Dominica launched Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade (GRIT) Project to empower women entrepreneurs in the nation. The project was introduced during the official ceremony, which was held on Thursday, Nov 06 at the Barana Autê in the Kalinago territory.
Reportedly, the GRIT project aims to help women led businesses especially in Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to become more productive and ready for export. It will also provide training and grants to help these businesses in adopting green practices and new technologies.
With this project, the entrepreneurs will also learn how to identify promising markets, gain the skills to meet trade standards, and take part in trade missions to create new opportunities.
Considering this, Kalinago Chief – Annette Thomas of Sandford said that the launch represents a true commitment to women’s leadership and economic inclusion. She stated that she is grateful that now indigenous and rural women will stand as key drivers of Caribbean development.
Thomas expressed that she also loves the word GRIT, as the word itself speaks volumes and it reminds them that success is not only about being the smartest, the brightest, or the most resourced, but it is about determination, perseverance, and the unwavering commitment to rise and succeed.
General Manager of Dexia – Paula Platskco urged participants at the ceremony to make the most of the opportunities that the GRIT project will provide. She said that she wants people to listen attentively and be prepared to take advantage of the many opportunities which will be available under this project.
Platskco stated that she particularly want to encourage the women led businesses in Dominica to position themselves and don’t be left behind. However, greet is open to all women led businesses, the project also emphasised on enterprises that are led by youth, are based in rural areas, indigenous owned and led by women with disabilities, thus ensuring that support reaches those, who are most often under-represented in trade and private sector development.
High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean – Brenda Wills was also present at the launch ceremony and said that the launch of the GRIT project in Dominica is very special as the country reflects the principles of the projects.
Brenda Wills said that Canada is proud to support this four year $3 million initiative, which empowers women entrepreneurs across Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica and Belize to better access trade opportunities, as a key driver of economic growth and diversification.
According to Wills, it is especially meaningful to launch GRIT here, as it reflects the values of inclusion that are central to this project. She added that during her last visit to the Kalinago territory, she had the pleasure of meeting with community members engaged in woodworking and tourism, initiatives that are vital to local livelihoods and regional sustainability.
Now the launch of GRIT project aligns closely with the shared economic priorities, promoting trade diversification, reducing poverty, and enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to support Dominica’s socio-economic development.
Meanwhile, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, and Kalinago Upliftment –Cozier Frederick stated that this project matches with the teachings of the Kalinago Community.
Cozier Frederick said that, this generating resilient and inclusive trade GRIT project is not merely on economic intervention. It is a modern expression of ancient wisdom.
According to him, it is empowerment guided by equity, it is justice shaped by heritage and for them in the Kalinago space, it is the right to self-determination through enterprise, creativity and community.