THE WAY FORWARD FOR DOMINICA

By: Mel Tewahade

The New Government of Dominica should have a first 100 day plan to move the shattered economy forward. It is not entirely certain but most probably true, that the Island treasury would be severely depleted by December 7. The new government needs to prepare for such eventuality. It is not uncommon, for countries to be totally broke, after years of corruption and totalitarianism. It is important to close all possible methods of removing funds out of the island. It is imperative to ensure that egregious and extremely corrupt leaders don’t flee the country.

In this type of “me only economy”, there was no checks or balances in the administration of the Island in the last 20 years. Recovering a country from an extended “one man rule” is always going to be like walking into a dark room. One needs to move with caution and extreme care.

Years of irresponsible spending, budget overrun, economic isolation, misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds, has caused Dominica to have a reduced standard of living for its citizens. The tax base has shrank and been severely affected, due to the repeated hurricanic calamity and displacement of people and business, with a huge opportunity cost. The lack of capital investments, for repairing businesses in a timely manner, costed loss of income for extended period of time. The ramification of extended economic downturn caused mental anguish to many people on the island. There has been an increased manifestation of mental illness and depression on the island.

To move the economy forward, the country needs to organize a national healing conference. Extended and divisive bad governance, pitted brother against brother, family against family. In this healing conference, people need to be allowed to forgive and be forgiven, for the grievances they unknowingly or knowingly caused to others. This is a national healing process that will allow good faith and positive energy to prevail.

In this healing process, the most excitement and positive energy needs to come from the residents of the Island itself. Dominicans need to show good faith towards the new government and help in any way possible to stabilize their country. Country can only be sustained and rebuilt by good citizens who care about the welfare of their entire Island. Self-centered and tribal people need not apply for this job. People can show good faith effort, by cleaning their neighborhoods, planting trees, fixing the many abandoned buildings, and putting roof on the public library. We need to clean the streets and make it presentable for tourists to come and visit. We can help the new government by paying our back taxes that we may owe. Some have been discouraged from paying their share of taxes, as the government was squandering money from semi-illegal enterprise of Citizenship and passport sales.

The second groups that can assist in getting Dominica reintegrated to the Western hemisphere are the neighboring Caribbean nations. Good neighbors have demonstrated their kindness and humanity during hurricane Maria. These countries can help shore up investments into the Island as soon as possible

The third component of this tool is the diaspora community in UK, Canada and United States. The expats should quickly consider opening business and creating viable opportunities for the local people. This will allow people to jump start jobs for residents and allow Dominicans to regain their dignity by earning their way, instead of receiving a remittance.

The fourth and last tool is the international capital market in the Western world. Money managers will start seeing positive job growth and overall happiness index moving up, which will quickly convince analysts to consider investing in Dominica. After years of neglect and decline, Dominica will have a fast growing economy. These are some of the reasons why people need to vote for a leader that can bring these changes. Change is scary and at times uncertain. It is better to endure  the pain for a short time, rather than allowing a corrupt administration to invade the body like metastatic cancer.