Citizenship by Investment programme has been playing a significant role in the growth and development of Dominica. With its support, the government has undertaken multiple initiatives aimed at providing all the possible amenities to citizens.
Nothing is concealed from the world regarding how Dominica has been working towards recovery after Hurricane Maria and Tropical Storm Erika devastated it in 2017. The country was destroyed to the core, leaving no hope for recovery.
However, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit worked with all his strength to lead his country on the path of recovery. The success of this work proved the government’s dedication and commitment towards providing a better life to the citizens, which has only been possible with the help of CBI funds.
Climate Resilient houses
Following the catastrophic damages of Hurricane Maria and Tropical Storm Erika, Dominica still embarked on a transformative journey. Many developments are undergoing on the island, including the construction of climate-resilient houses, new eco-resorts and lodges, health centres and hospitals.
The homes are built to withstand natural calamities like hurricanes, as Dominica is one of the disaster regions. The Government is also fulfilling its commitment to building and providing climate-resilient houses to deserving families.
A recent example is the handover of keys of climate resilient houses to 73 families in December under the Housing Recovery Project of the government.
People expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit for providing a safe and secure place to call “home”.
“Once again, I am thankful on behalf of my family to the government and those who have helped it one way or the other to make this possible,” said an individual named Burton, one of the persons who received the key to climate-resilient home in December handover ceremony.
Considerably, the government vowed to provide 5000 climate-resilient homes, of which over 1500 have already been constructed and distributed.
The construction climate resilient homes have been done in various areas, including Salybia constituency, Kalinago Territory, Cotton Hill, Bellevue Chopin, East Coast, Grand Bay, Jimmit, Stock Farm, Roseau Upper River Bank, Joe Burton, Scotts Head, Eggleston, Grand Bay Villa, Canefield, Vieille Case android Bouche.
In 2023 alone, about 245 homes were handed over to the people, and the Government also plans to hand over an additional 250 homes by June 2024.
Healthcare supported by CBI
The Government is also building “resilient healthcare infrastructure” and making significant investments towards improving the medical sector. The most awaited Marigot Hospital is also ready and serving the people.
Moreover, the hospital includes several services, including ambulance, maternity care, pediatric and emergency care units, a laboratory, a trauma centre and many more.
Apart from this, healthcare centres have been constructed in all districts across the island, marking extensive amenities.
Other Developments in the country
The International Airport is under construction in the Wesley village which was the major requirement of the country for a long time. And, the decision by the Government on its construction fostered infrastructure development in the country.
This airport will have connections to various parts of the world, including the United States and Europe. The amount being covered under this project is EC $1 billion, which has even been made possible due to the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Probing ahead, the construction of Layou Road under the Layou rehabilitation and reconstruction project has also been initiated in the country. The project will cost over EC$11 million has a deadline for completion of over 12 months, and the road will connect the Hillsborough Bridge and the York Valley Bridge.
Shifting the focus to another project is the Geothermal power plant in Roseau Valley; this is significantly aimed at reducing the costs of electricity, benefiting the residents of the country. Also, this step has been taken as part of mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
Eco-Tourism
By means of tourism, Dominica shines every day by securing wonderful places and gaining recognition from prestigious bodies. In very recent times, it has achieved certain milestones:
- Dominica featured in the list of Sustainable tour destinations by BBC
- Dominica among the 52 must-visit places in 2024 by the New York Times
- Secret Bay and Colibri Ridge included in AFAR’s 15 best luxury resorts and hotels of the Caribbean
- Dominica recognised as the most affordable Island in the Caribbean
- Dominica named the world’s friendliest country by Conde Nast Travelers
Along with these achievements, there is an ongoing project, the Cable Car Project. Dominica is going to have the World’s largest cable car, which, when constructed, will give rise to tourism in the country, leading towards economic development.
Further, the Sperm Whale Reserve, which has been announced in the country, is also a part of eco-tourism in the country. This step aims to protect marine life and mitigate the harsh impacts of climate change. For this, the area designated is 300 square miles on the western side of the reserve, and the count of around 500 sperm whales will lead to survival.
The Citizenship by Investment programme has provided great support in meeting up all these projects. And, have benefited the country in being resilient and meeting sustainable development goals.
