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 the 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
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 a 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 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 for 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 the 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.