AGP Executive Report

US Court Ruling: A US District Court in Manhattan struck down the Trump administration’s immigrant visa suspension for nationals of 75 countries, including Dominica, calling the State Department directive “patently unlawful” and beyond the authority of the Secretary of State. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority is promoting the “Nature Island” and the World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25, 2026) in St. Kitts and Nevis this week, with pop-ups, interviews and ticket giveaways. Local Economy & Tourism Infrastructure: Government says construction for a new Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay is set to begin in October, funded by foreign direct investment and aimed at creating opportunities for local vendors and artisans. Elections Update: The Electoral Office says it found no duplicate voter registrations in Roseau North after review, while it continues publishing electors lists and begins printing new voter ID cards valid for 10 years. Crime & Courts: A Mahaut woman was fined $37,000 in the Woodbridge Bay ammunition case; a port officer was granted $40,000 bail in a cannabis possession matter. Public Safety Investigation: Police continue work in the Jerbiah Paul case, including an autopsy on remains recovered in Capuchin and further arrests connected to the investigation.

US Courts & Immigration: A US judge in Manhattan struck down President Donald Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, ruling the policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s authority—an outcome that also touches Dominica-linked nationals listed among the affected countries. Tourism & Development: Discover Dominica Authority is promoting Dominica’s “Nature Island” and festivals in St. Kitts and Nevis this week, spotlighting WCMF (Oct 23–25) and Mas Domnik (Feb 8–9, 2027). Cruise Economy: Government says construction for a new Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay is set to begin in October, funded by foreign direct investment and designed to create direct opportunities for local vendors, farmers, fishers, artisans and tour operators. Elections Updates: The Electoral Office posted its electors list online and reported no duplicate voter registrations in Roseau North after review; new voter ID cards are also being printed for rollout. Crime & Courts: A Mahaut woman was fined $37,000 in the Woodbridge Bay ammunition case, while a port officer received $40,000 bail in a cannabis possession matter. Public Safety: Police are investigating the recovery of a male body from the sea at Calibishie.

Child Protection & Justice: A peaceful “Protect Our Children and Women” rally is being planned in Dominica after the discovery of remains believed to be missing 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, with organisers calling for better action when reports are made to police. Crime Update: An autopsy was completed on remains recovered in Capuchin, with DNA testing overseas expected to confirm identity and police awaiting the pathologist’s report; two officers charged in the case remain remanded and return to court on Oct 2. More Arrests in Jerbiah Paul Case: Police also arrested an adult woman from Marigot on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice, as investigations continue. Port Security: A mother and daughter from Mahaut were arrested at a port over suspected 9mm ammunition importation, while a port officer was charged with two counts of cannabis possession. Youth & Education: The REACH Project invites Dominicans aged 18–24 to a virtual orientation on Sept 8 for adolescent health leadership opportunities, and the DAA opens applications for its 2026 Athletic Legacy Scholarship (deadline Sept 4). Tourism & Culture: Discover Dominica Authority begins a St. Kitts and Nevis promotion drive Aug 21–26 ahead of WCMF Oct 23–25, while “Women of Dominica” prepares for its first public screening in Miami. Elections & Governance: The Electoral Office says it found no duplicate voters in Roseau North after review, and it has started printing new voter ID cards valid for 10 years.

MSME Digital Push: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 firms across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent to boost digital skills and competitiveness. Crime & Justice: An autopsy was completed on remains recovered in Capuchin in the Jerbiah Paul case; police say DNA testing overseas will help confirm identity, while two officers already face murder charges and a Marigot woman was arrested for allegedly attempting to pervert the course of justice. Port Security: A mother and daughter were arrested at a Dominica port over suspected 9mm ammunition importation. Elections Update: The Electoral Office says it found no duplicate voters in Roseau North after review, as nomination day nears for the Sept. 7 by-election; it also began printing new voter ID cards valid for 10 years. Tourism & Culture: Discover Dominica Authority is promoting Dominica in St. Kitts and Nevis ahead of WCMF; “Women of Dominica” gets its first public screening in Miami. Education & Youth: DAA opens applications for its 2026 Athletic Legacy Scholarship, and PM Skerrit renewed calls to digitise education.

Elections Update: Dominica’s Electoral Office has started producing new voter ID cards, valid for 10 years, with rollout beginning in Roseau North and expanding to Roseau Central and South. Health: A prominent Dominican gynecologist says cervical cancer cases are declining, driven by government health interventions, though other women’s health conditions are rising. Tourism & Infrastructure: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica is moving toward a $1 billion tourism sector, citing $405 million in revenue for 2024–2025 and pointing to the international airport project and marina construction; meanwhile, the cable car project continues with work on towers, landscaping, and the top station. Education Reform: Prime Minister Skerrit is pushing a digital overhaul of education to cut costs and reduce the burden of carrying heavy textbooks, as Dominica prepares to launch the four-year WISTLE education reform project. Business & Jobs: The CDB-backed digital transformation initiative will support at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent. Crime: Police have charged a second officer, Joshua Hamlet, in the murder case of teen Jerbiah Paul. Media & Culture: Jael Joseph launches a Caribbean-wide contest for an emerging media personality to cover the Caribbean Music Awards red carpet in Trinidad and Tobago.

Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica is edging toward a $1 billion tourism sector, citing about EC$405 million in revenue for 2024–2025 and pointing to the international airport and marina as key boosts. Education Reform: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit backs a digital transformation of schooling, aiming to cut the cost and daily burden of carrying books by shifting more learning content online. Population Plan: Government targets growing Dominica’s population from 71,946 to 100,000 by 2040 under a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme, including incentives for diaspora return. WCMF 2026: The World Creole Music Festival runs Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park, with headliners including Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Capleton and Alkaline. Health Cooperation: OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service marks 40 years, managing about 1,100 medicines and commodities and generating estimated EC$5 million in annual savings. Crime Update: Police officer Joshua Hamlet was charged with the murder of teen Jerbiah Paul and remanded until Oct 2. Local Services: DOWASCO schedules water interruptions in Loubière, Fond Baron and Pte Michel for pipeline work.

Education Reform: Dominica is set to launch the four-year WISTLE Education Reform Project on Aug. 21, using a technology-supported, more inclusive lower-secondary curriculum across the Windward Islands, with about 3,000 students expected to benefit each year. Trade Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC have wrapped up an evidence-based trade in services push, improving services statistics through UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to help member states build stronger export strategies. Cybersecurity Watch: The UWI is investigating a possible ransomware report but says there’s no confirmed breach or leaked information so far, urging users to avoid suspicious links. Youth & Culture: DYEC’s Talent Hunt 2026 is set to spotlight young Dominican talent, while WCMF returns Oct. 23–25 with major international acts including Ne-Yo and Machel Montano. Health: REACH launched a webinar series on adolescent health and wellbeing, covering topics from mental health to healthy eating. Crime/Courts: Police officer Joshua Hamlet has been charged with the murder of teen Jerbiah Paul and remanded until Oct. 2, making him the second officer charged in the case.

Crime & Courts: Police Officer Joshua Hamlet was formally charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul and remanded to prison until Oct 2, making him the second officer facing a murder charge in the case after former officer Jean-Luc Langlais was also charged and dismissed. Public Utilities: DOWASCO announced a planned water interruption in Loubiere, Fond Baron and Pte Michel on Aug 20, while DOMLEC apologized for outages earlier this week and said it’s reviewing how it communicates during prolonged power cuts. Health Policy: Cabinet approved a new non-communicable diseases policy and action plan, and REACH launched a webinar series focused on adolescent health and wellbeing. Elections & Governance: The Dominica Business Forum is urging eligible voters to complete voter confirmation by Oct 15 and wants a public discussion to boost participation. Tourism & Infrastructure: The cable car project continues with major works at both stations, and the government says the international airport remains on track for completion in 2028. Sports & Culture: DYEC’s Talent Hunt 2026 is set to spotlight young Dominican talent, WCMF returns Oct 23–25 with a star-studded lineup, and DABA playoff finals begin tonight at Massacre.

Murder Case in Court: Police officer Joshua Hamlet has been remanded to prison until October 2 after being charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, the second officer to face murder charges in the case; Paul’s body was found in Capuchin and investigators say DNA confirmation and an alleged attempt to hide the death via fake social media accounts are part of the ongoing probe. Power and Water Disruptions: DOMLEC has apologized for widespread, sometimes prolonged outages linked to plant disconnections, weather and vegetation damage, and a tree striking high-tension lines, while DOWASCO issued separate apologies for pump malfunctions and low water pressure affecting multiple communities after heavy rainfall. Health Policy: Cabinet has approved a new non-communicable diseases (NCD) policy and action plan to guide health programmes, with a Caribbean Wellness Day planning meeting set to follow. Education and Exams: Dominica’s local CXC registrar says results for the May/June 2026 CXC exams are out and accessible via the student portal. Sports Spotlight: DABA playoff finals tip off tonight at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex with two best-of-five series, streamed on DABA’s Facebook and Digicel Channel 14. Local Governance and Elections: The Dominica Business Forum is urging wider public participation in the voter confirmation process ahead of the October 15 deadline.

Murder Case in Court: Police officer Joshua Hamlet has been remanded to prison until October 2 after being charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, the second officer facing murder charges in the case after the earlier charge against Jean-Luc Langlais; police say the investigation is ongoing and that authorities also allege an attempt to hide the death using fake social media accounts. National Security & Firearms: Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says Dominica is benefiting from international support, including a new ballistic identification system now operational and US-trained officers to trace firearms and improve background checks, with more forensic training planned. Electoral Process Pressure: The Dominica Business Forum is urging wider public participation in the voter confirmation process, saying only about 27% of the electoral register has been confirmed so far and calling for a public discussion on September 15. Infrastructure Update: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says his administration has invested about $2.3 billion in infrastructure over five years, as the Roseau North by-election campaign ramps up ahead of September 7 polling. Water Disruption Apology: DOWASCO has apologized for low water pressure and service interruptions in several areas after a compulsory network shutdown linked to high turbidity at the treatment plant following heavy rainfall. Trade in Services Data: OECS, with UNCTAD and ECLAC, wrapped up an initiative to improve evidence-based policymaking for trade in services by strengthening services trade data and statistics across member states. Community & Culture: DBS Radio has partnered with NDFD for the 10th “Creole in the Streets” expo on October 16, while the Dominica Calypso Association will hold its AGM on August 22. Sports Tonight: DABA playoff finals tip off tonight at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex with Division One and Premier Division best-of-five series starting at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Murder Case in Court: Police officer Joshua Hamlet was remanded to prison until October 2 after being charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, making him the second officer charged in the case. His co-accused, former officer Jean-Luc Langlais, was also remanded after Paul’s decomposing body was found in Capuchin. Community Safety Push: Circle of Friends is calling for a stronger, coordinated child protection network after Jerbiah Paul’s death, urging organisations to review whether children feel safe reporting threats and whether services reach the most vulnerable. Police and Justice Updates: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says investigations into illegal firearms smuggling are progressing, including tracing seized weapons to Orlando, Florida. Local Development: Work continues on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal, with crews advancing steelwork, masonry, roofing and safety systems. Business & Culture: The NDFD “Creole in the Streets” expo officially launched, with registration now open for small businesses.

Airport Build-Out: Crews are pressing ahead with Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal, with steelwork, masonry, roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing and lightning protection all underway as the island moves toward a modern air gateway. Festival & Tourism: The World Creole Music Festival returns to Windsor Park Sports Stadium from Oct. 23–25, 2026, with major regional and international names including Machel Montano, Tabou Combo, Skillibeng, Alkaline, Uncle Waffles and Ne-Yo. Early Childhood Education: Soufriere families celebrate the handover of the Dominique Marchand Pre-School to the Ministry of Education, ending years of temporary schooling after Hurricane Maria. Public Safety: Work is underway to strengthen fencing at the Botanical Gardens washrooms to improve security for visitors and staff. Crime & Justice: Two men face murder charges after the July 8, 2025 Bath Estate Bridge shooting; the case is remanded to Dec. 7, 2026. Child Protection Push: Circle of Friends is calling for a stronger, coordinated child protection network after the death of Jerbiah Paul, urging better safety reporting and support for families. Weather Watch: Dominica remains under advisories for gusty winds and rough seas, with officials urging people to avoid beaches and secure loose items.

Sports: Bermuda’s women won gold at the ECVA Championships, beating Antigua and Barbuda 3-1, while Bermuda’s men finished fourth; in the medal round, Bermuda’s women advanced to the gold match and will face Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica’s men are set for the bronze match against Bermuda. Regional Policy: The OECS, with UNICEF support, launched a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for every child in the OECS to be safe, supported and empowered by 2032. Weather & Safety: Dominica’s Met Office says a high-pressure system is rebuilding with fairer conditions today, but a tropical wave is expected to affect the southern Lesser Antilles Monday; seas remain rough with a small craft advisory and warnings to avoid beaches and breaking waves. Crime & Justice: Police Chief Lincoln Corbette says Dominica does not need an Amber Alert system, citing existing missing-person notification mechanisms. Local Governance/Family Law: Minister Rayburn Blackmore says Dominica has strengthened its family legislation to better protect children, victims of domestic abuse, and vulnerable families.

Diplomacy & Regional Presence: Panama has appointed Ernesto Méndez Chiari as ambassador to Guyana, as the country moves to open a physical embassy in Georgetown this year. Weather & Safety: Dominica’s Met Office says a high-pressure system will rebuild today with a few showers, moderate seas, and Saharan dust; small craft conditions have eased to a Small Craft Advisory, but people are urged to avoid beaches and watch for changing seas. Sports: Bermuda’s volleyball teams will play for medals at the ECVA Championships in Tortola—women in the gold match and men in the bronze match against Dominica. Regional Child Protection: The OECS, with UNICEF support, launched a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 aimed at safer, more empowered children across the sub-region. Crime & Justice: Police Chief Lincoln Corbette says Dominica doesn’t need an Amber Alert system, while the Jerbiah Paul murder case continues with a Canadian forensic pathologist expected to assist and a police officer charged with murder. Legal Integrity at the CCJ: CCJ President Winston Anderson rejected “panel fixing” claims amid a wider regional dispute over court conduct.

Regional Child Protection: OECS, with UNICEF support, has unveiled the OECS Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for a whole-of-the-child approach so every child is protected, heard and empowered by 2032. Court Crisis: Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) President Winston Anderson rejects “panel fixing” claims and says allegations of improper influence are “wholly untrue,” amid ongoing regional fallout. Weather & Safety: Dominica is under a tropical wave with strong winds, rough seas and showers; the Flash Flood Watch has been discontinued, but residents are still urged to stay alert for flooding, landslides and falling rocks, and mariners to remain in port. Police & Justice: Police Chief Lincoln Corbette says Dominica doesn’t need an Amber Alert system, while the Jerbiah Paul murder case continues with a charged officer and calls for stronger child protection. Family Law Reform: Minister Rayburn Blackmore says Dominica has strengthened its legal framework on domestic matters and abuse through a package of family legislation passed in 2023. Education: Preliminary CXC 2026 results are set to be released online on August 18 at 12:00 p.m. Atlantic. Local Governance: Work has begun on the Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation, with a temporary bypass to keep traffic moving.

Weather & Safety: Dominica remains under a tropical wave with strong, gusty winds and rough seas; the Flash Flood Watch has been discontinued, but residents are still urged to stay alert for flooding, landslides and falling rocks, and mariners to remain in port as waves peak around 8 feet west and 12 feet east. Education: The Ministry of Education says preliminary CXC 2026 results will be released online Tuesday, August 18 at 12:00 p.m. Atlantic time, with candidates directed to the official results link. Crime & Justice: Police charged serving officer Jean-Luc Langlais with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul after remains were found in Capuchin; the case is ongoing, with government also moving to bring in specialist forensic support and strengthen police officers’ well-being. Family Law: National Security and Legal Affairs Minister Rayburn Blackmore says Dominica has strengthened protections through a package of family legislation covering children, domestic violence, maintenance and faster protection orders. Watersports: The Dominica Watersports Association is pushing for clearer, more transparent rules and licensing ahead of the 2026/2027 season, including guidance around the Sperm Whale Reserve framework. Regional Focus: OECS and UNICEF unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 aimed at protecting and empowering children across the Eastern Caribbean.