Dominica’s Budget 2025 Live: Key highlights and major announcements

Dominica Budget 2025 Live: 2% Housing Loan for Public and Police Officers Earning $45K or Less 

Opportunities knock Housing Program at 2% interest rate for police and public officers. According to Minister Irving McIntyre, the government is introducing a special housing loan, targeting public and police officers. 

He said that in the government's continued effort to make home ownership more accessible and affordable, particularly for low-income owners, the government is introducing a special housing loan, targeting public officers.  

According to him, an initial sum of $10 million will be allocated to the government housing loan program to provide low-interest housing loans to public officers and police earning a basic annual salary of $45,000 or less.  

These loans will be offered at an interest rate of just 2%, significantly easing their burden of home ownership. A six-month grace period will also be applied, giving beneficiaries time to advance construction before repayment begins.

Dominica Budget 2025 Live:  382 Homes Delivered, 177 New Lots Coming, Rent Reform to be launched

The housing recovery project made a significant impact by delivering 382 homes and resolving land holding issues for 172 farmers. The Minister of Finance added that the project generated employment for hundreds and created meaningful opportunities for local contractors and businesses across the country by September 2025.

Works have started on modern homes under the future housing development programme as well. There are presently two modern homes under construction at one of the sites. While a third one is to be constructed at Cotton Hill in Portsmouth. 

One of the three homes is being complicated and applicants are being invited to select their designs. Young professionals and public officers can assess requisite financing and consent terms as the government has already negotiated special interest rates with the national bank of dominica, which are partnering with us on this program. 

“In addition, the government sold 45 housing lots last year and in this new physical year, we will make available for sale 177 lots, the majority of which will be sold to public and police officers at concessionary rates. Work is ongoing to regulate the rental property market.” 

To Revise rent control legislation to balance tenant and landlord interest will be passed which is aimed to ensure affordable rental housing.

Designs finalized for new ferry terminal in Dominica

Minister Irving McIntyre said that due to the massive passenger arrivals, the current terminal is no longer adequate. Bayfront terminal is considered a prime location for the arrival of the passenger and the new terminal would be constructed. 

He said that the redesigning of the ferry terminal has clearly defined the areas of the arrivals and the departures to reduce congestion and speed up processing. The upper level of the terminal will house a departure lounge, and a complete duty free shop. The construction of the ferry terminal is set to begin in the third quarter of the fiscal year of 2025.

Dominica Budget 2025 Live: VAT and Import Duty Exemptions 

In order to ease the cost of living and to continue supporting families across Dominica, the Minister of Finance announced that the government will expand its VAT exemptions and remove the important duties on several essential food items and household items. These exemptions will be made in the upcoming financial year for the next 6 months. 

Breakdown of Exemptions

VAT-Exempt Items:

These items will be exempt from value-added tax:

• Staple Foods:
  • Salted herrings
  • Cod fish
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Split peas
  • Red beans
  • Black-eyed peas
  • Lentils
  • Pigeon peas
  • Cream of wheat
  • Corn meal
  • Oats
  • Wheat
  • Bran
• Canned & Packaged Goods:
  • Luncheon meat
  • Canned corned beef
  • Canned herring
  • Canned sardines
  • Canned tuna
  • Canned mackerel
  • Cereals
  • Biscuits (unsweetened included)
• Beverages & Condiments:
  • Orange juice
  • Tomato ketchup
• Non-Food Essentials:
  • Toothpaste
  • Laundry detergent
  • Toilet paper
  • Sanitary napkins

Items with Removed Import Duties:

These will now have no import duties:

• Pigeon peas
• Luncheon meat
• Canned corned beef
• Cereals
• Biscuits
• Orange juice
• Tomato ketchup
• Toothpaste
• Laundry detergent
• Almond milk
• Soy milk

Cabrits Marina aims for 2026 completion: Finance Minister 

Finance Minister Dr McIntyre added that the construction of the Cabris Marina is progressing on schedule. He said that the marina is one of the key pillars in the government's strategic plan which is aimed to position it as a premier destination for marine tourism. 

He added, “It is one of the projects which is currently underway, and it involves critical foundational infrastructure, including the marina basin and breakwater.” 

Minister McIntyre added that the phase is expected to be completed by June 26, 2025 and is being executed with proper inheritance with international engineering standards. Phase 2 of the marina development, which will commence procurement activities in August 2025, followed by construction in January 2026, will deliver the core operational features of the marina. 

Phase 3 will address all remaining utilities and supporting infrastructure, ensuring that the marina is fully equipped to handle the needs of the visiting vessels. This final phase is expected to be completed by November 2026.  

Not only that, but the government of Dominica has also identified a reputable and experienced marina operator. Importantly, once operational, the Cabrits Marina will unlock far-reaching opportunities in the island nation's yachting and maritime tourism sector, generating direct and indirect jobs, stimulating surrounding businesses, and enhancing Dominica's presence on the global map.

Dominica Pushes Ahead with Major Road Projects to Boost Connectivity and Resilience

Major road projects are underway in parts of Dominica, reflecting the ambition and scale of the infrastructure agenda. Largest of these is the East Coast Road Project valued at the whopping EC$ 227.8 million. Works are targeted to be finished in 2025 with the completion of the Pagua Two-Lane Bridge.

The upgraded network will facilitate market, healthcare and other communities in the East Coast. It will also boost tourism and other opportunities.

The Minister announced that the Loubiere to Grand Bay Road project was started in February 2025 with the funding of $170million. The primary focus of the project included the widening of the road, improved drainage and construction of five bridges. It is anticipated that the government will require additional funding for the works alongside the road. 

Initial preparations have begun in Dominica for the complete rehabilitation of the road from Portsmouth to Hatton Garden with the funding from the government of People’s Republic of China. The project will also include the replacement of all bridges from single lane to double lane. 

It will enhance the road network and reduce travel time and the project is expected to commence in late 2026. The government is also investing 4.9 million in critical road networks and drainage rehabilitation projects across the island to improve road safety and stregthen climate resilience.

Dominica aims to generate 100% of its electricity from domestic renewable resources by 2030: Finance Minister

Finance Minister, McIntyre while outlining the 2025 National Budget for Dominica, also emphasized on the progress of the Geothermal plant's construction currently going on. He stressed that the nature isle is on its plan to generate 100% of its electricity from domestic renewable resources by 2030. 

He said that the 10MW power plant is on schedule, as he said "Turbines generators pipelines to the geothermal wells and cooling systems are on site and installation works are progressing.” 

The Minister further added that the testing of its various components will commence in October this year, while the official commissioning is set for December 2025. 

"We are operating our Geothermal network at cost of $116.1 million," He said. 

Caribbean Airlines to start service to Dominica

Caribbean Airlines is all set to start its service to Dominica from San Juan, beginning next month. Minister of Finance said that the government will continue to implement aggressive road development strategies to secure airline commitments ahead of the commissioning of the international airport.  

Minister added that the upgrades to Douglas Charles airport which included nstallation of runway lighting, extension and grooving have significantly enhanced the airport’s capacity and reliability coupled with direct negotiations with major carriers, these improvements have led to increase in arrivals into Dominica, especially from North American markets.  

In addition to that, the direct flights from major carriers such as American airlines and United airlines, we are pursuing direct flights from Toronto, Atlanta and St Thomas. While discussions with other regional and international airlines, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Condor are going and promising, these actions are not only increasing arrivals in short-term but also proactively positioning Dominica to benefit from increase airlift as soon as the new airport becomes operational. 

Minister added that all these factors have contributed to the positive growth of Dominica.

Visitor arrivals increases by 9.9% in fiscal year 2024-2025: Finance Minister

Talking about the tourism sector, the Finance Minister added that Dominica stands proudly at the forefront in the global moment towards sustainable tourism. “Tourism is one of the main drivers of our economy, contributing significantly to employment and community development.”

In the fiscal year of 2024-2025, the visitor arrivals have increased by 9.9% over the previous year and 66.4% over the pre-pandemic levels. In addition to that, the stay over visitors has also exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 35.1% and cruise arrivals have also doubled with an 83% hike. 

Further, he talked about Mas Domnik 2025 and added that there was a 35% increase in visitor arrivals and 9% increase for World Creole Music Festival, further enhancing hotel occupancy.

Dominica invested in MSMEs, people benefit from EC$25.8M in low-interest loans

The Finance Minister added that the government will host an expo to showcase the local products of Dominica and improve the market access for entrepreneurs. In 2025, around 549 MSMEs received a low interest loan from the bank, facilitating them in different sectors including equipment purchases and jobs creations.

Government invested 5.2 million in Fisheries Sector 

The government of Dominica invested 5.2 million in the fisheries sector which included the distribution of engines, restoration of both building sites and the construction of 53 glasswoods, 20 of which have already been delivered to beneficiaries. 

Significant progress has also been made in the restoration of the fish landing site and Mayou is nearing completion. Furthermore, the government has been working for Roseau Fish Market to create new opportunities in fish processing, logistics and maintenance while providing fisherfolks with market access and improving livelihoods. 

The Finance Minister added, “The initiatives are aimed to modernise the agriculture and fisheries sector to ensure food security and open opportunities for farmers who are experts in the market.”

He added that the focus will be made on increasing overall production, enhancing the sector’s contribution to national GDP and creating new avenues for farmers to benefit from agro-processing and exports. By boosting output and investing in value-added production, these initiatives aim to modernize the sector, improve food security and open income-generating opportunities for farmers in both local and export markets.

Investment of $8M made in Livestock Sector: Finance Minister

Over the past year, the investment of $8M has been made in the livestock sector and the construction of the National Abattoir at $5 million is nearing completion in Dominica, thereby creating opportunities for the farmers.

Medicinal Cannabis Development Passed in March 2025

The Finance Minister further talked about the development of Cannabis Development and added that it was mentioned in the 2024 budget presentation. In March 2025, the parliament approved its development, aiming to provide safe access to cannabis products for medicinal and therapeutic use. 

He said that the development has further outlined the economic opportunities for growers and processors of cannbis plant. The multidisciplinary body comprises a broad cross-section of stakeholders and experts, including international recognized cannabis researcher and Dominican national doctor, Marshall Emmanuel, whose appointment as technical advisor was announced during last year's budget address. 

Minister further talked about the successful hosting of the National Cannabis Symposium earlier this month, which brought together regional and international experts, academics, industry professionals and members of the Rastafarian community. 

He said, “We will explore the potential for value added production within the cannabis industry and provide the development of locally manufactured products such as oils, teas, balms, creams and other wellness items.” 

The bill will be finanlized in the coming months in the parliament.

Key accomplishments for 2024-2025 fiscal year

Moving forward, Dr McIntrye unveiled the key accomplishments of the government of Dominica for 2024-2025 fiscal year. He said that these accomplishments have laid the strong foundation of the growing economy and progress of Dominica.

Agriculture and Fisheries Sector

Over the past years, more than EC$130 million have invested in the development and restoration of the agriculture and fisheries sector. 

“These investments aimed to increase agriculture production, enhance agro processor outputs, improve Dominica’s brand and expand our market share locally, regionally and internationally. 

In the last fiscal year, strategic development has been fostered with the proper focus on 5C for agricultural advancements. The 5Cs included: Coconut, Citrus, Coffee, Cocoa and Cannabis. 

In respect of Cocunut and Cocoa, the government of Dominica ensured that the distribution of planting materials in a set of 10,000 coconut plants distributed to 188 farmers and 17,000 cocoa plants distributed to 85 farmers. 

Citrus Facility nears Completion

Talking about Citrus, the Finance Minister added, “The construction of the 7.7 million modern Citrus Certification Facility nears completion.”The facility is aimed to enhance Dominica’s capacity to produce certified and high quality Citrus planting material aligned with international standards, thereby strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the citrus industry.

The facility has the capacity to produce upto 15,000 citrus plants and will support in increasing production, improving crop quality and expanding market access for farmers. It will also promote investments and innovation in the sector, ensure the availability of disease free planting material and contribute to long-term sustainability by building resilience against climate change and external shocks. 

The facility aims to promote disease free citrus planting material which includes the crafting of 50,000 root stalks. The distribution of these plants will begin by September 2025 and expected to establish 1000 acres. 

He further talked about the Agriculture Science and Tissue Culture Labortary which is full staffed and operation. It will now begin mass propagation of disease free planting material for key crops such as banana, plantains, tania, dashing sweet cassava, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, vanilla and pineapples.

He also talked about the commencement of the ninth phase of the China Aid Dominica Agricultural Technical Cooperation Program. 

He called it a ‘significant’ milestone and another proud chapter in the long standing partnership between the government of Dominica and the People's Republic of China.

Plans for 2025 aims to create employment, support business development, grow strong economy: Finance Minister

Presenting the budget, the Finance Minister added that the programmes and plans for 2025-2026 fiscal year are designed to create employment, support business development and grow a strong and diversified economy. 

He said, “The plans are aimed to improve the quality of life, creating meaningful opportunities for prosperity, personal growth and social resilience for all residents.”

Ministry of Finance receives highest budget allocation, Health Sector on second

Finance Minister McIntyre announced the recurrent budget allocation and noted that the Finance Ministry received the highest allocation of $292 million which is 43% of the total budget. It has included: Debt Services and Payment with $128 Million and Retirement benefits with $47 million. 

In addition to that, the Ministry of Health, Wellness received the second largest budget allocation with $72.8 million which is 10.7% of the total budget. $71.3 million is allocated to the Ministry of Education, marking 10.5% of the total budget. 69.2 million or 10.2% is allocated for the Minister of National Security and Minister of Public Good and Public Utilites 57.4 million, 8.4%

In addition to that, Goods and Services accounts for 232.7 million or 34% of total budget. As per the Finance Minister, the recurrent expenditure is expected to grow by 7.6%, while the actual capital expenditure is expected to grow by 9.6% for this fiscal year. 

For other ministry, the budget allocation included: 

• Minister of Public Good, Public: $55.4 Million
• Minister of Foreign Affairs: $22.7 Million
• Cabinet office: $3.4 million
• Minister of Labour: $2.3 million
• Office of the President: 0.8 Million
• Ministry of National Security: 2.8 million
• Office of the Prime Minister: 357 million
• Ministry of Finance: 14.2 million
• Ministry of Agriculture: 23.4 
• Ministry of Education: 14.8
• Ministry of Housing: 18.4 million
• Minister of Health: 10 
• Minister of Environment: 42.9
• Minister of Tourism: 5.6 million
• Minister of Culture: 15.7 
• Minister of Public Good: 151.3 million
• Minister of Foreign Affais: 16.8
• Minister of Labour: 3.5 million

Minister of Finance, Dr Irving McIntyre added that these capital expenditures were designed to support the national priorities, strengthen the productive capacity and improve the quality of life of Dominicans.

Finance Minister McIntyre Highlights Gains, Warns of Risks 

While addressing at the National Budget of Dominica, Minister of Finance has highlighted the achievements made by Dominica over  the present 2025 year, while emphasizing that, “2026 budget estimates and outline our plans for the year ahead.” 

He acknowledged the challenges posed by rising global political tensions and economic instability, citing the April 2025 World Economic Outlook, which projects global growth at just 2.8%. 

He added that the growth in the advanced economies is expected to reach 1.4%, while emerging markets and developing economies are forecasted to slow down from 3.7% in 2025 and 3.9% in 2026.  

Dominica’s real GDP grows by 3.5% in 2024: Finance Minister 

During a national budget address, Finance Minister Irving McIntyre noted that Dominica's real GDP is estimated to have grown by 3.5 % in 2024. The budget is presented under the theme- “Balancing Resilience Development and Fiscal Discipline for Sustainable Growth.”

For 2025, the government of Dominica have projected for 4.2% GDP and 9.1% increase in the capital expenditure this year.

CBI Is a Vital Pillar of Progress, Says President Burton During Budget Address

The President of Dominica, Sylvanie Burton while speaking at Dominica's Budget address called out the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) as a 'lifeline' for Dominica. She stressed that it plays a crucial role in the overall development of the country and highlighted its contributions to Dominica. 

"The CBI programme is a vital pillar for our country's development. It deserves to be protected and defended. I pray for its sustainability," President said. 

President Burton Defends National Identity, Warns Against Threats to Dominica’s Integrity

President Burton, while addressing the House of Assembly described national symbols as more than just rituals — they reflect our identity, values and education. Reflecting on the country’s heritage, she said these symbols unite us and guide the future.

“I promise to work diligently,” she declared, vowing to honor Dominica, serve the people and build a better country. She stressed the government will never allow anything to dismantle what ancestors built over generations.

President Burton also sent a stark warning to those who have been working against Dominica's well being. She emphasized that anyone who undermines Dominica's well being, cannot be considered a friend of this nation.

She stressed that Dominica's image belongs to every citizens and we should ensure it is respected, "If we damage Dominica's presentation, we all suffer." She further called all dominicans living home or abroad, to let their spirit of patriotism thrive and to defend the country through action. 

"As a daughter of Kalinago community and head of state, i consider it my sacred duty to protect this sacred land," She added. 

She further called out those spreading hatred on social media and highlighted that Dominica's image should not be exploited through fake lies spreading online. 

President Burton Hails Electoral Reforms as Landmark Initiative 

President Sylvanie Burton also shed light on the historic electoral reforms that were brought into Dominica's parliamaent. She called it a historic move as Dominica was the first caribbean nation to bring such reforms in its election system. 

She concluded that the three laws helped mordernize Dominica's electoral framework and enhanciing its overall electoral process. 

"We have sufficient food supply": President Sylvanie Burton

The President of Dominica during her address at the House of Assembly shed light on the significant strides made by Dominica in the Agricuture sector as she outlined various initiatives. 

"The government to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Blue Green economy has developed policies in strenghthening the food and nutrition system and builiding resilience. This helps enhance sustainability," said the President. 

She further added that Dominica has enough locally produced food to fill the food requirements of its people. However, she further stresed that this blessing should not be taken for granted. She added that the people of Dominica specifically the youth should be educated to follow sustainable practices. She further added that they should be encouraged for carrying out local production. 

"We should make a drastic shift in our approach to local food production and consumption," the President added. 

President Sylvanie Burton extends condolence to Martin Joseph 

The President of Dominica, Sylvanie Burton extends condolences to Martin Joseph as he addresses the House of Assembly during Dominica’s 2025 Budget presentation. A one minute silent was tribute was also paid in the parliament.  

President Sylvanie Burton Arrives 

PrPM Skerrit arrives at House of Assembly

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit along with his wife and first lady of Dominica has arrived at the House of Assembly for the presentation of Dominica's National Budget 2025. 

Minister of Finance Arrives

The Minister of Finance, Dr Irving McIntyre has arrived at the House of Assembly for the presentation of Dominica's National Budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026.