Tourism minister, Ian Douglas, wants secondary school students to do more to promote Dominica on the local and international level.
Douglas said the younger generation is both computer and technologically savvy and their knowledge can be put to good use.
“We live in the internet age, we live in the electronic age and I know a lot of you have internet and are electronic savvy and computer savvy,” he told students at a tourism youth congress last week.
Douglas said further that social media is a useful tool to propagate destination Dominica.
“I want you to use those media to propagate and to promote the destination and to promote all of the things that we have to offer in Dominica,” he stated. “You can be the catalyst for promoting in Dominica all around the world because of your knowledge of social media.”
Douglas also urged all Dominicans to ‘properly present themselves’ in order to attract visitors to the island.
“Tourism is about everything we do Dominica, everything about us …. the way that we behave and interact with our environment should have tourism in mind,” he noted. “We should bear certain key issues in mind when we go about our daily business because everything that happens in Dominica affects tourism. .. So if we do not present the best possible destination, we will not be able to attract visitors.” he contended.
He does have a good IDEA, there’s no plan outline here. I don’t read him preparing anyone for that type of adventure. You can’t just tell people you WANT them to DO stuff, you have to first prepare them for it, minister of tourism. I hope you are creating a PLAN of action!!! This is a terrible state of government we have.
Tourism down, hospital in a state of hopelesnes, three roar wings for over 12 dollars, Chinese invading our island, 25 million state house for playboys,OMG Dominicans big up y’all self, are you that Brainwashed?.
It’s not $25 000 000.00, but about $30 000 000 plus LOAN MONEY… Hospital machines not functioning, BUT their pockets are filled. SHAME ON THESE FAKE POLITICIANS.
Mr. Douglas has a good point about youth involvement however technology is not the answer. Dominica is unique, we cannot compete with the rest of world in areas like technology or offshore banking, at least not right now. So we need to ask ourselves, why do people come to Dominica. Because it’s natural beauty and the opportunity to rejuvenate. Explore our resources…Agriculture, Arts and Crafts, Music etc…with agriculture we can export and manufacture lots of things. The same with Arts and Crafts. Why don’t we promote the biggest arts and crafts festival. We have started with music…World Creole and Creole Jazz. That’s a good start. That’s where the money comes in. How do you think Jamaica made it so big. Also, attitude and cleanliness is also big. Dominicans must realize that there is an economic crisis throughout the world so what makes you special. Start building from within. Yes, it is important for the youths to get involved. There education curiculum should include tourism and future business leaders of Dominica. Neighborhood clean-up and exploring tourism related business..i.e. restaurant owners, tour boat operators etc. We have to be creative. Things are hard throughout the world. Government Representatives can’t do it all but they must assist the people that are will. Make funds available to locals to better themselves business wise but locals use the funds wisely.
Now the question arises: Does Ian Douglas himself have any clue how to maximise the use of the IT tricks out there to market the tourism industry?
Does Ian really know how to use a computer, access e-mail, facebook, twitter etc etc etc?
Does Any of our Govt Mnisters even understand why “The Pope”, Obama, and countless other world leaders have twitter accounts ?
Mr. Tourism Minister. We need price control. We can have people reaping off the tourist.
And don’t be mistaken, visiting Dominicans from the Diaspora are TOURIST too. Treat everyone well.
Number one, the first people one meets at the airport. ALAS. Its not welcoming, I know the Immigration officers are trying , but the customer guys? They can ask the very same questions in a more inviting manner and with less disgust in their faces.
Remember, a visiting Dominican from the Diaspora is a Tourist. They could as stay over visitors, treat them with some respect.
We need them to spend some money on island, but with that attitude displayed time and time again by our custom officers, IAN there lies one of our problems. These guys are the first faces to the nation. NOT many nice faces at the customs.
FIX That Mr. Tourism Minister.
I agree with this comment. Immigration and Customs Officers are the first ones you meet as you enter the country. It is important that they maintain a professional and welcoming attitude. Remember 99% of the visitors are not criminals and you want them to have a good experience so that they will come again. They need to give them continual training you that they will better be able to identify that 1% criminal element. Also some of the Airline Representatives can use some professionalism training as well. These are the people are the ones that can make or break that first time experience.
I can’t agree with you nuh. We have to keep in mind they are not hospitality agents for DA. They are in fact the country’s security and it’s not their jobs to be all smiley. They need to maintain an environment of control.
I find customs and immigration really good. Never have problems with them. I have always found them to be firm, sensible, fair.
Anyway, hope I havent put a jinx on me and my next time I get cavity searched
It’s not about being smiley. It’s about being welcoming. You cannot have an attitude as though you don’t want people in your country. Look at when you go to America. The first thing you they say is “welcome”. People coming to visit are not criminals. They are coming to spend money in your country. You can welcome them and still maintain a firm and professional attitude without looking so sorry.
Anonymous, no immigration and customs officer anywhere I have been, especially the USA, has ever said welcome. I always say good morning and most times they just grunt. It’s the exception when I have encountered a friendly immigration officer and ot be honest I dont expect it. oike I aid they are security. They are there to secure their borders.
In DA I find them polite. Maybe not friendly but polite and that’s all they have to be. Now if they choose to add a big smile for our tourists thats their choice but its not necessary neither can it bevexpected. Once they are not rough and rude.
Polite, quick, efficient. That’s it.
Once the tourist exits customs, THAT’S where big smiles and welcomes start.
Well obviously, when they see a Dominican they probably won’t say “welcome” to them because Dominicans are causing so much trouble out there.
By the way which smiles are you referring to when you exit customs. A bunch of “skruffy” people just hounding you. Come on! you know what I am talking about.
Mr. Douglas this should entail everyone who has a computer as primarily adults. We are to use the Internet wisely, for good, for civil duties and also for religious ones. As for the students, this is their time to study and to concentrate on it. Please allow them to do so that they can graduate and obtain a well-paying stable job. Please do not lay additional burden on them. Their day will come when they have completed their studies and graduate and will have time to promote Dominica and tourism.
Do you really think that computers can hoodwink the tourists for very long? C’mon.
Ian gason, is best all you give de people back their business. Gorvernment take tourism away from de people and give it to Discover Dominica to create big salary jobs for a selected few, come slow or busy season. These people have big degree but have no on de ground tourism experience. All they do is peomote and travel to confrence with no results in cruise and stay over visitor arivals. It hurts to see that these guys have succeeded in turning tourism into a six months industry in Dominica. For six months, Hotelliers, tour operators, maids, Bar tenders, waiters- wait
resses, bus drivers, tour guides, hair braiders vedors, Dive masters, dive instructors,watersports and watersports staff and all the other people and businesses which the tourism dollar trickle down to have to gwaiay and suffer, lose their buses while all you touching tens of thousand a month, Wether is slow or busy season. Give the people back their business, your job right now is allow international access, and to construct the proper infrastructure, acomodations, activities, ambience, etc for tourism to thrive naturally. Stop trying to use our institutions for political points. Let it go and let de people do their ting, they know it best.
I think Mr Skeritt needs to do a shake up. Douglas you have done nothing i say nothing for Tourism in Dominica. All you know to do best is to run to Maimi Carnival and call it work.
I disagree, tourism is the people. Mr. Douglas may be the minister but we the people have to take some initiative by just cleaning our properties, and displaying good customer service. He cannot do that for us. Then we can get on him.
The Honorable Minister for Legal Affairs and Tourism is addressing a Toourism Youth Congress and as part of his address he is recognizing the computer and Internet capabilities of the Dominican youth, and, challenging them to put their skills to work promoting Dominica via social media like facebook. I personality think this is a brilliant gesture. The Honorable Minister should one step further by organizing a competition along those lines as an incentive for more students to get involved.
Flirting for favours
William Mc Lawrence, what, you need a J.O.B or some perk’s ?.
the dno need to learn to accept criticism of their govt.not because they support him,they cover up his wrong doing.
i know we have to promote dominica but what a waste of money to send staff from discover dominica to las vegas to promote da What a joke stop throwing money down the drain common MR Minister
Again that’s a typical Dominican mindset—
Passing the buck…
why is Dominica always lagging in the wilderness..
Mr.Douglas the role of your regime is to have policies and Budgets in place for tourism related aspects..
what’s your policy on a international airport..
Mr.Douglas look at the state place…where is the direction….
That’s why Dominica is rated the POOREST IN THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN.
Dominicans in the majority are ill informed about Issues and have a small key hole mindset…
A island full with resources but lacking in Leadership…
Mr.Douglas why not resign as you are the Worst Tourism Minister in Dominica’s history.
Maybe the students you spoke too, would have a better mindset of thinking International and setting Policies than you….
And Mr. GraveStone, step up and lead. We call our leaders to step down, but what are the alternatives? Get up from your laurels and i challenge you to do some leading.
It is easy to talk, but making putting talk into action and proper execution is an entire different ball game.
The typical Dominican mindset you are referring to is your mindset and belongs to you only.It bothers me when people have a certain mindset and belief go about separating themselves and categorizing others believing they are correct, how absurd.Your commencement shows such arrogance which describes your mood of thinking. Is Dominica really rated the poorest Country in the Eastern Caribbean and why would you make a nonsensical statement quote “Dominicans in the majority are ill informed about Issues and have a small key hole mindset” really.You know people can give clues to their mindset simply by what they write and say.
You keep stressing about Government Policies as though it is the magic bullet that is going to help us improve the Tourism Industry.Do you know Governments policies are just guidelines to be implemented and not necessarily full proof.Do you know Governments come and go.The secret to improving our Tourism Industry is service and who else can give that service,The people of Dominica.The Government can build all the infrastructures, have all the policies they want and if the people of Dominica cannot deliver or see the importance of giving service making people welcome to the country all those polices and infrastructure geared towards the Tourism Industry is useless regardless of The Government in power.What is wrong with the Minister addressing Students and asking them to participate in such Industry. Some of The Students are going to be our leaders in the future and they should be called upon to look at the potential of such Industry knowing it may have an impact in their future and the future of The country.
The one thing we should all know is that this Government has done more for this Industry than any other Government in the past compared to where we are now.I’m not saying they have done a perfect job without setbacks but it is a start and all other Governments should build on it recognizing the potential and benefits to the Country.We are in an infant stage in this Industry.Most of the countries at the top are ahead of us simply because they recognized the importance of a Tourism Industry years ago and started building and developing their Industry. That does not mean we cannot catch up and so one of the ways Government thinks it can instill awareness of the industry is talking to the future leaders of the Country, students, asking them for their participation, what is all that negativity all about by you putting your country down. You are entitled to have your political opinions but please our country comes first.
@Gary you must stop you crap,filth rubbish and accept that Dominica is one of the POOREST countries in the Caribbean. Bad leadership is one of the main reasons. Another reason why it so poor is because of lazy fools like you, who can only see red. I wonder if two people read your filth.
To .
Why is it you go about using your mind in such a negative way, why are you harboring such negative beliefs about people and a country accepting them to be true.Why is it if someone dose’s not accept what you believe you associate them with rubbish and filth, is this the way you use your God given mind to do, that is not productive at all. I would like to ask you if Dominica is the poorest Country in the Caribbean then relative to what.
As to you blaming bad leadership for the problem of poverty,what makes you think it is leaders to be blame for what you believe,that depicts lazy thinking on your part,very sad indeed.As to calling me lazy without knowing me is not at all a fair assessment me, but then that is your ignorance. Yes I prefer to see red than look on the gloomy side or dark side, and by the way you noticed i did not mention Blue.I do not want to drag my self in your silly partisan politics. Just to let you know I’m not interested in the number of people who read my comments or filth as you want to describe it.I write what is on my mind trying to make sense of things, sad that you do other wise to wallow in negativity and name calling.
Mr Douglas seem as if the only thing you can do 50% well, is to sing the ‘Bad Labour Party’ song upon Skerrit’s order.You know he treats you like a little boy?
What about the ‘paros’ in Roseau? So before you address one problem,you are on to another, and typically nothing gets done.You are such a joke Ian, I wonder why you even talk.
You are part of a failed crew, regime, gang that is clueless about what Dominica needs to propel it forward.OMG!
Mr Minister you may wish to take a kew from Haiti, only yesterday Haiti open a school to train haitians for jobs in the tourism sector, clicl on link below
http://www.caribjournal.com/2013/05/06/haiti-opens-hotel-school-in-les-cayes/
stop making a fooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool of yourself!!!!
why don’t u talk about int’l airport.
why he has to talk about international airport? don’t you find that international airport topic is exaggerated…many places in the region don’t have international airport and they are doing great. its interesting how people in Dominica like cliches: ohhh papa if we had an airport we would do better..c’mon stop being naive..Dominica will never build own Gatwick or be able to compete with Guyana in agriculture…To stay alive in modern world is about find your own specific niche and offer to the world something first class..look BVI sells trust structures, Bermuda insurance industry, Cayman is about hedge and mutual fund business, Mustique or St Barts are about top-class tourism…DR is about cheap tourism (especially sex tourism)…Dominica has to define its own product and sell it…right now Dominica just trying to copy other islands business models and doing that it fails…
name one only st Vincent and they are building one so the only country in the Caribbean without an international airport is Dominica and Dominica is the eighth largest island in the Caribbean out of over 200 islands
Where is the money going to come from and how are we going to pay it back? Bananas grow on trees, not money. We do not have the capacity, the infrastructure, the attitude, or inclination to pull it off. So for now leave well alone. We have to develop the internal aspects of the Tourism industry and product offerings and supporting infrastructure first. Then perhaps look at International Airport. Economic climate makes it a real unrealistic proposition right now. We have to be real careful how we develop our tourism products and services.
Because he should not!! just forget about the international airport thing. it hasn’t happened, will not happen, should not happen. Furthermore whenever you hear a politician mention it just know they are doing the same old ‘promise you the unattainable’ trick. NO ONE has ever proved (even in much better economic climates) that an international airport (IA) works economically for Dominica. Because they cannot. More than that, for every dollar that you can spend on an IA you can yield at least double what the IA can give you by spending the money elsewhere (better ferry services, better promotion, better human resource development, better and cleverer infrastructure development etc etc)
No Internatioinal Airport no tourism development
Because there may never be any international airport due to existing debt.
That is so true. Proper attire. it is a shame to see when you arrive at the port or airport how some people are dressed, these hair net on their head, beard not shave or comb out, those with locks looking for which road to take, and we can go on. My people forget that you can never have a second chance to impress.
You have reasons to be concerned. So do I. Paul Keens-Douglas expressed this in his comedy, the manner in which some dress when traveling which I have on tape. Today, the situation is worst. It is a shame that some people dress in such a manner. This is lack of pride for oneself and consideration of others.
The seats are so close and small. Imagine sitting near someone on a plane dressed in that manner. Some of them also smell. Hair not shampooed and for a long time. Clothes not being laundered. Some do not take a shower and prior to leaving home and probably for days and do not use deodorant. When standing and sitting near them, stench emanates from them. It is unhealthy and also disgusting. This is another reason why some people do not travel and frequently so.
That is so true. Proper attire. it is a shame to see when you arrive at the port or airport how some people are dressed, these hair net on their head, bear dnot shave or comb out, those with locks looking for which road to take, and we can go on. My people forget that you can never have a second chance to impress.
interesting why you concentrate on tourism but nothing done to advance international financial services? International financial services is a good source of revenue for many islands..but not for Dominica?
Offshore banking.
what offshore banking? have you ever tried to read offshore banking act and compare it to the industry standards (capital adequacy, regulatory framework, AML rules etc etc etc)? Present offshore banking act is toxic waste and need to be repelled asap…
before i start i want you to know that i personally like you but i have some issues,first of all we have not heard from you often in the past and now that the tourism season is over you are coming up with wishes and ideas,maybe an election coming so you are been more pro active,i dont blame you i would like to hold on to a good job as well but has minister of tourism you should be an expert on the subject so that you can really bring the country forward,by the way what qualifications do you have for the important job you are doing,anyway thats a seperate issue,if you really want to improve the tourism product and make people come and return the first thing you have to do is set up DA,give us jobs,good pay,good working conditions,good pensions when we retire,good schooling,good health care and good governance and “presto” we have a good tourist destination because the people are happy and healthy and love their country and are filled with pride,then we will stop begging for tour or a dollar and we will smile at them with pity and not envy
Are you kidding Portsmouth people vote for anything that is labor. Ian can sleep and drink for 5 years ask someone to put his name on the ballot as labor and still win without a single outreach. Put atou, jack eye boss or any paro to run for labor in Portsmouth and labor power in Portsmouth.
what a shame
There he goes again throwing mud at the wall.
Douglas take the initiative and do something and stop telling people what should be done. You have an entire ministry under your wing. You have staff, get them to start something and get the people to jump on your bandwagon. Just spouting out what should be done will guarantee nothing will happen.
I have been involved in leadership positions in groups all my life and I know what works and what doesn’t. When I want something done, I roll up my sleeve and I am right there in front the line LEADING. All it takes is a little encouragement and the rest of my group are right there by my side. Trust me, it works.
The minister needs help. The problem is that most of the ministries have Permanent Secretaries in name only and never in responsibility. In short they do no work but get involved in party politics
petty favouritism for those they like and punitive measures against those they do not like.
The result is square unqualified pegs in round holes making the government machinery totally inept and costly. The service is regarded as the place to lime and do nothing and get a salary for doing nothing. The minister cannot do this alone. However I blame the government for allowing such an inefficient civil service to continue and have us the taxpayers paying salaries for no work. Fix the civil service and give incentives to those willing to work. The system of everybody getting the same pay in the same classification regardless of qualification and level of commitment has gone on too long and must be changed. Come on DLP. As Parry Bellot has said productivity in the service is at an all time low. If the government want to show its efficiency then fix it.
Why don’t this guys do the work that thay a getting pay to do and stop asking us to do the work for them and when thay all over the place playing and just chating we need work in Dominica that pays good, D/A have money is just that it have to meny badmind people in d/a. put work so young people that love to work like me will find work to take care of our family stop making people cry and find work for d/A young people to do
i agree with mr.ian douglas, because nowadays we are in the computer world and we needto focus more on dominica”s tourism.
Mr. Douglas, tourism is not the right way to go in this country. Agriculture is our backbone and Agro-processing, building industries is the real way. Tourism should only be a compliment especially as it is seasonal and fragile.
Look at the govt. personnel in the agriculture sector and you will know why agriculture never goes anywhere.
The tourism industry and agriculture are intrinsically linked. A very vibrant tourism industry is more important though to the agriculture industry and the economy than is a vibrant agricultural industry. We could never consume all we could produce as Dominicans what we could grow here.. and the easiest, most value added way to export your agricultural produce is for tourists to come to our island .. eat it and carry it away in their stomachs
that way they pay the shipping …lol
I’m sorry, but this is ridiculous. The youth of Dominica will not apply their time or future to something that they don’t believe will be profitable to them, or even something they have seen Dominica reap major benefits from according to the responsibility of the Ministry of Tourism. Maybe the Minister should ask the youth themselves for their views on the tourism industry in Dominica. Hear what they have to say, then after a proper understanding of their views approach them with the idea of promoting the tourism industry. Based on all tourism-related news over the past few years, there is much reason why they would show little to no support. As a Dominican youth, i’d like to recommend that the Ministry of Tourism create an initiative to hear the views of the young people of this nation in regards to the tourism industry. Personally, I think its a mess, a hot mess. It almost looks like if their is a right decision to make, we’ll go in the opposite direction. One excellent way to boost tourism in Dominica is to help the growth of local crafts and merchandise, however, judging by the government’s absence at various forums that have been assembled to accomplish this very initiative, its more than obvious that they have little concern. So Mister Minister, how about you reach out to the youth and tell us what your plans are, how you’re going to elevate the tourism industry and why it WILL WORK, and then tell us the various ways we can help. I assure you, many of us are doing great things to advertise Dominica, in music, fashion and crafts & merchandise (all I have is a facebook page, but i’m doing all I can to advertise Dominican crafts and merchandise). Meet us halfway sir, then we can talk.
Best you resign as Mp and make Eisenhower of Tyiani run in your place. Well shunna too soft and arrowgant lol. But truly more hard working young pips are needed in tourism and also less lazy ministers should be in government.
I second Tyiani, only for PM. I only hope that he would choose better ministers.