The Membership of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) has elected a new Board of Directors to serve the 2022-2023 term at the 2022 Annual General Meeting held on August 25th in a hybrid format from the Fort Young Hotel’s Palisades Restaurant.

Mr. Brenton Hilaire, the Agency Manager of Sagicor Life [Easter Caribbean] Inc. and Ms. Tamara Lowe, Country Manager for Tropical Shipping, were both elected at the helm as the President and Senior Vice President, respectively. The other Officers and Directors to serve the DAIC Board of Directors are:

• Treasurer – Luana Laurent (Finance Focus)
• Assistant Treasurer – Evadney Esprit (Trading International Group | Do It Center)
• PRO – Olive Strachan (Olive Strachan Resources Ltd.)
• Immediate Past President – Stephen Lander (CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank)
• Director – Fidelia McIntyre (Oasis of Elegance)
• ●      Director – Jillian La Rocque (Your Extra Hands)
• Director – Jodie Dublin-Dangleben (Jaydees Naturals)
• Director – Robert Tonge (Tonge Financial Services)
• ●      Director – Sheldon Casimir (U.N.I.T.E.)

In his incoming speech, Mr. Hilaire encouraged the Membership to think of the economy as a three-legged stool where the Government is needed to provide the facilitation for the Private Sector and the citizens, the citizens are essential to patronize the business community, and the businesses to provide the goods and services for the citizens. The stool is only as strong with all three legs functioning effectively. The Members were further encouraged to continue to work together to develop relationships with fellow businesses within the Private Sector, the Citizens and the Government to withstand multi-hazard risks and shocks to the economy. 

The outgoing President, Mr. Stephen Lander shared through his Annual Message in reflecting on the past year that the Chamber continues to address policy issues and recommend actions to the government to improve the socio-economic development of our country. He noted that this year the DAIC was successful in its advocacy for inclusion in the national budget to permanently reduce transfer fees and to increase property tax for enhancing derelict properties in Roseau. Furthermore, he shared that we are at a crucial point in our socio-economic development and the steps taken by both our private and public sector will determine our growth and resilience as we pivot from the current challenges and multi-hazards that we face. We must work together to seek creative solutions to emerge stronger from this crisis.

In recognition of the key highlights of the Chamber for the past year, Ms. Lizra Fabien, Executive Director of DAIC shared that with a 14% increase in membership in 2021, the DAIC increased its representation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as opportunities provided to members to participate in meaningful activities and advocacy.  Moreover, the Chamber formed strategic partnerships to enhance the value provided by the Chamber to support our members and the broader private sector. As the Focal Point for CARICHAM’s Pillar on Disaster Risk Reduction, DAIC played a crucial role in  creating the CARICHAM Business Resilience Toolkit and have begun the creation of a CARICHAM Center of Excellence which not only benefits DAIC’s Membership but businesses across the region and globe. The 2021-2022 Annual Report is available at: https://bit.ly/3Cwt7oA

During the AGM, the members were engaged in discussions on key concerns and on matters related to the current business environment with a focus to improving support to MSMEs. The Chamber expresses gratitude to its Membership and all Partners who have continued to collaborate with the Chamber to advance the socio-economic advancement of the  local Private Sector and Dominica.

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 over 48-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 Government. The Chamber’s 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).

Additional information about DAIC can be obtained by visiting https://dominicachamber.com/