Dominica

Dominica

Dominica is a small, fertile island in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Its closest neighbours are the French islands of Guadeloupe and Marie-Galante, to the north, and Martinique, to the south. The island was formed from volcanic activity. It has a range of high mountains covered in forests. It still has several active volcanoes.

Secretariat support for Dominica 

Elections 

Dominica received Commonwealth Election Professionals (CEP) Initiative training in May 2018. Its election officials improved their knowledge of campaign and party financing, women’s participation and new media. 

The Commonwealth sent a Commonwealth Observer Group to observer the 2019 elections in Dominica.

Elections work

Human rights 

At a working session in April 2019, the Secretariat helped Dominica’s Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs improve reporting on human rights under the United Nation’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Dominica decided to set up an instrument for reporting and follow-up as a result of this assistance. 

Human Rights work

Anti-corruption 

In 2018-19, the Secretariat gave training in leadership and management to senior officers from Dominica’s anti-corruption agency. 

Tackling corruption

Youth 

From July 2016 to January 2017, the Secretariat sent an expert to Dominica to help draft a new National Youth Policy. The Secretariat also helped Dominica improve its policies to encourage young people to set up businesses. 

Youth work

Trade 

The Commonwealth’s Geneva office helped Dominica build skills in international trade talks. 

Trade work

Blue Charter

Dominica is a member of the Marine Protected Areas Action Group.

Blue Charter

Dominica and the Commonwealth

The current Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, is the 6th Commonwealth Secretary-General.

The Secretary-General was born in Dominica and was their candidate for the post at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta in 2015.

She is the 2nd Secretary-General from the Caribbean and the 1st woman to hold the post.

Find out more 

Learn more about the Secretariat's work

Total population

No data found

Key Facts

Population
72,000 (2022)
Area
750 square kilometres
Capital city
Roseau
Joined the Commonwealth
1978, following independence from Britain