Heat. Heat. N. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music] >> [music] [music] >> You're tuned in to focus on government and development. We are broadcasting live from the studios of DBS radio. >> [music] >> We're also live on Kra FM and you can catch us again on Q95 FM radio at 8:00 p.m. [music] Those of you tuned in on GIS TV and on our various social media platforms, welcome and thank you so much for joining us. My name is Dion and Dura Smith, the press secretary in the office of the prime minister and this is your government program [music] designed to keep you informed and up to date on the work of your government, on the work being done by your elected representatives to improve your communities, [music] to improve your lives. >> [music] >> This evening we have with us for her first fulllength interview since being elected [music] the parliamentary representative for the Roso North constituency. Miss Asha McDougall is our guest this evening. [music] on a Dominica Labor Party ticket. Miss Magdoo, a businesswoman, [music] former Dominica State College lecturer and an economist by training, secured a decisive victory in the September 7 bi-election. [music] She pulled,473 [music] votes to the UWP. Danny Lug's 998. [music] The independent candidate Sherban Boston received [music] 49 votes. Tonight we talk about what comes next for Asha McDougall, the new PAL rep for Roso North. [music] Miss McDougall, good evening to you and welcome to Focus on Government and Development. Good evening. Good evening, Miss Duran. Mrs. Smith. This week has been so nostalgic. I've been running into all of my former teachers [laughter] and Mrs. Smith was a teacher of mine at the Convent High School. So, good evening, Miss Rand. >> Good evening. Thank you for having me on the program this evening. Um, and good evening to all of the listeners, >> especially those from the Rosen North constituency. >> Of course, this is your opportunity to say a direct hello to your constituents. >> Yes. And um I mean it's really been crazy since Monday last week. >> Mhm. >> I I am so elated to have been victorious at the polls, but importantly to serve the people of the Rosenov constituency. So, I say good evening to everyone who's listening. Good evening as well to my family. Good evening to my mom and my brother, my aunt over in St. Martin. To my grandfather who is always attentively listening. To all of the members of the campaign team who worked so feverishly to um you know attain this victory. Importantly to the members of the executive association from Roso North and to everyone who would have assisted in one way or another to the campaign. Yes, it certainly has been an eventful period for you over the past uh couple of months. The campaign is over. Talk to us a little bit more about how you're feeling now that the campaign is done and you have this new responsibility as the parliamentary representative. Um to be honest, the while the campaign was extremely it was endearing, it was something that was new. I mean I have been exposed to so many different terrains, academia, consultancy, youth advocacy, but politics obviously is a new field to me and the campaign was definitely new territory as well. >> But for me it was extremely exciting because I got to meet so many new people. um persons welcome me into their homes and that was pretty exciting as well just you know understanding and learning the different realities that are lived by people within the Rosen North constituency and you know just importantly the excitement because Rosen North is extremely diverse with regards to the population as well. So I got to meet so many different types of people too and that was pretty exciting. Um but the campaign itself it it really was crazy because the time was it seemed to be long but to be quite honest it was kind of short. Um but even prior to the campaign I had spent many weeks on ground really just you know prematurely visiting people and understanding you know some of the concerns and some of the challenges that persons within the Rosen of constituency actually were experiencing. And that was like the most humbling experience that I've ever I've ever had. Um, obviously as I continue to serve individuals within this capacity, I know that I'm probably going to be exposed to much more, but I think that the campaign really readily prepared me to, you know, for these stories and um to to understand potentially how to address many of these experiences that people are having within the Rosenov constituency. and and now I mean I find myself going to back to my roots in in Sans and this weekend in La Plane and meeting family members there as well and it's the same. So it's not necessarily just you know Roso North but as well perhaps having impact across the entire country. >> Now that you're the parliamentary representative I know you did quite a few interviews before polling day but I want to talk a little bit about the leadership style that the people of Roso North can expect from you. Okay. Um throughout the campaign I think there was a resounding theme that I would have spoken to and that was inclusivity. I have heard some of the reporters somewhat indicate that you know there has been somewhat of an outreach of an an olive branch but I actually don't see it that way because an olive branch almost suggests that there is some relationship that had been damaged or there had been some personal conflict and um that probably requires some reconciliation but I had no such relationship with the other candidates and we contested This is an election. The people made the decision and now that chapter with regards to the election is closed. And from the very beginning of this journey, what I said to the people of Roseno North is that we require all hands and as many hearts, as many minds working together if we are serious about moving Rosen North. And that has not changed because I won the election. My leadership style is about leading with people. um not simply leading four people. I don't believe that I on my own have all of the answers. I don't believe that because I'm the parliamentary representative that every good idea must originate from me or within me. And you know there are people who have really been working closely with within the communities and they have had this knowledge for many years because you know like I've said before they're the ones who have the institutional knowledge. They're the ones who have established relationships with other individuals within the constituency and many of them also have ideas that deserve to be heard. And so I don't have all of the answers. And this week for example, I have already started um initiating discussions with improvement chair committees across the constituency and as well others relevant stakeholders. And um importantly I want to ensure that I sit with single mothers and elderly individuals and um the business community, our sporting groups and people who are as well just already doing the work on the ground because I am not one who promotes um duplication of efforts. >> Yeah. >> So I am not interested in asking everybody around the table who they voted for. What I'm really interested in is asking individuals what can they contribute to Rosen North. And so that really is my strategy ensuring that we have as many people imposs many people possible um just [clears throat] helping with regard to the development of Rosen North. >> You spoke about meeting with certain groups this uh past week and I know um following the election you said that you would hit the ground running. You can you hear me Asha? No, I'm not hearing you too clearly to to be honest. You're a little faint. >> Okay. >> And it's my it's it's it's it's all on me because I was the one who didn't want to have the headphones ruined my hairstyle this evening. [laughter] >> That's right. Um our technician is um just making some moves to assist you. Let me know when you're hearing me better. Yes. So, I was saying that you spoke about meeting with um certain constituents, with certain groups in the past week, and you did mention to me last week that you also met with a representative of a utility company. Is that something you want to tell us about? Was that part of you hitting the ground running? Indeed because actually in the initial you know um ground work that we've we we were doing I was meeting with different individuals and as well because of the time of night we were on the ground we were actually seeing some of the challenges that people were communicating so perhaps there were light poles that needed to have been erected or um they were there before but then they they had been missed after Maria. So we would have you know written to the different well we would have written to the the appropriate ministry obviously and I was still a candidate. [snorts] >> We would have written to the appropriate ministry just asking for support to see some of these areas lit because you know we want to ensure that this was something that we promoted I promoted. We wanted to ensure that there were um you know safer communities and communities also that looked more um modern and transformed and lighting does a lot. Of course, >> I come from an event decor background as well, and lighting really does a lot. Lighting can take your event space from nothing to extravagant. Um, and so Dominic was pretty quick in responding to that. And actually on Wednesday, um, last week, we had actually been hitting the ground in identifying the areas where we recognized we needed the lights installed. So, at least we will have that done. Um, and that was and that's going to be done even before I'm sworn in. So I'm I'm really excited about it because for me it's really just trying to ensure that we have and these are lowhanging fruits. These are things that doesn't even require much. It's just literally a communication. So I'm so happy and grateful to the guys at DOME for responding to the request so urgently and um I'm looking forward to other stakeholders probably doing the same um across the constituency as well. Yeah, lights, housing, roads, community facilities. These are among the practical issues that residents expect their representative to address. So, so how will you prioritize these areas, these priority areas in your community? What are the areas that you intend to address urgently? I think this is actually one of the most difficult questions um for me to answer because when you are on the ground and you're actually seeing these issues firsthand, it becomes very difficult to simply say you know this is number one, this is number two and you know that priority should be ranked third. Housing is a necessity and I've recognized that um across the constituency but then sanitation is also a public health necessity and a family may have shelter and I've seen that I have seen families who have shelter but if there is poor drainage or if there is improper waste disposal or unsafe access around that home then the quality of life is still being affected right and so I don't think responsible representation means that there should be some kind of arbitrary ranking as to every issue across the Rosenov constituency. It means really ensuring that we are assessing the urgency and importantly the impact of every challenge and concern that the constituents have identified. And I'm not saying this to like really skip around or dance around what the answer is, but for me when I recognize all the challenges that the constituents have articulated in Rosen North, there will be some kind of clear criteria that guides how we prioritize the challenges that are faced with within the constituency because whether it's an immediate um threat to health or safety or whether there are vulnerable households that we have to obviously ly identify um whether it is how many people who are um being affected by that particular um problem or whether it is something that is relatively small that can be addressed immediately and significantly. Um, for me, I know that housing is certainly one of the areas that we need to prioritize within the constituency [snorts] and it's it's really been one of the most significant concerns that I've encountered across mostly all of the communities in Rosen North. And so I don't discount that. I don't discredit that it is something that um many individuals have um you know somewhat presented as a concern that they want addressed and there are you know different scales there is some major intervention that may need to be done and there are also some modest repairs that can that can be done as well within particular households and communities. Um but the same applies to infrastructure. We see for example I mean the Petro Cas Casa road was identified as a major concern for many of the individ individuals who live in that area and it's been it's been some years and so I do recognize that that that that can be a priority too but then now you're faced with saying well um is the road going to be more important than having shelter for nine >> you know and I mean those are difficult decisions that I know that I'm going to face because we know limit resources are very limited. It's not like we have an unending source. >> Exactly. And I wish we did. [laughter] I wish we did. Um so my approach will be needs based um evidence-based. I mean I come from a background of research but more importantly community informed. It has to be based on what the community has identified as being the most um you know the most significant for us to actually tackle and challenge. So I want that local knowledge incorporated in the decision-m process. I because that is how we should be making decisions. I mean the people who are obviously benefiting the most from the decisions should obviously have some kind of stake and at the same time I think people also have to understand that everything cannot happen at once and I've realized that going along the campaign that every challenge cannot be rectified at the same time and um part of the responsible leadership is being honest about it and I've and I've I'm being quite honest about it on this um campaign trail that you know not everything may be able to be provided. Perhaps it might be 20%, perhaps it might be 50%, perhaps it might be all. Um and so my responsibility is therefore to just ensure that we have a transparent program of work and um we can identify the immediate interventions that need to be done and importantly determine what can be accomplished in the short term, in the long term, begin planning for larger projects and continuously communicating with residents. That is definitely what I really want to ensure that we improve on because a lot of times we have programs and initiatives that are ongoing but there's an absence of communication to individuals. So you know that lapse somewhat affects you know I think the credibility for us within the government because we're doing the work but people don't know we're doing the work. >> Okay. >> Right. So ultimately I just I don't want the development of Rosenov to be termined by who shouts the loudest or you know who has the greatest um voice but more importantly like all hands coming on deck. >> Yes. Um you know employment and uh opportunities for young people remain a concern not only in um Rosa North but nationally but that's especially for the relevant for the young men and uh women in the communities that you represent. what initiatives would you like to advance in that area? >> Okay. Um, you know, and I did not mention I didn't point to how to unemployment when I was talking about the priorities, but we do recognize that youth unemployment is a key concern for individuals not just in Rosen North but across the country. And um I think when we first speak about youth unemployment, we we have to understand that we're not talking about one homogeneous group of people. Everybody within that pool is not the same because from the conversations that I've had throughout Roseno North, I see that there are at least three groups that require some kind of intervention and these interventions are quite different. So first we have people who already have skills, right? um they have qualifications but they just simply cannot find sufficient employment opportunities locally and for that group I've been in discussions with Miss Felicia Pier from Stockfam for example who is within the within the UN and I am particularly interested in piloting the work online Rosen North program because we have already seen the success with this approach and I believe that there is opportunity to use Roso North as a focus pilot to connect residents with remote employment opportunities and young people are enjoying the flexibility of remote work. I mean, who doesn't want to sit at home, not have to wake up in the morning, take a shower, perhaps put on makeup, um, cook, get to work at 8. Um, people like the flexibility of working at home, right? Um, and so the beauty of the digital economy as we know is that your physical location no longer has to determine completely your employment situation, right? >> [snorts] >> Um, and this is also relevant to undermployment because I've heard a lot of young people speak about being undermployed as well. Um, for me coming back to Dominica and within the the the my expertise within economics, I mean that was a critical concern that many young people have that you know they go to study and when they come back they they find a mismatch. In my time um I served as the research chairperson for the OECS youth advisory network and one of the key initiatives that was instrumental in 2023 for me was penning the yes strategy. So it was a strategy developed for young for youth across the region. It's a youth empowerment strategy and one of the key concerns not so this is not just a national thing this is actually regional we we conducted about 400 interviews throughout CO with young people across the entire Caribbean region and this is one of the things that came up right um undermployment and so again I see the work online initiative tackling that because in the absence of finding opportunities locally Again, it provides an an opportunity to match individuals with opportunities that may be available online and honestly I'm meeting so many people who have the success of working online and earning a lot more you know um and then as well like I said the flexibility that it provides as well is quite um encouraging and motivating. So the second group concerns me more and this second group that I refer to when I walk through the communities of um Yampis and Gutter Village and um Tarish Beat Fu. I have encountered people particularly some of our young men who perhaps left ed the education system quite earlier right so they did not acquire the qualifications or certification um necessary to complete effectively in the labor market and I've also become increasingly concerned about teenage pregnancy as well because I've actually been meeting a lot of our young females who probably are now in their 20ies but they would have dropped off from school at 14 or 16 or 15. Um, and obviously we can understand already what that can mean for the educational and the economic trajectory for some of our young women, right? So we have to understand the long-term consequences of such because a young person may leave school at 16 or 17 and the immediate impact may not seem enormous but in hindsight like after having conversations with many of them that person becomes 24, 27 or even 30 perhaps with children and at that time they now have greater financial responsibilities and so we have to intervene earlier from the conversations that I've had with many many of them. We also need pathways back in for those who have already fallen through the cracks. And for me the response there is capacity building >> um skills development and importantly certification. And in the Rosen North constituency with the center of excellence coming on stream >> um I want to salute deliberately at how the residents of Rosa North constituency can use the avenue to acquire practical training um and marketable skills through the center of excellence. It's not training simply for the sake of somebody saying that they attended a program because you know many people can attend programs but they don't necessarily apply any of the skills that they learn through these programs. Um I want training that is connected to an economic outcome. So what skill are you developing? Are you developing skills in agriculture, in aggro, in agro processing, in tourism, in hospitality? And I mean with major capital projects that the government is currently um investing into, we need the individuals ready to actually enter jobs within those fields, right? >> Yeah. >> Um so for me, this conversation has to go beyond just being a conversation. We actually need to see action. Um and with government creating opportunities and private sector also creating opportunities we can provide the training we have to connect people to the jobs. Um but we also need to prepare them to keep those opportunities. So that means for them being punctual. I mean we speak about jobs, we speak about people perhaps not having jobs but from my own experience in academia we also need to ensure that we can target the work ethic among our young people. Not just young people but persons within the labor market. I mean we talk about reliability. We have to talk about punctuality, professionalism, communication. I mean we interact with people across different industries in Dominica and I mean there has to be some initiative that is taken on a national scale as it relates to increasing our work ethic. >> Something you would like to >> definitely I mean for sure I am not the poster child for work ethic but I think you know we cannot complain about there not being jobs. Um and at the same time we have the job but we're not necessarily applying our best to increase and add value. I mean that is the objective. >> If you're hired within an organization the objective is really to ensure that you can add value to that organization. And I I I think we need to impress more within the labor market and seeing that realized across um different industries and companies. >> Yeah. >> So so with regards to employment like I said I mean it's not a one fit size >> one size fits all >> right. one size fit all approach to addressing unemployment because there are many different >> realities of persons who are un unemployed and so like I've mentioned the work online pilot program is one that will really focus on persons who have the skills or persons who are underemployed but then there also has to be a different approach that is taken for individuals who you know have somewhat fallen in the cracks along the way um especially prior to um becoming an a young male or young young woman or young man. >> Yeah, we certainly look forward to you implementing some of these initiatives that you've identified. But as you mentioned, you come from a business background. Um, what role do you see for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the Roso North area and how do you intend to provide the support that they need? Um I see I have I have increased I have come to to recognize that Rosa North is the corridor to commercialization from the city. >> I mean we've seen an expansion of businesses within Roso North within Pottersville and within within Goodwill among like doctors we I mean we we have the sururgence of so many different offices. Um, and when you look at Goodwill and Persville in particular, there is a there is already significant commercial activity happening, right? And I would say that these are more of our small and medium enterprises. We have professionals, we have restaurants, we have services, we have tremendous untapped potential among our young people. Um, so I don't see b small business as something that we should simply support. Right? Entrepreneurship is one of the vehicles for economic growth and I mean that is well researched, well supported and I think that for the potential to be fully realized especially within um Dominica, not necessarily just Roso North, we need to re-engineer the entrepreneurial ecosystem and you know people talk about access to finance, people talk about um you know infrastructure And for that potential to be really recognized, it is not only looking at the constraints that the small businesses are facing but we need to ensure that there is the support from receiving assistance to the end. So the role of small businesses is really for me quite frankly I want to see the private sector really fueling economic growth. However, I always like looking at things from a perspective of this is the problem, but what is causing that problem? Because we might say that there are many micro businesses in Rosenorf and there are um we hosted a small business mixer throughout the campaign and I mean we were able to identify over 300 micro and small businesses just in Rosen North. >> Wow. >> Obviously, some of them are not formalized. So that's the problem there because when we talk about the role of small businesses and I'm saying we want small businesses to drive economic growth but at the same time much of what the small businesses may be seeking so the access to finance um would require them being formalized they would need to be registered and I've come across so many businesses that are not registered right and so it's not just giving the finance because I mean we know that the government through the from the from the last budget announcement we will see an increase in the credit facility at 8 bank right but when that is provided right um and an entrepreneur receives that do they understand cash flow do they understand pricing and their cost structure and can they market their products effectively and can they maintain proper financial records because after you're registered to ensure that you continue along that process you to continuously find yourself actually presenting financial records to people. So for me it's it's really the conversation has to shift from not just small business but looking at the ecosystem within which the small businesses operate because the small businesses will be as healthy as the ecosystem within which it operates and um for me I really want to see a stronger connection between financing between technical support and mentorship as well and training. Um I feel like you know we have not highlighted sufficiently the success stories locally and so you know people find themselves wanting to open a business but they don't necessarily see many of these successful business individuals and when I say successful business individuals outside of the large scale yeah >> like for example Mr. Mr. nurse at Jay's Limited, >> right? Has been there for so many years. He's a successful business owner. And so, you know, individuals have to see business beyond which we are accustomed of seeing it. Um and with Rosenoff specifically, I have actually spoken about establishing um a business support desk within the constituency because [snorts] while we recognize that institutions like the Dominica Youth Business Trust and NDFD um and even the small business unit does provide, they do provide the support, sometimes it may be difficult for a micro business owner to actually present themselves to such institutions. And so it might be for them [clears throat] easier or perhaps it might be more natural to find themselves, you know, just popping into the constituency office and and speaking to a business support officer who could help them provide that support that I mentioned earlier, whether it could have been through um accessing finance or through financial recordkeeping. Um, I I I feel like this would definitely change the game for how many of the small businesses, the micro businesses operate within the constituency and perhaps this could be a good model for for other constituencies to actually adopt. >> Yes. And that small [clears throat] business desk, would you be helping steer them towards the $19 million credit facility at the aid bank that you mentioned? But of course, of course, because again, um, many of the individuals who would have endeavored applying would not have met the criteria because they may not have been registered. Um, in fact, in walking, even in walking throughout the constituency with many of the small businesses that I actually, you know, met up with, persons who have restaurants, shops, even small like, you know, um, bars and I ask them, you know, how do you record keep? and they'll be like, "Well, you know, I just have my book and I put, you know, even the fisherman." >> Yeah, >> I like to I I really like to talk about the fisherman and good night to all of my fisher folk, all of my fish, all of the guys in Funko and as well in Portersville. [clears throat] Um, you know, even with fishing and I just had a conversation with the fisherman on Saturday actually about this because, you know, I ask how how serious are we taking the fishing thing? you know, is it something that you're just waking up and yes, you make money, so it allows you to have a a livelihood, but then at the same time, there could have been so much more potential from that you there could be so much so much more earnings perhaps from fishing, right? So like these are the conversations I want to have with individuals within the constituency to ensure that we can see an elevation and an increase in the income potential um among many of our small businesses. And the support desk will definitely help as you asked with regards to ensuring that people are prepared people are prepared enough to go to the aid bank and actually tap into those um facilities that are available because the finance is one thing but as I said finance alone is not enough. Technical support must be there as well. >> [music] >> You're tuned in to focus on government and development. Our guest this evening [music] is Miss Asha McDougall. She's the newly elected parliamentary representative for the Roso North constituency. We're talking about her plans [music] as she settles into her new role. What's in store for the people of Rosa North with their new parliamentary representative [music] [music] Ashma? I want to switch a little bit to a more national focus. Uh we just came out of the national budget presented under the theme protecting our progress, strengthening our independence, securing our future. And as someone with a background in economics, uh you served briefly as executive director of the DIC. What is your overall assessment of the budget presented this year? I mean those are three different economic responsibilities right the theme I I'm I'm very impressed by the theme of this year's budget because pro protecting our progress means that we're ensuring the gains we have already made are not eroded right and I mean we are talking speaking about this particularly in an environment where we have been faced by so many different exogenous shocks and natural disasters and um in an environment that remains uncertain. It's it's necessary to ensure that we actually you know um find ourselves really protecting the progress that we've made. Um strengthening our independence for me is perhaps the most important component because we are small mostly import dependent. So greater independence is to mean something where we are strengthening our productive sectors. Um improving our energy security, expanding our exports which is extremely important for us. Um importantly developing our human capital and creating greater opportunities for Dominicans to generate income. Right? And that only takes us to securing our future. [laughter] But um I have said repeatedly throughout the campaign that um success of those investments cannot ultimately simp be measured simply by the structures that we build, right? The real test is what happens around them. So you know we speak about the capital investments like um the cable car project, the international airport, the marina um and we have other infrastructural development that's happening across the country as well. Um but for me the real economic test is well how are locals how are we actually expanding tourism tourism export products when the airport arrives. Mhm. >> Right. Um and how our farmers and how our fishermen creating opportunities or I would say capitalizing on the opportunities from these products. Our taxi operators able to benefit and importantly are they going to capitalize as well? Um but for me within the budget I am particularly encouraged by the measures that put additional disposable income in the hands of ordinary working people. I mean I remember I was invited at that time to the discussion with and the private sector at the state house and you know this was something that came up um a flat tax. Now, as an economist, I mean, I would um I would not necessarily support lowering taxes, [laughter] but um we recognize the significance of people having more disposable income because it means that many working Dominicans will retain more of what they earn, right? >> Um but I look at it from a wider economic perspective, right? When households have greater disposable income, then the question becomes, how do we encourage some of that additional spending power to circulate through Dominican businesses and how is that supporting local production and contributing to broader economic activity? And that's what I expect to see from this um reduction in the income tax. And so that that is why I really continue to speak so um passionately about re-engineering the the business ecosystem. Um for for people within the Rosenov constituency quite frankly we know that there has been relief on many of the products um >> the goods >> on the goods right and so from the Rosenov perspective um we are very conscious of the fiscal realities and we recognize that inflation is being experienced worldwide right but we commend the government because we recognize that there have been policies that have been implemented to ensure that it provides a safety net for those who are more vulnerable and so I really commend the government on um you know continuing that particular um initiative at my time at the DIC when this was actually implemented I sat on the public private sector collaborative committee and you know we were just assessing what the impact was at that time for many individuals obviously it meant that they could now afford to buy more Right. Um and for people within the Rosenov constituency, while the 10% tax may not have been, you know, um impacting many of the individuals within the lower strata, economic strata, um the fact remains that the relief on goods was significantly experienced for them and so I really commend the government on that. And then as I mentioned earlier, I will not reiterate as I mentioned earlier as it relates to the credit facility that will you know be again input be inputed at the aid bank that is going to see significant um you know increase in the business investments within many of the micro and small businesses in Dominica. And at the micro level we we may we may hear investment and we may think oh the person may be probably you know investing in a in a space but for that person it may be increasing their productive capacity through the investment of of a commercial fryer >> that now allows them to double or triple their capacity. Right. Or investing in packaging mach packaging machinery that allows them to be more um standard ready. Exactly. So um you know I'm really more excited for the business aspect of this um and the credit facility that is being made available by aid bank. Um but as well I I I really look forward to to seeing what impact the relief is going to have on individuals because this was meant to be for the 6 months um and then it was extended again through for through the next year. So I mean it's a matter of just you know going back reviewing to see exactly how effective you know many of these policies have been um and for government to continue working to ensure that we can provide relief to individuals as we face the realities um that are experienced by this world due to so many of the different uncertainties that are happening political instability um happening across um across the world. >> Yeah. Uh the budget also proposes the establishment of the Dominica Creative Agency as as a young person and you reminded us that you do have an events planning and yes decor business. What opportunities do you see with this initiative for musicians, designers, events planners like yourself to take advantage of? Um I I think well there's tremendous opportunity in the establishment of this particular agency because for for too long we have tended to view creativity primarily through the lens of entertainment rather than economic activity. So a musician a musician is an entrepreneur. Um a graphic de designer is obviously providing a professional service. A an event organizer like myself is operating a business. Um, so the opportunity that I see within the agency goes back to what I mentioned earlier with regards to micro businesses and it's to begin professionalizing and commercializing that talent. That's what the agency will do. And for young people particularly, this is important because the economy is changing. The traditional idea that success means finding one conventional job cannot be the only pathway we present to them. I mean, we're seeing our artists traveling across the region um and performing at large festivals, right? Um so someone in Rosen North can design graphics for a company all the way in Switzerland and a Dominican musician can distribute music globally as we've been seeing. So, but the thing is the the agency in my opinion, I mean, not just my opinion, but with the establishment of this agency, what we're recognizing is that the talent alone is not enough, right? Talent can only take you so far. Our creatives also need to understand the business of creativity. How do your prices work? How do you how do you protect your intellectual property? And how do you negotiate for a contract? How do you market yourself? How do you access financing for equipment? So all of these um that is why I believe that the institution dedicated to the creative economy can be can make a meaningful impact and difference because it will connect all of these you know creatives to to training to financing to the technical support to market access and importantly to the opportunities for commercialization. So, I'm quite excited about it because I feel like um sometimes we describe a young person's hobbies >> somewhat as actually you know an undeveloped enterprise and >> that is a mindset that we have to change. Many people have I mean to be honest in Rosenorf young people do not lack ambition. they do not they do not lack the talent but it's just a structure and providing that support to take them from like an idea to really establishing a business that is very successful. >> Yeah. Um you mentioned Rosenoff in the context of the budget and you know the government of Dominica has organized a series of postbudget um discussions. Do you plan to do anything similar to apprise your constituents of the measures of the budget and how they can benefit? >> Yes, for sure. I mean, I just actually attended one in in SO right um last week [snorts] >> and I see great value in this because you know sometimes individuals might not find themselves tuning in to the budget for an hour or two or three >> or three. [laughter] Um and importantly just translating those policies to the average individual to understand is very critical and important because as I mentioned much earlier we recognize that there is a communication gap that exists right um so it's important for us to take that information over to the individuals to understand I mean and I saw this a lot during the campaign because when I brought in individuals and from different institutions like the small business unit and the Dominica Youth Business Trust. I recognize that small businesses were not even aware of the different facilities that were available. So, it means that there has to be work that is done. So, just like with the budget, um especially considering the the the significance of the investments that are being done in these capital projects, we have to ensure that we're communicating to individuals what exactly exists for them and the different opportunities that they are able to tap into. So, of course, I'll be jumping on that train. Yeah, >> but you know, I always do things differently. >> So, in Rosenor, we will definitely be doing it differently. Um, and like I said before, um, for me for sure within the constituency, I do recognize that it's a very diverse constituency economically. I mean, we have constituents within Montiel and center Roma. Um, and then, you know, we have individuals from Stockfarmm and Goodwill and Portersville. And then we have individuals from Yam Peace and Tarish Pet. So we want to ensure that obviously the information that is being um translated to these individuals are speaking to the language right and as well I would say the relevance of each of these particular pockets within the Rosen of constituency. Yeah, that sounds good. And I look forward to the different I know you applied in person. You're very creative. I may have seen it at work and you as you said, I did teach you at the fif level. So [laughter] I look forward to the initiatives you will undertake as um parliamentary representative and you know you are entering the parliament for the first time and that's aside from your experience with the youth parliament. Tell us what are you most looking forward to? How are you preparing for that responsibility? Because you know it is a major responsibility to be a parliamentarian. >> Indeed. Um I think for me one of the things that I said on this campaign every day I walked through the different communities. I kept on saying boy people are saying they're not seeing me and I walking every day I'm walking in a different community. When I have a ministry what is going to happen? People are going to say they're not going to see me at all. But um no, what I'm most looking forward to is really having the opportunity to contribute substantively like to the national conversation and you know you alluded to my stint within the youth parliament and >> I mean it was such a great experience really contributing to to to national dialogue. We we would have hoped to actually have had a sitting parliament come from this the youth parliament. Um [snorts] but for me now I mean digesting this I'm really elated to contribute to national conversation because throughout my professional life I have had much experience working in different fields like whether it be economics or research or youth development even the private sector academia entrepreneurship. So I have spent many years analyzing policy and making recommendations and contributing from outside of the parliament. Um, and now I have the opportunity to really sit at the table um, where legislation is debated. I take that very seriously. And while I am the representative for the Rosenorf constituency, I also understand that entering parliament carries a much broader responsibility, right? And I have been elected from one constituency, but the decision we make at parliament affects the entire country. And so I am particularly looking forward to contribute in areas where I believe I can add value like economic development and entrepreneurship and youth employment and specifically the business environment >> and just more importantly building greater opportunities for Dominicans um across the entire country and at the same time I'm also entering parliament with humility [snorts] because I am new to parliamentary life and there is a difference between understanding policy and understanding the procedures and responsibilities of parliament itself. So part of my preparation is simply studying. I like to observe as well. I mean I like to talk. [laughter] I do love talking but I think it's necessarily it's necessary to ensure that you know I understand this the standing orders and I familiarize myself with the legislative process and I review the issues that will come to parliament you know ensuring that when I contribute that I am prepared. So this is really um you know but then from a constituency responsibility lens I want the concerns raised with me in Yampis and Tarish Beat and Gutter Village and Lewisville and Stockfam and Funko and Goodwill and Persville and all of the other communities gutter village I mean all of the other communities so that they have a pathway into the national decision-m process right because representation is not simply about me being in parliament And I made I I I said this I've said this and it's not just me saying it is about carrying people's voices into parliament and carrying opportunities and solutions back to them. So there is excitement um but there's also a tremendous sense of responsibility and my focus is on becoming the most effective parliamentary representative um that I can be. >> Yeah. Uh you know the prime minister at his last press conference last week he indicated that you will become part of the cabinet. He did not give specifics but he did confirm that you would become a cabinet member. What does that expression of confidence mean to you? It means a great deal to me because I don't simply you know interpret it as an appointment. Um I I interpret it as um an expression of confidence in my capacity to contribute >> because I am coming into government as a new parliamentarian. So for the prime minister to indicate that he sees a role for me within the cabinet is something I receive with tremendous humility and a very strong sense of responsibility. But I also understand what cabinet means because [snorts] while I am elected to represent Roso North now I'm also being asked to assume a responsibility in an area of national development right and that requires that requires me to think outside of the boundaries of Roseno North right >> but I I mean considering my background in economics specifically. I think for me it has really allowed me to to just sit with myself and ask you know how how can I really improve the outcomes for people in Rosen North but as well for persons around Dominica. Um not specifically young people. I mean as a young person obviously I'll be biased. I want to look out for other young people as well right but um by a wider extension other individuals across Dominica. So naturally I'm excited about bringing that particular perspective and experience into government at a different level. Um but I'm also very conscious that a ministerial title is not an achievement on its own by itself. Um for me it's really what I'm I'm really endeavoring to accomplish that really matters. and um being entrusted with a portfolio I want to ensure that I understand it thoroughly. Um I want to listen to the technical people who obviously have been working in that space. Um I want to understand what is working importantly where the gaps are and what the data is telling us so that we can improve. So this is the kind of approach that I will you know take into cabinet. I'm a very strategic person, very different, very unorthodox, very unorthodox candidate. Um, but importantly, I will bring ideas. I'll bring, you know, my energy. That's one thing I've I'll definitely be bringing. And importantly, my professional experience to whatever ministry I am assigned. >> Yeah. And we did say that the prime minister was not specific, but just in our discussion, you've expressed interest in youth development, in business, in economics. very broader. I mean, I've had a lot of experience in my young years across many different fields. Um, I've been in academia for 13 years and so obviously I I have a passion for education. I spoke about that earlier as well with with regards to how, you know, education can potentially lead to greater employment outcomes, right? So, that is definitely key to me. And having been in education and seeing how interacting with young individuals, I mean at the college level, not so young, but at the college level, it it it for many years it made me, you know, think what exactly could have been missed, what potentially could be done at an earlier stage to probably um I would say intervene and correct some of the things that we're seeing at the tertiary level, right? Um but importantly um I mean [music] as an entrepreneur myself I have impressed on the importance of the re-engineering of the business ecosystem. >> Yeah. >> So this is definitely something that is very dear to me. formally as the president of the National Youth Council and being engaged with youth development and youth advocacy. I really want to ensure that the the voices of young people are strengthened and not just um in a tokenistic way, not just because we want young people to talk, but we actually want to see the ideas um that young people have perhaps reflected in policy um or potentially they could be involved in decision-m at different levels. So, >> [sighs] >> It's a >> Yeah, it's broad. >> It's very broad and your areas of interest are quite broad >> indeed. Misso, believe it or not, it's already 3 minutes to the hour. >> Oh, wow. Yes. So much to talk about. The good news is that we always we invite you back. You know, you're just getting started, getting settled, and we'll so look forward to the initiatives that you will implement at the constituency level. We definitely want to hear more in the next 3 to 6 months. Let's make it a date. But before you leave, I really wanted to touch on um the fact that we can all agree that politics, especially at the small island level, can be pretty daunting, a pretty daunting prospect. What would you say to women, to young people who may be considering leadership or public service, but they are hesitant to step forward? What would be your advice to them? So, it's funny because I actually delayed posting on social media on my personal pages on social media um until yesterday because this process as you said has been extremely daunting and for a young person who may not necessarily be strong or perhaps someone who may not take criticism well, comments, social commentary might probably deter them or discourage them from wanting to actually participate. But I mean interacting with so many of these young women and young people across just Rosa North and even at the wider extension as well Dominica because I've interacted with a lot of people not just in my constituency throughout this campaign they they have a lot that they can actually bring right um the theme that I've really stuck to is that for me it's important to do and not talk and so the persons who may be talking and not doing potentially Uh it's not people that I've really paid too much mind to. M >> I'm being quite honest because I recognize um and obviously other individuals clearly the 1400 [laughter] individuals who voted you know recognized that you know there was confidence in my capacity to serve and to bring a difference to the Rosenov constituency and to Dominica by a wider extension and so I don't think that words should discourage one from their ambitions whether that be in public life or in any any capacity because the fact remains that people are always going to talk, right? And people will always have things that they will say. Some of them um will be far from the truth. They will be facads that you probably never knew of. Um importantly, what I would encourage people to to stick to is just being themselves, true to themselves importantly. And if they have confidence that they can make a difference in whatever capacity or whatever role that they aspire or endeavor to take up that they should just pursue it and um not necessarily give up on that task >> because you know when we continue talking about young people being the future like I say young people are the now the the fact remains that many of these policies that the government is implementing today it's going to be impacting individuals who will probably be 60 in 30 years time. >> Yeah. >> So it's important that we have young people actually at the table contributing to that discussion now and not 30 years from now. So to me it is just encouraging young people to stay focused and importantly to contribute as they can and to not be distracted and discouraged by the noise because sometimes the noise makers are not doing anything themselves and if you're going to be discouraged by them then everybody will probably just be doing nothing. So, so do what you can and do not listen to the noise. >> Yeah. And in keeping with that pretty sound message, what would be your final word to our listeners, to your constituents this evening? >> I mean, I really want to again say thank you to all of, you know, the individuals from from Rosa North. Um, not just those who obviously voted for me, but those who participated in the process. you know, I've been really impressing throughout this entire campaign and advising and encouraging individuals to go out and, you know, get registered, vote, participate in the process because it's important to ensure that you are, you know, exercising your democratic rights and really participating to send a message. Um, I love the message that was sent. I appreciated everyone who obviously um believed in me and voted for myself and the Dominica Labor Party. Um like I've said before, this is not a role that I take lightly. Um we recognize that there's a lot of work that has to be done in the Rosen North constituency and that is why even after the election we've already started conversations with different stakeholders within the communities within Rosen North to actually start the work. >> Yeah. So again I say thank you but more importantly for my message is really where I started [music] that within Roso North we recognize that it's not only going to be the work of the parliamentary representative but individuals across the entire constituency [music] because there are many individuals who have the knowledge of you know some of the realities that experienced across Rosen North. Um but then more importantly as well you have individuals who can as well do the work. So I mean I've met so many individuals who are contributing in their own ways in different communities right whether that whether they are part of an improvement committee or whether they're just an elder in the community that wants to see something happen um even individuals who are part of the private sector but they're contributing to the constituency. So for me this is really just a call um to ask those with the capacities to continue contributing. I am really ready to work with everyone and by everyone I mean everyone genuinely because within this landscape economic political it is necessary to ensure that all hands are on deck because while all hands may not be the same color the fact remains that everyone may come in with a unique idea that will contribute to the ultimate goal which is national development. So I I call on everyone to really, you know, contribute and work with us to ensure that we're not just moving Rosa north, but we're also moving Dominica by extension. [music] Ash McDougall, the newly elected parliamentary representative for the Rosenoff constituency, has been our guest on this edition of Focus on Government and Development. Miss McDougall, it really was a pleasure. Thank you so much for being here. >> Thank you for having me. I I can't wait for a date in 3 to six months. >> Yes. [laughter] Yeah. I I'll make sure that happens. So really, thank you so much for um joining us and of course we congratulate you on your victory in the just concluded elections and we wish you the very best going forward. This has been focus on government and development. If you missed uh some of it parts of the program, you can switch on over to Q95 FM radio. We're on again the full hour. We invite you back here with us DBS radio Kyrie FM for another such program where we talk about everything government uh the plans programs initiative of the government of Dominica on focus on government and development. Do have a good evening. >> [music] [music] [music] >> Hey.