AGP Executive Report

Electricity & Reliability: DOMLEC says Tuesday’s load shedding was caused by a fault at the Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs starting after peak hours and geothermal generation expected back on Thursday; if demand stays higher than supply, more outages could hit Wednesday. Youth & Safety: The National Youth Council of Dominica denounced a break-in and robbery at its Secretariat, saying staff found the premises ransacked on May 26 and that police investigations are underway, with concerns tied to security weaknesses after a May 6 fire. Air Travel Shock: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue flights from June 1 to Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, and cut Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly, offering rebooking, refunds or travel credit and promising updates to affected passengers. Regional Environment: More than 60 regional stakeholders are meeting in Dominica under SARSEA to tackle sargassum management and shape next steps for field missions in Martinique and Guadeloupe starting June 1. Governance & Citizenship: A new Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026 says the market is shifting toward governance quality and compliance over price, with Dominica ranking among the top Eastern Caribbean performers.

Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines says it will cut major regional links from June 1, ending flights between Dominica and Suriname, St Kitts and Suriname, and the Ogle–Suriname route, while shrinking Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly—passengers on affected bookings will be contacted and offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, as the airline also works on a codeshare deal to widen options. Regional Pressure on Connectivity: The move lands amid wider debate over whether ECCU and CARICOM can keep people and goods moving reliably and affordably as other carriers have struggled or exited routes. Dominica in the Mix: With Dominica directly named in the cuts, the airline’s restructuring is set to reshape travel planning for business and tourism. Public Health Watch: Separately, the UN and WHO say Ebola response efforts in DR Congo are being strained by insecurity, even as suspected cases and deaths rise. Youth & Environment: Creole HeartBeat is set to host a 100+ young men’s development forum in Dominica, while regional experts gather for SARSEA meetings on sargassum management.

Youth & Sports: Creole Heartbeat, with Visit Nature DA, is gearing up for a 100+ Young Men’s Development Forum in Dominica on June 17–18 at Atlantique View Retreat Resort, focusing on leadership, education, sports mentorship, wellness and entrepreneurship. Legal Week: The Dominica Bar Association’s Law Week 2026 continues with a high school public speaking competition today, plus a copyright law panel discussion Wednesday evening at UWI Global (6 pm). Environment & Regional Action: SARSEA meetings bring 60+ sargassum management professionals and stakeholders to Dominica May 26–28, aiming to shape national strategic plans and set up field work in Martinique and Guadeloupe from June 1. Weather Watch: Dominica remains under a Flood Watch until 6 pm as unstable conditions bring heavy showers, rougher seas, and landslide risk. Air Travel Shock (context): Caribbean Airlines is set to cut routes from June 1, including withdrawing service to Dominica and St Kitts, as it tries to stem major losses.

Airlift Shock: Caribbean Airlines says it will cut key regional routes from June 1, including withdrawing service to Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis, and ending the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while Martinique and Guadeloupe drop to twice-weekly flights; affected passengers are promised rebooking options, refunds, or travel credit, and the airline says it’s working toward a codeshare to widen connections. Flood Watch: Dominica remains under a Flood Watch until 6:00 p.m. as a tropical wave and trough bring moderate to heavy showers, with risks of flooding, landslides, and rough seas. Regional Court Win: The CCJ ruled in favor of Trinidad political analyst Derek Ramsamooj after his detention in Suriname, calling out treaty-linked protections. Caricom-India Boost: India’s ministerial visit to Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago highlighted new MoUs and school support. Local Loss: Dominica broadcasting pioneer Jeff Charles has died.

Weather Alert: Dominica is under a Flood Watch today until 6:00 p.m. as a tropical wave and low-level trough bring moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms, with flooding, landslides, and rough seas possible. Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut key regional links from June 1—ending flights to Dominica and St. Kitts, and discontinuing the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname route—while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly; affected passengers are being offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, and the airline says it’s working on a codeshare to widen options. Regional Debate: The route cuts are already reigniting the wider intra-Caribbean airlift debate, with observers pointing to potential openings for LIAT as CAL trims loss-making routes. CBI/Legal Questions: A fresh round of attention is swirling around Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment after Rijock’s report raised claims tied to MMCE and a possible fight over who controls CBI-linked development. Politics & Community: UWP names Juliette Shillingford as its Roseau Central candidate, while Dominica also marks the passing of broadcasting pioneer Jeff Charles.

Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines says it will cut key regional links from June 1, discontinuing flights affecting Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly; affected passengers are promised re-accommodation where possible, refunds or future travel credit, and the airline is also working toward a codeshare deal to widen connections. Regional Fallout: The move follows reported losses tied to CAL’s 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion, with Trinidad’s transport minister citing sustained unprofitable routes—fueling fresh debate over who will fill the intra-Caribbean airlift gap, including talk of opportunities for LIAT. Dominica Watch: In parallel, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme faces renewed regional scrutiny after a Rijock report raised questions about a legal fight involving MMCE, while MMC Development insists there are no active arbitration proceedings as it pushes for completion of the Dominica International Airport. Weather: Breezy conditions with scattered showers are expected, with Saharan dust lingering and a higher chance of showers tonight into tomorrow.

Caribbean Airlines Route Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines has begun cutting regional flying after logging more than TT$128 million in losses tied to its 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion, with Dominica among the markets set to lose service from June 1; the airline will also withdraw from St. Kitts and Nevis and the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor, while Martinique and Guadeloupe drop to twice-weekly flights, and affected passengers are promised rebooking options, refunds, or future travel credit. Weather Watch: Dominica is partly cloudy and breezy with scattered showers, plus Saharan dust lingering; a tropical wave may bring more shower chances tonight into tomorrow. Local Life & Safety: Police are investigating a fatal road crash in Springfield on May 22. CBI Tension: A new report reignites questions around Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme amid claims of a legal fight involving MMCE. Elsewhere: A White House shooting suspect was killed after firing on Secret Service, and a 6.0 quake in Hawaii has raised eruption fears.

Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines will withdraw from Dominica and St Kitts from June 1, while also ending the Ogle (Guyana) to Suriname route and cutting Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly, citing sustained losses and a push for a more reliable, financially stable network; affected passengers are promised re-accommodation, alternative itineraries, refunds, or travel credit as the airline works toward a codeshare deal. Road Tragedy: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Springfield on Friday, May 22, where 44-year-old Kenworth Gordon died after his Suzuki Swift left the road and plunged down a precipice. Labour Rights: The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion protecting the right to strike, welcomed by regional unions. Local Governance & Services: MMC Development says there are no active legal proceedings tied to the Dominica International Airport and reiterates commitment to completion. Community & Health: Dominica expanded rapid HIV and syphilis testing through new training for healthcare professionals. Remembering a Pioneer: Broadcasting pioneer Jefferson “Jeff” Charles has died.

Airport Row: MMC Development says reports of it launching arbitration against the Dominica government are false, insisting no court or arbitration is underway, while reaffirming it’s determined to see the Dominica International Airport completed. Aviation Cuts: Caribbean Airlines will cut several routes from June 1, including discontinuing Dominica–Suriname and reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly, citing sustained losses and a shift away from unprofitable network expansion. Politics: Juliette Shillingford is named UWP candidate for Roseau Central Constituency, with the party highlighting her local roots and experience. Elderly Concerns: The Dominica Council on Ageing is calling for consultation with older people before public buildings are constructed, and raising worries about how elderly residents are treated. Regional Focus: Next week, Dominica hosts the OECS Council of Ministers’ Environmental Sustainability meeting, bringing climate and resilience discussions to Roseau. Health & Education: Rapid HIV and Syphilis testing is being expanded after training for healthcare professionals, while 792 students prepare for the Grade Six National Assessment starting May 28.

Caribbean Airlines Cuts Again: Caribbean Airlines will stop flying to Dominica and St Kitts, end the nonstop Guyana–Suriname service, and reduce flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe from four weekly trips to two starting June 1, after route reviews tied the 2023 expansion to sustained losses. UWP Politics: Juliette Shillingford is named UWP candidate for Roseau Central Constituency, stepping in after Glenroy Cuffy is no longer available. Airport Update: MMCD says it remains committed to completing the Dominica International Airport and notes no legal proceedings or arbitrations are currently in play. Ageing & Public Buildings: The Dominica Council on Ageing is urging consultation with elderly people before public buildings are constructed. OECS Climate Meeting: Dominica will host the OECS Council of Ministers Environmental Sustainability meeting next week (May 27–28). Health & Training: Rapid HIV and Syphilis testing is being expanded after specialised healthcare training. UWI Games: Five Islands Campus opened The UWI Games 2026 with a win in men’s basketball but a loss in men’s cricket.

Tax & Trade: Spain has moved Gibraltar off its tax “non-cooperative jurisdictions” blacklist after 35 years, saying Gibraltar now meets Spanish standards on transparency—an update that could smooth future border and business dealings. Spain is also removing Barbados, Dominica, Samoa, Seychelles and Trinidad and Tobago from the same blacklist, while adding Russia over money-laundering and harmful tax practices. Health: Dominica is expanding Rapid HIV and Syphilis Testing, with healthcare workers trained to deliver faster, confidential testing to support early detection and treatment. Tourism & Youth: Discover Dominica Authority says Gregor Nassief’s election as President-Elect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association is a major win for Dominican leadership; meanwhile FCCA and Discover Dominica launch a 2026 student competition pushing sustainable tourism and ocean protection. Education: Nearly 800 students will sit the Grade Six National Assessment next week. Regional Spotlight: OECS ministers meet in Dominica May 27–28 for climate and environmental sustainability talks.

UN Decolonization Talks: The UN Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) is holding its Caribbean Regional Seminar in Managua from 25–27 May, with the main meeting in New York set for 15–26 June, under the theme “Advancing progress, renewed commitments, partnerships and innovative approaches.” Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority CEO Marva Williams says Gregor Nassief’s election as President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association is a major win for Dominica’s growing regional profile. Public Health Boost: Dominica has expanded Rapid HIV and Syphilis Testing, with healthcare workers trained to deliver faster, more confidential testing to improve early detection and treatment. Education Focus: Nearly 800 students (792) will sit the Grade Six National Assessment on May 28–29 across 62 centres. Homelessness Response: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says homelessness in Roseau will be handled humanely, with plans to identify families rather than “crack down” arrests. Regional Diplomacy: Denzil Douglas handed over COFCOR chairmanship at CARICOM’s foreign ministers meeting in Suriname, as ministers discussed climate resilience and economic diplomacy. Youth Recognition: JCI Dominica’s Future Fest and other community work earned major recognition at the JCI Conference of the Americas in Antigua.

Diplomacy: Dominica has joined Ivory Coast and Morocco in publicly backing Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara, adding another boost to Rabat’s growing international push. Health & Medicines: Dominica signed an MoU with India to import affordable medicines directly, while the Ministry of Health expands rapid HIV and syphilis testing through new training for healthcare workers. Regional Climate Agenda: OECS ministers will meet in Dominica May 27–28 for COM:ES 13, focusing on environmental sustainability and resilience as climate threats intensify. Tourism & Culture: Ediflor debuts in Giraudel May 24–25, and Discover Dominica Authority congratulated Gregor Nassief on becoming president-elect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association. Sports: St Kitts and Nevis won the inaugural ANOECS U23 3×3 title in Tortola, with Dominica’s own regional basketball activity continuing across the OECS. Business & Investment: UTC says its regional presence is now “operating reality,” deepening its footprint across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.

Health & Trade: Dominica has signed a memorandum with India to buy affordable medicines directly, with standards to keep drugs safe and high-quality—formalised during India’s ministerial visit to Roseau. Regional Climate Talks: Dominica will host the OECS 13th Council of Ministers meeting on May 27–28 for regional climate and resilience discussions. HIV Response: The Ministry of Health is expanding rapid HIV and syphilis testing after training healthcare workers to deliver faster, confidential diagnosis across communities. Tourism & Culture: Ediflor, an edible flower festival, debuts in Giraudel May 24–25, while Dominica’s Fort Young has been named among Caribbean’s top all-inclusive resorts for summer. Sports & Community: OECS and local events keep rolling—plus Dominica’s Windsor Park gets new stadium lighting hailed as a “game changer.”

Tourism Leadership Boost: Discover Dominica Authority has congratulated Gregor Nassief on his election as President-Elect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, calling it a milestone for Dominican leadership and a sign of Dominica’s growing pull for nature, wellness and adventure travel. Regional Security Push: Caribbean security officials are training together in Barbados on Joint Investigation Teams, aiming to speed up cross-border action against organised crime, financial offences and illicit money movements. Sports Spotlight: The SPL T20 final is set for May 23 at Francis “Baba” Lastic Ground, with City Blasters taking on Choiseul CraftMasters after a qualifier where Dominica’s Alick Athanze blasted 133. Community & Culture: Dominica marks World Bee Day, with beekeepers urging protection of pollinators and support for modern honey standards. Sports Infrastructure: Minister Oscar George says new Windsor Park stadium lighting could “transform sports” locally. Also in the region: St Kitts confirms the first group of US deportees transferred under a migration agreement, and a World Bee Day statement adds a local environmental focus.

Stadium Upgrade Buzz: Sports Minister Oscar George says testing on the new Windsor Park lighting is already delivering an “impressive” impact and could be a game changer for Dominica’s sports scene. CARICOM Watch: The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) says it has no role in a Haiti political initiative branded “Washington-Haiti-CARICOM Socio-Political Relief Solution,” stressing it will keep offering good offices for stability and elections. Regional Security Push: After a Barbados legal forum, Caribbean states are moving toward a framework for Joint Investigation Teams to strengthen cross-border financial investigations and asset recovery. Climate Pressure: The UN weather agency warns of escalating climate extremes across the region, while Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry puts trough-system damage to farmers at about $2 million and plans cash grants. Tourism Momentum: Dominica reports a 10% rise in stayover arrivals in early 2026, and Fort Young lands on Caribbean Journal’s list of top all-inclusives.