President of the Mero Enhancement Committee Josephine Dublin-Prince said on the heels of the committee’s Annual General Meeting Sunday, a report will be formulated to seek support and suggestions for the further development of the community,.
The community-based organization with its primary project focus on community eco-tourism has been in existence for the past six years.
According to Prince, the beach enhancement project, funded by the Government of Dominica and the European Union since 2007, has contributed tremendously to the livelihood of the villager through income generation and providing the opportunity for creation of new enterprises for income generation.
“This development has lifted the spirit of villagers to be more community minded and has strengthened their resolve to work together for the overall good of Mero. The committee through this project has contributed over EC$20,000 to the socioeconomic, cultural and education programmes in the community and this has impacted positively on the community and Dominica by extension,” she said.
She says presently 11 full time and four part time employees are engaged with the project.
“H.H. V Whitchurch & Co. Ltd and the Ministry of Tourism have been a major partner and stakeholder. They continue to make a major and significant contribution to community eco-tourism in Mero. Together as a team we work to make community eco-tourism second to none in Mero,” she added.
Meantime featured speaker tourism consultant Sobers Esprit said “the journey was long and hard and one step has been accomplished, continue to focus on being creative and innovative as Mero has much to offer in community eco-tourism.”
Kerrel Vidal, tour assistant at H.H.V Whitchurch informed the gathering of the need to be vigilant against those bent at harassing the tourist.
“Good quality service and attention to standards are key aspects of the experience offered to tourist,” she said.
Meantime a cheque of $1,000 was presented to the Rotary Club as the group’s contribution to a community toilet project presently under construction.
The group will work vigorously with Government and other stakeholders to ensure urgent attention is given to outstanding projects.
– DNO Correspondent
Congratulations to the village of Mero for a fine job.
On another note, it is a pity that this committee continues to leave out the tourism stakeholders in this comunity that could contribute in many ways.
Castaways was the pioneer in tourism since 1961 and has partnered with Mero throu out the years by hiring, education, encouraging and sharing its business with the people of Mero.
Castaways may not be there now, but its influence will always be here to support and encourage the village of Mero.
Keep up the good work and do not forget your neighbors !!!
I am very happy that the group has been able to make such a meaningfull contribution to the village of mero and Dominica by extension…. it is my hope that its efforts and mission stay the same.. and mero can be a highlight in the country and a leader in Dominicas comunity eco-tourism project..
hearts of to the members of Mero Enhancement Comittee (MEC)
I am certain that the 11 full time employees are the same people who already have another full.time
job. They are already on the Government payroll and are still getting another paycheck. That is a form of stealing. There are other people who need a JOB. With a recession, it is unfair for a few people to have two FULL TIME JOBS when someone else needs a job. Shame on you all.
Prove your allegations or shut up!!