Independent Candidate Gregor Nassief has described Dominica as a country rich in natural resources and human talent but increasingly constrained by limited economic opportunities, stagnating productive sectors and high living costs. Addressing members of the media on Friday at the media launch of his political career at his campaign office in Mahaut, Nassief identified the island’s people, forests, water resources, fertile lands and marine environment as some of its greatest assets.
He argued that greater emphasis must be placed on combining the country’s human and natural resources to drive national development, while protecting and preserving the environment. However, he expressed concern that Dominica was moving further away from its potential, pointing to insufficient employment opportunities, particularly for young people, and the absence of reliable economic indicators to properly assess national progress.
Nassief also questioned the country’s continued dependence on the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, arguing that despite concerns about its long-term sustainability, there has been insufficient implementation of alternative economic diversification strategies. He highlighted what he described as persistent gaps in public financial transparency and accountability, particularly in relation to CBI revenues, and cited challenges affecting healthcare workers, solid waste management and community services as examples of the consequences of inadequate public financing.
Drawing on his experiences living in Venezuela, Dominica and the United States, he outlined what he termed a ‘circle of dependency’, in which poor management of public resources contributes to economic stagnation, unemployment, poverty and increased dependence on government. In contrast, he advocated for a ‘circle of prosperity and opportunity’, where transparent financial management encourages business investment, creates employment, strengthens families and expands the government’s capacity to fund essential services and development.
Reflecting on his decision to enter public life, Nassief said his longstanding connection to the Mahaut constituency remained strong despite spending extended periods overseas. He described his family’s roots and contributions to the community as a source of responsibility, adding that he intends to build on that legacy through collaboration with residents.
Summarising his concerns about the country’s development trajectory, Nassief maintained that Dominica possesses considerable national wealth in its people and natural resources, but that too many citizens continue to face limited opportunities. He said the country must deliberately move away from dependency and towards an economy that creates sustainable livelihoods, encourages enterprise and allows its people to prosper.
