UWP seeks to grow economy by six percent

Francis said the UWP wants to grow the economy by six percent. File photo

United Workers party (UWP) Member of Parliament for the Roseau South constituency, Joshua Francis, has said that the party if elected, is looking to grow Dominica’s economy by “at least” six percent.

The economic goal was announced at a press conference held on Tuesday 16th May at the Prevost Cinemall.

Francis said that in boosting the economy by six percent, a domino effect will take place where there will be an increase in revenue circulation, which in turn will lead to more available jobs and an increase in the minimum wage.

“We are saying in Team Dominica, we want to grow the economy by at least six percent. A growth in the economy will mean more money in circulation. More money in circulation, more jobs available, and therefore those who are providing the jobs, there are employers, and we are hoping that there can be more employers than we have right now, consequently, the wages can increase,” Francis said.

As part of the plan, the UWP is setting its eye on engaging “alternative technologies.”

“In the Public Service Department, we expect an increase in wages but again the government has to find a way to cut on waste. We understand that government expenditure will bring some form of government investment but we are saying that, in Team Dominica, we are looking at alternative technology. We are looking at solar energy, we are looking at wind energy, we are looking at recycling plants,” he said.

He stated that all of this is an effort to cut down on the expenses, which, according to Francis, is one of the issues that “plagues Dominica’s economy,” and the government of Dominica is being “very flirtatious” in reducing costs.

“One of the problems which plague Dominica’s economy is the high cost of production. Electricity bills are very high. Now of course we have a government that has been very flirtatious as far as reducing cost of production, they have been talking about the geothermal movement, but what have we seen? Even within that department there has been waste,” he stated.

According to Francis, to combat this, the UWP “with the qualified, and competent, and dedicated people we have” will “find a way to reduce costs” which will lead to improvements of the “economic situation” in Dominica.

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66 Comments

  1. Tj
    May 21, 2017

    Growing the economy can be attain to the level Mr. Francis envisioned. Revival of agriculture, which has worked before. However I like and looks forward to read Mr. Telemaque’s comments.

  2. IODINE ou fufufu
    May 19, 2017

    Man u planning episode 6th. Politics leave you. Uwp komessWe aint want u. 6% Is 6th ePISODE 6 is Satan number.

  3. Faceup
    May 19, 2017

    We will get there UWP, But first Lennox aint doing nothing for us he has to get out off as lesder of the opposition ? WE CANT WIN WITH HIM..

    • Be Good
      May 21, 2017

      yep so try he needs to move on

  4. NO name
    May 19, 2017

    Talk is cheap and we all have our opinions at heart .But just tell us exactly how you going to create that 6 percent growth. Put more meat on the bone.Sounding like sweet talk and we had enough of that from either side

    • Venezuela Sorry
      May 19, 2017

      probably you were not listening, he has said it on numerous occassions.

  5. Zandoli, unless I am on another planet, I believe the rising of one salary, and the economic growth of a nation are totally two different things; so here is the definition of economic growth.

    Economic growth is how much more the economy produces than it did before. If the economy is producing more, businesses are more profitable, and, and in the United States, and other developed nations, stock prices rise. That gives companies capital to invest and hire more employees.

    As more jobs are created, incomes rise. Consumers have more money to buy additional products and services, driving higher economic growth. For this reason, all countries want positive economic growth. Simply rising salaries, might cause bankruptcy.

    Note: Economic growth is measured by changes in the gross domestic product (GDP). It measures a country’s entire economic output for the past year. That takes into account all goods and services that are produced in this country for sale, whether they are sold…

    • Continue:

      That takes into account all goods and services that are produced in this country for sale, whether they are sold domestically or sold overseas. It only measures final production, so that the parts manufactured to make a product are not counted. Exports are counted because they are produced in a particular country. Imports are subtracted from economic growth. Economic growth is measured quarterly measured using real GDP to compensate for the effects of inflation. When people do not know like Francis they talk crap. The uneducated hearing him talk that carp may believe him “because him is lawyer nu.” There is no substance to the argument Francis made. He is into obeah economics.

      Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah

      • zandoli
        May 19, 2017

        FET
        When I responded to you, my point was very narrow. I was not referring to the size of the GDP. I was referring only to the RATE of growth of GDP.

        Again I will give you another example. If you are a beggar who has $1 in your pocket, and someone hands you $10, at day’s end, you would have grown your income by another 1000%. On the other hand, if I have $100 and someone hands me $15, I will have had 15% more money in my pocket. BUT the RATE of growth of the beggar’s income will be much greater than mine – 1000% vs 15%. On the other hand, the 15% is a higher ABSOLUTE number ($15) than the $10 that the beggar was able to achieve.

        I hope you got my point now.

  6. Se moin
    May 19, 2017

    Stop spreading fake news Sir in your Trump suit. Talk to your boss before all the alternate truth is revealed. What a pity! Shame on you! We just have to be honest in this crooked world.

    • concern citizen
      May 19, 2017

      Se moin,
      What U and those who thing like U does is to keep the bad, and stop the Good from entering

  7. May 19, 2017

    Yes I UWP! Allu really have jokes. First of all nobody doe voting for allu.

    Second of all, refer to point 1!

    • concern citizen
      May 19, 2017

      So Shoy,
      U mean to tell me U and those who think like U just supporting Skerrit to be more corrupt, but for the wrong things which you all are supporting if U don’t pay for it in UR. life time UR. great, great grand children will pay for it, because as any reasonable thinking people can see D/ca is not a 3rd world country it is only bordering the 4th world countries

  8. zeebee charles
    May 19, 2017

    utter rubbish coming from you joshua .How are you all going to do that by sales of C.B.I . program

  9. Canada
    May 19, 2017

    I fully support the plans of UWP to take Dominica where Skerrit has not taken us in 15 years .
    We need new ideas and people in power to move things in this stagnant island .
    The negative DLP bread singers will try to discourage any leader that is put there to oppose Skerrit , but we stand firm and shall not be afraid.
    Mr. Francis I want you to continue on your journey to up lift Da.

    • zeebee charles
      May 19, 2017

      Fool yourself Canada.

  10. freedom fighter
    May 19, 2017

    Good idea aiming high, if we don’t get 6%, we’ll get 3%, voila!

  11. IV CALL
    May 19, 2017

    Ask not what you can do for your country, but what your country can do for you – Dominicans.
    That’s why Scarerat is so successful in winning all the time; Is because the people of Dominica are not willing to contribute and make sacrifices for the betterment of their own country. Instead, they rely on government to provide diapers for their babies and used galvanize to cover their kitchen. There are too many uneducated and lazy people on the Island – And the government like it so. 70% of the Roseau community sits on their hands and butt; 10% are going around looking and applying for work; 5% are getting ready to get the L out of the country; Only 15% are legally employed. Don’t believe me!!!!!? Ok, drive around from new town to Fond Cole and tell me what you see. Dominica is a project.

  12. IV CALL
    May 19, 2017

    All I need is two more inches and I’m cool. :lol:

  13. THE SHOAL
    May 19, 2017

    % ! we all were born with 49 ounces of brain but yours never developed. You are too old to tell but, go read the Bible. People don’t study dictionary. UWP is bankrupt. Workers go 4 times already and come next election they must go 5 times.

  14. Peeping Tom
    May 18, 2017

    I think this guys is still experiencing that February 7 thingy that had him….! For real. He is so out of it.

    Once again, the UWPwee proves that it has nothing to offer Dominicans. One advantage of being in opposition is that one can be free and loose with dreams and phantasmagoria. Every opposition politician has a list of vague fanciful ideas in his head (that he cannot articulate) until he is pressed for details and finds that they make no sense! Even those grand ideas of recycling plants etc. are capital intensive, will take years to bear fruit, and if managed a la UWP are not sustainable. In addition, projected global growth hovers around 3%.

    What is the map that leads to your 6% growth, public service efficiency? See why you guys will always remain in opposition? You have no alternative to offer Dominica!. Zero.

    Zehzeh!

    • Patriot
      May 19, 2017

      lol..@peeping tom you must be an as. So you can\’t think of any alternatives to grow the economy and you are making fun of a man who has logical ideas to grow that same economy..lol….do the math and stop asking for handouts..your government has over spent the budget and is not even sure where the money is gonna come from for small business and other business development.

  15. NLABOUR
    May 18, 2017

    It can be achieved. Boost agriculture exports, tourism, manufacturing, construction, services, and a legitimate CIB program. This labour government could have turned Dominica into a moderate developing country however, they have turned us into a bag of beggars.

    Not until this lazy government leaves office will this country grow.

    One very spiritual man in Dominica went to pray and fast for Dominica, the Lord showed him that this is Skerrit’s last term in office. If this is true, we have interesting days ahead.

  16. Rasta for a while
    May 18, 2017

    Hahaha when will that happen? When cock grow teeth of course.

  17. shrewd
    May 18, 2017

    When i listen to the plans and programs of the uwp, it is quite possible and realistic to grow Dominica’s economy by 6% and i don’t just accept talk, i work with numbers. It’s time to get away from 0, 1, and 1.2 % growth. Mr Francis is a brilliant, practical, and honest man.

  18. Jonathan St jean
    May 18, 2017

    Getting 6%growth is not that hard to accomplish in an economy that is as stagnant and lacks productive programs except for selling passports.Do the maths and see.Assume the GDP is $300 then 6% is only $18 to give a total of $318.Assume the GDP was $3000 then the 6% increase would be $180 making that much harder to fulfill.With a revival of agriculture alone plus the savings mentioned and sourcing international development funds,plus sale of passports can generate the 6% in the first term of a government which is responsible and prudent.

  19. biggs
    May 18, 2017

    how that goin to happen. when Lennox owing so much people……smh. ….babye for allu

    • Massacre
      May 19, 2017

      Separate Lennox from this message. That’s why all you will not progress.
      This plan is about taking Dominica and its people to the next level . For so long we have seen all other islands passing us by, why is it that we do not want the best for Da?
      I fully support this UWP plan .

    • May 19, 2017

      My goodness Linton owing money to whoever is not the message that’s why people in the diaspora says we in Dominica are not educated we don’t think thing throw before commenting, people need jobs and we need to be moving forward not backward.,. We sure Linton will work that out.

  20. Daniel J Tanner
    May 18, 2017

    What’s 6 percent of zero? How will crime and environmental destructionhelp the tourism economy grow?

  21. “Francis said that in boosting the economy by six percent, a domino effect will take place where there will be an increase in revenue circulation, which in turn will lead to more available jobs and an increase in the minimum wage.”

    When people are delusional, and lives out of reality; they fart out of their mouth, not knowing CO 2 comes out of place from the lower dorsal part of the body. How can this man make a stupid statement like that? Even in the continental United States of America, the economy has difficulties growing that fast during any year.

    I wonder what type of obeah is this guy going to work to boost the economy by 6% when there are no new industries being developed in the country. How can you grow the economy on the existing none productive business. And by the way is he pretending to be a spoke person for the UWP?

    • Zandoli
      May 18, 2017

      FET
      If these guys can get their act together it is far easier to grow the economy by 6% in DA as opposed to America. Look at it this way: it is easier to double you income from $7/hr to $14/hr. It is far more difficult to go from $50,000/yr to $75,000/yr.

      However, doubling your income from $7 to $14/hr will only put an extra $14500 in your pocket, while a 50% increase from $50,000 to $75,000 (a 50% increase) will net you an extra $25,000.

      The long and short is, it is easier to achieve a higher rate of growth in a small economy than in a large more mature economy.

    • May 19, 2017

      The party is not going to depend on the non production of what is not happening they will be creating jobs to accomplished that out come of 6% in the economy. Sometime I don’t believe that there a people who just want the status quote in Dominica a stale state going no where and have begging as the norm maybe the Government should make it legal also. why not!

    • Dominca Massive
      May 20, 2017

      Francis doesn’t give any substantial reason to grow the economy…6% is just wishful thinking.He gives no reason as to our current situation and what steps he will take to guide us through.In other to grow an economy export productivity has to increase, the building sector has to show growth.Industry has to be at high priority …Manufacturing plants have to be in line,,, You cannot do business as usual and expect grow…Francis is trying to chew too much before he begins to eat.

  22. Kermit
    May 18, 2017

    Uhhh yeah okay. Weren’t you the one saying the enemies have risen against you?

  23. Herbert Volney
    May 18, 2017

    Might as well go for 35% growth.

    • %
      May 18, 2017

      Are you the educated fool. I listened to your filth and garbage recently. You should go bury your ugly head in the sand. You are a turn off..
      SKERRIT MUST GO!
      SKERRIT MUST GO!
      SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!

      • Oligar
        May 19, 2017

        yeah he must go… in the next 20 years or so :lol: :lol:

      • Gary
        May 20, 2017

        Such a comment shows what politics has done to your mind.

    • Peeping Tom
      May 18, 2017

      :mrgreen:

  24. May 18, 2017

    Yesterday, i spoke of having a new face or spokesperson for the UWP,one that would better articulate the views of the UWP if any , 6% gdp is one most develop countries can’t adhere to presently. the infrastructure of the island will count against that growth, foreign goods and services,educating the people to help themselves and in so doing making Dominica self sufficient. It takes a national movement to accomplish these ventures, plus international air transport, five year goals maybe the best way to go with your parties ideal.Now , before you seek the people’s mandate,the UWP must play its part in healing Dominica, if not, the same thing MR Skerrit is being accuse of , your party will end up in the very same predicament, the people must be educated towards that vision and be a major participant.The best among Dominicans,should hold positions in governing the the country, thats why a national government is the best for Dominica,the best minds that Dominica have to offer. Hotep.

    • May 19, 2017

      I also believe it’s time that both Opposition Parties come together and discuss the possibility of working together on defeat DLP and get Dominica and Dominicans back on track again, the men/women should put their own personal agenda on the back burner and put our people and Island at the front, it can be done and they should consider the option. Let’s move Dominica forward .

  25. KID ON THE BLOCK
    May 18, 2017

    Francis you are so right to use the word “IF” elected! Trust me brother this IF is going to stand STIFF till cock start going teeth!

  26. O Boyfriend
    May 18, 2017

    Don’t comeback with the same old things. YOU said that the last election.. Dominica is so poor and you are at a function wth a Donald Trump suit? Base on your designer tailored suit, I know something is working real real good in Dominica. It is a red illusion to be constantly exploiting the conditions of the people and you will present a solutions showing the people you are better than them in your suit. Everyone of the press conferences held this week, they were in theirs suits. Look at the DLP attire simple Simon. At your next press conference make sure your helicopter drop you off while your stretch limousine and driver with gloves wait for you. WE maybe poor but we know crooked politicians like you.

  27. Ras Ju
    May 18, 2017

    That is a tall order you know Mr Francis??

  28. ??
    May 18, 2017

    Man, get out of there with that foolishness. Why don’t just promise everyone a $500K house and a BMW while at it…. You are not even saying where you are going to get the financing and how you are going to creating these jobs. Talk is cheap.

  29. Thanks
    May 18, 2017

    While you are cretizing the government, tell us about your success or accomplishment? We gave you a chance now it’s time for us to acknowledge your hard work. You have failed us miserable, now you are putting on a rabbit salvation army suit and telling us about 6% growth. We the people have a 101% therefore, You ideas are irrelevant. Word to the wise go back and stand by your zero leader.

  30. DC
    May 18, 2017

    UWP must first learn how to attract new support. You are neglecting the constituencies which have voted against you in large numbers. Your supporters are constantly insulting those with opposing views. Why don’t you concentrate on the Portsmouth, Petite Savanne, Grandbay, Vielle Case, Cottage, Paix Bouche, Soufriere, Kalinago Territory constituencies for a change? You neglect these people and then you cry elections was stolen. Most of your rants are falling on deaf ears because you have fail to interact with the people and have turned your backs on the constituents who voted against you. We are not illiterate, we did not go to night school nor did we drink the red kook aid. The fact is UWP is unable to convince the masses that they are the better choice. Your prediction of a 6 % growth is a fallacy!

    • %
      May 18, 2017

      Who are the masses you are talking about…On island Skerrit HAS NO MASSES on his side…….Skerrits strength is with imported voters. That’s why we the concerned Dominicans must stop this nonsense….Stop blurting foolishness from the bushes.
      SKERRIT MUST GO!
      SKERRIT MUST GO!
      SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!

      • Gary
        May 19, 2017

        Why do you keep yourself in perpetual delusion creating your own truth.

  31. #Dominica
    May 18, 2017

    How Mr Francis?
    Is there a part 2 to follow?

  32. ISIS
    May 18, 2017

    So what exactly is your plan for growth? All that chatter and nothing of substance….Tell you what, vote for me and I will grow the economy by 10%…stupes

    • May 19, 2017

      Your party haven got any vision for taking the Island forward, so now you want the UWP representative to give you and your DLP party information, maybe you don’t want to work but there are still others that want too.

  33. freedom
    May 18, 2017

    Works trying to fool people, don’t come with that polic tricks

    • %
      May 18, 2017

      WORKERS TRYING TO FOOL PEOPLE??
      Are they passing around the country giving money only to their supporters? Its strange that accessories of evil like you, who is already fooled, are writing this idiocy. Do you know that after UWP promised to grow the economy by 5% in 2014,,,,THOSE IDIOTS, and blank slates in the DLP, then jumped in on the bandwagon and said that they will do so too….Instead of doing so they turned Dominica into a PASSPORT PRODUCTION FACTORY…
      SKERRIT MUST GO!
      SKERRIT MUST GO!!
      SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!!

      • Is So
        May 18, 2017

        DLP, has a better track record than the UWP, the masses rejected you end of story. Show me where poverty doesn’t exist! The DLP manifesto was the basis for your platform so the people choose theirs and you are still BLUE VEX.. The passport business is thriving very very good. No your bedbug partner, Rojock will never be an Ambassador. % TRY a new Lyrics old news.

    • Fairness for all
      May 19, 2017

      It’s better than offering toilets and pampers! All this maypuis goes on whilst somebody pockets your money.. but you’re too slow to notice. You’re too caught up in this chat. Somebody is using tax payers money to bribe people to vote for them, as they know that’s the only way they can win.

  34. lightbulb
    May 18, 2017

    How is Francis still the face of the party?

    • TRUEMAN
      May 18, 2017

      EXACTLY!!!!
      My same thoughts!
      But UWP leaders seem too afraid/incompetent to rectify that!!

      But yet they want us to trust them to lead this country!

  35. jaded
    May 18, 2017

    I am still waiting to hear how UWP plans to grow the economy 6%. Francis talks about the effects of a 6% rise but that is elementary economics. We all know how a 6% growth in the economy will benefit Dominica. What he fails to explain is how his party plans to do that. If wishes were horses…..

    • %
      May 18, 2017

      I AM NOT WAITING TO HEAR AGAIN..
      I have been hearing since 2014, and I have satisfied myself that with this highly UWP competent team, growth can surpass 6%it can even reach 8% yearly..To compare this UWP team with the corrupted and polluted DLP, would be shameful…Instead of growing the economy, they have grown poverty, and to alleviate it, they are passing around the country giving money to only one set of people….Giving of money to party political supporters cannot grow an economy. THATS WHY I SHALL, and never will (even when Skerrit leaves soon) vote a DLP government again.
      SKERRIT MUST GO
      SKERRIT MUST GO!!
      SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!!

      • Hey
        May 18, 2017

        % It’s very hard to eridacte your foot in mouth disease. Under UWP DOM was bankrupt, payless paydays. Do you think now with our blooming economy you will be given a chance to pay your legal team, NO, NO NO.! While you are there trying to cause destruction, the female senator came to you beg and pleaded for assistance for her dying child to go overseas, WHAT was YOUR response? Yes a person with a Hugh humble heart sent them overseas for medical care! % THE good %, the only person you want to help is yourself. Why didn’t you help the single senator mother with her dying child? Skeritt is Bless.

      • Me One
        May 18, 2017

        How have they grown poverty % and they are begging the same poor Dominicans for money? Q say no mor begging for U.

      • #DA
        May 19, 2017

        U are not living on this PLANET

      • Plato
        May 19, 2017

        You need to wake up and stop being so blinded by your support of a party. This level of growth is magnanimous and is difficult to accomplish even in highly industrialized nations with a superior economic base to ours.
        And please do your party a service and stop insulting those who support the government. If the UWP is to form the government it’s the same people you call blank slates and idiots who must come across. I grew up hearing you can’t catch flies with vinegar.

    • LifeandDeath
      May 18, 2017

      I have to support your point..the question is how do you propose to achieve such growth?
      Chances are if VAT is reduced for example, the economy may not necessarily show growth, but disposable income will be increased prompting support for investment..Representing Economic growth is a tricky business..

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