The Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) Decries the National Budget

PRESS RELEASE

Roseau, July 27^th, 2023 – Nearly every Dominican instinctively knows that this administration consistently fails to translate budgetary promises into outcomes that improve their daily lives. The severity of the problem is evident in the dramatic failings of the three areas that the government claims to prioritize and has allocated significant portions of the national budget.

Health-care

Despite claims that a substantial share of the budget is allocated to healthcare, the outcomes are appalling. This implies monies are either being spent on the wrong activities or being squandered through ineptness or worst. The following observations support this:

1.  Confidence in the national hospital is at an all-time low. Many Dominicans fear for their lives when entering the hospital due to attitudes of indifference, incidents of negligence, lack of accountability systems, inadequate basic supplies, and numerous other maladies. In fact, the leadership appears to agree with this conclusion, as they choose to seek medical care far away from the national hospital for themselves and their families.
2. The critical state of Dominica’s healthcare system can be objectively demonstrated by looking at infant mortality rates. Infant mortality rates are widely regarded as a leading indicator of the effectiveness and accessibility of healthcare services in a country. Unfortunately, the infant mortality rate in Dominica has been steadily rising and has now reached its worst point in over fifty years. Despite this alarming development, the budget makes no mention of any program or funding to address this issue. Similarly, cancer rates are sharply increasing, yet the budget fails to include any programs to tackle this rising health crisis.
3. While, fortunately, objective data sheds light on the issue of infant mortality, data on many other health performance metrics such as mortality rates, medical accident rates, timely care rates, and patient service ratings are simply lacking. Despite this lack of data, and no mention in the budget of any program to close this gap, the government makes the ridiculous boast that our healthcare system is comparable to that of many developed nations. Such a claim without outcome-based evidence is being widely received with disbelief and outrage.

Education

Likewise, education is touted as a priority in the budget. But as in healthcare, the administration is failing to translate funding into results as the following examples make clear:

1. The government claims to be a champion of education by showcasing spending on inputs and construction, rather than the more critical aspect of education – creating effective human capital. However, education is about nurturing well-trained, productive, and socially responsible citizens, not merely increasing the number of students in schools or building more school structures.

• The budget address emphasizes achieving universal schooling, yet it lacks any concrete ideas or allocations for programs that ensure students entering high school are adequately prepared. Where are the budget allocations for testing students for learning disabilities? Where are the plans and funding for special education classes or remedial summer school programs? The administration talks about increased funding for teacher training but fails to realize that the biggest obstacle for teachers is having students who are severely underprepared for high school.

• The government congratulates itself on providing university scholarships, but these scholarships lack strategic planning for the future or proactive training of the island’s human resources to meet the country’s needs. Moreover, the administration’s practice of awarding scholarships based on political affiliation leaves much of the island’s best human capital sidelined, hindering national progress and development.

National Security & Justice

Finally, the government brags that it is spending a top allocation on security and safety, but as shown below, the outcomes once again show the government’s dysfunctions in delivering.

1. An almost unchecked surge in violent crime and escalating lawlessness grips our once-serene island state. Streets that once exuded tranquility now echo with fear and uncertainty. Scarcely a week passes without a report of a murder or other violent assault. These incidents shatter lives, tear families apart and leave our communities gripped by fear and anxiety.
2. Equally concerning is the alarming rise in traffic accidents, which often reflect failures in law enforcement, road safety, and a lack of concern for other citizens. But the budget makes no mention of programs or funding to address this growing danger.
3. Our judicial system is at the point of failure. The outrageous state of a nation’s judicial system, crippled by chronic underfunding and gross neglect from the government, results in a glaring erosion of justice and the rights of Dominican citizens. By failing to allocate sufficient resources to its judiciary, this government undermines the very foundation of a fair and equitable Dominican society. Our courtrooms are overwhelmed with backlogs of cases, leading to excruciatingly long delays and denials of justice for victims and defendants alike. Legal professionals are burdened by heavy caseloads, compromising their ability to thoroughly investigate and present cases. Vital technological advancements and training for judicial staff are overlooked, perpetuating archaic processes that hinder the efficient administration of justice. Just in the last few weeks, several murder suspects were freed due to a breakdown in the groaning system. The consequences of such an ineffective judicial system foster lawlessness erode public trust and perpetuates a Dominican society where the powerful can act with impunity while the vulnerable suffer the consequences.

These three examined sectors were the government’s top priorities and received most of the recurring budget. Yet it is evident that these sectors are simply not delivering for the Dominican people. It is unlikely, therefore, that the other sectors will fare any better. However, there is no need for further complex economic and financial analyses to comprehend this. That our society and economy are not working is a reality painfully ingrained within the psyche of all of us.