AGP Executive Report

Airport Accountability: The UPP is pressing the Government to publish detailed long-term financial viability plans for Dominica’s international airport, warning taxpayers could face subsidies if tourism and growth projections fall short. Disaster Readiness: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1, pointing to recent flooding and landslides and the need for shared preparedness. Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says Dominica recorded a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals in 2025, with stayover up about 10% and cruise arrivals up 21%, alongside ongoing upgrades and major projects. Youth Leadership: The National Youth Council of Dominica elected Yannick Regis as President for 2026–2028, replacing Phael Lander. Regional Justice & Governance: CARICOM congratulated Trinidad & Tobago on its UN Security Council seat, while the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court welcomed Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice effective April 9, 2026. Business Resilience: DAIC called for broader disaster planning beyond hurricanes, citing risks like flooding, outages, and supply chain disruptions.

Tourism Update: Dominica recorded a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals to nearly 497,000 last year, with stayover arrivals up about 10% and cruise traffic up 21%, as the Tourism Minister points to ongoing upgrades at Champagne Beach, Kalinago Barana Aute, and planned works at Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls, Morne Bruce and Mero Beach, plus secured funding for Cabrits National Park and the India River. Youth & Sports: Senator Oscar George says the newly elected National Youth Council will better represent Dominica’s youth, following the weekend election of Yannick Regis as president. Education & Skills: The Ministry of Education is inviting the public to TVET Showcase 2026 on June 5, highlighting hands-on training across areas like agriculture, garment production, food and nutrition and woodwork. Regional Justice & Business Climate: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court welcomed new Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay (effective April 9, 2026), while OHADAC and CARO prepare a June 10 training push on arbitration and ADR to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean. Disaster Preparedness: With the Atlantic hurricane season underway, DAIC urges businesses and agencies to broaden preparedness beyond storms to cover flooding, heat, outages and supply disruptions. Opposition Politics: Senior UWP figures issue an open letter condemning what they call “character assassination and political persecution,” including calls for their expulsion.

Criminal Justice & Police Training: The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force kicked off a professional development series with a lecture on “Identifying Criminal Offences,” led by Deputy Chief of Police Jeoffrey James and Acting Superintendent Chaucer James, with officers saying the session will strengthen day-to-day investigations. Regional Justice & Appointments: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court confirmed King Charles III has appointed Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026, with oversight across OECS states including Dominica. Economic Justice & Arbitration: OHADAC’s Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO), with the OECS, will launch training on arbitration and ADR June 10 to improve access to economic justice for Eastern Caribbean businesses and investors. Health & Medicines Access: PAHO and the OECS-PPS opened a joint planning workshop focused on sustaining access to safe, effective essential medicines and health technologies across OECS member states. Environment & Coastal Resilience: A SARSEA mission is studying sargassum management in Martinique and Guadeloupe, while Dominica civil society and CANARI push for faster implementation of the Escazú Agreement. Hurricane Season Preparedness: DAIC is urging Dominica’s businesses and agencies to broaden disaster planning beyond hurricanes as flooding, heat, erosion, landslides, and outages threaten operations. Electoral Process Update: Dominica’s Electoral Office says about 17,000 electors have applied for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved and the rest still under verification.

Sargassum Response: A nine-state OECS delegation is in Martinique and Guadeloupe (June 1–4) to study how regional partners monitor, collect and turn sargassum into useful products, building on SARSEA work supported by the EU and the OECS. Hurricane Preparedness: With the Atlantic hurricane season starting June 1, Dominica’s DAIC is urging businesses and agencies to plan for more than storms—flooding, heat, outages, landslides and supply disruptions included. Judicial Leadership: King Charles III has appointed Dominica-linked legal figure Margaret Price Findlay as Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026. Regional Justice & Environment: Civil society and CANARI are pressing Dominica to move fast on Escazú Agreement implementation, arguing environmental rights must translate into real changes in information, participation and access to justice. Electoral Process: The Electoral Office says about 17,000 electors have applied for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved and the rest still being verified. UWP Internal Tensions: Senior UWP figures have issued an open letter rejecting calls for their expulsion, saying they’re facing “character assassination and political persecution.” Tourism Signals: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says visitor arrivals and stayover numbers are rising, alongside major site upgrades. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a National Accountability Seminar in Dominica on June 3, focusing on trade, MSMEs and strengthening food security.

Visa Crunch for Africa: The US plans to cut visa processing across Africa from nearly 50 embassies/consulates to just 20 “hub” locations, forcing non-hub applicants to travel farther for applications. Regional Justice & Arbitration: OHADAC and the OECS will officially launch OHADAC–CARO training on arbitration and ADR in the Eastern Caribbean on 10 June, aiming to make dispute resolution more accessible for businesses and investors. Eastern Caribbean Judiciary: Margaret Price Findlay has been appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective 9 April 2026. Dominica Electoral Process: The Electoral Office reports about 17,000 electors applied for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved, while remaining cases are still being verified or corrected. UWP Push on Fuel Costs: UWP leader Thomson Fontaine urges talks with Guyana to access cheaper gasoline as Dominica’s fuel prices rise. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says visitor arrivals and stayover arrivals are increasing, as Dominica launches Tourism Awareness Month with site upgrades and a wellness focus. Escazú Agreement Pressure: Civil society and CANARI call for swift implementation of Dominica’s Escazú obligations to improve environmental information, participation, and access to justice. Youth Leadership: The National Youth Council of Dominica elects Yannick Regis as President for 2026–2028. Sports & Cricket: Cricket West Indies President Kishore Shallow highlights Dominica’s growing cricket talent and names several promising players.

UWP Internal Tensions: Senior UWP stalwarts have issued an open letter condemning what they call a campaign of “misinformation, character assassination and political persecution,” including a recent call for their expulsion “by force if possible.” Electoral Process Watch: The Electoral Office says about 17,000 electors have applied for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved, while remaining applications are still under verification and may require resubmissions. Environment & Governance: Civil society and CANARI are urging swift implementation of the Escazú Agreement, arguing Dominica must translate the treaty into real improvements in environmental information, participation, and access to justice. Regional Environment Action: A SARSEA workshop in Dominica advanced coordinated regional responses to sargassum impacts, linking coastal resilience and biodiversity protection across OECS states. Tourism & Economy: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton reports encouraging signs, including increased visitor arrivals and stayover growth, as Tourism Awareness Month is launched alongside site upgrades. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a national accountability seminar on June 3 focused on strengthening food security through trade and agricultural MSMEs. Public Service Pressure: The Dominica Public Service Union is set to meet PM Roosevelt Skerrit early June over longstanding concerns at Dominica State College, including subvention, repairs, staffing, and delays in implementing recommendations. Sports Development: Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow highlighted Dominica’s growing cricket talent, pointing to players with regional and international potential.

Youth Leadership: The National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD) elected Yannick Regis as President for 2026–2028, with Dylan Registe (1st VP), Keanu Winston (2nd VP) and Shervin Dominique (Comms) among the new executive. Electoral Process: The Electoral Office says about 17,000 electors applied for voter confirmation; over 11,000 are approved, while the rest are still being verified, with some applicants asked to correct documents or resubmit. Environment & Governance: Civil society groups, with CANARI, are pushing the government to move fast on implementing the Escazú Agreement after a Roseau sensitisation workshop. Regional Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines’ pullout from St Kitts and Nevis is said to have happened without consultation, and Dominica is also caught in the wider route restructuring debate. Economy Watch: The IMF welcomed Dominica’s 2025 growth (4.5%) but warned fiscal and external imbalances remain high, urging continued prudent policies and reforms. Public Services: UN World Food Programme equipment is being handed to strengthen Dominica’s social protection and data systems, including SWIMS support. Local Development: PM Skerrit continued consultations on making the Marigot Fisheries Complex an official port of entry, aiming to reassure fishers and vendors it won’t disrupt livelihoods. Tourism Push: Tourism Awareness Month 2026 was launched, citing rising arrivals and major upgrades, with wellness tourism in focus.

Air Connectivity Shock: St Kitts and Nevis Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says Caribbean Airlines withdrew from the St Kitts route without consulting government, after losses of more than US$1.6m—while officials scramble to secure another partner. Electoral Process Pressure: Dominica’s Electoral Office reports about 17,000 voter confirmation applications submitted, with over 11,000 approved and the rest still under verification, as critics call for a “reset” of the Electoral Commission. Local Governance & Jobs: The Prime Minister continues consultations on making the Marigot Fisheries Complex a port of entry, with assurances to fishers and vendors that livelihoods won’t be disrupted. IMF Update: The IMF says Dominica’s economy grew 4.5% in 2025 on tourism and infrastructure, but warns fiscal and external imbalances remain high and calls for prudent policy and reforms. UWP Fuel Cost Push: UWP leader Thomson Fontaine urges talks with Guyana for cheaper fuel as Dominica’s regulated prices rise amid the US–Israel–Iran conflict. Environment & Regional Leadership: Cozier Frederick, now OECS Council of Ministers chair for environmental sustainability, calls for more public involvement and climate financing. Social Protection Upgrade: WFP donated computers and tablets to strengthen Dominica’s social welfare data systems. Tourism Drive: Tourism Awareness Month 2026 launches with wellness tourism focus and site upgrades as arrivals keep climbing.

Electoral Process Update: The Electoral Office says about 17,000 electors have applied for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approvals completed; the rest are still under verification, and some applicants may need resubmissions or could be denied. Electoral Commission Pressure: An open letter from Gregor Nassief calls for a “reset” of the Electoral Commission, arguing public confidence and legitimacy are at risk given slow approvals ahead of the 15 October election date. Youth & Civic Institutions: The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association vice president, Yannick Regis, was elected president of the National Youth Council of Dominica, while the NYCD also reported a break-in at its Secretariat and says security concerns remain after a May 6 fire. Tourism & Connectivity: Dominica’s tourism push continues with Tourism Awareness Month, citing rising arrivals and site upgrades, but regional travel is hit by Caribbean Airlines’ route cuts, with St Kitts and Nevis and Dominica affected and governments seeking alternatives. Economy & Governance: The IMF’s Article IV review highlights 4.5% GDP growth in 2025 and easing inflation, while warning fiscal and external imbalances remain high and urging consolidation and reforms. Fuel Costs Politics: The UWP is urging talks with Guyana to access cheaper gasoline as fuel prices rise. Public Services: The Ministry of Health received WFP technology equipment to strengthen social protection data systems. Sports & Community: Police and the Grand Bay Village Council staged Isidore Sunday Chill, featuring matches and community activities.

IMF Review: The IMF executive board says Dominica’s economy grew faster in 2025 (real GDP up to 4.5%) on tourism and infrastructure, but warns fiscal and external imbalances remain high and urges continued consolidation, reforms, and disaster-ready buffers. Electoral Process: The Electoral Office reports about 17,000 electors applied for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved, while remaining applications are still under verification, with some needing document fixes or resubmission. UWP on Fuel Costs: UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine calls on the government to push CARICOM talks with Guyana to access cheaper fuel as Dominica’s regulated prices rise. Electoral Commission Pressure: An open letter from Gregor Nassief argues the Electoral Commission needs a “reset,” citing low confirmation numbers and urging resignation or major changes. Tourism Push: Dominica launches Tourism Awareness Month, highlighting rising arrivals and site upgrades, with a focus on wellness tourism. Marigot Fisheries Plan: PM Skerrit continues consultations on making the Marigot Fisheries Complex a port of entry, telling fishers operations won’t disrupt livelihoods. Regional Environment: OECS ministers meet in Dominica to drive environmental sustainability through digital transformation and coordinated regional action. Social Protection Tech: WFP donates computers and tablets to strengthen Dominica’s social welfare data systems and support vulnerable families. Sports & Community: Police and the Grand Bay Village Council stage “Isidore Sunday Chill,” mixing community policing with football, rounders, and domino events.

Electoral Reform: Dominica’s Electoral Office says voter confirmation is moving, with about 17,000 applications submitted and over 11,000 approved; the rest are still under verification, and some may need resubmissions or could be denied. Political Accountability: An open letter from Gregor Nassief argues the Electoral Commission needs a “reset,” citing low approval numbers by late April and calling for resignations to protect legitimacy ahead of the 15 October 2026 election date. Local Governance & Services: The Dominica Public Service Union is set to meet Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in early June to press longstanding concerns at Dominica State College, including subvention shortfalls, delays in appointments, incomplete repairs, and staffing issues. Energy Costs & Opposition Push: UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine urges talks with Guyana to access cheaper fuel as Dominica’s regulated prices rise. Regional Environment: Cozier Frederick, now OECS Council of Ministers chair for Environmental Sustainability, calls for more member-state involvement, climate financing, capacity building, and public participation. Tourism & Development: Tourism Awareness Month 2026 is launched with a wellness focus and site upgrades as arrivals keep climbing. Community & Social Protection: WFP donates technology to strengthen Dominica’s social services and data management systems. Regional Mobility: CARICOM border data presented at a regional summit says free movement has not triggered mass migration waves. Transport Shock: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue Dominica service from June 1, citing route losses.

Regional Border Security: CARICOM IMPACS chiefs met in Antigua to strengthen coordinated action on fraudulent travel and cross-border crime, with officials stressing faster information-sharing. Free Movement Check: New CARICOM data presented at the same border summit says fears of “flooding” under free movement rules haven’t materialized, with Dominica reporting just five people moving under the regime. Fuel Pressure Politics: UWP leader Thomson Fontaine urged talks with Guyana to secure cheaper fuel as Dominica’s regulated prices rose sharply in May. OECS Environment Push: Environment Minister Cozier Frederick called for wider regional involvement on climate and environmental protection at the OECS Council of Ministers meeting in Dominica. Marigot Fisheries Plan: PM Skerrit continued consultations on making the Marigot Fisheries Complex a port of entry, assuring fishers and vendors operations won’t disrupt livelihoods. Tourism Drive: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, highlighting wellness tourism and upgrades as arrivals keep climbing. Public Service Union Talks: DPSU says it expects talks with PM Skerrit early next month over longstanding Dominica State College concerns. Elderly-Friendly Buildings: DCOA urged consultation with seniors before construction, warning against inaccessible multi-storey designs. Social Protection Tech: WFP donated computers and tablets to strengthen Dominica’s social welfare data systems. Legal/Process Pressure: An open letter from Gregor Nassief calls for a reset of the Electoral Commission, citing low voter-list confirmation progress. Transport Shock: Caribbean Airlines is set to discontinue Dominica service from June 1 amid route restructuring after losses.

Marigot Fisheries Complex: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit held a second consultation in Marigot (May 21) on plans to designate the Marigot Fisheries Complex as an official port of entry, telling fishers and vendors port operations won’t disrupt fishing or livelihoods and will open new business opportunities for the northeast. National Track Project: Sports Minister of State Oscar George says earthworks for Dominica’s national track and field facility at Pointe Round are set to begin soon, following talks with Mondo (World Athletics’ track installer) and Qatar Development Fund arrangements. Tourism Push: The Discover Dominica Authority and Ministry of Tourism launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, spotlighting wellness tourism and upgrades as arrivals rise—15% up in 2025, with stayover and cruise growth continuing into 2026. Elderly-Friendly Design: The Dominica Council on Ageing is urging consultation with seniors before building projects move ahead, warning against step-heavy designs that ignore mobility needs. Regional Integration Data: CARICOM border officials say synchronized data from a border summit shows free movement hasn’t caused mass migration “flooding,” with very low movement figures reported, including Dominica. Social Protection Tech: The Ministry of Health received UN World Food Programme equipment to strengthen Dominica’s social welfare data management, including devices for the Social Welfare Information Management System. Community Policing: Police and the Grand Bay Village Council staged Isidore Sunday Chill (May 24), using sports and games to build ties between law enforcement and residents. Union Call: Dominica Trade Union Congress president Steve Joseph renewed calls for an agency fee so employees who benefit from unions contribute financially. Youth Secretariat Break-in: The National Youth Council of Dominica reported a break-in and robbery at its Secretariat, linking concerns to security weaknesses after a May 6 fire. Regional Airlift Shock: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue service to Dominica (effective June 1) as part of route restructuring after reported losses, adding pressure to the island’s connectivity debate. OECS Environment Meeting: St Kitts and Nevis is attending OECS Council of Ministers: Environmental Sustainability in Dominica, focused on coordinated action for climate and environmental challenges facing small states.

CARICOM Free Movement Check: A three-day CARICOM border summit says the regional free-movement regime has not caused “flooding” fears, with synchronized data showing very low cross-border moves; Dominica reported just five people moving under the arrangement, and all were already in-country before the start date. Disaster Finance & Resilience: A UK adviser argues Caribbean states are now facing “compounding disasters” and says London’s support for disaster protection and smarter insurance-linked planning is meant to strengthen fiscal and political readiness. Community Policing: Dominica Police Force and the Grand Bay Village Council held the Isidore Sunday Chill at Geneva Playing Field, featuring sports and games to build ties between officers and residents. Social Protection Tech Boost: The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services received WFP equipment to strengthen Dominica’s Social Welfare Information Management System, plus tablets and computers for village councils. Youth Council Security Concern: The National Youth Council reported a break-in and robbery at its Secretariat, linking early concerns to security weaknesses after a May 6 fire. Regional Legal Integration: The CCJ backed Derek Ramsamooj after finding Suriname actions breached CARICOM treaty protections for nationals. Air Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines route cuts and reduced frequencies are set to hit Dominica and other destinations from June 1 as the airline restructures after losses.

Trade Union Push: Dominica Trade Union Congress President Steve Joseph is calling for an agency fee system, saying workers who benefit from union representation should also pay fees. Youth & Security: The National Youth Council of Dominica says its Secretariat was ransacked in a break-in, linking concerns to security weaknesses after a May 6 fire and urging police action. Land Rights Spotlight (Barbuda): John Mussington, a long-time defender of Barbuda’s communal land system, warns against privatization and luxury development that threaten collective stewardship. Reparations Drafting: The National Reparations Commission has tabled a draft reparations resolution, including a focus on education about reparatory justice. Health & Policy: Regional health partners say progress on non-communicable diseases is slow, and argue Dominica and others can still meet targets with faster healthy food policy action. Regional Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines is set to discontinue service to Dominica (and St. Kitts) from June 1 as it restructures after major route losses, with knock-on concerns for regional airlift. Regional Environment: SARSEA meetings in Dominica bring together regional stakeholders to develop national sargassum plans and coordinate next field actions.

Caribbean Airlift Shock: Caribbean Airlines has confirmed major route cuts starting June 1, including discontinuing flights to Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis, plus ending the Ogle–Guyana to Suriname corridor, while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—moves tied to reported losses of US$18.84 million from its 2023 expansion. Regional Integration Push: Barbados and Guyana will soon let eligible travellers cross using national ID cards only (no passports) from July 1, 2026, a practical boost to CARICOM people-to-people travel. Ebola Watch: The UN says the Ebola response in DR Congo is being strained by rising suspected cases and ongoing insecurity, even as WHO ramps up contact tracing and treatment support. Dominica CBI Under Scrutiny: A new Rijock report keeps Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme in the spotlight, pointing to a high-stakes court fight that could affect how CBI development agents are treated. Local Law Week: The Dominica Bar Association’s Law Week 2026 turns to property rights, with a public speaking competition and a copyright law panel.