Disasters, Conflicts and Migration

For a more detailed database on disasters by country, please see the Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters Country Profile. 

Seasonal Effects on Logistics Capacities

Dominica experiences two main periods, a dry season from February to June and a hurricane season from June to November. The hurricane season presents prolonged and intense rain falls causing landslides and collapses of bridges, with partial interruptions of primary and secondary roads which contributes to the increase in transport rates and consumer prices.

Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response

Government 

Emergency response operates through the National Emergency Planning Organisation (NEPO) and the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) which provides the coordination and framework for emergency response. 

It has been identified the importance to work in conjunction with local communities in the management and coordination of disaster risk reduction through the existence of various community disaster organisations, district organisations, and the participation of community leaders. Some community groups have been equipped with relevant tools and equipment as part of the effort of an early response mechanism, given the topography of the country and resource constraint that could prevent the quick response from the authorities.  

Institutions and agencies such as DOMLEC, DOWASCO, St. John’s, Ambulance and Dominica Red Cross place heavy emphasis on community participation in the management of resources and mitigation and adaptation efforts. These communities serve in some cases as first responders who report incidents to the relevant authorities. The Local Government system has been leveraged in that respect and plays an integral role in the management of localised crisis situations with effective results in mitigation activities.  

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List. 

Humanitarian Community 

The international humanitarian community has increased their support and number of organizations present after Hurricane Maria hit the island.  Furthermore, sector groups have been established in order to coordinate with different partners around the island and provide effective solutions. 

Sector/Working Group contact list Dominica

*Not all in-country but included for communication purposes

For more information on humanitarian agency contact details, please see the following link: 4.2 Humanitarian Agency Contact List

The Dominica Bureau of Standards (DBOS) is a statutory body under the aegis of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Consumer and Diaspora Affairs and its general administration is guided by a 14 member National Standards Council (NSC) appointed by the Minister. The Dominica Bureau of Standards develops, establishes, maintains and promotes standards for improving industrial development, industrial efficiency, promoting the health and safety of consumers as well as protecting the environment, food and food products, the quality of life for the citizenry and the facilitation of trade. Core competencies – preparation and development of Standards for products, systems, and processes; development and establishment of food safety and quality management system, product testing, inspection and certification, GMPS, SOPSs and SSOPs, calibration and testing various measuring and weighing devices, training and various consultancy services. 

The Financial Services Unit (FSU) of the Commonwealth of Dominica is the regulatory authority for the Non-Bank Financial Sector in Dominica and the Money Laundering Supervising Authority; the authority of the Financial Services Unit (FSU), which is a department within the Ministry of Finance, covers the financial sector in Dominica with the exception of Commercial Banks and Securities Business. 

The Plant Protection and Quarantine Service (PPQ) of the Department of Agriculture is the lead institution concerned with the protection of agricultural resources of Dominica from dangerous plant (and animal) pests and diseases.  The responsibility for monitoring of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures which sets out the basic rules for food safety and animal and plant health standards also resides with the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit which collaborates with other related entities in execution of its activities. 

The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) is a civil aviation authority serving the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The headquarters are in Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda. The headquarters are in Saint John's, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda. The ECCAA also operates outstations, which include the Dominica Outstation at Melville Hall Airport.  

For more information on regulatory departments and quality control laboratories’ contact details, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.3 Laboratory and Quality Testing Company Contact List

Duties and Tax Exemption

The Customs and Excise Division of the Ministry of Finance is responsible for the control and management of the customs clearance of goods process.

The operations of the Customs and Excise Division are governed by the Customs (Control and Management) Act chapter 69:01 of the revised laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Customs Import and Export Tariffs Ordinance chapter 365, Value Added Tax Act 7 of 2005, Excise Tax Act 8 of 2005, Supplies Control Act chapter 20:01 of the revised laws, Fiscal Incentives Act chapter 84:51 of the revised laws, Hotels Aid Act chapter 85:04 of the revised laws, Customs Duty Free Shopping Act 2 of 1991, Caribbean Community Act of 2005 , Solid Waste Management Act, Ozone Layer Depletion Substances (Control) Act and each of the subsequent statutory rules and orders (SROs) attached. Laws enforced by the Ministry of Trade and Marketing and the Ministry of Agriculture are also involved in the customs administration process.

Customs website for further information is http://customs.gov.dm/index.php/menu-styles/customs-tariff 

For contact information regarding government custom authorities, please follow the link below: 

4.1 Government Contact Lists

Emergency Response:

Emergency response operates through the National Emergency Planning Organisation (NEPO) and the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) which provides the coordination and framework for emergency response. All goods designated for use for humanitarian purposes during time of emergency can apply for tax and import duty exemptions through the ODM (Customs Act 20, Part IX, Art. 90). There is no requirement for an organisation who was responding to an emergency to be registered unless they intend to establish a permanent presence in country.

When there is a declaration of an emergency, relief goods from the different humanitarian organisations can be channelled through the ODM to obtain a tax exemption authorization. The process to obtain a tax and duty exemption requires the organisation to provide standard customs import documentation (Invoice, PL, BL and Asycuda), the BL and the Asycuda are provided by the respective shipping agent, along with a letter of request from the organisation to the National Disaster Coordinator of the ODM.

Also, exemption is granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). Organization wishing to import items under duty exemption will need to submit the standard customs import documentation (Invoice, PL, BL and Asycuda), the BL and the Asycuda are provided by the respective shipping agent, along with Duty Free Request Form (Blue Form) and a letter of request which must state the description, value and quantity of the items and a short explanation of the objectives of the organisation.  Once is signed and authorized by MoFA, all the documentation must be submitted to Customs in order to get the clearance and release of the goods.

The following figure shows the procedure for clearance of relief cargo.

In the following table, state which of the following agreements and conventions apply to the country and if there are any other existing ones:

Exemption Regular Regime (Non-Emergency Response): 

General Imports are subject to five different types of duties, taxes and surcharges: 1.- Import Duty, 2.- Environmental Surcharge, 3.- Customs Service Charge, 4.- Excise Tax and 5.- Value Added Tax. 

Import duties levied against goods are based on the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value and rates determined by the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET). 

Exemption Certificate Application Procedure: 

Organizations can apply to receive duty free concessions through the National Development Corporation (NDC). If duty free exemptions are granted and approved by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, these organizations submits a master list (also subject to approval by the Ministry of Finance and Planning) to the NDC of all the goods and products they wish to import under the program. This master list is forwarded to the Fiscal Incentive Unit of the Customs and Excise Division and kept on file. Normal procedure for declaring duty free imports is as follows:  

Exemption Certificate Document Requirements 

Customs Clearance

General Information 

All imports must be accompanied by an import declaration, with the exception of fresh fish taken by Dominican fishermen and imported by them in their vessels in accordance with section 26(2)(a), and passengers baggage in accordance with section 26(2)(b) of the Customs (Control and Management) Act. The importers must present a declaration to the Customs and Excise Division within:

1. Seven days after the goods have been landed for goods transported by air; in accordance with section 26 (1) (a) of the Customs Act
2. Fourteen days after the goods have been landed for goods transported

Customs Information
Document Requirements	The import declaration must be accompanied by the following: 1. Invoices - Two copies - one original and one copy (two translated copies if in foreign language) relating to the customs value of the imported goods; 2. Bills of Lading/Airway Bills – Two copies 3. Value Declaration Forms; 4. Work sheets (split ups) - Two copies - when applicable 5. Certificate of Origin – Two copies - (for goods from CARICOM member states) to validate Rules of Origin Criteria, when applicable; 6. Duty Free Exemptions (FTI 101 forms, Two copies for qualified firms, when applicable; 7. Duty Free Exemptions for Vehicles (FTI 104 Forms, Two copies for returning residents), when applicable; 8. Import licences and health permits, when applicable; 9. Delivery Notes, when applicable; 10.Packing list, when applicable; 11. Insurance certificates, when applicable; 12. Contract of sale, when applicable; 13. Proof of payment, when applicable; 14. Proof of exportation of goods re-imported, when applicable; and 15. Proof of warranty and exportation for goods under warranty that are imported, when applicable.
Embargoes	None known
Prohibited Items	PROHIBITIONS  A prohibited item means that there is a complete veto against its importation/exportation. Part 1 of the 5th Schedule of the Customs (Control and Management) Act Chap 69:01 of the revised laws of Dominica lists a number of goods and products that are prohibited. Common examples are:  Counterfeit coins Fictitious stamps Food unfit for human consumption Indecent or obscene articles (pornography) Infected animals Pistols in the form of stylographic pens or pencils Any goods bearing the Coat of Arms of Dominica   It should also be noted that the importation of live and dead frogs or parts thereof into Dominica is prohibited under the Importation of Frogs (Prohibitions) Regulations SRO 6 or 2004.
General Restrictions	RESTRICTIONS  A restricted item means that there is a conditional veto against its importation/exportation. Therefore whenever these items are imported there are certain conditions that must be met. Part 2 of the 5th Schedule of the Customs (Control and Management) Act Chap 69:01 of the revised laws of Dominica lists a number of goods and products that are restricted.

Customs Clearance Document Requirements

Transit Regime 

Please be informed that customs service charge will be collected on the following:

CPC Description 

E371 Re-Exportation from a government warehouse 

E372 Re-Exportation from a private warehouse 

E374 Re-Exportation from other premises under fiscal control

E380 Re-exportation from transit 

E390 Re-exportation from other procedures

In the case where goods are not consigned to an address in the Commonwealth of Dominica and were landed by mistake, there will be no customs service charge collected on its exportation.

For humanitarian goods an authorized customs broker will require a customs declaration.  A customs transit declaration must be prepared by an authorized customs broker and the following must be attached: invoice, transport document, insurance certificate, transhipment certificate (in the form of a declaration that is stamped and signed by consignee/owner/ declarant) and if any other supporting documents such as export customs declaration from previous country. 

Procedure for Duty Rebate on Goods Short-shipped or damaged, and Drawback on Goods Re-exported

Duty Rebate or drawback in respect of the above-mentioned cases is provided for under Sections 59, 63 and 64 of the Customs (Control and Management) Act Chapter 69:01 of the Revised Laws of 1990 of Dominica. The following steps should be taken by anyone applying for duty rebate or drawback on goods: 

• Ensure that the case is verified by Customs and Excise Division

• Prepare and submit a signed claim addressed to the Comptroller of Customs indicating the reason(s) for the duty rebate or drawback, the amount refundable, the amount paid, the applicable rate of duty and the amount which should be paid where appropriate.

• Obtain a Landing and Delivery Certificate where appropriate for goods shortshipped or damaged and submit it with your claim.

Copies of the following documents should be attached to the claim: 

• A legible copy of the declaration on which duty was paid, indicating the receipt number and date paid.

• The invoice, bill of lading, and certificate of origin where appropriate.

• The split-up, where appropriate, which should provide details of the apportioned charges and the value for refund.

Before submitting the claim, ensure that the following are correct: 

• The quantities on which the claim is based

• The commodity description and classification on which the claim is based

• The value for refund

• The amount refundable

Persons applying for duty rebate or drawback should note the following: 

• No repayment of the amount of the abatement shall be made unless the claim is made within twelve months of the date of payment of duty

• No drawback may be claimed in respect of goods which were imported into Dominica more than twelve months before the date of the claim for drawback

• No drawback may be claimed in respect of any goods of a value of less than two hundred and seventy dollars, such value being that at which the goods were originally imported.

• No drawback may be claimed in respect of any goods not in the packages in which they were originally imported into Dominica, with the exception of imported goods which are re-exported within six months of their importation by their importer to the same country and to the same person or firm from which they were imported.

Once approved by Customs, payment for approved claims can be obtained from the Treasury Division, Ministry of Finance and Planning.

For more information on customs tariffs and procedures please see the following document: Customs Import and Export Tariffs Dominica

Dominica is located at the Northern end of the Windward chain of the Lesser Antilles. It is the largest of this island group, lying between the French Overseas Departments of Martinique to the south and Guadeloupe to the north. 

Dominica has three main ports that provide for large cruise ships and transportation of goods in and out of the country: Roseau, Woodbridge Bay and Portsmouth. They are regulated by the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA). 

Most of passenger ships dock at Roseau Cruise Ship terminal which is located in town. The port of Woodbridge Bay is mostly used for cargo, is about 2 km north of the city. Some smaller cargo ships may dock at the port of Portsmouth Ship facility on the north-western tip of the island, about 42 km northwest of Roseau. 

Freight traffic is dominated by containerized cargo, which in recent decades has been handled by five main shipping lines. Tropical, King Ocean, CMA CGM, Sea Freight, and Geest Line together dominate the Caribbean market. Most of the routes covered by these shipping lines are “feeder routes” that use Miami as their main hub and Trinidad and Tobago and Vieux Fort as regional transfer hubs between vessels.

There are two regional airports and no international airports in Dominica, The airports are operated by the Dominica Air & Sea Ports Authority (DASPA). The primary one is Douglas-Charles Airport located in Marigot (Distance 44.2 km from Roseau), where most commercial flights arrive. A second airport, Canefield (Distance 3.6 Km from Roseau). Given its runway length, the Douglas-Charles airport is suitable for some commercial jet use. Flights from the mainland US or Europe are provided through the International Airport hubs of Antigua (ANU), Barbados (GAIA), St. Maarten (SXM), Guadeloupe (PTP) and Puerto Rico (SJU). Leeward Island Air Transport (LIAT) completes the Dominican leg of these flights and Seaborne also provides connecting flights to the island from Puerto Rico. 

For more information on government agency and airport company contact information, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List  

Key airport information may also be found at: http://worldaerodata.com/

Procedures for Foreign Registered Aircraft

Civil Aviation Authority

The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) is a civil aviation authority serving the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The headquarters are in Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda. The ECCAA agency serves as the aviation accident and incident investigation authority of its jurisdiction also operates outstations, which include the Dominica Outstations.

Aircraft registration, certification and operational requirements are governed by the ECCAA and are specified in the Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs). Operation of a foreign registered aircraft is possible and depending on the type of operation, it can be relatively quick to allow commencement of operations, particularly for non-commercial purposes such as for surveys, disaster relief, emergency response and similar programs. The process should begin with a letter of intent to the ECCAA, describing your organization, the owner/operator of aircraft, intended type of operation (private, charter, scheduled, etc.) and intended aircraft model and/or type.

For more information on procedures for foreign registered aircraft, please see the following attachments.

The Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) for certification and registrations are the following:

• Requirements for the operation of Foreign Air Carriers

• Process for Air Operator Certificate (AOC)

• Process for Aircraft registration

• Form for Aircraft Registration

Dominica has 1,512 kilometres of roadways, 762 kilometres of these roadways are paved. Dominicans drive on the left. Roads run primarily along the coastline and along river valleys. Major roads are two-lane highways which connect the capital, Roseau, with Portsmouth (Edward Oliver Leblanc Highway) and the Douglas-Charles Airport (Dr. Nicholas Liverpool Highway). Private minibuses form the major public transport system.

Roads on Dominica are known to be treacherous, with very steep terrain, narrow and winding with multiple blind curves. Some roads may be lined with steep embankments, and many are without protective siding to prevent cars from sliding off. Rain is heavy in Dominica, particularly on the island's interior during the wetter summer months, and road conditions can deteriorate quickly under the assault of heavy rains.

Many roads may be paved, though roads in remote, rural, and other areas that are not in good repair can be quite damaged. Road signs may be non-existent outside of major areas, and most roads are not lit in the evenings. It is recommended to avoid driving at night, and exercise caution in order to avoid pedestrians and other aggressive drivers who may throw caution to the wind while on the road.

The indicated sections of road have shown to be particularly susceptible to flooding and landslides.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List  

Distance Matrix

Given Dominica’s topography, it has a limited road network, and this makes travel to the island's airport and seaports time-consuming.

Travel Time Matrix

Road Security 

Traffic laws, such as speed limits and seat belt requirements, are not typically enforced, and drivers should exercise extreme caution while on the road because of this. Visitors can obtain a Driving Permit which costs US$12 and is available in car rental companies and are also available at Traffic & Licensing Department on High Street in Roseau. For more information see the following attached: 

• Vehicle and Road Traffic Law DOM

Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits 

Most of Dominica bridges are old and not in good repair, in hurricane seasons can be damaged. Please see attached Access Constraints Maps from after Hurricane Maria hit the island in September 2017. 

• Access Constraint Map September 2017

• Access Constraint Map November 2017

• Access Constraint Map January 2018  
  

There is no operating railroad in Dominica.

In coastal areas, maritime transport is available for international maritime transportation of passengers, break bulk cargo and container shipping provided by fishing vessels, freight barges and ferries. The rivers of Dominica are not used for cargo or passenger transportation. 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List  

Company Information 

L’Express des Iles is the only inter-island fast ferry company that connects Dominica with the islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, and St. Lucia. 

For more information on waterway company contact details, please see the following link: 4.4 Port and Waterways Companies Contact List 

For more information please see the following documents:

• Data Sheet Perle Express
• Data Sheet Gold Express

Travel Time Matrix 

Key Routes 

Port Information

Storage facilities throughout Dominica is limited, most of the warehouses (public and private) are located in Roseau because of the proximity of the main port. In case of a natural disaster there are two warehouses of the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) that are located in Jimmit. During the last emergency in October 2017, Woodbridge Bay Port facilities were used to support the emergency response. There are no proper storage facilities in the east coast area which is most vulnerable area to tropical cyclone disasters. 

Commercial Storage is available for rent primarily in the west coast near Belfast as there is an industrial compound. There is limited storage available. 

Due to the last emergency situation humanitarian organization used small infrastructures as temporary warehouses. 

Commercial Storage

[1] Warehouse Type: Open storage, container, rub-hall, silo, concrete, other, unspecified

[2] Warehouse Access: Raised-siding, flat

[3] Warehouse condition: Appears intact, appears damaged, under construction/repair

Cold Chain

There are no cold chain facilities in Dominica with the exception of the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) which have limited storage for blood. Options for cold chain storage could include refrigerated containers.

There are no milling services

Fuel Overview

Dominica does not have any domestic hydrocarbon resources. The island’s energy supply consists of about 90 percent imported oil products and 10 percent renewables, combustible renewables and waste as well as hydropower. About 70 percent of the country’s electricity is produced from oil products, with the remaining 30 percent coming from hydropower. Generation capacity stood at 22.4 MW, with 16 MW coming from the Fond Cole and Portsmouth diesel plants and 7.6 MW coming from the three hydro power plants Laudat (1.3 MW), Trafalgar (4.46 MW) and Padu (1.88 MW). Electricity prices in Dominica are among the highest in all of the Eastern Caribbean States, varying between 0.26-0.31 US$ per kWh. (Castalia Consulting, 2012; Dominica Electricity Services Ltd, 2012; Organization of American States, 2010).

The vast majority of energy, around 90 per­cent, is imported in the form of oil products. Dominica imports a total of 916 boe/day. About 45 percent of oil products (411 boe/day) are used to generate electricity, with an additional 63 boe/ day coming from hydropower. Losses during generation, distribution, and transmission total 329 boe/day leaving 147 boe/day for final consumption. In total, final consumption of Dominica is 691 boe/day.

The transportation sector consumes more than 40 percent of energy with 271 boe/day, followed by the commercial sector with 196 boe/day, the residential sector with 131 boe/day, the industrial sector with 86 boe/day and other at 9 boe/day.

The Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Ports and Public Service is responsible for all matters related to the energy sector. It coordinates all activities related to the development and expansion of elec­tricity production and distribution and is responsible for the expansion of renewable energy sources. 

For more information on government and fuel provider contact details, please see the following links:  4.1 Government Contact List and 4.7 Fuel Providers Contact List here.

Information may also be found at: http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ which is updated monthly. 

Fuel Pricing 

Price controls are regulated by the Supplies Control Act No. 21 of 1979. The Minister in charge of trade is allowed to fix maximum prices for any goods, at wholesale and retail levels. The number of products subject to price controls are 5: gasoline, diesel, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas, and cement. Prices of petroleum products are adjusted every four weeks on the basis of international prices.

Seasonal Variations  

Fuel Transportation 

Dominica does not have any of its own oil and so has to import all fossil energy. Oil products are used for power generation. Dominica buys all its oil from Venezuela through the PetroCaribe Agreement, which gives it favourable buying terms, such as only paying a limited upfront cost on oil transactions. The PetroCaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement was signed on 29 June 2005 by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and President Chavez allows for the provision of gasoline, diesel and liquid petroleum gas to Dominica. 

PDV Caribe (Dominica) Ltd. has been a supplier of gasoline and diesel to Dominica for thirteen years and have 71 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Agents around the island. 

Dominica currently has three importers (PDV Caribe Ltd, Rubis West Indies and West Indies Oil Co.) of petroleum products who are the industry wholesalers and retailers, responsible for the importation and supply of the full range of oil and gas used on the island including aviation fuel, LPG and Bunker C. Fuel made available to these suppliers is refined in Trinidad, Curacao, Venezuela, and Panama. MTBE is added to gasoline in a typical ratio of 4 to 5 percent. Sulphur content in diesel may range from 0.1 percent to 0.5 percent while gasoline is usually between 92 to 95 octane. Government currently controls the price at which product is sold on the local market. The importers and retailers operate under fixed pricing schemes which are determined by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Consumer and Diaspora Affairs. The schemes establish wholesale and retail prices under which the importers and retailers must operate and also ensure that local retail prices to the consumer reflect price changes in the international marketplace. 

Internal transportation is carried out by tanker trucks to the different districts.  Constraints to the companies are mainly road conditions i.e road breakage

Standards, Quality and Testing 

Dominica Bureau of Standards (DBOS), established by the Standards Act No. 4 of 1999, is responsible for developing standards and technical regulations.  The DBOS, which has been notified as the national enquiry point for the TBT Agreement.   The DBOS is under the purview of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Marketing and is administered by the National Standards Council appointed by the Minister. 

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.

The topography of Dominica presents tremendous challenges to the planning and organization of a transport sector. Nonetheless, Government recognizes the role of transport and logistics in national development. There are approximately 25,000 vehicles in Dominica, not including motor cycles. It is estimated that 10 percent of the market is made up of cars, 20-25 percent are small SUVs and Pick Ups, and the remainder are buses. Sales of new cars average about 300-350 per annum, while about 600 second-hand cars are imported annually. On average these cars are 5-12 years old. Vehicles over 5 years old attract an environmental levy on importation. There are no clear numbers for the split between gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. Local drivers prefer vehicles powered by gas including those used for taxis and public transport vans. In the tourism sector, approximately 70 percent of public taxis are 13-seater mini buses.

For more information on transport company contact details, please see the following link: 4.8 Dominica Transporters Contact Lists4.8 Dominica Transporters Contact Lists

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.  

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.

According to the World Bank's Enterprise Surveys, Dominica lacks of an adequately trained labour force and has low participation rate of women in the workforce as hindrances not only to business development in the private sector but also to the advancement of the economy as a whole. There are over five trade unions within Dominica, with the major examples being the Dominica Amalgamated Workers’ Union (DAWU), Dominica Trade Union (DTU) and Dominica Waterfront & Allied Workers’ Union (WAWU). There is no Trade Union Congress in the country at present, though there are calls for one to be founded. The Trade Union Act of 1952 is the primary piece of legalisation on trade unions, which provides for the protection, registration and code of ethics of all union organisations. All workers have the legal right to organize, to choose their representatives, and to strike, but unions represent less than 10% of the work force.

Dominica is dependent on importing all vital supplies (food and beverage requirements), it is a net importer of goods and services. Most of the basic food basket products are imported except some fruits and vegetables. The top import origins are the USA, China, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and France. Food and other mass consumer products are retailed by 4 main suppliers, same suppliers provide also construction material, household appliance, and services. Therefore, there is a limited food processing industry in Dominica. Natural disasters have contributed to a reduction in agricultural production and exports. 

For more information on food and additional suppliers contact details, please see the following link: 4.10 Food and Additional Suppliers Contact List

The Observatory of Economic Complexity – MIT (OEC): (http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/)

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.  

Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.

For more information on Government contact list please see the following link: http://dominica.gov.dm/government-directory

For more information on humanitarian contact details, please see the following document:

• Humanitarian Contact List

• Sector Contact List

There are no Milling Companies in Dominica

There are no railways companies in Dominica