Visa Pressure on Dominica: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged the United States to reconsider visa restrictions affecting Dominicans and Antigua and Barbuda, saying the impact is hitting travel for medical care, education and other essential needs while regional talks continue. CARICOM in Session: Dominica is watching the 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in St. Lucia, with leaders focused on security, food protection, climate resilience, renewable energy, regional transport, integration, Haiti and youth. Power Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant reliability test resumed July 1 after June outages, and the plant is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid. Ebola Preparedness: The Ministry of Health issued an Ebola travel advisory and strengthened port-of-entry screening, stressing the risk in Dominica remains low. Electoral Reform: Voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July as Dominica moves from passing electoral reform legislation to implementation. Sports & Culture: Dominica posted strong results at the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk, while Signal Band frontman Sheldon “Shelly” Alfred wrapped a Grenada promotional push for Spice Mas 2026.
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Visa Pressure on Dominicans: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the U.S. should reconsider visa restrictions “at the soonest opportunity,” after Washington linked tougher rules to Citizenship by Investment scrutiny—an issue raising regional alarm for travel, study, medical care and business. Power Reliability Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant resumed its mandatory seven-day reliability test on July 1 and is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid, after engineers fixed June 17–18 outage problems tied to protection settings coordination. Ebola Preparedness: The Health Ministry says Ebola risk in Dominica remains low, but it has issued travel advisories and tightened port-of-entry screening, with possible monitoring or isolation for up to 21 days depending on exposure. Electoral Reform Rollout: Voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July as Dominica moves from passing electoral reform legislation to implementation. Regional CARICOM Focus: Drew is set to attend CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia, with priorities including security, food protection, climate resilience, renewable energy, integration and trade. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: Dominica pledged US$500,000 toward Venezuela’s earthquake recovery, with more assistance logistics underway.
Geothermal Power Update: Dominica’s mandatory seven-day reliability test resumed July 1 after engineers fixed issues behind the June 17–18 outages, and the geothermal plant is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid. Electoral Reform: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July, as the country moves from passing legislation to implementation. Health Advisory (Ebola): The Ministry of Health says the risk of Ebola in Dominica is currently low, but it has issued travel guidance and tightened screening at ports of entry following WHO’s PHEIC declaration. Regional Leadership (CARICOM): Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is set to attend the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia (July 5–8), with priorities including security, food, climate resilience, and economic integration. Local Services: DOWASCO will close its Roseau cashiers from 12:00pm Tuesday July 7 for a staff meeting. Community & Youth: Police Acting Sgt. Dion Moses presented a “Most Disciplined Student” award at Petite Savanne Primary’s graduation, part of the force’s community policing programme.
Geothermal Power Update: Dominica’s mandatory seven-day geothermal reliability test resumed July 1 after engineers fixed issues linked to protection settings between the battery energy storage system and the plant; the facility is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid. Regional Security Training: A cohort of 20 Eastern Caribbean law enforcement officers and prosecutors completed an RSS Criminal Practice and Procedure course, aimed at strengthening prosecution skills across member states. Ebola Preparedness: The Health Ministry says Dominica’s Ebola risk remains low, but it has issued travel advisories and tightened port-of-entry screening, with enhanced monitoring for arrivals from affected countries. Electoral Reform: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July, as the country moves from legislation to implementation. CARICOM Meetings: PM Terrance Drew is set to attend the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia (July 5–8) for regional talks on security, climate resilience, food security, integration and trade. Community & Youth: Police Acting Sgt. Dion Moses presented a “Most Disciplined Student” award at Petite Savanne Primary’s graduation, part of the force’s community policing programme. Business Notice: DOWASCO says Roseau cashiers will close Tuesday July 7 for a staff meeting.
Ebola Watch: Dominica’s Health Ministry says the risk of Ebola in Dominica is currently low, but it has rolled out precautionary measures after WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, including tighter border screening and a travel advisory urging people to avoid non-essential trips to DRC and Uganda and to carefully assess other higher-risk countries. Electoral Reform: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July, moving the reform process from legislation to implementation amid public criticism. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: Dominica has pledged US$500,000 to support Venezuela’s earthquake recovery, with relief logistics and solidarity efforts continuing as damage assessments go on. Local Services: DOWASCO will close cashiers at its Roseau branch from 12:00 pm Tuesday, July 7, for a staff meeting. Sports & Youth: Acting Sgt. Dion Moses presented a discipline award at Petite Savanne Primary’s graduation, while Dominica prepares to return to the revived ANOECS senior track and field championships in St Kitts and Nevis on July 4–5.
Elections & Governance: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July, calling it a key milestone in Dominica’s electoral reform push as implementation moves from legislation to action. Maritime Security: Acting Corporal Steven Celestine has completed the 2026 Legal Aspect of Maritime Security Operations course, strengthening CDPF capacity with training delivered by a U.S.-linked defense institute. Fisheries Support: The Ministry has handed over fishing vessels worth EC$400,000 to 8 Scottshead beneficiaries, citing transparency and continued investment in the sector. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: Dominica pledges US$500,000 toward Venezuela’s earthquake recovery, with PM Skerrit stressing solidarity as recovery efforts continue. Education & Skills: The Advancing Caribbean Teachers (ACT) maths programme wrapped up for 29 Barbadian secondary school teachers, joining cohorts from Dominica and Grenada to improve classroom practice. Community & Culture: Rotary Club of Dominica installed new leadership and honoured former President Charles Savarin with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Regional Travel & Security Talks: Skerrit heads to Martinique and St Lucia for regional meetings on disaster preparedness, climate resilience, transport, security, health and CARICOM priorities. Tourism & Jobs: UNDP-backed training has certified 16 Kalinago Territory residents as professional tour guides, aiming to boost indigenous tourism and local economic opportunities.
Venezuela Earthquake Aid: Dominica has approved an initial US$500,000 donation to Venezuela after twin quakes, with government-organised relief to be moved via the Galleons Passage to La Guaira, while Shell pledged a US$5 million disaster relief fund. Health Policy Clarification: Health Minister Cassanni Laville says healthcare stays free for Dominicans 18 and under and 60 and over, after a circulating document suggested a 25% contribution fee for eligible patients. Visa Pressure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged the US to reconsider its visa restriction policy “at the soonest opportunity,” saying Dominica has taken the steps it believes should prompt a review. Creative Industries Forum: The Alwin Bully Foundation will host a public panel on strengthening Dominica’s creative industries on July 8 at UWI Global Campus. Tourism Skills in Kalinago Territory: UNDP-backed training has certified 16 Kalinago residents as professional tour guides, aiming to boost indigenous tourism and local livelihoods. Sports: Dominica is set to return to revived ANOECS Track and Field Championships in St Kitts with a nine-member team, while the Falcons named Kijuan Thomas captain for FIBA AmeriCup 2029 pre-qualifiers.
Roseau North Politics: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall was officially launched for the Roseau North by-election, with PM Roosevelt Skerrit framing the seat as a hub of entrepreneurs and young people and backing her youth and business-focused agenda; meanwhile, UPP introduced Edline Harris as its Roseau South candidate, pitching community-centred leadership, and independent Sherman Boston also declared his bid for Roseau North. Citizenship by Investment: PM Skerrit pushed back on UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine’s comments about phasing out the CBI programme, arguing it has helped Dominica recover after Hurricane Maria. Tourism & Jobs: OECS advanced community-based tourism with a regional workshop in St Lucia, while in Dominica, 16 Kalinago residents graduated as certified tour guides under a UNDP-supported programme. Sports: Dominica confirmed its return to revived ANOECS athletics championships in St Kitts and Nevis with a nine-member team, and Falcons captain Kijuan Thomas was named captain for Dominica’s FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean pre-qualifiers squad. Environment & Marine Life: The Sperm Whale Reserve Board began consultations with watersports operators to support the whale reserve initiative.
Roseau South Politics: The United Progressive Party has officially unveiled businesswoman Edline Harris as its Roseau South candidate, pitching her as a “daughter of the soil” focused on education, jobs, and staying visible to residents after elections. Roseau North By-election: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall says joining the DLP was her “only choice,” arguing the party offers the platform to turn community ideas into projects, with PM Roosevelt Skerrit backing her and framing the seat as central to modern Dominica’s hopes. Electoral Process Scrutiny: The Dominica Business Forum is calling for more transparency from the Electoral Commission ahead of the Roseau North by-election, warning that the new electoral rules face unusual constraints. Indigenous Tourism & Jobs: Sixteen Kalinago residents graduated as certified tour guides in a UNDP-supported programme aimed at strengthening indigenous tourism and community resilience. Marine Conservation: The new Sperm Whale Reserve Board has started consultations with watersports operators to protect sperm whales while supporting sustainable livelihoods. Regional Rights Agenda: CARICOM is preparing a regional meeting on issues affecting Rastafarians, citing discrimination and barriers to education and employment.
Gender Equality Training: The OECS Commission launched a three-part Gender Mainstreaming Staff Training Series (June 15) to help staff apply gender-responsive approaches across programmes, using case studies and a Gender Marker simulation, under the EC-STEMS project funded by the CDB and the EU’s CARE programme. Rastafarian Rights at CARICOM: CARICOM is set to convene a regional meeting to address discrimination and marginalization faced by Rastafarians, with a committee planned to examine issues across the Caribbean and internationally. Marine Conservation Consultations: Dominica’s newly appointed Sperm Whale Reserve Board has started consultations with watersports operators in Goodwill to advance the sperm whale reserve initiative and build shared responsibility for sustainable marine opportunities. Roseau North By-election Politics: Campaigning for the Roseau North by-election is heating up: DLP candidate Ashma McDougall says she chose Labour “unapologetically,” while PM Roosevelt Skerrit backs her and raises concerns about UWP statements on the CBI programme; meanwhile, the Dominica Business Forum is calling for electoral authorities to provide clearer public communication ahead of the vote. Youth Sports Support: Wayne George Football Academy received EC$5,000 from Team RUBIS for uniforms and equipment to support youth football development. Centenarian Milestone: Pearly Eusebe marked her 102nd birthday, with three other centenarians celebrating June birthdays. Whale Reserve Spotlight: The reserve board’s stakeholder push also includes engagement aimed at advancing the whale reserve initiative alongside local marine tourism operators.
Roseau North By-Election: Dominica’s political campaign heats up as DLP candidate Ashma McDougall insists she chose Labour “unapologetically,” saying the party offers the best platform to create youth opportunities, strengthen small businesses, and improve community wellbeing. Party Backing: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit backed McDougall at her campaign lift-off, framing Roseau North as a hub of “hopes and aspirations” and saying her leadership will match the constituency’s needs. CBI Programme Tension: Skerrit also raised concerns about UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine’s comments on phasing out the Citizenship by Investment programme, arguing Dominica’s CBI has helped the country recover after Hurricane Maria. Electoral Watchdogs Push for Answers: The Dominica Business Forum is calling for transparency from the Electoral Commission ahead of the Roseau North vote, pointing to ongoing legal and administrative questions around the 2025 electoral legislation. Independent Candidate Enters: Sherman Boston announced he will run as an independent for Roseau North, saying he declined an invitation to rejoin the DLP. Sports Spotlight: Olympic triple-jump champion Thea Lafond Gadson set a new Dominican record of 15.25m at a World Athletics Continental Tour meet in Croatia.
CBI Programme Clash: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit pushed back on UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine’s call to phase out Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme, saying CBI has helped the country recover after Hurricane Maria. Roseau North By-election Watch: DLP candidate Ashma McDougall says joining Labour was her “only choice,” while independent candidate Sherman Boston announced his bid after declining a reported DLP invitation. Skerrit also framed Roseau North as reflecting the hopes of “modern Dominica.” Electoral Transparency Push: A Dominica Business Forum statement urges the Electoral Commission to end its “silence” and give clarity on how the 2025 electoral laws will be applied ahead of the by-election. Open Letters and Governance: An open letter to the Electoral Commission and Chief Elections Officer demands public answers on legal and administrative questions tied to the 2025 electoral legislation, and another calls on Speaker Joseph Isaac to stay above partisan politics after endorsing McDougall. Sports Spotlight: Olympic triple-jump gold medallist Thea Lafond-Gadson set a new national record of 15.25m in Croatia. Infrastructure for Athletics: Government says an EC$14 million synthetic athletics track project is moving forward toward a World Athletics Class 1 facility in Pointe Ronde.
Roseau North By-Election: Ashma McDougall says joining the DLP was the “only choice,” pitching her run as a way to create opportunities, solve problems and improve lives ahead of the Roseau North by-election. Electoral Transparency Push: The Dominica Business Forum is calling out the Electoral Commission’s “silence,” urging clearer public communication on how the new electoral rules will be applied, especially with the voters’ register confirmation process still underway. Sports Spotlight: Olympic triple-jump star Thea Lafond-Gadson set a new national record of 15.25m at a World Athletics meet in Croatia, adding another major milestone to her 2026 form. Infrastructure for Athletes: Government says an EC$14 million synthetic athletics track project is moving forward, with a World Athletics team set to visit in July for final site checks. Earthquake Preparedness: UWI’s Seismic Research Centre urges Dominicans to stay prepared after major Venezuela quakes, noting regional seismic activity can affect the wider area. Community & Culture: The Cultural Division will unveil Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 contestants online on July 1, kicking off the pageant season.
Roseau North Politics: PM Roosevelt Skerrit formally backs Ashma McDougall at the Labour campaign lift-off, pitching her as a service-focused candidate for youth, entrepreneurs and “bread-and-butter” needs. Parliamentary Neutrality: A former CSA general secretary, Alvin A. Thomas, has penned an open letter urging Speaker Joseph Isaac to stay above partisan politics after Isaac introduced McDougall at a Labour meeting. Sports & Facilities: Dominica is moving ahead with an EC$14 million synthetic athletics track project in Pointe Ronde, with World Athletics and Qatar Development Fund support, aimed at keeping elite athletes training at home. Athletics Spotlight: Olympic gold medallist Thea Lafond Gadson set a new Dominican triple jump record with a 15.25m leap at a Continental Tour Gold meeting in Croatia. Preparedness & Earthquakes: UWI Seismic Research Centre says recent major quakes in Venezuela should not alarm people, but residents should remain prepared in the region’s active seismic zone. Community & Culture: Kiwanis Nature Island Club welcomed 13 new members and installed its 2025/2026 executive. Public Service Notices: DOWASCO will close offices in Portsmouth and Roseau on Monday, June 29, resuming Tuesday morning.
National Sports: Olympic triple-jump star Thea Lafond-Gadson smashed her own Dominican record at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Meeting in Croatia, clearing a world-best 15.25m on her final attempt. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their foreign ministers’ partnership in Panama, backing a new action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security, including gangs, irregular migration and Haiti. Youth & Capacity Building: CARICOM launched a two-year online capacity programme for about 180 youth professionals to strengthen youth leadership, project design, grant writing, monitoring, mental health first aid, and youth engagement. Local Governance & Services: DOWASCO will close its Portsmouth and Roseau offices from noon Monday, June 29, reopening Tuesday, June 30 at 8am. Public Safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Concord on June 25; 95-year-old Maria Alfred died after a Suzuki Swift hit a roadside parapet near Concord Primary School. Elections Update: The Electoral Office reports 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved as it modernizes and verifies the electors list. Earthquake Watch: A 4.2 quake was felt across several islands including Dominica, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Bouyon on the big stage: Dominica’s Signal Band, rooted in Goodwill and known for blending jing ping and lapo kabwit with modern sounds, brought high-energy Bouyon to the St. Kitts Music Festival in Basseterre on June 25. Regional diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership in Panama, backing a results-focused action plan on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security, with Haiti and transnational crime on the agenda. Youth development: CARICOM launched a new online capacity-building programme to strengthen youth directors, officers and leaders across member states, targeting about 180 youth professionals over two years. Dominica civic updates: The Electoral Office reported progress on the electors list, approving 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations as modernization efforts continue. Public safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Concord on June 25 that killed 95-year-old Maria Alfred; three others were injured. Local services: DOWASCO will close its Portsmouth and Roseau offices from noon Monday June 29, reopening Tuesday June 30. Culture countdown: Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 contestants will be revealed online on July 1 ahead of the pageant’s October 21 finale. Disaster watch: A 4.2 quake was felt across parts of the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica, with no immediate damage reported.
Medical Milestone: Saint Lucia’s Camille Andrew has earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Morocco, becoming the first OECS woman to do so, after defending her thesis on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease with “highest honors.” Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their partnership in Panama, agreeing on a results-focused action plan covering competitive economies, climate action, and regional security, with Haiti and irregular migration on the agenda. Dominica Sports & Culture: The DFA Academy Football Festival runs today for ages 6–15, with scouts eyeing the national academy, while Dominica also marks Olympic Day this weekend at Bath Estate with a run/walk and family-friendly sports activities. Local Governance & Services: DOWASCO will close its Portsmouth and Roseau offices from noon Monday June 29, reopening Tuesday June 30. Public Safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Concord on June 25 that left 95-year-old Maria Alfred dead and injured three others. Elections Update: The Electoral Office reports 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved as of June 23, as modernization and verification efforts continue. Earthquake Watch: A 4.2 quake was felt across parts of the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica, with no immediate damage reported.
Olympic Day & youth sport: Dominica will mark 2026 Olympic Day this weekend at Bath Estate Playing Field, with a run/walk and sports demonstrations for all ages. Football development: The DFA Academy Football Festival runs today (June 27) at the DFA Technical Centre in Stockfarm, Roseau, for players aged 6–15, with scouting for the national academy. Culture spotlight: The Cultural Division will unveil the 2026 Miss Wob Dwiyet contestants in an online premiere on July 1 at 6:00 PM, ahead of the pageant’s October 21 finale. Road safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Concord on June 25 that killed 95-year-old Maria Alfred; three others were injured. Elections update: The Electoral Office reports 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved as it modernizes and verifies the electors list. Regional news: CARICOM and Dominica’s PM Skerrit extended condolences and support to Venezuela after twin earthquakes left at least 164 dead and hundreds injured. Utilities notice: DOWASCO offices in Portsmouth and Roseau close Monday June 29 for a staff meeting, reopening Tuesday June 30.
Youth & Skills: CARICOM launched a new online youth capacity-building programme, “Strengthening the Youth Development Landscape,” expected to train about 180 youth professionals over two years, covering project design, grant writing, monitoring, leadership, mental health first aid and youth engagement. Culture: Dominica’s Cultural Division will unveil the 2026 Miss Wob Dwiyet contestants on July 1 via a 6:00 PM online premiere, with the pageant set to culminate on Oct. 21. Public Safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Concord on June 25; a 95-year-old passenger, Maria Alfred, died after a Suzuki Swift hit a roadside parapet near Concord Primary School. Utilities: DOWASCO says its Portsmouth and Roseau offices will close from noon June 29 for a staff meeting, reopening June 30 at 8:00 AM. Elections: The Electoral Office reports 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved in the latest June update as voter verification and modernization continue. Sports & Community: Dominica will mark Olympic Day this weekend at Bath Estate Playing Field, with an Olympic Day run among the highlights. Regional News: A 4.2 earthquake was felt across several islands including Dominica, with no immediate damage reported.
Venezuela Earthquake Response: Dominica’s PM Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit sent condolences and offered support after twin quakes left at least 164 dead and 971 injured, with a state of emergency declared as rescue efforts continue. Regional Solidarity: CARICOM and several Caribbean governments also extended sympathy and readiness to help. Dominica Politics: The Dominica Labour Party will launch its Roseau North campaign this Sunday, June 28, at Lindo Park with candidate Ashma McDougall, following Miriam Blanchard’s resignation on health grounds. UWP Roseau North Meeting: The UWP is set for a public meeting in Tarish Pit on Friday, June 26, where Daniel Lugay will share his vision ahead of a by-election. Telecom Disruption: Dominica and St Lucia regulators say Flow’s outage was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, urging customers to keep backup communication plans. Tourism & Culture: Dominica’s Bouyon artists scored nominations at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, while the Discover Dominica Authority announced an inaugural Wellness Fair for July 4.
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