AGP Executive Report

Abortion Rights Ruling: Dominica’s High Court expanded legal access to abortion, striking down criminal penalties in cases of rape, incest, severe fetal impairment, and when continuing a pregnancy threatens a woman’s life or health, with government given six months to update laws and procedures. Elections Watch: The Chief Elections Officer and the Electoral Office pushed back against “fake news” over the Roseau North by-election voter confirmation process, stressing voters must appear in person with a registered witness and complete identity checks, data entry, photo capture and an electronic signature. Ballot Secrecy Push: UPP leader Joshua Francis urged a public education campaign to reinforce the secrecy of the ballot and called out claims he says are meant to intimidate voters. Campaign Rules for Roseau North: The Dominica Business Forum set rules for a Wednesday candidate public discussion, aiming for a structured, respectful format with equal question time. Regional Infrastructure: Canada and UNOPS signed on to the Caribbean Resilient Infrastructure Implementation and Skills Exchange (RIISE) Facility, initially supporting Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton reported a 21% jump in cruise passengers for the 2025/2026 season and an 8% rise in vessel calls.

Elections Watch: The Electoral Office and Chief Elections Officer Anthea Joseph moved to calm rising confusion ahead the Roseau North by-election, stressing that voter confirmation is not done by document submission alone and requires the voter to appear in person at a confirmation centre with a witness for identity checks, photo capture and an electronic signature. Ballot Secrecy Push: UPP leader Joshua Francis urged a public education campaign on the secrecy of the ballot, warning that misinformation about voters being identifiable could fuel fear and suppression. Civic Forum Rules: The Dominica Business Forum set the framework for Wednesday’s Roseau North candidate public discussion, promising a moderated, orderly event with equal speaking time and time-limited questions. Local Governance & Connectivity: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton reported a 21% jump in cruise passengers for 2025/2026 and an 8% rise in vessel calls, while the government also highlighted progress on the Cochrane Road upgrade. Regional Development: Dominica is among the first countries to benefit from Canada- and UNOPS-backed RIISE, aimed at speeding delivery of climate-resilient infrastructure projects. Health & Rights: CFPA welcomed the High Court’s abortion law ruling as a step forward for women’s health rights, while noting more reform is still needed. Community & Safety: Police asked the public to help locate missing teen Jerbia Paul.

Abortion Rights Ruling: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court struck down Dominica’s abortion criminalization in key cases, including rape, incest, severe fetal impairment, and when a woman’s life or health is at risk—welcomed by the CFPA and other advocacy groups, though they say access and reforms still need work. Regional Connectivity: Contour Airlines confirmed nonstop Dominica–Trinidad flights starting October 5, twice weekly, boosting travel links for residents, business and tourism. Energy Update: Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing sign-off and commissioning by month end, with operations expected under DOMLEC’s power purchase terms. Local Development: Cochrane Road in the Roseau Valley is nearing completion, with upgrades aimed at safer access during heavy rains. Politics & Campaigning: UWP candidate Juliette Shillingford pitched a “greener, more functional” Roseau Central, while party nominee Jean Francois urged Dominicans to “stand up” to save the country. Public Health & Governance: CARPHA opened an Antimicrobial Resistance reference lab in Jamaica to strengthen regional testing and surveillance.

Air Connectivity Boost: Contour Airlines says it will launch nonstop Dominica–Trinidad and Tobago service on October 5, operating twice weekly from Douglas-Charles to Piarco, with same-aircraft one-stop options via San Juan and St. Thomas—aimed at making travel easier for residents and visitors. Energy Update: Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing commissioning, with sign-off expected by month end and operations to begin under the DOMLEC power purchase agreement. Elections & Local Vision: UWP candidate Juliette Shillingford (Roseau Central) pitches a greener, more functional capital—public spaces, Botanical Gardens, a long-awaited library, and fixes to streets, sidewalks, and traffic/parking. Electoral Integrity: The Electoral Office says duplicate names on the Confirmation List stem from a software issue involving an external contractor, and it’s monitoring the fix. Reproductive Rights Court: Advocacy groups Women’s Choice, MiRiDom and ASPIRE welcome a High Court ruling that abortion must be legally available in specified circumstances, giving government six months to comply. Health & Community: Roots Herbal’s “Exchange and Engage” event urged Dominicans to lean on local herbs and fresh foods to help cut NCD burdens. Infrastructure: Cochrane Road in the Roseau Valley is nearing completion, upgrading a rain-affected route to improve safety and access.

UWP Campaign Focus: Roseau Central hopeful Juliette Shillingford says she entered politics to make the capital “deserves better,” pushing greener public spaces, a rebuilt Botanical Gardens, a long-awaited public library, safer walkable streets, and fixes for parking and traffic. Electoral Office Update: Dominica’s Electoral Office says duplicate names on the Confirmation List were caused by a software issue involving an external contractor, not Office action, and promises further updates once resolved. Reproductive Rights Court Ruling: Advocacy groups Women’s Choice, MiRiDom and ASPIRE welcomed the High Court decision on abortion law, saying abortion must be legally available in defined circumstances, while warning government must remove barriers to access within six months. Energy & Power: Energy Minister Dr Vince Henderson says Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing commissioning and targets sign-off by month end, moving toward power purchase agreement operations. Air Connectivity Boost: Contour Airlines will launch nonstop Dominica–Trinidad service on October 5 (twice weekly), strengthening regional links and tourism access. OECS–Morocco Trade Push: OECS states, including Dominica, highlighted economic cooperation with Morocco during Promotion Week, aiming to deepen trade and investment ties. Local Infrastructure: Cochrane Road in the Roseau Valley is nearing completion after upgrades to improve access during heavy rains.

Roseau Central Politics: UWP candidate Juliette Shillingford says she entered the race to make Roseau “deserves better,” pitching a greener, more functional capital with rebuilt Botanical Gardens, a long-awaited public library, pedestrian-friendly streets, and solutions for parking and traffic. Roseau North/By-election Campaigning: UWP candidate Ernie Jno Finn for Castle Bruce urges Dominicans to “participate in democracy,” promising transparency, better healthcare, and environmental protection. Electoral Office Response: The Electoral Office says duplicate names on the Confirmation List were caused by external contractor software, not its own actions, and says updates will follow once fixed. Court & Rights: Advocacy groups back a High Court abortion-law ruling, calling it a milestone but warning more reform is needed and that women may face heavy “burden of evidence” requirements. Energy & Jobs: Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing commissioning, targeting sign-off by month end. Cost of Living/Budget: PM Skerrit says the 2026-2027 National Budget (Aug 4) will tackle cost of living amid global shocks, including tax relief measures. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines will launch nonstop Dominica–Trinidad service on Oct 5 (twice weekly), with same-plane one-stop options to San Juan and St. Thomas. Regional Cooperation: OECS and Morocco highlight trade and investment cooperation during Economic Promotion Week, with Dominica among participating states. Public Safety: Police ask the public to help locate Michael Roberts (“Mico”) wanted over a serious offence in Salisbury.

Road Works: Cochrane Road in Roseau Valley is in its final stages, upgrading the link between the Cochrane Housing Scheme and the playing field to ease monsoon mud and improve safer access for residents. Energy Update: Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing commissioning, targeting sign-off around month end so operations can begin under the DOMLEC power purchase agreement. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines will launch nonstop Douglas-Charles (Dominica)–Piarco (Trinidad) service on October 5, twice weekly, with same-aircraft one-stop options via San Juan and St. Thomas—boosting tourism and business travel. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Skerrit met U.S. Charge d’Affaires Karine Sullivan, marking U.S.-funded disaster management handovers and an added commitment for a new fire and ambulance station in La Plaine. Public Health: CARPHA opened an Antimicrobial Resistance regional reference lab in Jamaica to strengthen testing and surveillance across the Caribbean. Court & Rights: Advocacy groups welcomed a High Court ruling on Dominica’s abortion law, saying it’s a milestone but calling for further reforms to ensure real access to safe, legal services. Electoral Office: The Electoral Office said duplicate names on the Confirmation List stem from a software issue involving an external contractor, not its own actions.

Abortion Law Challenge: Women’s Choice, MiRiDom and ASPIRE say Dominica’s High Court ruling is a major win for reproductive rights, but warn women may face a heavy “burden of evidence” for rape or incest; the government has six months to make legal and administrative changes. Air Connectivity & Tourism: Contour Airlines announced nonstop Dominica–Trinidad flights starting Oct. 5, 2026 (twice weekly), plus one-stop same-plane links via Trinidad to San Juan and St. Thomas—moves the tourism ministry says will boost visitor access and regional business ties. Cost of Living Budget: Prime Minister Skerrit says the Aug. 4 budget will target cost of living pressures and tax reform, arguing global shocks are driving higher prices through freight and insurance costs. Electoral Office Update: The Electoral Office says duplicate names on the Confirmation List were caused by external software, not its actions, and says it’s monitoring the contractor’s fix. Public Safety: Police are asking the public to help locate Michael Roberts (“Mico”) wanted in connection with a serious offence in Salisbury. Energy Update: Energy Minister Dr Vince Henderson says commissioning of the geothermal plant is nearing completion. Green Jobs Training: BTC launched an eight-month “Green Skills” programme for 85 Dominicans, funded by Canada, to train for climate-resilient work. Regional Health Security: CARPHA opened an Antimicrobial Resistance reference lab in Jamaica to strengthen surveillance across 26 member states.

Air Connectivity Boost: Contour Airlines confirmed new nonstop Dominica–Trinidad service starting October 5, 2026, with twice-weekly flights between Douglas-Charles (DOM) and Piarco (POS), plus one-stop same-plane connections via Trinidad to San Juan and St. Thomas—aimed at strengthening regional travel, tourism and business links. Energy Milestone: Energy Minister Dr Vince Henderson says commissioning of Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing completion, with day-to-day operations largely managed by Dominican employees. Cost of Living & Budget: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the August 4 National Budget Day will tackle cost of living pressures, citing global shocks and promising tax relief to help households keep more money. Electoral Office Reassurance: The Electoral Office says duplicate names on the Confirmation List were caused by a software issue involving an external contractor, not actions by the Office. Political Party Update: Team Unity Dominica named Petra Carbon-George as its new leader, replacing Carlos Charles, and launched its election campaign. Public Safety: Police asked the public to help locate Michael Roberts (“Mico”), wanted in connection with a serious offence in Salisbury on July 20. Regional Youth Sports: Dominica sent a 74-member team to the 2026 Windward Islands School Games in St. Lucia, competing across five sports. Climate Skills Training: BTC launched free green skills training for 85 Dominicans, funded by Canada, to build a climate-resilient workforce.

National Budget Focus: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica’s August 4, 2026 budget will target cost of living pressures, tax reform and wider economic shocks. Electoral Office Update: The Electoral Office says duplicate names on the Confirmation List were caused by a software issue from an external contractor, not by its staff, and says it’s monitoring the fix. Air Connectivity Boost: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton confirms restored direct air service from Trinidad, with Contour Airlines launching nonstop Douglas-Charles (DOM) to Piarco (POS) on October 5, 2026 (twice weekly), plus one-stop same-plane links via Trinidad. Regional Sports: Dominica sends a 74-member team to the 2026 Windward Islands School Games in St. Lucia, competing across five sports. Green Skills Training: BTC rolls out free eight-month “Green Skills” training for 85 Dominicans, funded by Canada, to build a climate-resilient workforce. Crime Alert: Police ask the public to help locate Michael Roberts (“Mico”), wanted over a serious offence in Salisbury on July 20. Housing Progress: Vieille Case’s hurricane-resilient homes are nearing completion, with 21 families set to receive keys soon. Party Politics: Team Unity Dominica names Petra Carbon-George as its new leader ahead of the Roseau North by-election campaign.

Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines says it will launch nonstop Douglas-Charles (Dominica)–Piarco (Trinidad) flights on October 5, 2026, running twice weekly, plus one-stop same-plane links via Trinidad to San Juan and St. Thomas—aimed at boosting tourism and business travel across the Eastern Caribbean. Housing & Resilience: Housing Minister Melissa Poponne-Skerrit reports Vieille Case is in the final stages, with 21 hurricane-resilient homes nearing completion and keys expected to be handed over soon. Elections Watch: Team Unity Dominica has unveiled a new party leader, Petra Carbon George, and says it will collaborate with other parties ahead of the next general elections; the party also plans to release candidates and formally launch its campaign under a “Clean Slate” banner. EU Citizenship by Investment Pressure: Regional leaders continue responding to a European Commission push for Citizenship by Investment programmes in Dominica and four other states to be phased out by June 1, 2028, or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Commonwealth Games Team: Commonwealth Sport Dominica names a six-member Glasgow 2026 delegation, including triple-jumper Thea LaFond-Gadson and swimmer Jasmine Schofield, with LaFond-Gadson set to become the first Dominican woman to compete at three consecutive Games. Public Safety: Police are investigating a Salisbury shooting after 8:00 PM on July 20, with one man reported shot multiple times and receiving medical attention.

Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service between Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) and Trinidad’s Piarco (POS) starting October 5, 2026, twice weekly, plus one-stop same-plane links via Dominica to San Juan and St. Thomas. Climate-Resilient Housing: Vieille Case housing is nearing completion, with keys expected soon for 21 hurricane-resilient homes for local families. Elections & Parties: Team Unity Dominica named Petra Carbon George as its new party leader and says it will collaborate with other parties ahead of the next general election; the party also plans a public push around its “Clean Slate” message. Roseau North By-Election: The Dominica Business Forum will host a public discussion with Roseau North by-election candidates, aiming to boost voter awareness and participation. Budget Watch: Parliament is set to convene August 4 for Dominica’s 2026–2027 national budget presentation, with Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre delivering the budget and Estimates. Regional Money: The ECCB unveiled redesigned Eastern Caribbean banknotes that remove Queen Elizabeth II’s image and replace it with national heroes and regional icons. Governance & EU Pressure: Prime Minister Drew reiterated the importance of SISA as EU demands related to Citizenship by Investment phaseouts continue to loom.

Climate Resilience Housing: Housing Minister Melissa Poponee Skerrit says 21 families in Vieille Case will soon receive keys to newly built hurricane-resilient homes, with finishing touches underway before handover. U.S. Immigration Politics: Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace has introduced the “Third World Immigration Moratorium Act,” which would permanently bar nationals from The Gambia and 39 other countries—including Dominica—from entering the United States. Electoral Integrity: The Electoral Office denies social media claims that electors can be confirmed without being physically present, saying the process requires photo capture and an electronic signature. Roseau North By-election: UWP candidate Danny Lugay has written the Chief Elections Officer raising concerns about alleged irregularities in voter confirmation, while DLP candidate Ashma McDougall urges eligible voters to confirm registration ahead of the by-election. Budget Calendar: Dominica’s 2026–2027 national budget is set for August 4, when Parliament convenes for the Finance Minister’s presentation. Regional/International Watch: Dominica’s Minister Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai to discuss AI cooperation and bilateral development.

Eastern Caribbean Currency Update: The ECCB has started circulating redesigned EC/XCD banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image with selected national heroes, with Dominica among the ECCU members affected. Election Watch (Team Unity): Team Unity Dominica is set to officially launch its 2027 campaign, unveil candidates, and roll out its “Clean Slate” message at a Fort Young Hotel press conference on Wednesday. Roseau North By-election Tensions: The Electoral Office rejected claims that electors can be confirmed without being physically present, while UWP candidate Danny Lugay raised concerns about voter confirmation irregularities and invalid addresses. Budget Timeline: Dominica’s 2026–27 national budget will be presented on August 4 when Parliament convenes, with cost-of-living measures expected. EU Pressure on Citizenship-by-Investment: Dominica is among OECS states named in a US bill targeting “countries of concern,” while separate reporting says the EU is threatening visa restrictions unless CBI schemes are phased out by 2028. Public Safety: Police are investigating a shooting in Salisbury that left one man injured. International Engagement: Foreign Minister Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai to discuss AI cooperation and bilateral ties.

CBI Under EU Pressure: Political analyst Stafford Lewis warns that a regional phase-out of Citizenship by Investment could strip OECS economies of over $100 million, arguing Dominica and neighbours must negotiate together rather than separately. EU Scrutiny Escalates: Another analyst says a “race to the bottom” in CBI marketing and lowered requirements helped trigger EU attention, tightening the squeeze on the whole OECS. Dominica’s Electoral Integrity: The Dominica Electoral Office rejects viral claims that voters can be confirmed without their physical presence, pointing to safeguards like photo capture and electronic signatures. Tourism Progress: Construction on Dominica’s Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility is reported at 35% completion, with key site works and foundations underway. Foreign Affairs: Dominica’s Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai, with both sides stressing inclusive AI cooperation. Regional Food Security: Zero Hunger Trust Fund launches an EU-CAN youth-led food security project across Dominica and other Eastern Caribbean states. Visa Confusion Clarified: Dominica’s foreign ministry says Belizeans still need Schengen visas for Spain despite a published “visa-free” list. Local Business Exports: Bee Natural highlights export hurdles and market access lessons at a regional IICA-CDB forum.

Electoral Integrity: Dominica’s Chief Election Officer Anthea Joseph says social media claims that voters can be confirmed by proxy are “absolutely false,” stressing the confirmation process requires each elector’s physical presence, photo capture, and an electronic signature. CBI Pressure on OECS: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says OECS leaders are pushing for a meeting with the European Commission in Brussels as the EU presses for a CBI phase-out by June 2028, while OECS leaders also say they’ve tightened due diligence and are sending a high-level delegation to defend the programmes. Tourism Infrastructure: Dominica reports 35% progress on the Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility, with key works like access, retaining walls, and early ground-floor construction underway. Local Business Exports: Bee Natural (Dominica) highlighted export hurdles and logistics at an IICA-CDB Agri-MSME forum, sharing how small agri-enterprises can reach regional and international markets. Regional Food Security: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched the EU-CAN “Cultivating Futures” project, using youth-led ecological school gardens across Dominica and other Eastern Caribbean states. International Health Security: CARPHA completed a five-day technical visit to Turks and Caicos to strengthen lab systems and antimicrobial resistance surveillance. Regional Politics & Security: CARICOM expressed condolences to Guyana after the MV Barima ferry capsized, praising rescue efforts as investigations continue.