Dominica News Online – Friday, November 7th, 2025
A significant new milestone for women in Caribbean commerce was achieved yesterday, November 6, 2025, in Dominica as the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in partnership with Global Affairs Canada (GAC), introduced GRIT – Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade at Barana Aute in the Kalinago Territory.
The initiative seeks to reshape the regional economic landscape by supporting women-led businesses in overcoming trade barriers, expanding their influence, and maintaining growth through a focus on green transition, digital innovation, and broader market access, said a release by Caribbean Export.
The launch event gathered officials from the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Government of Canada, the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA), and women entrepreneurs from throughout the island—all united by a common goal of promoting women’s economic empowerment and inclusive development.
“Initiatives like GRIT are not only about empowering women, but they are also about shaping the future of Caribbean trade. A future where our businesses, particularly MSMEs, are positioned to navigate global complexities and seize opportunities in diversified markets,” stated Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export.
Representing Canada, High Commissioner Brenda Wills of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean reaffirmed Canada’s dedication to fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in the region, emphasizing: “Trade can be a powerful catalyst for inclusive growth”.
She continued: “Canada strongly supports inclusive trade—where the benefits of economic opportunity are shared equitably among youth, Indigenous peoples, and women. We believe this is essential for building resilience and sustainability.”
The release said that in her opening remarks, Chief Anette Thomas Sanford of the Kalinago Territory highlighted the critical role of empowering indigenous and female entrepreneurs in driving local economic development.
Furthermore, Paula Platsko, General Manager of DEXIA, stressed the importance of collaboration in enhancing trade prospects for women across Dominica and the wider Caribbean.
Wayne Elliott, Manager of Technical Programmes at Caribbean Export, provided insights into the GRIT project, explaining how it aids women-owned businesses through technical support, market intelligence, and trade facilitation. With a CAD $3.16 million contribution from the Canadian government, GRIT is a four-year program designed to increase women’s participation in export markets—especially to Canada—by offering resources, training, and business linkages across Dominica, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Hon. Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, delivered the keynote speech, underscoring the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs for resilient and sustainable development in Dominica.
“The story of Dominica’s progress cannot be told without honoring the women of the Kalinago Territory — the first women of this land, whose resilience, skill, and wisdom have quietly shaped the nation’s character and development for centuries,” he said.
Following the keynote, a Fireside Chat featured Dominican women entrepreneurs Lana Athanaze, CEO of Éclat Nova Luxuries, and Natasha Green of Tilou Kanawa Restaurant & Artisan Brand. The discussion highlighted the challenges, creativity, and resilience of women leading businesses in the creative sector.
Caribbean Export expressed that GRIT’s launch represents another step forward in Dominica’s pursuit of inclusive and sustainable trade. Through the collaboration of Caribbean Export, GAC, and national trade agencies such as DEXIA, this initiative aims to create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs—transforming ambition into reality and potential into tangible progress.
Source: Dominica News Online