Former member of parliament for the Roseau South Constituency, Joshua Francis, is raising concerns about Dominica’s investment environment, arguing that high operational costs and limited economic competitiveness are making it increasingly difficult to attract and sustain business activity on the island.
Speaking on economic conditions affecting local and foreign investors, Francis pointed specifically to electricity costs and the wider expense of operating businesses in Dominica compared to neighboring territories.
According to Francis, investors typically examine a country’s operating costs before deciding where to establish businesses, and he questioned whether Dominica is currently positioned competitively within the region.
“How can we seriously attract investment when the cost of electricity and the cost of doing business remain so high?” Francis asked during the discussion.
He argued that while Dominica continues to promote development projects and investment opportunities internationally, greater attention must also be placed on the economic realities facing businesses already operating locally.
Francis also suggested that issues related to energy pricing, transportation costs, and market size continue to place pressure on entrepreneurs and investors, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises trying to expand operations.
The comments come at a time when Caribbean countries are facing wider concerns over inflation, fuel costs, shipping disruptions, and rising import expenses linked to global geopolitical tensions.
Regional leaders have increasingly discussed the need for economic diversification, lower energy dependence, and stronger domestic production systems to improve resilience against external shocks.
Francis maintained that long-term economic growth requires creating conditions where businesses can operate sustainably and competitively while generating employment opportunities for Dominicans.
Francis also compared Dominica’s investment environment with other Caribbean territories where, he argued, businesses benefit from lower operating costs and more predictable commercial conditions. He called for urgent measures aimed at reducing electricity expenses and improving competitiveness if Dominica hopes to attract larger private sector investment.
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