Small Community Big Dreams Strategic Plan 2014-2019 Woodford Hill, Dominica
Our Vision To focus on sustainable development of our people by leveraging all of our assets and ensuring that youth and the community have an improved quality of life and make Woodford Hill a thriving community. 2
How will We do this? 3
Our Approach The Strategic Plan is a five year plan that will run from 2014 2019. The Plan will involve: o All members of the Woodford Hill community o Key partners in neighbouring communities and government bodies, as well as private and civil society groups We are committed to open, transparent discussions with all residents and partners in reaching the goals of the plan. 4
As a community, Woodford Hill will focus on five strategic pillars for success Shaping Skilled Workers Exploring with Tourists Encouraging Farmers and Agro-Processors Improving the Fishing Sector Empowering Local Authorities & Community Members 5
Shaping Skilled Workers Direction Build capacity of community by supporting skills based programs Program Human Resource and Capacity Development for Job Creation Projects Conduct a capacity needs assessment Identify available training and mentorship opportunities Support and Facilitate access to training programs and business development services Identify and Develop Resource and Capacity Development Hub Encouraging Farmers and Agro-Processors Direction Increase agricultural production and improve quality of product Program Agriculture Development Program Projects Assess local agriculture sector Develop Agricultural Development Plan Understand and Support Cottage Industry Clusters Train and Mentor agro-processors and agro-processing groups 6
Exploring with Tourists Direction Make Woodford Hill the top tourism community in Dominica Program Tourism Development Program Projects Map community tourism and tourism assets in Woodford Hill, Calibishie and Wesley Assess and Select priority tourism assets Partner with central government to create tourism products Improving the Fishing Sector Direction Improve and add value to the fishing sector Program Fisheries Development Program Projects Conduct feasibility study for fish processing plant Explore potential for high value fish farming 7
Empowering Local Authorities & Community Members Direction To empower local authorities and key community based organizations Program Local Economic Development Program Projects Equip local authority with necessary office equipment Share LED strategy processes and plans 8
Where are We now? 9
Woodford Hill has a population of 1,034 people, with most residents under the age of 35 years. Agriculture, hunting and forestry employ the largest number of residents, followed by wholesale and retail trade. Agriculture, hunting and forestry Fishing Mining and quarrying Manufacturing Electricity, gas and water Construction Wholesale and retail trade Hotels and restaurants Transport, storage and communication Financial Intermediation Real estate, renting and business activities Public Administration and defence Education 0 50 100 150 200 10
Who shaped the goals? 11
A broad group of men, women, farmers, fishers, business owners and youth were part of a two-day planning workshop. The workshop looked at the most critical strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the Woodford Hill local economy. Four sectors were the focus of the discussions: 1. Agriculture and Agribusiness 2. Fisheries 3. Tourism 4. Retail Micro Small and Medium Enterprises A research team then took the findings of the workshop and other economic data to create the Strategic Plan. The research team worked with the Woodford Hill local authority and government members to complete the plan. 12
How will We measure success? 13
90% of skilled workers / tradespersons will be TVET-certified by 2019 25% increase in number of tours given in and around Woodford Hill 90% of all farm based products from Woodford Hill meet quality standards for sale and distribution in Dominica 1 2 new tour operators based in Woodford Hill Increase by 50% in no. of local cottage industries Increased productivity of fish yield by 25% from Woodford Hill fishermen and fish farm owners 40% increase in volunteers in community activity 25% increase in community members involved in local focus groups and local authority discussions. 14 Shaping Skilled Workers Encouraging Farmers and Agro-Processors Exploring with Tourists Improving the Fishing Sector Empowering Local Authorities and Community Members
How can You get involved? 15
Woodford Hill needs partners to share in our strategic plan. We also encourage non-residents to invest and support our local pillars of success. Residents and non-residents can: Share Ideas Volunteer & Support Local Authority Create neighbourhood watch groups Invest in local projects Become an Entrepreneur! 16
Contact Us Chairman Mr. Joseph A. Russell Tel #: 1-767-445-8663 Email: woodfordhillvillagecouncil@outlook.com wfhillvc@hotmail.com Members of Local Authority: Mr. Joseph A. Russell The Chairman/ Elected Councillor Mrs. Vica Bruno Wallace Deputy Chairperson/ Elected Councillor Mrs. Bernadette Abraham Lawrence Elected Councillor Mrs. Gertrude (sully) Robin Nominated Councillor Mr. Whitfield Wallace Nominated Councillor Mrs. Bernadette Nathalie Blanc Nominated Councillor Local Economic Development Officer, Dominica Vincienne George Tel #: 1-767-613-8558 Email: vincienneg@gmail.com Miss Savina Bazil Elected Councillor Miss Monic Bruno Africa Elected Councillor 17
This publication was made possible with the support of the Caribbean Local Economic Development Project, with financing from the Government of Canada