AGP Executive Report

Murder Case Update: Two Dominica police officers have been charged in the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, with Joshua Hamlet remanded until October 2 after being charged with murder; police say the investigation is ongoing and includes an alleged attempt to hide the death using fake social media accounts. National Security & Justice: Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says Dominica is receiving international support to strengthen law enforcement, including an integrated ballistic identification system now operational, US training for firearms tracing and background checks, and planned forensic training in Trinidad and Tobago. Elections & Public Participation: The Dominica Business Forum is urging wider public attention to the voter confirmation process ahead of the October 15 deadline, noting only about 27% of the electoral register has been confirmed so far and calling for a public discussion on September 15. Infrastructure & Development: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says his administration has invested about $2.3 billion in infrastructure over five years, as Roseau North by-election campaigning continues. Regional Trade Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC have wrapped up an initiative to improve evidence-based services trade policymaking across the OECS, using TiSSTAT to close data gaps. Culture & Community: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival announces its 2026 lineup and dates (Oct 23–25), while the Dominica Calypso Association holds its AGM Aug 22. Weather: Meteorologists report fair conditions with Saharan dust and monitor a tropical wave expected to bring showers to the southern Lesser Antilles starting Monday.

Murder Case in Court: Police officer Joshua Hamlet was remanded to prison until October 2 after being charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, the second CDPF officer facing murder charges in the case. Regional Policy for Growth: OECS says it has wrapped up an evidence-based trade in services policy initiative with UN partners, using improved services statistics to help member states compete and diversify. Airport Upgrade: Work on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal continues, with crews advancing steelwork, masonry, roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing and lightning protection. Festival Line-Up: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park, featuring major regional and international acts including Machel Montano, Tabou Combo, Skillibeng, Alkaline, Uncle Waffles and Ne-Yo. Community Support: Dominica Lions Club received a donation from New York Lions and distributed diapers, wipes, gloves and food supplies to vulnerable families and care facilities. Education & Exams: The Ministry of Education says preliminary CXC results will be released online Tuesday, Aug 18 at 12:00 p.m. Atlantic. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to affect the southern Lesser Antilles from Monday, with showers possible and seas roughening.

Airport Build-Out: Construction on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal is continuing, with crews working across steelwork, masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing and fireproofing as the island moves toward a modern air travel gateway. Festival & Tourism: The World Creole Music Festival returns to Roseau from October 23–25, 2026, with a lineup featuring Machel Montano, Tabou Combo, Skillibeng, Alkaline, Uncle Waffles and Ne-Yo, and officials say the event will boost hotels, vendors and transport. Education: Soufriere families celebrate the handover of the Dominique Marchand Pre-School to the Ministry of Education, ending years of temporary schooling after Hurricane Maria. Public Safety & Community: Circle of Friends is calling for a stronger, coordinated child protection network after the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, urging better risk prevention and safer reporting. Weather Watch: Dominica’s Met Office says a high-pressure system brings drier conditions and Saharan dust, while a tropical wave is expected to affect the southern Lesser Antilles from Monday. Governance & Accountability: Watersports operators are pushing for clearer, more transparent rules and licensing ahead of the 2026/2027 season, including guidance around the Sperm Whale Reserve framework. Crime & Law: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says investigations into illegal firearms smuggling are progressing, with tracing linked to Orlando, Florida.

Caribbean Culture & Film: CSIFF26 has unveiled its 2026 official selection: 47 films from 14 countries, including Dominica, will screen in New York City Oct 9–11, with screenings, industry talks and professional development. Sports: Dominica’s volleyball community gets a boost as the ECVA Championships in Tortola deliver medal drama—Bermuda’s women won gold, while the ECVA tournament also saw teams advance to medal matches. Regional Policy for Children: The OECS launched its Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, aiming for a whole-of-the-child approach across the sub-region. Weather & Safety: Dominica’s meteorology office says fair conditions with Saharan dust are expected, but a tropical wave is set to affect the southern Lesser Antilles from Monday, bringing showers and rough seas—small craft advisories remain in play. Local Governance & Law: Police Chief Lincoln Corbette says Dominica doesn’t need an Amber Alert system, citing existing missing-person notification channels. Education: The Ministry of Education says preliminary CXC 2026 results will be released online Aug 18 at 12:00 p.m. AST.

Diplomacy & Regional Presence: Panama has appointed Ernesto Méndez Chiari as its new ambassador to Guyana, with plans to open a physical embassy in Georgetown this year—an effort to deepen Caribbean ties. Weather Watch: Dominica’s Meteorological Office says high pressure will bring drier conditions today, but a tropical wave is expected to start affecting the southern Lesser Antilles on Monday, with showers and rougher seas possible. Public Safety: Police Chief Lincoln Corbette says Dominica does not need an Amber Alert system, pointing to existing missing-person notification channels. Child Protection & Law: Minister Rayburn Blackmore says Dominica has strengthened family legislation covering child protection, domestic violence, maintenance and support for vulnerable families. Education: The Ministry of Education says preliminary CXC 2026 results go online Tuesday, August 18 at 12:00 p.m. Atlantic. Sports: Volleyball at the ECVA Championships in Tortola: Bermuda’s women advanced to gold, while Dominica is set for key matches after ECVA results. Crime & Justice: The Jerbiah Paul murder investigation will get specialist help from a Canadian forensic pathologist expected early next week.

OECS Child Protection: The OECS, with UNICEF support, has unveiled its Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, built on a whole-of-the-child approach and aimed at making sure every child across the sub-region is safe, supported and empowered by 2032. CCJ Fallout: Caribbean Court of Justice President Winston Anderson has rejected “panel fixing” claims and says the allegations are false, as the court’s leadership crisis continues to ripple across the region. Missing Child Clarified: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore addressed public comparisons in the Kernisha Etienne disappearance case, stressing the investigation remains open. Family Law Reforms: Minister Blackmore also highlighted new family legislation passed in 2023 covering child protection, domestic violence, child maintenance and support for vulnerable families. CXC Results Reminder: Dominica’s education ministry says preliminary CXC 2026 results will be released online on August 18 at 12:00 p.m. AST. Weather Watch: Dominica is bracing for stronger winds, rough seas and heavy rain as a tropical wave approaches, with farmers, fishers and the public urged to secure property and avoid going to sea. Crime Update: A Canadian forensic pathologist is expected to assist in the Jerbiah Paul murder investigation, and a police officer has been charged with murder.

Crime & Justice: Dominica’s police investigation into the disappearance of 8-year-old Kernisha Etienne remains open, National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore said, while also addressing comparisons being made to the Jerbia Paul case. Murder Charge: A serving police officer, Jean-Luc Langlais, has been charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbia Paul after human remains were found in Capuchin; the case is now before the courts and the Government says it is securing specialist forensic support. Public Safety & Weather: The Met Service and Agriculture Ministry are urging farmers, fishers, and the public to prepare for deteriorating conditions from strong winds, rough seas, and an approaching tropical wave, with warnings to secure property and avoid going to sea. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Work has started on the Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation in Portsmouth, with a temporary bypass to keep traffic moving while crews clear land and rebuild. Education: The Ministry of Education says preliminary CXC 2026 results will be released online on August 18 at 12:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time. Tourism & Marine Protection: Dominica’s watersports sector is pushing for clearer, more transparent rules ahead of the 2026/2027 season, including how the Sperm Whale Reserve framework is implemented. Regional Policy: OECS and UNICEF have unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 aimed at protecting and empowering children across the Eastern Caribbean.

CBI Questions at Secret Bay: Netizens are pressing Secret Bay proprietor Gregor Nassief for answers on alleged CBI links, land and lease terms, and claims about staff conduct, as the debate grows online. CCJ Integrity: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson rejects “panel fixing” allegations, saying claims of improper influence are “wholly untrue” amid wider regional court tensions. Murder Case in Dominica: Police charged serving officer Jean-Luc Langlais with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul; a Canadian forensic pathologist is set to assist, while officials stress the investigation is ongoing. Police Well-being Plan: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says Dominica Police will add specialist support for officers’ mental and professional well-being. Weather & Safety: The Met Service warns of stronger winds, rough seas, and Saharan dust, while farmers and fishers are urged to secure equipment and protect crops and livestock ahead of a tropical disturbance. Power Disruptions: DOMLEC reports a second islandwide outage tied to total loss at a generating plant, with service restored by 7:25 AM. Infrastructure Works: Crews begin Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation with a temporary bypass, and DOWASCO announces Kennedy Avenue excavation for a sewer connection. Regional Child Resilience: OECS and New Zealand-backed work concludes to strengthen disaster-resilient schools in indigenous communities, including Atkinson Primary. Agrifood Financing: FAO will host a regional dialogue on innovative financing for agrifood systems, with CARICOM representation.

ECVA Volleyball: Team LCA kept the momentum rolling in Tortola, winning 3–1 in both the men’s and women’s divisions, with the women beating Dominica 3–1. Power Reliability: DOMLEC reported a second islandwide outage of the day after an earlier early-morning disruption, saying service was restored by 7:25 AM following total loss at a generating plant. Murder Investigation: A Canadian forensic pathologist is set to arrive to support the Jerbiah Paul case, as police move forward after charging serving officer Jean-Luc Langlais with the murder of the 16-year-old. Police Well-being: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says a specialised police unit is planned to monitor and support officers’ social and professional well-being. Weather Alert: The Met Service warns of stronger winds, rough seas and Saharan dust as a tropical wave approaches, with mariners urged to prepare for reduced visibility. Infrastructure Works: Rehabilitation of Pointe Ronde Bridge is underway with a temporary bypass being set up to keep traffic moving. Agrifood Finance: FAO will host a regional dialogue on innovative financing for agrifood systems in Santiago on Aug 18–19. Local Notices: DOWASCO issued updates on a backhoe tender and excavation work on Kennedy Avenue with road diversions on Aug 16.

Murder Case in Dominica: Police have charged former officer Jean-Luc Langlais with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul after her decomposing body was found in the Capuchin area; Langlais, now dismissed from the force, was remanded to prison as investigators continue, with officials stressing the need to protect girls and young women. Courtroom Update: A special prosecutor says an international investigation helped secure convictions of two American men for the 2023 murders of Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and partner Dominique Marchand, with sentencing expected in September. Elections & Voting Rules: The Electoral Office clarified voter ID requirements for the Sept. 7 Roseau North by-election, saying voters without the card can still vote using approved alternative ID. Local Development & Resilience: OECS reports Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory received drainage upgrades, hurricane-protection doors, and emergency power/communications under a climate-resilient schools project. Business & Credit: NCCU is tightening loan repayment management, including upgraded collections tech and steps that could lead to naming persistent loan defaulters after contact efforts fail. Tourism & Travel: Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad for a destination sales mission, promoting events like the World Creole Music Festival and Carnival.

Murder Case Update: Police say 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul of Portsmouth was murdered and a serving officer, Jean Luc-Rudy Langlais (formerly with the CDPF), has been charged; he was dismissed from the force and remanded as investigators continue, with international support including the FBI and US Embassy. Courtroom Evidence: A special prosecutor says an international probe helped secure convictions of two American men in the murders of Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and partner Dominique Marchand, citing dozens of witnesses plus ballistics, DNA and phone records, with sentencing expected in September. Elections & Voting Rules: The Electoral Office clarified that during the Roseau North by-election confirmation period (Sept 7), voters without the new Voter ID card can still vote using approved alternative ID plus a birth certificate; separate guidance also expands who can be eligible while confirmation is ongoing. Local Economy & Finance: NCCU is rolling out new loan-management steps to improve repayment, including upgraded collections tech and a plan to name persistent defaulters only after contact efforts fail. Climate Resilience in Schools: Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory received drainage works, hurricane-ready doors, and emergency power and communications under an OECS climate resilience project. Agriculture: A Giraudel farmer has harvested over 250 pounds of seasoning pepper under the Ministry’s Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme. Tourism & Culture: Dominica marks the 10th anniversary of the Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete in Grand Bay, while the Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad for its destination sales mission.

Roseau North By-Election Prep: The Electoral Office says voters won’t be turned away just because they lack the new Voter ID card during the confirmation period for the Sept. 7, 2026 by-election; if you don’t have the card, you can use approved alternative ID at the polling station. Election Rules Expanded: Amendments also broaden who can vote while confirmation is ongoing, allowing properly registered electors up to the day the writ was issued to participate if they meet other legal requirements. Weather Watch: NEMA is monitoring Invest 92L in the mid-Atlantic, warning conditions could become favorable for development toward the Eastern Caribbean by this weekend, though there’s no watch or warning yet. Tourism & Cricket: The DDA heads to Trinidad for its Aug. 12–18 destination sales mission, while Flow launches a Caribbean-wide CPL campaign, “We Live For This.” Youth & Community: International Youth Day events in New York highlighted youth-led AI standards, and Dominica’s REACH project continues adolescent health webinars across the region. CBI Under Fire: Businessman Gregor Nassief renews calls for a commission of inquiry into Dominica’s CBI program, alleging widespread illegal discounting.

Roseau North By-Election: The Electoral Office says voters won’t be turned away just because they lack the new Voter ID card during confirmation. If you don’t have the card, you can still vote with approved ID at the polling station, including a Dominica passport, or a driver’s licence or Social Security card plus an official birth certificate. Election Rules Update: New amendments expand who can vote during the confirmation period, allowing people properly registered up to the day the writ was issued to participate if they’re on the relevant voters list. Storm Watch: NEMA is monitoring Invest 92L in the mid-Atlantic, warning conditions could support development toward the Eastern Caribbean by this weekend, though no watches or warnings are in effect yet. Tourism Push: The Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad for its annual destination sales mission, with direct flights from Trinidad to Dominica set to begin Oct. 5 and promotions tied to major events like the World Creole Music Festival. Youth & Health: International Youth Day coverage highlights the REACH project’s adolescent health webinars and support across Dominica and other OECS states. Visa Policy: The U.S. makes its visa bond program permanent, listing Dominica among four Caribbean countries affected. Sports Spotlight: Team Dominica makes history with its first-ever World Athletics U20 medal, as Addison James wins bronze in the javelin.

Tourism Push: The Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad and Tobago for its annual destination sales mission (Aug 12–18), with mall activations, media interviews and B2B meetings, and it’s also promoting the World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25) and Carnival (Feb 8–9), ahead of new direct flights from Trinidad on Oct 5. Sports Breakthrough: Team Dominica made history at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, winning the island’s first-ever world U20 medal as Addison James took bronze in the javelin, while Kerelle Etienne reached the women’s 100m semi-finals. Education Support: NCCU awarded scholarships to 19 secondary school students, offering help with books, uniforms, transport and exam costs. Cricket & Community: Dominica Cricket Association president Clement Marcelin thanked corporate partners after the Windward Islands Super 50 win, highlighting ongoing sponsorship as key to player development. Politics & Services: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor renewed calls for better waste collection and workforce training, pointing to garbage delays in Salisbury. CBI Pressure: Businessman Gregor Nassief is pushing for a formal inquiry into Dominica’s Citizenship-by-Investment programme, alleging widespread illegal discounting and revenue harm. Creative Sector Plan: PM Skerrit says a dedicated minister will oversee Dominica’s creative industry under a new agency. Local Notices: DOWASCO will close its Roseau office Wednesday Aug 12.

World Athletics U20: Team Dominica won its first-ever World Athletics U20 medal in Eugene, Oregon—Addison James took bronze in the javelin, while Kerelle Etienne reached the women’s 100m semi-finals. Education & Youth: NCCU awarded scholarships to 19 secondary school students in Roseau, supporting textbooks, uniforms, transport and exam costs. Indigenous Peoples Day: Minister Cozier Frederick marked UN International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, spotlighting Kalinago resilience and honouring Indigenous midwives. Tourism: Tourism Minister Denise-Charles-Pemberton reported an 18% jump in visitor arrivals to 527,728, with stayover and cruise numbers rising. Creative Economy: PM Skerrit says a dedicated minister will oversee Dominica’s creative industry under a new creative economy development agency. CBI Scrutiny: Businessman Gregor Nassief renewed calls for a formal inquiry into Dominica’s CBI, alleging widespread illegal discounting and revenue loss. Politics: Roseau North’s by-election is set for September 7, with nomination day on August 21. Public Safety: Police confirmed one person is in custody in the Jerbia Paul missing-person investigation. Weather Watch: Forecasters are monitoring a tropical wave that could develop into Storm Cristobal later this week.

Roseau North By-Election: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has set Dominica’s Roseau North by-election for September 7, with nomination day on August 21, following the resignation of Miriam Blanchard. CBI Pressure and Politics: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor says Citizenship by Investment revenue is falling, warning it could hit funding for schools, hospitals, roads and water systems, while also pushing for a stronger, less dependency-driven economy. CBI Dispute Clarification: Businessman Gregor Nassief says a leaked letter has been misunderstood, arguing CBI helped Secret Bay but alleging certain practices are now harming the programme. Mental Health Demand: Dominica recorded 398 acute psychiatric admissions between May 2023 and May 2024, with experts pointing to limited specialist staff and calls for expanded community support. Public Service Notice: DOWASCO will close its Roseau office from 12.00 pm Wednesday August 12, reopening Thursday August 13. Digital Change: Flow Dominica will retire the legacy cwdom.dm email service, stopping sending August 31, ending incoming emails September 15, and fully decommissioning September 30. Creative Sector: PM Skerrit says a minister will be appointed specifically to oversee Dominica’s creative industry. Sports and Culture: Ne-Yo is confirmed for the 2026 World Creole Music Festival in Dominica, and Senator Oscar George backs the National Population Renewal initiative as a way to strengthen national sports teams.