Primed for Success Volume 3

Re-Engineering Growth And Export Success Dominica, with its natural landscapes, is often referred to as the diver’s dream and hiker’s paradise. But with its sparkling waterfalls, rushing streams, and rain-kissed canopies, this nature island is also fast becoming known for its unique infrastructural designs thanks to one of region’s incipient engineering and construction development consultants. Nelson Pierre, a Dominican born civil and structural engineer started his company ABACUS Inc. in 2005. With five employees, the professional corporation provides a wide range of structural and architectural engineering and related support services throughout the Caribbean to its clients in the planning, design and construction management of public and private sector facilities. The firm’s professional services include the provision of facility assessment, site data collection and investigations, land and hydrographic surveys, civil and structural engineering and construction support services. “We began with an office in the United States, but then moved to Dominica because I wanted to contribute more substantially to the regional development.” Nelson shared. “I believe we have a lot of opportunities in the Caribbean that are untapped and I think now is the time to capitalise on them.” Naturally, most of the company’s clients are based in Dominica. However, there are plans to expand his clientele and eventually the firm’s base of operations to other countries. Nelson has also consulted on large- scale projects throughout the Caribbean like Trinidad and Tobago. “Right now, our major competitors are large European and Canadian multinational consultant firms. Being based in Dominica, our reach can only go so far, so the aim is expand to other Caribbean countries, and perhaps even the EU.” Nelson admits that one challenge he faces is the fact that the construction and engineering industry in Dominica can be weak and inconsistent at times, as is symbolic of many small economies.

Primed for Success / Vol. 3 / 2014-2015

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