“Smooth transition” so far says DEXIA’s new GM 

It has been one week since DEXIA’s former accountant Paula Platsko commenced work as the Agency’s new General Manager replacing Gregoire Thomas who served in that capacity for the past 20 years.  Ms. Platsko credits the support of DEXIA ‘s former General Manager, Board of Directors, Management, Staff as well as other stakeholders for the ease with which she has assumed her post.

“It really has been a smooth transition for me, most notably because I served as part of the senior leadership team as Accountant and worked closely with Mr. Thomas who over 11 years I replaced as officer in charge during his absence.”

“We shared a mutually trusting professional relationship and he invited my input on critical issues affecting DEXIA and was invited to lead on some of those issues,” she adds.

Over the years, the DEXIA Board, with whom she engaged regularly, also sought her advice and input on financial and other matters.  Apart from leading her department, she also provided guidance, coaching and mentoring to other staff. Ms. Plastko represented the Agency in many for a and among its various stakeholders.

Ms. Platsko who holds a Master in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Management, both from the University of the West Indies (UWI) started at DEXIA in 2009.  She is proficient in project management, ISO 9000- Total Quality Control Management and several web applications to include Sage ACCPAC.  Ms. Platsko has played an instrumental role in crafting the Human Resource (HR) policies and Union agreements for DEXIA as well as the preparation of cabinet papers. She has offered financing management expertise to several programmes under the agencies projects to include the European Union- funded Business Gateway Programme.   Caribbean Development Bank funded National Export Strategy (NES), and the Cocoa Cluster Development Project made possible through USD$300,000.00 contribution from the Compete Caribbean Partnership Facility (CCPF).

In her new role as General Manager, Ms. Platsko will be responsible for the development of the Agency’s work programme and the preparation of related annual budgets.  Her vision for DEXIA’s various departments speaks to innovation and modernisation. She envisions a modern Roseau Market with conference facilities and an Export Promotion and Development Department which continues to help cottage industries scale up to small businesses as well as the two vibrant Multi-Purpose Pack Houses exporting local produce billed for consistency in quality and volume and directly contributing to rural development. She sees a Commercial Department that continues to responsibly manage the import of sugar rice, cocoa and nutmeg to the island.

Ms. Platsko shared this vision with staff at a general staff meeting held at DEXIA’s Bayfront office on Wednesday March 3rd, 2021, mere days after assuming office.

DEXIA came into existence on July 1, 1986.  The Agency is a public sector institution established by Act No. 14, which was created to spearhead the development of Dominica’s export sector, with focus on Agriculture and Agro-processing.  With the creation of the NES document in 2010, the Agency expanded its focus to include four more pillar areas: Energy and Natural Resources, Cultural Industries, Professional Business Services and Tourism.