LUNCHEON┃APRIL 02, 2025
The Dominica Association of Industry & Commerce (DAIC) is proud to announce the inaugural Post Budgetary Luncheon to be held on April 02, 2025 at the St. Alphonsus Parish Hall, Goodwill. This highly anticipated event will begin at 11:00 AM and serve as a key platform for public and private sector leaders to engage in
an analytical and meaningful dialogue surrounding the provisions of the 2024/2025 National Budget and their implications for businesses within the private sector. Registration for the Post-Budgetary Luncheon is now open.
Ms. Ashma McDougall, Executive Director of the DAIC , has emphasized the significance of this initiative, highlighting it as an incredible think tank for analyzing the national budget’s effects on the economy. McDougall remarked:
“The evaluation and monitoring of the national budget’s impact is vital for informed decision-making across both the public and private sectors. At DAIC , we are primarily focused on opportunities and pathways that can contribute to strengthening our economy, specifically through the private sector. While we have often met in pre-budgetary forums, it is even more critical to understand the implications of the budget on businesses, industries, and communities to create pathways that will contribute to national development.”
The ED further added, “This dialogue is designed to facilitate transparency and collaboration, providing a platform for in-depth analysis of the budget’s effects and encouraging meaningful feedback on its implementation. We endeavor to bring together key stakeholders from both sectors, within a space where policymakers and business leaders can engage directly, ensuring that decisions made today are reflective of the realities on the ground.”
In a statement, Mr. Brenton Hiliare, President of the Chamber of Commerce, shared:
“The Post-Budgetary Luncheon offers an extraordinary opportunity for stakeholders to come together, reflect on the national budget, and explore its far-reaching implications. This event serves as an essential forum for insightful dialogue on managing our economy, boldly addressing new challenges, and fully embracing the opportunities presented by this year’s budget. We look forward to vibrant, meaningful discussions that will inspire innovative solutions, drive economic growth, and build a stronger future for our nation.”
The Chamber views this event to be fitting as the Post Budgetary Luncheon endeavors to delve deeper into the National budget address having been delivered by the Honourable Dr. Irving McIntyre, Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, and Social Security, on Friday, July 26, 2024, entitled “Partnering to Build the Platform for Sustainable Growth and Development”.
In his opening address he stated, “We in the Caribbean continue to be disproportionately impacted by climate change and external shocks. The wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, global health crises, and the debilitating effects of disasters undermine social stability and economic performance. These major events are causing supply chain disruptions and increasing costs of transportation, making it difficult for Small Island Developing States like Dominica to import essential goods at reasonable costs, contributing to inflation, which profoundly impacts the economy.”
The Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister and Minister for Investment and Governance of the Commonwealth of Dominica, has also expressed his views on the nation’s economic strategy, noting during a special interview on State-Owned Radio DBS on January 8th, 2025:
“We have seen an increase in the corporate tax in Dominica, this is why we are looking in 2025…at addressing the corporate tax and maybe reducing it from what it is at 25 percent now to lower, so that we can keep more money in the private sector at hand and we hope that they can invest more so that we can increase the tax base of the country.”
The Prime Minister further stated that, “In 2025 we are looking at the further review of the minimum wage so as to allow persons who are relying [on] the minimum wage payment schedule to be able to be given a better pay so that they would be in a better position to withstand the increase in the price of goods and services in Dominica.”
Additionally, as part of the 2024/25 Budget Address, the Government of Dominica announced the formation of a Public-Private Sector Committee that will address critical economic and social issues, particularly those related to the minimum wage rate. This committee will be responsible for conducting thorough analyses and providing well-informed policy recommendations that balance the needs of both the workforce and employers. Since then, the Committee has been established and has been tasked with eleven (11) critical economic challenges.
Event Details:
● Date: April 02, 2025
● Time: 11:00 AM
● Location: St. Alphonsus Parish Hall, Goodwill
● Organized by: Dominica Association of Industry & Commerce (DAIC)
Registration Now Open
Registration for the Post-Budgetary Luncheon is now open. With both in-person and virtual (online) attendance options, interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to secure their spots by completing the registration form available at Post Budgetary Luncheon Registration. The deadline for registration is March 28th, 2025.
The DAIC continues to serve as a leading advocate for private sector development in Dominica. With a dynamic membership of 81 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the association plays a crucial role in shaping policy discussions and advocating for policies that foster growth and sustainability in the local business community.
About Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC)
DAIC is the leading private sector representative body in Dominica with membership across various sectors and industries. With 50 years of history, its objective is to foster economic growth and social development, promote and protect the commercial interests of the State and represent members to the Government. The Chambers’ registered office is located at Unit L3 1&2. Prevost
Cinemall, Roseau, Dominica. DAIC is also a member of the Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM).
