Mission Statement

To develop partnerships with communities, Community Based Organisations and Local Authorities in providing community needs, professional leadership and facilitation services through a process of community empowerment.

Vision Statement

The Department of Local Government and Community Development is the premier regional provider of information advice and facilitation services in Local Government and Community Development 

Functions/Roles

The key functions of the Department includes, providing oversight and supervision to Local Authorities Island wide. There are forty-two (42) Local Authorities, the Roseau City Council, the Portsmouth Town Council, the Canefield Urban Council, the Carib Council and thirty-eight (38) Village Councils. The Local Authorities are charged with the good governance of their municipalities and or village district. The well decentralized Local Government System is supported by the Field Officers in each of the Local Government Districts.

Currently, the Local Government System is being revisited with the express purpose of enacting legislation that will allow Local Government practitioners to effectively implement adaptable strategies.

Another main area of focus for the Department is Disaster Management. The Department is mandated by law to ensure that communities are in a state of readiness. The Department’s Field Staff facilitates the establishment of disaster preparedness committees, the identification of Emergency Shelters and the necessary personnel and provide training for the numerous volunteers within the system. Local Authority personnel are generally the first responders following an event or (disaster).

In the area of the preservation and promotion of Dominica’s Cultural Heritage the Department’s Field Staff in collaboration with the Cultural Division works with community groups and individuals bridging the cultural divide through the various dances and other art forms. Successful staging of cultural shows is the basis for the desired results and for the work done during the National Independence Celebrations. Emphasis is placed on teaching and coaching young children at an early age hence targeting schools. It must be note that teaching and of the traditional dances are critical areas of focus.

In addition to the promotion and preservation of the island’s cultural heritage and during the National Independence Celebration activities, emphasis is placed on civic duty of residents in the beautification and clean up and overall environment management. National Day of Community Service as it is called is a best practice where numerous Community Based Organisations (CBOs), individuals, private sector, public sector, civil society and faith based organizations engage in the implementation of small projects on the day November 4th every year. The overall objective is to enhance the communities’ physical image thus improving living condition of citizens.

It is paramount that the socio economic well-being of community residents be addressed, hence the local economic development strategy being implemented through the decentralized Local Government System in Dominica.

There is potential for growth and sustainability in and within communities for strengthening and in some cases establishing micro medium and small business under the Caribbean Local Economic Development initiative “CARILED” with assistance from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in partnership with international and regional organizations and institutions including the Caribbean Association of Local Government Authorities (CALGA), Local Authorities in the Caribbean region will be supported; so they intern can broaden the economic base of communities by creating jobs, reducing poverty and sustaining livelihoods through enterprise development.

In light of the above, the Department of Local Government and Community Development will continue to coordinate activities in partnership with Local Authorities and other Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and entrepreneurs.

Aims and Objectives

The Department of Local Government and Community Development seeks to promote Local Government, good governance, strengthening the capacity of Community Based Organizations, create the enabling environment for job creation, preserve Dominica’s cultural heritage sustain, positive community leadership in the planning and implementation of National Independence activities, assist CBOs in implementing Infrastructural development projects and ensure that communities are in a state of readiness to deal with disaster situations (Disaster Management)

Local Government Division
High Street
Roseau
Commonwealth of Dominica
Phone: (767) 266 3909/3910
 Fax: (767) 448 4717

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.