Roseau, Dominica, December 6, 2022 – The Private Sector of Dominica is a key contributor to socio-economic development; however, in recent times, many businesses, specifically Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been impacted by natural disasters, such as Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria, as well as the coronavirus pandemic which has impacted their ability to recover. It has been seen that businesses that had a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place and considered how they respond to their risks have been better able to recover.
As a means of support to enhance the resilience of the Private Sector, particularly MSMEs, IsraAID Dominica and Dominica Association of Industry & Commerce (DAIC) collaborated to host a Business Continuity Planning Workshop for MSMEs on November 29th and 30th. This Workshop was coupled with coaching support for fifteen businesses in Dominica.
Hosted over two days, this workshop used the CARICHAM Business Resilience Toolkit to facilitate the simple completion of the BCP. The workshop ensured that MSMEs were able to understand and share best practices in reducing their risk for various hazards as well as participate in scenario planning. This exercise ensured that risks often not considered which are highly probable with severe impacts were explored. Prior to the 2 days’ workshop, Disaster Risk Reduction coaches visited the participating businesses to assess their risks and these coaches are currently providing post-workshop support to ensure the BCPs are completed and appropriate to the risks of the businesses.
DAIC as one of the creators of the Business Resilience Toolkit encourages all businesses to use this free tool provided through the network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce with other partners to enhance their business resilience. This toolkit comprises an easy-to-use template and guide available in English, French, Spanish, Dutch, and Haitian Creole; videos in English, French, and Spanish; and the CARICHAM Family Friendly Business Continuity Plan Supplementary Checklist.
ISRAAID Dominica and DAIC are delighted with this collaboration and look forward to continuing to support the enhanced resilience of the private sector as the resilience of the private sector is essential to the resilience of the country and its socio-economic development.
We Dominicans are so long in existence and we are still learning ABCs. When will we ever learn? All this is to keep us going back to the drawing board to prevent us from standing on our own two feet. Chinese teaching us to fish, they are also teaching us how to grow food and Sh…t, What??? Also, why is Skeritt always causing hurricanes and floods in Dominica? So he could cry to the World Bank for help. Didn’t you know evil people could call on their father to send disasters on their own people? Ask the Haitians.