AGP Executive Report

Roseau North By-Election Politics: Dominica Labour Party (DLP) has launched economist/entrepreneur Ashma McDougall as its Roseau North candidate, with PM Roosevelt Skerrit pitching her as a youth-and-entrepreneurship focused “bread-and-butter” choice and promising a by-election before mid-September; McDougall says she chose Labour “unapologetically” to turn community ideas into projects. Electoral Process Scrutiny: The Dominica Business Forum is pressing the Electoral Commission for clarity ahead of the Roseau North vote, warning that the new electoral legislation is being tested under unusual conditions and questioning the Commission’s silence on key issues. Speaker Under Fire: A former CSA general secretary has written an open letter urging Speaker Joseph Isaac to stay above partisan politics after he endorsed McDougall at a DLP meeting. Opposition Campaign Watch: The UWP’s Wesley public meeting drew a small crowd, with observers saying attendance was mostly party insiders while leaders repeated attacks on power outages, water, garbage collection and the Roseau hospital. Citizenship by Investment Debate: PM Skerrit defended Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme after UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine suggested phasing it out, while an exclusive academic study raises fresh questions about security vetting in CBI schemes across the region. Community & Environment: UNDP-backed training saw 16 new certified tour guides graduate in Kalinago Territory; and the new Sperm Whale Reserve Board has started consultations with watersports operators to support the reserve’s rollout.

Roseau North By-Election Politics: Dominica Labour Party (DLP) has launched Ashma McDougall as its Roseau North candidate, with PM Roosevelt Skerrit pitching her as a youth-and-entrepreneurship focused “bread-and-butter” leader, while McDougall says she chose Labour “unapologetically” to turn community ideas into projects. Electoral Process Pressure: The Dominica Business Forum is demanding clarity from the Electoral Commission ahead of the by-election, pointing to the ongoing electors confirmation process and warning that silence is undermining confidence in the 2025 electoral reforms. Speaker Neutrality Row: An open letter urges Speaker Joseph Isaac to stay above partisan politics after he appeared at a DLP meeting introducing McDougall. UWP Campaign Scrutiny: A UWP public meeting in Wesley reportedly drew a very small crowd, with critics questioning the opposition’s ability to mobilize voters. CBI Debate: PM Skerrit pushed back on UWP leader Thomson Fontaine’s comments about phasing out Citizenship by Investment, arguing the programme has been vital for Dominica since Hurricane Maria. Kalinago Tourism Jobs: Sixteen Kalinago residents graduated as certified tour guides under a UNDP-supported programme, aimed at boosting indigenous tourism and local resilience. Marine Conservation: The new Sperm Whale Reserve Board has started consultations with watersports operators to advance the reserve initiative.

Roseau North By-Election: DLP candidate Ashma McDougall officially launched her campaign after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation, arguing she chose Labour “unapologetically” to back youth, small business and community wellbeing, while PM Roosevelt Skerrit framed the seat as a test of “modern” leadership and backed her directly. Independent Challenge: Sherman Boston also declared for the Roseau North race, saying he was approached to rejoin the DLP but refused, positioning himself as a “real street soldier” focused on integrity and practical solutions. CBI Clash: PM Skerrit raised concerns about UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine’s remarks on phasing out Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme, warning the CBI has been crucial for the country since Hurricane Maria. Electoral Reform Pressure: A Dominica Business Forum call for clarity and transparency ahead of the by-election followed criticism of the Electoral Commission’s “silence,” while an open letter urged the Speaker to stay above partisan politics after Joseph Isaac introduced McDougall at a political meeting. Electors List Update: The Electoral Office reported June progress on voter confirmations and new registrations as the confirmation process continues.

Roseau North By-Election: DLP candidate Ashma McDougall says she chose the Dominica Labour Party “unapologetically,” arguing it’s the right platform to turn community ideas into projects, with a focus on youth, entrepreneurship, education, and job training as PM Roosevelt Skerrit backs her and frames the seat as reflecting “the hopes and aspirations of modern Dominica.” CBI Programme Clash: Skerrit also pushed back on UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine’s call to phase out the Citizenship by Investment programme, saying CBI has “rescued” Dominica after Hurricane Maria and warning Fontaine’s comments are ill-advised. Electoral Commission Pressure: A new open letter to the Electoral Commission and Chief Elections Officer demands public answers on how the 2025 electoral legislation is being implemented, while the Dominica Business Forum calls out what it calls the Commission’s “silence” and urges clarity ahead of the by-election. Speaker Neutrality Questioned: Former CSA general secretary Alvin A. Thomas says Speaker Joseph Isaac should remain above partisan politics after introducing McDougall at a DLP meeting, calling it a “lapse in judgement.” Politics Beyond Parties: Independent candidate Sherman Boston says he was approached to rejoin the DLP but declined, entering the Roseau North race on a “street soldier” platform. Governance & Integrity: The week also included a reminder from Dominica’s electoral office on electors list progress and a UWI warning about a fake website using its branding.

Roseau North by-election politics: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall says joining the DLP was the “only choice,” arguing it’s the best way to create opportunities and improve lives in Roseau North, as PM Roosevelt Skerrit backs her at a campaign lift-off. Electoral transparency pressure: The Dominica Business Forum is calling out the Electoral Commission’s “silence,” warning voters about clarity ahead of the Roseau North by-election and pointing to limits around using a new voters’ register while confirmation continues. Speaker neutrality questioned: A former Civil Service Association general secretary, Alvin A. Thomas, has written an open letter urging Speaker Joseph Isaac to stay above partisan politics after Isaac introduced McDougall at a DLP meeting. Government project update: Skerrit also shared progress on an EC$14 million synthetic athletics track project in Pointe Ronde, Portsmouth, aimed at building a World Athletics Class 1 facility. Regional safety and preparedness: UWI Seismic Research Centre urged calm but preparedness after major Venezuela earthquakes, while UWI warned the public about a fake UWI website collecting personal data.

Roseau North By-Election Politics: Ashma McDougall says joining the DLP was the “only choice,” telling supporters her Labour ticket is the best way to create opportunities, solve problems, and improve lives in the constituency; PM Roosevelt Skerrit backed her at the campaign lift-off, framing the race around youth empowerment and “bread-and-butter” issues. Electoral Process Scrutiny: The Dominica Business Forum is pressing the Electoral Commission for clarity ahead of the Roseau North by-election, warning that silence is undermining confidence as the new electoral law is tested under unusual conditions. Parliamentary Neutrality Debate: Former CSA general secretary Alvin A. Thomas has written an open letter urging Speaker Joseph Isaac to stay above partisan politics after Isaac introduced McDougall at a Labour meeting. Government & Development: Skerrit also updated on the EC$14 million synthetic athletics track project, aimed at building a World Athletics-class facility in Pointe Ronde. Public Safety & Preparedness: UWI’s Seismic Research Centre urged the public to stay prepared after major Venezuela earthquakes, noting no direct link between separate regional quakes. Regional News: A ferry incident off St Kitts and Nevis left all 47 passengers and crew safe after the vessel began taking on water.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall says she chose to contest “unapologetically,” arguing her Labour ticket is the best route to create opportunities, solve problems, and improve lives in Roseau North, pointing to the party’s record on housing, education and infrastructure. Sports Infrastructure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit updated plans for an EC$14 million synthetic athletics track in Pointe Ronde, Portsmouth—World Athletics Class 1 certified—funded with World Athletics and Qatar Development Fund, with a World Athletics team set to visit in July for final site checks. Earthquake Preparedness: After major quakes in Venezuela, UWI’s Seismic Research Centre urged the public to stay prepared, noting the events released energy across the Caribbean Plate and may influence stress regionally, even if direct fault links aren’t clear. Electoral Process: Dominica’s Electoral Office reports 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved in its June 23 update, as it modernizes and verifies the electors list ahead of future elections. Regional Diplomacy: Dominica welcomed New Zealand’s new High Commissioner, Linda Charlotte Te Puni, with both sides discussing ways to strengthen cooperation on sustainable development and climate adaptation. Disaster Response: Dominica also extended condolences to Venezuela following twin earthquakes that have killed 164 and injured 971, with Dominica saying it stands ready to support.

Electoral Update: Dominica’s Electoral Office says voter confirmations and new registrations are climbing fast, with 17,332 confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved in the June 23 update—part of a push to modernize and verify the national electors list. Roseau North Politics: The Dominica Labour Party will launch its Roseau North campaign this Sunday at Lindo Park, with Ashma McDougall set to run after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation on health grounds. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership in Panama, focusing on security, climate resilience and economic growth, with a results-focused action plan and measurable targets. Venezuela Earthquakes: Dominica’s PM Skerrit and CARICOM extended condolences and support as Venezuela’s death toll rises amid rescue efforts after twin quakes. OECS/International Education: Saint Lucia’s Camille Andrew made history as the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco with highest honors—highlighting the OECS-Morocco scholarship partnership. Digital Resilience: UWI-linked participants secured places in the inaugural Resilient Global Digital Infrastructure fellowship, aimed at strengthening governance and resilience of digital systems. Caribbean Banking Commentary: A new banking series piece looks at who controls Caribbean banks as Scotiabank moves to take Scotia Group Jamaica private. Earthquake Alert: A 4.2 quake was felt across several islands including Dominica, with no immediate damage reported.

CARICOM–Canada Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership at a foreign ministers’ meeting in Panama, with a new results-focused action plan built around regional security, climate resilience, and competitive economies. Venezuela Earthquake Solidarity: Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit joined CARICOM and regional leaders in condolences and support after twin quakes devastated Venezuela, with reports of rising casualties and injuries. Dominica Elections Watch: The Electoral Office updated Dominica’s electors list, reporting 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved, as debate continues over the Electoral Commission’s structure. Roseau North Politics: The Dominica Labour Party will launch its Roseau North campaign this Sunday with candidate Ashma McDougall, following Miriam Blanchard’s resignation on medical grounds. Digital Resilience: Dominica also featured in regional progress as UWI participants secured places in the first Resilient Global Digital Infrastructure Fellowship. Maritime Governance: Saudi Arabia launched a Caribbean-wide maritime sustainability project including Dominica, aimed at strengthening maritime laws and regulatory capacity.

CARICOM–Canada Security & Climate Push: Foreign ministers meeting in Panama reaffirmed the Canada-CARICOM partnership and backed a new action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security, with Haiti and transnational crime high on the agenda. Venezuela Earthquake Solidarity: Dominica’s PM Skerrit and CARICOM extended condolences and support as Venezuela’s twin quakes left at least 164 dead and nearly 1,000 injured, with a state of emergency declared and rescue efforts continuing. Dominica Roseau North Politics: The Dominica Labour Party will launch its Roseau North campaign Sunday (Lindo Park) with Ashma McDougall, following Miriam Blanchard’s resignation on health grounds and setting up by-election momentum. Electoral Roll Update: Dominica’s Electoral Office reported 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved in the latest June update, as modernization and trust-building efforts continue amid calls to restructure the Electoral Commission. Digital Resilience Training: UWI-linked participants secured places in the inaugural Resilient Global Digital Infrastructure Fellowship, underscoring regional capacity-building for stronger digital systems. Regional Energy Transition Talk: Caribbean leaders at the CDB meeting urged coordinated renewable energy action, warning that fragmented efforts won’t deliver reliable, affordable power. Regional Disaster Readiness: Grenada advanced a cell broadcast emergency warning system validation workshop with regional partners, aimed at faster public alerts during hazards.

Electoral Reform Watch: Dominica’s Electoral Office says voter confirmations and new registrations are accelerating, with 17,332 confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved in the June 23 update, as the voter database modernization effort ramps up with support from OAS and CARICOM. Roseau North Politics: The Dominica Labour Party will launch its Roseau North campaign this Sunday, June 28, at Lindo Park, backing Ashma McDougall after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation on health grounds, with PM Roosevelt Skerrit and senior party figures expected to speak. Diplomatic Ties: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit welcomed New Zealand’s new High Commissioner, Linda Charlotte Te Puni, highlighting cooperation opportunities tied to Dominica’s sustainable development agenda, including geothermal and renewable energy. Regional Resilience & Tech: Dominica-linked participants are among the first cohort selected for UWI’s inaugural Resilient Global Digital Infrastructure Fellowship, aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure governance and resilience across the Caribbean. Disaster & Solidarity: As Venezuela’s earthquake death toll rises, Dominica’s PM Skerrit and CARICOM leaders extend condolences and support, with a state of emergency declared and rescue efforts continuing. Climate-Smart Agriculture: In St Vincent and the Grenadines, 49 farmers and agricultural officers completed soil-health training under the ADOPT Caribbean project, part of the wider push for climate-resilient farming across the region.

Electoral Update: Dominica’s Electoral Office says June 23, 2026 electors work is moving fast, with 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved, as the voter database modernization effort continues amid calls to restructure the Electoral Commission. Roseau North Politics: The DLP’s Roseau North campaign is set to launch Sunday, June 28, with Ashma McDougall ratified as candidate after Miriam Blanchard’s health-related resignation, while the UWP also gears up for a Roseau North public meeting with Daniel Lugay. Diplomacy & Development: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit welcomed New Zealand’s new High Commissioner, Linda Charlotte Te Puni, pointing to renewed cooperation on sustainable development, renewable energy and climate resilience. Regional Security: France’s liaison judge met Antigua and Barbuda officials to explore deeper bilateral cooperation on transnational organized crime, cybercrime, and judicial matters—citing Dominica and Saint Lucia’s existing arrangements. Disaster Response: Dominica leaders sent condolences to Venezuela after twin earthquakes, with CARICOM and regional governments offering support as the death toll and injuries continue to rise. Energy & Climate: OECS leaders and CDB discussions pushed for a faster, coordinated renewable energy transition, warning fragmented efforts won’t meet resilience goals. Health & Community: Rotary installed water fountains at Roseau and Trafalgar primary schools as part of a childhood obesity push.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit sent condolences and pledged support after twin quakes in Venezuela killed at least 164 and injured 971, with a State of Emergency declared as rescues continue in heavily hit La Guaira. CARICOM Solidarity: CARICOM and regional leaders also expressed condolences and readiness to help as the toll rises. Regional Energy Push: CARICOM leaders used the CDB governors’ meeting to call for bolder, coordinated renewable energy action, including regional project bundling and climate-resilient grids. Anticipatory Action Finance: A new hurricane insurance approach is set to release payouts to fisherfolk before landfall, aiming to protect boats and livelihoods. OECS Politics & Migration Pressure: OECS leaders in Antigua discussed US pressure to accept deportees, with some saying they will negotiate to limit numbers. Roseau North Campaign: The DLP’s Roseau North launch is set for Sunday June 28 at Lindo Park with Ashma McDougall, while the UWP’s Daniel Lugay prepares a Tarish Pit public meeting. Dominica-Government Updates: Dominica welcomed New Zealand’s new High Commissioner, Linda Charlotte Te Puni, and announced major renovations for the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital.

Roseau North By-Election Prep: The UWP says Roseau North candidate Daniel Lugay will outline his vision at a public meeting in Tarish Pit on Friday, June 26, after Miriam Blanchard resigned on medical grounds—setting up a by-election expected within three months. Labour Campaign Launch: The DLP will officially kick off its Roseau North campaign this Sunday, June 28, at Lindo Park with Ashma McDougall, ratified after Blanchard’s resignation, as PM Roosevelt Skerrit and senior party figures join the launch. Diplomacy & Development: Dominica welcomed New Zealand’s new High Commissioner, Linda Charlotte Te Puni, with talks focused on strengthening cooperation on sustainable development, including geothermal and climate resilience. Regional Energy Push: CARICOM leaders backed a faster renewable energy transition, warning fragmented efforts won’t meet the region’s resilience and affordability goals. Venezuela Earthquake Fallout: CARICOM extended condolences as Venezuela’s twin quakes left at least 164 dead and hundreds injured, with a state of emergency and ongoing rescue operations. Health Infrastructure: Government announced major upgrades to the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, including relocating offices for easier access and repairing leaks and patient-room facilities.

Regional Diplomacy & Development: Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit welcomed New Zealand’s newly accredited High Commissioner Linda Charlotte Te Puni, saying talks focused on deepening cooperation on renewable energy, climate resilience, and geothermal exploration. OECS Leadership: OECS marked its 45th anniversary at the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua, with Chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne, who urged an “OECS renaissance” and stronger implementation of shared goals. Maritime Policy: Saudi Arabia launched an IMO-backed “Caribbean Maritime Transport Sustainability” project for 14 countries, including Dominica, aiming to strengthen maritime laws and regulatory capacity over two years. Dominica Governance & Services: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital is set for major renovations, including moving administrative and cashier offices for easier access, fixing leaks, and upgrading patient room bathrooms. Community & Health: Rotary installed water fountains at Roseau and Trafalgar primary schools as part of a childhood obesity push, with reusable bottles distributed to students. Education: Dominica awarded 124 scholarships and 122 bursaries to Grade 6 students after the National Assessment results. Sports & Culture: Dominica Bike Fest 2026 is scheduled for July 31–August 3, with expanded programming and international stunt riders.

Diplomacy: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit welcomed New Zealand’s new High Commissioner, Linda Charlotte Te Puni, after she presented credentials to President Sylvanie Burton, with both sides flagging deeper cooperation on renewable energy, climate resilience, and development. Regional Governance: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority meeting in Antigua to push economic development, trade, connectivity, climate resilience, security, and freedom of movement, with chairmanship shifting to Gaston Browne. Public Services: Flow restored services after a crisis-level outage linked to a damaged subsea fibre, and said rebates/credits will be applied automatically to affected accounts in Saint Lucia, Dominica, and Grenada. Health & Infrastructure: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital will begin major upgrades, including moving administrative and cashier offices for easier access, fixing leak-prone areas, and renovating patient bathrooms. Education: Dominica awarded 124 scholarships and 122 bursaries to Grade 6 students, and mathematics teachers completed the ACT Cohort 2 skills programme. Community & Youth: The Girl Guides Association of Dominica elected Abigail Christmas as chief commissioner, and the Rotary Club installed water fountains at two primary schools to support healthier hydration habits.