Roseau, November 4

India has announced financial assistance of USD 250,000 to support five community development projects in the Caribbean island nation of Dominica. The initiative, part of India’s development partnership programme, aims to improve local infrastructure and promote sustainable community growth.

The announcement was made after the signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Government of India and Dominica on Monday. The agreements were exchanged in Roseau, Dominica’s capital, between Pradeep Rajpurohit, High Commissioner of India to Dominica, and Vince Henderson, Dominica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy.

These projects will be implemented as part of India’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) scheme, designed to deliver fast, effective benefits to local communities. The initiatives include:

Rehabilitation of 235 metres of farm access and feeder road in Macaton, Grand Bay.

Rehabilitation of St. Elmo’s Road in St. Elmo’s Estate, Upper Giraudel.

Repair of sections of a farm access road in Carholme.

Rehabilitation of the Grand Bay Basketball Court.

Construction of a footpath crossing at Fond St. Jean.

In a statement, the High Commission of India in Trinidad and Tobago, which is also accredited to Dominica, said:

“India remains steadfast in its commitment to support the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica and extends best wishes on the country’s 47th Independence anniversary.”

India and Dominica share long-standing friendly relations that date back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1981. Over the years, India has contributed to various development and reconstruction projects in Dominica through bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

One such major initiative was the ‘Resilient Rehabilitation of Salisbury Educational Facility in Dominica Post-Hurricane Maria’, launched under the India-UNDP Fund with a grant of USD 1 million in 2018. The project aimed to rebuild two school buildings that were severely damaged during Hurricane Maria in 2017. It was successfully completed in March 2020.

Building on that partnership, another USD 1 million project titled ‘Strengthening Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience in the Kalinago Community’ was launched in February 2021 and completed in January 2024. This project focused on improving livelihood opportunities and resilience in the indigenous Kalinago Territory.

Continuing the collaboration, a second phase of the Community Resilience Project in the Kalinago area was launched on December 19, 2024, with funding of another USD 1 million under the same programme. This ongoing initiative aims to strengthen local resilience against climate and economic challenges.

Through these efforts, India continues to play a constructive role in supporting small island developing nations like Dominica by promoting sustainable development, resilience, and self-reliance. The latest Quick Impact Projects reaffirm India’s commitment to global partnership and cooperation with its Caribbean allies.

 India Extends a Helping Hand to Dominica: $250,000 for Community Growth

India has once again shown its friendship with Dominica by offering $250,000 in aid for five new community development projects. The agreement was signed between India’s High Commissioner Pradeep Rajpurohit and Dominica’s Foreign Minister Vince Henderson in Roseau, the capital city.

These Quick Impact Projects aim to improve everyday life in local communities. They include repairing farm roads in Macaton, St. Elmo’s Estate, and Carholme, fixing the Grand Bay Basketball Court, and building a new footpath crossing at Fond St. Jean.

India’s support comes as Dominica celebrates its 47th Independence Day, marking a new step in their long-standing friendship since 1981. Over the years, India has funded several major projects in Dominica — from rebuilding schools destroyed by Hurricane Maria to strengthening livelihoods in the Kalinago community.

These efforts show India’s ongoing commitment to helping small island nations grow stronger and more resilient. It’s a story of partnership, progress, and people helping people — across oceans and continents.