The Earth Charter

The Earth Charter and its Implementation within My Company

 

 

Prepared By: Nadia Pacquette Anselm

                      UCI – GSPM                                                                         

Company Background

The Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) is a statutory Organization responsible to the Ministry of Employment, Trade, Industry and Diaspora Affairs. The agency came into existence on July 1, 1986, by Act No. 14, Dominica Export Import Agency Act of 1986. DEXIA is responsible primarily for the importation of bulk rice and sugar and for facilitating exports of agricultural, agro-processed and manufactured products from the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Through its export facilitation activities, DEXIA provides assistance to both agricultural exporters and manufacturers, in order to increase the volume and value of exports. The Agency, therefore, seeks to provide training for its clients, resolving key problems affecting the sector in areas such as transportation, settling disputes, overcoming trade barriers, promoting Dominica products and services.

Since 1999 our company has achieved ISO 9001:2000 Standards Certification.  It shows that the Quality Management systems now in place at the Agency adhere to all components of the Standard. It further emphasizes that our customers can be reassured of DEXIA’s commitment to provide quality products and services consistently.

DEXIA will set the stage to ensure that Dominica products are positioned effectively in every sector of the markets thus increasing exports in both volume and value.  DEXIA will position Dominica products to take advantage of the existing opportunities, setting the example for Dominica exporters.

The principles of the Earth Charter are emulated in my organization in some form or the other and as highlighted in the company’s background above one can begin to appreciate the efforts of adhering to the principles of respect and care for the community of life, ecological integrity, social and economic justice and democracy. 

Let us take a closer look at the principles and a summary of DEXIA’s effort towards the Earth Charter:

1.      Respect and Care for the Community of Life

DEXIA’s principles are those that adhere to quality in all aspects of delivery.  From its constant renewal of IS0: 9001 certification for many years now, to the provision of basic commodities, rice and sugar to the general populace to the export of Dominican products (fresh produce and manufactured good). All these activities are those which are done on the basis of pride and consistency in delivery of service. 

Our company is the sole importer of bulk rice and sugar, a function which was mandated by the Government of Dominica with the mere aim to provide basic food commodities to all Dominicans at a controlled price, one which is affordable to all and one which is of high quality standards.  The mere fact that the imports of these commodities are controlled also reflects on the retail prices of which they can be sold to the public by retailers.  The product is basically sold at a subsidized price.  This speaks greatly to the care for the community of life with understanding, compassion and lives by ensuring access to these basic necessities of life.

The compliance with the ISO 9001 standards is a proud achievement of the organization and enables us to work hard towards continuous improvement in the delivery of quality products, services and management systems.  It is designed to enable DEXIA to meet the needs of its customers and other stakeholders while meeting statutory and regulatory requirements related to the product.  ISO 9000 series deals with the fundamentals of quality management. Procedures ad polices have to be in place and maintained in an effort to meet continuous certification.

2.      Ecological Integrity

DEXIA is keen on abiding with this principle by providing continuous support to Small Medium Sized companies (SME’s) and small scale farmers and exporters through conscious training in collaboration with other key agencies as well as other support services through trade show participation, exchange of information regarding market research and more.  We believe firmly in efficiency of cost of production and employ the delivery of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) all aimed at preserving the environment from the use of harmful chemicals, safeguarding the health and safety of human population, ensuring the efficient utilization of agricultural lands.   The patterns of production and standards that are adhered to are those that are internationally recognized, these standards are based on science and consensus.

3.      Social and Economic Justice

We aim to involve all persons in the farming community, agro-processing and more recently small craft producers in accessing market opportunities.  Our aim is to equip them with the necessary tools to provide high quality products consistently which can attract the right price.  Through our networks nationally, regionally and internationally, we have been able to link persons to the right resources.  A large aspect of our focus is on rural empowerment and poverty alleviation.  Equipping persons with the right tools can bring forth the required success and can quickly upgrade ones status from poor to sustainable growth and wealth distribution. Food security is a fundamental aspect of growth and is one which has been on the agenda of many international organizations linked to the United Nations.  Our involvement in fresh produce aims at producing safe, wholesome and nutritious food to the populace and the consistent thrive of making Dominica the food basket of the Caribbean.

4.      Democracy, Non-violence and peace

 
ISO 9001 certification allows for much needed documentation which gives room for transparency.  Again, our actions are legislated and enacted by government through the institution of an Act.  We ensure the involvement of a wide cross section of stakeholders in our decision making process.  By beOur ing a statutory board our actions are governed by a board which has a contingent of representatives from both the private and public sector, these of whom are chosen through a policy decision.The company has integrated continuous staff development through training not only on an academic level but through learning values, skills needed for a sustainable life, a mere recent example of one of these trainings is fire safety.