The Government of Dominica says it has decided to invest in industries that leverage the country’s natural resources in regenerative ways.
Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntrye, while presenting the 2025/2026 National Budget recently, said, “As part of our ongoing efforts to diversify the economy and generate sustainable employment, government is making targeted investments in industries that add value to our abundant natural resources.”
“One such promising initiative is the development of a modern water bottling industry, a sector in which Dominica holds a natural competitive advantage,” he continued, “I am therefore pleased to announce that the Government will move forward with the acquisition of the former Dominica Brewery site in Loubiere for the establishment of a modern water bottling facility.”
In 2018, the bottling plant proprietors, Dominica Brewery & Beverages Limited, announced its inability to operate its brewery and water production line, as a result of the serious damage suffered during the impact of Hurricane Maria in September 2017. The company was known for one of its signature products, Loubiere Water.
Dr. McIntyre revealed that the government is currently in advanced negotiations with a foreign investor who will partner with the Government to bring this project to life, and once operational, “the plant will bottle and brand our pristine water for export to high-demand markets, particularly in Europe and the United Kingdom.”
“We anticipate the creation of more than 100 direct jobs in plant operations, bottling, distribution, quality control and maintenance,” he stated. “Furthermore, this venture will generate indirect employment in areas such as trucking, packaging, marketing, and logistics.”
Dr. McIntyre further stated that this project speaks to government’s commitment to creating meaningful, long-term employment for Dominicans, right here at home.
Meanwhile, he said Dominica is also taking steps to establish a viable and sustainable film industry to attract international film and photo productions.
He noted that Dominica’s potential as a world-class film destination was spotlighted globally when scenes from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise were filmed on our shores.
“That experience showcased our island’s unmatched natural beauty to millions around the world and provided meaningful economic opportunities for a range of local service providers,” Dr. McIntyre explained. “ The success of that production and its lasting impact on our people demonstrate the power of film to drive visibility, create jobs, and stimulate multiple sectors of the economy. In light of these proven benefits, the Government is taking steps to establish a viable and sustainable film industry in Dominica to attract international film and photo productions, expand employment, and project our Nature Island to global audiences. Dominica’s breathtaking natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make it a compelling backdrop for filmmakers.”
By capitalising on these unique assets and removing barriers, Dr. McIntrye indicated that Dominica can be positioned as a competitive and desirable location for global productions.
“To this end, in February of this year, we appointed a Film Commissioner, tasked with leveraging his expertise and industry connections to position Dominica as a premier destination for international film production,” he revealed. “To support this initiative, the Government will implement a series of targeted incentives to attract film projects and reduce production barriers.”
This, he said, includes:
- Tax-free imports of all film-related goods, lowering the cost of equipment, props, and materials;
- Work permit waivers for crew and talent, to eliminate bureaucratic delays and facilitate efficient entry for production teams.
- No location fees for the use of government-owned and historical sites, making our iconic landscapes more accessible while showcasing our natural and cultural heritage; and
- Government-supported security and policing, to ensure the safety of cast, crew, and equipment, and to reinforce Dominica’s reputation as a secure and reliable filming destination.
“Mr. Speaker, by establishing Dominica as a film-friendly location, we are opening new economic opportunities for our people and securing global visibility for our island,” Dr. McIntyre emphasized.
So they giving tax breaks to incentivize film crews to come and shoot here? These film companies deal with millions of dollars they would barely feel any of these import duties. But why do these stupid import duties even exist in the first place? And why isn’t this extended to other industries like tech? Or for local content creators?
We have so much talent here and can bring in so much revenue from people engaged in tech work (web/app development, AI, content creation etc) but when you have to buy a single camera for $500 and pay over $200 in import duties alone, or an $800 computer paying $400 in duties that would discourage any poor young person trying to start something
Now allyou talking!!!
But doe juss stop dere yeh all does Mangoes allyou have dere rotting when mango season come allyou need to find a Cannery to juice dem and start exporting all dat!!!
Not to forget all does quarries dat on Crown/Government Land Making Millions hand of fist,,,, And dem fellas dat has been dredging the Layou river from since BigMan dem was Little Boys passing dere by the river watching Paris Williams Dem taking all dat materials and making all their Big Money and Dominica still Krananah,,,
Better late than never but allyou better not call elevation now yeh cause allyou will still loose wiff allyou [too little too late] strategy!!!
Allyou lost allyou opportunity to make a differecnce now all you juss acting desparately with desparate messures to try keep people sane,,,
Interesting how the government could have EASILY!!!!! prevented the closure of the previous bottling operation…now they are interested in reviving said operation 🧐
so it taking all u donkeys years to realize Dominica has so many rivers and exporting water must be our priority….such lazy thinkers…you all are the best…Flintstones would have seen that long time…
Why does DNO publish so many promises by the current administration like this bottle water venture, the site is replete with these. However, not even a response from the leader of the main opposition party. Where is the balance in reporting?
DNO you need not to be just a purveyor of information from the incumbent regime. In a case of the budget presentation your readers should get a rebuttal from other opposition parties. You should also dissect the presentations of the various presenters for different perspectives and accuracy.
Come on DNO! Don’t be biased. However, give us some independent analysis of what is presented in par-lie-a-ment. By just publishing verbatim the speeches of these veteran liars, you are inadvertently giving credence to their hogwash.