Dominica ranks last in foreign investment in Caribbean

Roseau is the main hub of business in Dominica
Roseau is the main hub of business in Dominica

Dominica has not done well in 2013 in terms of foreign direct investments (FDI), according to data recently released in the Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean report from the United Nations’ Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

As a matter of fact FDI dropped by 22 percent in 2013 as compared to 2012, the report shows.

In 2013, Dominica attracted a mere US$18-million in FDI as compared to US$23-million in 2012.

The Dominican Republic topped the list with a total of US$1.991-billion, despite a 37 percent drop in 2013 as compared to 2012.

In terms of per capita, St. Kitts leads the way with a total of US$2,090 in FDI, the highest in the region.

Grenada saw the largest improvement in FDI with a 120 percent increase in 2013 as compared to 2012.

Chart below shows the ranking of all the Caribbean countries rated by ECLAC. The organization does not have data for Barbados. (Graphic by Caribbean Journal).

fdi ranking

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172 Comments

  1. Affa
    June 12, 2014

    Thanks to Domlec and the cost of electricity we rating last, Domlec.

  2. UDHREADYET
    June 6, 2014

    Maybe we should stop being the B*t*H and start being the pimp! By investing in other countries as opposed to waiting for other countries to invest in us!

  3. Discombobulated
    June 6, 2014

    Kmt I don’t understand Dominicans. They don’t want anyone to come here and invest. The few people willing to invest, in the eyes of Dominicans are buying dominica. Dominicans don’t see it as investing. They see it as intruding. So the fact that no one is investing should please them, no? Yet everyone here crying. To be fair, Dominicans are even being prejudice in their thinking and somewhat racist. I say, if you don’t want people to invest in dominica then Dominicans should invest themselves. Oh, wait, they can’t because they don’t have the funds, they are lazy and lack any ideas, plus they are unwilling to take risk or even create a basic business plan. So which bank will give Dominicans money to invest? And where else would they find the funds? The Chinese have invested worldwide, even David camron (the British pm for those who don’t know) went one a trip to china just to gain investment. Yet Dominicans, being prejudiced and to be fair RACIST, do not want anyone in their country. So I say, invest in dominica your self.

    • Arash Razi
      June 9, 2015

      I totally agree. As a student here, I would love to spend somewhere in the future, but the way people treat you, it’s not even worth it to come here.

  4. William Mc Lawrence
    June 5, 2014

    Wow… this is a very poor rating for a country where Foreign Direct Investment is so crucial for private sector led economic development, foreign exchange earnings and job creation. This is an inept failure of the Invest Dominica Authority to attract investments into the country… Are they dead wood already? :wink:

  5. comments
    June 4, 2014

    lol u cant pay the banks with trees and water dem days man..stop hiding behind the “nature Island” facade.and actually develop the place.

  6. combos
    June 4, 2014

    so is the china investment in Dominica counted in this result? cause we have sooooooooo much china towns here ask them to count again

    • UDHREADYET
      June 5, 2014

      China is trying to be a first world country and rightfully so. Through investment and partnerships… they were also a colony of European countries. They are competing with colonial countries and the US for an equal and recognizable standing on the world stage. Through that competition DA is aligning itself with the countries that are interested in its development and an equal partnership. Not a place to wage war and extend US interests. How many Chinese warships and helicopters and war on drugs policies have you seen in the Caribbean? Now ask yourself the same of the US?

  7. analising do inica d
    June 3, 2014

    Government corruption is staggeringly huge problem I’m Dominica corruption hampers economic development cripples judicial system system and deepen poverty it also help to facilate crime and tsrriorism, and that what is happening in domomica today. Change is inevitable

  8. UDHREADYET
    June 3, 2014

    Here’s the rankings in reality:
    Dominican Republic – all their major resorts, hotels and restaurants are owned by Canadians and Europeans.

    Trinidad and Tobago – their foreign investment goes to their Oil Industry yet crime in Trinidad is rampant, their money is worth half that of EC dollar and their citizens rich and poor live behind bars for safety.

    Jamaica – name 1 Jamaican that owns a major hotel in Jamaica… plus they trying to export Tommy Sparta to DA and we doh want him! they also owe more money to IMF than any Caribbean country.

    Bahamas – never really gained their independence and it’s owned and controlled by the British government. That’s why its one of the riches countries in the America’s.

    Guyana – is selling all its forests to miners, waging war against their natives and prostituting their women to miners. that is the nature of their foreign investment.

    Haiti – need I say more…

    Antigua & Barbuda – all major businesses and hotels are owned almost entirely by foreigners. Plus DA exports water to them!

    St Vincent/G – they doing alright.

    Suriname – their idea of foreign investment is in mining. poisoning their land.

    ST Kitts – foreign owned land. Most kitticians working for foreigners.

    Belize – one of the most corrupt countries in the region

    ST. Lucia – large portion of their youth addicted to gambling, their major hotels and business are also foreign owned. they import water from DA.

    Grenada – doing alright.

    Dominica- Nature island… what more allu want?!

    • Mega
      June 3, 2014

      thank you!

    • forkit
      June 4, 2014

      you use your stupidity to amplify non performance, and I have no doubt in my mind that dominica has the most corrupt politicans…

      you can only fool your kind, people like me knows better

  9. grell
    June 3, 2014

    This is all one word,corruption,dominica has been sold to the devil.

  10. June 3, 2014

    I am not happy you are not publishing my comments. I was the first person to comment on this news

  11. Anonymous
    June 3, 2014

    I am not a bit surprised to see these figures. A friend of mine recently moved to Dominica with a view to have a new house constructed (cost around $ 1,000,000). He is reconsidering now and contemplating moving back to where he came from. Reasons:
    A) nothing but problems with the Immigration Dept. i.e. high application fees, rude and ignorant staff in that department
    B) massive import duties for a car
    C) high import duties on building materials
    D) ignorant and opportunistic labour force
    E) lawless society and government
    and so on and so on…
    In a word not a place to spend his hard earned money in!!!

  12. UDHREADYET
    June 3, 2014

    First of all… ranking last in foreign investment is a good thing. it may not seem that way from an entirely economic perspective or a follow the crowd perspective. Yet the countries with the most foreign investment have the least control over their business affairs, the most debt, most of the best locations, land, businesses are foreign owned and controlled. Dominica’s approach to slow and gradual development is unprecedented in the Caribbean. Haiti is poor because of its large population, ongoing history of struggle, corruption and high crime also (natural disasters). Most of Dominica is self sufficient without great industries. We should learn from the mistakes of other Caribbean islands before following in their footsteps at every opportunity. This is similar to the youth that so eager to live like Americans or other countries they walk around with empty pockets, criminal records and impregnating every poloquette they can find where as their families have property and opportunity built for them. ALLUDOHREADYET! its mentality!

    • dafriend
      June 3, 2014

      A you for real man??? Where on earth did you get your wisdom from? Do us all a favour and do not comment on things you do not understand!

      • UDHREADYET
        June 5, 2014

        I know its you who lacks knowledge. Read world history and sturdy other countries objectively and then you may very well understand the truth that is written.
        Jamaica as an example, did you know its cheaper for a Jamaican to buy an onion in the store imported from another country (subsidized by the IMF) than it is for them to buy an onion grown locally by Jamaicans? Literally killing their farming industry and making them subservient to imported food that they themselves could have grown in the past. He who feels it knows it. Do your homework, foreign investment can be a curse in disguise!
        How do you think the Saudi Arabians became rich. they nationalized the refineries and institutions that were built by western governments that at the time consumed all of their oil wealth and left Arabians poor. through nationalization they kept the wealth for Saudis, enriched their people… otherwise they would be just like Nigeria and the Pacific nations like New Guinea, that even though they have a wealth of natural resources almost all their people are poor. The wrong type of development can be a curse that most nations cannot escape from. look at Haiti and Dominican Republic, DR secretly found ways to pay off their loans to the IMF in order to free their country from external control.

  13. June 3, 2014

    The politicians are lying to much.As long as a politician is in power immediately he builds a new house and all his family lives a comfortaable life style…except an interim prime minister who lives at lower Good-will.Look at yourselves in a mirror,get off your high horse and tell it as it is instead of bribing the island..Taking loans after loans and not creating any thing what so ever to make money ,how are you going to pay that loan…politicians in dominica are more concentrating to compete with each other instead of coming together to communicate and expose the issues which gangrenes Dominica for so long…How long will this go on? The harbour is the first place that the gov’t should see into it because it is the main entry for business ….Some things are illigal to enter in the country but it is not illigal to be taken home by some harbour workers after people have worked hard have them.Immigration officers should be taught how to talk to people because too often foreigners say that the manner that they are spoken to at the harbour or at the airport they do not feel like going back to Dominica ….so sad and too bad for a nice place..

  14. alah
    June 3, 2014

    laba working for last place. Can any one translate this to creole please?

  15. Educator
    June 3, 2014

    To my Dominican people:

    SO far there are over 100 comments on the subject of the lack of foreign direct investment.

    HOWEVER, you are the same ones who bash foreigners when they turn a profit on their investment. They typically sound like this: Oh they making profits on the backs of poor people.

    I do not live in Dominica. I have a fairly decent investment portfolio. I have invested money in foreign companies. Some have done well while others have gone bust. One particular investment was in Kazakhstan where the government suddenly pulled their operating licence. Several thousand dollars gone down the drain, just like that and nothing to show for it.

    I am simply making the point that investing in emerging economies like Dominica is a very high risk proposition and investors demand a premium on those investments.

    Dominicans are averse to foreigners making profits. Heck we are even jealous when our own people make a profit. Just look at the comments that were made when DOMLEC posted a $8 million EC profit.

    Now that we see foreigners not investing in the Dominican economy, we are the same ones who come out screaming. We cannot have it both ways.

    I may settle for a 6% ROI in the US, but there is no way I would settle for that in an emerging economy with the inherent risks it entails.

    We need to make up our minds as to what we want.

  16. am not supprise
    June 3, 2014

    it is a basic fact investors stay away from country where the courts are under handed and deals are made
    WE MUST CHANGE THE SELF SERVING GROUP OF MEN THAT IS RULING OUR LAND.

  17. real possie
    June 3, 2014

    All I will say is you all tend to think that you will take half truths and make it a mole hill if this was the measuring stick for our economy then my God we would be with the IMF but we are not the same St Kitts you all referring DA to its with the IMF so what does that tell you, then I see someone talk about SK smaller than DA SK always been a tourist attraction from back in God days that’s how long its flatter than DA so its less earth movements to build hotels as such the ill way of how we used land in DA started long ago but I have no fear just like when the ships was pulling out of DA and the big hoopla came out by the likes of DOC when they started coming back this year not a peep from him. DNO you all manipulating the thumbs up or dwn again but it don’t really matter just waiting for that bell to be you know what there will no playing with the voting up or dwn. PS and SK always had a major export in sugar cane that was and still is their bread and butter and you don’t grow no cane on no mountainside you usually do that on flat land so even if DA might be bigger in square mileage they don’t have to content with so much mountainous land.

    • UDHREADYET
      June 5, 2014

      dey manipulating the thumbs for real wii… because I give you one!

  18. Anonymous
    June 3, 2014

    Labour Ka Twavay !!!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :-D :-D :-D :-D

  19. .....
    June 3, 2014

    The difference I notice in travelling to other Caribbean Islands is tha t they POSITION THEMSELVES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OG OPPORTUNITIES

  20. Anthony Ismael
    June 3, 2014

    I would be very surprised if this report were any different. Dominica has and continues to function on a monopolistic business and family system.
    There are three or four families in Dominica who control the entire country. These families are shrewd and savvy. Over the years they have morphed their way into providing support to the party in power, thereby maintaining their monopoly over every aspect of life in Dominica. Let’s go down memory lane at take a closer look at how this works and how it has and continues to severely impact Dominica.
    1. We have arguably the best natural spring water in the OECS. However, we lost a Heineken beer factory to St. Lucia because one of the merchants in town already had a license to import Heineken beer into Dominica.
    2. One of the ruling political parties in Dominica refused to grant a license to an expatriate to build and operate a chicken farm in Dominica, because “The Chicken Man” already has the license to import meat and meat by-products into Dominica, to the tune of some twenty-five million Eastern Caribbean Dollars annually. These figures were some twenty years ago. So just think of the impact that this one investment could have on the Dominican economy had it come to past.
    3. Ease of Travel: Any potential investor would like to fly in for a meeting on their private jet at 10am and be back in New York or London a few hours later. The rubbish that is Melville Hall will never work.
    4. Lack of a competitive spirit: Our esteemed Hon. Minister of Tourism recently said that Dominica needs to depend on our sister islands to help facilitate air travel into Dominica. Why on earth should Antigua, Martinique and Barbados perform this task for us? This kind of thinking is simply absurd and backward.
    5. Lack of standardized infrastructure: There is no office space in Roseau that meets international standards. Absolutely none.
    6. Lack of entertainment: I am happy that we decided to maintain some of the colonial architecture on King George the Firth Street. However, these tiny building with their designs of decades ago do not have the capacity to house large numbers of people comfortably. With the exception of the few hotels around town, how many restaurants in Roseau can comfortably sit 60-80 people during dinner or lunch?
    7. Draconian Taxes, Tariffs, Value Added Taxes. Customs Duties: Too many taxes to contend with. These are business and investment killers.
    8. Red Tape and Lack of Decentralization: Government offices need to be decentralized for better efficiency. Try getting anything done at the “Ministry” and it takes an entire day. The shot-callers are never in their offices and it seems that the world can’t move unless they’re present. Decentralize essential government functions as needed. For example, gas stations and auto body shops should conduct vehicle inspections, and they in turn should pay the government the appropriate fees and taxes.
    9. Poor Customer Service: Here again, we need to differentiate the differences with being kind and nice and providing timely efficient and attentive services to customers who are spending their hard-earned monies at our establishment. This is not a right, but rather a privilege.

  21. JoJo
    June 2, 2014

    After two foreign carpet baggers posing as Dominican skiers in the Olympics we are facing this humiliation. How much more crap must we take from the boys in the smart suits?

  22. Fair And Balance
    June 2, 2014

    I prefer to comment on an area I believe Dominica might be ranked at number 1 in the world, and it is spelt CORRUPTION!!!!!!

  23. original
    June 2, 2014

    The sad thing is where D A going to get the money o pay all the loan he is putting the country under, such as the money owed to Venezuela via Petro Caribe, the over one Billion owed to china that was not officially declared plus what he owes to C D B etc, etc. when the foreign exchange is so low.

    • angel
      June 2, 2014

      have you ever heared about free tibet, with chinese military all over the place? get ready for free Dominica…. even when you don’t owe these guys they just take, much less if you owe them (palace here road there etc.. )and as you realize plenty chinese take place in the economic hart of the island. i think we are playing a very dangerous game…..

  24. Mamizoo
    June 2, 2014

    In Tony Astaphan’s words “corruption creates a disincentive for investors” Corruption breeds poverty. No doubt. this is why this fithy administration must go and the people must become more vigilante

    • UDHREADYET
      June 5, 2014

      You have guts to mention Astaphan… and anti corruption. Astaphans have been involved in Dominican politics since Patrick John… why you think their store is next to the police station in Roseau? I’m not saying everybody is corrupt. I’m just saying mind who you quote and what they say is not always what they do.

  25. Ohhh Dominica!
    June 2, 2014

    So where is Invest Dominica Authority in all of this?. We may have the lowest foreign direct investment but maybe the most expensive run investment agency. I keep repeating this, where is the cost benefit analysis on this agency with a bunch of incompetent highly paid staff.

    We taking shots at Skerrit but I think it’s fair game to closely scrutinize the agency responsible for investment on the island. Yvor Nassief dismantled NDC, and out of that came Discover Dominca and Invest Dominica. One would believe that after so many people were unceremoniously kicked out of their jobs, that we would have seen an unprecedented level of competence and success in our marketing and investments. What really happened? Both agencies are fast asleep. We are hearing bogus figures in tourism and then we are at the bottom of the list with regards to investment.

    Do we have competent, trained persons at the helm of these agencies or are these agencies staffed like all other government run institutions with political appointees and friends creating a bunch of square pegs in round holes.

    I’m just asking…..

    • Malgraysa
      June 2, 2014

      You don’t know what you are talking about. Invest Dominica has a budget hardly bigger than the Independent Regulatory Commission and no real executive power. They, as well as the DDA and most other Govt. agencies have been emasculated with ultimate decisions resting with cabinet (read Skerrit). That is the real reason why Dominica’s development has become stagnant and impotent.

      • Ohhh Dominica!
        June 4, 2014

        I expected that too, that someone like you would say I am clueless. If this is really the case where government agencies feel hindered and incapacitated by Skerrit why hold on to the position? The best action therefore is to vacate the post because you are ineffective, cannot give a good day’s work for all of that pay and allowances. Invest Dominica Authority and Discover Dominica Authority staff basic salary is more than medical doctors receive on island as pay with allowances.

        Isn’t it fair they provide answers to tax payers on such a poor investment report? Skerrit is accountable for his salary and they are accountable for theirs to the Dominican public.

        And please please I am not clueless, check yourself please.

  26. Red clinic option
    June 2, 2014

    Dominican just slow dats all the truth is there an still talking negative. So kill the all an let them die.

  27. Unknown
    June 2, 2014

    Very sad to say the list. I am hearing a lot of noise but do evidence of action. How is that possible, st Kitts is a smaller island.

    • Simply the Truth
      June 2, 2014

      My understanding is that St. Kitts has sold passports worth millions of dollars. In addition St. Kitts receive many more foreigners than Dominica. Do not blame the D/can government for this. It is signs of the times.

      • ()
        June 2, 2014

        @Simply the Truth Dominica too has sold passports worth millions, so what the Hell are you garbling thare. Are you insane or wicked? It is simly a case of incompetency in government. Our government leaders are more concerned about their pockets, and not about country.

      • Fair And Balance
        June 2, 2014

        @Simply my foot, you don’t you too fool of it? If Dominica was first on the list who would you praise? You have the biggest of fools laughing at you and your comments.

      • ....
        June 3, 2014

        yes …always looking for excuses for your government….where is the money from the sale of our passports?????
        The difference is that he St. Kitts government reinvested that money but in our case it went into the pockets of private individuals. Check around and you will be shocked at who is benefiting for the passport money.

      • Lang Mama
        June 3, 2014

        Gee up donkey. Brrrrew

      • forkit
        June 4, 2014

        at least you can see the passport money from the investments the st kitts government make, were AS THE DOMINICAN POLITIANS making personal investments and depend on grants and begging

    • UDHREADYET
      June 3, 2014

      My grandfather is a Kittcian that moved from St. Kitts to Dominica because of poverty there. that country is owned by foreigners the native people of St. kitts are in the service business. Serving foreigners

      • Anonymous
        June 4, 2014

        You appear to have a big problem with foreigners and serving them. Let me tell you something, I’d rather serve serve numerous foreigners if that’s the way to make a good living for myself. Our problem is a simple one: we simply can not get rid of that old slave mentality.

  28. tom
    June 2, 2014

    To all those happy UWP supporters celebrating what appears to be bad news bad news. From what I am understanding this information only refers to inflow of investment dollars, it does not include outflows. It would be usefull to look at the world Bank report where both inflows and out flows are taken into consideration and you will see a completly different picture, where Dominica is number one in the OECS and ahead of some of the other caribbean countries including Jamaica.

    • AAA
      June 2, 2014

      Fool

      • tom
        June 3, 2014

        Idiot @AAA and your six followers please use this as a teachable moment to educate a fool and explain the world bank report.

    • Papa Dom
      June 3, 2014

      Care to explain this foolish statement? Are you talking numbers or %ages? Either way this is a fool’s analysis of the situation. I wonder if you understand the term FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT but more importantly, it’s impact on the economy and job creation.

    • NotGood
      June 3, 2014

      Your country don’t even have a proper airport, start building before you start comparing Dominica to other developing Caribbean countries, pleased stop embarrassing yourself on the bloggers list…

    • budman
      June 3, 2014

      Tom what foolishness are you saying dere nah? do you even know and comprehend what you just wrote. explain how outflows help us in this context.

    • cowboy
      June 3, 2014

      Are you saying that DA is so rich we are # 1 in the Caribbean in investing in other countries? Who exactly is doing that investing?

  29. IFF I WUZ
    June 2, 2014

    Parry. I would inform the Prime Minister that during an election year, he cannot contest an election with that kind of report. He must fix the problem as soon as possible. How is he going to convince the youth and new voters, he needs another five years.

  30. AdultED
    June 2, 2014

    Foreign investment is not in itself an indication of how well a country is doing! For those who think so this is precisely why an aspiring leader of a country requires a post secondary education. Being a simple mouthpiece without thought and stating unsubstantiated claims is unacceptable! Dominica has made significant strides in its infrastructure, education and employment those who do not see such as achievements for Dominica are simply being ignorant!

    • %
      June 2, 2014

      @AdultED You must be one of the greedy nobrainers stealing and grabbing from the poor, so you are obviously defending your masters laziness, ineptness, wrecklessness, stupidness and dunceness. Does Skerrit even know what is (FDI), Foreign Direct Investment? You must start listening to Q95 on Wednesday Nights from 10.00pm. The world Famous Programne “Focus on the Economy” will help you become a little sharper, in terms of your understanding of how an economuy works. It is hosted by the esteemed Dr Thompson Fontaine (International Ecomomist, ) and Joshua Francis.
      Skerrit was telling buffoons like you otherwise.
      TRUTH CRUSHED TO EARTH WILL RISE AGAIN!
      HOW LONG?
      NOT LONG!

      • Oh Come on.....
        June 3, 2014

        Linton …. u not easy eh panda. lol

  31. NOT MEH NAH
    June 2, 2014

    This is not news to me…..do you know what it is like to sit in a UWI economic class, surrounded by many other Caribbean students and hear the professor state that Dominica is THE MOST UNPRODUCTIVE island in the OECS and ranks one before the last; Haiti being last, for productivity in the entire Caribbean.

    ALLU THINK IS EVERYBODY THAT CAN BE BRAIN WASHED BY THE TALK “we are doing good despite the horrible economic”

  32. Foreigner
    June 2, 2014

    Dominicans,

    I am going to give you a bit of advice based on my experiences working as a foreigner with both your government and would be investors. This is strictly from my prospective and you can take it or leave it. I see many will leave it because they think a lack of foreign capital is a great thing, that is fine; Dominica is already well on its way to becoming the Zimbabwe of the Caribbean.

    I have not read any comments which would actually deal with the issues you guys face. Geothermal will not solve anything by itself, people having more babies will only make things worse, education will not do it by itself, changing government will certainly not do it. First Dominicans need to decide what they want, what is “it”? Your country already has enough food and water to supply everyone and you have enough materials to build shelter but I do not think anyone but the Rastafarians want that. Ok, so you want a country where all of the businesses are owned by Dominicans? So stop selling passports if you want this. No country today is run like this, at least not one where there is prosperity (think North Korea). So you have to decide whether to be open or closed because your country is uniquely able to be either.

    If you want to be open and attract investment I can personally recommend a number of changes based on my own experiences and those shared with me by others. Here are some suggestions:

    1. Get your financial regulator in order. Want to know why St Kitts is leading per capita? It’s largely because their regulator is competent and able to attract investors. Your’s is not even able to provide basic budgetary information. Which leads to the next point:

    2. Learn what information investors need and share it effectively. A good first step to this would be to fire whomever is in charge of your census and statistics office, they are a complete failure and a big deterrent to investment. There have been large potential investors who have complained about this numerous times because they were unable to access basic information which they would need to make investment decisions. Learn what information is needed and how to make it accessible.

    3. Your country is full of crooked and greedy lawyers who actively rip-off foreign investors. Having to switch lawyers because they’ve suddenly decided to tripe their rate or finding out your lawyer ripped you off is a good reason to tell any of your friends to not even think about putting their money into this place. Unfortunately, many lawyers are well connected with government and can get away with this. Which brings me to the next point:

    4. Your government has serious issues with competence and nepotism. I don’t know how you can tackle the latter since everyone is so closely related but the former you can. The public service needs a serious shake-up. You’ve got issues with political appointments and career public servants who have no interest in doing their jobs any differently. On the other hand, you see a story on DNO of a young person who has gotten a PhD more and more frequently. Education does not trump experience and does not mean a person will be a capable leader but they need to be given a chance. I honestly believe that replacing upper level staff in certain departments with highly educated recent graduates would yield better results in Dominica provided politicians were willing to listen to them and vice versa. At the very least, you could sweep away the people who think Bananas will somehow make a return and concentrate on something more worthwhile. Having an educated population is only useful to your neighbors if they do not have opportunities at home and DFI can create those opportunities.

    5. Expanding on the last point. There is a terrible habit of trashing the work of others for no reason other than to make yourself look better (hint: it doesn’t). The stadium is a great example of this, PJ starts one and then DFP trashes it, UWP starts one and DLP destroys it. The amount of money and effort that went into trashing other people’s efforts could probably have built Dominica five different stadiums by now and put you less in debt. The International Airport is the same thing. I experienced a similar thing in numerous projects I worked on. Ignoring the work and advice of others without properly evaluating it and thinking critically needs to stop.

    6. Dominicans need to stop comparing themselves and their government to America and look at other developing countries, particularly those in Asia. Too many times I hear, “but that happens in America” as an excuse. Yes, for the job you are doing someone in America is maybe getting paid 5x as much. However that is not an excuse for doing a poor job. Firstly, you probably aren’t qualified to hold the same job in America and if you are and you chose to be in Dominica; you certainly didn’t do it for the money so forget about that and work on making your country better. Drop the shitty attitude, period and yes life is unfair and Dominicans did start with a disadvantage but also many advantages and opportunities they can capitalize on. Also, as an aside; just because people are murdered and children are abused in America does not make it excusable in Dominica and particularly at the rate it is happening.

    7. Fix Roseau or provide office space elsewhere. Roseau is an awful place and I think most Dominicans would agree however it is entirely up to you to fix it. Roseau is another victim of points 4 and 5. Since this is in response to a lack of foreign investment one of the big problems is a lack of good office space in the capital and by good space I mean space that is operated by landlords who know what they are doing (hint: trying to rent out space and stipulating you will not maintain it will make sure you don’t rent it even with your government connections). The financial centre was initially built for this but for some reason is full of half empty government offices.Next, develop and implement a plan for Roseau. DNO recently published an article with the Prime Minister stating he had hired an engineer and an architect to help redesign Roseau, why is he doing this if there is a Planning and Public Works division who should have the staff capable of at least putting together this project?. If they do not have this capability, it should be the function of a leader to figure out why and make changes to the ministries, not bypassing them altogether and attempting to undertake a project himself for which he has no qualifications. Same with the welfare situation, the red clinic is a symptom of the same overreaching and lack of leadership. Finally, fix the vagrants and the crime. It is unacceptable that vagrants regularly harass and assault visitors and residents in your capital. It is also unacceptable that residents treat these people worse than animals. A lack of leadership is also partly to blame here.

    8. Learn manners, customer service and professional behaviour. It is hard to find good staff in Dominica. Most doing business or carrying out projects will attest to that. “It’s our culture” is not an excuse for poor behavior and thinking your indispensable will just lead to disappointment. You and your employer have a relationship and both have obligations. It is your obligation to show up on time, concentrate on your work (not your phone or facebook), and communicate properly. It is the obligation of the employer to pay you a fair wage for the position, to provide a safe place to work and provide you with a reasonable workload for your pay. Furthermore, if you are invited to an event and your boss is a foreigner; showing up 3 hours late with your entire posse (without telling them) is just poor manners and will not get you invited again regardless of skin color.

    9. Make your politics less nasty. Politics in Dominica is a nasty mess. The only constant seems to be trash talking and trashing the ideas of your opponents regardless of the merits they may have. It is childish and does not instill confidence.

    • Anthony Ismael
      June 3, 2014

      Well said.

    • Oh Come on.....
      June 3, 2014

      I read every word of this, and it all makes perfect sense. These are my sentiments EXACLTY. Coming from a foreigner, its is a bit painful to hear, but it is the truth. And I echo that this is what Dominica needs to do to help itself… there are many other things but you hit the nail right on the head!

    • Anonymous
      June 3, 2014

      When I read 5., I realized you were a just another blue idiot trying to sound sensible

    • Dominican
      June 3, 2014

      Thanks fir a succinct and unbiased commentary.

      A very succinct commentary!

      I would like to add that there are Dominicans who have the qualifications, the expertise and the desire to provide the services you highlighted as lacking on the island. However because employment is not a fair process, the suitable candidates are overlooked.

      I totally agree with your comments about Roseau! The improvement of the capital should be a priority of the government; however the government continues to ignore Roseau!

      Thanks again for an excellent and I hope beneficial commentary.

      PM, I hope that you have read and will act on the “Foreigner’s” commentary!

    • JoJo
      June 3, 2014

      You are right. Especially Roseau is a dump. How can you expect any serious international investor to set up office there? yes, the palace looks attractive but that is only for one man, who is costing us money. He does not bring any money in, does he?

    • mzungu kichaa
      June 3, 2014

      its very precise and straight to the point! very good observations!

    • winston warrington
      June 3, 2014

      It seems ironic, but if these meaningful observations were aired by a fellow Dominica he would be pummeled mercilessly in this forum.

    • Reader
      June 3, 2014

      Foreigner, let me tell you something! Next time you want to submit such a long piece, send it as a commentary or letter to the editor of DNO or whatever option DNO has. Not approriate for the comment section. Tonair!!!

    • Sylvester Cadette
      June 3, 2014

      WOW! As damning as this is, as uncomfortable as it is, WE ALL as Dominicans should examine each point thoroughly and find the solutions without finger pointing or name calling.

      As uncomfortable as it is or seems and, even if you do not embrace every point, WE should not shoot down the messenger but just fix those areas that need fixing.

      As relates FIRING people, I do not have the facts so I cannot readily endorse.

    • Calibishi Warrior
      June 3, 2014

      Maybe the best comment I’ve read on DNO ….EVER. asablueprint forfixing our beloved Dominica i don’t think it can be beaten … should really form some party’s manifesto .. but I won’t hold my breath

    • Be True to You
      June 3, 2014

      TO Foreigner

      I have been reading all sorts of comments about how this country is run and you have laid it down. Your comments have been an absolute slam dunk,10/0. If the politicians could only read this they would definitely be wiser after digesting.

      Thanks for such great and tasteful contribution

  33. DEBATE
    June 2, 2014

    Understand why these cowards cant dwell on the issues – this administration cannot look themselves in the mirror but can look at the people with glass eyes and keep lying and stealing

  34. June 2, 2014

    Skerrit them spend to much time focusing on Lenox Linton and forgot to do their job :-D

  35. %
    June 2, 2014

    No wonder i usually sleep on Wednesday afternoons, just to listen to the esteemed international economist Dr Thompson fontaine and his co host Joshua Francis on their programme “Focus on the Ecomony” on Wednesday Nights. They had already alluded to that, even befor this report came out.
    Skerrit keep on boasting to his fools how he has good fiscal management and how the economy is doing fantastically well.
    How can a cabinet of 21 DUNCE CATS do thing well? Does Skerrit even know what is FDI?
    HOW LONG?
    NOT LONG!

  36. spinners wicket
    June 2, 2014

    I know we have many good spin bowlers and spin doctors in Dominica, and I believe this is a very good spinners wicket that team Skerrit will be in a defensive mood on since they won the toss. Here are some factors I know those spin doctors / bowlers will come up with:

    1. DNO always looking for negative things about Dominica to publish.
    2. The original article on some unknown site confused first place Dominican Republic with last place Dominica
    3. Our Dominica is first place and Dominican Republic is last place
    4. The United Nations’ Economic Commission is against our policy and therefore expect them to publish bogus report just before an election, to hurt the popularity of the government
    5. Lennox Linton and the UWP that fabricated their “Cut and paste’ story in an attempt to give investors and visitors a negative picture of Dominica.
    6. Lennox this, Lennox that and Lennox, Lennox, Lennox …because that man called Lennox can bat and we don’t know how to get him out.
    Common spin doctors! It’s time to bring on your best spinners

  37. Mamizoo
    June 2, 2014

    They say if it is not broken no need to fix it. Well our government has been telling us that we are straight- all is well.
    How can we make strides when our government is telling the people that we are doing better, that our economy is holding up. If we fail to admit our problems how can we find solutions. When the government deliberately lie and then silently they are trying to put off fires how can the same government come to the people for help. There is no way a government can fight the fire without the people.
    So people like Real Porssie would rather not have the truth posted – unfortunately the data therein could not be concocted by servants of the politicians.
    The truth gets to it’s destination no matter how much diversionary tactics are employed by the deceivers . Truth crush to earth will rise.

    Real Porssie if you would like to get the Ambassador A and Tony Astaphan type of truth go read about it on DA Vibes or wait for the “Revised New Chronicle “.

  38. Irritated
    June 2, 2014

    Just a piece of advise for all Dominicans out there, hopefully my comments reaches you all, whether you’re blue, red, yellow green, PLEASE do your research yourselves. We have a nasty habit of ONLY following local media houses and now we are in the political times, not every media house or all politicians are going to release the truth, so WHENEVER an article, a story or whatever is released, whether it be DNO, Q95, KAIRI FM, GIS, please do your research, instead of commenting or calling or campaigning… Google is FREE FOR USE do that.

    • concerned
      June 2, 2014

      you sound like a labourite who can’t accept the truth….i’ll provide another source of the information because you people will create any excuse to make your failed government look good

      http://www.caribjournal.com/2014/06/02/analysis-ranking-the-caribbean-on-foreign-investment/

      • Lonesome
        June 2, 2014

        I am concerned about you! You missed the guy’s point. Irritated is telling you not to rely on the local media like KAIRI FM, DBS RADIO, GIS, etc but instead do your own research. He mentions google as an example where you can most often get accurate and objective information.

    • Irritated
      June 2, 2014

      Searching for this Document which should be public record but cant find it online, found others but not this one. Can i be provided with the site in which the ECLAC posted this? Because it’s not on their site. Thank you.

    • icepop
      June 2, 2014

      Irritated and the point is ?????

    • Peter Tosh
      June 2, 2014

      Q 95 always has the truth: Skerritt marriage, etc.. but Kairi! hmmm according to Ambassador A aka Dr. Aaron “politics does not primarily deal with the truth.
      am sorry the truth hurts DA in trouble

  39. me
    June 2, 2014

    Dominica can stand on it’s own thats great

    • the joker
      June 2, 2014

      DOMINICA can stand on it’s own?? you can’t be serious or you blind or you don’t live in D/a or you driving one of those huge SUV with tinted windows….. far from the reality and the struggle of people on the sidewalk

    • JoJo
      June 2, 2014

      O.K. , if that is so let’s tell the E.U. tomorrow we don’t need their help anymore and they can spend their money on their own hard-pressed citizens instead.

    • Lang Mama
      June 3, 2014

      Koooyon

  40. roseau
    June 2, 2014

    This is just laughable, yet we hear the PM and others talking about how we in Dominica are doing better than all the other islands, how we are sending money to other island because things are so bad over there. Mr PM wake up and smell the coffee because the truth is right before your eyes. This is why we need to remove this government that is doing nothing but brining bad name to Dominica by corruption. I beg of Dominicans to wake up, if not TO LATE SHALL BE OUR CRY.

  41. Educator
    June 2, 2014

    Skerrit is too busy begging and borrowing money and has little time to get foreigners to invest, thereby allowing the tax base to grow, and people to look after themselves and not have to rely on foreign governments to look after us.

    Getting more investment will do a lot more to move the country ahead than what he is doing. His party claims to have all these foreign contacts, yet they were only able to raise a paltry $23mm in foreign investment for the country.

    This is pretty pathetic.

  42. LISTEN!!!!!
    June 2, 2014

    This should not be a surprise because Lennox Linton has been articulating this for a very long while.

    Once you unable to attract foreign investors it is clear that you country economy is unstable and environment for doing business is not conducive……meaning corruption, high taxes,, poor access, inexistence economic growth engine and high poverty.

    Note: We are almost 400% below Grenada( one before last) in Foreign Direct Investment a country with a population 30K more people than us.

    SMH…..Them fellas certainly don’t know how to run a country but can only steal its resources.

    UWP……Uplift We the People

    • %
      June 2, 2014

      @LISTEN Listen to the esteemed Dr Thompson Fontaine and co host Joshua Francis every Wednesday nights from 10.00pm on Q95 ….They have articulated this very same thing about the low rate of Foreign Direct Investment into this poor country.
      Skerrit keeps on telling us that Dominica is doing the best in the world.
      HOW LONG?
      NOT LONG!

  43. Annica Alethea
    June 2, 2014

    Chicken coming home to roost, Lies cannot live forever, a bunch of spin doctors determined to blatantly lie a population that Dominica is doing better than all the other Caribbean islands.
    Most of us travel and see that Dominica is worse than all the islands, but the few believe that if they repeat the lie continuously, then even those who know better will start to believe.
    The truth is, without the Chinese Palace and the State College the $18 million would be $0.
    Thank you Skerrit for killing my beloved piece of rock. Sadly, local investments are also taking a nose dive, three manufacturing companies are on the verge of collapse and ZANS just close down, if little EEZZEE Pharmacy shut down.
    Something is HAPPENING!

  44. Really
    June 2, 2014

    but if the people do not feel to come invest in dominica does that mean Dominica is worst off that those with the foreign investments.

    Some of the persons commenting, I am certain, did not take time to research what direct foreign investment is.

    We have been able to attract grant aid and soft loans in a major way as compared to the other countries and so they would rely more on the FDI.

    • Papa Dom
      June 3, 2014

      Are you seriously asking others to research what FDI means? Why don’t you go hide in a hole and resurface when change has come to Dominica.

  45. Malgraysa
    June 2, 2014

    Don’t be surprised if the Govt. spin doctors will now try to blame the opposition for this dismal performance. The truth is that potential investors are holding back until the current Govt. has been replaced, and that includes Chinese interests. If mr. Skerrit were to be honest he would say so. However, don’t hold your breath. An animal, when cornered makes unexpected- and desperate moves.

    • Really
      June 2, 2014

      Why would investors come to invest in Dominica when the opposition party is going around the world telling people that Dominica is so bad and it is not the place to be right now. People hear us all over the world and we must be careful how we portray our country.

      If I was a potential investor and I had listened to Lennox and others on their various trips, I would think twice before coming to Dominica.

      We must be real and say it as it is and blow up the facts to suit our intentions. As far as I am concerned, If I was an investor planning to consider Dominica for investment I would not come after hearing the presentations of the opposition.

      What goes around comes around.

      • Really
        June 2, 2014

        and not blow up the facts….

      • Malgraysa
        June 2, 2014

        is this an admission that potential investors are taking Team Dominica seriuosly? Well, well, malgraysa!

      • %
        June 2, 2014

        @Really Because th e opposition party speaks the truth. That’s why i am a UWPite.
        I am like Lennox Linton. I LOVE THE TRUTH.
        WORKERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
        HOW LONG?
        NOT LONG!

      • pffff
        June 2, 2014

        rrrrrrrreallyyyyyy bwoy allu labourites wicked eh……when was that comment made???? what years was it made?????? this is a report for 2013!!!!!!!!

      • St. Joe new voter
        June 2, 2014

        @Really are really for real? The UWP just started their tour this year but what has been revealed is since 2013. Are you thinking. this government is so cut up playing politics and enriching themselves that they do not even understand that we are heading down a steep slope. What is the enabling environment has this government created to attract foreign investments? NON! what environment has this government created for our local businesses? Our local businesses in Roseau is being replaced by Chinesse. What a shame on this Government. How can a Government negotiate for a loan from China and is only Chinesse nationals who are employed? I just do not get it! Where are our local truckers, equipment owners, contractors, Engineers. Architects who just sit by while our Government engage Chinesse nationals in every thing. Shame on those guys. Who can the Dominica Social Security sit by and see no contribution is coming from those projects? Dominicans wake up because soon in the next 10-15 years we might not get our DSS benefits.
        wake up Dominicans before it is too late. Change is a must!!

      • hiker
        June 2, 2014

        Lol…. dem Skerittites bursting their blood vessels… Osh koosh. it hurts. you mean to tell me those advocates on kairi, Dbs and Gis are lying and Lennox is telling the truth because I know messieurs L. Lawrence , Simeon and SC Tony have more time promoting DA and denouncing Linton and team Dominica but you know: “Truth crushed to earth shall rise again>>
        How long?
        Not long!

  46. DD
    June 2, 2014

    I am not surprised,. I have tried over the past 2 years to invest in my island and the red tape nonsense is just way too long. I gave up. I will reconsider once this current crooked government is out of power. They are destroying DA.

  47. The Crown
    June 2, 2014

    Mr Linton was right, so right. He comes out with the truth, and the truth always seems to hurt the Tony, skerrit and his cabal. Now Tony take Linton to court because he did echo over and over that Domnica is last. Get Alice in the palace to help you.
    Change is a must. Charlie Jung and Hartley, pack your bags and make tracks.

  48. Lang Mama
    June 2, 2014

    Here is an idea for FAST IDIOT and Simeone – Linton cooked up this data to embarrass the government.

    Say how the country doing well lang mama you just come
    and how some ministers are not av iolere… lang mama you just come

  49. Anonymous
    June 2, 2014

    So much increase in Chinese stores in Roseau and yet still we don’t have FDI!!!

  50. Anonymous
    June 2, 2014

    what is … and wikipedia informed me that Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a direct investment into production or business in a country by an individual or company of another country, either by buying a company in the target country or by expanding operations of an existing business in that country….. well things rough in DA!!

  51. MS
    June 2, 2014

    I know I am going to get a lot of thumbs down for my comment but I am saying it anyways. One of the first thing Dominica need to do if they want to become more attractive to foreign investors is to grow the population. In other words, the people who can afford to have kids should have kids or have some more. A report that came out recently also said that Dominica has the slowest population growth in the region. That is not always a good thing.

    When foreign investors are researching new markets to invest one of the main things that they look at during their feasibility studies is potential market share. If the population, which translates to customers, is too small they might not be able to generate enough revenue that will guarantee a return on their investment. And let’s face it, the main reason why people go into business is to make a profit not necessarily to provide a service or good to the public. If the business venture will not be economically viable no one will risk the investment. What happens in countries with small population is that most business operates as a monopoly to the detriment of the people.

    Having an international airport would also help. It took me less time to get to London from New York than to Dominica. That shouldn’t be. Investors want to be able to fly down to Dominica for a meeting at 11am and be back in New York for function at 7pm. It’s just the way of the world these days and the people and nations who are able to do that and do it well will always succeed.

    • LISTEN!!!!!
      June 2, 2014

      So explain why ST.Kitts with a smaller population receive so much FDI.

    • JoJo
      June 2, 2014

      More people, more people you say. Look at Haiti and they have more people , most of them wanting to leave because of poverty and corruption. You don’t hear the squatter mother with eight children crying yesterday because she has nowhere to live?. More people, when we don’t have employment even for those few that live here? Sir, what we do need are real job opportunities and believe me the necessary workers will be found, either here or abroad. Remember too, there are more Dominicans living overseas than here. Why is that so Sir? Why did they leave when you say we don’t have enough people to develop our economy? Right now our people in Dominica are having trouble feeding themselves and paying their light bill. I know, because I happen to live HERE!!

  52. Anonymous
    June 2, 2014

    we could ONLY muster 23 Million dollars in Foreign Direct Investment in 2012 … and to make matters worst only 18 Million in 2013!!! I wonder how the other OECS countries performed!!!!

    • Not a herd follower
      June 2, 2014

      You do not understand what you read, man? The performance of the OECS countries are provided in the same report

  53. Anonymous
    June 2, 2014

    While this may true DNO, I would like you to try to find out how countries fair out as it relates to businesses actually owned by nationals viz-a-viz by foreigners who take all the monies made and ship it back out of the country. While we may not have a lot of foreign money invested here (such as hotels for example) this may not be too bad after all since most are locally owned. Yes we would need to encourage more foreign direct investment, but at the same time I am sure that many here will not be too happy about other people coming here and taking over businesses. Already we have just a few chinese investors and we are all up in arms.

  54. Anonymous
    June 2, 2014

    DNO is quickly becoming the online version of Q95. Trying to onearth everything whichb may put the country on a negative slant, and last to report on anything positive going on. Keep it up DNO. Anyone with eyes can read right through you

    • Malgraysa
      June 2, 2014

      DNO is not Q95. Nor did DNO produce this report. Or are you perhaps suggesting that the figure produced and published by CECLAC are not correct, and if they are correct they should not be disseminated to the Dominican public? Isn’t it just possible that the response on DNO accurately reflects the concern of Dominicans about the poor performance of our economy? Or should we just shove that under the carpet and keep on partying as usual?

    • spinners wicket
      June 2, 2014

      I knew that was coming. It’s a spinners wicket and I expect those spin doctors to try to spin the truth.

    • hiker
      June 2, 2014

      So too is CECLAC against the government of Dominica……….. those spin doctors of the labar party cabal will try to spin a ball on even a wet wicket.

    • time to go
      June 2, 2014

      wow i can see that news is getting to people like you that working with the Gov on keeping the infor away from the people of Dominica but all this is just for a time

  55. Frank Talker
    June 2, 2014

    One of the interesting observations in this report is the correlation or lack thereof between crime and investment. Historically, we were schooled that political stability and intolerance for crime were absolute preconditions for FDIs. But look at Jamaica and Trinidad. Both have elevated criminal data, yet FDI went up in one but fell in the other. Take a look at St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Kitts. 2012 and 2013 were sad years in those countries. Crimes were reported almost daily, yet they were ale to attract FDI. St. Kitts in particular, attracted a whooping 19% increase in spite of all the news about crime. Haiti recorded much political instability, health scares and public disorders, but saw a 4% increase in FDI. Dominica went down, as expected. What this says to me is that foreign investors prefer to invest in crime-ridden territories and political unstable countries rather than take a chance in Dominica. What a shame!

    • real possie
      June 2, 2014

      @ Frank Talker I not backing you on that crap you just said there it all comes down to what is my return on my investment the electrical rate alone is a deterrence for any business savvy person we need a port lager than the one we have we need cheaper electricity we need harder working minds then and only then we will see an influx in investors, but I do know for a fact that’s in the works so I have no fear we will be there in the near future we do have the right person at the helm so we are in good hands.

    • Papa Dom
      June 3, 2014

      Nice one! Fool yourself still, blame the investors but praise the ineptitude and lack of foresight of your government and the situation will change.!

  56. Frank Talker
    June 2, 2014

    One of the interesting observations in this report is the correlation or lack thereof between crime and investment. Historically, we were schooled that political stability and intolerance for crime were absolute preconditions for FDIs. But look at Jamaica and Trinidad. Both have elevated criminal data, yet FDI went up in one but fell in the other. Take a look at St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Kitts. 2012 and 2013 were sad years in those countries. Crimes were reported almost daily, yet they were ale to attract FDI. St. Kitts in particular, attracted a whooping 19% increase in spite of all the news about crime. Haiti recorded much political instability, health scares and public disorders, but saw a 4% increase in FDI. Dominica went down, as expected. What this says to me is that foreign investors prefer to invest in crime-ridden territories and political unstabe countries rather than take a chance in Dominica. What a shame!

    • St. Joe new voter
      June 2, 2014

      @Frank Talker > When will you guys appreciate and understand the fact that Dominica is not performing satisfactorily under this Government. Lately all we have been seeing is job opportunities ONLY for chinesse and no enabling environment for investments. How do we expect to grow a country when all we can do is giving handouts like we are beggars. Dominicans wake up, please for God sake where are our church leaders? Change must come!!!

  57. the joker
    June 2, 2014

    Wait !! wait !! i’m sure there is a mistake in the calculation!!!
    they probably forget to take in consideration the 27 millions dollars investment for the……State Palace !! AHAHAH what a joke or in fact : what a shame !!!

    • Malgraysa
      June 2, 2014

      No, no that is not DFI but counts towards GDP.

  58. coyote
    June 2, 2014

    Last kakarat! thank you Roosevelt Skerrit.

  59. jane messam
    June 2, 2014

    PM get DA moving and start to invest. DA is such a beautiful island but you PM need to do alot more. Start to invest in sport for the youth. I am sure we have so many young people with great talent in sport. Please start to invest in them. DA is being left behind – shame St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent has surpassed us BIG TIME!!.

  60. spinners wicket
    June 2, 2014

    I know we have many good spin bowlers and spin doctors in Dominica, and I believe this is a very good spinners wicket that spinners should bat first since they won the toss. Here are some factors I expect those spin doctors / bowlers will consider:
    1. DNO always looking for negative things about Dominica to publish.
    2. The original article on some unknown site confused first place Dominican Republic with last place Dominica
    3. Our Dominica is first place and Dominican Republic is last place
    4. The United Nations’ Economic Commission is against our policy and therefore expect them to publish bogus report just before an election, to hurt the popularity of the government
    5. Lennox Linton and the UWP that fabricated their “Cut and paste’ story in an attempt to give DIASPOR’s a negative picture of Dominica.
    Common spin doctors! It’s time to bring on your best spinners

  61. June 2, 2014

    Dominicans mines are chained.There are so many graduates with degrees in dominica and Dominica is in a worse situation now compare to the 60s and 70s.Children used to leave primary school with a school leaving certificate and was smarter with a vision to day they have no sense . dominicans come on exercise the brain power.

    • Ohhh Dominica!
      June 3, 2014

      The graduates are all running away, Dominica do not need them. Skerrit government do not like them. How can I explain it again….Skerrit pa vlay nou……

  62. anti - ignorance
    June 2, 2014

    Labayy working , thats how they working ? lol
    Its time for change.

  63. Neutral
    June 2, 2014

    Not surprised. I have heard Dominica referred to as a failed state in some circles overseas. No foreign investor is going to put their money in a country without a guarantee of a return.

  64. IluvmyPm
    June 2, 2014

    So much taxes we pay dem fellas and they yet to deliver anything good, we just throwing hard earned money away when we pay skerrit salary.

  65. WHO VEX VEX
    June 2, 2014

    i want to know why when the world bank gives Dominica a negative feed back uwp supporters believes dem but when ever they give a positive feed they say is lie

  66. smh
    June 2, 2014

    Keep in mind that these figures do not capture FDI from PDV, the Morocan Hoel, Infrastructure investments made by the Chinese or the Coffee Plant from Venezuela, not to mention Ross University, All Saints or Clear Harbor. These figures are not accurate

  67. Reon
    June 2, 2014

    If you people continue to vote in this government then you get a government you deserve.

    This is not a UWP report??
    Come on people… don’t you think you deserve better??

    The only people Dominica is working for is Skerro, Astaphans and their boyz… Wake up people!!!

  68. cc
    June 2, 2014

    Change is a must not an option.

  69. SKB LEAD
    June 2, 2014

    Again St. Kitts has the lead. Come over e are just by we will tach you

  70. Elizabeth Boyle
    June 2, 2014

    As a love of Dominica who lives in America, I think a simple answer would be to attract Jet Blue Airlines to fly there. Investment will follow when there’s a popular, efficient airlines landing on your commercial airfield.

    • immigraniada
      June 2, 2014

      well of course from America its so damn obvious…problem for the business is not an airport and making business it isnt always about tourism. Problem is that when you get to Immigration they can treat you as a piece of s##t, you can send official letter to governmental agency and they never reply you…you can conclude a contract but it wont be possible to enforce it, because it takes courts 2-3 years before they going to handle it. As a foreigner you are expected to pay 3-4 price for everything in Dominica…utilities will be very expensive, internet slow, any equipment will be taxed on unpredictable rate…local suppliers will try to f### you through creative billing… As a white / asian / middle eastern person you will aways be subjected to day-to-day racism and xenophobia…so please tell me how you Blue Airlines gong to address those issues?
      Of course, you can deny all of it..simply because you visit Dominica 1-2 times a year and you know better and once you are here: sun is shinning, weather is sweet, people nice and life good…illusions!

    • St. Joe new voter
      June 2, 2014

      What a shame. Instead we spend hours blasting people on Kairi F.M we should find ways of creating and encouraging investment opportunities for our citizens. Shame on this Government!!!

    • Malatete
      June 2, 2014

      Dear Ms. Boyle, I love Dominica also but that is not enough to deal with realities.

      JetBlue operates mainly the Airbus 320 (150 seats) and the Embraer 190 (100 seats).
      The Meville Hall (DOM) runway measures 5,761 ft.

      MTOW (max take off weight) Embraer 190, 6,745 ft.
      MLW (max. landing weight) ” ” 4,341 ft.
      MTOW Airbus 320 5,600 ft.
      MLW ” ” 5,052 ft.

      As you can see, only the 150 seat Airbus 320 could operate within the Melville Hall airport, at a pinch, but quite frankly, as a pilot or an airline I would not fly with such small safety margins.

      These aircraft too, would be subject to tailwind restrictions for night landings at our airport and we have not even mentioned the load factors required to make such an operation a viable proposition.

      It is my experience that any commercial airline will only go where the business is and not the other way around and JetBlue is certainly not a charitable institution. For the time being our dream has to remain just that, a dream.

  71. Bam
    June 2, 2014

    Do you think the word among investors is that there is a shakedown by the powers that be before any business can be transacted? Just asking !!!!

  72. PoKeSa
    June 2, 2014

    I’m not a surprised… what do you expect from a government that lacks a vision for the nation. Where there is no vision, the people perish; rather, cast off restraint, become ungovernable, cannot be reined in.

    Put it in your pipe and smoke it PM for the betterment of the people of D/ca.

    • ccg
      June 2, 2014

      i’m not surprised. with a person like lennox linton spreading so much negativity about this country on his many foreign trips who’d want to come and invest?

  73. real possie
    June 2, 2014

    So bad news bearer out of all the countries that’s above Dominica in retrospect how many are with the IMF and how many are on their way to the IMF? so then is this story not being mischievous in reporting am sure had it been in a good light for DA you would never have found it but DA on the rise when every thing gets into place like the Geothermal we will have more investors coming to our shore but we welcome this cause it only push us even harder to get to the top sorry thing is when that time comes you all wont post it.

    • Trolol
      June 2, 2014

      I’ll post, whether it be good or bad expect me! Look at Grenada Flexin’ them muscles and D/ca well at the bottom of the barrel calbosay, and meg. (Pardon my creole)

    • burtdave
      June 2, 2014

      What does DNO have to do with real data that was published?Why blame DNO? This is not a good position for ud to be in, the fact is that is where we are. We must collectively seek to make it better, not cast the blame on the messenger.

    • %
      June 2, 2014

      You are the Labour Party slave and moron whose asinine comment is tantamount to garbage. You all Skerrit puppets must learn to swallow down the truth, that this country has been badly beaten and bruised by poor management. That’s why i left the Labour Party, it is because of poor leadership.
      TRUTH CRUSHED TO EARTH WILL RISE AGAIHN!
      HOW LONG?
      NOT LONG!

  74. UNBIASED
    June 2, 2014

    Hahaha. …….I like it I really like it !!!!!!!! Every time skerrit speaks he keeps saying that we’re doing better than our caribbean counterparts and now here we go with a completely differently tune smh ……..how can foreigners or even returning Dominicans invest in a country where : 1.) No TAX HOLIDAYS are offered to new investors. 2.) Nothing is done by the government to reduce investment obstacles (port charges are even increased rather than offering discounts ) 3.) No incentives are handed out to investors . 4.) No conditions are set up to promote foreign investment that will create employment for its citizens . Investing in Dominica carries more risks than rewards as a result people are scared to put there money into anything in this corrupt country where the government wants to politically control everything that should be independently controlled . And you’ll hear all the narrow minded Dominicans say “LABOUR KA TWAVIE” but they’re not educated enough to realize that our economy is being torn apart by politicians who lack basic economic education, knowledge and skills to bring us forward . And even these politicians are scared to invest the millions they extort from the country because they know that they’re not doing what is required of them in order for business to be successful in this country .

  75. Bull Crap
    June 2, 2014

    This should be in no way surprising. When last has anyone heard this government mention anything else but loans they received. borrowing your way out of an economic downfall has never worked. when are their goin to be any serious effort made on increasing productivity, when are their gonna be any action made of reducing he debt. with all this talk all over the place, has any political party once have a serious conversation with the people on some key issues to move the country forward. its a loan from their a grant from here. leans have to be paid back, all the so call project have to be maintained. if we done increase the countries GDP. are we gonna take loans to maintain the road and schools as well.
    We listen to all the nonsense this politicians speaking, and all that’s coming out of their mouths is noise. Nothing that makes sense

  76. At me
    June 2, 2014

    What bothers me is not that we are last but the distance we are from the second to last.

    • JoJo
      June 3, 2014

      of course it bothers me we are last! Who the hell is happy to be last?

  77. lee wlly
    June 2, 2014

    That is the type of issues a government should concern it self about .whn u have reports like these surfacin and the government is sayin smeting else ,it makes u wonder wht else they may be hidding.without foreign direct inversement how can the country grw,how can the private sector grw. Better yet how can the people of the country prosper

  78. immigraniada
    June 2, 2014

    ohh surprise surprise…you will never get it right! Main goal of every government is to create attractive investment climate through reducing red tape, creating infrastructure, rule of law and accountability…its very clear and predictable that Dominica is not attractive place for investment. For foreigners its clearly no-go country..

    • smh
      June 2, 2014

      DOminica ranks higher than most 1st world countries in terms of lack of red tape. read the world bank doing business report. In terms of infrastructure, only as off late do we see infrastructure being looked at (roads, hospital, schools etc), the laws have already been set up by the freedom administration, accountability….well idk…We are poised for greatness, but the people…not just the leaders, the people ave to be ready also. alot of the workers and service providers here, the customs people the police, the nurses the bus drivers the shop keepers the everyday people here can make or break dominica, not just the politicians. Ive heard stories of many so called foreign millionairs who have left dominica alone simply because Dominicans want to take them for a ride. From the pauper in the street to the politician. everyone trying to get a piece. so its not just government, we have a part to play too to make dominica attractive.

      • St. Joe new voter
        June 2, 2014

        @SMH> who are the ones constructing those projects you mention? Chinesse! Who do you expect to build roads, hospitals, Schools? Finally would you give yourself a tap on the back for sending your child to primary school? That is your responsibility and so too is government when they build roads etc. Where are the sustainable investments to allow our citizens to grow and produce? Dominica based on this report is in an extremely bad state and personally this Government must Go!!!!!!!!!!!

    • burtdave
      June 2, 2014

      Investors are weary with these boys with toys shamelessly asking what is in it for me.

  79. Oh No
    June 2, 2014

    We need answers! The Minister of Trade and Investment must explain why there was a negative change of 22 percent in FDI in Dominica. We nned to know the variables, the possible constraints or enabling environment that was not taken advantage of. We should not be satisfied with mediocrity. Perhaps the Investment body should be revamped. Other OECS countries, according to the report, experienced positive movement in FDI investment.

  80. June 2, 2014

    So sad. What has Skerrit done for Dominica. He must leave office and fast. Dominica is last of last.

  81. CASSIE
    June 2, 2014

    Dominica was never high in FOREIGN INVESTMENT, most of the investment in Dominica are Locally own, which is good for our country.

    • Reon
      June 2, 2014

      You must be very wicket to try to defend something like that…
      Do you realize Ross University is properly the top employer is Dominica, creating the best jobs for Dominicans? Do you know the amount of small businesses benefiting from Ross? Just to remind you that Ross is a foreign company.
      Can you imagine Dominica having at least 3 more companies like Ross.
      St Vincent prime minister came down here and told all you fools that Dominica does not need an international airport. Do you realize St Vincent made the most progress among the Windward Islands? Do you think this is coincidence??
      I mean people are entitled to support whichever party they want but to write that none sense defies logic!!!

    • St. Joe new voter
      June 2, 2014

      @Cassie: Your ignorance speaks at your character. Do you know the importance of foreign investment? This is a clear indication of a failed state. Stop playing politics and look at the numbers. We need foreign investment to grow. Is is said to know just how bad Dominica is doing!!!1

    • true
      June 2, 2014

      what did we expect?
      How many years in power and nothing to show for it.
      It is a total refection on the ruling party and nothing else
      Good luck if you thing another five of of these people controlling Dominica is going to gain anything

    • burtdave
      June 2, 2014

      So what are you saying about all the locally owned businesses in Roseau that have been closing in a manner unprecedented in this country. Are we are the stage where this is rapidly changing and the Chinese policy to dominate the world continue to roll out to marginalize dominicans?

    • immigraniada
      June 2, 2014

      locally owned? wow…make small walk in Roseau and you will see where such ‘local ownership’ leaded your country…Dominica needs foreign investment as air, Dominica market should be liberated from monopolies…any development in Dominica suffocates in massive bureaucratic drain…which support local monopolies and will block any newcomers to the market…whatever you might think about Dominica, market is always right: according to the survey Dominica is the most unattractive place for investment…

    • JoJo
      June 2, 2014

      I hope you are not a product of the State College because if you are we really in deep doo-doo mess. if we are that prudent and financially self-sufficent why do we owe so much money overseas.
      I propose we organise an annual Pierre Charles Badge of Honour award and you can be the first recipient. That would be good for a laugh and help us keep our sanity in such desperate times.

  82. concerned
    June 2, 2014

    this gov’t hasn’t created a business friendly environment so that’s expected, waiting for labourites to come sing how well we’re doing

  83. no love
    June 2, 2014

    this is not the govt fault. you right is workers…lmao..change is a must…foreign currency run the world.. Gone are the days of buying us for 2.50 and euros for 3 dollars.

    • Jay
      June 2, 2014

      I must remind you that neither the DLP or the UWP, as political parties, have anything to do with the exchange rate of the E.C.$.
      This currency was introduced in 1965 and originally pegged to the U.K. Pound sterling at £1.00= E.C.$.4.80.
      Next month it will be 38 years (July 1976) since it was tied to the U.S.$. instead with a fixed exchange rate of U.S.$.1.00,= E.C.$.2.70. However, our poor economic performance and debt ratio does put stress on the OECS and the ECCB to maintain this rate.
      The Euro has always had a floating exchange rate since it’s introduction.

  84. Observer
    June 2, 2014

    Not surprised by this result.

    Foreign investors are wary about a Chinese and Tony Astaphan takeover!

  85. Doc. Love
    June 2, 2014

    Mr. Lennox Linton, leader of the UWP Team Dominica must feel vindicated. For months he has been telling Dominicans of the economic situation in Dominica.

    • jack
      June 2, 2014

      Vindicated? Look at the figures for 1996 to 1999, they were not impressive.

      • Jackass brother
        June 2, 2014

        Jackass, we are in 2014… :lol: :lol: :lol:

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