What is Dominica?
Dominica is a small island country located in the Caribbean Sea, known for its lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches. Often referred to as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” Dominica is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, including its many endemic species. The island has a growing eco-tourism sector and is famous for its natural hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Provinces in Dominica
Dominica is divided into 10 parishes:
- Saint Andrew
- Saint David
- Saint George
- Saint John
- Saint Joseph
- Saint Luke
- Saint Mark
- Saint Patrick
- Saint Paul
- Saint Thomas
Currency Details
- Currency Name: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Symbol: $
- Subunit: Cents (1 XCD = 100 cents)
- Central Bank: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB)
Type of Government
Dominica operates as a parliamentary democracy, with a system of government that includes an executive, a legislative, and a judiciary branch. The country is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Detailed Hierarchy of Government Roles
Executive Branch Hierarchy
| Position |
Role Description |
Power & Responsibilities |
| President |
Head of State |
Represents the country at home and abroad. Performs ceremonial duties. |
| Prime Minister |
Head of Government |
Oversees the government, leads the executive branch, and ensures that policies are implemented. |
| Cabinet Ministers |
Heads of government departments |
Manage specific portfolios such as finance, foreign affairs, education, and health. |
| Other Executive Officers |
Senior officials in various agencies |
Assist in carrying out governmental functions in their respective areas. |
Legislative Branch Hierarchy
| Position |
Role Description |
Power & Responsibilities |
| Parliament |
Bicameral legislature |
Comprised of the House of Assembly and the Senate, responsible for making laws and approving policies. |
| Speaker of the House |
Leads the House of Assembly |
Ensures that parliamentary procedures are followed and facilitates debates. |
| Senators |
Appointed members of the Senate |
Review and amend proposed laws. |
| Members of Parliament (MPs) |
Elected representatives |
Debate and vote on proposed laws and policies. |
Judicial Branch Hierarchy
| Position |
Role Description |
Power & Responsibilities |
| Chief Justice |
Head of the Judiciary |
Leads the judicial system, ensuring fair and timely administration of justice. |
| High Court Judges |
Senior judges |
Hear major cases involving civil and criminal matters. |
| Magistrates |
Lower court judges |
Handle smaller cases, including traffic violations and minor criminal offenses. |
| Court Clerks |
Administrative staff |
Assist judges in managing cases, court documentation, and records. |
Separation of Powers
Legislative
- Function: Responsible for creating laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the executive.
- Tenure: Senators serve 5 years, MPs serve 5 years.
- Departments: National Affairs, Social Services, Finance.
Executive
- Function: Implements laws and manages national affairs.
- Tenure: The Prime Minister serves 5 years.
- Departments Controlled: Education, Health, Public Works, Security.
Judicial
- Function: Interprets laws and resolves legal disputes.
- Tenure: Chief Justice and judges are appointed for specific terms.
- Departments Controlled: High Court, Magistrate Courts, Legal Aid.
International Memberships
- United Nations (UN)
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
- Commonwealth of Nations
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
Military and Law Enforcement
Dominica does not have a standing military. The country relies on a police force for law enforcement, and it has a well-established system for disaster management.
- Dominica Police Force: Responsible for maintaining law and order.
- Emergency Services: Includes fire departments and civil defense units.
Law Enforcement Hierarchy
| Level |
Position |
Role |
| Commissioner of Police |
Head of the police force |
Oversees law enforcement activities nationwide. |
| Senior Police Officers |
Chief of Operations, Head of Investigations |
Manage specialized law enforcement units. |
| Police Officers |
Frontline law enforcement |
Conduct policing duties, investigations, and criminal law enforcement. |
Emergency Numbers
| Emergency Type |
Number |
Description |
| General Emergency |
999 |
For fire, police, or medical emergencies. |
| Police |
911 |
Contact for law enforcement assistance. |
| Ambulance |
911 |
For medical emergencies. |
SWOT Analysis of Dominica
Strengths
- Abundant natural resources, including volcanic hot springs and rainforests.
- A growing eco-tourism industry with a focus on sustainability.
- Strong democratic governance and stable political environment.
Weaknesses
- Small size and limited resources for economic diversification.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters such as hurricanes and volcanic eruptions.
- Dependency on agriculture and tourism, leaving the economy exposed to market fluctuations.
Opportunities
- Expansion of the tourism industry, especially in eco-tourism and adventure tourism.
- Development of renewable energy sources, particularly geothermal and solar energy.
- Regional cooperation with Caribbean nations to promote trade and security.
Threats
- Climate change impacts, including more intense storms and rising sea levels.
- Economic challenges from global price fluctuations in agriculture and commodities.
- Small island state vulnerabilities to international trade disruptions.
Additional Information
- Time Zone: Dominica operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC -4:00.
- National Symbols:
- Flag: Green, yellow, black, and white with a cross and three stars.
- National Anthem: “Isle of Beauty, Isle of Splendour”