Roland Royer

Roland Royer is a Dominica politician and community advocate currently serving as the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy. Since his appointment in December 2022, he has played a key role in implementing sustainable agriculture strategies, advancing marine and environmental development, and leading regional discussions on food security. He is also the elected Member of Parliament for the Cottage constituency under the Dominica Labour Party (DLP).

Early Life and Education

Roland Royer was born and raised in Cottage, a village located in the north of Dominica. His early life in this rural setting greatly influenced his passion for agriculture, rural development, and community service. While specific details of his early schooling are not widely publicized, his later involvement in technical training and leadership roles demonstrates a lifelong commitment to education and capacity-building.

In 2019, Royer completed a specialized training program in Costa Rica organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). This experience deepened his knowledge of sustainable agriculture and policy development, further preparing him for national leadership roles.

Professional Background and Community Leadership

Before entering frontline politics, Royer was active in various local agricultural and environmental initiatives. His work focused on farmer support, climate resilience, and sustainable land use. He is known for encouraging practical approaches to improving food systems and has worked closely with youth and rural cooperatives.

He is also the founder of the Cottage Constituency Education Fund (CCEF)—an initiative aimed at supporting primary and secondary school students with educational supplies and tuition assistance. This program reflects his strong belief in youth empowerment and equal opportunity.

Parliamentary and Ministerial Role

Royer was elected to the House of Assembly in December 2022, representing the Cottage constituency. Shortly after, he was appointed as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, a portfolio that includes:

• Agriculture: Promoting food and nutrition security, climate-smart farming, and economic opportunities for farmers.
• Fisheries: Supporting sustainable fishing practices and community-led marine conservation.
• Blue Economy: Leveraging Dominican ocean resources for development while preserving marine ecosystems.
• Green Economy: Advancing low-carbon economic strategies, including organic farming, forestry protection, and renewable energy integration in rural areas.

Under his leadership, key projects have included the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project (EALCRP), youth agriculture symposiums, and the expansion of agro-processing sectors. He is also responsible for policies that promote innovation, biodiversity preservation, and equitable rural development.

Regional and International Representation

Roland Royer currently serves as Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers for Agriculture, where he promotes cross-border collaboration on food systems, trade, and youth involvement in farming. His focus on regional integration reflects a commitment to collective Caribbean progress in agriculture and environment.

In 2023, he represented Dominica at COP29 in Azerbaijan, highlighting the island’s climate challenges and calling for greater global support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He reaffirmed Dominica’s commitment to sustainability and emphasized the importance of resilience-building for agriculture and fisheries in climate-vulnerable regions.

Personal Life

Royer is married and continues to reside in Cottage. His family life is deeply rooted in the community he serves, and he is known for being accessible to constituents and actively involved in local matters. A sense of civic duty, environmental stewardship, and national pride has guided his personal and professional paths.