The island of Dominica is divided into 10 parishes and 7 so-called health districts some which correspond with multiple parishes. Below this sub-national level is a four tiered system of local government which consists of city- (Roseau), town- (Portsmouth),village councils (37) as well as the urban council of the Canefield area. Parallel to these councils is the Carib Reserve Council which governs the affairs of a native Indian tribe on the east coast of Dominica. Local officials in the different councils are partially appointed by central government and partially elected by the local population (the number of elected/ appointed council members differ per parish). The latest elections were held in 2010 with councilors elected for a period of 3 years. The Carib Reserve Council is elected for a 5 year term. The functions and responsibilities of the different local authorities differ depending on whether a local authority governs a village or a city.
Â
Local government has a longstanding legal tradition in Dominica and is well embedded in Dominican society. The main legislative texts determining the structure of local government in Dominica have been drafted from 1937 onwards. In 1990 the Dominica Association of Local Authorities (DALA) was reinstituted aimed at protecting and promoting the rights and interests of all local authorities. The legal texts that form the basis of local government in Dominica are monitored and evaluated through the Local Government and Community Development Department under the Ministry of Social Services, Community Development and Gender Affairs.
Â
The ministry coordinates many development schemes for local communities on Dominica for example in the field of tourism which is an important industry on the island. Also the Dominican Non State Actors Panel (NSA) aims at strengthening community productivity and capacity in cooperation with the Discover Dominica Authority, in charge of tourism promotion, and the Invest Dominica Authority which promotes and facilitates investment opportunities in industry and tourism by private companies.
|
