As cities across the world face unprecedented floods and other climate 
catastrophes, the Commonwealth of Dominica is doing everything in its power to 
curb the crisis. Last week, the Government of Dominica announced the completion 
of the Berekua Bypass Project in its ongoing efforts to build more 
climate-resilient communities. The building of the bypass took five months and 
cost over two million EC dollars. This included constructing a twelve-metre box 
culvert, the upper and lower wing walls and drain channels. 

According to Parliamentary Representative for the Grand Bay constituency, Hon. 
Edward Registe, the bypass was motivated by 2017's Hurricane Maria, which 
caused large-scale landslides and floods in the area. "Quite a few people were 
employed there, and right now, I am very proud of what we have been able to 
accomplish together," he said. "This is going to mitigate against major 
flooding in the area."

The Berekua bypass and other sustainable infrastructural projects in Dominica 
are significant towards the government's commitment to becoming the world's 
first climate-resilient nation. Some of these developments include rebuilding 
roads, over a dozen health centres, and constructing 5,000 weatherproof houses 
across the island that annually face the threat of harsh rains and storms. The 
country's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme [http://www.cbiu.gov.dm/] 
provides much of the funding for these projects. 

The CBI programme grants vetted applicants and their families citizenship 
within a matter of a few months. This enables successful investors to apply for 
a second passport, allowing increased visa-free travel prospects and the 
ability to live, work, and study in Dominica. In exchange, applicants are 
expected to monetarily contribute to a government fund that channels the 
revenue into projects like the Berekua bypass or other education or 
health-related ventures.
 
As the most popular citizenship programme in the Caribbean, Dominica requires a 
contribution of USD 100,000 to its Economic Diversification Fund 
[https://cbiu.gov.dm/investment-options/economic-diversification-fund/] or USD 
200,000 in eco-tourism real estate. There are no residency or visitation 
requirements to become a Dominican citizen. The Dominica passport issued under 
CBI is valid for ten years, and the citizenship acquired can be passed on for 
generations to come. 

Due to COVID-19, Dominica also made post citizenship additions acceptable and 
expanded the definition of dependants, making the programme more accessible for 
family members.

pr@csglobalpartners.com, www.csglobalpartners.com 

Source: CS Global Partners