CBI Programme assisting Dominica in fulfilling resilience goals

Dominica continues moving forward on its agenda of “Building Back Better”. Following multiple natural disasters causing massive damages, the island is now on a path to becoming the “World’s First Climate-Resilient Nation by 2030.”

The journey has been both challenging and exciting for the Government as well as the People of Dominica. But, with dedication and commitment towards attaining their goal, Dominica is achieving new milestones with each passing day.

Coping with the aftermath of destruction and devastation after Hurricane Maria (2017), which resulted in the loss of 300% of GDP, infrastructure and lives, was not easy. But the Government remained committed and dedicated.

Utilising the Citizenship by Investment Programme as the backbone of the resilient agenda, the Dominica Government is making investments where they are most necessary.  Since 2019, the island succeeded in making multiple disaster-proof health centres, hospitals, schools and, most importantly, homes for the victims of Hurricane Maria and Tropical Storm Erika.

The recovery seemed impossible at first; many thought Dominica could never get back together as the winds stronger than ever impacted possibly every home and building. Even the official residence of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit sustained major damages.

But, within just a few years of devastation, Dominica embarked on a journey of “Building Back Better”.  The Citizenship by Investment Programme came in as a great hope for the Government and the People of Dominica.

As the island relies deeply on the tourism and hospitality industry, Foreign Direct Investments as part of the CBI Programme acted as a “magic wand of recovery”. With these investments, from being a land of destruction, the “Nature Island” again started to “Grow”.

During the times when big and developed countries started the discussion of climate change, Dominica has already done a lot towards its commitment to reducing carbon footprints and the impact of natural disasters.

The journey of Dominica to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation has taken several steps towards success:

Climate Resilient Housing

The Government of Dominica is running an extraordinary drive to distribute free climate-resilient homes. The beneficiaries of these advanced two-bedroom, three-bedroom homes are the people who lost their homes to Hurricane Maria and Tropical Storm Erika.

The aim of the building of these homes is to empower people with adequate and modern housing. The initiative has helped numerous families in regularising and stabilising their lives.

Since 2017, the government has handed over more than 1,500 homes to the families displaced by Hurricane Maria. Along with that, the country has also been working efficiently to fulfil its aim of building/handing over 5,000 climate-resilient homes.

Recently, in December, Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit distributed around 73 keys of climate-resilient houses to deserving families as a Christmas gift. He has also announced to hand over an additional 250 homes to families across the island by June 2024.

Investing in Modern HealthCare Facilities

The Government of Dominica is investing in the well-being of its citizens and residents by building modern and resilient healthcare facilities. Besides building healthcare centres in all districts, the government also re-constructed the most awaited Marigot Hospital, providing the people in that particular area access to modern amenities, emergency services and more.

The construction of best-in-class hospitals, 12 new healthcare centres and community centres mark a significant growth in the sector during the period of time.

Marigot Hospital

The construction of the Marigot Hospital marked a major step in the development of the healthcare sector of Dominica. The hospital consists of world-class facilities, efficient and essential services and state-of-the-art facilities.

The ambulance services, intensive care units, maternity care, paediatric care, laboratory and radiology service, trauma centre and emergency care units have been made available to the patients in the hospitals.

The vanished off state of Dominica due to the passage of Hurricane Maria was no less than a nightmare. However, the island showcased the true spirit of regeneration and built back better with the rehabilitation and reconstruction of its physical infrastructure network (roads, bridges, telecommunications and water and sanitation facilities) to support economic growth.

International Airport

The Douglas Charles Airport of Dominica has been functional and is often filled with regional flights from sister islands. But, the need for an advanced International Airport has been there for decades. The Dominica Labour Party Government finally took the initiative, and a new airport with the capacity to handle long-haul flights is currently under construction in the Wesley village.

From the arrival of major equipment to the commencement of the construction of the runway, the project has taken an interesting turn, revealing major growth.

The international airport will connect Dominica to major business hubs globally, with direct flights from the United States, Europe and other parts of the world. It’s the biggest ever project to ever take place in Dominica and is costing a whopping EC$1 billion. Notably, this significant project is also backed by the Citizenship by Investment Programme and provides employment opportunities to hundreds of locals even in the construction phase.

Massacre Multi-Purpose Indoor Sports Complex

The sports complex is aimed at enhancing the growth in the sport sector and pushing young generation towards it. The project will cost EC$1.4 million and making the country pave the path of becoming “Dynamic Dominica.”

Layou Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project

Dominica has started the construction of the Layou Road under the project at a cost of over EC$11 million door, aiming to enhance the infrastructure. The road is the third component of the project and is expected to be completed over a 12-month period. It will connect the Hillsborough Bridge and the York Valley Bridge.

All these projects are being funded by the Citizenship by Investment Programme of Dominica.

Eco-Tourism

Dominica is dubbed as “Nature Isle of the Caribbean” due to its lush green rainforests, 365 rivers, the world’s second-largest boiling lake and magnificent scenic views.

The offerings of the country attract tourists from across the globe and make them spend their vacations in a tranquil environment. In order to preserve its natural beauty, the country has been promoting eco-tourism aspects with the construction of several luxury eco-hotels, wellness facilities, and exquisite locations. The eco resorts of Dominica included Secret Bay, Jungle Bay, Tranquility Beach, Anichi Resort and Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort and Spa.

Geothermal Power Plant

In order to mitigate the effect of climate change, Dominica has also vowed to reduce its carbon footprint. Due to this, the construction of the geo-thermal power plant has come into existence, which is happening in Roseau Valley. The project will significantly reduce the electricity costs for people.

Sperm Whale Reserve

Dominica has announced the establishment of the world’s first marine protected areas for endangered species which will be known as Sperm Whale Reserve. The step is aimed to protect marine life and mitigate the harsh impacts of climate change.

The government has also introduced an area of 3,00 square miles on the western side for the reserve. Notably, around 500 sperm whales will lead a life in the reserve of Dominica, making it a groundbreaking project in history.

Dominica has been transforming itself for a dynamic and prosperous life, enabling the country to come forth in the list of leading countries against climate change.

The Citizenship by Investment Programme has been benefitting the Government of Dominica in building resilience in the times when it was most necessary. Being a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Dominica has been taking the much-needed sourcing to mitigate the challenges of climate change.

All the major projects across the island are running successfully with rapid funding from the citizenship by investment programme. The locals are now able to live in homes with five-star amenities as the CBI is making it possible for them. The government, without discriminating against anyone, is giving free homes to all the victims of natural disasters.

The growth continues at a solid pace, as the island is also moving forward as it transitions from an agriculture-based economy to a tourism-based economy with the construction of multi-star hotels and the new international airport.