Agriculture-Tourism Linkages

Crompton Tourism Committe

Woodford Hill, Dominica

A special committee appointed by Cabinet was set up to sensitize key stakeholders of the communities of Wesley, Woodford Hill and Calibishie about the proposed Woodford Hill 5-Star Beach Resort. The committee's mandate is to engage the communities in dialogue on the Hotel Proposal and advise government on the best way to secure the cooperation of the community in ensuring that the project will be successful and beneficial to all and to explore ways in which the good name of Dominica as a tourist Destination will be enhanced.

· Over the past year the committee has been able to:

• Improve the community's participation and increase the level of understanding, rapport and information sharing between the projects' owners and the community;
• Work collaboratively with the relevant Ministries of Agriculture and Tourism to facilitate the social displacement and relocation package for the farmers/squatters;
• Provide a forum for exchange of ideas, criticisms, suggestions and recommendations as it relates to the communities' preparation for, and the potential benefits and negative impacts of the proposed hotel development; and
• Enhance committee members' community tourism knowledge and technical capacity though training and exchange among others.

The past year was challenging particularly as it relates to crime and violence in the communities and the overall level of preparation of the communities to fully benefit from investments in the tourism sector. The Committee in its efforts to facilitate community participation and benefits from tourism and to develop synergies with the agricultural sector, a decision was taken to explore ways to increase our agricultural productivity, enhance quality and train farmers in marketing.

In this regard the committee recognizes your cherished connection to the industry and extends a special invitation to your organization to participate and/or contribute towards these objectives.