AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Training: The Discover Dominica Authority launched a new self-paced online course for travel advisors on OTT, covering Dominica’s seven tourism pillars and key experiences from rainforests to culture. Crime & Security: Dominica took part in Operation ATLAS NEXUS, a major cross-border crackdown on organised crime that led to 490+ arrests and large seizures across multiple regions. Local Economy: The Small Business Support Unit expands its 2026 Creole exhibition with three shopping-and-culture Fridays (Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 9) featuring about 30 micro and small enterprises and added “live vendor spotlights.” Health & Community: The State House is lit purple (Sept 18–21) for World Alzheimer’s Day, with messages urging support for people living with dementia and caregivers. Parliament & Finance: Parliament meets Tuesday with banking, VAT and an IDA credit facility on the agenda, alongside the formal entry of Roseau North MP Ashma McDougall. Infrastructure Pressure: A landslide on the AuDelices Road disrupted access and rerouted some tourists, renewing calls for long-term fixes to the South East road links. Climate Focus: UNICEF-backed research warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children as multiple climate hazards overlap, with Dominica included in the study. Diplomacy: President Sylvanie Burton will represent Dominica at the UN General Assembly, delivering the national statement on Sept 22.

Parliament Watch: Dominica’s Parliament sits Tuesday, September 22, with a Bill to amend the Banking Act, VAT schedule changes, and an IDA credit facility tied to fiscal and climate resilience on the agenda, alongside the formal entry of Roseau North MP-elect Ashma McDougall. Banking & Courts: Hamilton Reserve Bank says it has maintained full BSA/AML/OFAC compliance since inception, responding to a September 15, 2026 judgement by Justice Iain Morley. Road Access: A landslide on the AuDelices Road has disrupted travel in the South East, with residents renewing calls to restore the Petite Savanne–Delices link damaged during Tropical Storm Erika. Culture Calendar: Dominica’s Creole season runs October 3 to November 4, culminating in the World Creole Music Festival October 23–25 at Windsor Park, with events across music, food, heritage and community activities. Climate & Children: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns there may be “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with more than nine in ten projected to face at least three climate hazards by mid-century. Wellness Push: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors urge practical action on youth mental and physical wellness, calling for earlier support and less stigma around mental illness. Health Awareness: The State House will glow purple September 18–21 for World Alzheimer’s Day, marking the Dominica Dementia Foundation’s 10th anniversary.

Road Access Watch: A landslide on the O’Delices Road in Dominica’s South East has disrupted travel, with Public Works saying clearing restored driving conditions and no injuries reported, while UWP leader Thomson Fontaine says tourists were rerouted and some trips cancelled—renewing calls to fix the long-damaged Petite Savanne–Delices link. Banking & Courts: Hamilton Reserve Bank says it remains fully compliant with BSA/AML/OFAC rules after Justice Iain Morley KC issued a 222-page judgment on September 15, arguing its monitoring and technology investments support its “compliance eco-system.” Culture & Calendar: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026 is set for Oct 3–Nov 4 with a packed programme of concerts, heritage events, film premieres and Independence-season activities. Health & Policy: The State House will glow purple Sept 18–21 for World Alzheimer’s Day, marking the Dominica Dementia Foundation’s 10th anniversary and spotlighting caregivers and stigma. Youth & Climate: CARICOM Dominica youth ambassadors urge real action on wellness, while UNICEF-backed research warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children as climate hazards overlap.

Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit sent birthday wishes to India’s PM Narendra Modi on his 76th, with Modi publicly thanking Dominica and reaffirming the friendship between the two countries. UN Engagement: President Sylvanie Burton will represent Dominica at the 81st UN General Assembly, delivering the national statement during the General Debate. Regional Politics & Security: OECS-backed training in St Lucia aims to strengthen coordinated, intelligence-led border controls across ports of entry. Climate & Youth: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns there may be “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children as overlapping climate hazards could expose more than nine in ten by mid-century; Dominica youth ambassadors are also calling for real action on youth wellness, including mental health. Health & Community: The State House will glow purple for World Alzheimer’s Day, marking Dominica’s support for people living with dementia and the work of the Dominica Dementia Foundation. Culture: World Creole Music Festival 2026 returns to Dominica from Oct 3 to Nov 4 with a month-long programme of music, food, film and heritage events. Housing & Resilience: Government handed over 16 climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with titles to follow.

Independence & Culture: Dominica has unveiled its 48th Independence calendar under “Our Journey, Our Legacy, Our Future,” kicking off with National Days of Prayer and Thanksgiving (Sept 19–20) and featuring an opening walkthrough parade, “Voyage Kilty,” at the Botanic Gardens (Sept 26). Health & Social Policy: The State House will glow purple Sept 18–21 for World Alzheimer’s Day, led by the Dominica Dementia Foundation and the Office of the President, marking the group’s 10th anniversary and spotlighting dementia caregivers and families. Youth & Mental Wellness: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors in Dominica are pushing for stronger focus on young people’s physical and mental well-being, calling for early identification, reduced stigma, and more accessible mental health services. Climate Risk for Children: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with more than nine in 10 projected to face at least three climate hazards by mid-century, raising pressure on schools and health facilities. Regional Diplomacy: OECS congratulated St Kitts and Nevis on Independence 43, while OECS also coordinated border-control training in St Lucia to support a unified external border and customs union. Foreign Relations: India’s PM Modi publicly thanked Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit for birthday wishes, underscoring continued India–Dominica friendship. Housing: Government handed over 16 new climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with titles expected to follow.

Border & Trade Integration: St Lucia’s customs, police, health and port agencies took part in a three-day EU-funded training to make ports of entry more coordinated and intelligence-led across OECS states, supporting a unified external border and a customs union. Climate & Children: A UNICEF-backed study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with more than 9 in 10 projected to face at least three climate hazards by mid-century, as drought, heat and stronger storms intensify. Youth Wellness: Dominica’s CARICOM Youth Ambassadors are pushing for real investment in mental and physical health services, citing rising anxiety, depression and stigma. Health Awareness: The State House will glow purple Sept 18–21 for World Alzheimer’s Day, marking the Dominica Dementia Foundation’s 10th anniversary. Housing: Government handed over 16 climate-resilient Woodford Hill homes, with titles promised soon. International Diplomacy: President Sylvanie Burton will represent Dominica at the UN General Assembly, delivering the national statement Sept 22. Regional Fisheries Resilience: Dominica is among countries set to benefit from a US$12.55m GEF/FAO-backed project to strengthen climate resilience in fisheries through 2030. India-Dominica Ties: PM Roosevelt Skerrit wished Indian PM Narendra Modi well on his 76th birthday, and Modi publicly thanked Dominica for the goodwill.

Climate & Children: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with more than 9 in 10 projected to face at least three climate hazards by mid-century, as heat, drought, hurricanes and sea-level rise intensify. Climate Planning Accountability: Another UNICEF-backed analysis says regional climate plans across Barbados and five Eastern Caribbean states fail to track whether investments actually benefit children, calling for child-specific targets and better monitoring. Youth Wellness Push: Dominica’s CARICOM Youth Ambassadors are urging real action on youth mental and physical wellbeing, warning of rising anxiety, depression and stigma, and calling for accessible mental health services. Health Awareness: Dominica’s State House will glow purple Sept. 18–21 for World Alzheimer’s Day, marking support for people living with dementia and caregivers. Housing & Titles: Government handed over 16 climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with titles promised soon. Diplomacy: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton will represent the country at the 81st UN General Assembly. Law & Governance: The Dominica Bar Association reaffirmed confidence in the CCJ amid controversy over leaked internal correspondence. Culture: Kalinago artist Faustulus Frederick received the Prevo Cinemall Cultural Heritage Award during Grand Kalinago Week Expo.

World Alzheimer’s Day: Dominica’s State House will glow purple from Sept. 18–21 to back people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, led by the Dominica Dementia Foundation and the Office of the President. Climate & children: A UNICEF-backed Eastern Caribbean study warns there’s “no safe zone” for children as more than nine in ten could face multiple climate hazards by mid-century, with Dominica included in the risk map. Youth voice on climate: Saint Lucian youth advocate Kezia St Brice says young people must be involved from the start of climate decisions, not given a token role. Diplomacy reshuffle: The U.S. has nominated Kimberly Greenwood as ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with Dominica among the countries covered if confirmed. UN representation: President Sylvanie Burton will represent Dominica at the 81st UN General Assembly, delivering the national statement during the general debate. Housing update: Woodford Hill families received keys to new climate-resilient homes, with titles expected to follow. Regional fisheries resilience: A US$12.55m GEF-backed project launched in Dominica aims to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries through 2030. Legal governance: The Dominica Bar Association reaffirmed confidence in the CCJ amid controversy over leaked internal correspondence involving judges. Business support idea: Roseau North MP-elect Ashma McDougall floated a local “Business Support Desk” to help micro and small businesses access finance and support.

Regional Climate Resilience: Dominica and four other Caribbean states are set to benefit from a US$12.55 million GEF-backed push to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in fisheries, launched in Dominica for work through 2030. Housing & Titles: Government handed over 16 new climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with ministers saying titles will follow soon. UN Representation: President Sylvanie Burton will represent Dominica at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, delivering the national statement during the General Debate. Local Politics: Roseau North MP-elect Ashma McDougall says she’s preparing to make a substantive contribution in Cabinet, while also floating a constituency “business support desk” idea for micro and small businesses. Maritime Security: A Dominica-flagged tanker, Daisy, was caught up in the Gulf of Aden conflict after a reported Houthi attack, raising fresh concerns for Dominican-registered vessels. Legal & Governance: The Dominica Bar Association reaffirmed confidence in the CCJ amid controversy over leaked internal correspondence involving judges. AI & Safety: King Charles warned AI leaders about “existential dangers,” urging safeguards before risks become catastrophic. Public Health & Climate Risks: A UNICEF-backed Eastern Caribbean study warns there’s “no safe zone” for children as climate hazards increasingly hit schools and health facilities.

Climate & Children: A UNICEF-backed Eastern Caribbean study warns there’s “no safe zone” for children, with one in three already living where schools and health facilities face at least three climate hazards—projected to rise to more than nine in ten by mid-century. Cabinet & Representation: Roseau North MP-elect Ashma McDougall says she’s ready to make a “substantive contribution” after PM Skerrit named her for Cabinet. Housing & Titles: Government handed over 16 climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with titles promised soon, as officials linked the project to hurricane-proofing and long-term asset value. CCJ Confidence: The Dominica Bar Association reaffirmed confidence in the Caribbean Court of Justice amid controversy over leaked internal correspondence involving judges. US Diplomacy: President Trump nominated Kimberly Greenwood as U.S. ambassador to Barbados and concurrently to Dominica and other Eastern Caribbean states, pending Senate confirmation. Regional Security: Human Rights Watch says recent Houthi attacks on commercial ships—including a Dominica-flagged vessel—may amount to war crimes. Independence Calendar: Dominica launched its 48th Independence programme under “Our Journey, Our Legacy, Our Future,” kicking off with Days of Prayer and Thanksgiving on Sept. 19–20.

Independence Watch: Dominica has unveiled the programme for its 48th Independence celebrations under “Our Journey, Our Legacy, Our Future,” running Sept. 19 to Nov. 4, with prayer days, an official opening at the State House Conference Centre (Sept. 25) and a parade walkthrough at the Botanic Gardens (Sept. 26). Legal & Governance: The Dominica Bar Association says it still has confidence in the CCJ after leaked internal correspondence sparked regional calls for investigations, arguing disagreements inside the court shouldn’t be read as a collapse of its judicial work. Regional Diplomacy: The U.S. has nominated Kimberly Greenwood—wife of “God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood—as ambassador to Barbados and concurrently to Dominica and other Eastern Caribbean states, pending Senate confirmation. Security & Foreign Affairs: A Dominica-flagged tanker, Daisy, was caught in the Gulf of Aden after Houthi claims of an attack; Human Rights Watch also warns some Houthi attacks on commercial ships may amount to war crimes. Local Development: Roseau North MP Ashma McDougall proposes a constituency “Business Support Desk” to help micro and small businesses access finance and better manage records. Public Policy: Government has suspended a planned increase in firearm license fees while it consults stakeholders on licensing reform. Climate & Health: National Ozone Officer Sophia Anselm-Larocque calls for stronger cooperation to make sustainable cooling work; Nurse Priscilla Prevost urges healthier eating as NCD and cancer concerns rise. Infrastructure Delivery: Dominica is among four countries now able to tap the new RIISE facility for technical help to push climate-resilient projects past implementation bottlenecks.

RIISE Facility Launch: Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines can now tap the new RIISE technical support hub to push climate-resilient projects past implementation bottlenecks, with help ranging from project and procurement management to safeguards, risk handling and monitoring. Education Update: Classes at the Dominica State College have resumed after dispute resolution, interim president Trudy Christian says, following industrial action tied to long-running grievances. Firearms Licensing Reform: Government has suspended the planned increase in firearm license fees and will consult stakeholders on licensing reform, safety and storage before any changes. Voter Confirmation Debate: The Dominica Business Forum postponed a public discussion on the voter confirmation process, moving it online to Sept. 22. Housing Delivery: Another 16 families in Woodford Hill received keys to climate-resilient homes under the government’s wider housing push. Regional Justice: The CCJ marked completion of its third internship cohort, recognizing Dominicans and other interns for their placements. International Shipping Risk: Human Rights Watch says recent Houthi attacks on commercial ships—including a Dominica-flagged vessel—may amount to war crimes, raising fresh concerns for Dominican seafarers. U.S. Diplomacy: President Trump nominated Kimberly Greenwood as U.S. ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica, pending Senate approval.

Roseau North Politics: UWP’s Daniel Lugay thanked Roseau North constituents after the Sept. 7 by-election, saying he remains committed to serving the constituency despite losing to DLP’s Ashma McDougall. Judicial/Regional Training: The CCJ marked the completion of its third internship cohort, recognizing four Dominicans for their placement work at the regional court. Security & Regulation: Government suspended the planned increase in firearm license fees, moving to wider consultations with gun owners, suppliers and police welfare stakeholders before any reform. Health & Lifestyle: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to improve eating habits amid rising non-communicable diseases and cancer concerns. Housing & Resilience: Sixteen families in Woodford Hill received keys to climate-resilient homes, part of a wider housing push. Climate Infrastructure: Dominica is among four Eastern Caribbean states gaining access to the new RIISE facility to speed up climate-resilient infrastructure delivery. International Shipping Risk: Human Rights Watch warned that recent Houthi attacks on commercial ships—including a Dominica-flagged vessel—may amount to war crimes, raising safety concerns for seafarers.

Housing & Resilience: Dominica handed over keys to 16 climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, part of a wider 215-home push, with beneficiaries calling it a “new beginning” after years of storm uncertainty. Constituency Focus: Roseau North MP Ashma McDougall says her priorities are housing, youth employment and small business, starting with quick fixes like street lighting and broader community consultations. Diplomacy & Regional Policy: OECS leaders are planning Brussels talks with EU officials over Citizenship by Investment programmes, with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit saying the EU has been “respectful” and understanding of the revenue’s importance. International Appointments: The U.S. has nominated Kimberly Greenwood as ambassador to Barbados and, without extra pay, as top envoy to Dominica and other Eastern Caribbean states—awaiting Senate confirmation. Health & Public Safety: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to protect their health during the festive season, warning that lifestyle choices affect families and wellbeing. Governance & Services: Government is moving to operationalise the Marigot Fisheries Complex as a port of entry, after resolving fishermen’s concerns. Education & Labour: Dominica State College staff say industrial action stems from long-running grievances, including infrastructure damage and delayed employment commitments. Human Rights Watch: HRW warns Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden may amount to war crimes, including incidents involving a Dominica-flagged vessel.

U.S.-Caribbean Diplomacy: President Donald Trump nominated Kimberly Greenwood—wife of “God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood—as U.S. ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with Dominica listed among the countries she would cover alongside St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines, pending Senate confirmation. Local Politics & Governance: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Dominica’s electoral reforms strengthened democracy after Roseau North’s by-election, rejecting claims the laws confused the Electoral Office or weakened voter integrity. Public Safety & Social Policy: Skerrit also expressed solidarity with Jerbiah Paul’s family as the Portsmouth incident legal process continues, urging a sustained national campaign against gender-based violence. Education & Labour: Dominica State College staff say industrial action since Sept. 8 stems from long-running grievances, including unresolved post-Maria infrastructure damage and stalled employment and salary issues. Culture & Heritage: Pont Casse Press launched PontCassePress.org to digitize and share Dominican heritage, history and diaspora literature. Tourism & Economy: Dominica is an official sponsor of the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards’ Bouyon categories, backing Dominican nominees ahead of Sept. 19 in Trinidad. Regional Policy: OECS leaders are planning Brussels talks with EU officials over Citizenship by Investment programmes, with Skerrit saying discussions are coordinated with the European Commission. Ports & Trade: Government is moving to operationalise the Marigot Fisheries Complex as a port of entry after fishermen’s concerns were addressed.

Roseau North Aftermath: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit rejected claims that Dominica’s electoral reform laws weakened democracy, saying any voter ID delays were administrative and that the Electoral Commission’s errors did not compromise the election’s integrity. CBI Tensions: The dispute between PM Skerrit and businessman Gregor Nassief over the Citizenship by Investment programme escalated again, with Nassief alleging long-running irregularities and calling for deeper scrutiny. Security & Public Meetings: Skerrit defended the presence of Special Branch officers near a civic meeting involving Nassief, saying monitoring of public gatherings is routine and not intimidation. Ports & Local Economy: Government moved to operationalise Marigot as a port of entry, saying fishermen’s concerns were addressed and systems will now be put in place through DASPA and other departments. Regional Diplomacy: OECS diplomats in Morocco held a first-ever graduate recognition ceremony for 14 scholarship recipients, highlighting South-South education ties. Health Reminder: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to prioritize health during the festive season, warning against harmful choices and negativity. Leadership Update: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew said he is out of hospital and progressing in rehabilitation after a stroke caused by a vertebral artery dissection.