Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services
The Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services plays a crucial role in Dominica’s public health administration, contributing to overseeing, implementing, and communicating programs tied to national health policy and community wellness initiatives.
Role and Responsibilities
The Parliamentary Secretary functions as a junior minister and supports the Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services in executing the ministry’s mandate. This includes engagement with critical areas such as:
- Strengthening primary healthcare services through district and rural health centres
- Assisting with community outreach under programs like the Yes We Care Programme
- Supporting wellness initiatives across aging populations and youth-focused health campaigns
- Helping coordinate responses to emerging public health crises
- Assisting with the coordination between departments such as the Dominica Hospitals Authority (DHA) and the Environmental Health Unit
- Representing the ministry at functions, committee meetings, and constituency outreach events
The office also collaborates with institutions listed under the ministry’s broad reach, including social support services, Dominica Infirmary, CHANCES, Community Hostel Inc., and disaster health preparedness networks.
Current Office Holder
The position is currently held by Kent Edwards, who has assumed an increasingly visible role in grassroots health engagement. The Parliamentary Secretary supports the delivery of both social and clinical support services, especially in the country’s most vulnerable communities.
The position participates in programs under the national Health & Wellness Policy, contributes to planning under Dominica’s Disaster Risk Management Framework, and aids in the community rollout of health infrastructure projects, including those supported by development partners such as PAHO and the UNDP.
Connection with Broader Government Health Goals
This role is integral to Dominica’s commitment to building a resilient health system capable of addressing chronic disease, aging demographics, and climate-related health impacts. The Parliamentary Secretary works in tandem with national programs such as:
Additionally, their work aligns with Dominica’s broader vision to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation, particularly in terms of ensuring continuity of healthcare during extreme weather events and maintaining infrastructure in flood-prone or remote areas.
Community and Social Service Linkages
The role also encompasses a social dimension, bridging public health and social support through coordination with:
- Grotto Home for the Homeless
- Social Centre Dominica
- Dominica Council on Ageing
- CHINS (Caring Hands Incline to Nurture)
In rural outreach, the Parliamentary Secretary often liaises with village councils and constituency clinics, enhancing the government’s ability to deliver wellness checks, immunization drives, and chronic disease screenings.