Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Jullan Defoe, has described the newly opened Ocean Oasis Hotel as the ‘Dominica Dream in Action’, saying that it is a story of determination, innovation, and national pride.
Defoe, who represented Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton, made the remarks while addressing the official opening of the 4-star hotel located in Castle Comfort on Friday.
The hotel, which was approved under the Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Programme, offers a total of 37 oceanfront rooms and one Presidential Suite, which the company boasts features panoramic views, contemporary design, and thoughtful service.
“Ocean Oasis stands today as a beacon of what’s possible when vision meets courage,” he said. “This, my friends, is the ‘Dominica Dream in Action’, a story of determination, innovation, and national pride, but it is not unique. Across Dominica, we see local entrepreneurs building villas, ecologies, and luxury retreats.”
According to him, Ocean Oasis is more than just a hotel. It is a symbol of confidence in Dominica’s tourism future and the limitless potential of the Dominican people.
Defoe noted that through strategic government investment and private sector partnership, tourism is opening doors for every Dominican, from tour operators to farmers, taxi drivers, artists, and craft makers, to buyers, farmers, and fisherfolk.
“Let us be clear, every new room built, every visitor welcomed, every service offered creates jobs, generates income and fuels our economy,” he asserted. “Tourism today contributes nearly 40 percent of Dominica’s GDP [Gross Domestic Product] directly and indirectly supporting thousands of families,” Defoe revealed. “So that is, in local terms, 40 cents on every dollar is being generated by the tourism sector.”
He said further that with Ocean Oasis news rooms, “we are not just adding beds, we are expanding opportunities. But hear me well, we need 5,000. Again, hence why I said there are more areas with attractions, because we are now still a little distance away from that 5,000.”
Defoe explained that more rooms across the island will match the growth that is coming.
“Because when our international airport opens in 2027, which it will, Dominica will be connected to the world like never before. And every traveler must have a place to stay, a story to tell, and a reason to return,” he emphasized.
He continued, “Dominica is setting new records. And we all have heard about it, seen it on social media, and in the news. We are receiving international accolades as one of the world’s top nature destinations and the Caribbean, fastest-growing eco luxury destination.”
He believes that the addition of the Ocean Oasis elevates Dominica’s brand and brings sophistication to the sovereign coast and signals that Dominica is open for high-value, world-class tourism.
“This is real progress. The kind that we can see, touch, and celebrate,” Defoe said. “To the proud Dominicans employed at Ocean Oasis. You are not just offering a service, you are ambassadors to our country. Each and every smile you share, each problem you solve, each hand you shake, speaks volumes about who we are as a people.”
He went on to add that, “When guests arrive, they must come for our waterfalls, our hot springs, our lush forests. But what they remember most is how we made them feel. The warmth, the authenticity, the genuine service that is our secret ingredient, our trump card.”
Defoe said service is power, pride, and the gift to every visitor and employer alike.
“So let’s distinguish the natural island experience not only by our natural wonders, but by our human warmth and professionalism,” Defoe encouraged. “I remember when this project first began, the hard work, the faith, the determination. And today Ocean Oasis stands tall, a symbol of what partnership, policy and perseverance can achieve.”
The minister also expressed confidence that by 2026 and beyond, Dominicans will witness even more openings, investment, and success stories led by Dominicans at home and abroad.
