Villa Apartments at the Rosalie Bay Resort

As way back as some of us can remember, the Rosalie Boxing Plant was the centre of activity in the South East of Dominica. The Plant provided a reception depot for banana farmers, a distribution point for fertilizer and supplies and an overall trading spot for farmers. This was where “living the life” began in the South East. The Rosalie Estate and neighbouring estates/plantations employed hundreds of villagers from the surrounding villages and the Plant itself provided employment to many more. To many, these were the dream jobs which sent their children to school and paid mortgages, vehicles and general livelihood. Many workers on the estate subsequently owned portions of land at Rosalie and used it for both farming and residency.

A few years ago, several acres of the Rosalie Estate were sold by the then managing principal of the estate, Mr. Conrad Cyrus. Mr. Cyrus, who has since passed on, will never know the magnitude of investment which was made in the current Rosalie Bay Hotel, which opened just over a year ago. Many Dominicans have benefited from various work contracts prior to the beginning of operations and many more are still contracted as horticulturists to provide local produce, for hunting marine or wild life, management of a turtle conservation program and of course the many full time employees at the hotel. The twenty-eight room hotel is supported by a modern gym, swimming pool, restaurant and conference centre.

The Rosalie Bay is filled with history, culture and productivity. All of these come together and is presented in a story to the guests who have come from all over the world to this unique Island sometimes described as being untouched. The hotel has hosted and been the location for Chef Nathan Lyon and his team who filmed portions of their new season television cooking show. More recently, an entire crew of AVON Cosmetics was hosted with their models to prepare and photo shoot the launch of their new product “Nature”. In November 2011, Sir Richard Branson, of Virgin Atlantic posted a blog about his visit to Dominica. That same week, a photo was posted on Facebook by Rosalie Bay Hotel asking fans to guess the name of the guest who was hosted at the hotel – a resounding number of responses identified the guest as Sir Richard Branson. While some farmers in the Rosalie area are still focused on bananas or agriculture, the new conference centre of the hotel stands majestically on the original foundation of the boxing plant to provide excellent service to the next group meeting.

A green economy and destination is not just the in-phrase for the Commonwealth of Dominica, it is the trajectory that we have been on for a number of years even before we consciously paid attention to the meaning of these words through government policies, individual responsibilities and marketing strategies. Dominica has always been recognized as the Nature Island of the Caribbean and this philosophy has been accepted without dispute. The reasoning is visual; our flora and fauna, our topography, our natural features-waterfalls, rivers, sulphur spa and mostly importantly the way of life of our people, incorporating everyday living in the environment.

A person once asked, “Would it be a bad thing that if Christopher Columbus returned to the region that Dominica would be the only place that he would recognise?” The answer is NO! Amidst the modern buildings, commercial activity, and adapted way of life of our people, Columbus should be able to recognise the unpolluted rivers and seas, the tradition of communities integrated within the new way of living, the flora and fauna, an abundance of fruits and vegetables, and the harmonious relationship with the indigenous people on the island. Aren’t these the elements that make Dominica a green destination, and on which millions of marketing dollars are spent to attract visitors to the island. Our many accolades received are testimony to the fact that we are known as a green destination.

A green destination is part of the sum of the holistic picture of a green economy. Other green considerations are for

1. investors and businesses, as standard practice, to focus on investment that adopt eco friendly practises, and to pay attention to the environment in which they operate.
2. Government to focus its efforts on the implementation of policies that will serve to transform Dominica in to a green economy.

This has started through the implementation of policy that allows for the waiver of duties on renewable energy equipment, the commitment and advanced work towards geothermal energy and other renewable energy sources, the drive towards beautification of the island and clean-up campaigns and special financial consideration being granted to entities which incorporate alternative energy as part of their development.

WE ARE 4G: Green economy, green investment, green incentives, green destination.

When one thinks of investment promotion our mind quickly goes to the Investment Agency attending trade shows overseas, meeting with investors overseas and preparing promotional materials to target Foreign Direct Investments.

However, this is not so for Invest Dominica Authority. We are undertaking an investment promotion campaign to effectively and selectively target our local existing and potential investors. We are seeking to encourage the existing investors to reinvest and even diversify their investment portfolio. We are seeking to encourage our potential investors to discuss their project ideas with the IDA, so that together we can translate these ideas into sustainable business enterprises.

Our strategy is simple; we are going out to meet with these existing and potential investors. We are taking our investment promotion campaign to the various communities and towns to meet with the potential and existing investors. We have already commenced with our first public awareness and investment promotion campaign in the community of Grand Bay and environs. The turnout at this gathering was a testimony that we indeed have individuals who are keen on investing. These individuals have lands, they have great ideas, they have some working capital and most importantly they have the zeal and determination to undertake an investment for themselves first and foremost and equally to contribute to the economic development of the island.

To marry these elements they now have Invest Dominica Authority, the Authority that is going to do the handholding, the guiding, the matching of investors with investors to create the powerful partnership required for the management of the business, advocating policy recommendations to Government towards the continued improvement in the enabling environment, and the undertaking of networking with the various public and private entities on behalf of the investors.

Our mandate is simple; we want to see an increase in local investors in the economy in all areas of the island. We want each community to have vibrant business enterprises that can improve the standard of living of the people.  Local investors are the first pillar of economic sustainability.

The nature island produces many cultural events.  As a matter of fact, Cultural Industries is a vibrant sector currently being pursued.  Some villages are actually referred to as being culturally-oriented with the southern village of Grand Bay being known as the “Cultural Capital” of Dominica.  What is worth mentioning about Cultural Industries is the varied number of “fields” which fall under its umbrella.  These include: festivals, music, drama, theatre, art, craft, dance, poetry, intellectual property, video production, music production, film and film production.  Throughout the island are located pockets of cultural fields some of which are unique to a specific area.  Some of those which can be highlighted are: traditional dances and craft in Grand Bay; traditional folk song and dance from Paix Bouche; craft items from the Kalinago Territory; theatre productions from the capital of Roseau and its immediate environs.

Needless to say, the “Bouyon” music has grown and spread extensively locally and throughout the region and the world.  While Triple K and WCK remain the leading bouyon bands, many others have been formed in various villages.  While we talk music, Dominica produced its “Lady of Song” Ophelia about two decades ago but, more recently, singer Michele Henderson from Grand Bay has been rising steadily with many international performances.  We cannot underscore the impressions of the Swinging Stars Band over the last fifty years.  Despite the focus drawn on Dominica after the filming of “Pirates of the Caribbean”, the island has not attracted another major film. However smaller films, documentaries and reality shows have been filmed on island.  The island has the potential for an international music recording studio or a film editing and production studio.

The two major festivals that are produced on island are Carnival and the World Music Creole Festival.  The majority of the benefits from both seem to come from the spinoff services generated from completely booked hotel rooms, restaurants, car rentals, retail trade, taxes and other side events during that period.  It would be remise of me not to mention the annual Creole in the Park, Dive Fest, Hike Fest, Creole and Jazz Festival and a number of village feasts and festivals which are enjoyed by many locals and visitors throughout the year.  Local live band performances to provide entertainment is lacking throughout the island but many local bands participate fully in the festivals.  Some artists have small art studios but the profitability relies heavily on a non-local market.  Dance and poetry is still being produced at a minimum.  The island obviously has a lot of talented persons in various fields of culture but in many aspects these are not being pursued as a business or for investment purposes.  It is time to review the Cultural Industries Sector and bring about much needed change.

The old adage “It takes a village to raise a child” addresses the issue of teamwork; the need for each of us to play his/her role in the successful development of an individual. Having accepted the literal meaning of this saying, we can venture forth and apply it to a variety of settings. Let us examine this saying in the context of the work place. In this case, the village would be “the employers and employees” and the child, the “business, institution, etc.’. What, therefore, is your role in ensuring the success of the business or institution with which you are employed? A number of you would dare say-it is not my place, so I do not care. Well, here is a news alert for you “a failed business or institution will eventually mean a loss of your job-either through redundancy or the like. I guess you were not thinking that far ahead. Well, it is important that you are always one step ahead. It is important that you recognize that the part you play in an organization is destined to either assist in its success or its failure. If you continually keep this in mind, you will perform on the job like you are the owner of the establishment; and so doing, make every effort to secure your livelihood and possibly groom yourself for the ownership of your own establishment. We can ensure the success of the organizations/businesses with which we are affiliated by ensuring that we communicate appropriately and effectively, exhibit respect for colleagues, produce quality work, respect deadlines, and most of all ensure that we realize intrinsic satisfaction by way of personal and professional growth.

Communication is often the most popular reason for strained relationships in the work environment. Communication issues range from either a lack of communication or inappropriate and ineffective communication. Many a time during a normal working day, we encounter unnecessary harshness from colleagues or mete out the same. We avoid simply saying good morning to our colleagues by walking past with a straight face as if to give the impression that we had not seen them. We see supervisors and colleagues from one department refusing to work with individuals from other departments plainly because “their spirit did not mesh with the other person, or in colloquial terms “They just didn’t like the other person’s head”. Sometimes, this happens merely because we want to see others fail, oblivious to the idea that their failure may impact on us or our departments.

This leads me to the issue of “respect for our colleagues”. The display of mutual respect for each other in the work place, or the lack therefore, can greatly impact on the success we realize as individuals, within our departments, or within the establishment or institution to which we are affiliated. Our insecurity as individuals often contributes to this issue. We are so scared that we may be outshone by our colleagues that we stall or refuse to respond when they request information from us or vice versa. In certain instances, this stalling goes on until the request comes from the top; and as such, we suffer unnecessary embarrassment. Another contributor to this situation is mere malice. We are so set on seeing each other fail that we do all in our power to bring about that failure. In the end, we may pretend that we were unaware of the request, of its importance, or the urgency of complying. Sad, but true, the story that eventually filters through the office grapevine merely paints us as elements portentous to our growth or the growth of the businesses or institutions that are unfortunate to be our victims.

Additionally, the quality of our work now becomes a point for scrutiny. Many of us do not realize that facilitation of the success of another department can be one way that the quality of our work or our worth is judged within an establishment. Stalling the progress of a project could, therefore, mean that one is a liability to that institution/establishment as the consequence of our action could be dire for the business or institution. In other words, if you choose to stall the efforts of timely delivery of work, or break the link within the departments, you would be better off being part of the history of that organization or establishment unfortunate to have you in its employ.

So it seems like someone was reading my BLOG and decided to hasten the work at the Melville Hall Airport. Quite a bit happened since I last commented on “Our Airport and Investors”. A few test flights were made and weeks after, an inaugural night landing flight was announced for September 20th 2010. I certainly will not go into the details of the excitement which was created during that time in the nature isle.

Some of us have learnt that important things do take time and others live by the slogan that “Good things come to those who wait”. While skepticism still lurks around the issue of which airlines would eventually be flying into the airport at 8.00pm, we are relieved to know that in December WINAIR commenced a night flight, which arrives in Dominica at about 7.15pm out of Antigua. This facilitates persons who need connections from North America and UK as well as persons coming from St. Marten.

How has the business community, professionals and agencies like DHTA, DDA, IDA and others which have been suffering as a result limited air access and air lift deciphered this news? I believe some persons have been relieved significantly. It was good to hear people who traveled in January express joy on getting home the same night.

Some more businesses are being facilitated and we will be able to have more persons connecting easier and avoiding overnight in Antigua this Carnival season. I totally agree that up to this point WINAIR alone is not enough. LIAT has made us feel better recently when the CEO announced that commercial flights at night will begin soon to Melville Hall. Like anything new, some of us will be a bit apprehensive about flying in at night, as it probably is flying for the first time in a Twin Otter plane into Canefield Airport. I think we should totally embrace this milestone and look forward to much better days in Dominica.

What do we want and what do we expect. It is often posited that the Diaspora is an untapped market with lots of potential for investment into the economy. We in Dominica look at India, Africa and closer to home. Jamaica has put in place a plan to attract these overseas residents, as they like to be referred to in the Dominica context. Dominica is following the path of putting things in place to attract the Returning Residents, not only for vacation and retirement, but to invest in private sector enterprises. The real question is: are these overseas residents prepared to invest in private sector enterprise, where the bottom line is either profit or loss. It would be interesting to see the result of a poll which asks the one specific question – “Are you as an overseas resident willing and able to invest in Dominica” The only answer we need is a simple YES or NO.

It is important to note that not all “Overseas Residents” are potential or serious investors. Therefore, we need to determine who are the serious investors, in what area they are willing to invest and then we need to strategize, as to how we can make this happen. An investor, whether “Overseas Resident” or not will be guided by the basic 101 of business – to maximize profits. Whilst it may be easier to persuade the “overseas resident” due to their emotional ties to consider Dominica as an investment, this by itself will not be sufficient for them to invest.

The Diaspora of India invests in India, not because of ethnic and emotional ties, but rather because India has a large domestic market where their goods and services can be sold. One may argue that it is because of the investment by the Diaspora that the market is growing. Fair argument, but let’s not rule out the FDI and India’s population which makes the cost of labour very inexpensive.

What therefore can Dominica build on? The opportunities in geothermal which will in the near future decrease the cost of producing electricity, a domestic market that includes CARICOM, skilled labour force and an environment which is ideal for the future green and sustainable investments.

Investing is a dedicated process, which requires time and effort. This is understandable, because if you are going to invest your monies, it is because you believe that you will make a profit. You have either of three options: return and see to your investment, stay in your country of residence and let your friend/family see to your investment, or purchase shares in an existing or potential business and share in the management and profit and loss of the business.
The first and third options may be the ones that can yield a better success rate. There are a number of investment options for Overseas Residents; the decision is yours.

Manufacturing industries are responsible for a significant share of Dominica’s economic production, generating $EC17.95 million in GDP in 2009.  Because manufacturing firms also use millions of dollars worth of commodities and services as inputs, the sector is responsible for an even bigger share of total output.

Invest Dominica Authority (IDA) Investment Report for 2007-2009, which shows the performance of only beneficiaries of fiscal incentives reveals that for the period 2007, the manufacturing industries provided 67 jobs, more than any other sector. In 2008, the manufacturing industries provided 86 jobs, second only after the services industries, and in 2009, the manufacturing industries were the leading provider of jobs with 85 persons employed. Based on the foregoing analysis, it can be surmised that employment in the manufacture sector has been constant unlike some of the other industries.

Despite, these impressive statistics the manufacturers continue to lament about the environment in which they operate. Concerns are raised with the cost of the factor of productions, which they believe is one of the single most important aspects that make their product uncompetitive on the domestic and international market.

International competitiveness is driven by the firm. However, the enabling environment can either act as a facilitator in this process or hinder the competitiveness of the firms that operate within the country. Therefore, it behooves us to seek to address the matter of the enabling environment.

Each manufacturer may have his own concerns, which is peculiar to the industry in which he operates, but in general their concerns are similar and cut across industries. Whilst the voices of the manufacturers may be heard at various fora, it is on a fragmented and individualist basis.

We know the saying “there is power in numbers’. With the advent of regional and international trading agreements and the concept of free trade, the time is now for Dominica’s Manufacturers to stand and be counted, if they want to remain viable and profitable.  Yes, counted and that means as a Group.

A manufacturer’s Association may provide an avenue for the manufacturers to put their concerns to Government;  to liaise with the Ministry of Trade to ensure that their comments that and feedback are incorporated into the various trading agreements, which are signed on their behalf. But most importantly, an Association is required to facilitate their coming together and building synergies among themselves.  There are a number of initiatives that the Manufacturers, as an Association, can benefit from: bulk buying, use of each other Research Department, transfer of technology, sourcing of raw materials, machinery and equipment.

Someone may say, we have had an Association before, it did not work.  Someone may ask, what is the purpose of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC)?

Yes, there may have been an Association before. Yes, it may have not worked. Yes, Government may not have delivered on its promises.  Yes, the DAIC is there, but we are talking about a focused association, established by Manufacturers for Manufacturers.  Yes, we note all these concerns. But, is this a reason, to close the door on the possibility of re-establishing a manufacturer’s Association.

Countries such as Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica are not being deterred by the challenges, which must exist in all Associations. They are looking at the common good, and Dominica manufacturers should do likewise.

There is currently a Coalition of Services Grouping.  Is it time, for a Manufacturer’s Association.  The time is now to decide.

Employees are to be made aware that workforce readiness is more than just hard skills training. Apart from formal qualifications, employers are in the quest for workers who have soft skills; i.e. employees with good attitudes, regular attendance, sound character and are responsible and presentable. All these help define what we can deem as strong work ethics.

Many times, we see applicants for jobs enter the door of an organization to an interview and it’s an immediate wow! Very impressive, you almost want to hire them before doing the interview; their clothing and mannerisms are intact; however, as soon as they are hired and “get their feet wet” on the job, there is an immediate change in their behaviour and general attitude. Employees should know that making a good first impression and maintaining that impression throughout their employ is required throughout their tenure on the job.

If one was to take a walk through the doors of many of our business places and even government organizations, one would concur that many of these employees made their first impression at the interview and forgot that it was necessary to maintain that impression. At school, we wear uniforms and if in the opinion of administrators and teachers “we don’t wear that uniform well”, we are dealt with. Today, employers seem satisfied with and I dare say- may even sanction the unprofessional dress that many of their employees opt to wear to the workplace. Nothing irritates me more than when a young lady gets up from behind her desk to serve me and she drags a pairs of slippers to the counter.

I remember seeing at a well know business place last summer, one of the office staff having broken down the back of her shoe, dragging it around like a pair of slippers. I could only surmise then, that that organization had lowered its standards. One’s work ethic begins with one’s dress and unless business owners, managers, supervisors and employees are aware of that, the situation will worsen. The place of work is not one’s home, backyard, park or a party; therefore, the choice of dress for work should not reflect any of these environments.

Manner of dress has a direct impact on the type of service that one receives in a business place and also the type of atmosphere that is created by the employees. Often times, the staff has to be reminded of their poor attendance at work, their extreme tardiness, and their lack of time management. Employers want to know that an employee will show up on time for work as scheduled. They expect a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay, and they don’t expect the time on the job to be taken up gossiping with friends on the phone or sending text messages to all and sundry.

Employers need to know that their customers are being served with the type of urgency and respect they should be served, as they are aware that the loss of even one customer as a result of poor service could be the beginning of a bad precedence. Employers appreciate those who demonstrate a sense of loyalty to the organization and employees who understand that the success and growth of a company can spell job security if performance is satisfactory.

Are Your Staff Lazy, Bored, Unproductive & Have that Don't Care Attitude

Have you ever wondered why so many businesses do not yield maximum benefits from their employees? Have you ever wondered why so many young people cannot last in a decent position at some companies? It can be noticed, that even some of the highly qualified employees attitudes, leaves much to be desired as they give very little of themselves to the organizations; instead, they sit and complain daily. These energies, I believe, can be used in a positive way to the benefit of both themselves and the organization.

We are in an era of competition. These days, companies often get by with fewer staff doing more work, so being seen as someone with good work ethics can really help to distinguish you from others, especially during periods of downsizing or conversely, when it comes time for internal promotion. Nothing beats a good attitude, presentable attire, a thorough knowledge of one’s job, and the carrying out of one’s duties with a level of exuberance and pride. Professionalism in the workplace should be the aim of every manager, supervisor and employee.

This atmosphere does not exist in many Dominican business places and attention should be given to this area – be it through education of staff or modelling of behaviour. Private and public employers in Dominica can only be better served if they challenge their employees to develop work ethics that would not only lead to company growth, but would translate to job security and overall personal development.

I recently saw a television ad which made me stop and think and which I have not been able to get off my memory.  The tagline of the ad says “Every evening, your most important asset leaves the business and the challenge is to get them back into the business every morning”. If you were just walking by and that was all you heard, you probably would not have taken much notice.  This ad is being paid for by an international human resource organization.  The organization is built on people and support people who are the most important asset in every business.  For many business owners, managers and board directors all other aspects of business are of significant importance except the people who work there.  This way of thinking must be eradicated from our minds.

People have been and always will remain the most vital part of a business.  They determine whether the business regresses, grows or stays exactly where it is.  People are responsible for the operation, so the success of a business day will always be in their hands.  When customers complain of poor service, when an error is done in business communication, when accounting or IT mishaps occur, when deliveries fall short or products are not at their best the main reason for these shortcomings fall on a person or persons within the organization.  What is being done to ensure that people always give their best at work?  How are people being treated in the private and public sector?

Every business must be structured with at least one trained and qualified person or a department which takes care of staff.  A basic organization chart must be outlined showing lines of reporting.  Employee files must be kept with all records including job descriptions, updated contracts and communication regarding employees.  A training and development program must be structured.  Businesses must provide compensations which match the position and other incentive schemes must be in place to motivate staff and keep them happy on the job.  A healthy and safe work environment must be made available to all members of staff and persons responsible for human resource must be sensitive and considerate to issues which affect staff.  Management and directors must be capable of identifying persons for upward mobility and also to identify members of staff who are not contributing to the development of the business.  The labor laws of the country must be followed but every business must have their own in house manual on office procedures and a staff operational guide which supports the mission and vision of the company.

There are many areas that we can consider for building strong human resource and to avoid high staff turnover.  Let us all review our business structure by ensuring that we have great people on our team.