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.