Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Dominica

In Dominica’s diplomatic and development landscape, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) serves as a non-binding agreement outlining shared goals, cooperation frameworks, and project deliverables between the Government of Dominica and external partners. MOUs are often precursors to formal treaties or contracts, providing a strategic roadmap for technical, financial, and political collaboration.

Dominica has signed MOUs across various sectors, including infrastructure development, healthcare, education, agriculture, climate change adaptation, and cultural exchange. These agreements may be with sovereign nations, international organisations, regional bodies, or private investors. While they are not legally enforceable like contracts, they carry significant political weight and often act as a formal declaration of intent that shapes long-term partnerships.

Key International MOUs

One of the most notable agreements was signed in March 2004 between Dominica and the People’s Republic of China, marking the beginning of full diplomatic relations. This MOU set the stage for the Four Pillar Projects, which included the Windsor Park Sports Stadium, Roseau-Portsmouth Road rehabilitation, modernization of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, and upgrades to Dominica Grammar School.

Another landmark MOU was with Cuba, facilitating medical cooperation, training of Dominican healthcare professionals, and deployment of Cuban medical brigades to Dominica. Similarly, Dominica’s MOU with Venezuela, facilitated through the PetroCaribe agreement, ensured preferential oil supply terms and funding for community development projects.

Dominica has also worked closely with CARICOM under MOUs that enhance regional integration through the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), supporting free movement of skills, goods, and services. Partnerships with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have focused on shared infrastructure projects, tourism promotion, and environmental protection.

MOUs with International Organisations

Dominica’s engagement with multilateral bodies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank often begins with MOUs that define program goals in areas like disaster resilience, renewable energy, and social welfare. For example, the UNDP-supported MOU on climate resilience has guided Dominica’s goal of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation.

Through the European Union (EU), Dominica has entered MOUs targeting agricultural revitalisation, renewable energy, and trade facilitation. MOUs with non-governmental organisations have also facilitated capacity building, conservation efforts, and youth development programs.

Chronological List of Notable MOUs and Cooperation Agreements Involving Dominica

Below is a verified, high-level chronology of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and related cooperation agreements that have shaped Dominica’s partnerships across diplomacy, infrastructure, health, finance, and climate resilience.

• Treaty of Chaguaramas, membership effective 1 May 1974; Regional accession embedding Dominica in CARICOM’s trade, economic integration, and functional cooperation, shaping policy coordination soon after independence and development priorities.
• Dominica accession to the ACP–EEC Lomé Convention, approved 21 Dec 1978; Post-independence agreement granting European market preferences and European Development Fund support, financing agriculture, infrastructure, and institutional strengthening projects throughout the 1980s.
• Regional Security System Memorandum of Understanding, 29 Oct 1982; Eastern Caribbean security cooperation providing mutual assistance on request for disasters, maritime law enforcement, and public order, later informing the 1996 RSS Treaty framework.
• United States–Dominica agreement on commodities and services for the Peacekeeping Force for Grenada, 25 Nov 1983 and 13 Jan 1984; Logistics support arrangement covering supplies, services, and reimbursements for Dominica’s participation in the multinational mission following the Grenada crisis, under regional security cooperation.
• Agreement on Social Security, Canada–Dominica, signed 14 Jan 1988, in force 1 Jan 1989; Bilateral pact coordinating pensions and benefits, crediting contributions across jurisdictions, with an administrative arrangement concluded at Roseau to implement procedures.
• Lomé IV Convention, signed 15 Dec 1989, in force 1 Sep 1991; Extended trade preferences, development finance, and policy dialogue between ACP states and the European Community, supporting Dominica’s export sectors and public investment planning.
• Agreement establishing the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency, 20 Jun 1991; Created regional mechanism for disaster preparedness, rapid response, and coordination, enabling Dominica to access pooled technical resources and training for national emergencies.
• US–Dominica Maritime Law Enforcement Agreement, 1995; Framework for joint maritime patrols, hot pursuit, boarding, and counter-narcotics operations in territorial waters, improving interdiction capacity and cooperative security procedures.
• US–Dominica Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition Treaties, 1996; Agreements enabling evidence sharing, compelled testimony, asset tracing, and extradition processes to support criminal investigations, prosecutions, and judicial cooperation between both jurisdictions.
• China–Dominica MOU on diplomatic relations, 23 Mar 2004; Established formal ties and launched grant-funded cooperation, leading to the Four Pillar Projects in sports, roads, hospital modernization, and education infrastructure.
• Dominica–Venezuela PetroCaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement, 2005; Provided petroleum products on concessional terms, supporting energy security, social projects, and budgetary space through deferred payments and financing mechanisms.
• IMF Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies, 2006; Outlined fiscal consolidation, public financial management, and growth measures accompanying IMF support, guiding budget frameworks and structural reforms during adjustment.
• Dominica–Cuba Health Cooperation Agreement, renewed 2006; Enabled Cuban medical brigades, specialist training, and scholarships for Dominican students, strengthening clinical services, preventive care, and health system capacity nationwide.
• Dominica–Mexico Cultural and Technical Cooperation Agreement, 2008; Framework promoting cultural exchange, scholarships, and technical training initiatives, deepening bilateral ties and opening pathways for education and professional collaboration.
• China grant implementation for Roseau–Portsmouth Road Rehabilitation, contract 9 Oct 2009; Financed highway upgrades including the New Roseau Bridge, drainage improvements, and resurfacing along the west coast corridor connecting Roseau and Portsmouth.
• OECS Economic Union Treaty, signed 18 Jun 2010; Deepened free movement of goods, services, capital, and labour within the Eastern Caribbean, aligning regulation and policy coordination for shared growth across member states.
• Dominica–UNDP cooperation MOU, 2010; Set a program framework for disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and capacity building, helping align national plans with resilience programming and technical assistance pipelines.
• Government of Dominica–World Bank cooperation agreements, 2012; Supported geothermal exploration groundwork and infrastructure rehabilitation, aligning policy reforms with climate resilience and energy diversification objectives through concessional financing instruments.
• Dominica–EU cooperation agreements, 2014; EU budget support and cooperation instruments under the European Development Fund, plus short-stay visa waiver arrangements facilitating mobility and programmatic engagement with Europe.
• Dominica–European Union short-stay visa waiver agreement, 2015; Allowed reciprocal visa-free travel for short stays, facilitating business, tourism, and official visits while complementing ongoing EDF cooperation and policy dialogue.
• Dominica–Morocco Renewable Energy Cooperation Agreement, 2016; Advanced training, feasibility studies, and technical exchanges for renewables, supporting energy diversification and capacity building in public utilities and policy agencies.
• China-funded Yorke Valley Bridge project agreements, 2016 to 2018; Replaced a destroyed Layou Valley crossing with a climate-resilient bridge, improving agricultural access, pedestrian safety, and connectivity after severe flood events.
• ECCB–Bitt Inc. Memorandum of Understanding, 2018; Established framework for DCash digital currency pilot within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, including Dominica, to enhance payment systems and financial inclusion.
• Dominica–International Solar Alliance cooperation agreement, 2018; Advanced solar deployment through technical assistance, grant financing, and training programs, supporting rural electrification goals and renewable energy targets nationwide.
• Belt and Road cooperation agreement, Dominica–China, 2018; Signaled participation in infrastructure and trade cooperation opportunities, aligning national development priorities with project pipelines and potential financing channels ahead.
• Government of Dominica–World Bank Geothermal Risk Mitigation I agreements, 2019; Legal and financing instruments supporting exploration, test wells, and institutional capacity to advance low-carbon baseload electricity from domestic geothermal resources.
• Dominica–United Arab Emirates cooperation agreements, 2020; Supported sustainable infrastructure and tourism investments, including renewable energy components, mobilising grants, expertise, and partnerships for diversified development across priority sectors.
• Government of Dominica–MMCE airport development agreement, 2021; Contractual framework for international airport construction, land acquisition, and financing arrangements, targeting long-haul connectivity and economic linkages islandwide over the project timeline.
• Dominica–African Export Import Bank cooperation, 2023; Established financing and advisory pathways for trade facilitation, infrastructure, and private sector investment, expanding access to credit instruments and project development support.
• Government of Dominica, DGDC–World Bank Geothermal Risk Mitigation II agreements, 2023–2024; Follow-on financing with institutional actions, including an Education Ministry–DGDC MOU for gender-responsive programming and workforce participation in geothermal development and training initiatives.
• OECS CBI Memorandum of Agreement, five states including Dominica, 2024; Regional pact harmonising citizenship by investment standards, due diligence, pricing floors, and information sharing to strengthen programme integrity and external confidence.

Domestic and Private Sector MOUs

MOUs in Dominica are not limited to foreign governments and international agencies. Local and regional private-sector agreements often focus on tourism, manufacturing, and agro-processing. For example, MOUs between the Government and hotel chains outline investment incentives, training programs, and employment targets, while those with agricultural cooperatives may establish quality standards and export pathways.

In the construction sector, MOUs are often signed before large-scale projects begin, defining responsibilities between the government, contractors, and financing partners. These agreements may cover housing developments, road upgrades, or community infrastructure.

Strategic Role in National Development

MOUs play a pivotal role in Dominica’s national planning process. They allow for flexibility in negotiations, foster goodwill, and provide a public declaration of commitment without prematurely binding the government to rigid legal obligations. Many of Dominica’s landmark projects in the past two decades, whether in healthcare, transportation, or education, have their origins in MOUs that evolved into binding contracts or direct foreign assistance.

By leveraging MOUs strategically, Dominica has managed to attract foreign investment, strengthen diplomatic ties, and maintain a degree of autonomy in decision-making. The success of these agreements often depends on follow-up action, regular evaluation, and adaptation to changing national priorities.