GOVERNMENT OF DOMINICA, CARICOM DEVELOPMENT FUND SIGN AGREEMENT FOR UPGRADE OF CHAMPAGNE BEACH FACILITY
L to R: Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security and Mr. Rodinald Soomer, Chief Executive Officer, CARICOM Development Fund signing the Agreement.
Roseau, Dominica-October 11, 2023 – The Government of Dominica has signed an agreement with the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) for the upgrade of the Champagne Beach Facility at a cost of USD 558,000 (EC1.5 million).
The project aims to enhance the facilities and amenities at Champagne Beach to improve visitor experience and create opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Champagne Beach is a popular location for diving and snorkeling near the Southern village of Pointe Michel.
Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre and Chief Executive Officer of the CARICOM Development Fund, Rodinald Soomer inked the deal on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
The proposed Champagne Beach Facility will feature a basement reception area with vending units, changing rooms, lockers and spa services. The upper levels will be equipped with restaurant and bar, washrooms, an open area for dining, and space for recreation and entertainment.
“This will not only enhance the visitor experience but will generate employment opportunities, from the construction phase to the operational phase. It will open doors for our local entrepreneurs. Spaces dedicated to art, crafts, and culinary delights will allow our talented Dominicans to showcase their skills and contribute to our vibrant tourism ecosystem. In short, there will be significant benefits for neighboring communities and tourism stakeholders, island wide,” said Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre.
The CDF Chief Executive Officer said the project is part of a broader initiative to respond positively to Dominica’s main development priorities “both nationally and within the context of its fit within the regional development space.”
“What the Government has requested is to allocate a portion of their grant from the CDF towards this priority project and to reserve the balance of the grant towards geothermal energy to complement a concessional loan that the CDF has provisionally allocated to the Government in the amount of US $10 million.
“So while this is a small start to the program, it is a significant start, and we expect that it will culminate in a signing of an agreement with the Government to make those resources available for the construction of the ten megawatt geothermal plant in short order.”
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) is an institution of the Caribbean Community with the mandate to provide financial or technical assistance to member states.
