AGP Executive Report

Citizenship by Investment Crackdown: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says all successful CBI applicants must now visit Dominica in person and spend time in the country before collecting renewed passports, tightening links between citizenship and national life. Airport Progress: Skerrit reports the Wesley International Airport is moving ahead across work areas, with earthworks and culverts about 78% complete and runway/taxiway work at 60%, alongside steady progress on terminals and other key facilities. Tourism Under Pressure: The newly elected CHTA president, Dominica-born Gregor Nassief, is at the centre of a regional storm after a U.S. visa denial, while the CHTA president-elect urges stronger efforts to grow Dominica’s travel demand and profitability for airlines. Regional Trade Talks: Dominica’s Dr. Vince Henderson chairs CARICOM’s COTED meeting in Guyana as ministers warn global shocks are raising costs and threatening food security. Health Milestone: Dominica’s healthcare system marks a major win with the successful completion of the country’s first brain tumour surgery. Education & Schools: The DAT wants more attention for teachers at government-assisted secondary schools, and Government plans to improve the physical structure of schools islandwide. Public Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people across 15 member states to safely transport infectious substances, boosting regional lab and preparedness capacity. Budget Focus: The 2026–2027 budget is set to spotlight initiatives to strengthen the local economy and review concessions, with new CBI requirements also flagged.

Citizenship by Investment: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will tighten its CBI programme by making in-person visits mandatory for successful applicants before they receive passports, aiming to strengthen the link between economic citizens and the island. Courts Update: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck reports continued reductions in Dominica’s parish court backlog, with net case backlog now under five per cent and clearance rates exceeding 100 per cent in parish courts. Electricity Restoration: DOMLEC says power is being restored after a feeder fault on the Lower Goodwill Feeder triggered a wider outage, with crews returning service incrementally starting with Roseau. Public Health Taxes: PAHO warns health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption, urging higher tax levels to reduce non-communicable diseases. Tourism & Regional Links: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says he’s appealing after Trinidad and Tobago withdrew some Caribbean airline routes, including Dominica, warning it could hurt multi-destination travel and connectivity. 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. Sports: Dominica’s DABA has named a 21-man training squad for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in Guyana next month.

Dominica Development Watch: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says major projects are moving ahead “very satisfactorily,” pointing to progress on the Goodwill Secondary School and the international airport works, including runway/taxiway and terminal components. Energy Update: DOMLEC is restoring power after a feeder fault on the Lower Goodwill Feeder triggered a wider outage, with service returning first to Roseau and nearby areas. Food Security & Local Industry: The government plans to invest nearly $700,000 in an animal feed mill to cut import dependence, with an Expression of Interest expected soon and cassava tests already showing promising results. Public Health Policy: PAHO is urging higher taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas, saying current levels are too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases. Citizenship-by-Investment Crackdown: Dominica says citizenship obtained below the official minimum investment threshold will be revoked as it tightens enforcement ahead of a 2026 summit. Finance & Accountability: NCCU delinquency has reached $86.4 million, with the treasurer calling for stronger member accountability. Tourism & Community: Dominica will host Soufriere Divesfest 2026 on August 29–30, and the UPP backs safe, science-led resettlement planning for Petite Savanne.

Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority will host a June 11 panel at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa on “Wellness Tourism in Dominica: A Destination That Benefits Everyone,” part of the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, focusing on how nature-based wellness can create jobs and support local businesses. Citizenship-by-Investment Crackdown: Government says citizenship obtained below the official minimum investment threshold will be revoked, with stricter enforcement and more details expected at an October 2026 industry summit. Tourism Connectivity & Growth: Digicel is rolling out its “Digi-Duo” bundle in the region, pairing mobile with home fibre (entry speeds from 350 Mbps) to boost smarter connectivity for residents and visitors. Sports Calendar: Dominica has unveiled a 21-man training squad for the July 8–12 FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in Georgetown, Guyana. Health & Climate Watch: The Ministry of Health released its June–August 2026 Health-Climatic Bulletin, warning of hotter-than-average days, flash-flood risks, and possible increases in waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses. Agriculture Support: AgriHub says its SheHarvest Project showed delays in on-the-ground support for women entering farming, calling for faster, more responsive systems.

Basketball & Youth Sports: Dominica has unveiled 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 they prepare for the final roster. Regional Health & Community: CARICOM athletes and community participants will gather for the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk on July 5 in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, with categories including Elite 10K, Open 10K, and Open 5K Run/Walk (including events welcoming persons with disabilities). Tourism & Wellness: Dominica officially launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, positioning the island for wellness tourism under the theme “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July. Public Health & Climate: The Ministry of Health released the Dominica Health-Climatic Bulletin for June to August 2026, warning of warmer-than-average conditions and flash-flood risks that could raise threats like dengue, leptospirosis, and other water- and vector-borne illnesses. Politics & Party Unity: UWP Leader Dr Thomson Fontaine urged party members to unite and focus on “RESCUE DOMINICA,” warning he will not tolerate distraction, division, or misrepresentation. Infrastructure & Services: DOWASCO scheduled a water supply interruption in Morne Rachette on June 9 (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) for system maintenance. Community Safety: Police, with partners, removed derelict vehicles from Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street, and Loubiere to reduce health and public safety risks. Agriculture Support: AgriHub is calling for faster, more responsive systems after delays in its SheHarvest Project affected women trying to enter farming. Animal Welfare Call: St. Nicholas Animal Rescue is seeking volunteers and truck drivers for a June 13–14 “Freedom Flight” to move 140 rescued dogs and cats out of Dominica for new homes.

CARICOM & Sports: Athletes and community walkers will head to St Lucia for the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk on July 5, with categories from an Elite 10K to a 5K Run/Walk, including access for persons with disabilities, as part of CARICOM’s push on health and unity ahead of the 51st Heads of Government meeting. 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 homes. Health & Climate: The Ministry of Health released the June–August 2026 Health-Climatic Bulletin, warning of warmer-than-average conditions, flash-flood risks, and possible increases in waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses. Agriculture & Women: AgriHub says delays in its SheHarvest Project showed gaps in support systems for women entering farming, urging faster, more responsive delivery. Tourism & Wellness: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under a wellness theme, aiming to boost destination competitiveness and public participation through activities running into July. Local Governance: DOWASCO scheduled maintenance will interrupt water supply in Morne Rachette on June 9 (9am–5pm). Public Safety: Police, with partners, removed derelict vehicles from several communities to reduce health and public safety hazards.

U.S. Visa Pressure on Caribbean Tourism: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says his U.S. visa renewal was denied, warning tighter U.S. rules could disrupt airlift, tourism and family travel for Dominicans and other Caribbean nationals. Tourism Push Toward Wellness: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” with activities running through July and a focus on “Be Well in Nature.” Climate and Health Planning: The Health Ministry released the June–August 2026 Health-Climatic Bulletin, flagging warmer-than-average days, flash-flood risks, and higher chances of water- and mosquito-borne illnesses. Water and Public Safety Updates: DOWASCO scheduled maintenance will interrupt water in Morne Rachette, while police handed a new vehicle to Delices and coordinated removal of derelict vehicles in several communities. Agriculture Support Gaps: AgriHub says delays in its SheHarvest Project are affecting women entering farming, calling for faster, more responsive systems on the ground. Community Resilience Funding: DOMCREP was launched in Marigot as a US$25M climate resilience effort to boost water storage and support vulnerable communities.

Public Safety Cleanup: The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, with partners including the National Authorising Office and DSWMC, removed derelict vehicles from Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street and Loubiere to reduce health, environmental and crime risks. Health & Climate Preparedness: The Ministry of Health released the June–August 2026 Health-Climatic Bulletin, warning of warmer-than-average temperatures, flash-flood concerns, and higher risks of waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses. Tourism Push (Wellness): Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community-focused activities under “Be Well in Nature.” Tourism Momentum: TravelPulse highlighted Dominica as a fastest-growing Caribbean destination, citing 2025 stayover growth and strong cruise numbers. Climate Resilience Funding: DOMCREP was officially launched in Marigot as a US$25M (EC$70M) project to boost water security, disaster management and early warning systems in eight vulnerable communities. Agriculture Hit by Bushfire: A June 3 bushfire in Grand Savanne destroyed crops and damaged water storage tanks, with the Ministry of Agriculture assessing next steps for support. Youth & Green Economy: A UNICEF-commissioned study found young people in the region— including Dominica—face barriers to learning about green and circular economy opportunities. Culture & Learning: Secondary schools received copies of a new WWII Caribbean history book, “Sea Wolves in Warm Waters,” to strengthen historical awareness.

Tourism & Regional Recognition: Dominica is being spotlighted as the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination, with TravelPulse citing strong visitor momentum (15% arrival growth in 2025) and a push toward wellness-led experiences. Tourism Leadership: At CTO awards during Caribbean Week in New York, Barbados tourism chief Andrea Franklin won Director of Tourism of the Year, while BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith took Minister/Commissioner of the Year. Local Tourism Strategy: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July and tying wellness to the island’s nature, geothermal resources, and culture. Climate Resilience & Agriculture: The US$25M DOMCREP climate resilience project was launched in Marigot to boost water security and disaster readiness, while a bushfire in Grand Savanne destroyed crops and damaged water tanks, prompting Agriculture Ministry assessments. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti lowest in the Caribbean, while several others lead the region. US Court Impact on Dominica: A US federal judge struck down Trump-era immigration pauses affecting applicants from 39 countries, including Dominica, reopening asylum and benefits processing. Community Safety: In Florida, a woman died after a pit bull attack; the owner was arrested after neighbors reported repeated dog escapes.

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, while cruise traffic also rose. 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 and highlighting nature-based wellness. New Leadership at DDA: Wendy Lake was appointed Destination Marketing Manager at the Discover Dominica Authority, tasked with boosting destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Climate Resilience Funding: Government launched the US$26M DOMCREP in Marigot, backed by the Green Climate Fund, targeting water security, early warning, disaster preparedness, and food security in eight vulnerable communities. Local Disaster Impact: A bushfire in Grand Savanne, Salisbury destroyed crops and damaged water infrastructure, affecting about 2.5 acres and wiping out several vegetable harvests. Utilities Update: DOMLEC restored power to most customers after a geothermal plant trip caused a nationwide outage. Regional Watch: CARICOM Heads of Government meet in St Lucia July 5–8, with sessions on key regional priorities.

Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica officially launched the US$26M DOMCREP project in Marigot, backed by the Green Climate Fund and CCCCC, targeting eight vulnerable communities with upgrades to water storage, disaster management, early warning systems, and support for farmers and agro-processors. Tourism & Wellness Push: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority rolled out the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, positioning Dominica through wellness tourism, with community participation and a “Be Well in Nature” campaign running through July. Disaster Impact on Agriculture: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed crops and farm infrastructure, including watermelon, pumpkin, eggplant and bell pepper fields, plus water storage tanks, after which the Ministry of Agriculture began assessments with affected farmers. Local Appointments: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Regional Context: A US federal judge struck down Trump-era immigration policies that had paused asylum and other benefit decisions for people from 39 countries, including Dominica.

Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica has officially launched the $25 million DOMCREP climate resilience project in Marigot, with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit saying it will strengthen water security, disaster management and early warning systems for eight vulnerable communities, funded through the Green Climate Fund and supported by the CCCCC. Bushfire Damage: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed crops and farm infrastructure, wiping out vegetables for one farmer and damaging water storage tanks, as the Ministry of Agriculture assessed losses and urged stronger fire safety. Tourism Push: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under a wellness theme, aiming to position Dominica through nature-based wellness experiences as visitor numbers continue to rise. Youth & Climate Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study shared at World Environment Day says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green jobs, but face barriers like limited information, training and access to opportunities—Dominica included. Leadership Appointment: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with boosting the island’s global destination visibility. US Immigration Ruling: A US federal judge struck down Trump-era pauses on immigration and asylum processing for people from 39 countries, including Dominica, calling the policies illegal.

US Visa Shock for Tourism: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says his US visa renewal was denied, linking it to Washington’s partial travel restrictions tied to Citizenship-by-Investment programmes—raising fears for Caribbean airlift and tourism talks. Climate Resilience Push (Dominica): Dominica launched the US$26M DOMCREP project to boost food security, disaster management infrastructure, early warning systems, and farmer support in eight vulnerable communities. Regional Governance: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in St Lucia from July 5–8, with sessions set to tackle key regional priorities. Health Research: A UWI researcher contributed to a major Lancet series highlighting the fast-growing global chronic kidney disease crisis. Local Agriculture Hit by Fire: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne damaged crops and irrigation infrastructure, with officials assessing whether extra support is needed. Power Restored: DOMLEC restored electricity to most customers after a geothermal plant trip shut down the national grid. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to strengthen the island’s global visibility. Public Safety: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau.

Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority has appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with boosting the island’s global visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Climate Resilience Push: Dominica launched the US$26 million (EC$70.2m) DOMCREP project with CCCCC and the Green Climate Fund, targeting food security, disaster preparedness, early warning upgrades, and support for farmers in eight vulnerable communities. Hurricane Season Reminder: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans and supplies as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins. Power and Water Updates: DOMLEC restored electricity after a geothermal plant trip, leaving only the Picard–Ti-Bay area until later that evening; DOWASCO also announced scheduled water interruptions in Grand Savanne and other communities for maintenance. Local Crime: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau after a man died following an early Monday altercation. Regional Justice: A CCJ judge criticized CARICOM countries for not accepting the court as final appellate jurisdiction, with Dominica among the few using it. Tourism Numbers: Dominica reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals last year, with stayover and cruise growth continuing into 2026.

Power Restoration: DOMLEC says it restored electricity to most of Dominica after a nationwide outage caused by a trip at the Geothermal Power Plant, with remaining service expected back by 6:00 PM for the Picard–Ti-Bay area. Climate Resilience Funding: The Government launched the US$26 million (EC$70.2 million) DOMCREP project with the Green Climate Fund and CCCCC to boost disaster preparedness, early warning, and climate-smart support for farmers in eight vulnerable communities. Hurricane Season Preparedness: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans and supplies as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season began, while the Dominica Red Cross pushed community and family readiness beyond storms alone. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals to nearly 497,000 last year, with stayover and cruise growth and upgrades progressing across key sites. Local Appointments & Services: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager; DOWASCO scheduled water interruptions in Grand Savanne and other areas for system maintenance. Crime Update: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau after a man died following an altercation on Hanover Street.

Climate Resilience & Agriculture: Dominica has launched the EC$70.2 million (US$26m) DOMCREP project, running March 2026 to March 2031, to strengthen disaster management infrastructure, early warning systems, and support for farmers and agro-processors in eight vulnerable communities. Economic Outlook: Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre says Dominica recorded 4.5% growth in 2025 despite global uncertainty. Food Security & Exports: Agriculture Minister Roland Royer stressed that MSMEs are key to boosting food security and agricultural exports, alongside stronger accountability. Hurricane Season Preparedness: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins, while the Dominica Red Cross called for early action and family emergency kits. Local Governance & Justice: A judge criticized CARICOM countries for not accepting the CCJ as a final court of appeal. Crime Update: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau after a man was pronounced dead following an early Monday altercation. Communications: Flow says it has invested over US$1m to fix mobile interference in northern Dominica, with equipment arriving soon. Tourism & Infrastructure: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals and said major projects, including the international airport, are advancing. Water Services: DOWASCO scheduled a water interruption in several communities on June 4 for system maintenance.