Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing – Dominica

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing plays a vital administrative and coordination role in shaping the Dominican housing sector in line with national development goals. This senior civil servant serves as the chief adviser to the Minister, managing the Ministry’s internal processes to ensure that all policies, projects, and public housing initiatives are implemented effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with government regulations.

Strategic Oversight and Policy Implementation

As the highest-ranking civil servant in the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary ensures that government housing priorities are translated into actionable programs. These may include oversight of resettlement schemes, support for climate-resilient housing initiatives, and alignment with international donor projects. The role also entails coordinating policy advice to Cabinet, managing inter-ministerial collaboration on construction and planning, and advising on legal, financial, and technical matters relating to the housing sector.

Though the Ministry of Housing may include departments such as Physical Planning Division, Property Valuation, Unit, the Permanent Secretary’s responsibilities are rooted in administrative leadership. The PS ensures that these technical divisions operate within the broader government framework, particularly when their activities contribute to national housing projects or urban development strategies.

Administrative Functions and Project Coordination

The Permanent Secretary supervises budgetary matters, human resource management, and the overall efficiency of Ministry operations. This includes reviewing project reports, assessing implementation timelines, and liaising with local and international partners involved in housing and infrastructure projects.

In times of natural disaster or emergency reconstruction, the Permanent Secretary may also coordinate with agencies like the Office of Disaster Management or regional bodies such as the OECS Housing Forum, especially where housing rehabilitation is required.

Public housing developments and homeowner support programs, such as subsidized construction assistance, site allocation, or maintenance of state-owned residences, are often implemented through policies shaped or monitored by the Permanent Secretary’s office. While not responsible for construction or engineering works, the PS ensures such programs adhere to national priorities, transparency standards, and financial accountability.

Housing Development and National Goals

The Ministry of Housing has been central to Dominica’s aim of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation. In this context, the Permanent Secretary plays a facilitative role in integrating sustainability into the planning and delivery of housing projects. These may include relocation of at-risk communities, promotion of hurricane-resistant building designs, and encouraging renewable energy adoption in state-funded homes.

Additionally, the Permanent Secretary helps shape housing strategies that respond to the country’s population growth, urbanization patterns, and land tenure challenges. Policy reforms on land access, housing affordability, and informal settlements are typically handled through consultations overseen by the Permanent Secretary’s office, in collaboration with NGOs, village councils, and other ministries.

Governance and Inter-Ministerial Collaboration

Given the cross-cutting nature of housing policy, the Permanent Secretary frequently collaborates with other government ministries, such as; the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Social Services.

Such partnerships are critical to ensuring that housing policy is inclusive, economically viable, and legally sound. The PS may also contribute to national development plans, especially in relation to sustainable urban growth, poverty reduction, and rural revitalization.

Professional Role within the Civil Service

As a senior figure in Dominica’s public service, the Permanent Secretary is bound by the Public Service Act and reports to the Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Housing. The role does not involve political advocacy but is instead focused on impartial public administration, service delivery, and long-term institutional stability.

Regular interaction with statutory bodies, international donors (such as the CDB or UNDP), and citizens ensures that the office remains responsive and informed. The Permanent Secretary also ensures compliance with audit requirements, public procurement laws, and transparency obligations in all housing-related expenditure and contracting.