AGP Executive Report

Housing Handover: Dominica will hand over 16 new three-bedroom climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill on Friday, Sept. 11 at 3:30 p.m., following the recent Canefield East keys handover and as the government pushes a wider programme of 215 homes across nine communities. CBI and Travel Talks: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a special envoy to coordinate UK and EU engagement over visa issues tied to Citizenship by Investment, with the EU giving CBI states until June 1, 2028 to end programmes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Migration Update: Skerrit confirms the five Colombian third-country nationals received under the U.S. arrangement have returned to Colombia, with Dominica now having no third-country nationals in the programme and IOM managing arrangements. Politics: The Roseau North by-election saw DLP’s Ashma McDougall win with a 32.5% turnout, while Skerrit rejects claims about electoral reform readiness and blames UWP voter confusion for reduced support. Sports: The Dominica Football Association unveiled its 2026 CONCACAF Nations League senior men’s squad, mixing local and overseas-based players. Community & Health: DOMDA announced “Sip & Chat” for young people on diabetes and wellbeing, and Rotary Portsmouth opened a new playground at Morne Jaune Primary.

Roseau North By-Election: The Dominica Labour Party has won the September 7 Roseau North seat in a decisive result, with Ashma McDougall taking 1,473 votes over UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay (998) and independent Sherman Boston (49), amid a low 32.5% turnout. Electoral Reform Debate: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says claims that Parliament passed electoral bills while the Electoral Commission was unready are “false” and says the voter ID delay did not compromise democracy. UWP Pushback: UWP leader Joshua Francis argues the low participation shows voter disengagement, not a national endorsement of the government, while Lugay raised concerns about the voter confirmation process. Third-Country Nationals: Skerrit confirmed Dominica has no third-country nationals currently under the US programme after five Colombians were selected, housed via IOM, and quickly repatriated. Local Governance & Services: The government announced 16 new climate-resilient homes for handover on September 11, and the Solid Waste Management Corporation says staff issues are being addressed as the public service union warns of possible protests. Community & Health: DOMDA will host “Sip & Chat” for youth on health and relationships on September 30, and Rotary Portsmouth opened the sixth playground at Morne Jaune Primary. Regional Opportunities: UNESCO launched WINGS Caribbean fellowships for women in science, and OECS opened applications for advanced digital skills scholarships.

Roseau North By-Election Fallout: PM Roosevelt Skerrit and UPP leader Joshua Francis are trading blows over what the Sept. 7 result means, as turnout stayed low (about 32.5% of registered electors) despite DLP’s Ashma McDougall winning with 1,473 votes. Electoral Process Questions: UWP’s Daniel Lugay says voter confirmation issues left hundreds missing from confirmed lists and raised concerns about how requirements were communicated. Housing Programme: Dominica will hand over 16 new resilient homes on Sept. 11, part of a wider push delivering 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities. U.S. Third-Country Nationals: Dominica confirmed it accepted five Colombians under the U.S. programme, but says all five have already returned to Colombia; the government says it now has no third-country nationals under the programme and is working with IOM. Public Safety & Community: Police are investigating the suspicious death of 23-year-old Aliyah Joseph of Delices; CDPF also announced traffic measures around River Street schools for the new term. Culture & Heritage: Kalinago Week 2026 runs Sept. 11–19, spotlighting indigenous traditions and life.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party’s Ashma McDougall won the Roseau North seat with 1,473 votes (58.45%) over UWP’s Daniel Lugay’s 998 (39.60%), while independent Sherman Boston polled 49; voter turnout was low at about 32.5%, with 46 rejected ballots. Electoral Process Scrutiny: Lugay is now challenging the voter confirmation process, saying hundreds who applied were missing from confirmed lists and that applicants faced late-added document requests. Government Response: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit congratulated McDougall and said the result reflects confidence in the ruling party, while noting Cabinet roles are still being decided. Migration Update: Dominica confirmed it accepted five Colombians under the US third-country nationals programme, but all have already returned to Colombia; the government says it has no remaining arrivals under the programme and will use IOM to manage future arrangements. Public Services & Safety: The Public Service Union warned of looming protests at the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation over longstanding concerns, and police rolled out traffic measures on River Street around schools for the new term. Education & Community: Dominica State College reported strong 2026 enrolment growth, and UPP’s Edline Harris sponsored a new bus stop in Eggleston.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall is projected to win (and preliminary figures show) the Roseau North seat, defeating UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay and independent Sherman Boston; PM Roosevelt Skerrit called it a message that “Roseau North has spoken for the whole country,” while the Electoral Office reported turnout concerns and polling-day allegations. Housing & Resilience: The government says it will hand over 215 climate-resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities, including 11 families in Canefield East, as part of its post-Maria housing push; it also approved an EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers at 3.5%. Education & Inclusion: Dominica State College opened for the new academic year with increased intakes, and the wider region saw support for special needs learning, including a CDB-backed upgraded classroom at Jamaica’s Mico CARE Centre. Regional Diplomacy: UWI announced Dr Janet Caroo’s appointment as St Lucia’s Ambassador to CARICOM and the OECS, highlighting continued focus on regional integration. Climate Watch: A new UNEP warning says the world has broken the 1.5°C promise, raising fresh pressure on small states already paying for climate damage.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall is set to win the Roseau North seat, with preliminary figures showing 1,506 votes versus 983 for UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay and 50 for independent Sherman Boston; PM Roosevelt Skerrit called it a message that “Roseau North has spoken for the whole country,” while the official recount begins today. Elections Process: The Electoral Office reported 7,489 registered voters with 2,595 casting ballots, and earlier adjustments included adding a polling station in District N09 to reduce congestion, plus a reminder that voter ID card distribution was paused on by-election day. Local Governance & Housing: The government reiterated its “housing revolution,” including plans to offer EC$10M housing loans at 3.5% for eligible public officers and the handover of 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities. Education: Dominica State College opened for the new academic year with enrollment “bouncing back” toward pre-Hurricane Maria levels and several courses returning. Regional & Policy Watch: CARICOM marked the fifth Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties, including trade, connectivity, health and reparatory justice.

Roseau North By-Election: Ashma McDougall of the Dominica Labour Party has won the Roseau North parliamentary by-election, defeating UWP candidate Daniel “Danny” Lugay and independent Sherman Boston, with preliminary turnout reported at 2,595 of 7,489 registered voters; the seat became vacant after former minister Miriam Blanchard resigned for health reasons. Housing & Resilience: The government handed over keys to 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, as part of a wider plan to deliver 215 homes and apartment units across nine communities, plus a new EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers. Disability Affairs: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is drawing questions about how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Local Governance Watch: A renewed call is being made to revisit the stalled Castle Bruce Police Station project, now left incomplete for years. Regional & World Links: CARICOM marks CARICOM-Africa Day with fresh pushes on trade, health ties and reparatory justice, while a new study ranks the UK 46th globally for average mobile broadband data costs.

Roseau North By-Election: Voting got underway smoothly Monday, Sept. 7, with residents turning out across 27 polling stations and an added station in District N09 to ease congestion; the Electoral Office also suspended voter ID card distribution on by-election day. Housing & Resilience: PM Skerrit handed keys to 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, as part of a wider plan to deliver 215 homes and apartment units across nine communities, plus a new EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers. Disability Affairs: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is welcomed, but questions remain about how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Local Economy & CBI: Businessman Kenny Green defended Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme, saying it helped the country recover after Hurricane Maria and continues to fund major projects. Sustainable Farming: Eco Balance secured a grant for its “Greening Farms” project in central Dominica, supporting safer, more resilient farming with training and composting systems. Regional & World Context: CARICOM marked the fifth Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties, while a major commentary warns the world has broken the 1.5°C climate promise.

Roseau North By-election: Voters head to the polls Monday, Sept. 7 to replace Miriam Blanchard, with three candidates—DLP’s Ashma McDougall, UWP’s Danny Lugay, and independent Sherman Boston—each pushing different priorities from jobs and healthcare to waste management and community development. Polls & turnout: A Dominica News Online poll put Lugay first with 51.42% (271 votes) over McDougall at 41.37% (218) and Boston at 7.21% (38), while the Electoral Office also announced no voter ID card distribution at its Jewel Street office on election day and added a polling station in District N09 to reduce congestion. Housing push: PM Skerrit says Dominica will hand over 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities, starting with 11 keys in Canefield East, and unveiled a new EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers earning EC$45,000 or less. Governance & civic space: Electoral Reform Coalition support for Gregor Nassief continues amid claims of alleged monitoring of a private meeting, as Nassief urges voters to choose “the right people” for transparency and accountability. Regional watch: Antigua and Barbuda moves to make its sex offenders registry public, including photos.

Roseau North By-election: With voting set for Monday, Sept. 7, Dominica News Online’s poll results put UWP’s Danny Lugay on top (51.42%, 271 votes) over DLP’s Ashma McDougall (41.37%, 218) and independent Sherman Boston (7.21%, 38). Election Logistics: The Electoral Office says voter ID cards won’t be distributed at the Jewel Street office on by-election day, and confirmation centres at Roseau, Red Cross and Fond Cole will be closed Monday, reopening Tuesday. Polling Access: District N09 polling stations in Roseau North will increase from four to five, with all five stations at Goodwill Primary School and voters assigned by surname. Housing Push: PM Skerrit announced Dominica will hand over 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities, starting with 11 families in Canefield East, plus a new EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers. Climate & Governance: A new open letter argues the world has broken the 1.5°C promise and that small states shouldn’t pay the bill; meanwhile, by-election campaigning stays focused on jobs, healthcare, waste management and unity.

Roseau North By-Election Logistics: The Electoral Office says voter ID card distribution at its Jewel Street office will pause on Monday, Sept. 7, with cards resuming Tuesday, Sept. 8, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; it also confirms confirmation centres at the Electoral Office, Red Cross and Fond Cole will be closed that day and reopen Tuesday. Polling Station Update: District N09 (Gutter Village, Tarish Pit, parts of Goodwill) will add a fifth polling station at Goodwill Primary School, with voters assigned by surname to reduce congestion. Housing Push: In Canefield East, 11 families received keys to climate-resilient homes, as the government moves toward handing over 215 homes and apartment units across nine communities. Housing Finance: PM Roosevelt Skerrit announced a $10 million housing loan facility for public officers earning $45,000 or less, offering 5% interest. Health and Leadership: PM Drew says he is in good spirits and stable as medical evaluations continue after illness and treatment in Martinique and South Florida. By-Election Campaigning: Candidates and parties intensify messaging ahead of Sept. 7, with DLP’s Ashma McDougall focusing on community delivery in Gutter and opposition figures backing Danny Lugay or independent Sherman Boston.

Roseau North By-Election: The Electoral Office says District N09 polling stations will rise from four to five for Monday’s vote, with all five stations at Goodwill Primary School and voters assigned by surname ranges (A–C, D–G, H–L, M–R, S–Z). Campaign Focus: Independent candidate Sherman Boston is urging unity and jobs, while DLP’s Ashma McDougall is pushing community delivery in Gutter—footpaths, drainage, sanitation and safer access for elders and children. Opposition Moves: UPP and Dominica Freedom Party both back Danny Lugay, framing the race as a wider push for democracy and accountability. Housing Delivery: PM Roosevelt Skerrit handed over keys to 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, part of a broader 215-home rollout, and announced a new $10M housing loan facility for public officers earning $45,000 or less at 5% interest. Crime Update: Acting Police Chief Davidson Valerie reports nine homicides so far this year and a record cocaine seizure worth over EC$67 million, with arrests and charges ongoing. Health & Travel: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin over about nine months, and officials say major airlines are showing interest as the international airport takes shape.

Housing & Finance: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced a new $10M housing loan facility for lower-income public officers earning $45,000 or less, offering financing at 5% interest to help more families move from renting to home ownership. Roseau North By-Election: As campaigning heats up for Sept. 7, DLP candidate Ashma McDougall is promising fixes in Gutter—footpaths, drainage, sanitation, community facilities and housing—while PM Skerrit attacks the UWP for “disappointing” voters and urges turnout. Political Endorsements & Tensions: Businessman Gregor Nassief says Dominicans should “choose the right people” for democracy and transparency, while the Electoral Reform Coalition backs him and the Dominica Business Forum raises concerns about alleged monitoring of a private meeting. Crime & Courts: Bail was denied to police constable Patrick Bethelmie Jr. and his girlfriend Jolie-Ana Naomi James in the Jerbiah Paul investigation, charged with perverting the course of justice and ammunition offences. Health & Tourism Infrastructure: Government says primary healthcare remains a priority as a health centre is commissioned/renamed, and officials report major airlines are showing interest as Dominica’s international airport takes shape. Environment & Agriculture: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin, and two young farmers earned regional honours, including an OECS Young Farmer award.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica’s political heat is rising ahead of the Sept. 7 vote, with the DLP’s Ashma McDougall pushing “delivery” in Gutter Village while the UWP’s Danny Lugay pitches tourism-led youth jobs; the DFP has backed Lugay, and the UPP has also endorsed him as part of opposition cooperation. Poll Watch: An Only Polls online survey shows the DLP leading (about 67.6% vs 32.4% for the UWP) among respondents, but the race remains three-way with independent Sherman Boston on the ballot. CBI & Governance Row: Businessman Gregor Nassief says he’s seeking legal advice after CCTV allegedly showed PM Skerrit’s security detail monitoring an invitation-only meeting, while the Electoral Reform Coalition and Dominica Business Forum raise concerns about alleged state monitoring. Crime Update: Bail was denied to police constable Patrick Bethelmie Jr. and his girlfriend Jolie-Ana Naomi James in the Jerbiah Paul investigation, where charges include perverting the course of justice and ammunition offences. Health & Infrastructure: Government says primary healthcare remains a priority as a renamed health centre is commissioned, and Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin. Business & Tourism: Asprofin Bank expands into embedded finance, and airlines are reportedly showing interest as the international airport takes shape.

Housing & Resilience: Dominica is set to hand over 215 climate-resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities, with “Welcome Home” key ceremonies starting Friday, including Canefield East families among the first recipients. Crime & Security: Acting Police Chief Davidson Valerie says Dominica has recorded nine homicides this year and reports a record cocaine seizure worth over EC$67 million, with arrests and charges underway. Education & Youth: Dominica’s CXC results show major gains in mathematics, and CXC is tightening School-Based Assessment rules as AI use grows, with originality checks and signed declarations. Local Politics: The UPP has endorsed Danny Lugay for the Roseau North by-election on September 7, pitching opposition cooperation in a three-way race. Business & Tourism: A US$75 million cruise village is expected to boost Roseau North’s economy, while GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO. Community & Culture: Dominica Netball is recruiting people for a certified umpiring course, and the Flavours of the World Festival returns for Creole Season on October 4. Regional Note: St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew says he is in good spirits and stable as medical evaluations continue overseas.

Cruise & Local Economy: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says a US$75 million cruise village for Roseau North is moving toward a formal agreement, promising more spending for vendors, taxi operators and tour guides. Housing Delivery: Dominica begins “Welcome Home” handovers of 215 climate-resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities, with keys starting this Friday and more construction soon. Crime Update: Acting Police Chief Davidson Valerie reports nine homicides so far this year and a record cocaine seizure in four months, with arrests and charges underway. Education Progress: Dominica celebrates improved 2026 CXC results, including a 10-point jump in CSEC Mathematics, while CXC tightens school-based assessment rules as AI use grows. Governance & Politics: Businessman Gregor Nassief says CCTV allegedly shows Skerrit security at a private meeting, raising monitoring concerns amid rising political tension. Community & Culture: Dominica mourns veteran communicator Marcella André, remembered across the regional media for her mentorship and commanding voice. Regional Watch: Nevis leaders join a CPA conference in Jamaica on strengthening parliaments in the digital age, with youth parliamentarians set to discuss AI.