Government

Dominica’s 2025 Budget Charts a Bold Course for Recovery, Reform, and Resilience

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Honourable Irving McIntyre, presented Dominica’s National Budget for the Fiscal Year 2025 Today, July 25, 2025, under the theme “Rising Above Challenges, Rebuilding with Confidence.” The EC$1.28 billion budget outlines an ambitious yet pragmatic framework to stimulate economic recovery, strengthen social support systems, and advance critical infrastructure, while adhering to the government’s core principle of putting people first.

A Budget Anchored in Reality and Optimism

Dominica’s 2025 Budget, amounting to EC$1.28 billion, allocates EC$529.9 million for capital projects and EC$749.5 million for recurrent expenditure. With a recurrent revenue projection of EC$883.2 million, this budget demonstrates fiscal responsibility alongside progressive ambitions.

The Minister emphasized that the 2025 Budget was not just a collection of numbers, but a declaration of intent to build an economy that works for everyone. He described the plan as “a clear, deliberate and strategic commitment to reduce unemployment, improve the livelihoods of citizens, and make Dominica a climate-resilient nation driven by knowledge, sustainability, and equity.

Major Relief for Public Servants and Vulnerable Groups

One of the key highlights of the presentation was the announcement of several measures to ease the financial burden on public officers and retirees. Effective September 1, 2025, Dominica will implement a 5 percent increase in the salaries of public officers and a 5 percent increase in pensions for all government pensioners.

Further, the minimum wage will be increased to EC$10.00 per hour, a measure expected to directly benefit the working poor, especially in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and manual labour.

Social safety nets have also been expanded. Over 5,200 beneficiaries currently receive support under the Yes We Care, Public Assistance, and non-contributory allowance programmes. An additional EC$5 million has been allocated to widen this support base. The Government also reaffirmed its commitment to universal healthcare, with EC$10.4 million already disbursed under the Dominica Social Health Insurance Programme, and an additional EC$5 million budgeted for 2025.

Transforming Infrastructure and Housing

Infrastructure development continues to play a central role in Dominica’s budgetary priorities. Under the new fiscal year, EC$209.3 million will be invested in road maintenance, bridge repairs, and the development of new roads. Key projects include:

Meanwhile, the housing revolution maintains strong momentum. With EC$78 million already spent on climate-resilient housing and EC$40.6 million committed for additional homes in 2025, the government aims to complete 650 new homes in Grand Bay, Mahaut, La Plaine, Vieille Case, and Portsmouth constituencies.

The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed that no citizen should be left behind, and this vision includes housing assistance, sanitation upgrades, and housing for the vulnerable, such as persons with disabilities and the elderly.

Investing in Education, Youth, and the Digital Economy

The Government of Dominica continues to place education and youth empowerment at the core of its development strategy. A key announcement was the reduction in student loan interest rates from 5 percent to 2 percent, along with an extension of the grace period before repayment.

This move is expected to encourage greater access to higher education and reduce the financial stress on young professionals. In addition, new scholarships and training opportunities, including placements at Dominica State College and international universities, were announced.

To support its digital transformation agenda, the Government also earmarked funds for digital literacy training, expansion of broadband access, and infrastructure improvements to support e-government services.

Health Sector Expansion and Improved Services

In addition to the free medical care offered at several primary care facilities, the 2025 Budget supports continued improvements in specialist care, pharmaceuticals, and hospital equipment. Construction of new polyclinics in Marigot and Bagatelle is expected to commence this year, with emphasis on building resilience to climate and health-related shocks.

The Social Health Insurance Programme was a standout policy from the previous year, and with an additional EC$5 million allocation, the initiative is positioned to assist hundreds more patients with medical costs. Minister for Finance Hon. McIntyre highlighted this program as a model of equitable healthcare delivery.

Agriculture and Food Security

The Ministry of Agriculture received a strengthened mandate to pursue food security through technology, agro-processing, and sustainability. A total of EC$35 million has been allocated to:

  • Expand irrigation systems and farm access roads.
  • Provide subsidies and incentives to local farmers.
  • Support youth involvement in farming through education and land access.

The Government is also set tointroduce legislation for the establishment of a National Agricultural Authority, with the goal of centralizing research, production, and market coordination.

Energy, Environment, and Resilience

The Geothermal Development Project in Laudat was prominently featured, with further drilling scheduled in 2025. Once completed, this project is expected to supply 90% of Dominica’s electricity needs from renewable sources, significantly reducing the island’s reliance on fossil fuels and cutting consumer costs.

Additional investments will go toward forest conservation, climate adaptation, and coastal protection projects in Soufrière, Colihaut, and Woodford Hill. The budget also supports the launch of a National Recycling Programme, emphasizing Dominica’s leadership in climate resilience and sustainability in the Caribbean.

Enhancing Governance and Citizen Engagement

In a nod to good governance, the budget provides for the strengthening of oversight institutions, including the Integrity Commission and Financial Services Unit. A new Auditor General’s Office will be constructed and staffed with trained professionals to ensure rigorous financial scrutiny.

The Minister also noted plans to modernize public sector operations, with digitization of services, streamlined licensing, and improved access to government services through an e-Citizen Portal.

A Vision Grounded in Hope and Resolve

Throughout the presentation, Minister McIntyre reinforced his government’s unyielding belief in Dominica’s potential and the collective will of its people. He acknowledged the economic disruptions caused by global inflation and natural disasters, but emphasized that this budget is about moving forward with courage and conviction.

This is not the time for hesitation or half measures,” he said. “We must stay the course. We must keep investing in our people, our infrastructure, and our future. Dominica cannot and will not be held back.

With this budget, the Government has outlined a clear plan for resilience, reform, and renewal. It signals a shift from recovery toward long-term, people-centered development, underpinned by sound fiscal management, bold social policies, and inclusive growth.

This article is copyright © 2025 DOM767

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Barbara

I am Dominican, I am a Mother and a product of this beautiful Nature Island of the WORLD. I believe in this government of ours as they toil tirelessly to build a better, brighter, stronger Dominica for all. Trust me, BARBARA is all you are going to get, so just mind me!!!

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