Socially vulnerable will continue to benefit with funds injected into social progams

Dr Irving McIntyre

During the National Budget presentation, the Minister of Finance Dr. Irving McIntyre reassured the socially vulnerable people of Dominica that funds have been allocated to sustain all of the government’s social programs.

He noted that the extensive portfolio of social assistance programs is unparalleled in the history of Dominica.

“As a compassionate, people-centered administration, we will continue to assist the socially vulnerable. This is a duty we uphold, a commitment that aligns with our values, and we will not abandon our responsibility to protect the vulnerable,” he added.

Some of the Public Assistance Programmes include the Foster Care Programme, support for juveniles in conflict with the law, the Centenarian Programme, the Non-Contributory Pension for those 65 and older, the ‘Yes We Care’ Programme, textbook scheme, uniform allowance, school transfer grants, and the school feeding programme.

Meantime, the minister highlighted, that during the last fiscal year, the government handed over 249 homes. In addition this year, he reported that the government will be handing over an additional 361 homes to citizens in communities across the island.

Dr. McIntyre explained that this is to ensure that our citizens have decent homes and can feel secure during severe weather, which is in line with the policy of social protection and people-centered development to enhance the quality of life and standard of living of every Dominican.

He stated that notwithstanding the progress in increasing Dominica’s resilient housing stock for the vulnerable, the demand for homeownership nationally remains high.

In the last fiscal year, the government sold 50 residential lots at various locations. In this financial year, government will make available for sale 163 lots at concessionary rates at Jimmit, Hillsborough Gardens, Cotton Hill, Union Estate, Canefield East, and Cabana View, formerly known as Jumbie Piece near Wesley.

“We also await Physical Planning Division’s approval for the Future Housing Development at Warner. The banks and the credit unions have agreed to give special consideration offering favorable mortgage rates and conditions. This project underscores our dedication to creating sustainable housing solutions for young professionals, public officers, and Dominicans living abroad,” he said.

McIntyre is of the view that housing is more than just four walls and a roof, it is the cornerstone of stability, security, and a catalyst for growth and prosperity. Safe and reliable housing provides a solid foundation for individuals and families to build better lives and contribute meaningfully to society.

“With this in mind, the government has been focusing on the relocation of communities impacted by disaster to ensure the safety and security of residents. Of the housing units to be constructed this fiscal year, thirty-five will be built in the first phase of a new development site in Castle Bruce to relocate the communities of Petite Soufriere, San Sauveur, and Good Hope to a safer location. This Project will commence in the last quarter 2024. In addition, designs have been submitted to the Physical Planning Division for the relocation of Campbell residents,” he added.

According to him,  government’s investment in housing development has stimulated economic growth, creating jobs for architects, engineers, contractors, construction workers, and suppliers while driving demand for materials, services, and goods.

By prioritizing housing as a crucial part of the social and economic strategy, it fosters stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities, asserted the finance minister.

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9 Comments

  1. if we knew better
    August 6, 2024

    Im sorry but what social programs are you talking about? Bright and creamy programs? Dominica is doing worse that it has ever done. I know that your government doesnt have money. That is why government workers not getting paid on time. NEP workers not getting paid either. Thats why all your raising taxes and the cost of utilities. thats why all you cannot fix our roads properly and even reconsidering giving eligible businesses a tax holiday under the Fiscal Incentives act anymore. CBI drying up. All you cannot just sell passport to all cat and dog, you actually have to do due diligence now. So really i dont know what all you talking about. i expect you all to call another snap election and give us weeks to prepare, just so you ensure the DLP is there for another 5 years to rape and plunder our resources and act like they are yours. Soon i expect to hear all kind of land and resources sold to foreigners without our knowledge because all you dont have money. it drying up

  2. Lucas
    July 30, 2024

    An NEP worker beyond retirement age is not allowed to take the (pathetic) $300/month state pension. Tell me again how much you care about the socially vulnerable.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • Putin
      August 1, 2024

      An “NEP worker” is working, i.e. gainfully employed, earning his salary. Why would he qualify for the $300?

      Besides, $300 largan shesh just for existing is “pathetic” so an employed person would not need it anyway.

      • Fred
        August 1, 2024

        have you tried living on EC$1000 a month, dipsh t?

      • Martin
        August 1, 2024

        Just like your namesake, you have your head up your a..

  3. Ibo France
    July 30, 2024

    This man has sold his very soul to a demonic, corrupt Liar and autocrat. This once so beloved and admired medical doctor has reduced himself to a fawning jellyfish.

    Social programs in Dominica leave much to be desired as with most things. Vagrancy, mendicancy, malnutrition, poverty, are all exploding because of the decrepit state of the economy and the inadequacy of social intervention.

    What is very noticeable about this Roosevelt led thievocracy it’s all about comedy for them. Promise the people heaven and give them hell. Wicked and evil set of werewolves.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  4. Juanita
    July 30, 2024

    The country nice, nice!. Just today one heard in the National Parliament to the effect that even the ice cream shops are staying open later than usual and everything is nice and creamy. Go figure!

    • labour power
      July 31, 2024

      you mean the same ice cream shop i could not get ice cream from after 5 in possie and my god daughter there crying cause thats what she wanted? had to go all the way town

    • Putin
      August 1, 2024

      Which is a fact. In fact, Roseau now has even more ice cream shops than it did before Maria. I know it hurts you to hear of good things happening in Dominica but, that speaker was accurate.

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