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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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-20153

    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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-2015 4

    “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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-20155

    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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-2015 6

    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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-20157

    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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-2015 8

    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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-20159

    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 United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-2015 10

    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 United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-201511

    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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-2015 12

    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 andlocal 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 atConstitutional, 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 themaximum as opposed to the present

    dependent and mendicant approach

    which relies on a few at the top and

    suppresses peoples initiatives on the

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-201513

    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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-2015 14

    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.

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-201515

    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.

    20 PLEDGES THAT SET US ON THE ROAD TO SMART GROWTH

    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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-2015 16

    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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-201517

    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

    20 PLEDGES THAT SET US ON THE ROAD TO SMART GROWTH

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-2015 18

    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.

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-201519

    • 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.

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-2015 20

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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-201521

    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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-2015 22

    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

  • UWP United for Dominica Manifesto - 2010-201523

    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