Dominica Budget 2022-23: Speculations you need to know

As Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica- Dr Roosevelt Skerrit is all set to present a billion-dollar budget in the Parliament on Tuesday, July 26, 2022; there are many speculations about what could be new and beneficial for the citizens. 

Dominica Budget 2022-23: Speculations you need to know
Dominica Budget 2022-23: Speculations you need to know

Roseau, Dominica: As Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica- Dr Roosevelt Skerrit is all set to present a billion-dollar budget in the Parliament on Tuesday, July 26, 2022; there are many speculations about what could be new and beneficial for the citizens. 

The budget of one billion one hundred and nineteen million, eight hundred and twenty-nine thousand and three dollars will be debated in the Parliament. The said amount of the budget is the estimate of expenditure for the financial year ending June 30, 2022.

Speculation on Health: 

In the budget of the last year of Dominica (Budget 2021-23), Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit outlined that around twelve new Health and Wellness Centres have been completed. Dominica China Friendship Hospital, the Marigot Hospital, and other healthcare facilities will be brought under the administration of the Dominica Hospital Authority (DHA). 

So, it is speculated that PM Skerrit would be announced more projects for the healthcare centre. He will also highlight other healthcare such as MRI systems and the commissioning of new hospitals in the country.

Speculations on Tourism: 

In the last years, PM Skerrit announced new projects to boost the tourism sector, such as Safe in Nature and Work in Nature. So, it is speculated that PM Skerrit will also announce various other programmes for the tourism industry and allocates a significant amount to it. 

Further, the country is highly focused on sustainable tourism, so the Finance Minister could also announce various innovative initiative to promote responsible tourism. 

Speculations on Agriculture: 

Last year, the Government spent $33.8 million in the agriculture sector and started various projects to enhance fisherfolks and farmers.

As of May 28, 2021, 3,485 farmers and fisherfolks have benefited from this Project. 

So, PM Skerrit might be announced various new packages for the agriculture sectors, fisherfolks, poultry farmers etc. They could increase the budget allocation by a significant amount. 

Moreover, they could also announce something for the proper maintenance of the weekly shipments to the regional markets of the crops such as Banana, Dasheen, Plantain, and Ginger, among others. 

 The Government continues to support new avenues for investment in the agriculture sector. In the last fiscal year, they re-established the prawn hatchery. This has allowed farmers to source the larvae locally to grow full-sized prawns, some of which are being supplied to our hotels and restaurants. 

This is just one of the many examples of the linkages between agriculture and tourism and the diversification and expansion of our product offerings. The Government could announce various new initiatives for the promotion of the farmers in the country. 

Speculations on Housing: 

Last year, the Government announced the reduction of the cost of land registration by 48 percent. They also announced the construction of climate-resilient homes under the Housing Recovery Programme and delivered homes to 92 families.

They also provided a grant of $10,000 to first-time homeowners 40 years old and under to encourage people to build their own homes. 

The housing revolution started by this Government, continues across the length and breadth of Dominica. Hundreds of homes built to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes, have already been constructed. Hundreds of families no longer have to worry about getting wet when it rains, or packing their belongings and heading to shelters when a storm is threatening. They no longer have to live in fear of loss of life or property during the hurricane season. 

So, the grant for housing could be increased by a significant amount.Â