Government Moves to Cushion Impact of Middle East Conflict on Dominica
The Government of Dominica has announced a series of measures to protect citizens and the economy from the impact of conflict in the Middle East.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized that while Dominica is not directly threatened by war, the country will inevitably feel the economic ripple effects of the conflict.
In response, the Government is rolling out targeted measures to cushion the impact on households and businesses.
These include temporary reductions on duties and taxes on essential goods, as well as increased support for vulnerable households through social protection programmes.
“We are taking steps to manage energy costs. We will work closely with the Dominica Electricity Services to moderate the impact of rising fuel prices on electricity tariffs.
“We will protect jobs and economic activity. We will engage with stakeholders in tourism, agriculture and the private sector to ensure continuity and resilience during this period,” the Prime Minister stated.
Prime Minister Skerrit said immediate concerns included an expected increase in global oil prices, which is expected to affect electricity costs, transportation and the overall cost of goods and services.
He also warned of rising costs for imported food and essential supplies due to disruptions in global shipping and supply chains, as well as a possible slowdown in tourism and investment.
“In today’s interconnected world, events thousands of miles away will have significant effects on our daily lives – on the price of fuel, the cost of food, the stability of jobs and the strength of our economy,” he noted.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of building long-term resilience. He announced plans to accelerate investment in renewable energy to provide more stable, affordable electricity and to expand support for local agriculture to reduce reliance on imported food.
The Dominican leader called on citizens to remain calm and united in the face of rising global uncertainty.
“Dominica has faced far greater challenges before, from hurricanes to global pandemics, and we have emerged stronger each time,” he declared.
