AGP Executive Report

Air Links: Caribbean Airlines will resume Trinidad–Caracas passenger flights from Oct. 31 and add a weekly Tobago–Toronto non-stop service starting Oct. 25, boosting regional and winter tourism travel. Citizenship-by-Investment Watch: The EU has ordered Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia to end citizenship-by-investment by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access—raising fresh uncertainty for Nigerians who used the route. Education & Community: Prime Minister Skerrit thanked Dominica’s teachers for Teacher Appreciation Day, while Wesley High School marks 100 years of educating young women this October. Culture & Tourism: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl—Tout Biten Domnik runs Oct. 19–22 and will feature a new dedicated wellness space highlighting local practitioners and products. Regional Mobility & Work: Belize reports 193 CARICOM nationals gained status under the free movement policy in its first year, with most entering for short-term purposes. Public Safety: Dominica plans a national missing person alert system on Oct. 5 with separate alerts for children, vulnerable people, other adults, and police-officer incidents. Climate & Youth: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won a regional youth climate short story contest for “Weathering Us.”

Immigration & Sports: Golden Jaguars forward Neron Barrow is expected to pursue legal action after being denied entry into Puerto Rico while on national duty, with Guyana’s football federation saying it must follow foreign immigration rules while acknowledging his “distressing” detention. Public Safety: Dominica will launch a national missing person alert system on October 5, with separate alerts for children, vulnerable adults, other missing adults, and police-related incidents. Citizenship by Investment: The EU has told Eastern Caribbean states to stop selling golden passports by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access for citizens. Climate & Youth: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won first place in the CARICOM Youth Short Story Competition on climate resilience, while the region’s digital health push moves forward under a CARICOM strategy backed by PAHO, the IDB and the World Bank. Women & Clean Energy: Women-led businesses in Dominica are eligible for a new US$550,000 clean energy support facility running 2026–2028. Culture & Tourism: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl-‘Tout Biten Domnik returns October 19–22 at the Dominica Botanic Gardens, and Dominica is also recognized in multiple categories in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards.

Missing Persons: Dominica will roll out a national missing person alert system on October 5, with separate alerts for missing children, vulnerable people, other missing adults, and incidents involving police officers, so the public and media can join searches quickly. Clean Energy for Women: A new US$550,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility will support women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region to develop and commercialise clean energy solutions from 2026 to 2028. Climate Story Wins: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won first place in the 2026 CCCCC Youth Short Story Competition for “Weathering Us,” while Trinidad and Tobago’s Priya Ramdeo placed second for “Mas For The Living Sea.” Creole Culture Weekend: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl-‘Tout Biten Domnik is set for October 19–22 at the Dominica Botanic Gardens, featuring Creole food, music, performances, crafts and local products ahead of the World Creole Music Festival. Education Inclusion: Dominica’s ECAAM and St. Maarten’s SKOS Catholic Education Foundation launched Project INSPIRE, a two-year pilot to improve support for students with special educational needs. Tourism & Diving: Dominica earned 11 recognitions in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting marine health, wall diving, underwater photography and snorkeling. Regional Health Tech: CARICOM is advancing a regional digital health strategy with support from PAHO, the IDB and the World Bank. Vital Records Update: Dominica’s Civil Registry says it can resume normal processing after receiving new security paper for birth, marriage and death certificates.

Education & Inclusion: Dominica’s ECAAM and St. Maarten’s SKOS Catholic Education Foundation launched the two-year Project INSPIRE to help teachers support students with special educational needs, with training for educators and school managers plus workshops for parents. Agriculture & Labour: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green called for a regional framework to move farmworkers across the Caribbean, pointing to Dominica’s existing migrant-worker setup that has brought in about 200 workers for roughly 80 farmers and boosted productivity. Health Policy: CARICOM health ministers moved to advance a regional digital health strategy, backed by PAHO, the IDB and the World Bank, aiming to strengthen care delivery, workforce management and public health systems. Tourism & Jobs: An ILO study on Eastern Caribbean tourism says informality is limiting decent work and small-business growth, urging practical steps to improve conditions while helping operators formalize. Local Services: Dominica’s civil registry says it can resume normal processing of birth, marriage and death certificates after receiving new security paper, with officials noting delays had slowed requests. Community & Culture: Dominica’s Mas Domnik 2027 calendar is out, with the season running Jan 9–Feb 10 and major events including Bouyon Day and Calypso Monarch. International Spotlight: Dominica earned 11 recognitions in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting its marine sites and underwater experiences.

Education & Finance: The Caribbean Association of Banks and The University of the West Indies launched the CAB–UWI Scholarship Programme 2026, offering part-time BSc support for eligible banking professionals across CAB member institutions, with the next intake set for January 2027. Health Policy: CARICOM health ministers advanced a regional digital health strategy with support from PAHO, IDB and the World Bank, aiming to strengthen healthcare delivery, surveillance and workforce planning across Member States. Tourism & Jobs: A new ILO study says Eastern Caribbean tourism drives major GDP and employment, but informality and weak labour protections limit decent work and formal business growth—Dominica is included in the findings. Dominica Tourism Spotlight: Dominica earned 11 recognitions in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting marine health, wall diving, value and underwater photography. Food Security Plan: Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson is pushing a “One Country, One Product” model to boost Caribbean food security through regional specialization and trade. Community & Culture: Dominica’s Mas Domnik 2027 calendar is out, with the season running January 9 to February 10, 2027.

Caribbean Politics & Regional Solidarity: Dominica was among countries that walked out of the UN General Assembly during Netanyahu’s speech, joining a wider Latin American and Caribbean protest over the Gaza war. Local Governance: Dominica’s Civil Registry says it can resume normal processing of birth, marriage and death certificates after receiving new security paper, with officials urging applicants to collect pending documents and submit new requests as usual. Agriculture & Food Security: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John won CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026 at the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica. Tourism & Jobs: A new ILO study flags informality and weak labour protections across Eastern Caribbean tourism, urging countries to improve working conditions and help small businesses move into the formal economy. Health: Dominica China Friendship Hospital carried out four permanent pacemaker implantations, meaning more patients can get treatment at home. Sports & Community: DABA announced a Women’s Basketball League launch with a 3×3 “Ladies Night” on Nov 7, while Mas Domnik 2027 dates were released (Jan 9–Feb 10). Culture: The Caribbean mourns calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91.

All-Inclusive, Island-Included: Fort Young Hotel in Roseau is marketing a new “All-Inclusive, Island-Included” concept that keeps guests based in the capital while bundling rainforest hikes, waterfalls, snorkeling and hot springs into the stay. Civil Registry Update: Dominica’s Civil Registry says it can return to normal processing for birth, marriage and death certificates after a shipment of security paper, with officials urging applicants to collect certificates and submit new requests as usual. Regional Agriculture Win: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John received the CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026 award in Jamaica, with the Agriculture Ministry citing his role in strengthening food security and sustainable farming. Tourism Jobs Push: An ILO study warns that Eastern Caribbean tourism’s big economic role is held back by informality, weak labour protections and limited support for small businesses—Dominica is named among the countries examined. Women’s Basketball: DABA will launch a Women’s Basketball League with a 3×3 “Ladies Night” tournament on November 7 at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex. Healthcare Milestone: Dominica Hospitals Authority reports four permanent pacemaker implantations at DCFH, bringing more complex heart care to patients at home. Mas Domnik 2027: The Discover Dominica Authority has released the Mas Domnik 2027 calendar, with Carnival running January 9 to February 10.

UN Walkout: Suriname’s full delegation joined dozens of countries in walking out as Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the UN General Assembly, with Dominica among the Caribbean states reported to have exited the chamber in protest over Gaza. Regional Trade & Jobs: OECS trade in services practitioners—including Dominica participants—received EU-funded specialised training to strengthen negotiating capacity, while an ILO study warns Eastern Caribbean tourism informality and weak labour protections are holding back decent work and small business growth. Tourism Skills Push: Dominica also rolled out new destination training for travel advisors, aiming to help the trade better sell the island. Health Upgrade: Dominica China Friendship Hospital completed four permanent pacemaker implantations, bringing a key procedure in-country for the first time. Road Safety After Landslide: PM Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide area and outlined stabilisation steps plus improvements to the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Crime Update: Police are investigating a Pointe Michel shooting that left a 37-year-old St Lucian man with multiple gunshot wounds. Culture: PM Skerrit mourned calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91.

Tourism Jobs & Formalization: A new ILO study says Eastern Caribbean tourism—nearly 40% of GDP on average—can’t deliver decent work while informality, weak labour protection, skills gaps, and limited access to finance persist, urging countries like Dominica to improve productivity and working conditions alongside gradual moves into the formal economy. Public Safety in Agriculture: On Pesticide Awareness Day, Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry urged safer handling of highly hazardous pesticides and pushed Integrated Pest Management, while noting ongoing residue testing with the Bureau of Standards. Healthcare Upgrade: Dominica China Friendship Hospital has completed four permanent pacemaker implantations locally, ending the need for patients to travel overseas for permanent procedures. Local Community Events: The Dominica Association of Teachers kicked off Teachers Week 2026 with island-wide activities, health and wellness events, and a Teachers’ Appreciation Day. Crime Update: Police are investigating a Pointe Michel shooting that left a 37-year-old St. Lucian man with multiple gunshot wounds. Regional Spotlight: Guyana beat Cayman Islands 2-0 in the Concacaf Nations League in Roseau, while Dominica’s Mighty Sparrow was mourned across the Caribbean after his death at 91.

Haiti Security: OAS member states, including Dominica, backed a push for the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and called for full deployment support—personnel, funding, equipment and logistics—while stressing Haitian-led solutions. UN Walkouts: During Netanyahu’s UN General Assembly address, delegations from at least 77 countries walked out or left seats vacant, including several Caribbean states such as Dominica, amid criticism of Israel’s Gaza campaign. Road Recovery in Dominica: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced steps to stabilise the damaged O’Delices Road stretch, improve drainage and vegetation, and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route for safer access. Travel Trade Push: Dominica launched a new self-paced training course for travel advisors, aiming to help agents better sell the island across key travel segments. Local Business Clarification: KFC Dominica denied a viral claim that it would bar customers under 21, saying all ages remain welcome while it reviews a recent incident for safety. Health Focus: Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanded neonatal and pediatric care, including refresher training for Helping Babies Breathe.

Travel & Tourism: Dominica has launched a new destination training course for travel advisors, with self-paced, destination-specific content aimed at helping agents sell the island across key travel segments. Road Safety & Infrastructure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide damage and says the government will stabilise the affected stretch while upgrading the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route, including drainage and possible road widening for safer access. Local Business & Public Safety: KFC Dominica moved to correct a viral claim that people under 21 can’t buy products, saying customers of all ages remain welcome and the incident is under review. Regional & Global Policy: At the UN General Assembly, leaders urged stronger diplomacy and conflict prevention over counting the dead, while OAS member states including Dominica called for renewing Haiti’s gang suppression force mandate. International Finance Watch: U.S. prosecutors seek to confiscate $84.2m tied to a Dominica-licensed bank (EQIBank) and payment processor Capstone, with Tether saying its exposure is below 0.034% of total assets.

Road Safety & Infrastructure: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and says the government is stabilising the damaged stretch while upgrading the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route, including drainage fixes and possible road widening for safer access in Dominica’s southeast. Local Business & Misinformation: KFC Dominica moved to correct a viral claim that customers under 21 would be barred, saying the image was false and that people of all ages remain welcome while it reviews a recent incident. Regional Security & Diplomacy: OAS member states, including Dominica, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back it with personnel, funding and equipment for sustained deployment. Global Policy Watch: UN leaders called for stronger diplomacy and conflict prevention instead of counting the dead after wars erupt, as debates at the General Assembly sharpened. Health Focus: Castle Bruce Health Centre is exploring expanded neonatal and pediatric care, including refresher training for staff on Helping Babies Breathe. Sports: Guyana opened its CONCACAF Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico in Roseau, with Osaze DeRosario scoring late.

Health & Rights: World Contraception Day commentary argues Dominica’s abortion law is unconstitutional after a July 23 High Court ruling, urging better access to reliable contraception to cut unintended pregnancies. Road Safety: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices Road landslide site and says the damaged stretch will be stabilised, with upgrades planned for the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Public Safety (Rumours): KFC Dominica denied a viral claim that it will bar under-21s, saying customers of all ages are welcome while it reviews a recent Roseau incident. Local Traffic: Police announced temporary road and parking changes for the Independence Walk Through Parade at the Botanic Gardens on Saturday, Sept. 26 (4pm–8pm). International Finance: U.S. prosecutors seek to forfeit about $84.2m tied to Capstone, with Tether saying its EQIBank exposure is under 0.034% of group assets. UN Climate Push: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation and renewed calls for climate resilience financing before disasters strike.

Crypto & Banking Shock: The U.S. Justice Department seized about $84.2 million tied to Montana payments firm Capstone, alleging it moved money for Tether without a license—while Dominica-licensed EQIBank is at the centre of the fallout; Tether says its EQIBank exposure is below 0.034% of group assets and claims it had no knowledge of the alleged conduct, as EQIBank warns the seizure could force liquidation. Local Governance & Safety: Police announced traffic and parking changes for Saturday’s Independence Walk Through Parade 2026 at the Botanic Gardens, including road closures and detours. Health Focus: Castle Bruce Health Centre is exploring a neonatal and pediatric care upgrade, with refresher training highlighted under the Helping Babies Breathe programme. Energy & Climate: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN that Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, with renewables at about 84% of electricity and a push for 100% by 2030. Sports (Regional): Guyana opened its Nations League campaign in Roseau with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico via a late penalty by Osaze De Rosario.

Rent Disputes: Dominica’s Rent Services Unit is urging landlords and tenants to seek help early when issues arise, offering guidance on rent arrears, security deposits and illegal rent increases, with unresolved matters able to move to the Rent Assessment Board tribunal. Crypto & Banking Shockwaves: Tether says its EQIBank exposure is under 0.034% of total assets after U.S. authorities seized about $89m tied to Dominica-licensed EQIBank via Capstone, while EQIBank warns the loss of roughly 80% of its monetary holdings could force liquidation. Politics & Justice: Nine years after a Roseau opposition meeting, the DPP has discontinued an obstruction charge against UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine. Roads & Parade Traffic: Police announced Saturday traffic changes for the Independence Walk Through Parade, including road closures around Valley Road and the Botanic Gardens, plus no-parking zones. Health for Newborns: Castle Bruce Health Centre is exploring expanded neonatal and pediatric care, including a dedicated corner and refresher training like Helping Babies Breathe. UN Climate Push: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN that resilience must be financed and built before disasters, highlighting Dominica’s geothermal plant now in commercial operation and renewable electricity at about 84%. Sports: Guyana opened its Nations League campaign in Roseau with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico, with Dominica hosting the group matches. Tourism & Travel: LIAT is offering a 10% discount on eligible flights to Dominica for World Creole Music Festival week, and Discover Dominica launched a new online training course for UK travel advisers.

UNGA Protest Watch: Dozens of delegations, including many Arab and Muslim-majority countries, walked out as Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu spoke, with 77 countries reported leaving or absent. Local Diplomacy & Energy: Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton used the UN platform to push climate resilience financing and said the island’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, lifting renewable electricity to about 84% and aiming for 100% by 2030. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched a new online destination training course for UK travel advisers via OTT, covering Dominica’s seven tourism pillars. Tech & Education: Dominica State College is setting up a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to study campus connectivity issues and policy questions, funded by ARIN. Sports (Regional): Guyana’s Golden Jaguars opened their Nations League campaign in Roseau with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico. Health Outreach: Roseau Health Team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks to bus operators at Mahaut bus stop during Caribbean Wellness Month. Business/Finance: Dominica-licensed EQIBank is fighting a US seizure tied to Capstone, warning the loss of about 80% of its monetary holdings could force liquidation. Community & Culture: Rize & Whine and Tipsy Music Festival producers will run VIP/VVIP hospitality for WCMF 2026.