​Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development, Gloria Joseph claims the government of Dominica continues to sustain an enabling environment for the small business sector, thus ensuring that investments are secured.

​Meantime Mrs Joseph says in this financial year 2023/2024 they will be calling on the National Development Foundation of Dominica-NDFD to make its contribution towards the finalization of a Draft Small Business Strategy and Action Plan, and the related legislative framework geared towards regulating the business environment, and operations that will foster continued growth and development.

​PS in the Ministry of Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development, Gloria Joseph. 

The Dominica Public Service Union hosted an important process to get the new year 2024 going on a platform of consultation and collaboration, at a virtual meeting held yesterday. President of the DPSU, Steve Joseph, expressed his view that insufficient efforts have been dedicated over the years to examine and establish an optimal mode of collaboration among stakeholders in the country.
 
He emphasized the necessity for exploration and dialogue aimed at identifying the most effective collaborative framework. Joseph further highlighted the pivotal role of the public sector in facilitating investment by creating an enabling policy environment and urged key state and other agencies to actively contribute to that, citing marketing as one illustrative aspect where their involvement and collaboration could significantly contribute to overall economic development.

Joseph went on to emphasize the essential requirement for more extensive research that relies on factual evidence instead of prevailing speculation. He noted a notable gap in Dominica concerning data availability, highlighting the absence of a nationwide census as a significant example.

Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) President, Steve Joseph.

Executive Director of the Dominica Association of Industry & Commerce (DAIC) Kerwin Jno-Baptiste emphasized the importance of identifying the fundamental causes when confronting challenges. He highlighted poverty and inequality as crucial issues demanding attention in Dominica. He emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies that not only tackle underlying societal issues but also focus on rehabilitation and reintegration to support individuals who have faced legal challenges, in reentering the workforce and contributing positively to society.

Mr. Jno-Baptiste further highlighted a noticeable contrast between Dominica and other nations worldwide, emphasizing a perceived deficiency in authoritative presence. He specifically pointed to the limited instances of police patrols as an example.

Executive Director of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC), Kerwin Jno-Baptiste.

Program director at the Dominica Bureau of standards Mara Abraham says the Bureau remains a partner to the NDFD in providing support to Dominica's manufacturing sector. She added that the Bureau will continue to fulfill its mandate of promoting and encouraging the maintenance of standards for the production of quality goods and services in Dominica. She was speaking at the recent 7th NDFD Creole in the Streets.

Program director of the Dominica Bureau of standards Mara Abraham.

​Acting Inspector of Police Fixton Henderson reported that on Friday 22nd December at about 9:45AM, the lifeless body of 61-year-old Jalin Africa was found on her bed at her home in Woodford Hill with injuries to her head. Anyone with information in finding the person responsible for her death is being asked by police to come forward.

Acting Inspector of Police Fixton Henderson.

Health educator Sabrina Bernard details the severe stages of dengue, highlighting symptoms such as bleeding under the skin, bleeding from the gums, nose, urine, and stool. Additionally, she notes the potential for a sudden drop in blood pressure leading to shock, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, blemishes under the skin, difficulty breathing, feeling cold and clammy, tiredness, irritability, and restlessness as indicators of severe dengue symptoms.

Health educator Sabrina Bernard.

Exports from Latin America and the Caribbean fell by almost three percent for the first six months of 2023. The Inter-American Development Bank's recently published Trade and Integration Monitor 2023 showed that while the region's exports recovered after the pandemic, they have since weakened faster than expected.
 
The value of the region's goods exports grew by 2.7 percent for the first half of the year, versus a similar period in 2022. That's compared to the 28 percent full-year growth in 2021 and the 17 percent growth in 2022. The IDB says this decline is due to a 4.7 percent fall in prices and more moderate growth in export volumes than the previous year. The region's growth in export volumes was primarily driven by Brazil and Mexico, whereas volumes contracted in several other countries. 

CREAD is coming to a close on December 31, 2023 some of its work was transitioned to other ministries, but the majority will be taken over by a 'resilience unit' within the ministry of finance, part of which will be the major capital projects office.
 
Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre says the work of the Climate Resilience Executive agency for Dominica- CREAD has been guided by six result areas, strong communities, robust economy, well planned & durable infrastructure, enhanced collective consciousness, strengthened institutional systems and protected and sustainably leveraged natural and other unique assets.

Dr. McIntyre says though CREAD was created in 2018 after Hurricane Maria in 2017 and they set out the agenda so that Dominica can become the first climate resilient nation by 2030, this can only be achieved if everyone joins in these resilience efforts.

Finance Minister, Dr. Irving McIntyre.

​UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine acknowledged the democratic nature of multiple parties forming and dissolving in Dominica. He respects the right of new parties to emerge, but emphasizes the importance of a united opposition with a common goal: the return of the country to good governance, prosperity and global respect. Dr Fontaine encourages a focus on unity and collaboration among opposition parties to effectively bring about positive political change. 

​Dr. Thomson Fontaine, Leader of the UWP. 

​Q95’s Global View On Q show host, Sheridan Gregoire notes UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine's aspirations to unite all factions in the country. He believes that this unity is strongly imperative in order for Dominica to progress, and especially for the youth. Mr Gregoire stated that Dr Fontaine's experience aligns well with the needs of Dominica and opined that his extensive knowledge complements the country's imperative for development.

​The host of the global view on Q, Sheridan Gregoire.