Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment in Dominica

The Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment plays a critical role in advancing Dominica’s commitment to sustainability, inclusive development, and indigenous upliftment. This comprehensive portfolio merges environmental conservation with grassroots empowerment, bridging ecological stewardship and community-level resilience. The position is currently held by Honourable Cozier Frederick, who brings deep cultural and community insight, particularly from the Kalinago Territory.

Mandate and Cross-Sector Leadership

The Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment is designed to support long-term environmental health, reduce disparities between urban and rural communities, enhance the quality of life in the Kalinago Territory, and empower individual constituencies to take ownership of their development. The role serves as a connector between policy planning, cultural preservation, sustainable resource use, and constituency-focused governance.

Responsibilities of the Minister

The minister’s responsibilities span four intersecting domains of national priority. These responsibilities are not siloed but instead complement each other to promote social cohesion, equity, and sustainability.

Environmental Management and Sustainability

• Oversees environmental regulations and national conservation policy.
• Coordinates national compliance with multilateral environmental agreements.
• Supports initiatives related to biodiversity protection, coastal preservation, and watershed management.
• Partners with agencies such as the Forestry, Wildlife & Parks Division and Environmental Health Unit to advance climate adaptation programs.

Rural Modernisation and Infrastructure

• Leads infrastructure upgrades in rural communities, including roads, water systems, and public amenities.
• Implements rural electrification and communications access programs.
• Supports education, transportation, and economic diversification in remote regions.
• Integrates disaster preparedness into rural planning through the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD).

Kalinago Upliftment and Cultural Empowerment

• Implements targeted development programs in the Kalinago Territory, ensuring culturally appropriate solutions and inclusive planning.
• Advocates for heritage protection and indigenous representation in national dialogue.
• Oversees housing, employment, and tourism initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods while preserving Kalinago identity.
• Supports access to education and digital resources through infrastructure and training grants.

Constituency Empowerment and Local Governance

• Coordinates with parliamentary representatives to implement constituency-level projects.
• Manages small grants, micro-enterprise development schemes, and community facilities enhancement.
• Promotes transparency in funding allocation and encourages citizen participation in planning.
• Builds capacity for local leadership and community-based organizations through workshops and advisory support.

Contribution to National Development Strategy

This ministry directly contributes to the National Resilience Development Strategy 2030, especially its goals relating to environmental integrity, social equity, and economic inclusion. By focusing on traditionally under-resourced regions and populations—particularly rural and indigenous communities—the minister ensures that the country’s development efforts are holistic and equitable.

The role also interfaces with other ministries, including Planning and Economic Development, Forestry, and Housing and Urban Development, to support integrated policy-making across sectors that influence land use, livelihoods, and social outcomes.