In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria’s devasting impact on Dominica in 2017, the Caribbean nation faced the daunting task of rebuilding while fortifying itself against future storms.
Fast forward to the present, and the landscape of the island has been transformed, thanks to the construction of thousands of storm-resistant homes for locals who lost everything.
These resilient residences now grace the picturesque hillsides of Dominica, offering not only safety but also a sense of hope and stability to those who call them home. What makes this remarkable feat possible?
The answer lies in the innovative approach adopted by the Dominican government, coupled with the support of eager investors seeking citizenship through the island’s Citizenship by Investment program.
The urgency for action was palpable following the havoc wreaked by Tropical Storm Erika, which decimated 90% of the country’s productive capacity. The subsequent onslaught of Hurricane Maria only compounded the devastation, resulting in damages equivalent to a staggering 226% of the nation’s GDP.
Face the such dire circumstances, the Dominican government opted for a proactive solution, steering away from the traditional route of seeking financial aid from organization like the IMF, which could potentially burden the nation with debt.
Instead, the government launched the Integrated Housing Development plan, a visionary initiative funded though the Citizenship by Investment program.
Established in 1993, this program offers individuals and families worldwide the opportunity to obtain second citizenship and passports from Dominica within a remarkable short timeframe – typically four to six months – without the need for physical residency in the country. Prospective residents can choose to invest in the country’s government fund or acquire real estate, thus contributing to the nation’s economic growth while securing their own future.
“Dominica is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean with perfectly unspoiled nature. Americans are retiring to the country in record numbers, drawn to the island’s natural beauty and peaceful way of life,” reads the Citizenship by Investment program.
The influx of funds from the Citizenship by Investment program played a pivotal role in expediting the construction of resilient housing units across the island.
One such development, the Bellevue Chopin Housing Development, commended resettlement efforts for displaced families in December 2018. This expansive project encompasses 350 residential units, a 28-unit commercial complex, community facilities, medical services, and recreational areas, embodying a holistic approach to community building and resilience.
Similar developments have sprouted up across Dominica, with over 2,000 housing units erected in 23 different districts. These modern dwellings boast a range of features designed to withstand the forces of nature, including reinforced concrete walls, underground utilities, storm drains, protected sewage systems, and stormproof window panes.
“The units are granted, not sold nor rented, and are awarded to beneficiaries through a selection system based on dire and social needs, with particular consideration for single mothers,” reports Caribbean News Now.
Such infrastructure not only enhances the safety and comfort of residents but also reinforces Dominica’s resilience in the face of future natural disasters.
See more about this housing development in the video below:
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