AGP Executive Report

Budget Response: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor says the 2026-27 budget must deliver lasting relief, arguing that rising prices at supermarkets, gas stations, pharmacies, rent, school uniforms and electricity bills are outpacing big infrastructure wins. Tax Reform: Dominica will cut personal income tax to a flat 10% from January 2027 for earners above EC$30,000, replacing the 15/25/35 tiers, while keeping the tax-free allowance for those at or below EC$30,000. Cost of Living Pressure: VINLEC’s fuel surcharge is again drawing public ire as electricity bills rise; the Prime Minister urged the utility to avoid rushing disconnections. Energy Milestone: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant has entered commercial operations, boosting the island’s renewable supply and marking a major CARICOM first. EU CBI Warning: The EU has given Dominica and four other Caribbean states until June 1, 2028 to phase out citizenship-by-investment or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Local Economy Moves: Government announced EC$19 million more in concessionary MSME lending, EC$1.5 million free crop insurance for farmers, and a new creative economy development agency. Health & Governance: President Sylvanie Burton flagged rising non-communicable diseases and called for respect for constitutional institutions. Youth & Culture: The Dominica 4-H Club begins its first-ever educational tour to Paris. Missing Teen: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore urged the public to stop spreading bogus social media claims in the search for missing Portsmouth teen Jerbiah Kaysia Paul.

Budget Push for Farmers: Government says it will fully fund EC$1.5 million crop insurance for Dominican farmers, aiming to protect livelihoods after hurricanes and other climate shocks. Population & Skills Drive: Finance Minister Irving McIntyre announced a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme to grow Dominica’s resident population to 100,000 by 2040, targeting schools, health, housing and skills gaps. Creative Economy Agency: A new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA) is set to be created, with months of consultations planned before its structure is finalised. Small Business Credit Boost: Another EC$19 million in concessionary MSME lending is coming via the AID Bank, with 3.5% interest and up to 10-year terms. Tax Reform: Dominica will move to a flat 10% income tax from January 1, 2027, while keeping the tax-free allowance for earners up to EC$30,000. Airport Progress & Risks: The international airport remains on track for Q2 2028 completion, with 400+ Dominicans employed, but President Burton warned Roseau fires and airport-site vehicle destruction could affect major project timelines. Constitutional Institutions: Burton also urged respect for Dominica’s constitutional institutions as the High Court ruling in the Opposition Leader appointment dispute continues to reverberate. EU/CBI Pressure: The EU has warned five Eastern Caribbean states, including Dominica, to phase out CBI programmes by 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access.

Constitutional Clash in Parliament: President Sylvanie Burton urged Dominicans to respect constitutional institutions and warned against speculation as police investigate the Roseau fires and a fire that destroyed contractor vehicles at the international airport site. Public Safety & Justice: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore asked the public to stop spreading false information in the search for missing 16-year-old Portsmouth teen Jerbiah Kaysia Paul. Tax & Customs Overhaul: Dominica will end “tax on tax” at ports from Oct. 1 by calculating Excise Tax and VAT only on CIF value, and from Jan. 1, 2027 it moves to a single 10% flat income tax rate (tax-free up to $30,000). Economic Diversification: Government announced a $1.5m honey push to expand beekeeping and build a national honey brand, plus plans for marine tourism growth via a Portsmouth marina. Health Focus: Burton cited rising non-communicable diseases—over 1,100 hypertension cases (2020–2025)—calling for prevention as a national priority. CBI Under Pressure: The EU warned five Eastern Caribbean states, including Dominica, to phase out CBI programmes by June 1, 2028 or risk Schengen visa-free access. US Visa Bond Shock: The US made its visa bond pilot permanent, requiring up to US$20,000 for some Dominica (and other Caribbean) B1/B2 applicants.

Constitutional Showdown: High Court rules President Sylvanie Burton acted unconstitutionally by not considering four Opposition senators when deciding the Leader of the Opposition appointment, backing Lennox Linton’s challenge. Tax Relief & Customs Reform: From Oct 1, Dominica will end “tax on tax” at ports by calculating Excise Tax and VAT on imports using only CIF value, while Budget 2026/27 also sets a 10% flat personal income tax from Jan 1, 2027. Budget & Growth Outlook: IMF projects Dominica’s economy will grow 3.1% in 2026, after 4.5% expansion in 2025. Public Health Push: President Burton warns of rising non-communicable diseases—over 1,100 hypertension diagnoses from 2020-2025—calling for prevention as a national priority. Local Economy & Institutions: Burton tells Parliament buying local is a strategic imperative, and urges greater respect for constitutional institutions. Energy & Tourism Plans: Dominica becomes the first CARICOM country to generate electricity from its own geothermal resources, and targets marine tourism growth with a planned Portsmouth marina. Regional & External Pressure: EU moves to pressure CBI countries (including Dominica) over Schengen visa-free access, while the US makes its visa bond programme permanent for affected Caribbean nationals.

Dominica Budget & Tax Reform: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre told Parliament the 2026/27 national budget is built to cushion households and keep growth on track, with the IMF projecting 3.1% expansion in 2026; key moves include a major personal income tax overhaul—replacing the 15/25/35 bands with a single 10% flat rate from Jan. 1, 2027, while those earning EC$30,000 or less stay tax-free. Opposition Leader Court Ruling: A High Court decision backed Lennox Linton’s constitutional challenge, ruling President Sylvanie Burton acted unconstitutionally by not considering the support of four opposition senators when the Leader of the Opposition post was left vacant. Energy & Infrastructure: Dominica marked a regional first by generating electricity from its own geothermal resources, and government also moved ahead with Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation after an EC$898,000 contract. CBI Under Pressure: Government defended its Citizenship by Investment programme in the budget debate, even as international scrutiny grows and EU pressure targets CBI states across the Caribbean. US Visa Bond Policy: The US made its visa bond programme permanent, with Dominica among the countries where certain B-1/B-2 applicants may be asked to post refundable bonds up to US$20,000. Regional & Social Signals: The ILO warned El Niño could disrupt jobs and livelihoods across the Caribbean, while education funding and school construction progress were highlighted in budget updates.

Constitutional Ruling: Lennox Linton has won a major High Court victory after the court said President Sylvanie Burton acted unconstitutionally by not considering the support of four Opposition Senators when deciding who should be appointed Leader of the Opposition. Budget & Tax Reform: Finance Minister Irving McIntyre used the 2026/27 Budget to announce a sweeping income tax overhaul: a single 10% flat rate from Jan 1, 2027 (with no tax for those earning EC$30,000 or less), alongside major budget spending plans. Energy Independence: Dominica is now the first CARICOM country to generate electricity from its own geothermal resources, with the plant nearing full commercial operation and regulators set to monitor performance. CBI Under Pressure: Government defended the Citizenship by Investment programme in Parliament, saying CBI helped fund recovery after Hurricane Maria and key services, while insisting Dominica cannot rely on CBI alone. Education, Health, Security Funding: The budget also boosts recurrent allocations for education (EC$76.9m), health (EC$75.4m) and national security and legal affairs (EC$67.1m). Infrastructure Moves: Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation is set to begin after an EC$898,000 contract signing, following a site visit. Regional Politics: Dominica and the OECS have assumed chairmanship of the CARICOM Group in Geneva. Sports Spotlight: Thea LaFond made history for Dominica by winning the country’s first Commonwealth Games gold, and Team Dominica also celebrated Windward Islands Super 50 and school games basketball titles. US Visa Bond Update: The US made its Visa Bond programme permanent, with Dominica among the Caribbean nations covered, potentially requiring refundable bonds up to US$20,000 for certain B-1/B-2 applicants.

Budget Day Watch: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is set to present Dominica’s 2026-27 national budget today, with expected focus on cost-of-living relief, tourism (including hotel incentives and cruise/stay-over), agriculture and agro-processing, infrastructure, and social sectors. High Court Ruling: The High Court says the President acted unconstitutionally in an Opposition Leader appointment dispute, ruling the President failed to consider Opposition Senators’ support for 18 months after Jesma Paul-Victor’s resignation. CBI Programme Pressure: Businessman Gregor Nassief has publicly renewed his fight over Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme after a leaked letter circulated, alleging the programme is “out of control” and raising concerns about discounting and major project arrangements. CARICOM Diplomacy: Dominica and the OECS have taken over chairmanship of the CARICOM Group in Geneva following Haiti’s handover, keeping foreign-policy coordination on the agenda at International Geneva. Infrastructure Delivery: Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation is moving ahead after an EC$898,000 contract was signed, with a site visit scheduled for today before construction starts. US Visa Policy Shock: The US made its visa bond programme permanent, with Dominica among the countries where consular officers may require refundable bonds up to US$20,000 for certain B-1/B-2 applicants. Regional Sports & Culture: Team Dominica returned from Glasgow Commonwealth Games with a historic gold, while local basketball teams also celebrated at the Windward Islands School Games; meanwhile, Jamarii’s “No Days Off” keeps gaining international traction.

CBI Oversight Clash: Gregor Nassief says a leaked June 17 letter to PM Roosevelt Skerrit, Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor and officials shows Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme is “out of control,” alleging citizenships are being discounted below the legal price and raising questions about major projects like the cable car, airport and marina. Infrastructure Delivery: Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation is set to start after a Tuesday, Aug. 4 site visit, following an EC$898,000 contract signed in June with CR5 Limited. Reproductive Rights Pressure: A letter to the editor argues the government must act after a High Court ruling expanded abortion grounds, warning what happens if the six-month deadline passes without compliance. US Visa Bond Shock: The U.S. makes its refundable visa bond programme permanent, effective Aug. 3, allowing consular officers to require bonds up to US$20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from Dominica and other designated countries. Regional Politics & Justice: CARICOM leaders continue pushing reparatory justice, with Emancipation Day celebrations running Aug. 1–3 and a high-level reparations dialogue featuring Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama at The UWI in Jamaica. Sports Spotlight: Dominica won both boys’ and girls’ basketball titles at the Windward Islands School Games, and Thea LaFond captured Dominica’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold in the women’s triple jump.

Commonwealth Games Glory: Dominica’s Thea LaFond-Gadson won the country’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold in the women’s triple jump in Glasgow, hitting 14.60m to complete a full medal set after bronze and silver. Regional Diplomacy: Dominica assumed CARICOM chairmanship of the CARICOM Group in Geneva, underscoring its role in regional policy coordination. U.S. Travel Rules: The U.S. Visa Bond programme becomes permanent on 3 August, meaning consular officers may require eligible B1/B2 applicants from 50 designated countries—including Dominica—to post refundable bonds up to US$20,000 before certain visas are issued. EU Citizenship Pressure: Brussels gave Dominica and other Caribbean states until 2028 to end citizenship-by-investment schemes or risk losing visa-free access to the Schengen area. Local Politics: The Dominica Business Forum praised the civility of Roseau North by-election candidate discussions, while candidates laid out competing plans for issues like the Fond Cole landfill and constituency development. Energy & Resilience: CARICOM leaders are pushing resilience systems—food, energy, transport, healthcare and regional trade—as climate shocks and global disruptions continue to hit the Caribbean.

Commonwealth Games Future: Glasgow’s “Alive and Kicking” closing ceremony couldn’t fully calm doubts after Victoria pulled out and the 2026 Games were rescued with a cut-price plan, leaving the event’s long-term direction uncertain. Dominica Sports: Thea LaFond capped Dominica’s Commonwealth Games breakthrough with gold in the women’s triple jump in Glasgow, completing a full medal set (bronze 2018, silver 2022, gold 2026). Roseau North By-election: The Dominica Business Forum hosted a public candidate discussion, with the UWP’s Daniel Lugay pitching plans including relocating the Fond Cole “Labass” landfill and a new mall/commercial hub, while independent Sherman Boston urged unity and raised local infrastructure and waste concerns. U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. made its visa bond programme permanent for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, with bonds up to $20,000 refundable only if conditions are met—Dominica is listed among the covered nations. Regional Governance: Dominica’s Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced over 3,000 public officers, as officials call for modern, efficient solutions to meet rising affordable housing demand. China-Dominica Links: The Chinese Embassy in Dominica held a scholarship award ceremony, with seven Dominican students receiving full scholarships to study in China.

U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. State Department has made its visa bond programme permanent, meaning consular officers may require refundable deposits of $10,000–$20,000 for certain B1/B2 business and tourist visa applicants from 50 countries (including Dominica), with the money returned only if visitors follow visa conditions and leave on time. Local Politics: The Dominica Business Forum is pushing for a more constructive political culture ahead of the Roseau North by-election, praising the civility of a recent candidate discussion and urging greater youth participation. Constituency Focus: In that Roseau North forum, UWP candidate Danny Lugay highlighted plans for relocating the Fond Cole “Labass” landfill, improving garbage collection, and building a mall/commercial hub to create jobs. Sports: Dominica’s Thea LaFond capped a historic Commonwealth Games run by winning women’s triple jump gold in Glasgow with a 14.60m leap, completing her Commonwealth medal set. Housing & Development: The Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced over 3,000 public officers, while officials called for modern, efficient solutions to meet rising affordable housing demand. International Spotlight: The EU has warned several Caribbean citizenship-by-investment countries, including Dominica, to phase out programmes or face possible loss of Schengen visa-free access.

U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. State Department is making its visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require refundable security deposits of up to US$20,000 for certain B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) applicants from 50 countries—including Dominica—starting Monday after a Federal Register notice. Roseau North By-election: The Dominica Business Forum says its Roseau North candidate discussion set a new standard for civility, while UWP hopeful Danny Lugay pushed plans including relocating the Fond Cole “Labass” landfill and creating a new mall and commercial hub, and independent Sherman Boston called for unity and highlighted local infrastructure and access issues. Sport: Dominica’s Thea LaFond won the women’s triple jump gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a 14.60m leap, completing Dominica’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal haul. Housing: The Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced over 3,000 public officers, as officials renewed calls for modern, affordable housing solutions. Regional Diplomacy/Education: China’s embassy events highlighted scholarship support for Dominican students, with officials pointing to continued people-to-people ties.

Commonwealth Games Glory: Dominica’s Thea LaFond-Gadson won the women’s triple jump gold in Glasgow with a 14.60m leap, becoming the first Dominican to take gold at the Games and completing her medal set (bronze 2018, silver 2022). Roseau North By-election: UWP candidate Daniel Lugay used the Dominica Business Forum to pitch plans including relocating the Fond Cole “Labass” landfill, fixing garbage collection, and pushing a new mall/commercial hub for jobs. Justice System Spotlight: Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore praised police and prosecutors after Jonathan Scott Lehrer and Robert Thomas Snider were convicted in the 2023 murder of Canadian businessman Daniel Langlois and partner Dominique Marchand. Housing Loans Board: The Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced well over 3,000 public officers, while officials called for modern, efficient solutions to meet affordable housing demand. Energy Costs: DOMLEC reported lower July electricity bills as geothermal energy reduces the fuel surcharge. Regional Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: The EU has asked five Eastern Caribbean CBI states, including Dominica, to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028, warning of possible Schengen visa-free suspension. China Education Links: Seven Dominican students received Chinese Government scholarships, with officials urging them to become “young ambassadors” of friendship.

Housing & Governance: The Dominica Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, with Chairman Felix Thomas saying it has serviced well over 3,000 public officers, while Housing Permanent Secretary Reginald Severin urged modern, efficient solutions to tackle affordability, land access, permit delays, and rising construction costs. Politics (Roseau North by-election): UWP candidate Daniel Lugay used a Dominica Business Forum appearance to push priorities like relocating the Fond Cole “Labass” landfill and fixing garbage collection, while independent Sherman Boston called for unity and highlighted issues from landfill and netball stadium needs to access problems for residents without vehicles. Justice: Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore praised police and prosecutors after guilty verdicts in the Langlois-Marchand murder case, as two American men were convicted in Dominica over the 2023 killings. Diplomacy & Education: China’s scholarship push continues, with seven Dominican students receiving awards and the Chinese Ambassador urging them to become “young ambassadors” of friendship. Sports: Thea LaFond won Dominica’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold in the women’s triple jump, completing her bronze-silver-gold medal set. Regional/Policy: ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship rotates to Dominica’s Dr Irving McIntyre, and the EU’s CBI crackdown is again in focus across the Eastern Caribbean.

Roseau North By-election: UWP candidate Daniel Lugay used the Dominica Business Forum to push a health-and-jobs agenda, calling for the relocation of the Fond Cole “Labass” landfill and tighter garbage management, while pitching a new mall and commercial hub to create work for local vendors and professionals. Unity in politics: Independent candidate Sherman Boston also addressed the forum, listing constituency problems from the landfill to roads and access issues, and arguing that unity—not party division—is key to fixing Roseau North. Justice in the Langlois-Marchand case: Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore praised police and prosecutors after Jonathan Scott Lehrer and Robert Thomas Snider were convicted of murdering Canadian businessman Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand, with ballistics and witness work highlighted as central to the guilty verdict. Regional crime training: RSVGPF Corporal Joel Williams trained in firearm trafficking detection at ILEA in El Salvador, part of wider efforts to trace weapons and strengthen investigations. China scholarships and ties: President Sylvanie Burton and Chinese Ambassador Chu Maoming attended scholarship award events, with seven Dominican students receiving full scholarships to study in China. Tourism and infrastructure: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton said the Dominica Cable Car is on track for completion later this year and framed it as a jobs boost, while reaffirming Roseau Cruise Village and Waterfront as a national priority. Sports: Thea LaFond won Dominica’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold in the women’s triple jump, completing her Commonwealth medal set.

CBI Deadline Shock: The EU has asked Dominica and four other Eastern Caribbean states to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes by June 1, 2028, warning that investor-citizenship schemes could trigger suspensions of Schengen visa-free access under the EU’s revised Visa Suspension Mechanism. Regional Finance Leadership: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre took over as Chair of the ECCB Monetary Council, with climate resilience and renewable energy implementation highlighted as key priorities. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car is on track for completion later this year, promising jobs and stronger visitor readiness, while also reaffirming Roseau Cruise Village and Waterfront as a national priority. Energy Bills Ease: DOMLEC reports lower July electricity bills as geothermal energy reduces the fuel surcharge, with savings across domestic and commercial categories. Justice in the Langlois-Marchand Case: Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore praised police and prosecutors after guilty verdicts for Jonathan Scott Lehrer and Robert Thomas Snider in the 2023 Langlois-Marchand murders. Crime-Fighting Training: RSVGPF Corporal Joel Williams completed a week-long firearms trafficking detection course at ILEA in El Salvador, supported by ATF. Education Links to China: Seven Dominican students received full scholarships to study in China at a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Morne Daniel. Sports Pride: Thea LaFond completed Dominica’s Commonwealth Games medal set with triple jump gold, adding to her earlier bronze and silver. Court Reform Signal: The CCJ overturned a Barbados cannabis trafficking custodial sentence, ordering a non-custodial bond instead.