Dominica - 64.02
61
Caribbean mediocrity at its finest
Dominica is distinctly not unique among similar small Caribbean nations. It is notably unambitious, unassuming, and altogether not particularly interesting from a political standpoint. Dominica faces issues of low competency and prevalent petty corruption, as well as a largely democratic government and high freedom. Archaic and unenforced laws remain on the books. Little sets Dominica apart from other similar small Caribbean island nations besides the fact that it is poor. While Grenada only outscores it by one point, Dominica has the weakest economy of any small Caribbean island nation. While Dominica is certainly a nation that faces problems, it can rest easy knowing that other countries face similar ones as well.
Human Rights - 60
Dominica has functionally abolished the death penalty - carrying out its last execution in 1986. Dominica has failed to replace colonial-era laws allowing for public executions. Dominica’s court system is severely understaffed - detainees are often held in pretrial detention for months or years on end. However, the country’s only prison has been renovated and now sees good conditions, especially by Caribbean standards. Dominica has unenforced laws making defamation, libel, slander, and other similar offenses punishable by jail time. Homosexuality is illegal but this statute is not enforced. Abortion is legal to save a woman’s life.
Democracy - 82
The largely ceremonial president is chosen by the outgoing prime minister and opposition leader, the new president then chooses the new prime minister and opposition leader. Twenty-one members of the unicameral parliament are directly elected, five are appointed by the prime minister, and four are appointed by the leader of the opposition. Electoral laws favor large parties, which has created an effective two-party system. LGBT Dominicans are disenfranchised.
Freedom - 86
The government has unenforced laws making defamation, slander, libel, and other similar offenses punishable by jail time. The government frequently charges opposition figures if rallies become violent. Organizers of the United Workers Party were charged with “incitement to unrest” after a rally became violent. Small amounts of cannabis are legal for recreational use. All other drugs, including larger amounts of cannabis, remain illegal. Dominican gun laws are ambiguous but there are few guns in Dominica.
Economy - 33
Health - 66
Dominica has a life expectancy of 77 years and an infant mortality rate of 3.09%. 27.9% of Dominicans are obese and 3% are malnourished. Dominica’s universal healthcare system is relatively strong. 95% of Dominicans have access to clean, running water.
Corruption - 46
Dominican citizenship can be effectively purchased through its citizenship by investment program. Furthermore, Dominican authorities did not adequately vet applicants and let in convicted criminals from countries with which Dominica maintains an extradition treaty.
Competency - 54
Dominica is failing to repeal or use unenforced laws. Corruption remains high. The government is failing to control the economy, as Dominica has the weakest economy among small Caribbean island nations.
Future - 50
Dominica’s already fragile economy took a major hit during COVID, and it remains unclear when it will recover. The potential establishment of a tax haven could be a boost for the Dominican economy.
Actions Abroad - 90
Dominica is currently working to establish a tax haven. Dominica has not had an expeditionary military force since the 1970s. Dominica is a full member of OECS and has participated in joint economic development with OECS. Dominica maintains relatively close relations with Venezuela.
10.4% of Dominicans live below the international poverty line and 39% live below the national poverty line. 23% of Dominicans are unemployed. Dominica has a very high economic disparity, even by Caribbean standards. Dominica has a minimum wage of $2.68 per hour for adult workers. Employers are only obligated to pay minors and trainees $1.70 per hour. Dominica has a relatively strong universal healthcare system, boasting seven hospitals for a population of only 72,000. Dominica’s economy shrunk 16.7% in 2020 and grew 3.5% in 2019.