions and theprofessional’s organizations need to becalled upon to engage the defining oftheir respective roles in enabling thetransition to the green economy.The private importers also will need tobecome involved in the effort at reducingthe importation of non-sustainablegoods and commencing the gradualreplacement of these with locally andregionally produced alternatives,

Our international and foreign relationsneed to be shaped as much by the needfor partnerships with countries andagencies that are committed to thisdevelopment option as by theirwillingness to support our efforts locally.We are pleased to learn of the Greeninitiatives Venezuela has championed

Our international image and brand as the“nature island” must be the unambiguousand authentic reflection of thecommitment by the people andGovernment of Dominica to remaining aleader in the business of building a “greenisland” that is the trendsetter for otherislands and countries.

Culture, Arts and Entertainment – Pledges3, 4, 7, 16, 20Consistent with the provisions of theUNESCO Convention for theSafeguarding of the Intangible Culturalheritage, we should give activeconsideration to implementing thefollowing porogrammes/projects:1. Convert the Arawak House of

Culture into a modern Center for the Performing Arts or consider a new facility for that purpose.

2. Establish performing arts centers in Portsmouth and Marigot.

3. Establish in Grandbay, a Center for the Preservation and Advancement of Creole/Kweol. The facility can be located in the area of the GTEC complex.

4. Establish a Regional Center for Indigenous Craft for archiving, researching, teaching, training and value-adding for trade with indigenous craft.

5. Facilitate the expansion of studio recording facilities via professional training, fiscal and tax incentives for enterprises investing in this segment of the music industry.

6. Expand the Film Commission

Office into a fully-staffed and equipped unit that turns Dominica into a major film location. Establish the core of professionals necessary to achieve this goal.

7. Facilitate the Writers Guild in its work to extend and enhance the literary products of the island including extension into the production of children’s books, publishing and printing.

8. Finalise, legislate and implement the National Cultural Policy.

Energy – Pledges 9, 201. Finalise, legislate and implement

the National Energy Policy.2. Using existing incentives, pursue

and promote the installation of renewable energy systems at the very local/household/farm level. Encourage villages and householders/farmers to convert to appropriate renewable and to earn income from the sale of surplus power to the national grid.

3. Encourage the establishment of SMEs engaged in the design, fabrication, installation, maintenance and enhancement of all systems.

4. Enter into business partnerships with firms like Honda Motor Corporation that would introduce hydrogen powered vehicles and boats for use in Dominica.

5. Foster such partnerships that will see young Dominicans trained in the design, service and maintenance of these clean transportation options.

6. Continue and accelerate the development of geothermal and other sources of renewable energy. Train the full cadre of managers and technicians

Other Examples of PracticalProjects/Policies for Greening

the Economy:

THE MAIN PATH TO RECOVERY AND GROWTH


required to manage these clean energy systems.

Coastal and Marine Ecology – Pledges 1,3, 16, 201. Build upon the 2008-09 position

on whaling to collaborate with France and the DOMs to establish an Eastern Caribbean Whale Sanctuary that involves the waters of Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe.

2. Extend the Floating Classroom program established by IFAW and the Dominica Watersports Association to include use of this Sanctuary for research into fish stocks, fish breeding, fishing, reef protection and restoration, coastal zone management, watersports and recreation.

Stream and River Ecology – Pledges 3, 16, 201. With the State College and local

scientists, collaborate with international Universities already using Dominica as a research and training site and study the behavior of our streams and rivers creating data of use to DOWASC, to farmers, to Forestry and other users and stewards of these systems.

2. Develop teaching modules and the local expertise needed to convert that data into use by tour guides, science teachers, filmmakers and others.

Disaster Management – Pledges 7, 201. Extend opportunities for training

of volcanologists, seismologists, geologists and other scientists engaged with the study and monitoring of related phenomena.

2. Extend full support to efforts by the Disaster Management Office to convert their information into forms that are useful to Planners,

Engineers, Investors, bankers and others.

Solid Waste Management – Pledges 3, 7, 16, 201. Ensure that the environmental

levy collected from the import of tires, cars, refrigerators and other hard-to-dispose-of items, is transferred to the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation for use in the operation of the full range of waste management services for which it is mandated.

2. DSWMC to consider investment partnerships that allow for value-added activities such as recycling of tires, glass and plastics as well as composting of bio-degradable materials into trade streams that earn revenue and creat additional employment.

Care of the Vulnerable Members of thePopulation – Pledges 2, 3, 7, 9, 181. Instead of duplicating the efforts

of the existing agencies and non-governmental organizations already engaged with this care-giving, the State should foster increased capacity of these agencies through training, improvement of facilities and equipment, fiscal incentives and recognition of the important contribution of these agencies.

2. The Poverty Reduction Strategy details the accepted approach to partnership in this area for the public and the private non-governmental sectors. These measures should be the guidelines for all concerned.

3. In this regard, we should ensure implementation of the Improved Targeting Systems for the management of social services to the vulnerable in our society.

4. Institutional strengthening of agencies engaged with this work

is essential including support in the management of operations, the administration of finance and reporting to donors.

5. Efforts should be made to ensure island-wide coverage of the vulnerable.

6. Measures to lower insurance costs for persons of low income as well as improvement to the quantum of and access to, remittances from overseas; school-feeding programs and skills-training for vulnerable persons in need of these services would seem to offer options for investment by service enterprises.

Shelter – Pledges 3, 4, 7, 16, 201. Ensure that all buildings

constructed with public support whether for residence or commerce, should have installed renewable energy systems, waste water recycling, solid waste separation, and should make use of materials in construction that do not impair the health of the occupants and users.

2. Suitable fiscal and other incentives already in place should be maintained and improved to facilitate construction with and conversion to these green systems.

3. Finalise and implement the proposed National Shelter Policy of 2008.

Transportation – Pledges 9, 12, 161. Reduce the island’s dependence

on air travel for access by facilitating the investment by local entrepreneurs in the greener mode of marine transportation for passengers and for cargo.

2. Address the need for greener jobs by training persons for employment in the marine transportation sector.

3. For training in the maintenance


and repair of ships should be developed in collaboration with persons already engaged in that sector such as Neville Wade, Bernard Avril, Cyril Hyacinth and others in the Portsmouth area.

4. A centre piece for the stimulation of the productive sector, is the development of an International Airport. However, this important infrastructure will be developed within the context of the IDP. An International Airport will stimulate economic activity during and after construction. St. Kitts has displayed how an international airport can be used to stimulate the tourism industry. St. Vincent is aggressively pursuing the construction of an international airport as they understand the importance of an international airport in sustainable economic development.

5. Agricultural products such as cut flowers require adequate air access in order to be viable.

6. A sustainable and meaningful tourism industry requires proper air access. Critical hotel plant development will not take place in the absence of proper air access.

7. As pertains to the tourism industry, the Tourism Master Plan will be revisited to ensure that a strategic linkage exists with the IDP. We will facilitate the development of new tourism products and facilities and devise new techniques for the promotion of the tourism industry. Greater usage will be made of our unique selling propositions e.g. the UNESCOWorld Heritage Site and our diasporain the promotion of our destination. The conversion of cruise passengers to stay over visitors will receive requisite attention.

8. The Canefield Airport is used essentially by DHL and FEDEX. This

is a poor use of scarce resources and the UWP Government will examine alternative usage of this facility e.g. the conversion into a modern cruise ship berth.

9. Facilities for effecting repairs to vessels should be constructed on the West Coast.

10. A Center for training able bodied seamen should be established in Portsmouth.

Land Use Planning – Pledges 7, 14, 19, 201. Finalize and implement the Plan

for commencing the process of making Dominica an Organic Island.

2. Through a joint effort between the Ministry of Works, The DSWMC, Village Councils, local NGOs and private businesses, convert the grass cuttings from road maintenance into the raw material for a composting industry that serves the organic farming sector.

3. Complete the Cadastral Survey of Dominica.

4. Develop a full Land Use Plan for the island.

5. Zone the island for activities consistent with the Land Use Plan.

6. Engage Physical Planning in the inclusion of these considerations in the review of applications and the planning approval process.

Agriculture and Land Information –Pledges 14, 15, 16, 201. Establish information kiosks in

each farming community where trained data managers will facilitate access to financial, market, technical, personnel and other information needed by a modern farm enterprise. These kiosks shall be networked with relevant databases, nationally, regionally and internationally.

2. Convert the existing Fisheries Complex in Marigot into a Full

Service Resource Center providing a full range of information and technical services to the SME sector in the catchment area. Replicate this model in the East of the island and ensure that any future such facilities be designed to facilitate this business and social sector support function.

3. Convert the former Banana Boxing Plants into value-adding centers for the farm sector and provide incubator sites for the small business sector in the area. Ensure that there is at least one such Business Support Center in each Farming District.

4. Drawing on the emerging community tourism experience from Giraudel/Eggleston, Mero and other locations, turn farms into the source of healthy food, herbal healing, and rural heritage link to tourism.

Development Planning – Pledge 20 1. Establish the IDP Commission as

proposed to provide multi-sector guidance on the implementation of the integrated approach to national development.

2. As proposed in the IDP/GSPS, commence preparation of Local Area Development Plans.

3. Update the 1992 Study on the valuation of Natural resources as the basis of a system for estimating the value of local assets that may be used to secure access to financing forimplementation of local area development plans.

4. Establish contact with the Office of the President of Guyana that has been leading the process for getting natural forests accepted as a basis for accessing finance based on the international carbon credit trading system. Model the approach for Dominica on this Guyana experience.


Sources of finance for building a cleanand green economy- Pledges 9, 10, 20We are convinced there will be noshortage of finance for all the ideas,programs and plans we have in thecontext of a Clean and Green Dominica.We are certain all the existing EU,Bilateral, Multilateral linkages andsources will remain, and indeed will beexcited and relieved by Dominica’s newthrust. So we think there is no cause forworry or concern. In addition newcreative approaches regarding

• green carbon credits• corporate partners• local investors• overseas Dominicans• public/private partnerships• UN agencies• export earnings• taxes/fees

There is nothing to fear as regards thecapacity of a clean and greendevelopment strategy attracting

resources for investment andimplementation of this developmentapproach.

Our research and that of the globaltourism industry has unequivocallyestablished that the traveler of thepresent and the future will want to beassured of operating clean and greenpolicies not only at their hotels butthroughout the country or region wherethey chose to spend their vacationdollars.

Corporations seeking to hold on to thesesame travelers as residents of thedeveloped world, now seek green carboncredits via carbon trading schemesdesigned to improve their image as cleanand green corporations. Virgin Atlanticand other Airlines are purchasing carboncredits from forest-rich countries in aeffort to keep passengers comingbecause they can be seen to promote theprotection of trees even if their airplanesare polluting the world’s atmosphere.

Very recently we have started toexperience the investment interest inDominica of such environmentalorganizations as Greenpeace. This isbased solely on a desire by Greenpeace toshow appreciation to Dominica forhaving changed its vote at the IWC in2008 and again this year, to a greenposition of supporting the conservationand protection of whales. In responseGreenpeace has offered to marketDominica as a destination of choice forvacationing by it 6,000,000 members. OurGovernment will take full advantage ofthis opportunity and others like it toadvance the interests of our tourism andconservation activities.

MAKING THE TRANSITION TO A CLEAN AND GREEN ECONOMY – Pledge 20AGRICULTURE – Pledges 3, 4, 5, 7, 14,16, 20Activities in this as all other sectors haveto be in sync with the stated goal ofbuilding a clean and green economy. Foragriculture this means commencing thetransition away from chemical farmingtowards natural and organic farming.This transition commences with thedissemination of hard information to thefarming sector about the prospects andstrategies involved in cleaning up thefarm. This information and theaccompanying advocacy shall be linkedwith the tourism promotion of Dominicaas The Nature Island, the healthpromotion as a location of longevity andnatural wellness and the zero wasteisland where recycling is a fact at the

household, enterprise and communitylevels.

Our marketing strategy will promote thedestination as the best site for teachingand training workers in sustainabledevelopment and living, the .

We shall set up an AgriculturalCommission comprising representativesof all the major organizations and groupswith a role in the sector. This will be themain policy formulation and advisorybody for the sector, with direct access tothe Minister who will chair theCommission.Public sector and private sector agenciesand organizations that interact with thefarming and rural population will be

strongly represented to ensure that asynchronized and integrated assessmentand response to the needs of the peopleof these areas is possible.

The Agricultural Stations in the variousdistricts of the country will be restoredand be the home of the Full ServiceResource Centers that provide,information, technology, training,finance, marketing and other importantservices to the producers. TheseResource Centers will be staffed andmanned by experienced and trainedpersons in these support areas and willbe open for business from 7 am to 7pmsix days a week. Online support servicesand emergency services will be available24/7.


The Commission will oversee the zoningof the island according to the bestavailable land use and capabilityclassification data so that the location ofproduction will be in sync with the bestconditions for the specialized productionof fruits, vegetables,horticulture/ornamentals, small livestock,large ruminants, furniture wood trees andand other agricultural products. As partof an incentives programe to facilitateand encourage this rational approach tothe revitalization of the farming sector,the Resource Centers will provide theneeded support services as targetedincentives for investors in thesedesignated and approved areas ofagricultural production.

The Financial Institutions, coordinated bythe AID Bank, will develop and promote aconsolidated response to the financialneeds of the sector.

The same approach will be taken by thepublic sector agencies interfacing withthe farmers as rural dwellers. Thisincludes, Community Development,Health, Education, Transport,Communications and Works, etc..

Enterprises in the transportation sector(land, sea and air) are to be guidedaccordingly.

The processing of farm products to createvalue in ways that complement thewellness of producer and consumer aswell as create investment andemployment options for residents thatare materially satisfying, dignified andlasting.

The marketing of farm and agro productswill be in companion with the othergoods and services of the island’seconomy to comprise a cluster of “green”goods and services that underline the“healthy” nature of the island’s economy.

To reduce fuel costs to fishermen – Pledge 1This pledge should be put in the widercontext of augmenting the efficiency ofour fishermen. The reduction of fuel costsis an important cost component.However, other cost components such asfishing boats, engines and otherequipment must receive dueconsideration. Technical support tofishermen is also important. Governmentshould also think in terms ofcollaborating with private sector entitiesto secure at least two fish trawlers, one tobe based at Marigot and the other atRoseau. We should have a plan to be ableto fully provide fish for our populace in aperiod of five years.

What has happened to the initiatives ofprawn and shrimp farming?

The communities of Newtown and PointeMichel were vibrant fishing communities.However, there has been a radical declinein fishing and there is an urgent need toreactivate fishing in order to stimulateeconomic activities in these areas.

Arts & Entertainment – Pledges 4, 7, 15, 16The investment in production of thetraditional musical instruments, therevitalization and archiving of traditionalmusic is at the core of preserving andrestoring this aspect of our culture. Thetraining of artisans to make theseinstruments and musicians to play themis an important aspect of the nationalmusic strategy for the island.The costuming, the choreograpghy andperformance of the dances and storiesthat accompany the playing of traditionalinstruments is to become incorporatedinto the music programs at Primary andSecondary schools.

Our Caribbean music heritageincorporates drumming, steelpan,

calypso, reggae, cadence, bouyon andmany other genres. These all need to berepresented in the music programs at theschools as well as featured as acomponent of national events andpresentations to visitors. Overseaspromotion of the island for trade andtourism will include representation ofaspects of these arts and entertainmentindustries.The protection of the intellectualproperty rights of artisans, musicians andproducers of cultural products willcomplement the range of goods andservices being offered for sale.

Youth ServicePledges 7, 16, 20, 3, 11To build on and expand the positiveexperiences of the YES Corps, CadetCorps and other organized youth entitiesgiving consideration to theestablishment of a National Youth ServiceProgram . This service opportunity willfocus primarily on building attitudes,skills, sensitivity and engagement withour environmental assets.

Sports – Pledge 7“A healthy mind in a healthy body” guidesour approach to this sector and to theestablishment and management ofsports facilities in locations that allow allcommunities access to quality facilities.Sports is also an avenue for directingyouthful energy into positive pursuitsthat may even have material andcommercial gains. The development ofamateur and professional sportsmen andwomen requires facilitation and supportto the Clubs and the establishment of aVibrant National Sorts Commission thatcan work with the Dominica OlympicCommittee, the various Sportsassociations, the Ministry of Sports andprivate sponsors to realize the fullestpotential of the sector for youth and forthe economy.



Sports tourism is big business the worldover. Combined with specialist attentionto the health and wellness benefits ofphysical activity, this sector offerssignificant prospects for integrated jobcreation for health professionals, coaches,trainers, physiotherapists, promoters,facilities owners, events managers andmany others.

Health – Pledges 2, 7, 14 Wellness is close to the top of everyone’sagenda these days. The emergence ofswine flu as a pandemic in June of 2009underscores the need for nationaldevelopment management to ensurethat healthy people are the foundation ofa healthy society and economy. Theprimary healthcare segment must berestored to its full prominence with thegoal of “people caring for people” andprevention as the means of stayinghealthy and well.

Productivity in all endeavours beginswith the mental and physical health ofthe producer. A common commitment tothese broad social goals must becomeevident in the ways that we produce andprepare our food, build and live in ourhomes and communities, work at ourplaces of employment and recreate in ouropen spaces.

The preservation of green spaces that areclean and health-giving by designatingand managing such spaces as theBotanical Gardens, the beaches, theWaitikubuli and other trails, our forestcatchments and rivers valleys are vitalinvestments that we must facilitate andmake.

Investment– Pledges 9, 16, 20All investments (by public, private andcivil society sectors) must respond toelements of a Code of Investment thatdoes one or more of the following: addsvalue to the natural assets of the island,creates opportunities for paid

employment, innovation, volunteering,community cohesion, strengtheninglocal institutions, savings, linkagebetween sectors, generations andgeographic areas within the island and inthe Region, build local knowledge,confidence and capacity.

The UWP Government will focus onrejuvenating the Agro Processingsubsector. We will focus on partneringprivate sector interest in developing amajor water industry which will be a keyeconomic driver for the foreseeablefuture. We will work closely with BelloProducts, Benjo Seamoss, DominicaEssential Oils and Spices Co-operativeSociety Ltd. to enhance operations andoutput. Banana processed products andbottled coconut water has disappearedfrom the market. We will resuscitate theproduction of these two items inconsonance with the private sector. Wewill engage Colgate Palmolive indiscussions aimed at enhancing theutilization of the plant in Mahaut and themanufactures of the herbal soaps inGrandbay to explore means and ways ofgrowing its operations in Grandbay. Theproduction of herbal teas and spices willalso receive requisite attention.

Tortola, the Bahamas and the CaymanIslands have viable International BusinessSectors which can be replicated inDominica. The growth of our smallInternational Business Sector will beproperly managed in order for this sectorto make a significant contribution toeconomic development.

Jamaica has developed its culturalindustry using reggae music as a mainvehicle. Jamaican musicians aregenerating significant revenues fromengagements outside of Jamaica. TheUWP during the period 1997 to 2000established the World Creole MusicFestival as a vehicle for the usage ofcadence lypso to develop a cultural

industry. The World Creole Music Festivalhas been reduced to three nights ofunviable jams. Therefore, a UWPGovernment will re-ignite thedevelopment of our cultural industry tocreate opportunities for musicians,artists, dancers etc.

“SMART GROWTH” Approach to jobcreation – Pledge 16 The UWP places the highest priority oncreating gainful and dignifiedemployment for our people. We return tothis important issue.In order to immediately create jobs for alarge number of young men and womenof this country an innovative and creativeapproach has to be developed becausewe are currently in an economic crisissituation. Thus, on winning this year’sgeneral election, a United Workers Partygovernment administration willimmediately engage the following majorsectors in order to accomplish its pledgefor job creation:

• Construction• Small Business • Tourism

CONSTRUCTION SECTORStimulation through policy action –Pledges 7, 16, 19The construction sector needs to beintensely stimulated. In this regard, aUnited Workers Party government willwithin the first six (6) months of being inoffice waive all duties on constructionmaterials. In order for this benefit to berealized and maintained the loans willhave to be taken and maintained atindigenous financial institutions inDominica.

It is expected that this will help reducethe construction cost significantly,improve the viability of the private sectorbusinesses involved in the supply ofmaterials and services, and at the sametime encourage financial resources to


stay right here in Dominica, giving amuch needed boost to the Dominicaneconomy.

This strategy will create an estimated netemployment of 500 jobs in the first yearand approximately 150 jobs in thefollowing years, thus leading toapproximately 1100 sustained jobs over afive (5) year period.

Technical assistance and financialsupport will be given to engineering andconstruction firms with the technicalexpertise that desire to enter & competein Anguilla, Tortolla, St. Maarten andCaricom. This is in an effort to engageDominican citizens located in thetargeted countries and to increase exportin services.

Public sector investment programme –Pledges 9, 12, 20In respect to existing government projectthe UWP administration will take aserious look at the following projects witha view of strengthening and/orreengineering the implementationapproach:• Petro Carib Investment• Pond Casse to Melville Hall Road• Roseau to Portsmouth road• Other roads & construction

projects

Though we think that we as a countryhave made a strategic blunder in respectto the approach taken by the LabourParty Government in regards to thisproject, we will not behave in anirresponsible manner like ourpredecessors. Instead, we will continuethis initiative with a different strategicproposition. To this end, fifty percent(50%) of the profits derived from thePetro Carib investment will be deployedinto the development of the first “WindFarm” project in the Caribbean to be

located in the Marigot or Wesley. It is expected that this project will beimplemented within two (2) years ofbeing in office. This will be a major capitalproject for the North East which will havea significant impact on the transportationsector. It is expected that approximately150 persons will be employed in thisproject. It is anticipated that this “WindFarm” project will reduce the cost ofelectricity significantly and strengthenthe “Clean & Green” national strategy.

These projects are of critical importanceto the development of thecommunication network of this countryand are in keeping with UWP’s nationalroad infrastructure developmentstrategy. Hence, these projects willcontinue after a strategic analysis is done.However, the terms of engagement withthe financiers and contractors will bereviewed if it is legally possible to do so.We strongly believe that the majority oftruckers and workers should beDominicans. It is expected that at least300 direct and indirect jobs will becreated by these projects. Works thathave started on all the other roadsprojects will be completed by the UnitedWorkers Party administration.

Small Business Sector – Pledge 4Small Business owners have sacrificed thelittle that they own and we have seen theleadership of the labour party builtbusiness empires overnight, while theprivate sector is left to struggle in pain.Furthermore, we have seen the closure ofindigenous businesses, while the Chinesekeep opening stores.

When the United Workers Party takesoffice, the first order of business will be totake the following actions:• The enactment of Small Business

legislation that will define clearly what is a small business and outline support to be given and incentives regime that is open and transparent.

• The rationalization and co-ordination of all government small business development assistance programmes with a view of eliminating duplication and improving efficiency

• The establishment of an annual “ WE THINK BIG” entrepreneurship programme

• The development of selected key sub-sectors as outlined in the national export strategy document developed by Dominica’s private and public sector. In this regard, the agro-processing and herbal sectors will be given immediately priority because of the direct linkage with tourism

• The establishment of an ongoing Agricultural Entrepreneurship programme called Leader Entrepreneurs in Agriculture Programme (LEAP) High.

Entrepreneurship Programme: ”WE THINK BIG” - Pledges 7, 15Your government will introduce anannual entrepreneurship programmewhich will involve the development often (10) Small to Medium Enterprises(SME’s) each year into 1.50 million dollarsrevenue earners over a five (5) yearperiod. This means that after five (5) years,fifty (50) Dominican owned enterprisesacross the productive sectors will create atotal revenue base of over seventy-five(75) million dollars. It is expected thateach firm will employ at least 5 persons inthe first year. The employment level isexpected to peak to at least ten (10)persons after the third year, thus leadingto a net employment creation of 50persons in the first year, 125 in year two



and at least 500 by the end of five (5)years.

The development package of those firmswill involve Technical Assistance(marketing, product development,research & development etc); Investmentand working capital assistance will alsobe provided. The Government ofCommonwealth of Dominica will ownshares in the businesses as a condition toreceive the package. In order to ensurethe sustainability of the “We Think Big”programme, the shares will be sold backto the enterprises after five (5) years. Themoney from the sale of the shares willthen be reinvested into the programme.

Agro-processing & herbal sectordevelopment – Pledges 3, 4, 5, 7, 14There is a strong linkage betweentourism and agro-processing, thus inorder to ensure sustainability of bothsectors a United Workers Partyadministration will ensure theestablishment of four(4) agro-processing“GREEN FACTORIES” in the first year ofcoming into office. These agro-processgreen factories or centers will be small insize but equipped with the appropriatemachinery and technology that wouldensure top quality products and enhancecompetitiveness. In order to remaincompetitive these processing centers willbe located close to the source of their rawmaterials and will be operated usingwind, solar and/or mini hydro powersystems.

The “GREEN FACTORIES” will be located inRoseau, Wesley, Carib Territory andDelices. The Roseau processing centerwill focus on fruit drinks and condiments,Wesley on herbal teas, Delices on Tolomaand other root crops, and Carib Territoryon Cassava. Herbal body products such asshampoos, soap etc will also form part ofthis Eco friendly ago-processingdevelopment strategy.

In order to ensure the viability of theseestablishments, a Co-operative system ofoperation will be encourage and allnecessary concessions, training andfinancial support will be given.Furthermore, the production base of theproposed businesses will be expandedthrough co-operative productionlinkages similar to that of the bananaindustry.

The Leader Entrepreneurs in AgriculturalProductivity (LEAP) Programme–Pledges 1,3,4,5,7,14This innovative agricultural programmewill engage farmers below the age of fifty(50) years to take a leadership role in thedevelopment of commercial farms. Thisapproach will ensure the sustainability ofthe agricultural sector since most of ourfarmers are of a mature age.

This approach will involve the following:• Training of selected

farmers/fishers in basic management principles and Europe Gap and other certification requirements

• Farmer and government resource contribution to the farm development and planning

• The free supply of all inputs, labour, and land preparation cost in the first crop cycle by the government

• The purchase of a vessel to ensure product quality to selected export markets as per the national export strategy document recommendations

• The establishment of ten(20) organized farm labor groups made up of at least five(5) persons per group

This approach will immediately ensure asignificant increase production andproductivity, and increase in agriculturalexports for selected crops. Furthermore, acluster approach similar to that used in

the Banana Industry will be used toensure increase in volumes, regularityand quality. This will involve an injectionof EC$5.00 millions dollars in theagricultural sector in the first year oftaking office and will create at least 150new jobs in the agricultural sector in thefirst year.

Tourism Sector – Pledges 3, 4, 7, 16, 20We believe that the current TourismPolicy 2010 represents a sound effort atdefining Dominica’s options for thesector. We will add emphasis on linkingthe tourism sector to all the other sectorsof the economy to create new productand to engage more people as part of thevalue chain while living in their localcommunities. The term “Nature Island”will have meaning for the visitor as well asthe resident as reflecting a decision tofacilitate a clean and green lifestyle andworkstyle.

The United Workers Party views Eco-tourism as a major component to the jobcreation strategy. In this regard, thissector will receive significant supportfrom the government. VAT & Duty Freeaccess will be given to all Dominicanowned approved Eco-tourism projects.The government will give, through theAID Bank, a three (3) year moratorium oninterest payment for all tourism relatedproject that are currently facing majorchallenges, all in an effort to repositionthe sector into a more vibrant andsustainable pillar for economic growthand development.

Furthermore, a job creation incentiveregime will be developed which willinvolve the government tying tax reliefand incentive packages to employmentof high school and college graduates.After discussion with the owners and in-depth analysis of the business ventures isdone, the government will pay up to 40%of the salary of a maximum of three (3)


employees per company for one (1) yearand conduct all human resourcedevelopment training. Meanwhile, thefirms are expected to focus theirresources on product development andmarketing. It is therefore, expected thatapproximately 100 persons will beemployed in the first year, thus leading to

over 500 hundred over a five (5) yearperiod.The government will provide TechnicalAssistance in the following areas for hotelclusters:• Market visit• Human resource development• Website development

In addition a working capital interest freeloan of up to a maximum of $100,000 willbe given to small Eco-tourism projectsmeeting defined criteria set by theTourism Division.

A BUDGET PROCESS THAT SUPPORTS THE “NEW BEGINNING” – Pledge 9

The phrase "smart growth" generally refers to development that supports the economy, the community, the environment, andpublic health IN ONE INTEGRATED APPROACH TO RESOURCE MOBIIIZATION AND ALLOCATION

The Process of(re)constructing our Budgetfor Smart Growth involvesthe following steps:

Step1: Establish the Purposeand Principles for theprogramme

a) Establishing a Purpose: to stimulate new wealth creation

b) Setting Guidelines on Demand on budgetary allocations and Stabilization Fund

c) Providing Principles that would involve:i) Economic Provisions

in a new constitutionii) Participation of

existing institutionsiii) Participation of the

Private Sectoriv) Expressed

preference for Quick start activities

v) Provision of Grants and tax incentives

vi) A Use it or Lose it provision

vii) Prohibited Uses

Step 2: Adequately finance“SET-ASIDES” of theProgramme for:a) Land access and land use planning

b) Venture Capitalc) Management and oversight of programme

d) Special allocations for staff training and reorientation

e) Research support from tertiary institutions and professional bodies

f ) Programme Achievements and Resultsmonitoring

Step 3: Activate a Repositoryof “Growth Initiative”Information

a) Information on opportunities and actors

b) Cost estimation and target goals

c) Sharing information and connecting innovators

d) Market opportunities andcontracts

e) Exploratory Business Opportunities

10 Smart Growth Principles for the Next Budget

Budget specialists in the Public Sector are asked tocome up with programmes and policies and budgetentries that respond to and address the indicated“Smart Growth Principle”


IMMEDIATE URGENT ACTIONS TO BE UNDERTAKEN

BY THE GOVERNMENT – Pledges 10, 12, 14, 16

1. Take thorough inventory of …

a. The public sector’s financial position

(involve the eccb)

B. The public sector investment

programme/projects/contracts (involve the cdb)

c. International agreements (involve the oecs &

caricom secretariats)

d. Prepare and present a draft status report for

consideration by the first sitting of parliament (to be

convened in january 2010

e. Circulate the report to the public together with

parliament’s position(s) (4 weeks after the sitting of

parliament)

2. Identify major public and private sector economic and

social programs and projects that are ongoing and

submit for consideration by public sector, private

sector and civil society to establish new national

priorities for ongoing and proposed investments in the

economy.

3. Convene a special meeting of decision-making

representatives of the local and international donor

community for consideration of financial and other

partnership around the new national investment

priorities for the state and non-state sectors.

4. Appoint a special independent investigator to

commence examination of all allegations of corruption

in public office since 1995 commencing with the most

recent such allegations.

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