The government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Small Business Development and Enterprise, in collaboration with the Sineku Hamlet Development Committee, has launched an enterprise centre in Sineku in the Kalinago Territory.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Sineku Enterprise Center last week, Minister of Commerce, Enterprise, and Small Business Development, Roselyn Paul, commended the small business owners involved in the enterprise and encouraged them to be committed to their business endeavours.
“To all the participants… prospective business women and men, who have seen merit in being part of this initiative, I commend you for your involvement and participation. However, I wish to caution you to be in it for the long haul…” Paul stated. “Small business development and entrepreneurship are for those who are willing and committed to go all the way, and are in it to win it. Be a winner, not a quitter.”
Parliamentary Representative for the Kalinago Territory and Minister of Kalinago Affairs, Cassius Darroux urged residents to think progressively, and “seize the opportunity” afforded to them.
“Enterprise development is a tool and an element that is essential for economic growth; and, with such rural-based enterprise, it’s a step forward in addressing unemployment, gender equality, health, education, and stronger family structure, and, of course, other social-related ills,” he said. “We, here at the resource centre in Sineku, now an incubator for small business development, must seize the opportunity to think creativity and innovation, and think of where we want to be five, ten, or twenty years down the road.”
He advised small business owners to “…be prepared to take risks. Go the extra mile, because too many times, we want to depend on other people to do things for us. When we have the opportunity to go the extra mile, let’s walk it. We have to be committed, be motivated, be prepared to accept criticisms, and make changes if needed.”
Meantime, Darroux revealed that a furniture centre valued at $90,000, financed by the Ministry of Constituency Empowerment, is set to be opened soon.
“Soon, the Ministry of Kalinago Affairs is expecting to witness the opening of a furniture centre in Saliyba, which was financed by, in the tune of $90,000, he explained. “Currently, we have ordered the industrial equipment from China and from the latest communication, the manufacturers indicated that the equipments are ready for shipment.”
Wow, the industrial equipment is coming from China. That of course means the factory will be at a standstill in less than a year. It always pays in the long run to invest in quality equipment rather than some cheap stuff. I understand money is always an issue but in ventures like this it always beneficial to look at it medium/long term. I know Dominicans are not very good at that.
Great news! Thank you God for your provision. I do pray that the people in the community take advantage of this initiative. I ask God for continuity and sustainability.