The Dominica Labour Party Government is putting the essential oils and spices cooperative back to work.
Tropical Storm Erika left the industry significantly affected as several of the Bay Oil distilleries on island were utterly destroyed.
On Friday, June 10th, Hon. Minister for Commerce, Enterprise and Small Business Development, Roselyn Paul handed over a $100,000 cheque to the Dominica Essential Oils and Spices Cooperative for the reconstruction of four distilleries in the south of the island.
The small business Minister says this move is in-keeping with her Ministry’s thrust to improve the manufacturing industry.
“We know how badly the cooperative was affected by TS Erika and if they were affected then the exports and their ability to earn foreign exchange was also affected. Manufacturing is not one of our major industries; we are more involved in primary production so we are happy to embrace, protect, preserve and ensure the continuance of the Dominica Essential Oils and Spice Cooperative.”
The four distilleries which will be reconstructed are located in Petite Soufriere, Fond St. Jean, Grand Bay and Bagatelle.
President of the Dominica Essential Oils and Spices Cooperative, Phillip Guiste, says there are 20 distilleries across the island; however these initial four are located in the areas of highest production.
Guiste expressed sincere thanks to the Ministry and Government for this cash injection. He says the significant contribution will assist in getting the industry back on its feet while restoring the livelihood of many in the south.
He said to the Hon. Minister, “Our entire distillery [in Petite Savanne] on which we were dependent for our survival was completely washed away so we want to tell you, we are very happy that you have come to our assistance. With your help and what we can add as a cooperative, we are sure to return to full capacity in the next few months…We look forward to working with you when we construct our new distillery.”
In-keeping with Government’s call to rebuild stronger after Tropical Storm Erika, the cooperative intends to reconstruct modern distilleries like the destroyed Petite Savanne facility with the capacity to produce much more.
“Our main distillery in Petite Savanne was the largest producer of that oil. It gave better yield per pound of leaf hence why we have very little p
Presently, production of essential oils brings in excess of $6m annually.roduction now,” he said.
The Dominica Essential Oils and Spices Cooperative has a membership of over 500 with about 300 who are currently active.
With this money, Guiste is confident that the industry can resume production at full capacity in the next few months.
There is a total of 22 distilleries on the island of which the Cooperative hopes to refurbish 10.
The Dominica Essential Oils and Spices Cooperative has been in existence since 1968.
