AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Regional Affairs: CARICOM mourned the death of French Guiana President Gabriel Serville, 67, who helped drive French Guiana’s move to CARICOM Associate Membership in July 2026. Public Safety: Dominica will launch a four-tier missing person alert system on October 5, with separate alerts for children, vulnerable adults, other missing adults, and police-officer incidents, using media and public screens to speed up searches. Local Governance & Services: Dominica’s Civil Registry says it can resume normal processing of birth, marriage and death certificates after a shipment of secure paper, following certificate delays tied to supply shortages. Regional Policy: CARICOM is pushing a regional digital health strategy, backed by PAHO, IDB and the World Bank, to strengthen healthcare delivery, surveillance and health financing across member states. Agriculture & Labour: A new ILO study flags that Eastern Caribbean tourism—crucial to jobs and GDP—still suffers from informality and weak labour protections, including in Dominica. Clean Energy for Women: Dominica women-led businesses are eligible for a US$550,000 CDB clean energy initiative running 2026–2028, offering technical help and financing to commercialise solutions. Crime & Discipline: Four probationary police officers were dismissed after an internal investigation, with the police chief stressing dismissal and criminal prosecution are separate processes. Culture: The Caribbean mourns calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91.

Haiti Security: OAS member states, including Dominica, urged the UN Security Council to renew and fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force, calling for personnel, funding, equipment and logistics to support Haitian-led solutions. Local Governance: Dominica’s Civil Registry says it can resume normal processing of birth, marriage and death certificates after delays tied to limited security paper supplies, with more sheets received and additional stock ordered. Public Safety: Four probationary police officers were dismissed following an investigation, with the Chief of Police saying dismissal and criminal prosecution are separate processes. Regional Health: CARICOM health ministers moved to advance a regional digital health strategy with support from PAHO, the IDB and the World Bank, aiming to strengthen care delivery, surveillance and health financing. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson backed a “One country, one product” model to boost Caribbean food security through specialization and trade. Infrastructure & Procurement: Dominica issued REOI/EOI for design-and-build services for steel-framed installation work at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 and linking multiple islands via a carrier-neutral submarine corridor. Tourism Jobs: An ILO study on Eastern Caribbean tourism warns that informality and weak labour protections are limiting decent work and formal growth, including in Dominica. Culture: Dominica joined the wider region in mourning calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91.

Court & Public Safety: Dominica’s police are investigating a Sunday shooting in Pointe Michel that left a 37-year-old St. Lucian man with multiple gunshot wounds; authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Pointe Michel Police Station, CID, or Crime Stoppers. Police Discipline: Four probationary officers were dismissed after a police investigation, with the Chief of Police saying one was not criminally charged but still dismissed for serious conduct and language concerns. Civil Registry Operations: Dominica says it can resume normal processing of birth, marriage and death certificates after a new shipment of security paper; officials blamed delays on limited stock and a fee waiver that triggered multiple requests. Agriculture Recognition: Dywany St. John of Wesley was named CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026, with the Ministry highlighting the win for Dominica’s food security and sustainable farming. Tourism Jobs: An ILO study warns that Eastern Caribbean tourism’s big economic role is held back by informality, weak labour protections, financing gaps and limited social protection—calling for productivity and decent work improvements together. Regional Diplomacy: OAS member states, including Dominica, backed renewing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and urged full funding and deployment support. International Mobility Rules: The UK published a student-visa English exemption list that includes Dominica, alongside several Caribbean states. Culture & Community: Mas Domnik 2027’s official calendar was announced, with major events running from Jan. 9 to Feb. 10, 2027. Caribbean Loss: Leaders across the region mourned calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91.

Police-Community Partnership: Portsmouth officers joined God’s Family House of Worship for a fellowship service, part of the force’s community policing push to build trust. Vital Records Update: Dominica’s Civil Registry says it can resume normal processing of birth, marriage and death certificates after a new shipment of security paper, with officials urging applicants to collect ready documents and submit new requests as usual. Public Safety & Discipline: Four probationary police officers were dismissed following an investigation, with the chief of police stressing that dismissal and any criminal cases are separate processes. Agriculture Recognition: Dywany St. John of Wesley was named CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026, celebrated at the Caribbean Week of Agriculture opening in Jamaica. Tourism Jobs Focus: An ILO study warns that Eastern Caribbean tourism’s informality and weak labour protections limit decent work and formal growth, calling for support that improves productivity and working conditions together. Regional Politics: OAS member states, including Dominica, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and fund full deployment. International Mobility: The UK listed Dominica among countries exempt from English tests for student visas, while also publishing a separate family-visa English exemption list. Culture & Calendar: Mas Domnik 2027 dates and major events were officially announced, running Jan 9–Feb 10, 2027. Road Recovery: PM Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide area and outlined plans to stabilise the damaged road and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route.

CARICOM & Culture: Caribbean leaders mourn calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, with CARICOM chair Phillip J. Pierre and Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit praising the singer-songwriter’s wit and storytelling. Civil Registry: Dominica’s Civil Registry says it can resume normal birth, marriage and death certificate processing after a new shipment of security paper, following delays tied to limited stock and fee-waiver-driven demand. Policing: Four probationary police officers were dismissed after an investigation, with the police chief stressing dismissal decisions can be separate from criminal charges. Agriculture: Dywany St. John of Wesley received the CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026 award in Jamaica, spotlighting Dominica’s farming and food security role. Carnival: Discover Dominica Authority officially released the Mas Domnik 2027 calendar, running Jan. 9–Feb. 10, with key dates including Bouyon Day, Sunrise, Calypso Monarch and Teway Vaval. Roads & Safety: PM Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced steps to stabilise the road and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Regional Politics: OAS member states, including Dominica, backed renewing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and urged full deployment support.

Tourism Jobs & Formal Work: A new ILO study says Eastern Caribbean tourism—crucial to jobs and GDP—can’t deliver decent work while informality, weak labour protections, skills gaps, and limited access to finance persist, urging countries like Dominica to tackle productivity and formalisation together. Road Safety After Landslide: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide damage and announced stabilisation steps plus upgrades to the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route, with drainage and vegetation control and possible road widening. Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: OECS leaders say an EU technical team will meet Europe next month after the EU asked Dominica and other CIPs to phase out by June 1, 2028, warning visa-free Schengen access could be at stake. Crime Update: Police are investigating a Pointe Michel shooting that left a 37-year-old St. Lucian man with multiple gunshot wounds. Regional Politics: OAS member states, including Dominica, backed renewing Haiti’s UN-backed gang suppression force mandate and called for full funding and deployment support. Public Debate on Abortion: Letters to the editor continue the pushback on criminalising abortion, arguing it harms women and doesn’t protect “sanctity of life.” Education: The Dominica Association of Teachers kicked off Teachers Week 2026 with island-wide activities, health and wellness events, and a Teachers’ Appreciation Day.

Tourism & Jobs: A new ILO study says Eastern Caribbean tourism drives big GDP and employment gains, but informality and weak labour protections are holding back decent work and productivity—citing limited finance, skills gaps, and poor enforcement across Dominica and other OECS states. Teachers Week 2026: The Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) has rolled out a full Teachers Week programme, including “DAT in the Street,” a wellness day with health screenings, and Teachers’ Appreciation Day. Road Recovery: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide impact and says the government will stabilise the damaged road section while upgrading the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route for safer access. UN Diplomacy on Haiti: All 32 OAS member states backed renewing the UN Security Council mandate for Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force, urging full deployment support. UNGA Gaza Fallout: Netanyahu’s UN speech triggered mass walkouts by dozens of countries, including several from the Caribbean and Latin America. Dominica at the UN: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation and pushed for climate resilience financing before disasters strike. Local Justice: The DPP discontinued a nine-year obstruction case against UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine. Digital Governance: Dominica State College launched a Youth Internet Governance Lab to tackle campus connectivity issues and build policy-focused skills.

Haiti Security Push: All 32 OAS member states urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back it with full personnel, funding, equipment and logistics for full deployment, stressing Haitian-led solutions. Citizenship by Investment vs EU Travel: PM Gaston Browne says OECS technical officials will meet the EU to clarify the bloc’s stance on CIPs after the EU asked Dominica and others to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028 or risk losing visa-free Schengen access. Road Recovery in Dominica: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced stabilisation steps plus upgrades to the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route, including drainage work and possible road widening. UNGA Climate and Resilience: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation and renewed calls for climate resilience financing before disasters strike. Dominica Politics in Court: DPP Sherma Dalrymple discontinued a nine-year obstruction charge against UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine tied to a 2017 opposition meeting. Digital Governance at DSC: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab with ARIN support to study campus connectivity and policy issues. Regional Diplomacy: India and CARICOM foreign ministers met on UNGA sidelines, with CARICOM backing India’s UNSC bid for 2028–29. Rent Dispute Guidance: Dominica’s Rent Services Unit urged landlords and tenants to seek help early to resolve arrears, deposits and illegal increases before disputes escalate.

Road Safety & Infrastructure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced stabilisation steps plus an upgrade to the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route, including drainage fixes and possible road widening for safer access in Dominica’s southeast. UN Diplomacy & Climate Resilience: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly that resilience must start before disasters, pushing for financing for roads, bridges, buildings and health systems, while highlighting Dominica’s geothermal plant now in commercial operation and renewables at about 84% of electricity with a 100% target by 2030. Regional Security Cooperation: OAS member states, including Dominica, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back it with personnel, funding and equipment for sustained deployment. Local Justice & Politics: DPP Sherma Dalrymple discontinued a 2017 obstruction charge against UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine, ending a case tied to a 2017 opposition meeting in Roseau. Digital Governance & Education: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to map campus connectivity issues and link technical problems to policy and legal questions. Energy & International Exchange: Dominica’s Chief of Protocol Remilia White joined a US State Department IVLP on advancing economic prosperity.

UNGA Diplomacy & Conflict Prevention: Leaders at the UN General Assembly urged the UN to shift from counting the dead to preventing crises through early diplomacy, dialogue, and political solutions, with Gaza cited as the clearest example. Strategic Autonomy Push: Canada and other middle powers used the UN stage to argue that countries must protect sovereignty amid intensifying rival blocs and avoid over-reliance on single partners. Haiti Security Mandate: OAS member states, including Dominica, backed renewing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and called for sustained funding, equipment, and logistics while keeping solutions Haitian-led. Dominica Infrastructure Response: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide area and announced plans to stabilise the damaged O’Delices Road and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Climate Resilience at UN: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN Dominica needs resilience financing before disasters strike, highlighting geothermal’s commercial operation and a push toward 100% renewables by 2030. Local Politics in Court: DPP Sherma Dalrymple discontinued a 2017 obstruction charge against UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine, ending a nine-year case tied to a 2017 opposition meeting. Digital Governance & Skills: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to tackle campus connectivity issues and build policy-focused skills. International Spotlight on Dominica Banking: U.S. civil forfeiture moves tied to Capstone and Dominica-licensed EQIBank continue, with EQIBank warning the seized funds could threaten its survival.

UN Debt Pressure: Africa and other developing regions warned at the UN that debt repayments and high borrowing costs are crowding out health, education, infrastructure and climate protection. Dominica Roads & Disaster Response: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide area and announced stabilisation work on the O’Delices Road plus upgrades to the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Tether/US Forfeiture Fallout: US prosecutors are seeking to confiscate about US$84.2m tied to Capstone-linked accounts used in transactions connected to Tether, raising fresh questions about offshore banking risk. EQIBank Crisis: Dominica-licensed EQIBank says the seized funds could represent around 80% of its monetary holdings, warning liquidation risk while it fights to recover the money. Local Politics: DPP Sherma Dalrymple discontinued a 2017 obstruction charge against UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine, ending a case tied to a 2017 opposition meeting in Roseau. Energy & Climate Diplomacy: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation and urged climate resilience financing before disasters strike. Tech & Education: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to study campus connectivity issues and policy questions. Community Development: The Rent Services Unit urged landlords and tenants to seek early help to resolve disputes over arrears, deposits and illegal rent increases.

Crypto & Banking Fallout: The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a civil forfeiture complaint seeking $84.2 million tied to Capstone Ltd., alleging unlicensed payments work linked to Tether; Dominica-licensed EQIBank says Tether’s exposure is under 0.034% of its assets as EQIBank fights to recover about $89 million seized from its accounts. Local Governance: Dominica’s Rent Services Unit is urging landlords and tenants to seek help early in rental disputes over arrears, deposits and illegal increases, with unresolved cases able to go to the Rent Assessment Board tribunal. Opposition Justice Case: DPP Sherma Dalrymple has discontinued a 2017 obstruction charge against UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine, ending a case tied to a 2017 “Day of the People” meeting. Diplomacy & Climate: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN Dominica is pushing resilience financing before disasters hit and highlighted the geothermal plant now in commercial operation, with renewables at about 84% of electricity and a 100% target by 2030. Education & Tech Policy: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to study campus connectivity problems and the policy questions behind them. Energy & International Links: Dominica’s Chief of Protocol Remilia White is in the U.S. State Department’s IVLP on economic prosperity. Community & Culture: La Cour Des Arts De La Dominique stages the satirical play “Fly on the Wall” in Roseau this weekend, aimed at exposing hidden political power.

UNGA Walkout: Dozens of delegations left the UN General Assembly hall as Benjamin Netanyahu began his address, with Dominica among the countries reported to have walked out, underscoring deep regional anger over Israel’s Gaza war. Climate Finance Push: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN Dominica needs resilience funding before disasters strike, calling for faster, concessional support and a shift from post-crisis rebuilding to prevention. Geothermal Milestone: Burton also said Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, lifting renewable electricity to about 84% and supporting a 100% renewables goal by 2030. Parliament & Banking: The House passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen ECCB oversight, consumer protection, and fair treatment of bank customers. Digital Skills for Governance: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to study campus connectivity issues and policy questions. Finance for Resilience: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre sought parliamentary approval for an EC$68.6m IDA credit facility tied to fiscal and climate resilience. Wildlife Rules: A temporary hunting season runs Oct 1–Dec 31, 2026 for licensed hunters, with strict limits and penalties. Tech & Crypto Fallout: Tether says its EQIBank exposure is under 0.034% while EQIBank fights a US seizure tied to Capstone-linked funds. Local Politics: Ashma McDougall was sworn in as Roseau North MP after winning the Sept. 7 by-election.

UNGA Climate Push: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly Dominica needs climate resilience financing before disasters strike, warning that rebuilding after storms keeps vulnerable states borrowing; she also said Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation and renewables power about 84% of electricity, with a 100% target by 2030. Living Laboratory Pitch: Burton invited partners to help make Dominica a “living laboratory” for resilient housing, water systems, digital services, climate-smart agriculture and nature-based adaptation. Parliament & Finance: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen consumer protection and ECCB oversight, and sought approval for an EC$68.6m IDA credit facility aimed at fiscal and climate resilience. Roseau North Seat: Ashma McDougall was sworn in as Roseau North’s MP after winning the Sept. 7 by-election, and said she’s already meeting community groups. Tech & Education: Dominica State College launched a student-led Internet Governance Lab with ARIN support to map campus connectivity and tackle policy and legal questions around access. Legal/Business Risk: EQIBank warned it could face liquidation after US authorities seized about $89m tied to Capstone Ltd, with the bank fighting to recover the funds. Wildlife Rules: A temporary hunting season runs Oct 1–Dec 31 for licensed hunters only, limited to crabs, agouti and manicou, with penalties for illegal sale or export.

Wildlife & Enforcement: Dominica temporarily lifts the wildlife hunting ban from Oct 1 to Dec 31, 2026, allowing licensed hunters to take only crabs (Gercarcinidae), agouti and manicou, with limited sale/export rules and fines for illegal selling or hunting without licences. UN Climate Finance Push: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly Dominica needs climate resilience funding before disasters strike, calling for easier concessional support, faster catastrophe payouts, and debt clauses that protect vulnerable states. “Living Laboratory” Plan: Burton also invited partners to help make Dominica a “living laboratory” for resilient housing, infrastructure, renewable energy, water management, digital services and nature-based adaptation. Parliament & Banking Oversight: The House passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen ECCB supervision, consumer protection and fee oversight. Roseau North Representation: Ashma McDougall was sworn in as Roseau North’s MP after the Sept 7 by-election, saying she has already begun constituency engagement. Hurricane Maria Mark: Skerrit and Parliament marked nine years since Hurricane Maria, repeating that 34 people remain missing.

UN Climate Finance Push: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton urged the UN General Assembly to fund climate resilience before disasters hit, warning that vulnerable states are forced to borrow for rebuilding after storms. Living Laboratory Plan: Burton also invited partners to turn Dominica into a “living laboratory” for resilient housing, renewable energy, climate-smart farming, water management, digital services and nature-based adaptation. Parliament & Banking Oversight: The House passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen ECCB supervision of banks’ customer treatment, complaints handling, financial market conduct and fee oversight. IDA Credit for Resilience: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre sought parliamentary approval for an EC$68.6m IDA credit to bolster fiscal and climate resilience. Agriculture Support: A national poultry and pig seminar focused on strengthening local production and links to the upgraded Layou abattoir. Roseau North Representation: Ashma McDougall was sworn in as Roseau North MP and said she’s already meeting community groups. Hurricane Maria Mark: PM Skerrit marked nine years since Maria, citing 31 deaths and 34 still missing. Regional Security: Dominica was among countries in Operation ATLAS NEXUS, reporting 490+ arrests and 156.9 tonnes seized across multiple criminal markets. Travel & Tourism: Discover Dominica Authority launched an online destination training course for travel advisors, and Contour Airlines announced a new Trinidad–Dominica nonstop route starting October 5.