National Development Corporation Act No. 17 of 1988

The National Development Corporation Act No. 17 of 1988 established the National Development Corporation (NDC) as a statutory body tasked with promoting industrial and tourism development in Dominica. Codified under Chapter 84:02 of the Revised Laws of Dominica, the Act marked a significant shift in national policy by consolidating key functions from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Dominica Tourist Board into one unified institution aimed at driving economic progress.

Legislative Intent and Institutional Purpose

The Act was introduced to create a single entity responsible for encouraging, facilitating, and undertaking investment and tourism activities. Its primary objectives included fostering economic diversification, attracting foreign direct investment, supporting local entrepreneurship, and promoting Dominica as a viable tourism destination. The legislation provided the NDC with the authority to operate both locally and internationally, engage with public and private stakeholders, and coordinate multi-sectoral development initiatives.

Global Outreach and Infrastructure

One of the most innovative features of the Act was its provision for the establishment of an international network of offices. The NDC opened physical offices in New York, London, and Paris, and maintained strategic linkages with agencies and representatives in Washington D.C., Toronto, Brussels, and Taiwan. These offices were tasked with identifying new markets, facilitating foreign investment, fast-tracking business inquiries, and marketing Dominica globally as both an investment and tourism destination. This international presence significantly expanded the country’s visibility and capacity to attract capital and visitors.

Core Services and Operational Scope

The NDC served as a one-stop shop for comprehensive business and investor needs. As outlined in the Act, the Corporation’s services included:

• Providing data and research to inform investment decisions
• Identifying business opportunities and potential financing sources
• Coordinating investment approvals with relevant government departments
• Assisting with obtaining permits, licenses, and site development clearances
• Promoting tourism offerings and managing industry support programs

These services positioned the NDC as a key liaison between investors and the Dominican government, streamlining the bureaucratic process and facilitating project implementation from inception to execution.

Governance and Organisational Structure

The Act created a Board of Directors to govern the NDC and guide strategic planning. A General Manager was appointed to oversee daily operations and manage internal departments. The Act also included provisions for transparency, reporting, and financial accountability, ensuring the Corporation operated in line with public sector regulations and development goals.

Transition to Discover Dominica Authority (DDA)

By the early 2000s, as tourism began to emerge as Dominica’s leading economic sector, the government initiated reforms to specialise institutional responsibilities further. The tourism-specific mandate of the NDC was transitioned to the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), a dedicated agency under the Ministry of Tourism. This restructuring allowed the DDA to focus entirely on destination marketing, tourism certification programs such as Nature Island Standards of Excellence (NISE), product development, and stakeholder coordination.