On Tuesday, March 30, 2026, Dominica State College (DSC) hosted a panel discussion titled “From Brain Drain to Brain Gain.” The event featured four Dominican entrepreneurs who shared their personal journeys and motivations for either remaining in or returning to Dominica to establish their lives and businesses. The audience included students and representatives from the Small Business Unit, plus 30 online participants, who listened as the panelists discussed the factors influencing their decisions and the realities of entrepreneurship in Dominica. 

The entrepreneurs on the panel represented a range of backgrounds: two had left Dominica to study abroad and later returned; one was born in the UK but has Dominican heritage; and one had never left the island. Each panelist discussed the pivotal “why Dominica” moment that inspired their choices. They highlighted the competitive advantages of doing business locally, such as the strength of relationships and authentic connections within the community. 

The discussion explored significant challenges facing entrepreneurs in Dominica, including limited opportunities for scaling businesses, infrastructure deficits, and difficulties in accessing funding. However, the panelists emphasized that all challenges also present unique opportunities for local entrepreneurs. By addressing gaps in services and infrastructure, they can contribute to building Dominica from the ground up. 

The speakers shared practical advice for young Dominicans considering returning home or starting businesses locally, encouraging them to find their passion, build their experiences and networks, and take the risks necessary to succeed. Consistency, trust, and quality were highlighted as keys to unlocking opportunities on the island. 

The event was organized by Keeyah Casimir, a second-year student and member of the Student Council Association at the College. She spoke of her motivation: “I see my friends, my peers talking about wanting to leave and I keep thinking instead of leaving, what can we do to build our nation, because we want the best for Dominica. We want our island to keep developing, and the only way that we can do that, that is if we stay here and put in the work.” Casimir aimed to provide students with insight into the entrepreneurial journeys of Jael Joseph (Black Island Girl), Terri Henry-Lovell (Bee Natural products), Nathaniel Lovell (Bee Api honey products), and Anthony Edwards (ShopDM). 

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) supported live-streaming of the event.  Head of Office, Natasha Greaves emphasized IOM’s commitment to ethical recruitment, skills partnerships, and diaspora engagement in her Opening Remarks. “Today was important for IOM, to support the youth of Dominica as they seek to see how best they can use their skill sets to build and develop their own country,” she said.  “Not just about the external opportunities but to remain and build Dominica, which would further help in our national growth and also our regional growth.”. 

Second-year student Shervin Dominique said that the panel discussion helped shape his understanding of business, and think carefully about what he might study, perhaps a unique field where he is passionate.  

There was a common theme through the event: Dominica offers opportunities to those who are willing to take risks, build trust, and deliver quality. The island provides resources for young people to build their experiences, networks, and passions. The responsibility to build Dominica lies with its people, as no one else will do it for them. 

L-R: Jael Joseph (Black Island Girl), Natasha Greaves (IOM Dominica), Natahaniel Lovell (Bee Api), Keeyah Casimir (Organizer), Terri Henry-Lovell (Bee Natural), June-Ella Daniels (Moderator), Anthony Edwards (Shop DM).