Dominica Second COVID-19 Response and Recovery DPC

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The development objectives of the Second COVID-19 Response and Recovery Programmatic Development Policy Credit in Dominica supports: (i) saving lives, protecting livelihoods and preserving jobs; and (ii) strengthening fiscal policies, public financial management and debt transparency for a climate resilient recovery. Pillar 1, saving lives, protecting livelihoods and preserving jobs, supports better targeting of social transfers, including the direct COVID-19 response. The operation supports implementation of recommendations derived from a review of social safety programs, including approval and implementation of a Social and Beneficiary Registry and Management Information System for Social Programs, a digital registration process, a payment reconciliation mechanism, and a new intake instrument for the Public Assistance Program. Pillar 2, strengthening fiscal policies, public financial management and debt transparency for a climate resilient recovery, builds on measures to support fiscal reforms to strengthen the fiscal framework, help steer investment focused on building resilience to natural disasters, prioritize expenditure efficiency measures, strengthen the fiscal position, improve tax administration, and broaden the tax base. The operation directly supports: (i) approval of a Fiscal Responsibility Act; (ii) approval of guidelines for the operation and management of the Vulnerability Risk and Resilience Fund; (iii) approval of an order requiring the preparation and public disclosure of Debt Portfolio Reviews on an annual basis; (iv) a Revised Public Sector Investment Programme Allocation Methodology and Enhanced Public Sector Performance Management Framework; (v) approval of the Public Procurement Act and adoption of the required regulatory framework under the legislation; and (vi) the approval of a new National Energy Policy and Energy Management Guidelines. This pillar has been amended to: (i) further enhance focus on climate resilience; and (ii) reflect lessons learned from the implementation of similar reforms in other small island developing states.