The judiciary is independent. The Dominica Police is the only security force. It is controlled by and responsive to the democratically elected Government. Dominica's primarily agrarian economy depends on earnings from banana exports. The Government is also developing the tourist industry, diversifying agricultural production, and promoting the export of fresh fruits, vegetables, and coconut products, both within and outside the region.
Human rights are generally well respected.
The principal human rights problems are occasional instances of use of excessive force by police, poor prison conditions, societal violence against women and children, instances of discrimination against indigenous Carib Indians, and societal discrimination against female Caribs in mixed marriages. There were no reports of political or other extrajudicial killings. There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances. The Constitution prohibits such practices. There were again allegations of occasional use of excessive force by the police.