AGP Executive Report

Roseau North Politics: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed that a by-election will be held after Miriam Blanchard resigned as MP on medical grounds, with the Speaker saying her resignation took effect on receipt of her June 9 letter; Skerrit praised her nearly decade of cabinet service and said residents’ interests will continue to be represented. Sports Infrastructure: Skerrit also said Windsor Park Sports Stadium’s official handover is expected before month-end after lights are installed and finishing/certification are completed, warning that no telecom equipment should be mounted on the new lighting towers. Energy & Cost of Living: Skerrit urged DOMLEC customers to be patient as geothermal commissioning continues, saying outages are “teething difficulties” during testing and integration, with promises of lower rates and better reliability once fully operational. Climate Resilience: The DOMCREP project was launched, backed by the Green Climate Fund, targeting over 8,000 people across eight communities with climate-smart agriculture, water security and emergency preparedness support. Citizenship by Investment: New CBI rules require successful applicants to visit Dominica in person and collect renewed passports locally, with the government framing it as strengthening ties between citizens and the country. Regional Policy: Dominica’s trade ministerial leadership featured at CARICOM’s COTED in Guyana, as ministers discussed global energy and food-price pressures and their impact on trade and food security.

Geothermal Power Push: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica is the first Caribbean nation to place geothermal energy on its national grid, but power outages are continuing because the plant is still in commissioning—testing and integration work that should eventually bring lower rates and better reliability. Climate Resilience Funding: The $70.2 million DOMCREP project was launched, backed by the Green Climate Fund, to support more than 8,000 people across eight vulnerable communities, including climate-smart support for farmers and agro-processors. Citizenship by Investment Tightening: Dominica will require successful CBI applicants to make an in-person visit and collect renewed passports in Dominica, with the government saying it’s to strengthen integrity and meet international expectations. Local Politics: The Dominica Freedom Party executive accepted Bernard Hurtault’s resignation as interim leader, while Hurtault cited a worsening political culture in his step down. Electoral Logistics: The Electoral Office announced centralized voter confirmation for Petite Savanne at Windsor Park on June 16, with specific ID and dress rules for camera-ready applicants. CARICOM Trade Focus: Dominica’s trade minister chairs the 62nd COTED in Georgetown as CARICOM leaders warn that energy and supply-chain shocks could raise inflation and threaten food security. Sports & Community: The Dominica Cricket Association is moving toward a new T20 league, and the DCA says preparations are already underway.

Geothermal Power Push: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica is set to be the first Caribbean country to bring geothermal energy onto the national grid, with the plant still in commissioning and outages blamed on “teething difficulties” from testing and integration. Citizenship-by-Investment Tightening: Skerrit announced new CBI rules: successful applicants must visit Dominica in person, spend time in the country, and collect renewed passports locally—part of a bid to strengthen integrity and meet international expectations. Airport Progress Update: The PM also reported the Wesley international airport is advancing, with earthworks/culverts at about 78% and runway/taxiway at 60%, alongside work on terminals, cargo, air traffic control and fuel farms. Regional Trade Talks: Dominica’s Dr. Vince Henderson chairs the 62nd COTED in Georgetown as CARICOM warns global energy and supply shocks are driving inflation and threatening food security. Tourism and Travel Fallout: CHTA named Barbados to host the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, while Dominica’s tourism leaders continue reacting to US visa denials affecting CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief and to Caribbean airline route withdrawals. Health Milestone: Dominica says its healthcare system has completed the country’s first brain tumour surgery. Public Services & Policy: The government previewed the 2026–2027 budget’s economic initiatives and concessions review, while Justice Delroy Chuck told Parliament parish courts are clearing cases at rates above 100% with backlog under 5%.

Citizenship-by-Investment Crackdown: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica is tightening CBI enforcement—successful applicants must now visit Dominica in person and spend time in the country, including to collect renewed passports. CBI Integrity & Revocation: The government also says citizenship obtained below the legal minimum investment threshold will be revoked, with tougher checks and more details expected at an October 2026 industry summit. Hurricane Season Readiness: As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, Skerrit reports emergency shelters were inspected, supplies reviewed, and NEPO coordination strengthened, urging early public preparedness. Justice System Update: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says parish courts have reduced net case backlog to under 5%, with clearance rates exceeding 100% in many courts. Tourism & Regional Business: Dominica will host Soufriere Divesfest 2026 (Aug 29–30), while COTED trade talks open in Guyana chaired by Dominica’s Vince Henderson amid global economic uncertainty. Food Security Push: Government plans to invest nearly $700,000 in an animal feed mill to cut import dependence, with cassava trials already showing promising results. Opposition & Politics: UPP backs any Petite Savanne resettlement only after scientific and safety assessments; DFP interim leader Bernard Hurtault resigns, citing clashes with his values.

Tourism & Development: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says major projects are advancing, including the Goodwill Secondary School build and the international airport works, as government highlights socio-economic benefits. Food Security & Agriculture: Dominica plans to invest nearly $700,000 in an animal feed mill to cut import dependence, with cassava trials already showing promising results and an Expression of Interest expected soon. Citizenship-by-Investment Crackdown: The government says citizenship obtained below the legal minimum will be revoked as it tightens enforcement ahead of an October 2026 summit. Regional Travel Pressure: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa renewal denials could disrupt Caribbean tourism and family travel, while Skerrit declined to comment on the U.S. decision. Opposition & Local Resettlement: The UPP says it would support safe, science-led resettlement efforts for Petite Savanne, but only after geotechnical and land suitability assessments. Public Health Policy: PAHO warns health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas remain too low to curb consumption and non-communicable diseases. Party Politics: Bernard Hurtault resigns as interim leader of the Dominica Freedom Party, citing clashes with his values and political culture. Tourism Promotion: Discover Dominica Authority is set to host discussions on wellness tourism as part of its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program.

Citizenship Crackdown: Dominica says citizenship gained below the legal minimum in its Citizenship by Investment programme will be revoked, as it tightens enforcement and vetting ahead of an October 2026 industry summit. Health Policy Push: PAHO warns alcohol and sugary-drink taxes across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and non-communicable diseases, citing beer and spirits tax burdens below global medians and noting many countries still tax nothing on sugary drinks. Tourism & Travel Pressure: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief urges Trinidad and Tobago to reconsider cuts to Caribbean airline routes, warning Dominica’s connectivity and multi-destination tourism could take a hit. Wellness Tourism Drive: Discover Dominica Authority will host a June 11 panel on wellness tourism’s role in development, as Dominica rolls out its 2026 Tourism Awareness Programme under a “Wellness by Nature” theme. Party Politics: Bernard Hurtault resigns as Dominica Freedom Party leader, citing family reasons and frustration with a political culture he says is too personal and not substantive. Regional Business Finance: CDB and IDB Invest launch a US$25 million trade finance facility aimed at boosting access to financing for Caribbean trade transactions. Community & Culture: A Freedom Flight effort seeks volunteers and truck drivers to help move 140 rescue animals out of Dominica on June 13–14.

Electoral Reform Pressure: UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine renewed calls for unity inside the party, warning against “distraction, division, or misrepresentation” as Dominica faces major economic and social challenges. Elections Watch: An open letter to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit argues the Electoral Commission needs a reset and suggests a practical path via resignations by the Chairperson and Chief Elections Officer, followed by new appointments. Tourism & Travel Risk: Incoming CHTA president Gregor Nassief says his U.S. visa renewal was denied, linking it to tightening U.S. restrictions that could ripple through Caribbean tourism, business travel, and family visits. Wellness Tourism Push: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community engagement under “Be Well in Nature.” Climate Resilience Funding: DOMCREP was officially launched in Marigot as a US$25M community resilience and water-security project, with an initial EC$3.7M disbursement for adaptation planning. Public Safety Upgrade: A new police vehicle was handed to Delices Police Station to improve response times and visibility. Regional Culture & Heritage: A Caribbean Culture Fund initiative highlighted digital heritage and resilient housing practices linking Saba and Dominica. Community Support: St. Nicholas Animal Rescue is seeking volunteers and truck drivers for a June 13–14 “Freedom Flight” to relocate 140 rescued animals.

UWP Unity Push: UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine urged party members and the public to move past internal tensions, warning he “will not allow distraction, division, or misrepresentation” to derail Dominica’s national conversation. Electoral Commission Reset: An open letter from Gregor Nassief to the Prime Minister argues the Electoral Commission lacks public trust and proposes a practical reset via resignations and new appointments under the Constitution. Tourism & U.S. Visas: Incoming CHTA president Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa tightening is already hitting Caribbean travel and could ripple through tourism, business, and families after his own renewal was denied. CARICOM Health & Sport: CARICOM athletes will gather in St Lucia for the 19th Road Run/Walk on July 5, tied to regional health goals. Community Support: St. Nicholas Animal Rescue is calling for volunteers and truck drivers for a June 13–14 animal airlift of 140 dogs and cats. Public Health Policy: PAHO says alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes across the Americas remain too low to curb consumption and prevent NCDs. Local Policing: A new police vehicle was handed to Delices to improve response times and visibility. Climate Resilience: DOMCREP was launched in Marigot as a US$25M community resilience push, including water storage upgrades. Pre-Budget Proposals: DAIC backed meaningful concessions for hybrid vehicle imports and supports a $25 household levy for solid waste management.

UWP Unity Push: UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine is calling for reconciliation inside the party, urging members to move past internal discord and focus on Dominica’s economic and social challenges. Police Upgrade in Delices: The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force handed a new vehicle to the Delices Police Station to improve response times and visibility. Tourism Focus on Wellness: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community engagement under “Be Well in Nature.” Climate Resilience Funding: Government launched DOMCREP, a US$26M (EC$70M) community resilience project funded via the Green Climate Fund, targeting water security, early warning, and support for eight vulnerable communities. Hybrid Vehicle Import Plan: DAIC is urging meaningful concessions for Dominicans importing hybrid vehicles, while also backing a US$25 levy toward solid waste management. U.S. Visa Shock for Tourism: Incoming CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says his U.S. visa renewal was denied, warning tighter U.S. rules could disrupt Caribbean travel and tourism. CARICOM Security Engagement: CARICOM hosted Guyana Defence Force senior officers for a crime and security knowledge-sharing session.

Police & Public Safety: The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force handed over a brand-new vehicle to the Delices Police Station, aimed at faster response times and better visibility. Regional Security: CARICOM hosted Guyana Defence Force senior officers for a security engagement session on CARICOM’s role in coordinating regional crime and security responses. Tourism & Wellness: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under the theme “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” with activities running through July and a “Be Well in Nature” public engagement push. Climate Resilience Funding: The $25m DOMCREP climate resilience project was launched in Marigot, targeting water security, early warning, disaster management infrastructure, and community capacity in eight vulnerable communities. Pre-Budget Debate: The DAIC urged meaningful concessions for Dominicans importing hybrid vehicles and supported a $25 household levy for solid waste management. Culture & Tax Policy: Bouyon artist Coleridge “Mr Ridge” Bell recommended a tax treaty to help bouyon artists benefit financially. International Diplomacy: The BVI called on the UN decolonization committee to use its mandate more strongly for remaining non-self-governing territories.

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

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

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

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

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

CARICOM Agenda: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in St Lucia from July 5–8, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre taking the rotating chair on July 1; the opening ceremony at Sandals St Lucia is set for July 5 and will be livestreamed. Climate Resilience Push: Dominica has launched the US$26m (EC$70.2m) DOMCREP project with the Green Climate Fund and CCCCC to boost food security, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and community capacity in eight vulnerable communities. Hurricane Season Reminder: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans and supplies as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins, pointing to recent flooding and landslides. Tourism & Connectivity: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says visitor arrivals rose 15% to nearly 497,000 last year, while regional airlift and travel links remain a key focus amid wider Caribbean connectivity moves. Airport Financing Debate: The UPP is pressing the government to publish detailed long-term financial viability plans for Dominica’s international airport under construction. Regional Courts & Governance: A CCJ judge lamented slow CARICOM uptake of the court as final appellate jurisdiction, while CARICOM also congratulated Trinidad and Tobago on its UN Security Council election.