Business View Caribbean | September 2019

51 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN SEPTEMBER 2019 H urricane Maria made landfall on the southwest coast of Dominica at 9:35 pm on September 18, 2017 as a Category 5 hurricane with 160 mph wind speed and higher gusts. The resulting storm surges, torrential downpours, and overflowing rivers, directly affected 80 percent of the population. More than 90 percent of roofs were damaged or destroyed, power and water supplies were disrupted, and entire crops disappeared, a loss equivalent to 226% of GBP. Now, two years later, the tiny island paradise has shown unbelievable fortitude. Citizens, businesses, associations, and the government have rallied together under the mantra “Building Resilience” and the result is nothing short of miraculous. One Dominica Government Ministry, in collaboration with other line ministries and organizations, is doing its utmost to get people back to work, while inspiring the entrepreneurial spirit. The Ministry of Commerce, Enterprise and Small Business Development recognizes the importance of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise sector AT A GLANCE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, ENTERPRISE & SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WHAT: Government ministry focused on business development and economic growth WHERE: Government Headquarters, Roseau, Dominica WEBSITE: http://dominica.gov.dm/ministries/commerce- enterprise-and-small-business-development Mi n i s t r y of Commerce, Enterpr i se and Sma l l Bus i ness Deve lopment Dominica BUILDING RESILIENCE