Minister for Public works, Public Utilities and Digital Economy in Dominica

The Minister for Public Works, Public Utilities and Digital Economy in Dominica leads a key portfolio that integrates infrastructure development, essential services, and digital transformation. As of the most recent Cabinet formation, the position is held by Honourable Fidel Grant. This role is critical to Dominica’s national development and resilience strategy, especially as the country positions itself as a regional model for climate-adapted infrastructure and a digitally-enabled economy.

Ministry Mandate and Scope

This Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities and Digital Economy is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining the island’s core infrastructure, regulating and overseeing public utilities, and fostering innovation and access within the digital economy. The position unites traditionally separate areas of public service—civil engineering, utilities oversight, and technology deployment—under a single governance structure to improve coordination, delivery, and long-term sustainability.

Responsibilities of the Minister

The responsibilities span three primary domains that are foundational to Dominica’s economic resilience and public service delivery.

Public Works and National Infrastructure

• Oversees all government-led construction and rehabilitation projects, including roads, bridges, public buildings, and drainage systems.
• Implements climate-resilient infrastructure policies aligned with the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP) and Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan (CRRP).
• Supervises civil works funded through bilateral and multilateral development agencies such as the Caribbean Development Bank and World Bank.
• Coordinates with agencies under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security for strategic infrastructure alignment.

Utilities Oversight and Service Regulation

• Oversees the national water supply through regulatory coordination with the Dominica Water and Sewerage Company (DOWASCO).
• Coordinates with the Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC) to manage electricity generation and distribution frameworks.
• Ensures equitable access to essential services, especially in rural and disaster-affected communities.
• Manages emergency utility restoration projects during national disasters or extreme weather events.

Digital Economy Development

• Implements the Digital Economy Development Plan, which includes improving internet connectivity, expanding e-government services, and supporting digital entrepreneurship.
• Oversees cybersecurity infrastructure in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (CSIRT).
• Supports youth and small business innovation through ICT grants and partnerships with local training institutions.
• Integrates smart technology into public infrastructure, including digital licensing systems, electronic payments, and GIS-based project mapping.

Strategic Role in National Development

The ministry’s integrated structure enables a cross-cutting approach to modernization. Infrastructure upgrades help facilitate private investment and tourism. Utility reform ensures reliable service delivery essential for both livelihoods and industry. The digital economy arm aims to diversify the job market, expand digital literacy, and reduce dependence on traditional sectors.

This position supports Dominica’s stated goal of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation by leveraging technology and infrastructure to withstand environmental and economic shocks. It also plays a critical role in implementing elements of the National Resilience Development Strategy 2030.