Dr. Kyra Paul

Dr. Kyra Paul (b. ca. 1988) is a prominent Dominican public servant, policy expert, and advocate for sustainable development and social equity. Born and raised in Portsmouth in Saint John Parish, her professional journey spans multiple ministries and national initiatives in health, agriculture, housing, and social services. Known for her strategic planning and people-centred leadership, she has emerged as a driving force in Dominica’s policy landscape.

Dr. Kyra Paul’s Early Life and Education

Raised in Portsmouth, Dr. Kyra Paul attended Portsmouth Secondary School, where she excelled academically and cultivated an early interest in social development. Her educational journey continued at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, where she earned a PhD in Social Policy. Her doctoral research focused on youth behavior and violence trends in the Caribbean, contributing to broader regional discourse on policy reform.

Her early career began at the Bureau of Gender Affairs, where she served as Acting Director. There, she worked on gender based violence prevention, community education, and gender equity programming. Her work reflected a commitment to community empowerment and justice from the outset of her public service career.

Academic Foundations and Early Influences

Completed secondary education at Portsmouth Secondary School
Obtained a PhD in Social Policy at UWI Cave Hill
Contributed research to the Caribbean’s understanding of youth and social challenges
Early focus on gender-based violence and social justice

Government Leadership Across Sectors

Dr. Paul’s rise in the Dominican public service began with her appointment as Chief Development Planner in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security. She then held a series of Permanent Secretary roles, including:

Through these positions, Dr. Paul oversaw policy execution, budget oversight, and donor coordination, while serving as a critical link between community needs and national development goals.

Oversight and Strategic Planning

Guided national policies in climate resilience, agriculture, and elder care
Coordinated inter-agency initiatives as part of the Committee of Permanent Secretaries
Engaged regional and international partners including UNDP, IICA, and CARICOM

Championing Health and Elderly Welfare

As Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul has focused on improving healthcare access, senior care, and preventative wellness. She spearheaded a national consultation on the status of the elderly in Dominica, working alongside the Dominica Infirmary, the Dominica Council on Ageing, and the Dominica Social Security to address elder abuse, dementia, and caregiving standards.

She has also coordinated mobile clinics and health fairs, including the “Highway to Health,” which provided public screenings for blood pressure, cancer, and chronic conditions during Local Government Month in Dominica.

Senior Services and Public Wellness

Developed frameworks for elder care dignity and abuse prevention
Promoted preventative health services through community outreach
Encouraged healthy ageing as a pillar of public health strategy

Driving Climate-Smart Agriculture and Youth Inclusion

At the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Paul has prioritized sustainable farming, youth development, and climate preparedness. She collaborated with UNDP and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology to distribute drought mitigation equipment to female farmers. She also promoted agriculture in schools and vocational training programs such as the Youth Skills Training Programme (YSTP).

Her work aligns closely with the National Youth Policy of Dominica, reinforcing agriculture as a viable path for young Dominicans while advancing national food security.

Agricultural Development and Education

Rolled out water tanks, hoses, and climate-adaptive tools to farmers
Integrated agriculture into the education system
Advocated for inclusive farming policies that engage women and youth

Leading Medicinal Cannabis Governance

As co-chair of the National Cannabis Advisory Committee, Dr. Paul played a leading role in launching Dominica’s medicinal cannabis sector. She helped design the regulatory framework that ensures alignment between health and agricultural policies and led public education on cannabis cultivation and use.

Her participation reflects her broader commitment to progressive, evidence-based policy grounded in public accountability.

Cannabis Sector and Public Regulation

Oversaw framework for safe, lawful cultivation and distribution
Engaged local stakeholders in awareness and compliance efforts
Balanced innovation with public health and social responsibility