​UWP Political Leader Dr Thomson Fontaine expressed his appreciation for the goodwill of Dominicans and added that we should give God thanks. He observed that Dominicans living abroad are bringing in roughly five times as much as Dominica is exporting. Fontaine emphasizes that the foreign currency entering the nation also greatly contributes to the stability of the EC currency.

​The ultimate goal, he added, is to have Dominicans working in well-paying employment, and make Dominica a place where people want to work, and keeping this in mind when looking back on the year, should be a priority.

​Dr. Thomson Fontaine, UWP Political Leader 

​Dominica's manufacturing, agriculture, and agri-businesses have all but disappeared, and the productive sector is all but nonexistent, according to social scientist Simeon Joseph.
 
The economic platform of the passport is being undermined, according to social scientist Simeon Joseph, because we have not been given access to vital information, such as the number of sales or who the holders are. He continues by saying that this is a very troubling area for our nation's economic development and prosperity.

​According to him, Dominica's manufacturing, agriculture, and agri-business industries have all but vanished, and our productive sector is all but nonexistent. He continues, "Our cultural industries have grown extremely slowly, and Dominica is not benefiting significantly from the tourism industry."

​Social Scientist, Simeon Joseph 

​Geothermal energy has been a prominent topic of discussion in Dominica as regards the energy industry. The host and panelists on the Roots on Q show earlier this week discussed the pros and cons and challenges of extraction and production of geothermal energy.
 
Lennon Mathew, a Dominican Geologist based in Texas, claims that geothermal energy has demonstrated thatit is environmentally friendly and has many other benefits, but the main one is that, if Dominica were to invest more in geothermal energy, its dependence on fossil fuels would decline, which over time would act as an insulator to any future external shocks that may arise.

​Dominican Geologist based in Texas, Lennon Mathew

​The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB or "the Bank") and the European Union (EU) have a contract to manage the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy (CSME) Standby Facility for Capacity Building and the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).The Facility, which is being implemented by CDB, is funded by the 11th European Development Fund (EDF).
 
15 nations have access to more than EUR350,000 in assistance and expertise to develop local initiatives to boost trade, the economy, and the quality of life for their population thanks to this cooperation. The fund encourages each nation to improve its capacity to sell more of its goods and services in the European and Caribbean markets.
 
With funding and support from the Standby Facility, over the course of four years, initiatives being carried out by government agencies, business support organizations, and ministries involved in trade and integration will cooperate with CDB to advance the CSME and the EPA (the EU's trade and development agreement with regional governments).
 
The CARICOM Regional Organization (CROSQ) is overseeing the Strengthening of Regional Quality Infrastructure in Dominica project, which is one of the seven approved projects being implemented that will have an impact on the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This project is worth USD874, 932 and aims to boost manufacturing, lower production costs, and increase business competitiveness.

​Energy Minister, Vince Henderson says on 3rd & 4th January, government expects a regular shipment of gasoline from West Indies Oil Company (WIOC). He says this has been confirmed by the CEO of WIOC. Henderson says it was expected earlier, however it was delayed due to a number of things beyond their control. He was speaking during an interview on state owned radio this morning.

​In relation to storage, he stated that in the next 10 days the government will require increased storage facilities to ensure that those supplies can be accommodated on the island. He added that the government has been able to secure a storage facility at DCP in that regard, where 10,000 gallons of storage space is being prepared.

​Energy Minister, Vince Henderson

​The Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs which is responsible for the Immigration Department says it has been made aware of rumors circulating as regards the issuance of the new E-Passport and fees connected therewith. It says it is unfortunate that such rumors would be circulated around the holiday season causing great panic and distress to the public.
 
In light of this, the ministry has clarified that the cost for passport application remains at EC$150.00 for adults and $75.00 for children under 16 years.  It says there will be no increase in these costs as of 1st January 2023.

Dr. Thomson Fontaine, the UWP's political leader, states that the party's current goal is to maintain contact with its devoted supporters. He also emphasizes that in order to properly implement the required reforms, they must enlist the support of the independent candidates, who are currently the opposition. He anticipates that any proposed legislation to the Parliament will reflect the consensus reached.

​Fontaine continues by saying that they are willing to undertake whatever measures are necessary to attain the outcomes they need. He adds that they are optimistic that the party would be able to accomplish those goals with the support of around half of Dominica's electorate.

​Dr. Thomson Fontaine, UWP Political Leader 

​Lennon Mathew, a Dominican geologist residing in Texas, asserted that the island's present gas problem showed how dependent the world has gotten on fossil fuels, also how little preparation has been done, and how fuel usage has been underestimated.
 
According to Mathew, the number of attendees at the World Creole Music Festival who leased cars indicated that more fuel was consumed; this would eventually lead to a gas scarcity. He was speaking on Q95’s Roots Connection Q show on Wednesday night.

​Lennon Mathew, Dominican geologist based in Texas

​Businessman Anderson Jolly notes the appeal to investments in the energy sector since the turn of the century, and that it is not the best choice for any country to seize control of the energy entities.
 
The energy industry according to Jolly may theoretically be the most appealing to investors since the turn of the century. He went on to discuss how the middle class is affected by inflation and how the energy industry affects the general population.

​He gave some insights on various aspects of investing in fossil fuels, natural gas, and electricity. Noting that their pricing in the market determines how income can flow through the company.

​Businessman Anderson Jolly 

The first Calypso Elimination since COVID 19 will take place on December 30, 2022, and fans are invited to the Windsor Park forecourt. Nearly 50 contestants are anticipated, according to Davidson "Observer" Victor, president of the Dominica Calypso Association (DCA).
 
“We have a number of newcomers and also the usual suspects making a come and also the regulars who are always there…it is going to be a wonderful and massive night of calypso,” Victor shared these remarks with a local news journalist in an interview.
 
Additionally, he said that they will return to "the two-round competition" that had been in place before the COVID-19 outbreak. Jaydee is the defending Calypso Monarch in Dominica. Chris B, Sye, Daddy Chess, Deros, Comforter, Exposition, Black Diamond, Shanice, Abia, Oracle, Joy Stout, Masked Eruption, White Fairy, Mr. Ridge, and lots of others will be taking part.