Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre has asked the House of Assembly to approve a credit facility of approximately EC$68.6 million from the International Development Association (IDA), the concessional lending arm of the World Bank, aimed at strengthening Dominica's fiscal and climate resilience.
The request was made in Parliament on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, as the government moves to secure additional external financing to support its development programme. The IDA credit is intended to bolster the country's ability to withstand economic shocks and natural disasters, which have repeatedly tested the island's finances and infrastructure.
Dominica has long been vulnerable to hurricanes and other climate-related events, and the government has consistently pursued concessional financing to rebuild and reinforce key sectors. The IDA facility is expected to provide resources on terms more favourable than commercial borrowing, reflecting the country's status as a small island developing state with limited access to affordable capital.
Minister McIntyre presented the motion for approval, underscoring the importance of the credit in maintaining fiscal stability while investing in resilience measures. The House of Assembly will now consider the request, with debate expected on the terms and conditions attached to the facility.
The EC$68.6 million facility forms part of a broader strategy to mobilise international support for Dominica's development priorities, including infrastructure, disaster preparedness and economic diversification. The government has previously accessed IDA resources for similar purposes, and the latest request signals continued engagement with multilateral partners.
Parliamentary approval is a required step before the funds can be accessed. Once approved, the credit would be disbursed according to agreed schedules and used for programmes designed to enhance the country's resilience to both economic and environmental shocks.
The matter now rests with the House of Assembly, where members will weigh the benefits of the concessional financing against the obligations it entails. A decision is expected following the debate.
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