Grand Fond 'an example of how Dominica can diversify'

The constituency of Grand Fond has been held up by two members of parliament as a shining example of an expanding economy.

The news that the area could successful grow its production capacity beyond only fruit and vegetable was revealed at a presentation ceremony for the South-East Women Organic Farmers’ Association.

Ivor Stephenson, MP for Grand Fond, applauded those engaged in bee-keeping.

“They will also form part of our small group of small business entrepreneur, he said.

“Gentlemen, I can say to you that I’m looking forward towards you providing honey and all the other products that we can get from bee keeping to our residents of the south east and Dominica.“

Hon Stephenson further revealed the plans of potential livestock and vegetable farmers in the constituency.

“They have begun to clear the lands already, and I can tell you, they are very excited, putting much effort and every day they tell me ‘we need to ensure that the land belongs to us’.

“I can say to you, young men, that I’ve already had discussions with the minister for lands, housing and water resource management, Mr Austrie, and he has engaged technical staff and the permanent secretaries to ensure that the necessary processes are made with respect to acquiring land.”

‘Programmes in the pipeline’

Roselyn Paul, minister for commerce, enterprise and small business development was also at the meeting.

Her ministry had shown it believes in diversity, she told the crowd, proven in the range of programmes they have organised.

She said: “We speak of a fishing group in Castle Bruce that we’re working with, we speak of garment making in Sineku, we speak of local cuisine too and tour guiding services at Sineku, we speak of soft furnishing in Dublanc, ICT and herbal drying in Paix Bouche.”

Upcoming enterprise programmes will mean further benefits to the population, she added, including help with dasheen production and a closeting centre in Grand Bay.