AGP Executive Report

Disaster Preparedness: CDEMA Executive Director Elizabeth Riley praised Antigua and Barbuda’s new five-year resilience framework as a sector-wide roadmap for disaster risk reduction, response and recovery, warning that hurricanes, earthquakes, sargassum and oil spills show why Caribbean states need medium- to long-term planning. Climate Resilience & Agriculture: Dominica officially launched the US$26m DOMCREP in Marigot, targeting eight vulnerable communities with upgrades to water security, early warning systems, disaster management infrastructure and support for farmers and agro-processors. Tourism Policy: Dominica’s 2026 Tourism Awareness Program kicked off with a wellness tourism focus, tying community participation to the island’s geothermal, rivers, forests and cultural heritage as arrivals continue to rise. Regional Governance: CARICOM Heads of Government are set to meet in St Lucia from July 5–8, with the rotating chairmanship shifting to St Lucia’s PM Philip J. Pierre. US Visa Shock for Tourism: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says he and his wife were denied US visa renewals, raising fears for regional airlift, tourism representation and business travel. Local Impact: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed crops and damaged water infrastructure, with the Ministry of Agriculture assessing losses. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index again placed Haiti at the bottom in the region, while Barbados and others ranked higher.

Papal Apology & Slavery Reckoning: Pope Leo XIV’s May encyclical Magnifica Humanitas links the Vatican’s historical approval of the Transatlantic Slave Trade to modern exploitation, calling for overdue redress. BDF Leadership Change (Barbados): President Jeffrey Bostic drops the Lieutenant Colonel title as he marks his Commander-in-Chief Parade, signaling a shift in how the Barbados Defence Force presents leadership. Governance & Corruption Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index again places Haiti at the bottom in the Caribbean, while several others rank higher—fueling fresh debate on accountability. Dominica Climate Resilience Push: Dominica officially launches the US$25m DOMCREP project to boost water security, early warning, disaster management, and support farmers in eight vulnerable communities. Tourism Strategy: Dominica rolls out its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Wellness Tourism,” reporting rising arrivals and aiming to deepen community-led, sustainable visitor experiences. US Immigration Court Ruling: A Rhode Island federal judge strikes down Trump-era USCIS pauses affecting asylum and other immigration benefits for people from 39 countries, including Dominica—raising hopes for faster processing. CHTA Visa Denial: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says he was denied a US visa renewal, warning of possible impacts on regional airlift and tourism diplomacy. Local Agriculture Hit: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroys crops and water infrastructure across about 2.5 acres, prompting ministry assessments and farmer support planning.

US Courts & Immigration: A Rhode Island federal judge struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused asylum and immigration benefit decisions for people from 39 countries, calling the move illegal and “anti-immigrant,” a ruling that includes Dominica among affected nations. Tourism & Visas: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says he and his wife were denied US visa renewals, raising fears for regional airlift, tourism talks, and business travel. Dominica Climate Resilience: Dominica launched the US$26m DOMCREP in Marigot, backed by the Green Climate Fund and CCCCC, targeting eight vulnerable communities with water security, early warning, disaster management upgrades, and support for farmers and agro-processors. Local Agriculture Impact: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed crops and damaged water infrastructure, with officials assessing losses and farmers seeking support. Tourism Strategy: The Ministry of Tourism and DDA rolled out the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, positioning Dominica through wellness tourism through July. Regional Governance: CARICOM Heads of Government are set to meet in St Lucia from July 5–8, with the rotating chairmanship shifting to St Lucia. Finance & Banking Watch: A regional banking warning on derisking urges Caribbean institutions to fully meet international compliance expectations to avoid losing correspondent relationships. Youth & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study says Eastern Caribbean youth want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training, and accessible opportunities—an issue flagged for Dominica and others.

US Courts vs Trump Immigration: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused asylum, work permits, green cards and citizenship decisions for people from 39 countries, calling the move unlawful and leaving applicants in “indefinite legal limbo.” Tourism & Community: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Wellness Tourism,” with the DDA and Ministry of Tourism pushing community-led, sustainable visitor experiences through July. Climate Resilience Push: The government officially launched DOMCREP, a US$25M (EC$70.2M) Green Climate Fund-backed project in Marigot to boost water security, early warning systems and disaster readiness in eight vulnerable communities. Local Climate Impact: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed crops and water infrastructure, including watermelon, pumpkin, eggplant and bell pepper fields, and damaged irrigation water tanks. Youth & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned Eastern Caribbean study says young people in Dominica and the region want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training and accessible opportunities. Regional Watch: CARICOM Heads of Government are set to meet in St Lucia from July 5–8. Tourism Leadership Concern: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says he was denied a US visa, raising fears for Caribbean airlift and tourism engagement.

US Courts & Immigration: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused immigration benefits and asylum processing for people from 39 “travel-ban” countries, calling the moves “illegal, arbitrary, and capricious” and saying applicants were left in indefinite legal limbo. Dominica Tourism & Visas: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says he was denied a US visa renewal weeks after his historic election, raising fears for regional airlift, tourism representation, and business travel. Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica launched the US$26m (EC$70.2m) DOMCREP project with the Green Climate Fund and CCCCC to boost food security, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and support for farmers in eight vulnerable communities. Regional Governance: CARICOM leaders are set to meet in St Lucia for the 51st Heads of Government meeting (July 5–8), with sessions expected to tackle key regional priorities. Banking & Compliance: A regional banking warning on “derisking” urges Caribbean institutions to fully implement FATF standards to avoid being cut off by international partners. Youth & Green Economy: A UNICEF-backed study finds youth in the Eastern Caribbean— including Dominica—lag in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities, pointing to a communications gap.

CARICOM Agenda: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in St Lucia from July 5–8, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre taking the rotating chair on July 1; the opening ceremony at Sandals St Lucia is set for July 5 and will be livestreamed. Climate Resilience Push: Dominica has launched the US$26m (EC$70.2m) DOMCREP project with the Green Climate Fund and CCCCC to boost food security, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and community capacity 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, pointing to recent flooding and landslides. Tourism & Connectivity: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says visitor arrivals rose 15% to nearly 497,000 last year, while regional airlift and travel links remain a key focus amid wider Caribbean connectivity moves. Airport Financing Debate: The UPP is pressing the government to publish detailed long-term financial viability plans for Dominica’s international airport under construction. Regional Courts & Governance: A CCJ judge lamented slow CARICOM uptake of the court as final appellate jurisdiction, while CARICOM also congratulated Trinidad and Tobago on its UN Security Council election.

Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica has 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 and agro-processors in eight vulnerable communities. Hurricane Season Alert: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans and stock essentials as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1, pointing to recent flooding and landslides. Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says visitor arrivals rose about 15% last year, with stayover and cruise growth, while major upgrades continue across key sites and projects like the airport and cable car. Airport Scrutiny: The UPP is pressing the government to publish detailed long-term financial viability plans for the international airport under construction, warning taxpayers could face subsidies if growth stalls. Economy & Agriculture: Finance Minister Irving McIntyre reported 4.5% growth for 2025, while Agriculture Minister Roland Royer highlighted MSMEs as central to food security and export gains. Regional Justice & Mobility: A CCJ judge criticized CARICOM’s slow move to accept the court as final appeal, and CARICOM leaders congratulated Trinidad and Tobago’s UN Security Council win. Youth & Institutions: Dominica’s new National Youth Council executive was elected, and NCCU reported membership growth to 54,322 by end-2025.

Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica has launched the US$26 million (EC$70.2 million) DOMCREP project with the Green Climate Fund and CCCCC to protect eight vulnerable communities, boosting food security, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and support for farmers and agro-processors over five years. Economic Update: Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre told budget consultations that Dominica’s economy grew 4.5% in 2025 despite global uncertainty. Agriculture & Trade: Agriculture Minister Roland Royer stressed that MSMEs are key to food security and expanding agricultural exports, calling for stronger support and accountability. Hurricane Season Preparedness: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans and supplies as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals and growth in stayover and cruise numbers, with major upgrades progressing. Opposition Airport Scrutiny: The UPP’s Joshua Francis called for full public disclosure on the international airport’s long-term financial viability, warning taxpayers could face subsidies if growth doesn’t materialize. Regional Courts: A CCJ judge criticized CARICOM states for not accepting the court as final appeal, including Dominica among those using it. Youth Governance: Senator Oscar George backed the new National Youth Council leadership, saying it will better represent young people.

Airport Accountability: The UPP is pressing the Government to publish detailed long-term financial viability plans for Dominica’s international airport, warning taxpayers could face subsidies if tourism and growth projections fall short. Disaster Readiness: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1, pointing to recent flooding and landslides and the need for shared preparedness. Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says Dominica recorded a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals in 2025, with stayover up about 10% and cruise arrivals up 21%, alongside ongoing upgrades and major projects. Youth Leadership: The National Youth Council of Dominica elected Yannick Regis as President for 2026–2028, replacing Phael Lander. Regional Justice & Governance: CARICOM congratulated Trinidad & Tobago on its UN Security Council seat, while the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court welcomed Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice effective April 9, 2026. Business Resilience: DAIC called for broader disaster planning beyond hurricanes, citing risks like flooding, outages, and supply chain disruptions.

Tourism Update: Dominica recorded a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals to nearly 497,000 last year, with stayover arrivals up about 10% and cruise traffic up 21%, as the Tourism Minister points to ongoing upgrades at Champagne Beach, Kalinago Barana Aute, and planned works at Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls, Morne Bruce and Mero Beach, plus secured funding for Cabrits National Park and the India River. Youth & Sports: Senator Oscar George says the newly elected National Youth Council will better represent Dominica’s youth, following the weekend election of Yannick Regis as president. Education & Skills: The Ministry of Education is inviting the public to TVET Showcase 2026 on June 5, highlighting hands-on training across areas like agriculture, garment production, food and nutrition and woodwork. Regional Justice & Business Climate: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court welcomed new Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay (effective April 9, 2026), while OHADAC and CARO prepare a June 10 training push on arbitration and ADR to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean. Disaster Preparedness: With the Atlantic hurricane season underway, DAIC urges businesses and agencies to broaden preparedness beyond storms to cover flooding, heat, outages and supply disruptions. Opposition Politics: Senior UWP figures issue an open letter condemning what they call “character assassination and political persecution,” including calls for their expulsion.

Criminal Justice & Police Training: The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force kicked off a professional development series with a lecture on “Identifying Criminal Offences,” led by Deputy Chief of Police Jeoffrey James and Acting Superintendent Chaucer James, with officers saying the session will strengthen day-to-day investigations. Regional Justice & Appointments: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court confirmed King Charles III has appointed Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026, with oversight across OECS states including Dominica. Economic Justice & Arbitration: OHADAC’s Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO), with the OECS, will launch training on arbitration and ADR June 10 to improve access to economic justice for Eastern Caribbean businesses and investors. Health & Medicines Access: PAHO and the OECS-PPS opened a joint planning workshop focused on sustaining access to safe, effective essential medicines and health technologies across OECS member states. Environment & Coastal Resilience: A SARSEA mission is studying sargassum management in Martinique and Guadeloupe, while Dominica civil society and CANARI push for faster implementation of the Escazú Agreement. Hurricane Season Preparedness: DAIC is urging Dominica’s businesses and agencies to broaden disaster planning beyond hurricanes as flooding, heat, erosion, landslides, and outages threaten operations. Electoral Process Update: Dominica’s Electoral Office says about 17,000 electors have applied for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved and the rest still under verification.

Sargassum Response: A nine-state OECS delegation is in Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study how regional partners monitor, collect and turn sargassum into useful products, building on SARSEA work supported by the EU and the OECS. Hurricane Preparedness: With the Atlantic hurricane season starting June 1, Dominica’s DAIC is urging businesses and agencies to plan for more than storms—flooding, heat, outages, landslides and supply disruptions included. Judicial Leadership: King Charles III has appointed Dominica-linked legal figure Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026. Regional Justice & Environment: Civil society and CANARI are pressing Dominica to move fast on Escazú Agreement implementation, arguing environmental rights must translate into real changes in information, participation and access to justice. Electoral Process: The Electoral Office says about 17,000 electors have applied for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved and the rest still being verified. UWP Internal Tensions: Senior UWP figures have issued an open letter rejecting calls for their expulsion, saying they’re facing “character assassination and political persecution.” Tourism Signals: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says visitor arrivals and stayover numbers are rising, alongside major site upgrades. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a National Accountability Seminar in Dominica on June 3, focusing on trade, MSMEs and strengthening food security.

Visa Crunch for Africa: The US plans to cut visa processing across Africa from nearly 50 embassies/consulates to just 20 “hub” locations, forcing non-hub applicants to travel farther for applications. Regional Justice & Arbitration: OHADAC and the OECS will officially launch OHADAC–CARO training on arbitration and ADR in the Eastern Caribbean on 10 June, aiming to make dispute resolution more accessible for businesses and investors. Eastern Caribbean Judiciary: Margaret Price Findlay has been appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective 9 April 2026. Dominica Electoral Process: The Electoral Office reports about 17,000 electors applied for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved, while remaining cases are still being verified or corrected. UWP Push on Fuel Costs: UWP leader Thomson Fontaine urges talks with Guyana to access cheaper gasoline as Dominica’s fuel prices rise. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says visitor arrivals and stayover arrivals are increasing, as Dominica launches Tourism Awareness Month with site upgrades and a wellness focus. Escazú Agreement Pressure: Civil society and CANARI call for swift implementation of Dominica’s Escazú obligations to improve environmental information, participation, and access to justice. Youth Leadership: The National Youth Council of Dominica elects Yannick Regis as President for 2026–2028. Sports & Cricket: Cricket West Indies President Kishore Shallow highlights Dominica’s growing cricket talent and names several promising players.

UWP Internal Tensions: Senior UWP stalwarts have issued an open letter condemning what they call a campaign of “misinformation, character assassination and political persecution,” including a recent call for their expulsion “by force if possible.” Electoral Process Watch: The Electoral Office says about 17,000 electors have applied for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved, while remaining applications are still under verification and may require resubmissions. Environment & Governance: Civil society and CANARI are urging swift implementation of the Escazú Agreement, arguing Dominica must translate the treaty into real improvements in environmental information, participation, and access to justice. Regional Environment Action: A SARSEA workshop in Dominica advanced coordinated regional responses to sargassum impacts, linking coastal resilience and biodiversity protection across OECS states. Tourism & Economy: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton reports encouraging signs, including increased visitor arrivals and stayover growth, as Tourism Awareness Month is launched alongside site upgrades. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a national accountability seminar on June 3 focused on strengthening food security through trade and agricultural MSMEs. Public Service Pressure: The Dominica Public Service Union is set to meet PM Roosevelt Skerrit early June over longstanding concerns at Dominica State College, including subvention, repairs, staffing, and delays in implementing recommendations. Sports Development: Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow highlighted Dominica’s growing cricket talent, pointing to players with regional and international potential.

Youth Leadership: The National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD) elected Yannick Regis as President for 2026–2028, with Dylan Registe (1st VP), Keanu Winston (2nd VP) and Shervin Dominique (Comms) among the new executive. Electoral Process: The Electoral Office says about 17,000 electors applied for voter confirmation; over 11,000 are approved, while the rest are still being verified, with some applicants asked to correct documents or resubmit. Environment & Governance: Civil society groups, with CANARI, are pushing the government to move fast on implementing the Escazú Agreement after a Roseau sensitisation workshop. Regional Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines’ pullout from St Kitts and Nevis is said to have happened without consultation, and Dominica is also caught in the wider route restructuring debate. Economy Watch: The IMF welcomed Dominica’s 2025 growth (4.5%) but warned fiscal and external imbalances remain high, urging continued prudent policies and reforms. Public Services: UN World Food Programme equipment is being handed to strengthen Dominica’s social protection and data systems, including SWIMS support. Local Development: PM Skerrit continued consultations on making the Marigot Fisheries Complex an official port of entry, aiming to reassure fishers and vendors it won’t disrupt livelihoods. Tourism Push: Tourism Awareness Month 2026 was launched, citing rising arrivals and major upgrades, with wellness tourism in focus.

Air Connectivity Shock: St Kitts and Nevis Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says Caribbean Airlines withdrew from the St Kitts route without consulting government, after losses of more than US$1.6m—while officials scramble to secure another partner. Electoral Process Pressure: Dominica’s Electoral Office reports about 17,000 voter confirmation applications submitted, with over 11,000 approved and the rest still under verification, as critics call for a “reset” of the Electoral Commission. Local Governance & Jobs: The Prime Minister continues consultations on making the Marigot Fisheries Complex a port of entry, with assurances to fishers and vendors that livelihoods won’t be disrupted. IMF Update: The IMF says Dominica’s economy grew 4.5% in 2025 on tourism and infrastructure, but warns fiscal and external imbalances remain high and calls for prudent policy and reforms. UWP Fuel Cost Push: UWP leader Thomson Fontaine urges talks with Guyana for cheaper fuel as Dominica’s regulated prices rise amid the US–Israel–Iran conflict. Environment & Regional Leadership: Cozier Frederick, now OECS Council of Ministers chair for environmental sustainability, calls for more public involvement and climate financing. Social Protection Upgrade: WFP donated computers and tablets to strengthen Dominica’s social welfare data systems. Tourism Drive: Tourism Awareness Month 2026 launches with wellness tourism focus and site upgrades as arrivals keep climbing.