National Sports Council of Dominica
The National Sports Council of Dominica was established in June 2024 by the Government of Dominica to serve as the central authority for advancing the development, regulation, and strategic direction of sports across the country. The Council is part of the government’s effort to institutionalize national sports planning, promote athletic talent, and improve community and competitive sports infrastructure.
National Sports Council’s Mandate and Strategic Purpose
The creation of the National Sports Council (NSC) reflects Dominica’s national commitment to building a structured, inclusive, and results-driven approach to sports development. The Council is tasked with conducting an immediate review of outdated sports legislation, formulating a comprehensive national sports policy, and ensuring that programs are aligned with regional and international best practices.
In addition to legislative work, the NSC is expected to:
- Guide the development of local sporting talent from grassroots to elite levels
- Oversee strategic investments in community-level and national sports infrastructure
- Facilitate coordination between government ministries, sports associations, and development agencies
- Promote physical activity and inclusion in schools and underserved communities
Leadership and Organizational Structure
The Council is chaired by Billy Doctrove, a respected figure in international cricket and current President of the Dominica Olympic Committee. His appointment brings valuable experience in sports governance and international standards to the Council’s leadership.
The NSC operates under the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development, in close coordination with the Minister of State, currently Senator Hon. Oscar George, who holds direct responsibility for youth and sports affairs. Together, they provide both political oversight and technical direction for the Council’s objectives.
Members of the Council include stakeholders from the public and private sectors, national sports federations, and youth development organizations, selected to contribute to comprehensive planning and sustainable implementation of sport-focused initiatives.
Community Engagement and National Reach
The Council was formed following wide consultations with Dominica’s sporting community, including athletes, coaches, and administrators. This inclusive approach ensures that NSC programs are responsive to real needs on the ground, particularly regarding access to training, facilities, and funding in remote and urban communities.
By establishing clear channels of communication with local sporting bodies and school programs, the NSC aims to:
- Expand access to quality training for youth across all parishes
- Foster a culture of discipline, teamwork, and national pride through sport
- Support capacity-building for coaches and sports administrators
These goals are particularly important as Dominica continues to rebuild and modernize its sports infrastructure following natural disasters and economic disruption.
Vision for the Future
The National Sports Council is expected to play a central role in guiding Dominica’s sporting evolution over the next decade. Priorities for the coming years include developing certified coaching programs, upgrading national stadiums and playing fields, and establishing systems for athlete monitoring, funding, and international competition preparation.
Long-term, the NSC will serve as a permanent mechanism for integrating sports into Dominica’s national development agenda. This includes leveraging sport for youth employment, tourism promotion, and social cohesion.
With the backing of key government officials and under the strategic leadership of Billy Doctrove and Oscar George, the Council is poised to become one of Dominica’s most impactful institutions in advancing human capital through sport.