AGP Executive Report

Income Tax Shake-Up: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit hinted Dominica could eliminate personal income tax by 2028, saying he’s “not an income tax person” and prefers consumption taxes, while also noting firearm license fees may be reviewed after budget increases. Cable Car Tourism Boost: Dominica plans a 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot statue at the cable car’s top station, aiming to make it the world’s tallest and biggest parrot landmark. Freshers’ Week Ready: Dominica State College will welcome about 500 students for Freshers’ Week (Sept 1–4), marking the arrival of the Class of 2028. Cancer Care Partnership: CARPHA and CAOH signed a five-year MoU to strengthen cancer prevention, treatment, training, surveillance, and access to quality-assured medicines across the Caribbean. Regional Climate Warning: CIMH and UWI researchers urge Caribbean preparedness for worsening heat and drought as El Niño strengthens, with dry conditions expected to persist into 2027. Calypso Leadership: The Dominica Calypso Association elected four new executive members after its AGM, as the 2027 calypso season approaches. US Visa Ruling: Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a US court decision striking down Trump’s visa ban affecting 75 countries, including Dominica. Cruise News: Disney Cruise Line announced Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 itineraries, including a return to New York and a Southern Caribbean sailing that includes Dominica.

Health Update: Dr. Curvin Ferreira says Dominica has seen a decline in cervical cancer cases, pointing to Pap testing and HPV vaccines in schools, while warning breast cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger patients. Tourism & Infrastructure: Dominica’s cable car project is set to feature a world-record bid with a 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot statue at the top station, designed to become the tallest and largest parrot sculpture. Climate Watch: CIMH and UWI warn the Caribbean to brace for worsening heat and drought as El Niño strengthens, with dry conditions likely to persist into 2027 and raise risks of water shortages and wildfires. Local Politics: Ashma McDougall has officially filed as the DLP candidate for the Roseau North by-election. Public Safety: Police report a fatal Canefield Cliff crash involving two pickups, with one man pronounced dead and the other driver treated and discharged. Regional Health Collaboration: CARPHA and CAOH sign a five-year partnership to strengthen cancer prevention, treatment, training, and access to quality-assured medicines across the Caribbean. International Travel: A US federal judge struck down a Trump visa ban affecting nationals from 75 countries, including Dominica.

US Immigration Court Win: A federal judge in New York struck down a Trump-era policy that barred immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Dominica and other Caribbean states, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond Marco Rubio’s authority. Local Roads & Safety: Police report a fatal Canefield Cliff crash involving two pickup trucks; one driver was treated and discharged while 56-year-old Jean Zacharie Honore died. Tourism & Infrastructure: Dominica’s cable car project is set to feature the Sisserou Parrot statue, expected to become the world’s tallest parrot statue on completion. Sports & Recognition: Dominica’s Addison James won bronze at the U20 javelin event, while regional volleyball saw Vincentian referees certified under ECVA. Governance & Trust: The CCJ faces renewed calls to restore public confidence amid internal conflict and leaked emails. Education Support: NBD recognized 10 students with Bright Future scholarships, expanding its revised programme. Climate & Farming: Dominica is strengthening climate-resilient agriculture through soil and water conservation support for farmers.

Cable Car & Tourism: Dominica’s Sisserou Parrot statue at the top station is set to become the world’s tallest when the cable car project is finished, with a 23-foot brass sculpture on a 7-foot pedestal. Education & Youth: NBD recognized ten students with its Bright Future Scholarship Program and rolled out a revised version aimed at widening support for student success. Agriculture Resilience: Dominica is pushing climate-resilient farming through an Integrated Soil Conservation and Soil Fertility Demonstration Project, with technical support from Argentina’s INTA. Travel Rules: Canada is tightening document accuracy and identity checks for Dominica and other Caribbean nations applying for visas, as part of broader screening. US Immigration Update: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant-visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Dominica, though other refusal grounds still apply. Culture & Music: The World Creole Music Festival 2026 lineup is taking shape, with NE-YO confirmed among major international acts. Community & Safety: A Protect Our Children and Women rally is planned to push for stronger action on issues facing children and women. Space Watch: Dominica is set for a dramatic partial lunar eclipse Friday night, with most of the Moon darkened.

US Visa Ruling: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down Trump’s policy suspending immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Dominica, calling it “patently unlawful” and ordering it vacated—clearing the way for affected applicants to have cases processed again. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority is promoting Dominica’s “Nature Island” and festivals in St. Kitts and Nevis this week, spotlighting WCMF (Oct 23–25) and Mas Domnik (Feb 8–9, 2027) with ASTA events, pop-ups, and media interviews. Cruise Development: Dominica is set to move ahead with the Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay, with construction expected to start in October via foreign direct investment and a public-private partnership approach. Festival Spotlight: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026 lineup is taking shape with major international names including NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy. Local Community: Voicez United’s “Ready to Rise: Dominica 2026” initiative will distribute school supplies to Wotton Waven Primary ahead of the Sept 7 school start. Sports Note: Antigua and Barbuda’s U14s coach praised CFU Challenge Series performance after a semifinal loss to Suriname.

New Air Link: Contour Airlines says it will launch flights between Trinidad and Dominica on October 5, 2026, with two weekly services using a 30-seat Embraer ERJ-135—giving passengers easier one-stop connections onward to San Juan (Puerto Rico) and St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands). US Immigration Ruling: A Manhattan federal judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Dominica, calling the policy “patently unlawful” and saying it exceeded the State Department’s authority—clearing a legal path for affected applicants. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority is promoting Dominica’s festivals and “Nature Island” experience in St. Kitts and Nevis this week, spotlighting WCMF (Oct 23–25) and Mas Domnik (Feb 8–9, 2027). Cruise Village Update: Government plans for the Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay are set to move into construction in October, funded by foreign direct investment and aimed at creating more opportunities for local vendors and businesses. Health & Community: Dominica reports a decline in cervical cancer cases, while a Protect Our Children and Women rally is planned amid ongoing concerns about violence against children and women.

US Immigration Update: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down a Trump administration policy that had suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Dominica, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority—clearing a major legal hurdle for affected applicants. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority is promoting the “Nature Island” and the World Creole Music Festival across St. Kitts and Nevis this week, with WCMF set for Oct. 23–25, 2026. WCMF Lineup Buzz: The festival’s 2026 roster is taking shape with NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy, plus major regional and local acts. Cruise Development: Dominica is moving ahead with the Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay, with construction expected to start in October via a foreign direct investment public-private partnership. Regional Business Support: A CDB-backed digital transformation initiative will help at least 150 MSMEs across Dominica and other islands strengthen online capabilities and competitiveness. Health & Safety: Police continue the Jerbiah Paul investigation after an autopsy on remains recovered in Capuchin; DNA testing overseas will help confirm identity.

Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority is taking the “Nature Island” message to St. Kitts and Nevis this week (Aug 21–26), with ASTA outreach, pop-ups, a Destination Cocktail, and radio/TV interviews to spotlight WCMF (Oct 23–25) and Mas Domnik (Feb 8–9, 2027). WCMF Lineup: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026 at Windsor Park (Oct 23–25) is set to feature NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton, Fridayy and more, alongside local acts. Cruise Development: Construction is expected to begin in October on Dominica’s new Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay, funded through foreign direct investment and designed to create direct opportunities for local vendors and businesses. Regional Business Support: A CDB-backed initiative will help at least 150 MSMEs across Dominica and other islands strengthen digital skills and competitiveness. Health Update: Dominica has seen a decline in cervical cancer cases, though women face rising other health concerns, according to a consultant gynecologist. Public Safety & Justice: Police are awaiting an overseas DNA report after an autopsy on remains believed to be Jerbiah Paul; a Protect Our Children and Women rally is also planned. US Immigration Ruling: A US judge struck down a Trump administration immigrant visa freeze affecting 75 countries including Dominica, reopening paths for affected applicants. Economy Outlook: ECLAC projects Dominica growth at 3.1% in 2026 and 2.8% in 2027, while Caribbean growth hinges heavily on Guyana.

World Creole Music Festival Buzz: Dominica’s WCMF 2026 is set for Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park, with tickets on sale now and big names like NE-Yo, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy confirmed. Miami Film Spotlight: “Women of Dominica,” a documentary featuring 10 Dominican women, will screen Sept 5 at the 2026 Urban Film Festival in Miami. Child & Women’s Safety Push: A “Protect Our Children and Women” rally is planned to demand stronger action on abuse, exploitation and domestic violence after the Jerbiah Paul case. Youth Engagement: The REACH Project invites Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent young people (18–24) to a virtual orientation on Sept 8 for leadership and adolescent health work. Business Digital Leap: The CDB-backed “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth” initiative will support at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent to adopt digital solutions. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says tourism is moving toward the $1 billion target after $405m revenue in 2024–2025, citing the airport and marina projects.

Digital MSME Push: The Caribbean Development Bank and Barbados’ Small Business Association launched “Reengineering MSMEs for Growth,” backing at least 150 MSMEs across Dominica, with support to assess digital maturity, adopt practical tools, and build resilience for regional and global markets. Tourism Promotion: Discover Dominica Authority is taking Dominica’s festival and destination pitch to St. Kitts and Nevis (Aug 21–26), spotlighting WCMF (Oct 23–25) and Mas Domnik (Feb 8–9), with pop-ups, media interviews, and ticket giveaways. WCMF Countdown: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival lineup is set for Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park, featuring NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton, Fridayy and major local acts. Education Overhaul: Prime Minister Skerrit is pushing a digital shift in schooling, while Dominica prepares to launch the four-year WISTLE education reform project (Aug 21) to modernise lower-secondary learning with technology-supported, inclusive curriculum changes. Health Update: Dominica has seen a decline in cervical cancer cases, credited to government health interventions, though doctors warn other women’s health conditions are rising. Crime Case: An autopsy was completed on remains recovered in Capuchin linked to the Jerbiah Paul disappearance; police await the forensic report and DNA testing results. Disaster Readiness: The regional Red Cross early action protocol drive continues, with Dominica Red Cross among partners strengthening pre-funded disaster response plans. Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says tourism hit about $405 million in revenue (2024–2025) and is moving toward the $1 billion target.

Regional Disaster Readiness: Dominica’s Red Cross joined an Early Action Protocol workshop in Guadeloupe to pre-plan and pre-fund hurricane response before forecasts trigger emergencies. Tourism & Travel: The Discover Dominica Authority is taking WCMF and Mas Domnik promotion to St. Kitts and Nevis, while Dominica’s tourism minister says the sector is edging toward a $1 billion target after $405m revenue in 2024–2025. Festival Spotlight: WCMF 2026 is set for Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park with headliners like NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Capleton, Fridayy and Uncle Waffles. Education Reform: Prime Minister Skerrit is pushing a digital shift in schooling, and Dominica will launch the four-year WISTLE education reform project on Aug 21 to modernise lower-secondary learning with technology and life skills. Health Updates: Dominica reports a decline in cervical cancer cases tied to government health interventions, even as other women’s health conditions rise. Business & Skills: A CDB-backed digital transformation push will support MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent, aiming to boost competitiveness and global market access. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Work has started on a new curbside check-in facility at Princess Juliana Airport, and Dominica’s cable car project continues advancing toward a late-2026 completion.

World Creole Music Festival 2026: Dominica’s WCMF returns Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium, themed “Pulsating Rhythms,” with a three-night lineup spanning reggae, dancehall, soca, bouyon, konpa and more—featuring NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy, plus major regional and Dominican acts. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica is on track toward a $1 billion tourism sector, citing about $405 million in revenue for 2024–2025 and pointing to the international airport and marina as key boosts. Education Reform: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit backs a digital shift in education to cut costs and reduce the heavy daily load of textbooks, while Dominica prepares to launch the four-year WISTLE Education Reform Project on Aug 21 to modernise lower-secondary learning with technology-supported curriculum. Population Plan: Government targets growing the population from 71,946 to 100,000 by 2040 under the NPR/GDEP programme, with a focus on engaging the diaspora and citizenship pathways tied to grandparents. Regional Health Procurement: OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service marks 40 years of regional cooperation, managing about 1,100 medicines and essential commodities and generating estimated annual savings of EC$5 million. Public Safety: Police charges continue in the Jerbiah Paul murder case, with a second officer remanded after appearing in court. Energy & Power: DOMLEC apologises for islandwide outages between Aug 14–15, citing plant disconnections and weather-related damage, and says it’s reviewing communications during prolonged outages.

Education Reform: Dominica will roll out the four-year WISTLE Education Reform Project on Aug. 21, aiming to modernise lower-secondary learning with a more inclusive, technology-supported curriculum across Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent, with about 3,000 students expected to benefit each year. Trade & Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC wrapped up an evidence-based push to close trade-in-services data gaps, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to help governments plan stronger services export strategies. Business & Elections: The Dominica Business Forum is urging a stronger push for voter confirmation before Oct. 15, saying participation is low and calling for a public discussion on Sept. 15. Agriculture & Labour: The Agriculture Ministry says a new migrant farm labour policy is bringing 100+ migrant farmers into Dominica’s agricultural sector to ease labour shortages. Tourism Infrastructure: Work continues on the cable car project, with towers, landscaping and top-station works progressing, and a late-2026 completion target. Public Health: Cabinet has approved a new NCD policy and action plan to guide the fight against non-communicable diseases. Crime/Courts: Police officer Joshua Hamlet has been remanded until Oct. 2 after being charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, following the earlier charge of another officer in the case.

Small Business Finance: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged Roseau South small businesses to get ready for a new EC$19 million loan facility via AID Bank, kicking in December. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica is on track for a $1 billion tourism industry, while the cable car project keeps advancing—tower assembly, bottom-station landscaping, and major top-station works—with a late-2026 completion target. Airport Progress: Construction on the international airport passenger terminal continues, with steelwork, masonry, roofing, waterproofing and fireproofing underway. Health Policy: Cabinet has approved a new NCD policy and action plan to guide the fight against non-communicable diseases, with Caribbean Wellness Day planning set to follow. Elections Watch: The Dominica Business Forum is calling for full voter confirmation by Oct 15, warning participation is low and urging a national mobilization. Agriculture & People: The Agriculture Ministry says a new migrant farm labour policy is bringing 100+ migrant farmers into Dominica’s agricultural sector. Crime & Justice: Police officer Joshua Hamlet has been remanded to prison until Oct 2 after being charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul; a second officer, Jean-Luc Langlais, was also charged earlier. Youth & Culture: Kaela George was selected for a Cricket West Indies high-performance camp in Antigua; and Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park with NE-YO, Machel Montano and other regional and international acts.

NCD Push: Dominica’s Cabinet has approved a new Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Policy and Action Plan to guide health programmes islandwide, with a Caribbean Wellness Day planning meeting set to follow. Power Restored: DOMLEC has apologized for widespread, sometimes prolonged outages between Aug. 14–15, citing geothermal disconnects, weather and vegetation damage, and saying it’s reviewing how it communicates during long blackouts. Crime Update: A second police officer, Joshua Hamlet, has been remanded to prison until Oct. 2 after being charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul; investigators also allege attempts to hide the death using fake social media accounts. Elections Watch: The Dominica Business Forum is urging higher public participation in the voter confirmation process, warning the Oct. 15 deadline is close and calling for a Sept. 15 public discussion. Local Economy & Culture: DBS Radio has partnered with NDFD for “Creole in the Streets” (Oct. 16), while the Dominica Calypso Association will hold its AGM Aug. 22 at Calypso House. Infrastructure & Travel: Work continues on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal, and the World Creole Music Festival is set for Oct. 23–25 at Windsor Park.

Murder Case Update: Two Dominica police officers have been charged in the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, with Joshua Hamlet remanded until October 2 after being charged with murder; police say the investigation is ongoing and includes an alleged attempt to hide the death using fake social media accounts. National Security & Justice: Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says Dominica is receiving international support to strengthen law enforcement, including an integrated ballistic identification system now operational, US training for firearms tracing and background checks, and planned forensic training in Trinidad and Tobago. Elections & Public Participation: The Dominica Business Forum is urging wider public attention to the voter confirmation process ahead of the October 15 deadline, noting only about 27% of the electoral register has been confirmed so far and calling for a public discussion on September 15. Infrastructure & Development: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says his administration has invested about $2.3 billion in infrastructure over five years, as Roseau North by-election campaigning continues. Regional Trade Policy: OECS, UNCTAD and ECLAC have wrapped up an initiative to improve evidence-based services trade policymaking across the OECS, using TiSSTAT to close data gaps. Culture & Community: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival announces its 2026 lineup and dates (Oct 23–25), while the Dominica Calypso Association holds its AGM Aug 22. Weather: Meteorologists report fair conditions with Saharan dust and monitor a tropical wave expected to bring showers to the southern Lesser Antilles starting Monday.