Dominica gets $993.6M for budget, Finance ministry given highest allocation of $266.1M

Prime Minister of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit started his budget address in the House of Assembly on Wednesday at 11:29 am. PM presented a budget of $993.6M.  The 2021-2022 Fiscal Budget for Dominica is being launched under the theme, "Dynamic Dominica- Building on the past, solidifying our present and securing the future." Prime Minister Skerrit said COVID-19 had been challenging for all countries; he said despite the challenges, there are great opportunities for Dominica. Under the Fiscal Year 2021, the Ministry of Finance received the largest allocation of $266.1 million dollars which is around 40.9% of the total fiscal budget, including $94.8M for debt service implement, $41.5M for retirement benefits, $12.5 m for salary payments for public servants.

While the Ministry of Education, HR Planning, Vocational Training & National Excellence

gets the second highest 11.8% or $77M. The Prime Minister allocated the 9.2% of budget to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment. Furthermore, the Ministry Of Public Works And The Digital Economy received $58.9M or 9.1% of the total budget. While the Ministry of National Security and Home Affairs is allocated $54.7M or 8.4% of the total budget. Ministry of Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives has been allocated $18.1M and while theMinistry of Youth Development and Empowerment, Youth at Risk, Gender Affairs, Seniors Security and Dominicans with Disabilities $19.4M. 

Prime Minister noted that youth and the senior citizens are two important demographics of a society and the government has decided to make more contribution towards them.

"Government injected additional funds into the "Youth Skill Training Programme" and continue to maintain "Yes We Care Programme" for the elderly," said PM Skerrit. He said that Dominica has demonstrated that it has the skill to navigate disasters and come out strong. PM said the country ranks 12th as per the lowest number of cases in the world and has no deaths. Speaking on Dominica's progress in COVID-19 vaccination, he said that till Friday 23rd July, 42% of people were vaccinated, out of which 3 percent were partially vaccinated. PM Skerrit said people are vaccine-hesitant, but the evidence proves that getting vaccinated reduces the chances of catching severe virus-related illnesses. Furthermore, he thanked Venezuela, Cuba, the World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Caribbean Public Health Agency, Centre of Disease Control (CDC) and all partners who had been assisting Dominica in the fight against the virus,  Prime Minister stated that the government is following a deliberate plan to develop a Dynamic Dominica by improving infrastructure, making investments into the health, education and sports sector. PM said that Dominica is now a prominent and credible voice on climate- resiliency,  "Dominica is transforming into a modern, resilient and vibrant economy," said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit. He said that the government is following a framework to create a "Dynamic Dominica", which will help prepare the groundwork in mobilising a significant amount of financing. He said more detailed proposals are being finalised in agriculture, health, housing, community development to create a vibrant economy. PM said within the next two to three years, the significance of the current project will be realised. Prime Minister said that he continues to fulfil the promises and commitments he made. He said that the progress would improve the lives of the people of the country. "Regardless of challenges, hurdles and difficulties, this is the period of making progress," stated PM Skerrit.  Prime Minister emphasized that the construction of the International Airport has begun and will be a game-changer for Dominica.  Notable Accomplishments made in 2020-2021 Housing:  PM said in 2020-2021, 50 million dollars were spent on constructing homes under the modern, resilient housing programme and  under the Sustainable Housing Solution Programme, 92 families received homes PM Skerrit said that the government also reduced the cost of land registration by over 48%, and the reduction has been impactful for citizens as the titles during the 20-21 were 71% more than the previous years. He said that the government is also providing a grant of 10,000 to first-time homeowners 40-year- or under, and over 114 benefitted with 1.1 million dollars. Digital Economy: Prime Minister stated that the government secured a loan of EC$75 million from the World Bank to fund the Digitalisation of govt services, online services, skills and 60 people also received skill training.  "50 out of 60 participants were successful in securing online jobs, programme was facilitated," said PM Skerrit He added that the government intends to provide opportunities to people, particularly to the youth.  Citizenship by Investment: Prime Minister stated that the Citizenship by Investment Programme of Dominica continue to have a positive impact on the economy and lives of the people.

He said the Dominican economy is also expected to grow by 8.1% in 2021 with all the construction and other improvements taking place in the tourism sector.