AGP Executive Report

Dominica Politics: Minister Miriam Blanchard has resigned as Roseau North MP on medical grounds, with Speaker Joseph Isaac confirming the resignation takes effect on receipt of her letter and a by-election expected within 90 days; PM Statement: Roosevelt Skerrit praised her nearly decade-long cabinet service, citing her role in infrastructure reconstruction after Tropical Storm Erika and leadership on planning, labour and small business; Energy & Power: Skerrit urged DOMLEC customers to be patient as geothermal commissioning continues, explaining outages as “teething difficulties” while promising lower rates and greater reliability once testing and integration finish; Citizenship by Investment: New CBI rules require successful applicants to make an in-person visit and collect renewed passports in Dominica; Climate Resilience: DOMCREP was launched as a $70.2m Green Climate Fund-backed effort supporting over 8,000 people and boosting climate-smart agriculture and water security; Regional Trade: Dominica chaired CARICOM’s COTED in Guyana as ministers warned of global energy and supply-chain shocks hitting food security and inflation; Sports & Community: DCA is preparing a new T20 league, while Rotary will install drinking fountains at Roseau and Trafalgar primary schools.

CARICOM Trade Talks: Dominica’s Dr. Vince Henderson chairs the 62nd COTED in Georgetown as CARICOM warns that energy-market shocks and higher fuel, food and fertiliser costs could push inflation up and hit food security across the region. Geothermal Power Update: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged DOMLEC customers to be patient during geothermal commissioning, saying outages are linked to testing and integration work, but should bring lower rates and better reliability once fully operational. Citizenship by Investment Tightening: Skerrit says successful CBI applicants must now visit Dominica in person, spend time on-island, and collect renewed passports locally—aimed at strengthening ties to Dominica and meeting international expectations. Local Economy Snapshot: The IMF projects Dominica grew 4.5% in 2025, with tourism above pre-pandemic levels and construction activity boosted by major projects including the cable car and geothermal push. Health Policy Watch: PAHO reports health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb harmful consumption, with implications for the Caribbean. Education & Infrastructure: Skerrit says the Goodwill Secondary School build is progressing well, with major works nearing completion.

US Visa Shock for CHTA: Dominica-born hotelier Gregor Nassief, newly elected president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, says his U.S. visa renewal was denied, with reports pointing to wider Washington restrictions tied to citizenship-by-investment screening; Prime Minister Skerrit declined to comment on the consular decision. Airport Progress: Skerrit says the Wesley international airport is advancing across multiple work areas, with earthworks/culverts at about 78% and runway/taxiway at 60%, plus approvals for the Stonefield aggregate site and crushing plant. Energy & Power: DOMLEC reports $1.99 million in profits for the financial year, while crews restore electricity after a feeder fault triggered a wider outage. Health Milestone: Dominica completed its first brain tumour surgery, marking a major step for the healthcare system. Budget & Schools: Skerrit previews the 2026–2027 budget with economy-focused initiatives, CBI changes, and plans to improve school structures islandwide; teachers at government-assisted secondary schools are also calling for more attention. Regional Policy & Tourism: CARICOM trade ministers meet in Guyana for COTED, chaired by Dominica’s Vince Henderson; Discover Dominica Authority hosts a wellness tourism panel as the tourism awareness push continues. CBI Tightening: New rules require successful CBI applicants to visit Dominica in person and spend time in the country to collect renewed passports.

Citizenship by Investment: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will tighten its CBI programme by requiring successful applicants to visit the island in person to receive (or renew) their passports, aiming to strengthen the link between economic citizens and national development. Tourism & Connectivity: Dominica’s tourism community is watching fallout after CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief was reportedly denied a U.S. visa renewal, while Trinidad and Tobago’s route cuts have also raised fears about weaker inter-island airlift. Public Services: DOMLEC says power is being restored after a feeder fault triggered a wider outage, with reconnection starting in Roseau and expanding gradually. Justice System: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck reports parish courts are clearing cases at over 100% with net backlog under 5%, and the Supreme Court clearance rate above 80%. Health Policy: PAHO says alcohol and sugary drink taxes across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases. Sports: Thea LaFond placed fifth at the Oslo Diamond League with a 14.49m triple jump. Local Development: Skerrit says work on the Goodwill Secondary School is progressing “very satisfactorily,” with major structures completed and finishing underway.

Energy & Outages: DOMLEC says power is being restored after a widespread outage triggered by a fault on its Lower Goodwill Feeder, with the geothermal plant later tripping and spreading the disruption. Education & Infrastructure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit reports “very satisfactory” progress on the Goodwill Secondary School build, with major structures completed and finishing works underway. Agriculture & Food Security: Government plans to invest nearly $700,000 in an animal feed mill to cut import dependence, with cassava tests already showing promising results and an Expression of Interest expected soon. Health Policy: PAHO warns health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas remain too low to curb consumption, urging higher tax levels to reduce non-communicable diseases. Finance & Accountability: NCCU delinquency hits $86.4 million, and the treasurer calls for stronger member accountability as the credit union pushes portfolio-improvement steps. Tourism & Community: Dominica will host Soufriere Divefest 2026 on August 29–30, spotlighting eco-diving in the Soufriere/Scotts Head Marine Reserve. Citizenship Oversight: Dominica tightens citizenship-by-investment enforcement, saying citizenship obtained below the official minimum investment threshold will be revoked. Resettlement & Safety: UPP backs possible return of former Petite Savanne residents only after scientific and safety assessments confirm resettlement is feasible. Regional Connectivity: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief urges Trinidad and Tobago to reconsider route withdrawals that include Dominica, warning of damage to multi-destination tourism and travel links.

Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority will host a panel on June 11 at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa on how “Wellness by Nature” can grow jobs and local business while boosting Dominica’s health-and-experience travel brand. Citizenship-by-Investment Crackdown: Government says anyone who obtained Dominica citizenship below the legal minimum investment threshold will face revocation, as enforcement tightens ahead of an October 2026 industry summit. Connectivity Upgrade: Digicel is rolling out “Digi-Duo,” bundling mobile with home fibre (entry-level speeds from 350 Mbps) to deliver “smarter, better connectivity.” Sports Development: DABA named a 21-man training squad for Dominica’s men ahead of the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in Guyana (July 8–12). Community & Safety: Police and partners removed derelict vehicles from several communities to reduce health and public safety risks. Tourism Leadership Concern: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief warns tighter U.S. visa rules could disrupt Caribbean travel and tourism after his own renewal was denied. Health Policy Watch: PAHO says alcohol and sugary drink taxes across the Americas remain too low to curb consumption.

Basketball & Youth Sports: Dominica Amateur Basketball Association (DABA) has named a 21-man training squad for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers, set for July 8–12 in Georgetown, Guyana, with players drawn from local clubs as Dominica targets the final roster. Regional Mobility Clarification: Barbados’ CARICOM ambassador says misinformation about CARICOM free movement is overstated, putting the number of people remaining in Barbados at just under 800 and noting the required registration process. Tourism & Wellness Push: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” featuring a wellness fair and tourism service awards through July. Agriculture Support Gaps: AgriHub is urging faster, more responsive systems after delays in its SheHarvest Project affected women trying to enter farming and scale up. Community Safety & Clean-Up: Police, waste officials and partners removed derelict vehicles from Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street and Loubiere to reduce health and public safety risks. Culture & Heritage: A Caribbean-wide heritage dialogue highlighted preserving historic sites and traditional knowledge, including a Resilient Houses Project linking Saba and Dominica’s wooden building practices. Animal Rescue Drive: St. Nicholas Animal Rescue is calling for volunteers and truck drivers for a June 13–14 “Freedom Flight” to move 140 rescued dogs and cats from Dominica to overseas homes.

Regional Sports & Health: CARICOM athletes and community participants will gather in St Lucia for the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk on Sunday, July 5, with categories including Elite 10K, Open 10K, and Open 5K Run/Walk, and a welcome for persons with disabilities. Animal Welfare: St. Nicholas Animal Rescue is calling for volunteers and truck drivers for a June 13–14 “Freedom Flight” to move 140 rescued dogs and cats from Dominica to overseas partners for adoption. Community & Culture: Pan in Harmony’s “Icons on Steel” concert at St. Gerard’s Hall raised funds for the Dominica Cancer Society, featuring Convent High School steel pan and both junior and senior Pan in Harmony bands, with President Sylvanie Burton in attendance. Tourism Push: The Discover Dominica Authority and Ministry of Tourism launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with a wellness fair and tourism service awards. Agriculture Support: AgriHub says its SheHarvest Project showed delays in systems meant to help women enter farming, urging faster, more responsive support on the ground. Public Safety: Police, waste officials, and partners removed derelict vehicles from Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street, and Loubiere to reduce health and public safety risks.

U.S. Visa Pressure on Tourism: Newly elected CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says his U.S. visa renewal was denied, warning tighter U.S. rules could disrupt Caribbean tourism, business travel and family life. Tourism Growth & Wellness Push: Dominica is rolling out its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” with community activities running through July and wellness-focused awards. Climate Resilience Funding: The $25M DOMCREP resilience project was launched in Marigot, targeting water security and community climate adaptation. Agriculture Support for Women: AgriHub says delays in its SheHarvest Project show the need for faster, more responsive systems to help women enter and scale farming. Public Safety & Clean Streets: Police, waste and partners removed derelict vehicles from several communities to reduce health and public safety risks. Local Economy & Policy Talks: DAIC urged meaningful concessions for hybrid vehicle imports, while a businessman backed financing for Dominica’s international airport via the Citizenship by Investment model. UWP Unity Call: UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine urged party unity and a renewed focus on Dominica’s future amid internal tensions. Regional Security Engagement: CARICOM hosted Guyana Defence Force senior officers for security engagement and crime-and-security knowledge sharing. Announcements: Vacancy posted for Estate House Director at Jumby Bay Island Company Ltd.

Tourism & Wellness Push: Dominica officially launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under the theme “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community-focused activities under “Be Well in Nature,” as officials say wellness aligns with the island’s geothermal resources, rivers, forests and cultural heritage. Tourism Momentum: Dominica was also highlighted by TravelPulse as the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination, citing 2025 stayover arrivals up 19% and cruise passenger numbers at a decade high, with early 2026 growth continuing. Climate Resilience Funding: The Government launched DOMCREP, a US$25M (EC$70M) community resilience project in Marigot, backed by the Green Climate Fund, targeting eight vulnerable communities with upgrades to water systems, early warning and disaster management capacity. Public Safety Clean-Up: Police, NAO and waste officials carried out a coordinated operation to remove derelict vehicles from Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street and Loubiere, warning abandoned cars can drive mosquito and rodent problems and create safety risks. Industry Input on Imports: DAIC recommended meaningful concessions for Dominicans importing hybrid vehicles and supported a US$25 household levy to fund solid waste management. Youth & Green Economy Awareness: A UNICEF-commissioned study found young people in the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica, are eager to join the green economy but often lack information, training and accessible opportunities. Agriculture Hit by Bushfire: A June 3 bushfire in Grand Savanne, Salisbury destroyed about 2.5 acres of crops and damaged water infrastructure, with farmers reporting major losses.

Tourism Momentum: Dominica has been named the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination by TravelPulse, with 2025 visitor arrivals up 15% to 496,635 and overnight arrivals up 19% to 99,846, plus continued 2026 gains. Wellness Push: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community-led engagement. Climate Resilience Funding: The US$25M DOMCREP project was officially launched in Marigot to boost water security, disaster management and early warning systems, with an initial EC$3.7M disbursement for adaptation planning. Agriculture Hit by Bushfire: A June 3 bushfire in Grand Savanne, Salisbury destroyed about 2.5 acres of crops and damaged water storage tanks, prompting Agriculture Ministry assessments and possible follow-up support. Regional Connectivity: New airline interline partnerships (Winair/Contour and others) aim to reduce fragmented Caribbean airlift by enabling smoother single-itinerary travel—good news for Dominica’s visitor access. Leadership Appointment: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasked with strengthening Dominica’s global destination visibility.

Tourism Momentum: Dominica has been named one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destinations by TravelPulse, with visitor arrivals up 15% in 2025 to 496,635 and overnight arrivals up 19% to 99,846, as the island leans into authenticity and wellness. Wellness Push: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community-led engagement. New Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, effective June 1, to drive destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Climate Resilience Funding: Government launched DOMCREP, a US$25M climate resilience project in Marigot, targeting water security, early warning, disaster management and community capacity in eight vulnerable communities. Fire Damage in Salisbury: A bushfire in Grand Savanne, Salisbury destroyed crops and water infrastructure over about 2.5 acres, including watermelon, pumpkin, eggplant and bell pepper, plus 2,500 gallons of storage capacity. Regional Banking Watch: A UWI Global Campus lecture urged Caribbean banks to stay compliant to avoid derisking. CHTA Visa Concern: Newly elected CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says he and his wife were denied US visas, raising worries for regional tourism and airlift talks.

US Immigration Ruling: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused asylum, work permits, green cards and citizenship decisions for people from 39 countries, including Dominica, calling the move unlawful and leaving applicants in “legal limbo.” Tourism & Wellness Push: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under the theme “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” with activities running through July and pointing to wellness as a growth path for the Nature Isle. Climate Resilience Funding: DOMCREP, a US$25M (EC$70.2M) community resilience project, was officially launched in Marigot to boost water security, early warning systems, disaster preparedness and support for vulnerable communities and farmers. Agriculture Hit by Bushfire: A bushfire in Grand Savanne, Salisbury destroyed about 2.5 acres of crops and damaged water storage tanks, with the Ministry of Agriculture assessing losses and farmers’ immediate needs. Tourism Leadership Change: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with driving destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Regional Youth & Climate Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training and accessible opportunities.

Climate Resilience Push: Dominica has officially launched the US$25M DOMCREP in Marigot, with an initial EC$3.7M disbursement, aiming to boost water security, disaster management and early warning systems across eight vulnerable communities. Fire and Farming Impact: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed crops and farm infrastructure, wiping out vegetables for one farmer and damaging water storage tanks, prompting Agriculture Ministry follow-up assessments. Tourism Focus: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority rolled out the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Wellness Tourism,” running through July and tying Dominica’s geothermal, nature and culture to visitor growth. Youth and Climate Skills: A UNICEF-commissioned study shared at UN House says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green jobs, but face barriers like limited information, training and access to opportunities—an issue Dominica is part of. Education and History: A new WWII Caribbean history book by Dominican author Clement Richards was donated to secondary schools and the Dominica State College to strengthen historical awareness. Regional Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to improve seamless travel links across the Caribbean, including routes connecting through San Juan and Dominica.

Visa Shock for Tourism: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says his US visa renewal was denied, warning it could disrupt regional airlift and tourism talks that often hinge on travel to the United States. Climate Resilience Push: Dominica launched the US$26M (EC$70.2M) DOMCREP project to boost food security, disaster management, early warning systems and community capacity in eight vulnerable communities. Banking Watch: A UWI Global Campus lecture urged Caribbean banks to strengthen compliance to avoid “derisking” risks tied to international sanctions and FATF standards. Regional Governance: CARICOM Heads of Government are set to meet in St Lucia from July 5–8, with opening ceremonies and hybrid broadcasts planned. Health Research Spotlight: A UWI researcher contributed to a major Lancet series highlighting the growing global kidney disease crisis. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to drive destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Power Restored: DOMLEC restored electricity to most areas after a geothermal plant trip shut down the national grid. Agriculture Hit by Fire: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne damaged crops and irrigation infrastructure, with officials assessing whether further support is needed. Caribbean Connectivity: Winair and Contour launched an interline partnership improving seamless travel links via St Maarten.

Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica has launched the US$26 million (EC$70.2 million) Dominica Community Resilience Enhancement Project (DOMCREP) with the CCCCC and Green Climate Fund, targeting eight vulnerable communities and focusing on food security, disaster preparedness, early warning upgrades, and support for farmers and agro-processors. Power & Outages: DOMLEC restored electricity to most of the island after a nationwide outage caused by a trip at the Geothermal Power Plant, with service expected to return last in the Picard–Ti-Bay area by early evening. Tourism Leadership & Growth: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager effective June 1, as Dominica reports a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals and continues upgrades across key attractions. Economy & Policy Debate: Finance Minister Irving McIntyre says Dominica recorded 4.5% growth in 2025, while the UPP urges the government to publish details on the international airport’s long-term financial viability. Hurricane Season Reminder: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans and supplies as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins. Regional Connectivity: Partners advanced the EU-backed KARULINK maritime connectivity project in Guadeloupe, aiming to improve routes and mobility between islands.