Dominica’s economy contracted by 2.7 percent in 2015, making it the slowest in the region, according to new data released by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
The contraction was largely due to the passage of Tropical Storm Erika which damaged several sections of the island on August 27, 2015, the report shows.
The report shows that the economy of the Dominican Republic is the fastest growing in the region with 6.6 percent growth in GDP in 2015. This is followed by St. Kitts with estimated growth of 5.2 percent.
Grenada ranked fourth with growth of 3.5 percent and Antigua and Barbuda fifth with 3.2 percent.
Neighbouring island, St. Lucia ranked 11 with growth of 1.3 percent in 2015.
At the bottom of the pile is Trinidad and Dominica with the slowest growing economies.
Trinidad economy grew by a mere 0.2 percent in 2015.
Dominica’s economy was the only one which contracted in the Caribbean in 2015 with -2.7 percent.
See full ranking below with fastest growing economies to slowest. Source: Caribbean Journal.
One day all you must stop being insultive instead of discussing objectively. Instead of that hatred, love must prevail. Really in awe at how you guys cannot have a decent dialogue without hitting at PM, Labour Party and et all. Not one of you can give meaningful suggestions but being insolent, rude, name calling etc. You are only hurting yourselves because you are not at peace day in and day out. Only waiting to blame game. What have any of you “Complainers and Nagativers” done for Dominica???? but speak, speak, speak disrespectful words. Alas time will tell.
Erika gave Dominica a bad blow remember that.
Here are the real numbers… growth is not a clear indication of economic health.
Dominican Republic – 22.5 Billion in debt
St Kitts & Nevis – 3 Billion in debt, worlds 2nd highest gross national debt
Cuba – 14 Billion in debt , 29 billion was forgiven by Russia & 500 mill by Mexico
Grenada – public + private debt is 110% of their GDP basically they can never pay it off.
Antigua & Barbuda – 1.4 Billion in national debt
Suriname – 3.2 billion in Debt
Haiti – 4.2 billion in Debt
Guyana – 4.7 Billion in Debt
Belize – 3 Billion in Debt
Bahamas – 7.7 Billion in debt
St Lucia – 2.1 Billion in Debt
Jamaica – 35 Billion in Debt
St vincent & Grenadines – 1.2 Billion
Barbados – 7.2 Billion in Debt
Trinidad & Tobago – 11 Billion in Debt
Dominica – 863 million national debt. THE LEAST AMOUNT OF DEBT OF ANY CARIBBEAN COUNTRY
Dude, you are an idiot with those figures.
The lower the population, the lower the debt is going to be. You cannot compare Dominica’s debt to say the Dominican Republic. Simple example: there are two families taking credit at a local shop. One family consists of four members and the other consists of eight. Which family you think will be in higher debt to the shop?
Now Dominica’s debt is not $863 million as you pointed out. In his budget speech last year SKerrit said the debt is over $1-billion.
https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/business/dominicas-debt-over-1-billion-we-cannot-escape-it-says-pm/
Although this may appear small as appeaer to other countries, for a country with around 70,000 people, this is nothing to be proud of.
@Anonymous January 27, 2016
Dude, you are an idiot with those figures.
The lower the population, the lower the debt is going to be. You cannot compare Dominica’s debt to say the Dominican Republic”.
And to put your argument the other way around–how can we compare the growth of Dominica with the growth of the Dominican Republic, and to give us the negative rating in comparison; for the situation can never change, unless the world has passed away?
Who is speaking the truth?
https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/business/dominicas-debt-over-1-billion-we-cannot-escape-it-says-pm/
More FIRE!!
you expect to have economic growth after hurricane David?
you expect to have economic growth after Erica put allu bottom outside?
you expect growth when WCMF the majority of tourism and travel to the Island was shut down,
you expect growth when dozens of new bridges had to be build and even more businesses we washed away dozens of people missing and dead, entire villages destroyed you want growth?
If is growth allu want get allu lazy Bottom off the seat & start helping you own country & stop pointing the finger at the government that same government that get allu out of a natural disaster only a few months ago! ALLUDOHREADYET
Economic growth with huge debt is in fact negative growth.
Comparatively low debt like Dominica, unless the economy has significantly contracted is better off than Islands in that list in long-term.
REALITY CHECK! http://countrymeters.info/en/Dominica/economy
US $
Dominica – $863 million national debt.
Dominican Republic – $22.5 BILLION in debt
St Kitts & Nevis – $3 BILLION in debt, worlds 2nd highest gross national debt
Cuba – $14 BILLION in debt , 29B was forgiven by Russia & 500 mill by Mexico in 2013.
Grenada – public + private debt is 110% of their GDP basically they can never pay it off.
Antigua & Barbuda – $1.4 BILLION in debt
Suriname – $3.2 BILLION in Debt
Haiti – $4.2 BILLION in Debt
Guyana – $4.7 BILLION in Debt
Belize – $3 BILLION in Debt
Bahamas – $7.7 BILLION in debt
St Lucia – $2.1 BILLION in Debt
Jamaica – $35 BILLION in Debt
St Vincent & Grenadines – $1.2 BILLION
Barbados – $7.2 BILLION in Debt
Trinidad & Tobago – $11 BILLION
Dude, you are an idiot with those figures.
The lower the population, the lower the debt is going to be. You cannot compare Dominica’s debt to say the Dominican Republic. Simple example: there are two families taking credit at a local shop. One family consists of four members and the other consists of eight. Which family you think will be in higher debt to the shop?
Now Dominica’s debt is not $863 million as you pointed out. In his budget speech last year SKerrit said the debt is over $1-billion.
https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/business/dominicas-debt-over-1-billion-we-cannot-escape-it-says-pm/
Although this may appear small as appeaer to other countries, for a country with around 70,000 people, this is nothing to be proud of.
so every year dominica have to be last in everything?
A fundamental question that many Dominicans haven’t pondered on?
Does the Gov’t Printery/printing office, have the capacity to print all those hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of Dominica passports for delivery for sale to all those companies, here and overseas, and agents involved in selling our passports? On top of all the other printing work of Gov’t from all Gov’t offices etc., that local Gov’t Printery could print passports like rain?
What about if our passports are being copied, produced by other people or firms, either here or abroad?
To duplicate a Dominica’s passport, to make it look like the real thing is joke, given the sophistication of corrupt people in this world. who would monitor, if this is so, who could find out to prove that is happening and by whom?
Our beautiful Nature Isle is being sold, right under our feet, in our faces, under our noses. CIP is all about a few amassing millions, selling our passports. Sovereignty gone. Some…
You are giving our government printery too much credit. They neither have the skills/equipment nor the capacity to produce these security documents. You will find that they are produced by the Canadian Bank Note Company, who also supply the Bank of Canada with their bank notes and manage the Dominica National Lottery.
Some people say why blame Losevelt Skerrit? Well, he also is FINANCE minister. He sucks horribly as PM, and he is detestable as the money guy! He is to blame for Dominica’s demise, no one else!
WE are to blame for Dominica’s demise.
your laziness is to blame not the government. Economic growth is a matter for all citizens not just the government. blind hatred and jealousy will lead you nowhere
The problem is you don’t want to admit that your government is useless. And jealous of what? Skeritt and his cabals? You must superbly stupid to think that anyone in their right mind could be covetous of guys which such low morals.
No surprise there. after a disaster like that it is inevitable. I would like to see the detailed analysis behind the contraction though.
But why so many negative comments? We get our tablets, red clinic, cooking gas, yes we care, destra, plywood and toilets. what we want again?
I LOVE MY PM
Boy you and I think alike. We comment the same way. They keep on forgetting that the infamous red clinic has its limitations and can only take them so far. The mere fact that Skeritt gave them a few sheets of plywood along with some cooking gas and weekly stipends makes them feel like they have to run on here to defend him. 5 more years, 5 more years just to get one more glimpse of Destra boom boom again. Fools!!!! This is what you get for voting the so called handsome one instead of the intelligent one. If only his well dimpled face and Destra’s big boom boom could save us it would have been something else but that’s not the case.
you’re ignorant! plain and simple. If you were on the receiving end of the services and materials that are being procured by the government on behalf of its people you would be thankful. but because you live in another country you can freely criticize people and things you have yet to comprehend!
@Floridian diaspora January 27, 2016
You are no “Floridian” that is another of your fake names, something that you keep knocking against other people, but you have been doing it for a long time now. I discovered this one through another comment of yours, how despicable of you–from now on I am watching your words carefully.
Dominica is a uwp country is illiterate freedom and labor that combined to rule otherwise in the 3 party system we are workers ……..communist labour red is for the devil blue God love u
In US Dollars.
Dominican Republic – 22.5 Billion in debt
St Kitts & Nevis – 3 Billion in debt, worlds 2nd highest gross national debt
Cuba – 14 Billion in debt , 29 billion was forgiven by Russia & 500 mill by Mexico in 2013.
Grenada – public + private debt is 110% of their GDP basically they can never pay it off.
Antigua & Barbuda – 1.4 Billion in national debt
Suriname – 3.2 billion in Debt
Haiti – 4.2 billion in Debt
Guyana – 4.7 Billion in Debt
Belize – 3 Billion in Debt
Bahamas – 7.7 Billion in debt
St Lucia – 2.1 Billion in Debt
Jamaica – 35 Billion in Debt
St Vincent & Grenadines – 1.2 Billion
Barbados – 7.2 Billion in Debt
Trinidad & Tobago – 11 Billion in Debt
Dominica – 863 million national debt. THE LEAST DEBT OF ALL THE CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES
Thank you skeritt!
Your fool. Let’s assume for one second that your numbers are correct, is 863 million in debt anything to be proud of? And you have the nerve to say thank you Skeritt for that? My brother big debt is big debt it doesn’t matter if it’s the biggest or least debt. Would you tell someone that jumping from a plane without a parachute is safer than taking a bullet to the head because jumping from a plane without a parachute would kill you slower? Isn’t jumping from a plane without a parachute going to kill you anyway? Both of these methods would lead to death. Plus these other countries that you claim has bigger debt that Dominica; you mind no telling you that they have they economic capacity to undergo more debt than us? Change your name from YOU-DOH-READ-YET to I-CANNOT-READ. Your reasoning is poor. You need to restart leaning from kindergarten.
@Floridumspora Calling me names will not change the facts. I support real facts you support blind hatred… who’s the fool?
Floridian diaspora what have u done lately for Dominica?? U always at the negative end of the stick. U all just seat overseas, criticize everything even if there is an iota of good. Mere hatred pours out from your bosom. It is high time to take a reality check & be objective. take all things into account & if u knew statistics & u really looked at the natural disasters TS Erika, u would be grateful for the strides made to get back to normalcy. A grateful person is a loving person as the Father wants us to be grateful in the little things. The Ungrateful ones are those who are complainers, sees no good in anyone or anything; always disgruntled; looking to blame someone etc and the end results are very angry hateful persons. No love. Those only hurt themselves. Instead of looking for solutions,they are always stressful, blaming others, hating others who are working hard too. Don’t u realize Election is long gone until next time. Chill & the Earth belongs to Jehovah who alone can fix.
You really not ready yet, have you consider the economies of scale…. the effective comparison with some analysis?
The country nice boy in its misery
Here are the real numbers… growth is not a clear indication of economic health.
Dominican Republic – 22.5 Billion in debt
St Kitts & Nevis – 3 Billion in debt, worlds 2nd highest gross national debt
Cuba – 14 Billion in debt , 29 billion was forgiven by Russia & 500 mill by Mexico
Grenada – public + private debt is 110% of their GDP basically they can never pay it off.
Antigua & Barbuda – 1.4 Billion in national debt
Suriname – 3.2 billion in Debt
Haiti – 4.2 billion in Debt
Guyana – 4.7 Billion in Debt
Belize – 3 Billion in Debt
Bahamas – 7.7 Billion in debt
St Lucia – 2.1 Billion in Debt
Jamaica – 35 Billion in Debt
St vincent & Grenadines – 1.2 Billion
Barbados – 7.2 Billion in Debt
Trinidad & Tobago – 11 Billion in Debt
Dominica – 863 million national debt. THE LEAST AMOUNT OF DEBT OF ANY CARIBBEAN COUNTRY
Growth is not a clear indication of economic performance over time, one cannot compare the economy of Haiti with Dominican Republic nor Trinidad & Tobago with Cuba etc. They all have differing levels of national debt , governments, infrastructure as well as population. Dominica probably has the least amount of Debt believe it or not out of all these other countries. Ironically Trinidad & Tobago the only oil rich nation in the list is right after Dominica in terms of growth. Be careful how you look at numbers and what they really mean, you might end up tricking yourself into believing something that isn’t there.
Psychotic!!! Keep supporting your beloved P.M. on this downward never ending slope. We all that know you love him and would say anything in his defense. Wake up into reality Dominique fini
you’re ignoring facts. you can lie to yourself and others all you want… the numbers do not lie!
My friend, the country is badly off, it is poor, in poverty, last kaka rat, poorly governed, poor leadership. Some making money, some selling passports and the majority in poverty.
DLP shame on yourselves
Skerritt and his agents can now see what many have been saying for a long time. The foundation of the economy is weak.They claimed that the economic performance of the country was better than many of our neighbors. Ms Blanchard, who is an advisor to government said so recently. Now that TE Erica has blown the feathers ,a certain part of the chicken has been exposed,just so the The failing of the economy.
I have been saying that the mere putting of bitumen on our roads,is tantamount to pulling wool over the eyes of the country. Deeper examination will reveal that nothing much else was happening. The PM Skerritt said that if he did not continue to vigorously sell passports he would have to raise taxes.What else was going on economically?Nada..nothing.
As a result the passage of Erica can’t be blamed for the bad performance of the economy.Before leaving the island,Dominican had a strong private sector,viable agriculture sector,a growing tourism industry.All destroy by Skerritt.
The government does not make money. Money does not grow on trees. Are you aware who makes the economy grow and who can make it grow?
Every Dominican has to pull their weight. How many are doing that. How many aid the economy of the country?
What I know many are very good at criticisms. How many of these contribute anything to the economy? How many have feasible suggestions on how the economy could grow? Do you not think that every national owes something to their country?
Keep placing the blame on the government and do nothing. As a resident national, consider that God will hold you accountable for having been a useless national
@face the facts… they are delusional. Remember the term easy to say but hard to do? Dominicans are obsessed with baseless criticism. they ignore real facts to believe in their own ignorance. They all want money to fall from the sky and reach their hands… but dont worry… the weak and lazy will fall by the wayside and the strong and able will rise. I thank god for the government we have now… its not perfect but its the best we can do now. till next election
Mr St. Jean, You are right on Q, well said, well put together, good analysis of the weird situation Skerrit and his corrupt government has placed Dominica.
This man and his ….bunch of ……. ministers and so called advisors have really sink us and our nature island.
all we need is more tablets….jus joking…how long does roosbeltt skerit want to stay in office doing nothing…totally inefficient govt…
Ask yourself. How long do you think you will live and to remain doing nothing to assist the economy of your country to grow?
Dominica is batting last in the Caribbean, Tony is spinning, maybe he will be able to bowl a goudle and help us get at least to number three. Dominicans should not a surprised, Mr. Linton, Mr. Fontaine and Mr. Martin have been warning them, the likes of old man Ducreay, Simeon, McIntyre of Portsmouth and Aaron have been saying them fellers are preaching doom and gloom.
you expect to have economic growth after hurricane David?
you expect to have economic growth after Erica put allu bottom outside?
you expect growth when WCMF the majority of tourism and travel to the Island was shut down,
you expect growth when dozens of new bridges had to be build and even more businesses we washed away dozens of people missing and dead, entire villages destroyed you want growth?
If is growth allu want get allu lazy Bottom off the seat & start helping you own country & stop pointing the finger at the government that same government that get allu out of a natural disaster only a few months ago! ALLUDOHREADYET
But with all your low expectations, it is reported that certain people in the government are buying Mercedes and building houses after Erika though!!! Sarkway sorsot
THEY LOVE THEIR PM. HE MUST SELL ALL OF THEM…LOOK SOME STUPID PEOPLE. ..
They would like to know what have you done for your country and plan to do to help make the economy grow.
We love our pm even if we have to sue-say-cel . PM am so disappointed in the way you manage thinks in my beloved Dominica. D
No transparency No transparency. But who took all our money????
Each year we prepare for hurricane season. What are we preparing for? We know that we enter a period of disaster each and every year, and as such we need an economy that is diverse and nimble enough to recover given the realities of our geographic position. If a tropical storm could set us back so drastically, we should all be nauseous at the thought of the next hurricane season. I mean come on…this is what economic planning is all about. Understanding the risks to one’s economy and doing whatever possible to withstand these shocks when they arrive.
Everything isn’t political! This is an economic issue and no matter who is in power we should demand sound management of them. Politicians/leaders aren’t there to be our friends, they are hired to do a job…if they can’t do it, take the personal out of it and fire at will! Dominica is more and more seeming like a lost cause with the sick state of mind of our people!
Sometimes I wonder whether God sent us Erika to further expose these …. who are posing under the umbrella of government and that the people will wake up to realize that these ,,,,need to be dealt with .
It is not Erika why we are in such pridecament , Erika only helped embolden the sad state of the economy and the incompetence of the current administration.
When governmen advisors and cross is can boldly tell the people that aid is better than trade Erika is totally innocent. The economic disaster us the fault of the government. No if ,no buts, no Tony Astaphan spin
In defense of Skerritt or the DLP, too many Dominicans have decided to brush aside all reason & ignore all signs of economic disaster. Every hard hitting truth is seen as a political trick, a misleading article, or “we are still better off than (insert terrible performing country here).
Last July, we learned that Dominica was highly-indebted and at risk of a debt crisis as the economy is fragile, and one shock could send it into a tailspin. A month later, the shock arrived in the form of Erika and then the cancellation of WCMF (as equally damaging). Where was the preparedness? Where were the cries to gov’t that something had to be done to prevent this? We need to stop burying our heads in the sand and admit that regardless of who we support we have serious economic challenges and need bold solutions. https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/business/dominica-among-14-countries-spiraling-towards-a-government-debt-crisis-report/
Yes, but the buck stops at Roosevelt Skerrit’s desk. He wanted that job, desperately so and can not walk away from his responsibilites now. We need inspirational leadership now and not rule by remote control. Where is he?
It never cease to amaze me how us Dominican love to hear negative news about our country. Had the report been positive we would doubt it and say it is not accurate. Don’t get me wrong it is of concern that we are the slowest growing cuntry in the region, but I just think that as a people we are very unpatriotic and only seems to be happy when things are bad. We are so anti government that many of us are quite willing and happy to “cut off our nose to spite our face”. I have friends and acquaintances from other caribbean Islands and there’s no way that they would run down and criticize their Island as we do.
Good for your hypocrite friends. Let them bow in shame while their government reap the fruits of their country for personal gain. But, in DOMINICA thats not going to happen. Oh hell to the NO! We will tell it like it is without fear, favor, malice or ill-will. People like you need to take your darn head out of the sand and smell the air…..Yeah it stinks of corruption, malice, ill-will, mismanagement, thievery, treachery lies and on.. Thats the SMELL that you and I are taking in Dca right now. So keep your criticism of Dominicans in this regard to yourself…HYPOCRITE!
Assertive, NEVER Aggressive!
Things are bad, things are bad. YOu have a cancer if you are in denial you will die. Dominica is aching, suffering, things are bad, and if anyone knows it all they will ask why. he answer a very corrupt leadership, corrupt Dominica and a seamless leader with acolytes blowing wind all day long.
The worse that happen to Dominica, surpassing Hurricane Dominica, Ericka put together is Skerrit and , his poor
leadership, maturity, and questionable deeds and further lacks foresight, vision and is not mature. He has not grown up.
You expect that another government will perform miracles? Think again.
“The contraction was largely due to the passage of Tropical Storm Erika which damaged several sections of the island on August 27, 2015, the report shows.”
If the authors of the report attribute the economic contraction to Erika, then it seems odd to believe their data but dismiss their explanation. It’s not like ECLAC is in Skerrit’s pocket.
Moreover, according to the same report, Dominica’s 2014 growth was 4.0%, and our projected growth for 2016 is a healthy 5.2%. It also said that our debt-to-GDP ratio only increased by about 2% this year, which considering Erika and the economic contraction is surprisingly low. It doesn’t take much spin to see this report as generally favourable.
Those who actually want to read the report can find it here: http://repositorio.cepal.org/bitstream/11362/39559/94/S1501386_en.pdf
1) on what basis are we suppose to grow by 5.2% this year? will that growth be in the construction sector reflecting expenditure to repair the country’s infrastructure? the growth is definitely not going to be in manufacturing as we have heard already of dcp closure.
2) Debt to gdp ratio only increased by 2%. fine!!! while that may be the picture now, it is most definitely going to increase astronomically. Why you may ask? Simple!! Apart from the removal of debris, the govenment has spend almost nothing thus far in repairing roads, bridges etc….. our infrastructure cannot remain that way and monies have to be allocated for repairs. With grants generally not forth coming, it is inevitable that credit facilities be sought to finance projects.
Every country is experiencing some degree of hardship including the non-profit organizations which could help certain countries as Dominica.
Imagine non-profit Goodwill stores in Ontario that also receive help from the government and the public closed many of its stores with approximately 400 employees out of work. These staff almost did not get paid on Friday. This was broadcasted nationwide.
Imagine even (also) Salvation Army closed some of its beds/rooms to the poor.
UN cannot help. UN is begging those members as also Venezuela to pay the thousands they owe to U.N. It was broadcasted via Toronto Media. I have to get the article.
Let me further inform you. Those of you Dominican critiques, you talk more than act – non-doers. You better commence praying fervently and performing some godly deeds to help your country and nationals including yourselves. Dominica will be a bettercountry for it and the economy will grow from your good works.
1) I agree that it doesn’t seem like anyone is planning to set up shop in DA to do manufacturing. Reconstruction is a reasonable guess, but I didn’t see it specified in the report. Also, non-Erika related things like pre-planned capital projects would be part of that (assuming the Chinese really rebuild PMH this year, for example).
2) Well, borrowing or else tax increases. But probably borrowing, since you can’t get blood from a stone and tax rates in DA are already too high. We’ll see what it really does to the debt-to-GDP ratio, though.
Why does it say Dominica’s 2014 growth was 4.0% yet in this article here “https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/economy-development/dominica-second-slowest-growing-economy-2014-report/” it is reported as being projected to grow; the second slowest at 1.2%? I see in the same report “Percentages, on the basis of dollars at constant 2010 prices”. Was the 4% therefore in 2014 a projected percentage as well as that of 2016? Or was it in fact the actual growth experienced in 2014? It’s kind of confusing to me. Both appear to be projected percentages.
That’s a fair question. The 2016 figure would a projection (least reliable) and the 2015 figure would be an estimate (better, although still only marginally reliable), but the 2014 figure would be the most reliable, assuming that one accepts the methodology of the report’s authors.
Skerro must go!!!!!
If you say so then who is going to replace him, LINTON????????????
Ohhhhhh…you sure got that right. Hon Lennox Linton, not Skerrit by a large margin.
Thanks for nominating and recognising Hon. Linton.
Skerrit has a lot to catch up on debate, developmental process and honesty in high office
This is not news to many people.,I do not expect the clowns in this government to know how to grow an economy.The entire gang would have been packed in any other real country..But trust me their pockets experienced economic growth,real growth and exponential growth too.o
Yo Haiti doing better than D A. Maybe Haitians will stop come here now?
five more years,come to new jersey and new york to see how the entire family is doing,u will understand.
Skerritt, resign you and your ministers and take your advisors and trailer load of ambassadors while you at it. Just go Bird Island or somewhere just go, because I don’t have money to pay your dumb failing ……. stop living off me when you are doing a bad bad job.
Well, well, well, I wonder what our ‘great’ PM and Finance Minister will have to say in his defence? My guess – deadly silence or perhaps a bit of spin and blame it all on Erika. When is Dominica gonna wake up? We can not continue like this year in year out and hope for the best and ignore the facts!
Hey will probably say something like this…”Tropical Storm Ericka has damaged our economy severely. While the naysayers and pessimists at UWP plan ways to sabotage, we should work towards building a brighter future, together.”
I think the caption for this article is wrong. Dominica’s economy did not grow it shrank. Its growing negatively that is in the opposite direction to being positive. Growth would have to be positive as all the other economies. Therefore the article should read “Dominica’s economy grows negatively or Economy Reverses etc etc.
Dominica will always remain at the bottom. We were heading there already. This has nothing to do with Erika. What I want to know where is all that money gone from the sale of all those passport? I guess in the politicians pockets? Pray for poor Dominica. Labour has to go. ” Change is a must”
I am going to be over zealous and say Erika was responsible for half of the contracted growth.
This still leave us at bottom with a -1.35( Negative) Growth…with the next country at 0.2 Growth.
This should be a …indictment off this Skerrit GOVT against its people..
Dominicans are dead if this GOVT is allowed to operate another 45days.
Growth:
This report just says that we did not grow but regress in 2015. The economies of Trinidad and Bahamas as well; does this mean that Haiti, a country which ranked higher than these two countries, are better off economically? NO. it simply means in the year 2015 these economies did not grow.
On the other hand, we have to check the state of the Dominican economy:
increased unemployment
decrease in tourism
failing agricultural sector
gradually reducing population
Manufacturing, null and void.
With such being the case there is no way this economy can grow, only if a Billionaire drops one billion US dollars in government coffers, this will not happen. If this trend continues, We will emerge as a failing state, like Haiti.
If Government wants to grow the economy they have to:
focus on growth sectors (agriculture, tourism, service sector and manufacturing)
Reduce arbitrary spending like oversize cabinet
create a clean, productive, hassle free economic…
Many are advisers but non-doers.
For those who think it was Erika, the downward spiral was already predicted for 2014:
https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/economy-development/dominica-second-slowest-growing-economy-2014-report/
I don’t know when those idiotic Dominicans are going to wake up.
Thanks Dorival. It is clear we were already on a slippery slope well before Erika. On 29 April 2015 Roosevel Skerrit reported a growth of 1.1% for 2014/2015 against his original forecast of 2.4% announced in his budget address in July 2014. He subsequently predicted a growth of 2.4% for 2015/2016 on the occasion of the budget consultation with the trade unions and the DAIC, also on 29 April 2015, only four months before Erika. Even Erika does not explain such a discrepancy between forecast and reality. Who is advising the P.M., and is he listening or massaging the figures perhaps? I just don’t know anymore but what we are presented with is not born out by the hard data.
One thing is abundantly clear. We are not going to make mr. Skerrit’s forecast for 2015/2016 but will be off by a long shot.
Which of the contraction is correct: 2.7 or – 2.7. In any event there seems to be a contradiction, either by Skerrit or the people who wrote and publish this report.
No latter than last year, Skerrit boasted Dominica’s economy grew by more than 5%, I think they said between 5 and 7%, that seems to appear that Dominica’s economy grew more and faster than the economy of the entire United States.
Lies and the perpetrator of the lie shall always be exposed, the problem is a liar has no shame.
The statistics on Trinidad & Tobago I do not believe!
lol……you are out of touch…trinidad is going through some tough times… dont forget their economy is heavily dependent on oil exports. Are you aware of what is happening to the price of oil sir??
The figures you posted on our growth, it would be great if you could quote your sources!!
Telemaque, your responses to my comments continue to confirm that you simply cannot participate in my level of wisdom–hence all you can do is speak insults against me; but what good is that for you? I am saying nothing! Nothing at all! You are not authorized to stop me from speaking my mind!
Take heed that people simply like or unlike my comments –that is the feature of DNO. Yours on the other hand always has a long list of response –all ridiculing you about the garbage you write. You claim education but that can only be from the Schools of your fellow BLACK LAGOON SPECIES –not of any HUMAN FACAULTY OF LEARNING .
I am neither here nor there; but of course not! For you do not belong I’m MY ENVIRONMENT, hence I cannot be in your here nor there–your environments of cockroaches, rats, mice, lizards, snakes, crocodiles and alligators, etcetera. What else can I say, except you are the one who needs to SHUT UP to my messages.
How does this affect our currency value vis a vis the US $. I understand that we have a strong currency value, much better than Trinidad, Venezuela and Mexico. Mexico peso is worth 5c to one US$.
It doesn’t Raphie. Thank God we do not have our own Dominican currency, otherwise we would be really in the doodoo. Our exchange rate is fixed against the U.S.$. by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. In essence, those countries of the O.E.C.S. that are doing better than us, are carrying us for which I am eternally grateful.
That cannot be true, since one Eastern Caribbean dollar is equivalent to U. S Currency of US$0.10: in other words a Dominica dollar is worth cents in America; the Trinidad dollar is worth a few cents more; however; less than twenty-five cents. The Jamaica and Guyana dollar I believe is far less, than the East Caribbean Currency
I was wiring some money Dominica to someone. I went to Money Gram, when I got home I discovered they made a mistake by sending the money to Jamaica, reading the details I discovered the exchange amount to almost a hundred thousand Jamaican dollars.
In Dominica the amount would not go near fifteen thousand dollars, perhaps more like seven thousand dollars.
The Venezuelan currency for its entire existence was always very low in regards to foreign exchange.
“Dominica dollar is worth cents in America;”
The Dominica dollar is worth ten cents in America!
Note: As of this moment one (1.00) Mexican peso is worth US$0.05 cents, and that is less than five cents!
Do you know what you are really saying?
one EC$1. 00 is worth US$ 0.10. Are you out of your mind?
100 000 Jamaican dollars would not pass 15 000 EC. Where did you get your information? EC$ 1.00 is the equivalent of JA$40.00 so 100 000 JA is roughly EC$3000.000
You sound intelligent but you are schooled in the wrong books.
1 ec is worth 37 cents us$ SMH and Trinidad currency is lower than EC SMH again 1 ec is 2.2 TT what planet you on today na Fancisco
Our EC Dollar is worth about US$0.40.
Guy if you cannot read, before you make a fool of yourself go back and read what I wrote.
If you still cannot comprehend go visit some kindergarten teacher to help you because I can’t! Foreign exchange rate does not remain the same everyday, it usually varies. So to talk this crap about Jamaica this and Jamaica that is a bunch of baloney!
Unfortunately, the rates regarding the East Caribbean Currency seems to remain the same, the selling rate of a US dollar for years is 2.70, the exchange I am certain the exchange rate for a US dollar on December, 21st 2015 @ 12:25 PM in Dominica was $2.6882, I wired money home on that day, so before I insult you, I will simply say I don’t talk fart okay! For each dollar I wired to Dominica on December 21st, the recipients were paid $2.6882 for every dollar they recieved!
“1 ec is worth 37 cents us$ SMH and Trinidad currency is lower than EC SMH again 1 ec is 2.2 TT what planet you on today na Fancisco”
Okay you are you are correct because it is 1.00/2.70 = .370 or 37 cents.
Francisco the EC$ is fixed against the US$ and it is .370 cents and not $.10 cents as you indicated. There is also a buying rate and a selling rate which can .368 and .370. Remember the rate is slightly different if you are buying US$ from the Bank or Changing – $2.7169 0r 2.6882. Also there is a rate for Notes and Transfers/Cheques/money Orders which may or may not be the same as the notes.
Here is a sample of rates but NB this is the value of US$ in EC
Updated January 27th 2016
CUR ABR BC BD SELL
US USD 2.6700 2.6882 2.7169 2.6700 is notes buying rate , 2.6882 is another buying rate (the bank buys your US$ currency and gives you EC$) and the selling rate is constant ie 2.7169 for both Notes and cheques etc (you buy notes or you do a TT, cheque etc in US$).
UK GBP 3.6984 3.8194 3.9654
EU EUR 2.7741 2.8691 3.0731
CAD CAD 1.8379 1.8559 1.9659
BDS BDS 1.3432 1.3432 1.3568
TTD TTD – – 0.4381
” they made a mistake by sending the money to Jamaica, reading the details I discovered the exchange amount to almost a hundred thousand Jamaican dollars –Telemaque
$100, 000.00 Jamaican is no money at all –I know because I have a lot of Jamaican friends who send money to their families or go home on vacation–there cannot be a better source than them.
Last year my friend was going home with intentions of celebrating her father’s birthday–if he had lived to that day, he would have lived to be 112 years old–but he died before her planed date.
When she told us that cake for his birthday was going to cost them $1500.00 dollars Jamaican, that means that they were spending $15,00 Canadian for that cake–hence one Canadian dollar in Jamaica is worth $100.00 there.
So then $100, 000.00 Jamaican would only be $100.00 Canadian–not much more than that American.
We do not get more than $2.60 EC for a Canadian Dollar in Dominic, US is not more than $2.70
I know because I have in Dominica in 2013, 5 years before that in 2008 nothing was changed. Buying the Canadian or American currency in Dominica, is just a few cents above the selling price.
It is true that a Dominica dollar would worth cents in the US, but what is wrong with that?
When I returned to Canada in 2013, the Canadian dollar was higher than the US Dollar, it cost me more to pay the taxi with American dollars–the same was at the bank; I got less Canadian dollars for American dollars.
“Francisco the EC$ is fixed against the US$ and it is .370 cents and not $.10 cents as you indicated. ”
Okay, I agree, except the term is not “fixed against the US dollar. It is “actually pegged” to the US Dollar, the ten cent thing was a missed calculation; like in when one erred.
I later showed my calculation arriving at .037 or actually 37 cents. I also believed at one time Patrick John had it pegged to the British Pound Sterling, and the reason is we traded with Britain in the days of our green gold (bananas) while George Walters former prime minister of Antigua, and the rest of the Leeward island preferred the East Caribbean Currency be pegged to the US dollar!
At the same time John made the French Franc, the Canadian dollar, and some other foreign currency legal tender in Dominica, meaning one could spend them without bank exchange.
Elizabeth, you need to shut up, because you are neither here nor there because you do not even know what people are talking…
The person with the ???????? identity knows me personally; and on face book. She like most people have commended me gracefully
She said the same thing I said pertaining to American/ Dominican Currency. Her response to you was to make sure you know that you do not know a heck as someone told you–you never do. She also scolds you, here, on my behalf
But you played poor baby with her, claiming that you were wrong–you always are!. Hence all you rude insults against me is about your own self; you are simply jealous of me–so have a great time with your products of darkness; you have reaped the fruit of the seeds you sowed..
This is not for you, I have nothing to explain to you–you do not deserve it!
But to anyone who have noticed it in my comment above , I meant to say that $100,000.00 Jamaican, is only $1000.00 Canadian, since $1.00 Canadian is worth $100.00 Jamaican .
Too bad that we cannot do anything with our comments here, after we post them.
Erika!!!..Even E.C.L.A.C getting on that bandwagon too? They not helping us if they don’t call it as it is..Erika occurred end of August..Every thinking Dominican now begin to understand that this is a result of poor management of Dominica’s Economy. The Economy is crippled from a choke-hold of high taxes resulting in low foreign and local investment. Exports are low resulting in little accumulation of foreign currency to facilitate trade. Dominicans have been complaining long before Erika. instead of investing positively in the Economy the gov’t keep fooling the masses with false policies that are doomed to fail..I often wonder where all the tax money going if the Economy not growing at all. Dominica is caught in a cycle of collect to pay out..no accumulation, no opportunity for growth..So many big men in Gov’t offices and on payroll when they could be making investment to create Jobs and build the economy..Clueless Government I tell ya!!..
and fellas ordering Mercedes.
Taxes don’t build an economy. Productivity at primary,secondary, and service level build economy. You also need a larger private sector than public sector. Anyone who thinks this government with its ridiculous policy can build an economy is a fool. Just look at the millions spent on infrastructure. Where did the money go? Even the 50 million investment in geothermal went to foreign entity. This place is a joke. Worst is yet to come.
Skerrit forget to pay the reporter man lol! if it was good news it would be “skerrit pay them” idiots
I dont know what it gonna take for Dominicans to realize that Skerrit is just incompetant, everything die under his government and now they are blaming Erika
If you want to have a bad day or truly understand the meaning of ‘ignorance ‘, read the comments on DNO. Occupy your time with something positive. Plant some crops to help sustain yourselves. Dominica’s problem is its people!
Stupes, I wish I could shake your big toe for your comment. You’ve hit the nail on the head!!
Dominica’s problem is its GOVERNMENT followed by a bunch of stupid people, the RED ARMY, who are like sheep.
Do you know how many people are ready and willing to move this country but is being stalled by a corrupt Government? Who will not allow any progress unless you butter them? This is where Dominica’s trouble lies, so do not blame and insult those of us who are working tirelessly to get things moving but are being frustrated by incompetent passport pushers.
Oh stop the nonsense with such statement quote “Do you know how many people are ready and willing to move this country but is being stalled by a corrupt Government “
Gary thumbs up number 2 here is mine to you; just to let you know that I am with your comments, But this one above almost started to worry me; I thought you were following people like LaborofLove –going after the popular thumbs rating
But I quickly look at the person to whom was your response that was enough for me
Next don’t just leave it like that, many people here have no understanding–they are likely to believe that is your sentiment–but you are definitely correct–that is damn nonsense talk.
Can’t agree with you more. Ignorance is worn proudly
Nah i think u de prob. U mayb atill support de supreme fool of a leader for puttin us where we are
You correctly stated it. This is my thought all along which I have stated in different words.
I have never read so many ignorant comments. If only they, the critics would pay heed.
It is their responsibility to help make Dominica’s economy grow. They act as if it is the sole responsibility of the PM. These expect too much from the PM while doing nothing to build it up, enhance it and for its economical growth.
I never read ignorant comments like yours sir Face the Facts…
Perception is everything. I come here for laughs. Lighten up! It must be understood that there are varying levels of understanding, education and upbringing. You do not expect everyone to think the same of such a report. I have also come to understand that there are a lot of people who have been “wronged” by the ruling government; such persons make full use of mediums such as DNO to make known their plight.
Believe me it’s not that serious.
Soo true Stupes. Our people are too lazy to go and plant right now.
I’ve came to realize that the majority of Dominicans are generally stupid people, so this report means nothing to them. They will sit there and sousay sel and when they see the one that is leading Dominica to doom, they will jump and say “I love my PM.”
This country sickens me.
You are so right. the majority of Dominicans don’t even know what’s happening to their island. They are blinded by the empty promises by there beloved PM. Unfortunately we will continue to ‘sousay sel”.
The worst of the lot are the critics. They do not support the PM and so at every turn they criticize him including his ministers. They have nothing good to say. They are unfair. This is what they project to other Dominicans who also reside overseas. They give Dominica a bad reputation which it does not deserve. Little do these critics know that they, as nationals are responsible for the slow growth. Their comments serve nothing constructive.
All we say of this corrupt government is true…Face the Facts …open you eyes…….Dominica is in poverty caused by a very corrupt government. The leadership is bad and dangerous
Budget was in July.
Erica came in August.
We were convinced by our PM and his acolytes that our economy was growing.
We have less people on de payroll right now.
I have been gainfully unemployed for almost 3 years now.
I doh have money to give de tax man and i am not de only person.
all you remember how much vat money we collected in September 2015?
But i am not surprised by this news at all.
This is what we have become.
We are so fragile.
At de last budget Skerrit was still blaming de 2008 global crisis on de state of de economy.
now it’s Erica.
De global crisis didn’t cost us $1.3 billion.
Erica did.
We never got out of de hole caused by de global crisis.
HOW WE GOING TO COME OUT OF ERICA’S HOLE.
WE WILL BE BLAMING OUR ECONOMY ON ERICA FOR DE NEXT 8 YEARS AND BEYOND.
THANK U SKERRIT.
Just look at it this way. No country is without its financial problems. On paper it looks as if Dominica has a slow growth.
Some Dominicans are working. Some are living comfortably and eating well, if not all of them. Times are better in Dominica today than in previous years. Many are happy. They are still smiling and laughing. What more do they want in and under God’s world?
To the doom and gloom critics, get this straight. DOMINICA IS NOT GOING UNDER! GOD IS IN CONTROL! Have faith, hope and trust in God Himself and all will be well. You need to pray more and better.
Just look at it this way. No country is without its corrupt government like the one we have in Dominica. We have slow growth, no industries, no business, only invisible people selling and buying passports. They make the money. This is corruption.
What we have to watch here that’s bad is not that it growed slightly not even a budge. The economy contracted by -2.7 which means we have a negative figure to overcome before any growth at all.we are in a very need hole.Government is taking advantage of a nation which does not pay attention to important issues which relate to them the middle class but every body is looking for which ass they can kiss to get a Buck. Unity in mind is unity in strength. Sad situation
Dominica is truly a Going Concern and we see the effects of poor management of public spending.
I was going to say only time will tell but unfortunately, time has already spoken and Dominicans have no choice but to demand better fiscal management from the government of the day.
And I’m not getting political for those who think it’s always politics. Im getting economical. The economic state of Dominica don’t lie and some of us can see it but we all live it whether we know it or not.
When i saw the head lines before reading the comments first thing came to my mine those swines will be having a fill day, have a good laugh scum bags then you lots will turn around and say i love Dominica, every one every country goes through a bad patch.
A fill day? What is a fill day?
Or are you talking of a field day?
No wonder Dominica is in a mess. It’s people like you who encourages those in power to lead Dominica astray.
Might I recommend night school?
Learn to spell. The word is mind not “mine”
Have you never made a typographical error or just a plain error?
MY brother silver fox what you mean by “FILL DAY”? and Headline is one word. This is the type of ignorance that Tony and Simeon have kept you all in. De country nice silver fox and I am sure you love your PM
Why are you soooo angry?Did the report strike a nerve?You all can’t fool the people all the time.By the way it was not UWP report.The question you need to ask yourself is all that passport money,the hotel money to mention a few.Only then you will understand the report and have an idea why we are at the bottom.That rough patch has been going on for too long.The government simply can’t hide their incompetence any more.Nust a matter of time.
We cannot blame it all on Erika because Erika was in August. What about the previous eight month? I believe Erika is a blessing in disguise for Skerrit and the DLP because, had it not been that their failed policies would be exposed.
In contrast, I wish the United Nations Economic Commission were able to track the accounts of Roosevelt Skerrit and his close ass ociates to see if that slow growth affected them or benefitted them. For example, Angello has been talking about some females who allegedly have been operating some offshore businesses from their living rooms, and according to him, it is alleged that they have been doing very well. So we need to check all of them to see if their is any connection with someone in the ministry of finance, and check everybody’s account. This place is to damn corrupt!
We also need to check the accounts of all those passport dealers to see if Erika affected them as well, because while many blame Erika for failure, others have enriched…
It would be interesting to see the figure for 2014 for instance because that would tell us if we were already on a downward slope and that Erika is merely a contributory factor, albeit an important one. I have not heard the Govt, present a detailed plan for our recovery or the status of overseas aid relating to Erika. We are very much in the dark I’m afraid.
Here you go:
https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/economy-development/dominica-second-slowest-growing-economy-2014-report/
That is not news. Oh yeah I expect tropical storm Erika to take blame for that. T.S Erika happened in August that is normally the end of the financial year. Tropical storm Erika may have caused damages but the only major income generator that was affected was the airport for very short time. Everything else was the government doing due to action without a brain. Astaphans and all retail stores were fine yet instead of buying relief from them our smart man had all kind off stuff coming in free. Creol festival was cancelled and everything else. What happened to all the millions that were donated or pledged. Would that not have added to the budget that was not wiped out. This growth or lack of is only the result of a terrible government. They absolutely failure.
The only positive economic indicator that the government had in 2015 and prior to Erika was the farcical Daa on employment. The unsustainable NEP was the only thing we had to show. Logic and real feel experience could not support the government claim that the economy was growing. How can our economy expand when tourism,agriculture, manufacturing and most importantly charitable contributions from Venezuela contracted.
Prior to Erika the economy was tanking. LIAT had already reduced flights to and from Dominica, major retailers were already defaultin on their debts and we’re actually using funds collected on behalf of other businesses ti pay their borrowers, DCP was already on its way out.
This is the hard truth. Go figure
Where then is the value for money – and them people who dress up nice everyday playing Minister and advisor know that the economy is not doing well yet they pass with their SUV , jacket and tie and lipstick and nice dress; they kill their consciences knowing the treasury is empty but still drawing a fat salary; so we still have the biggest cabinet in the region; 16 to 18 ministers doing what? we still have special advisors and coordinators having hired all the candidates that lost the last election and we need to asked doing what? we still have the largest number of ambassadors in the world drawing how much no one knows and doing what? In a shrinking economy Ministers, advisors, close party hacks are doing economically building houses all about, getting involved in all kinds of activity including contracting companies therefore they are doing well and for them we are ahead of the pack. To hell with the ordinary folk ; What a down right shame eh boy.
I could shake your big toe on that one!
and fellas buying Mercedes
We did not need this report to tell us this very very sad news. This is a sad state to find ourselves after 15 years of unfulfilled promises
.
Thompson Fontaine is now having the last laugh. He has been saying all along that Dominica is experiencing growth (recession) while Skerrit and his goons were laughing at him. Who is laughing now fellas?
Sadly, its only going to get worse and Erika will be the one to blame but we all now what is going on. Thank you Dr. Fontaine and Team Dominica for your valiant effort. If we really need change its now, not tomorrow because by then we will have been consumed by the abyss named the DLP headed by a one man cabinet.
I will keep praying for Ma Dominique and her subjects.
Assertive, NEVER Aggressive!
Dominicans are generally foolish in the majority the could care less about this report..
They’re always contented with mediocrity at sectors on island…
That’s why serious investors don’t see Dominica as a viable option, due to the Highly Corrupted Regime in Power…
The Regime in Dominica refuses to speak the truth to the Dominican society who also doesn’t care…it’s a island which will remain there and thereabout…
What authority you have to make such a silly statement quote “Dominicans are generally foolish in the majority they could care less about this report..They’re always contented with mediocrity at sectors on island” you saying that does say it is true, it only shows arrogance on your part.
If serious investors don’t see Dominica as a viable option, due to the Highly Corrupted Regime in Power…why is it then
Kempinski a renowned European hotel company with at least 73 hotels around the world come to Dominica and invest. When you say that quote “The Regime in Dominica refuses to speak the truth to the Dominican society ” i wonder if you really understand what truth is and are you willing to seek the truth, from what you have written you have shown no interest in seeking the truth.
Gary, I want you to make a screenshot of this and keep it because one day you gonna need it. I can assure you, this Kempinski hotel WILL NEVER TO BUILT. Construction might start but like the Layou River fiasco, it will come to naught. How can you build a hotel by selling passports? How much passports can be sold?
If Dominica is so tourism oriented, why isn’t chains like Sandals coming here? Sandals has about three properties in St. Lucia, they have properties in Grenada, Antigua and other Caribbean island. Butch Stewart is not that stupid to invest millions of dollars in such a venture.
If a hotel like the Morocco-funded hotel, with all the money already set up, cannot be completed, how will one that depends on passport sake be completed?
Man you talking kaka chien
Gary, Kempinski don’t come here to invest but to make money. They are not the ones building the hotel and are not the owners. They will only have a contract to manage the hotel under their brand, for which the owners pay them.
Really Gary??? “If serious investors don’t see Dominica as a viable option, due to the Highly Corrupted Regime in Power…why is it then
Kempinski a renowned European hotel company with at least 73 hotels around the world come to Dominica and invest”….Oh my Lord!!! Sir, Kempinski was GIVEN 15 acres of our protected land in the Cabrits PLUS approximately 800 passports to sell to finance this project which has yet to materialize. Are you “fricking” serious, my friend??? This was an offer that could not be refused. Kempinski came EMPTY HANDED to the table!!!! You are truly sick to use this as an example of how investors are rushing to our shores!!! Now, everyone must be laughing at you! Your statement represents blind support and ignorance at the highest level partner!!!
Skerrit must Go for Dominica too Grow
Where skerrit?
These statistics simply measures performance. Looking at the numbers are we to believe that Haiti has a stronger Economy than Trinidad, Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and Belize. Two of the richest countries in the region Bahamas(1) and Trinidad(2) are ranked below Haiti, considered the poorest country in the western hemisphere.
It is not a matter of a stronger economy, it a simply a mater of a percentage in growth within a certain period!
Be concern that a – 2.7% means a decline in Dominica’s economy, in other words rather than moving forward, we went backwards, that’s what we can expect as long as Skerrit is Prime Minister of your and my country! Skerrit does not know what he is doing.
That is why you see he is running around like a chicken with its head chopped off on his knees begging the Chines, who are reluctant to give or loan him any money, because they discover he is incompetent. The Chines told Skerrit the only way Dominica will begin to make some progress is when he build an International Airport in the country.
Rather than taking the advise of the China government, he took Ralph Gonzalez advise, hence we end-up with the crock pot swamp at Melville Hall. St. Vincent now has Argyle International, Dominica has Douglas-Charles, and LIAT Landing Lights only!
Pointless, the report is on economic growth! Maajjjeeee !! Not the overal size of the economy! But even then Dominica is at the bottom of the list
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Latin_American_and_Caribbean_countries_by_GDP_(PPP)
Erika
Blame Erica for everything. I know she was bad but….
It was slowing down long before the Erika , be honest and truthful. To those who are in charge what’s the next move how do we start turning it around.
You are no that smart. Did mr. Skerrit change his name to Erika?
Let’s be real Dominica had 8 months of normal economic activity in 2015 and 4 months of disaster and relief activity due to ERICA, this is not a lie or political propaganda it is a fact. To believe otherwise is political propaganda. There is of course rejoicing from the oppossition camp, the comments speaks volume to that fact. There is only one way to spin this……the ERICA spin.
Stop the nonsense the report was done by the UNEC of Latin America, and you should know the roll of the Operation it’s to keep reminding PM and his administration of their promises to the people of DOMINICANS of a better living
Dominicans u nor ready yet.
@Patriot, I did not question the contents of the report, the report is what it is. Just stated the facts as I see it. So what are you rambling about?
Bro what are you talking about?
The Red party is in the REDS. Soon to turn Purple and Crimson.
Surely, this negative growth can not all be attributed to Erika? The storm did not effect us till the end end of August, practically 3/4 through the year. There must be other factors at work also. I can understand Trinidad’s minimal growth because they are so reliant on income from oil and natural gas but Dominica….? What about all the money from passport sales?
Well mr. Skerrit if this is an example of your next level programme you had better step down and give someone else a chance to pull us out of the mud.
I think that the Laborites will kind of love this article because it directs everything towards Erika. Blame Erika for everything. As if the country was thriving before Erika. But we are not fools. We know better than that. As a half Trinidadian that’s been down there a lot of times, I can tell you that there could be certain years when they have 0% growth and they would still be ages ahead of Dominica. Yes, they are one of the more advanced Caribbean countries. Let them go ahead and blame Erika for everything. DNO readers let’s all come to reality here for a second. After the passage of T.S. Erika, Skeritt hasn’t done anything. It’s another six months until the hurricane season opens again. Who are we to say that there won’t be any more storms/hurricanes to pass our way? Just imagine if something similar to Erika were to come and pile up on the unresolved mess we already have? Let them stay there and waste time. “Labor ka travay”
Wow, you understand minimal growth in Trinidad quote “because they are so reliant on income from oil and natural gas but Dominica….? What about all the money from passport sales? It is sad to read such a comment, it just shows much you are willing to let you political partisan beliefs override your reason to think.
Our economy cannot grow if money from the sale of our passports go to just a few people. We need to get all the millions possibly billions in foreign banks. Invest in industry. Help the farmers through feeder roads. Create employment for the youth. This government needs to go. It is clear they don’t like Dominica. They just use her.
Check this out. Skeritt has been giving us signs that he’s incapable of handling Dominica and yet we fail to recognize it. For example, a while back look at how begged those Clear Harbor people not to close down. He didn’t beg because he cared about those employees, he did it knowing full well that he could not have provided employment for the hundreds that would have lost their jobs and that in turn would have reflected badly on his government. His pleading on those people’s behalf was nothing more than a strategic political move. Tell me why his wife can’t have her babies at the same local hospital where people claim they are risking their lives when admitted? He runs overseas knowing full well about the poor service at PMH. Look at these signs. If 16 years isn’t enough time for this Skeritt to prove himself, how long are we going to give him? Our entire lifetime?
DOMINICA ON REMOTE CONTROL !
Central banks love to loan money because they create terms that guarantee failure
There are many online documentaries, books, and other facts if you want to know more about this fact
In the case of Dominica, the problem IS THE GOVERNMENT
There is no one in that seat that gives a damn – Just a PM and his crony’s
Dominican government gave away its power to a foreign entity which does not care. So they hike up pricing! Thus, foreign investment and business CAN’T AFFORD to invest in Dominica!
Get it? You’re country is not managed. …….. Dominican government IS THE PROBLEM!
This is an everyday affair. No surprises here.
For the economy to grow, you must pour gramaxone on that so called government, kill it and then replant . These nincompoops have no idea how to grow economy.
We are not lowest at. We are doing better than Bird Island. The opposition must speak the truth bird island is 1/2% behind us so we ok.
Make up your minds LAB O Rats thumbs up or thumbs down.
All you are concern about is who is lower than us? so you can tell the opposition off? ala
Ha ha ha. Are you confused or simply naive.
ignorance will n it even recognize sarcasm
Why do you believe that facts and reason will vanish simple because of your partisan political beliefs.
All our P.M. cares about is to dress up and look good and a few desperate ladies be like “our P.M. is so handsome” as if running our country is some kind of modeling fashion show while widespread poverty is reaping havoc in our land. All we are hearing from our dearly beloved most high supreme leader, his ultimate majesty, the life giver, the #1 bread winner, the most holy emperor, kings of kings and lord of lords, master of the universe, prince of peace and prince of all marcaque is he received 200 tablets and we need to make good use of the internet and advertise our poverty stricken land by taking pictures of it and posting them all over the internet. Tell me how in God’s name is that supposed to help poor peoples’ lives? While the members of the Dumb Lazy Party claim that we are moving forward, there are outsiders who will continue to run these types of surveys and prove that the red ones are delusional.
Lol those women are the worse, so naive.
Everybody can’t be smart tho 
What boy our PM have titles:
“dearly beloved most high supreme leader, his ultimate majesty, the life giver, the #1 bread winner, the most holy emperor, kings of kings and lord of lords, master of the universe, prince of peace and prince of all marcaque”
I never know that non
No surprises here. Erika or no Erika, we would still have been in last place anyway and it will continue to be that way. The facts speak for themselves. There’s never a good day in the news for Dominicans where we can read about some serious genuine financial progress. It’s a great shame to know that everyone else is ahead of you. Dominica is last in everything that’s good and first in everything that’s bad. Since the passage of Erika, our well dimpled handsome most caring prime minister has been in hiding and done nothing more than talk about a stupid VAT act and Citizenship by Investment in which he recently got 200 tablets and had the nerve to brag about it as if Dominicans are circuit boards and we can feed our stomachs on electricity. Not to mention the millions we received from international donors but there’s nothing on the ground to show where all that money went. We are the laughing stock of the Caribbean. That’s a fact
Why are you dishonest when you say let the facts speak for themselves. When you say quote “the millions we received from international donors but there’s nothing on the ground to show where all that money went.” wow; is this facts speaking for themselves.Your political partisan beliefs, perceptions and assumptions have imprisoned your reason.
Expect the trend to continue and even worsen unless and until Dominica does something about its crime. corruption, pollution and general thuggery problems, which are killing tourism, the only economic hope the country has.
oh and I forgot to say that some fellers ordering Mercedes whilst their ministry is dead. smh
International airport long over due.this administration will only promise to build one ,but will never.Dominica is rich with natural resources yet every government formed can not seem to utilise our natural resources to grow it’s economy and enrich the lives of Dominicans on the island. So sad.
Best I run Antigua, St lucia, or anywhere else Dominicans like to flee!
No but seriously I been knowing this since 2013 
So where is all the good vibes that Skerrit and the labour party always touting that the Country is in good financial heath noh!?
Dominicans have to now decide , if it better for Skerrit to get rich or for them to feed their kinds.
And how can a country economy improve when there are No manufacturing of good from which we can sell on the overseas overseas market?
Almost everything we eat , we import!
Now let me see how Tony is going to spin this one.
Tony does not have to spin it, the fools will spin it themselves.
When you ask quote “how can a country economy improve when there are No manufacturing of goods from which we can sell on the overseas overseas market”? well Creativity is key to productivity and prosperity not only the responsibility of The Government but all of us Dominicans We must recognize the value of time, the change in our attitude and consciousness which can translate into economic growth or increase in GDP.
Not under Skerrit…his A=government is corrupt