Dominica: The Government has launched the Dominica Community Enhancement Project – DOMCREP on Wednesday, June 03, 2026 in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center. The project aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities across Dominica by implementing practical adaptation measures that address the impacts of climate variability and climate change.
An EC$ 70 Million Project
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit acknowledged the initiative and stated that the project is a EC$ 70 million investment. This big project will go directly to the people in the communities and over 50% of that EC$70 Million will go to agriculture and agro-processing.
PM Skerrit encouraged all to take advantage of opportunities that are being made available by this project. He ensured that women in particular are highlighted in a dramatic way in the access to the opportunities and so it’s important for us in the communities to prepare ourselves for such investments.
He stated that they have to avail themselves of the opportunities. They have to inform themselves when there are community meetings to speak about and how do you access the funding? How do you access the opportunities?
Skerrit added that they cannot be busy and expect somebody to come knocking on their door and say well “I’m there to give you money.” It’s not going to happen this way. People must be part of the community consultations. So, I urge the residents in those communities to put yourself forward to let us know.
To Enhance Climate Resilience in 08 Vulnerable Communities
Minister for Finance – Dr. Irving McIntyre stated that the project fulfils one of the mandatory parts of the Ministry of Finance. The project mainly focuses on enhancing climate resilience in eight (08) vulnerable communities that have historically suffered the most from the extreme climate events. The communities include Colihaut, Coulibistrie, Campbell, Pichelin, Bagatelle, Petite Soufriere, San Sauveur and Good Hope.
McIntyre explained that the climate resilience is a key mandate of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security. In this regard, the initiative of DOMCREP project represents the implementation of a key ministerial mandate which brings enormous satisfaction.
5C’s Proud to Partner with Dominica
Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center – Dr. Colin Young stated the 5C’s is proud to partner with Dominica on this important project. The $25 billion US project aims to build resilience in vulnerable communities against climate related threats.
Dr. Young said that these climate related disasters have taught them an important lesson. Resilience cannot be built after the disaster strikes. It must be strengthened beforehand. For small island developing states like Dominica, climate resilience is not separate from development. It is essential to protect lives and livelihoods. Along with food security, economic stability and the well-being of future generations.
He further quoted that as former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon once said, “Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, and advancing economic growth, these are one and the same fight.” That message speaks directly to the purpose of this project.
DOMCREP recognises that climate resilience is not only about protecting against future hazards. It is about protecting lives, strengthening livelihoods, supporting economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for communities, particularly among the most vulnerable, added Dr. Young.
Focus on Enhancing Disaster Management
DOMCREP includes some key interventions that consists of the introduction of climate resilience agricultural techniques and technologies, the retrofitting of critical disaster management infrastructure, and the enhancement of early warning systems to improve preparedness and response capabilities.
Project Manager – Tahira Yusha gave an overview of the project and noted that it is focused on some main outcomes.
Yusha stated that it firstly focuses on improving community livelihood resilience to climate variability and change. This means helping communities, especially small holder farmers, to better adapt to climate smart and sustainable approaches that protect livelihoods and support long-term resilience.
Secondly, it focuses on enhancing disaster management systems. This includes strengthening preparedness and response arrangements through improved early warning systems, support to community disaster management and measures that improve community safety in the face of increasing climate risks.
Project for Farmers Benefit
Considering this, Minister of Agriculture – Roland Royer stated that this project will benefit farmers who continue to show resilience despite the impacts of climate change.
Royer said that the Dominica Community Resilience Enhancement Project – DOMCREP, is about people and about ensuring that the individuals who continue working on the land, producing food and sustaining real economies are given the tools, support systems, and opportunities necessary to adapt, succeed, and continue building livelihoods.
Those who were involved in agriculture understand the challenges faced due to climate change impacts because they know what it means when farmers invest time, labour, and resources into preparing land and neighbouring crops only to face prolonged dry periods, shifting rainfall patterns or severe weather events that can undo months of hard work, within just matter of hours.