A bit on economics

Dominica is very much a developing country, and highly dependant on foreign aid. Unemployment is rising as the demand diminishes for Dominican bananas, it’s primary export. Dominican banana plantations are small-scale efforts on family plots scattered through the mountains. In contrast, Latin American farms are huge mechanized operations, run by large multi-national corporations. Dominica simply cannot compete in the global market without economic protections it once had. As a result, the government has made efforts to strengthen its economy by diversifying its agricultural sector, and developing the island as a niche eco-tourist destination. However, the pace is slow, due to both a lack of infrastructure, and caution of the ills of rapid development.

That being said, the literacy rate is surprisingly high for a developing country (94%) and the crime rate is relatively low. Natural resources are plentiful, and it is easy to simply live off the land. Community ties are strong and everyone seems to know each other’s business. Although government services such as health care and the police are sparse, the village-centered communities often fill the gap by watching out and providing for each other.

The economic paths of more-developed Caribbean islands show many possible futures for Dominica. Some paths have been more promising, others more bleak. However, the ultimate future of this island remains unclear. We can only hope that the island will continue to be guided by its strong sense of stewardship to the land that has provided so much.

A bit on economics

Dominica is very much a developing country, and highly dependant on foreign aid. Unemployment is rising as the demand diminishes for Dominican bananas, it’s primary export. Dominican banana plantations are small-scale efforts on family plots scattered through the mountains. In contrast, Latin American farms are huge mechanized operations, run by large multi-national corporations. Dominica simply cannot compete in the global market without economic protections it once had. As a result, the government has made efforts to strengthen its economy by diversifying its agricultural sector, and developing the island as a niche eco-tourist destination. However, the pace is slow, due to both a lack of infrastructure, and caution of the ills of rapid development.

That being said, the literacy rate is surprisingly high for a developing country (94%) and the crime rate is relatively low. Natural resources are plentiful, and it is easy to simply live off the land. Community ties are strong and everyone seems to know each other’s business. Although government services such as health care and the police are sparse, the village-centered communities often fill the gap by watching out and providing for each other.

The economic paths of more-developed Caribbean islands show many possible futures for Dominica. Some paths have been more promising, others more bleak. However, the ultimate future of this island remains unclear. We can only hope that the island will continue to be guided by its strong sense of stewardship to the land that has provided so much.