Transforming Dominica: A Decade of Progress and Prosperity

Dominica, a gem of the Caribbean, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years under the leadership of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP). Emerging from the aftermath of mismanagement, the DLP inherited challenges and obstacles but has since steered the nation towards unprecedented prosperity and development. Let's delve into the strides made across various sectors, showcasing a testament to resilience, innovation, and strategic governance.

Revitalizing Infrastructure and Agriculture: Gone are the days of neglect and stagnation. The DLP administration embarked on a journey to rectify past mistakes, investing significantly in infrastructure development. The road network across the island has been expanded and upgraded, facilitating smoother transportation and connectivity. Moreover, the agricultural sector, once disregarded, has experienced a resurgence, contributing over $200 million to the GDP in 2016 alone. Contrary to naysayers, agriculture is thriving, exemplifying the resilience and potential of the sector.

Economic Prosperity and Fiscal Responsibility:  The economic landscape of Dominica has undergone a remarkable transformation, marked by robust growth and fiscal prudence. The government's prudent financial management has led to tangible results, including a notable increase in GDP per capita, a burgeoning money supply, and a remarkable reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio. With billions deposited in banks and a flourishing business environment, Dominica stands as a beacon of economic prosperity in the Caribbean region.

Empowering Citizens and Enhancing Quality of Life: Central to the DLP's vision is the empowerment of its citizens. Through innovative policies and strategic initiatives, the government has empowered thousands of individuals through scholarships, subsidized housing loans, and comprehensive healthcare services. Investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure have elevated the standard of living and enhanced the overall quality of life for Dominicans.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future: While celebrating past achievements, the DLP remains committed to driving progress and prosperity in Dominica. With a keen focus on future-oriented initiatives, the government aims to establish an international airport, foster medium to large-scale manufacturing, enhance the tourism sector, and bolster the healthcare infrastructure. By prioritizing innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, Dominica is poised to embark on a new era of growth and development.

The journey of Dominica under the DLP administration is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, strategic governance, and unwavering determination. From overcoming adversity to charting a path towards prosperity, Dominica stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth. As we look towards the future, let us continue to unite our efforts, realizing the full potential of this beautiful nation and its people.

Here's a numbered list of achievements:

1. Infrastructure Rehabilitation: The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) rectified the mismanagement left by the United Workers Party (UWP), a process that spanned five years and is still being financed. Notably, the government is burdened with a $140 million bond due in 2019, after paying $12 million annually in interest for 20 years. This fund initially intended for an airport, was diverted by the UWP for other purposes, leaving taxpayers with $340 million spent and nothing to show for it.

2. Agricultural Growth:  Agriculture significantly contributed to GDP, surpassing $200 million in 2016, more than doubling since 2000. Despite this success, there are claims from Team Dominica suggesting agriculture is declining, while neighboring St. Lucia struggles in the $60 million range.

3. Infrastructure Development: Significant investments, totalling hundreds of millions of dollars, were made to expand and enhance the road network across the entire island.

4. Sanitation and Water Improvement: Successful policies, such as the eradication of pit latrines and the enhancement of piped water supply to various areas, were implemented.

5. Education Initiatives: Innovative policies, such as ensuring at least one graduate in every household, have been established and are ongoing. Additionally, the State College now accommodates over 1500 students, a departure from its previous focus on Roseau high school students.

6. Economic Advancements: The current administration has significantly increased citizens' wealth, evidenced by several key indicators:

• GDP per capita rose from US$3,830 in 1999 to US$7,610 in 2017, with projections indicating further growth to US$10,000 in the next 3 to 5 years.
• The money supply in circulation surged from $501.5 million in 2000 to $1.6 billion in 2017, reflecting robust economic activity.
• The debt-to-GDP ratio stands at about 65%, enviable compared to other nations like Barbados (130%) and the US (97%).
• Bank deposits exceeded billions for the first time in September 2018, with private entities and households accounting for a substantial portion.
• Substantial subsidies for housing loans for civil servants have fostered high homeownership rates among government employees.

7. Business Growth and Employment: Business deposits in banks grew by 51% over the past three years, indicating vibrant small business activity. Moreover, thousands of scholarships have contributed to a highly qualified workforce, while unemployment has reached record lows in recent years.

8. Healthcare Improvements:  Notable advancements in healthcare include the acquisition of dialysis machines, the establishment of ICU facilities, and domestic oxygen manufacturing at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH). Additionally, inflation rates have remained low over the past decade.

9. Infrastructure Expansion: Infrastructure developments include the construction of a new sports stadium, the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art hospital in Roseau, and the establishment of a new hospital in Marigot. Other notable additions include a new statehouse and numerous quality housing projects.

10. CBI Enhancements: The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has been refined to be more robust, transparent, and with an improved due diligence process.

11. Future Plans:  The government is poised for further development over the next 5 to 10 years, with plans for an international airport, expansion of manufacturing industries, improvements in tourism infrastructure, enhancements in education and healthcare, and the establishment of a more advanced container port to facilitate economic growth.