AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: Contour Airlines has launched a twice-weekly nonstop service between Trinidad and Dominica, with flights on Tuesdays and Fridays from Trinidad to Dominica and Mondays and Thursdays on the return, giving travellers more options ahead of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25). Public Safety: Dominica officially rolled out its first-ever National Missing Person Alert System, with police saying it will speed up action and public sharing without waiting 24–48 hours, and new CDPF PRO Sergeant Petrina Dupigny will help circulate alerts. Security Update: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore said 21 illegal firearms have been recovered in Dominica so far this year, including rifles and shotguns. Regional Mobility: CARICOM says free movement under Enhanced Cooperation is operational in Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines, with Dominica processing five applications. Education & Development: Dominica State College secured four grants to boost technology, infrastructure, policy capacity and learning, including an ARIN-funded Youth Internet Governance Lab. Sports: Dominica’s senior men’s team suffered an 8-1 defeat to Guyana in the CONCACAF Nations League, while the Dominica netball team was selected for the 10th anniversary Battle of the Isles in St Maarten.

Missing Persons & Public Safety: Dominica has launched its first-ever National Missing Person Alert System, with police saying action starts immediately and the public should not wait 24–48 hours; National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore also used the launch to report 21 illegal firearms recovered so far this year, while Sergeant Petrina Dupigny was introduced as the new CDPF Public Relations Officer. Air Connectivity & Tourism: Contour Airlines begins a new Trinidad–Dominica service, twice weekly, as the island looks ahead to major visitor moments; Dominica’s dive sector also earned international recognition from Scuba Diving magazine. Education & Youth Development: Dominica State College secured four grants to boost campus tech, infrastructure and learning, and Tropipulp Dominica marked its sixth year of school-supplies support for Newtown Primary. Sports & Community: The Dominica netball team is set for the 10th anniversary Battle of the Isles in St. Maarten, while football coverage notes the Golden Jaguars’ heavy wins over Dominica in Nations League play. Diplomacy: PM Skerrit reaffirmed plans to deepen Dominica–China cooperation at a reception for China’s 77th anniversary.

Air Connectivity: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Contour Airlines has begun Trinidad–Dominica service today, adding another route to boost visitor arrivals and business activity. Public Safety: Dominica has launched its first-ever National Missing Person Alert System, with the system set to go live this Wednesday and details on alert categories shared by National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore. Justice & Jobs: The government posted vacancies for a Magistrate and a State Attorney (Legal Aid Clinic), outlining duties and qualification requirements for both roles. Sports: The Golden Jaguars crushed Dominica 8-1 in the CONCACAF Nations League, while Dominica’s head coach Kurt Herd took responsibility for the team’s loss of shape and discipline. Community & Culture: PM Roosevelt Skerrit met Marigot residents to discuss priorities and urged people to take up development opportunities; meanwhile Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl gets a new wellness space, and the Dominica National Lottery backs the festival with $25,000. Regional Links: Dominica renewed long-term diplomatic ties with China at a ceremony marking the PRC’s 77th anniversary.

Missing Persons: Dominica has launched its first-ever National Missing Person Alert System, with Minister Rayburn Blackmoore saying it will go live this Wednesday and outlining the alert categories. Judicial Appointments: Two vacancy notices were published for Dominica’s judicial and legal service—one for a Magistrate (Office of Magistrate) and another for a State Attorney at the Legal Aid Clinic. Community & Culture: UWI Global Campus Dominica and the Division of Culture will host the 13th E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture, spotlighting traditional crafts and their links to Dominica’s terrain. Sports: The Golden Jaguars crushed Dominica 8-1 in the CONCACAF Nations League, while Dominica’s head coach Kurt Herd took responsibility for the team’s loss of shape and discipline. Diplomacy & Development: Dominica renewed long-term ties with China at a ceremony marking the PRC’s 77th anniversary. Tourism Spotlight: AFAR featured Dominica as a top pick for solo travellers, highlighting secluded beaches and volcanic landscapes. Regional Trade Push: Jamaica’s Floyd Green urged Caribbean governments to dismantle standards barriers so agricultural and fisheries products can move more easily across borders.

Solid Waste Notice: Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation announced a Monday, Oct. 5 service update. Regional Mobility Debate: CARICOM’s push for free movement faces hurdles for small states, with speakers pointing to capacity limits and demographic fears. Connectivity Boost: EllaLink says its Caribbean Gateway initiative is moving from development to committed investment, targeting service by end-2029. US Visa Bond Rule: The US will require refundable visa bonds up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries; India is not listed. Diplomacy: Dominica and China renewed long-term commitments to deepen relations. Community & Governance: PM Skerrit met Marigot residents and urged people to take up development opportunities. Elderly Support: DOMLEC marked Older Persons Day with its “Credit for Life” programme for centenarians. Teachers: Education leaders highlighted teachers’ role and ongoing support measures. Culture & Tourism: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl runs Oct. 19–22, with Dominica National Lottery support and a new wellness space. Climate Youth Wins: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine took first place in a regional climate short story competition. Sports: Guyana beat Dominica 5–1 in CONCACAF Nations League.

Sports: Dominica’s Golden Jaguars suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Guyana in the CONCACAF Nations League in Puerto Rico, leaving the Bouyon Boyz facing a tough road in Group A after Guyana’s early goals and a late surge. Community & Governance: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit met Marigot residents to hear community priorities and urged people to take advantage of government development opportunities. Diplomacy: Dominica and China renewed their long-term commitment to deepen diplomatic relations during a ceremony marking the PRC’s 77th anniversary. Elderly Support: DOMLEC marked International Day of Older Persons by celebrating three Dominica centenarians through its “Credit for Life” electricity credit programme. Education: Teachers were honoured across Dominica, with the education minister highlighting support for teachers and the role educators play in national development. Culture & Tourism: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is set for October 19–22, with a new dedicated wellness space planned alongside food, music, crafts and local products. Regional News: The CCJ will hold its first itinerant sittings in St Lucia next week, hearing cases from across CARICOM.

Elections & Voting Readiness: The Dominica Trade Union Congress (DTUC) is urging eligible voters to complete voter confirmation/registration before the October 14 deadline, warning that delays and public concerns shouldn’t stop people from voting. Community Development: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit met Marigot residents and urged them to take up government programmes and opportunities to improve their lives and help drive development. Diplomacy: Dominica and China renewed their long-term commitment to deepen diplomatic relations during a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy marking the PRC’s 77th anniversary. Regional Courts & Governance: The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will hold itinerant sittings in St Lucia next week for the first time since accepting its appellate jurisdiction in 2023. Education & Teachers: Education Minister Octavia Alfred highlighted teacher support and appointments, while Prime Minister Skerrit also extended appreciation to teachers across Dominica. Culture & Tourism: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl-‘Tout Biten Domnik is set for October 19–22, with a new dedicated wellness space planned, and the Dominica National Lottery contributing $25,000 as a platinum sponsor. Climate & Youth Recognition: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won first place in a regional climate short story competition, with another Dominican writer also placing among the top finalists. Sports: Dominica’s senior men’s team suffered a heavy 5–1 defeat to Guyana in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Marigot Community Priorities: PM Roosevelt Skerrit met Marigot residents to urge them to take up government programmes and share community concerns, stressing that opportunities are available but require participation. Dominica-China Diplomacy: Dominica renewed its long-term commitment to deepen ties with China at a ceremony marking the PRC’s 77th anniversary, reaffirming the One China principle. Elections Watch: The Dominica Trade Union Congress urged eligible voters to complete voter confirmation/registration before the Oct. 14 deadline amid public scrutiny of the process. Teachers’ Week Focus: Education leaders and the Dominica Association of Teachers highlighted teachers as the foundation of national development, while the Education Minister pointed to appointments, PPE support, and allowances for educators. Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl Build-Up: The Dominica National Lottery pledged $25,000 as a platinum sponsor, and organisers announced a new wellness space for the Oct. 19–22 Creole village event. Regional Court and Travel: The CCJ will hold itinerant sittings in St Lucia for the first time since accepting appellate jurisdiction, while Caribbean Airlines announced renewed Caracas service and a Tobago–Toronto route. Visa Bond Clarification: A guide on the US$20,000 visa bond rule says India is not on the affected list of 50 countries.

US Visa Rules: A new update to the US visa bond programme says India is not on the current list of 50 countries, meaning Indian passport holders are not subject to the $10,000–$20,000 deposit requirement based on nationality alone. Education & Community: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit thanked Dominica’s teachers as the country marks Teachers’ Week, while Wesley High School prepares for its 100th anniversary celebrations. Local Governance: Skerrit met Marigot residents at a community social gathering to hear priorities and concerns directly. Culture & Tourism: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is set for Oct. 19–22, with a new dedicated wellness space planned for the event, and the Dominica National Lottery contributing $25,000 as a platinum sponsor. Sports: Dominica’s senior men’s team suffered a 5–1 defeat to Guyana in the CONCACAF Nations League, leaving the Bouyon Boyz facing a tough group position. Regional Economy: The CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative to support women-led businesses developing clean energy solutions across the Caribbean, including Dominica.

Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will resume Trinidad–Caracas flights from October 31 and launch a weekly Tobago–Toronto non-stop service starting October 25, with additional Trinidad–Panama charters set for December 1, 2026 to February 9, 2027. Clean Energy for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region to turn clean-energy ideas into market-ready solutions. Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: The EU has ordered five Caribbean nations, including Dominica, to end citizenship-by-investment programmes by 2028 or risk losing visa-free travel access. Education & Community: Prime Minister Skerrit thanked teachers nationwide; Wesley High School marked plans for its 100th anniversary; and the DPSU awarded 12 scholarships for professional development. Culture & Wellness: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl-‘Tout Biten Domnik runs October 19–22, with a new dedicated wellness space added this year, and the Dominica National Lottery contributes $25,000 as a platinum sponsor. Sports: Dominica’s Golden Jaguars beat Dominica 5–1 in CONCACAF Nations League action in Puerto Rico. Public Safety: Dominica will launch a national missing person alert system on October 5 with separate alerts for children, vulnerable people, other adults, and police-related incidents.

Citizenship by Investment: The EU has told Eastern Caribbean governments to stop selling passports by 2028 or risk losing visa-free travel access, saying the islands can’t properly screen applicants despite recent security upgrades. Dominica Culture & Tourism: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl—“Tout Biten Domnik” returns Oct. 19–22 at the Botanic Gardens, promising Creole food, music, crafts and an island-wide conversation ahead of the World Creole Music Festival. Climate & Youth: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won the 2026 CARICOM Climate Change Centre youth short story contest with “Weathering Us,” while Trinidad and Tobago’s Priya Ramdeo placed second. Clean Energy for Women: A new US$550,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility will support women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region to commercialise clean energy solutions (2026–2028). Public Safety: Dominica will launch a national missing person alert system on Oct. 5, with separate alerts for children, vulnerable people, other adults, and police-officer incidents. Water Disruptions: DOWASCO scheduled maintenance will interrupt water in Brentridge, Penrice, Belles, Wet Area and Gleau Gomier on Oct. 2 (9 a.m.–3 p.m.).

Citizenship by Investment Pressure: The EU has told Eastern Caribbean states to stop selling “golden passports” by 2028 or risk losing visa-free travel access, saying the islands can’t properly vet applicants. Public Safety Update: Dominica will launch a national missing person alert system on October 5, with separate alerts for children, vulnerable people, other missing adults, and incidents involving police officers. Water Service Disruptions: DOWASCO scheduled system maintenance will interrupt water supply on Oct. 2 for Brentridge, Penrice, Belles, Wet Area and Gleau Gomier, and on Oct. 1 for Mero to Castle Comfort. Clean Energy Support for Women: A new US$550,000 CDB initiative will back women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region to commercialise clean energy solutions from 2026 to 2028. Culture & Community: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl—“Tout Biten Domnik” is set for Oct. 19–22 at the Dominica Botanic Gardens. Climate Writing Win: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won first place in a CARICOM youth climate short story competition.

Education & Skills: Dominica’s ECAAM and St. Maarten’s SKOS Catholic Education Foundation launched a two-year Project INSPIRE pilot to strengthen support for students with special educational needs, starting with training for teachers and school managers and adding parent workshops. Regional Agriculture & Labour: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green urged a Caribbean-wide farmworker framework, pointing to Dominica’s migrant worker model that has brought about 200 workers to support roughly 80 farmers and boost productivity. Health & Community: DOMDA’s “Sip N Chat” event is set for today at The Realm, encouraging ages 16–35 to adopt healthier lifestyle choices through youth-focused conversations. Infrastructure & Services: DOWASCO announced a water supply interruption from Mero to Castle Comfort on Oct. 1 (9am–3pm) for system maintenance. Public Safety & Governance: Dominica’s police chief confirmed four probationary officers were dismissed after an investigation, with disciplinary action separate from any criminal process. International Spotlight: OAS member states, including Dominica, called for the full deployment and renewed mandate of Haiti’s Gang Repression Force, urging UN Security Council support. Business & Finance: A CAB–UWI scholarship programme launched to help Caribbean banking employees pursue a BSc in Banking and Finance, with the next intake set for January 2027.

Banking & Skills: The Caribbean Association of Banks and the University of the West Indies launched the CAB–UWI Scholarship Programme 2026, offering part-time BSc support in Banking and Finance for employees of CAB member institutions, with the next intake set for January 2027. Neonatal Care Milestone: Dominican-born doctors’ Caring for Miracles Foundation marked five years supporting premature and critically ill newborns at UHWI NICU in Jamaica, backing equipment, training, and family support. Health Policy: CARICOM health ministers agreed to advance a CARICOM Digital Health Strategy with PAHO, the IDB and the World Bank, aiming to strengthen healthcare delivery and workforce and public health systems. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson urged a “One country, one product” model to boost regional food security through commodity specialization and trade. Tourism & Jobs: An ILO study warns Eastern Caribbean tourism informality is limiting decent work and calls for better support for small businesses to move into the formal economy. Dominica Community Events: DOMDA hosts “Sip N Chat” for youth health choices; DSC’s Confucius Classroom marks Mid-Autumn Festival; and Dominica’s tourism ministry says the island earned 11 recognitions in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards. Infrastructure Notices: DOWASCO scheduled water interruptions in multiple areas for system maintenance.

Water Supply Disruption: DOWASCO says customers from Mero to Castle Comfort will see water interrupted Thursday, Oct. 1, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for system maintenance. Vital Records Update: Dominica’s Civil Registry can resume normal processing after a new shipment of security paper arrived, with officials urging applicants to collect certificates while new requests continue. Police Accountability: Four probationary police officers were dismissed following an investigation, with the police chief stressing dismissal and criminal prosecution are separate processes. Community Policing: CDPF officers promoted policing careers at Future Fest and also held a church fellowship as part of its community policing initiative. Agriculture Recognition: Dywany St. John of Wesley was named CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026. Sports: Dominica’s senior men’s team lost 2-0 to Puerto Rico in the Nations League, despite a stronger second half. Regional Business & Tech: EllaLink officially launched the Caribbean Gateway initiative, targeting service by end-2029. Women in Sport: DABA will launch a Women’s Basketball League with a Nov. 7 3×3 tournament.

Community Policing: The CDPF is pushing careers and trust-building, from Future Fest at the Stadium Forecourt to Portsmouth officers joining church fellowship as part of its community policing initiative. Women’s Sports: DABA will launch a Women’s Basketball League with a November 7 “Ladies Night” 3×3 tournament at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex. Vital Records: Dominica’s Civil Registry says it can resume normal birth, marriage and death certificate processing after new security paper arrived, following certificate delays. Agriculture Recognition: Wesley farmer Dywany St. John received CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026 in Jamaica. Sports & Results: The Bouyon Boyz lost 2-0 to Puerto Rico in the Nations League opener, while Dominica’s chess history-maker Shermel Timothy earned Woman Candidate Master status at the Chess Olympiad. Public Safety & Services: Four probationary police officers were dismissed after an investigation; and DOWASCO scheduled water interruptions are set for Pichelin, Maranatha Square and Geneva. Culture & Events: Mas Domnik 2027’s official calendar is out, with Carnival running Jan 9–Feb 10, 2027. Regional Spotlight: CARICOM leaders paid tribute to Mighty Sparrow after his death at 91.