Local businessman, Robert Tonge, has been elected as President of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) at the organization’s AGM on Feburary 6.
Tonge replaces former President, Lillian Piper, who did not seek reelection and who has been serving in the position for the past two years.
Speaking at the DAIC’s AGM Piper urged the members of the Private sector to form a better relationship with the government.
“We must have excellent communication with Government, a good relationship with each other, a good understanding of how much our employees are counting on us,” she said. “The role we play in moving our economies out of this negative into positive growth that will be felt in every pocket of every household is critical. Private sector you are the lifeline to this economy.”
According to her, the private sector must rethink its relationship with the government and consider a new method of dialogue to foster the enabling environment that is required on the island.
She pointed out, however, that too often the government gets involved in activities which should have been left in the hands of the private sector.
“I have also noted that Government, even in attempting to reform, may continue to involve itself in certain activities which may dissuade private initiative to take over,” she stated. “I do not believe that this is done with a bad intention but do believe strongly that these may be affairs best left to the private sector.”
Re-elected members of the board include Jeffrey Baptiste as Vice President, Edmund Baksh as treasurer, and Marisa Gabriel-Simelda.
Other members include Steve Astaphan, Orrin Jolly, Norman Rolle, Lisa Defrietas-Nesty, Kira Thompson-Aird and Jim Alston.
Lillian Piper will serve on the board as immediate past president.
During the open session, Phillip Nassief was recognized for his contribution to the private sector and Dominica.
lets do a lot more the the INDUSTRY part please.
Congrats Robbie..You are a truly an innovative businessman who has stood the test of time…maybe you can give some ideas for job creation to that intellectually bankrupt bunch…
Congratulations Robert and wishing you all success in your term moving forward. Your election was a positive first step in reforming the DAIC. Regain a voice for the DAIC is my advise to you, and blow your horn…loud!
Congrats Boss, you have the country at heart. I Wish I could say the same for our politicians on both sides.
Congratulation to you MR. Tonge but honestly that institution is a waist of time . Hope you make a difference and acknowledge the small businesses in Dominica knowing that they contribute to the island development, and must of them work hard did not inherit and knows what is business and not just inheritance talk . Know you a good business man let me see you make a difference. If you ask the schools what is DAIC must will not know that how that institution have been lock to the public.fix that big man I know you good stay bless.
i aint see no poor people name on the list there. not hating.. just observing… wish i could see names of farmers etc
Who ever u are ur so dam wright no poor ppl’s names.
They must qualify for a position. Do you have an idea if and how this could be possible?
Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce – Farmers have their own Association…dimwit!
so are u saying that farmers are not part of the Association for Industry and COmmerce? Last time check agriculture was the mainstay in Dominica and the farmers are the ones who have the economy going…. dimwit
Congrats to Robbie and wishing the Board all the best for a new term
congratulations to the new DAIC Board an its President Robert Tonge… I will be calling on you to provide some ideas and support… Best wishes for a successful term
Congrats Boss we are with you 100%
Congrats Mr. Tonge.
CONGRATULATIONS Mr. Tonge.
Glad to see your initial observation is to forge a better working relationship with the current government. The other urgent issue you should deal with is ‘educating’ the UWP party and its supporters that job creation in Dominica is not the sole responsibility of the Government or that of PM skerrit. They and your institution, have a role to play in terms of policy making to bring about the conditions/atmosphere which will encourage the private sector to do business and in turn create jobs.
you need to educate yourself by listening before bashing if u did u would know that a substantial portion of economic reform outlined by workers include private sector partnerships and investment by private entities not to mention the multiplier effect of created employment in regards to business expansion.also if an enabling environment is created by the government the private sector can flourish.EDUCATE YOURSELF,READ MORE,LISTEN MORE.
I endorse your comment.
did you listen to yourself befor you wrote this piece of intelligent comment?or lack there off?
Man you must be a genius;Dominica has lost it’s prardise in you peoples hands.LOL.