PDM on the dissolution of NDC

The P.D.M (People’s Democratic Movement) extends full moral support to the Management and workers at the N.D.C at this most critical turning point in their working lives.

On June 29th the N.D.C will breathe its last. The Workers will be made redundant. And ‘Discover Dominica’ and ‘Invest Dominica’ will take NDC’s place. ‘Discover Dominica’ will be responsible for the tourism sector. And “Invest Dominica’ will seek to promote, attract and facilitate investment in the national economy in the whole.

Fact is, we have come full circle. NDC itself was formed as a result of the merger of the Tourist Board and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The IDC’s primary function was to promote investment in manufacturing, while the Tourist Board sought to develop tourism.

The PDM does not take issue with the need to restructure entities, with a view to making them more productive. Our concern, rather, is with the future of the 40 or so workers who will be restructured on June 29th. We have been reliably informed that they, all of them, are highly skilled. Their performances, individually and collectively, have not been questioned. And, from all accounts, they have demonstrated commitment to the cause of the Corporation beyond the call of duty.

The PDM, therefore, calls on Government to carry out its promise to provide the departing workers with full redundancy packages upon official dissolution of the Corporation, as well as gratuity benefits to those who qualify.

We urge Government to re-employ these workers in ‘Discover Dominica’ and ‘Invest Dominica’. When the Tourist Board and the IDC were merged into NDC, this was done. When Central Water Authority gave way to DOWASCO, this was done. And, more recently, when the Seaport and Airport authorities were brought together, this was done.

Further, we propose that employees left outstanding should be absorbed within the public service. Our people, their needs and their standard of living must come first.