Buy Dominica to highlight local products

Saverin McKenzie makes a point during a press briefing on Buy Dominica on Friday morning

After a 50 percent drop in sales of local products this year as compared to last year, attempts are being made to remedy the situation.

Buy Dominica is the latest initiative by the Dominica Manufacturer’s Association (DMA) in conjunction with the Dominica Arts and Craft Producers Association (DACPA) to heighten the sale of genuine Dominican products.

Buy Dominica is expected to take place on December 20 and 21 at the Roseau Market.

Speaking at a media briefing PRO of DMA, Severin Mckenzie, said the event is aimed at “trying to create a light at the end of the tunnel for the local suppliers.”

“The aim of the activity is very simple; to increase the cash flow of local manufacturers during this buying season, to allow them to finances to pay their workers, meet their financial commitments with their lending institutions and possibly make a profit for the first time in 2012 which has been a disappointing year for the manufacturing industry in particular and for business in Dominica generally,” he said.

Mc Kenzie further explained that it is also an opportunity to create a level of consciousness and appreciation of local products.

“To create an opportunity for Dominican manufacturers and producers to benefit from sales of their products and to create a level of consciousness among the Dominican population to appreciate Dominican products, create employment opportunities for Dominican nationals, reduce excessive import bill and contribute towards the economic growth of the nation,” he pointed out.

Meantime Francis Richards, President of DACPA, said the turn out at this event will determine whether it will continue.

“If this one works out well it will be an annual one,” he said.

The event will also be a follow up to a trade show in Lamentin Guadeloupe, organizers say.

Products that will from part of Buy Dominica will include foods, beverages, herbal teas, arts & craft, soap, clothes, furniture, souvenirs, post cards, confectionery, meat, poultry, cosmetics, toilet paper, beer, paintings and “whatever is available for sale and meets the quality standards.”

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11 Comments

  1. Proud
    August 5, 2013

    Mr. McKenzie is an angel sent by God to assist Dominica. Our country is beautiful and has great potentials to grow into a very wealthy country. The DMA is working tirelessly to motivate and inspire Dominican manufacturers, but sad to say the general public seems to be giving a blind eye to the call… .DOMINICANS LETS SUPPORT THE DMA BECAUSE THE DMA IS DOMINICA…..

  2. Anonymous
    December 11, 2012

    Yes Malgraysa emphasis on “quick” therefore very shortsighted and deadly.

    But government from since mamo has always taken that lazy fatal approach to tax revenues hence our private sector is smaller and poorer than its ever been and we are more dependent than ever on our donor countries/agencies and DRUG trade to keep us propped up.

    Here we have some very courageous locals who have taken the risk and invested in products that keep our import bills high so have therefore provided the oppotunity to keep more of our money on island this strengthening the multipier effect by being able to reduce imports of the foreign brands.

    NOW! What is Skerrit doing to optimize these opportunities for the country? Nothing. Same old 3rd world approach to tax revenues. Kill private sector therefore increasing unemployment, beg donors harder and turn an even blinder eye to drug trade.

  3. Anonymous
    December 10, 2012

    Is this Severin Mc.Kenzie?

  4. Malgraysa
    December 8, 2012

    Imported product also pays vat.

    I will buy local anytime provided it is competitive and, at least of equal quality as the imported equivalent. All things being equal I’ll give local my preference.

  5. Anonymous
    December 8, 2012

    ***ANOTHER IGNORED SECTOR***

    Mr.McKenzie,
    Thanks for the info. It is SAD to digest.

    This is an issue that needs to be elevated to the GOVERNMENT level now.

    If the government will not create a favorable rules for our manufacturers then it’s just going to get WORST!!

    -Thanks

  6. R
    December 8, 2012

    Who are the consumers in Dominica. The compaigne needs to start at changing the mentally of our people. Dominican natural “self hate” We always think things from abroad is better than ours” i hear comments like, it taste better, it cooks better, i just like it, that alone i buying…etcc… ” If our people continue with that mindset that our locally produced is not as good… air less than, we will see no change.

    This has nothing to do with Govt. This is the spending habits of our population. We self hate, self destruct, we are killing our country and everyone trying to point a finger. Point it at you, how much of local products was in your shopping cart this week?

    None? One? three? Well its starts with you, you are the cause, don’t blame VAT. When you swing the beers you not complaining “bout VAT!

  7. Good-to-go
    December 7, 2012

    Sev my friend, I laud your efforts to manufacture a product in Dominica but you have to move past the “Buy Local” mantra my friend.

    Ensure that you produce a top quality product at a reasonable price and you good-to-go. And the bench mark for quality and price is what is on the world market my friend.

    Let us be frank, why should a Dominican consumer buy your product if (and I am saying IF) the quality and the price of the imported product beats yours? And don’t underestimate the consumers because they spot value for money very quickly. Because at the end of the day, you do not share your profits with the loyal Dominican consumers who stick with your products.

    And I encourage Dominicans to support local because it gives you a sense of pride to know that a product is made in your country, you support local jobs and the local economy. But these are political arguments for the politically conscious consumer.

    In the end the majority of the consumers will buy local products if it makes good consumer sense to do so (quality and price).

    So my friend you need to move on the front of ensuring that your quality is top notch (invest in machinery and technical know-how and amortise your cost over the useful life of your investment; don’t expect to see returns right away.

    This is the way to go my friend. A buy local campaign once in a while can’t do you any harm. But you can not over-rely on this strategy; The key to success is to ensure that you provide the consumers with a quality product at a competitive price.

  8. Morihei Ueshiba
    December 7, 2012

    Wow, Saverin McKenzie maybe time skerro and dem look at making our business climate friendlier u can start by eliminating the VAT cause the cost of doing business to high in Dominica, if u care about your people! :wink:

  9. linky
    December 7, 2012

    them laborrites will tell you that the country is doingt well.

  10. Anonymous
    December 7, 2012

    100% support. Will be there spending my money.

    I wonder if Skerrit understands what that figure means? 50% drop in sales for local products. If he is able to grasp the big picture? hhhmmmm doubt it because if he did he should be grey all now from stress and worry but nope! He looking 16 years old and groomed to the max. Every other PM I see pictures of, and world leaders, they grey, ‘ole, haggard, worry lines but our PM looking speefy for days oui! Not a care in the world 8-O

    Local producers sold HALF what they did last year yet not a care in the world. What were 2011 sales compared to 2010 I wonder. I bet that graph line has been downward for years but not a care in the world. uh uh, not for our teenager nuh :mrgreen:

    • Malgraysa
      December 10, 2012

      Anonymous, it is easy to understand. Imported good pay customs duty + vat, immediately upon importation into this country. Locally produced goods may pay duty + vat on raw materials/equipment only (some enjoy even duty free conscessions + tax holiday). Their finished products only attract vat once they are sold to the consumer, which may be much later, especially if you are sitting on inventory. So, for quick cash P.M. must prefer imports anythime.

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