Education gets the biggest slice of the budget pie

Dominican pupils

The Education Ministry is getting the largest chunk of funds in the new national budget – $58.4 million of the $437.6 million budgeted for expenditure for the year ending June 30th 2013.

Next in line in terms of the amount allocated is the Ministry of Health – $46.8 million, followed by the Finance Ministry – $38.8 million.National Security, Labour and Immigration’s cut is $37.5 million.Tourism is allocated $14.68 million in the budget, and agriculture $9.46 million.

Critics of the government who alleged that Prime Minister Skerrit and his government have abandoned the agricultural sector, argue that the sum allocated to agriculture in the new budget is far from adequate.
However, the prime minister told parliament during his budget address on Tuesday that the government is continuing to invest heavily in the agricultural sector.

“Government recognizes that agriculture has the potential and provides the opportunity for rapid growth,” he told parliament.He said there was an increasing demand for a number of crops in which Dominica has a competitive advantage within the Caribbean, and that he wants to see agriculture playing a more dynamic role in the economy.

In the just presented budget, Culture, Youth and Sports get $5.05 million, and the ministry of Employment, Trade, Industry and Diaspora Affairs just over $4 million.

Smaller amounts have been allocated to other ministries.

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55 Comments

  1. Akhenaton
    July 18, 2012

    Dominica is an ant compared to Europe and America, an ant eats crumbs to survive an elephant needs hundreds of pounds of food. If our prime minister was serious he would have been advocating for the marketing of Dominica”s agriculture products. I can remember Mary Eugenia Charles using every opportunity to Sell or market Dominica’s Bananas, returning from every trip we were informed, to the extent that she recomended Diversivication years before WTO’s decision.
    Dominica certainly possess a distinctive advantage in agriculture (rain fed agriculture and an abundance of water).
    This goernment has lost its way, if every Dominican in the diaspora was to eat one Dominican Banana the economy would boom. If the population of one state in the US eats one Dominican Banana per day this would have a positive dramatic effect on the Dominican economy (one Dominican Banana a day consumed by any of the Elephants, transforms Dominica” economy) These politicians in Dominica are inately and grosely incompetent. Imagine after almost fifteen years in power these guys still attempt to blame the UWP who were in power for only 4.5 years for the current state of the economy. Dominicans cannot be serious to accept this failed administration.
    It seems that things are bad for the average Dominican but the Cow continues to give milk, Butter, and Cheese to the cabal. This Cow must be named “Dominicans MOOO MOOO”

  2. Listening
    July 18, 2012

    We have a failed state when out of a 437.6Million dollar budget 2.2% and 3.4% is allocated respectively to Agriculture and Tourism the immediate and most potent growth engine of Dominica.
    .
    The GOVT slaps 54.6M dollars into learning without adequately enabling the other esseential parts agriculture and tourism that creates the most direct and indirect jobs in Dominica. While Dominica is filled with trained( learnt) people who cannot find jobs.
    I need to make a distinction here, our people are well learned or trained but not educated because if we were we would never tolerate the improvision actions our Govt is taking up against the state.
    An educated masses stands up for what is right but a learnt or trained population is dangerous because they stand up for nothing.

  3. Agriculture
    July 18, 2012

    I relegate blame to the Minister of Agriculture, the ps of agriculture, the chief technical officer and others at the helm. IT’s your duty to provide the minister of finance with Viable proposals and recommendations on areas for growth and funding. The funding provided by this budget is a direct reflection of those tasked to head the agriculture department.

    Lack of vision, alienation from the needs of the farmers, misalignment of priorities. One day agriculture one day. This year a very dry spell has hit the USA hard, corn prices and
    beef Will be rising, our dependence on fast foods will one day end and we’ll revert to producing for ourselves.

  4. follow
    July 18, 2012

    DNO needs to raise their profile..they take way too long to review comments period maybe they should expand to a 24hr set up or have limited staff to work after hrs…..this in the internet which is world wide..not limited hrs..

    but again da is a interesting place

  5. hmmm
    July 18, 2012

    I am hoping that education and agriculture can work together, some way, some how. Teach the people how to self sustain themselves, if they are not healthy, they cannot learn. They need to become more interested in “their own”. I hope agriculture and education can work hand in hand, some way, some how.

  6. Morihei Ueshiba
    July 18, 2012

    Skerrit, Where is our International airport???????

  7. joanbacktoblack
    July 18, 2012

    Education as the top priority…..
    just as it should be.

  8. Me
    July 18, 2012

    Where is our International airport? DNO, were you watching cricket on Saturday where a British Airways jetliner was touching down in St. Kitts; an Island 1/5 the size of Dominica and less than half out population? Do you know that we are the only Island in the Caribbean without an airport and a marina? Why can’t we be at least like the other Islands?

    • Miss bronx
      July 18, 2012

      @ Me DOMINICA is not the only airport in the caribbean without an international airport. St thomas which get more stay over tourists than dominica don’t so go back to the drawing board. Dominica don’t need an international airport because the country don’t have hotels, night life etc to accomodate the influx of people that having an international airport would bring.. You folks just talk and don’t think… sheezzz

      • mouth of the south
        July 20, 2012

        st. thomas as a u.s dependency is serviced by near by puerto rico… stop spreading ignorance… u want to compare a tourist made destination funded directly by the u.s.a… to little dominica that have to compete directly with big boy u.s.a n others??? smh… we need an int’l airport while negotiating to have large hotels opening in dominica… we need to get rid of ridiculous red tape and let our laws be business friendly…

  9. Del
    July 18, 2012

    It has been said that Tourism is the engine of growth for Dominica, and only that the sector getting. How are we supposed to market and promote the island effectively for stayovers and cruise passengers. This is just laughable.

  10. Nacinimod
    July 18, 2012

    A budget is made up two parts: an expenditure budget and a revenue budget. So far you have provided highlights of the expenditure budget but silent on the revenue budget.

    Now, where is the money going to come from to finance these expenditures? From taxes only or from borrowings?

    • AB
      July 18, 2012

      You should learn to listen for yourself and stop depending on second hand information.

      • Peeping Tom
        July 18, 2012

        :-D :-D

  11. the eye
    July 18, 2012

    This budget clearly indicates the inadequacy of the Roosevelt Skerrit led regime.The budget is upside down.It is most frightening to see the amount of monies ($9m) allocated to agriculture, which is the main stay of the economy. Just look at the whopping figure that is allocated to the ministry of finance ($39m) and I would want to ask Mr.Skerrit why that amount. Why Mr.Skerrit, does the budget reflect so little towards the growth of the country.Why Mr. skerrit does your budget not reflect in any way what so ever the concerns of struggling workers of this country? Why Mr.Skerrit, does your budget in no way what so ever addresses the concerns and needs of the Farmers? Why Mr.Skerrit do the hard working people of this country find it hard to make ends meet while you and your boys live in luxury.why?

    • More Money
      July 18, 2012

      I understand the average age of a farmer is 60 years and it’s male dominated and the new entrants to farming are haitians.

      So clearly the younger popolution and females are not interested in farming

      We need new industries

  12. Homeboy
    July 18, 2012

    Editor my comments have been waiting moderation since yesterday.

  13. shane
    July 18, 2012

    well i hope they going to increase the buses that transport those students in the north east to cover up the amount of damage that the SEA SALT is doing to their vehicles

    • Peeping Tom
      July 18, 2012

      :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  14. Good
    July 18, 2012

    And it should. An uneducated population or person is doomed.

  15. sphynx
    July 18, 2012

    as usual culture is among the least but is the flagbearer of any country.apart from roseau where in dominique is sports being developed?

  16. hassan
    July 18, 2012

    shame shame shame agri down the drain

  17. July 18, 2012

    The Diaspora folks will not be fooled by the DLP again we want ID CARDS Mr.PM

  18. Kal
    July 17, 2012

    Shame to hear the amount the ministery of Agriculture receive. It’s going down day by day.

  19. anonymous2
    July 17, 2012

    As usual, agriculture comes in last. It should be first with education on this island in particular because it is the only way out of the poverty cycle. Throwing money at education has never guaranteed smarter students. Too much propaganda in the schools these days all brought to you via the U.N.

    That aside…..where is all of this money coming from.

  20. woosh kookoosh
    July 17, 2012

    the only budget i believe in is d kubuli budget, get it cold at only 2 for $5, happy gour price islandwide….. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :-D :-D :lol: :lol: :lol: :mrgreen:

    • woosh kookoosh
      July 17, 2012

      “happy hour”

  21. natural living
    July 17, 2012

    the two potential driving forces of the country get the least amount of money…tourism and agriculture….crazy….
    how the hell does the ministry of finance get 4 times the budget of Agriculture…..this blows my mind…

  22. Patience
    July 17, 2012

    As far as I can see in this budget, we are on our way to spend more to educate the youth so they can go to develope the US, UK, Canada etc. cause we are not spending to create jobs for them after they receive the education.
    Come on, I am not against spending on education but what is education if you can’t use it?

  23. Country Man
    July 17, 2012

    Agriculture is certainly given a back seat in DA. The sector that has the ability to employ most citizens is way down on this gov’t priority list – madness!

  24. awa
    July 17, 2012

    What about the Ministry of Social Services? Can we not see the social problems that presently exist in the country? Drug Abuse, Violence ? nothing to address these issues? Will we continue to expand the prisons or do some serious intervention instead of just giving handouts? Put some conditions to the welfare benefits for the able-bodied men and women, let them learn a skill so they can be economically viable. There are entities under the Government trying to assist the communities but the resources are scarce and not much attention is paid to the many hard working men and women in the public service who go above and beyond the call of duty,and these are the people who get the brunt of the politician’s tongue. Pay attention to the Social Ministry for once

  25. uneducated farmer
    July 17, 2012

    so, after skerrit disrespected the first world countries the sends us tourist boats he turns and put 14.68 in tourism that will be diminished by the next fiscal year and he continues to disrespect AGRICULTURE. 9.46 MILLION, this is the biggest joke i have ever heard of…..

  26. Homeboy
    July 17, 2012

    You mean to tell me that the government doesn’t see the Importance of agriculture and farming. That says alot about where this country is heading. A country built on the backbone of farming NOW RELEGATED TO NOTHING.

    What a shame!!! Ouvrez vos yeux Domnichen! Dominique n’a pas des résources comme les autre pais, agriculture c’est un très important industrie de la Dominique.. Malgré ça!!!

    • Carol
      July 19, 2012

      You know spmething, the young generation does not believe in agriculture. They believe in a fast money because agricultural products take too long to be harvested. That is why much is not put into agriculture. This is how I see it.

  27. Nac Vibes
    July 17, 2012

    “However, the prime minister told parliament during his budget address on Tuesday that the government is continuing to invest heavily in the agricultural sector.

    Government recognizes that agriculture has the potential and provides the opportunity for rapid growth,” he told parliament.He said there was an increasing demand for a number of crops in which Dominica has a competitive advantage within the Caribbean, and that he wants to see agriculture playing a more dynamic role in the economy.

    How is this to be achieved with one of the lowest allocation.

  28. yep
    July 17, 2012

    ADMIN I beg your indulgence in producing this link below on Venezuela as i think it is pertinent to our socio-political climate here.

    thank you:

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-18867310

  29. _______________
    July 17, 2012

    Where is the investment into the agricultural sector? Well it’s going to be even more hardship on Dominicans in the coming months and years, because once again the agricultural sector has been largely neglected by this regime posing as a government.ALAS PAPA BONDIEU! WHO THAT CANNOT HEAR WILL FEEL.

  30. May
    July 17, 2012

    what a shame, I expected to see a reduction in the number of ministers, that money could be used for something else.

  31. GraveStone Budget
    July 17, 2012

    This Budget pretty much is a collective measure for the Cemetery…

    It lacks any kind of thought process in aggressive growth engines…
    Keeping thing low end and flat circles doesnt help the cause in Dominica…

    Figures for one are small in all areas, its like a Boy unable to make a Man’s Decision Period.

    Represent small mindedness, pretty much saying to the youth we are unable to expand and see the Bigger Picture so start the Migration Engines..

    Folks we are already in the Cemetery..

    What a Joker Prime Minister we have saying he is a Leader—-St.Joe is what i heard the Poorest Place in Dominica under 12 years of DLP Reign..

    And the Joker has the Guts to say Dcans sending stuff overseas in that same Breath,,,again he knows Dcans are Highly Ignorant in a Society where the Citizens and Policy Makers are on the Ball he would be sent to the cleaners..But its Dominica anything goes and anything is accepted with Ignorance..

    The Entertainment Industry and work areas will feel the pinch due to the added cost on work permits etc..folks will take their work related projects and skills to islands that are friendly not Dominica…

    Shying away from the International Airport Process again Manifests the lazy attitude of this Regime to “THINK BIG” unless Dcans dont think along those lines the island will continue to the the Caribbean Headliner as the Poorest-Dominica..

  32. Homeboy
    July 17, 2012

    You mean to tell me that the government doesn’t see the Importance of agriculture and farming. That says alot about where this country is heading. A country built on the backbone of farming NOW RELEGATED TO NOTHING.

    What a shame!!! Ouvrez vos yeux Domnichen! Dominique n’a pas des résources comme les autre pais, agriculture c’est un très important industrie de la Dominique.. Malgré ça!!!

  33. July 17, 2012

    A Minister of Government called the budget a friendly budget,I disagree with him,because in six months, the Government will, as usual, go back to parliament to pass a supplementary budget for monies already spent.To me ,all that hoop la and long speeches concerning the budget are just talk, no action. I have never heard them fellars talk about trying to balance the budget,like making major cuts.Them fellars have sixteen ministers plus a number of advisors,have you ever heard them tell Dominicans how many millions are they going to cut in order assist,when it comes to the country’s survival,all you hear is that their are no new taxes.While they are telling us that, the cost of goods and services are beyound the reach of the people.

    • July 18, 2012

      My comments are awaiting moderation for two days why.

  34. concern
    July 17, 2012

    how much money have been allocated to the red clinic?

  35. observant
    July 17, 2012

    Does that mean the Newtown Primary School will be built after all?

  36. Morihei Ueshiba
    July 17, 2012

    Dem fellas not sacrificing anything, all u have a huge cabinet, instead of cutting back and easing the people, they increasing taxes to maintain there lifestyle Magway Sah!! 8-O

  37. positive mind
    July 17, 2012

    way to go.

  38. T
    July 17, 2012

    You mean to tell me that is the amount allocated to AGRICULTURE, AND Dominicans are going to believ all the nice talk given in the budget about agriculture will bring rapid growth to the economy.
    Is that amount for feeder roads alone?
    boy look joke we boy!

  39. mouth of the south
    July 17, 2012

    it is clear that this gov’t isn’t serious about tourism and agriculture… and since these are our main income earners… then they simply aint interested in the development of dominica… doesn’t world creole festival fall under tourism… what about marketing in large markets such as N.Y and Toronto etc…

    this gov’t is all about begging… begging and more begging… i bet most of this education budget will go into investigation of homosexuality in the schools…. lol

  40. Jen Gwan Tas
    July 17, 2012

    How many ministries they have now?
    What is the budget allocations like for the rest of them ? Even for some of those listed above it looks like salaries alone. Ah Magway Sa!

    • memyselfandi
      July 17, 2012

      you sound like a fool ohhhhhhhh!!!!!! why are you being so stupid..strupssssssssssssssssssss.foolish boy

      • Anonymous
        July 18, 2012

        And yet so many thumbs up for the stupid. Hmmm!

    • ??????????????
      July 17, 2012

      I know that it is hard to please some of you. Make some nstructive criticsm. Do you realise that there is an economic turn down if youunderstand what that is. People got to spend less yes all of us from our homes as well. No wastage. Do you know what is happenning in Greece?

      • ??????????????
        July 17, 2012

        sorry constructive instead nstructive.

    • yep
      July 17, 2012

      oh yeah…as for agriculture

      that is a salary budget

    • Anonymous
      July 18, 2012

      That is to show you how them man wicked. But it won’t be long now when their reign will come to an end

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