{"id":309620,"date":"2023-10-12T07:30:41","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T11:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=309620"},"modified":"2023-10-12T01:26:54","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T05:26:54","slug":"government-of-dominica-caricom-development-fund-sign-agreement-for-upgrade-of-champagne-beach-facility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/governance\/government-of-dominica-caricom-development-fund-sign-agreement-for-upgrade-of-champagne-beach-facility\/","title":{"rendered":"Government of Dominica, CARICOM Development Fund sign agreement for upgrade of Champagne Beach facility"},"content":{"rendered":"

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CARICOM Signing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Champagne Beach is a popular location for diving and snorkeling near the Southern village of Pointe Michel. The Government of Dominica has signed an agreement with the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) for the upgrade of the <\/span>Champagne Beach Facility at a cost of USD 558,000 (EC1.5 million).The project aims to enhance the facilities and amenities at Champagne Beach to improve visitor experience and create opportunities for entrepreneurship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, and Chief Executive Officer of the CARICOM Development Fund, Rodinald Soomer inked the deal on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.<\/p>\n

The proposed Champagne Beach Facility will feature a basement reception area with vending units, changing rooms, lockers and spa services. The upper levels will be equipped with a restaurant and bar, washrooms, an open area for dining, and space for recreation and entertainment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis will not only enhance the visitor experience but will generate employment opportunities, from the construction phase to the operational phase. It will open doors for our local entrepreneurs. Spaces dedicated to art, crafts, and culinary delights will allow our talented Dominicans to showcase their skills and contribute to our vibrant tourism ecosystem. In short, there will be significant benefits for neighboring communities and tourism stakeholders, island-wide,\u201d said Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre.<\/p>\n

The CDF Chief Executive Officer said the project is part of a broader initiative to respond positively to Dominica\u2019s main development priorities \u201cboth nationally and within the context of its fit within the regional development space.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the Government has requested is to allocate a portion of their grant from the CDF towards this priority project and to reserve the balance of the grant towards geothermal energy to complement a concessional loan that the CDF has provisionally allocated to
\nthe Government in the amount of US $10 million.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo while this is a small start to the program, it is a significant start, and we expect that it will culminate in a signing of an agreement with the Government to make those resources available for the construction of the ten-megawatt geothermal plant in short
\norder.\u201d<\/p>\n

The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) is an institution of the Caribbean Community with the mandate to provide financial or technical assistance to member states.<\/p>\n

Dr McIntyre on signing:<\/p>\n

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Rodinald Soomer on signing:<\/p>\nhttps:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/RodinaldSooomer-1.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n

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