ROSEAU – The Dominica government says it will establish a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme as part of the policy towards increasing the island’s population to 100 000 by 2040.
Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre said the schools, health services, businesses, housing and communities all require a sufficient resident population and access to the skills needed to support national growth.
“The Dominican family extends far beyond our shores. It includes citizens who migrated, their children and grandchildren, and others who retain a connection to Dominica through family and culture. They have acquired valuable skills, professional experience, business networks and capital”
McIntyre, who presented the government’s EC$1.15 billion (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) fiscal package on Tuesday, said as the economy is transformed by the international airport, geothermal energy, the marina, expanded tourism, modern infrastructure and new investment opportunities, “we want them to know that this is an ideal time to return home.
“Our vision also extends to investors, retirees, CBI citizens, remote workers, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, many of whom are looking for safe, stable and welcoming places to live, invest and spend more of their time.’
McIntyre said that the government will therefore establish a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme to address three related needs, namely, rebuilding the resident population, reduce the skills gap and create practical ways for the wider Dominican family to return, invest, serve and settle here.
He said that this year the government will begin to implement the Citizenship through a Dominican Grandparent programme and that the necessary legislation will be taken to Parliament to allow a person with at least one grandparent born in Dominica to apply to become a citizen, subject to proof of ancestry, identity, and good character—beginning January 1, 2027.
“Many descendants are now two or three generations removed from the island but still retain a strong family connection. Citizenship can encourage them to participate more fully in national life—visit more often, restore family property, establish businesses, and invest. It can also widen the pool of people eligible to represent Dominica in sport and other fields.” (CMC)