President of the Dominica Manufacturer’s Association (DMA) Jean-Yves Bonaire says several factors must be addressed if the success of the sector is to become a reality; chief among them is appealing to the younger generation.
Bonaire make the remarks at the DMA’s 3rd Annual General Meeting held at the Garraway Hotel recently.
He said this year their focus was on the youth.
“This year we decided to put the spotlight on young innovators, people we call tomorrow’s leaders and probably the future of our manufacturing sector,” Bonaire said. “We have great expectations about their ability to steer the necessary trenches in technologies used, in Human resources management, and in a sustainable approach of research and development.”
According to him, the manufacturing sector is in need of a “complete makeover” and it is important to make it alluring once more especially to young people, noting that in so doing, they had to find ways to get the young people to consider seriously a career in manufacturing.
“I also believe that in order to make manufacturing more appealing as a career, we in the DMA need to concentrate on the following:
Minimize negative media image of manufacturing, alter the perception that manufacturing is almost dead in Dominica and reconnect with the youth with making things.”
The President of DMA stated that it is noteworthy that the sector is still an important economic driver which can improve the overall status of the national economy but he said in order to accomplish this, it will require, among other things, more young people getting into the business of producing.
“I also believe that it will take us in the DMA to change the perception of our own industry in order to make it more attractive to our young and upcoming entrepreneurs.”
He said in four years, the DMA has covered a lot of ground especially in the areas of self-development, advocacy, representation, improvement of the business climate in collaboration with the Invest Dominica Authority (IDA) and sourcing financing possibilities for manufacturers which was one of their major hurdles in both existing businesses and those trying to get off the ground.
Ten budding manufacturers were recognized for their participation in the Make Something To Sell (MSTS) initiative which was held in August of this year.
Linvor Ambo, one of the winners of the MSTS, was also elected to be part of the DMA’s executive.
The first edition of the DMA Digest magazine was also launched with special focus on the coconut, the possibilities that exist and how it can be further developed and the other challenges and opportunities for a vibrant manufacturing sector in Dominica.
Oh please Coco who said anything about not welcoming them! Read and understand ! It’s a skill that not all of us have.
In Dominica alone you would have foreigners in these positions. Domicans always taking a back seat.
May be we should begging to show some sort of gratitude to those working along with us Dominicans by birth to develop our country and abstain to always express adversity towards them. We also love when foreigners come visit our nature island and spend their euros and dollars. Those foreigners would like to feel welcome if it is our intention.
dominicans hold high positions abroad also. Head of CARICOM & PAHO to name a few. Right now we probably have more dominicans outside of dominca than inside, plus half of those that still here wish they weren’t. We should never be mad at foreigners for coming to Dominica and doing good work, especially if we ourselves are not doing much for our own good.