AGP Executive Report

Border Security: The US Department of Homeland Security signed a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation with CARICOM IMPACS to enable biometric data sharing for border security and immigration vetting, with Dominica among the participating countries. Road Safety: Dominica Police are investigating an apparent fatal road traffic incident in Concord Valley where 34-year-old Rennix Francis was found unresponsive in water beneath a bridge; his motorcycle was recovered and an autopsy is pending. CBI & EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders meeting in Dominica say CARICOM heads did not address CBI at the summit, and Dominica-led talks confirm a high-level mission to Brussels to engage EU leaders over the revised visa suspension mechanism. Food Security Funding: ECCB Monetary Council approved an additional EC$25 million grant to strengthen food and nutrition security across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, bringing the total commitment to EC$50 million. Money & Growth: ECCB kept savings and discount rates unchanged, reaffirmed the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate, and warned global uncertainty could slow tourism and economic growth.

OECS & EU CBI Talks: OECS heads of government met in Dominica to map a coordinated response to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism targeting Citizenship by Investment, agreeing a high-level mission to Brussels to meet top EU officials and press the case that CBI funds climate resilience, disaster recovery, housing, healthcare and education. ECCB Monetary Council: The ECCB kept savings and discount rates unchanged while reaffirming the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate, with officials warning global uncertainty could weigh on tourism and growth. Payments & Oversight: ECCB also advanced plans for instant cross-border payments across the Caribbean and said the regional CBI regulator (ECCIRA) remains on track for a September 2026 launch. Big Push Growth Plan: PM Gaston Browne backed the ECCB’s “Big Push” to double the Eastern Caribbean economy within seven years, including using a small portion of reserves to catalyze investment. Currency Update: ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes, including Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw on the EC$50. Border Security: The US DHS signed a cooperation memorandum with CARICOM IMPACS to strengthen border security and immigration vetting through biometric data sharing. Power & Services: DOMLEC reported investigating an island-wide outage and began restoring power incrementally; DOWASCO announced a Portsmouth office closure next week.

CBI Pressure on OECS: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica to plan a coordinated response after the EU asked five OECS governments to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by June 1, 2028, warning the revised visa suspension mechanism could suspend visa-free access. Regional Finance & Currency: ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II with Caribbean national heroes and icons, with Dominica’s Dame Mary Eugenia Charles set for the EC$20 note and the new series rolling out from late 2027. Power Restored After Outage: DOMLEC began restoring electricity after an island-wide outage, bringing power back to parts of the north and Upper Goodwill while crews work through remaining areas. Dominica in Sports: Dominica’s men’s basketball team opened its FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers campaign with an 81-64 loss to Turks and Caicos, while Dominica also featured in regional athletics with local athletes heading to Curaçao for the Trupial Classic. Tourism Spotlight: Secret Bay was named among Travel + Leisure’s Caribbean top 10 resorts, boosting Dominica’s tourism profile.

ECCB Currency Update: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled a redesigned family of EC banknotes, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait with regional heroes and nation builders—Dominica’s late Dame Mary Eugenia Charles appears on the EC$20, while the new EC$10 features Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble. Power & Utilities: DOMLEC says it has started restoring electricity to parts of Dominica after an island-wide outage, with power already back in the north and Upper Goodwill, while crews continue incremental restoration; DOWASCO also announced a Portsmouth office closure on Monday July 13. Regional Diplomacy: Dominica’s ambassador to the OAS, Steve Ferrol, assumed chair of the OAS Permanent Council, outlining priorities on governance, hemispheric integration, and support for small states. EU Pressure on CBI: OECS leaders in Dominica will discuss the EU Commission’s request for five islands, including Dominica, to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by June 1, 2028. Tourism Spotlight: Secret Bay was ranked among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. Sports: Dominica opened its FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers campaign with an 81-64 loss to Turks and Caicos, with Ethan Boland scoring 29.

Tourism Spotlight: Secret Bay in Dominica has been named among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts by Travel + Leisure, praising its luxury, sustainability, and secluded rainforest-and-coast setting. EU Visa Pressure on CBI: The EU has told OECS states with Citizenship by Investment programmes—including Dominica—to phase them out by June 1, 2028, warning visa-free access could be suspended under a revised EU visa suspension mechanism. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM leaders say they’re probing a clearer picture on the U.S. Third-Country Nationals deportation policy, with CARICOM chair Philip J. Pierre noting the bloc will audit member states’ approaches before taking a definitive position. ECCB Leadership Change: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre is set to take over chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council during a handover ceremony in Dominica, alongside the unveiling of redesigned EC dollar banknotes and coins marking the 50th anniversary of the fixed exchange rate. Sports & Youth: Dominica opens its FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers campaign against Turks and Caicos in Guyana, while ECTEL launches round two of the Pearl Allison Lake scholarship fund for secondary students. Agriculture & Resilience: A New Zealand climate-smart agriculture team has completed a mission in Dominica to strengthen farming resilience and support more sustainable practices.

UPP Accountability Push: Opposition leader Joshua Francis is demanding the government publish contracts for major infrastructure projects, including the international airport, the cable car, and Cabrits Marina, arguing transparency is key for public confidence. ECCB Monetary Shift: Dominica will assume chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council today, with Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre taking over and new EC banknotes and coins unveiled to mark 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed peg. Basketball Milestone: The Bouyon Ballers open their historic FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers campaign against Turks and Caicos in Guyana. Climate-Smart Farming: A New Zealand climate-smart agriculture team wrapped up a mission in Dominica focused on boosting resilience and sustainable farming practices. Education Support: ECTEL has launched round two applications for the Pearl Allison Lake scholarship fund for secondary students across its contracting states. CBI Shockwaves: The EU has told five Caribbean nations, including Dominica, to end Citizenship by Investment by 2028, warning of visa-free access consequences—sparking strong regional debate. Tourism Spotlight: Dominica was named the No. 1 island in the Caribbean (and No. 9 globally) in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards.

Tourism Boost: Dominica has been named No. 1 in the Caribbean and No. 9 worldwide in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, with the magazine pointing to the island’s rainforests, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and hot springs. Regional Finance: The ECCB is marking 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate to the US dollar, while Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre is set to take over the ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship on July 9. Agriculture Resilience: Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry is running a two-day pre- and post-disaster damage assessment training to help technical officers evaluate losses and support recovery planning, funded through CDB and EU disaster risk reduction support. CBI Pressure on the OECS: EU letters urge OECS states to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 2028, with Dominica’s share of CBI revenue cited in regional debate and leaders warning of major economic fallout. Community & Culture: The Dominica Council on Ageing says it’s deeply concerned about two recent incidents involving seniors, and the 26th World Creole Music Festival launch is set for July 11 ahead of the Oct. 23–25 run at Windsor Park. Sports Milestone: Dominica is set for a historic senior FIBA debut in Guyana, opening against Turks and Caicos in the AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers.

Disaster Preparedness: Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry is running a two-day pre- and post-disaster damage assessment training in Roseau to help technical officers measure farm losses and support faster, better recovery planning. Tourism Boost: Dominica has been named No. 1 island in the Caribbean and No. 9 globally in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, with tourism officials crediting years of nature-focused investment. Local Tourism Campaign: Discover Dominica Authority has launched Staycation 2026, offering residents special rates at hotels, attractions, and tour operators to keep money circulating locally. ECCB Leadership: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre will take over the ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship on July 9, with the handover also marking 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate. CBI Pressure on the Region: EU letters urge OECS states to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 2028, and Dominica is among those named as leaders warn of major economic fallout. Education Milestone: Dominica State College marks its 24th commencement ceremony, highlighting the largest-ever bachelor’s graduating class and continued growth in technical and vocational training. Community Safety: Tsunami recognition efforts are underway in Dominica’s northern and northeastern districts under the “Tsunami Ready” programme.

CARICOM Legal Showdown: CARICOM leaders have agreed to ask the Caribbean Court of Justice for an advisory opinion on whether the process used to reappoint Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett was lawful, after Trinidad and Tobago raised objections—keeping the current arrangements in place while the court weighs in. CBI Pressure From the EU: The EU has told OECS countries to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by June 2028, warning that the programmes themselves can trigger visa-free access suspensions; Dominica’s Prime Minister Skerrit and regional voices are already responding to the fallout. Dominica Elections Update: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says voter ID cards will begin being issued before the end of July as part of strengthening the electoral system. Basketball Milestone: Dominica’s senior men’s team is set for its first official FIBA tournament appearance at the FIBA Caribbean AmeriCup Pre-Qualifiers in Guyana, with Dominica drawn in Group A. Education & Youth: The Dominica Association of Teachers urges better training and salaries for early childhood educators, while teachers are also encouraged to use the annual training institute to renew their passion. Blue Economy Job Opening: Dominica has a vacancy for a Chief Whale Reserve Officer to help manage the Sperm Whale Reserve. Sports Development: The Dominica Olympic Committee is pushing sporting associations to prioritise ongoing training, not last-minute preparation.

Elections Update: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will begin issuing voter ID cards before the end of July, calling it a key step to strengthen the electoral system and urging parties and civic groups to support the voter confirmation process. Blue and Green Economy Jobs: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy has advertised a vacancy for a Chief Whale Reserve Officer, with duties covering management of the Sperm Whale Reserve, staff supervision, monitoring and enforcement coordination, and public engagement; applications close July 15. Sports Development: The Dominica Olympic Committee is pushing for ongoing training, while the Dominica Association of Teachers’ Training Institute is urging educators to use the two-week programme to renew passion and return to classrooms ready for the new school year. Youth Skills: A Nature Island Innovators Robotics Camp is set for July 13–18 at Portsmouth Secondary School, bringing hands-on robotics, coding, teamwork and leadership training for young Dominicans. Tourism Planning: The Discover Dominica Authority’s Wellness Fair announced a National Wellness Tourism Advisory Committee to help guide the growth of wellness tourism.

CBI Spotlight: Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit doubled down on the Citizenship by Investment programme, calling it a major development engine that funded resilient housing, schools, health facilities, roads and climate-ready projects—while warning against negative comments as international scrutiny deepens. Regional Diplomacy: Trinidad and Tobago is pushing for CARICOM’s secretary-general reappointment dispute to be taken to the Caribbean Court of Justice, arguing the process was unlawful and aimed at protecting the bloc’s constitutional order. US Visa Pressure: Across the region, leaders are “tiptoeing” around the U.S. Third Country Nationals deportation scheme and wider visa reviews, with Antigua and Barbuda linking the TCN issue to U.S. visa restrictions. Local Youth & Culture: Dominica’s Dainisha Eusebe is set for her first regional pageant in August, while the Nature Island Innovators Robotics Camp runs July 13–18 in Portsmouth to build hands-on tech skills. Sports Safety: Dominica’s sporting associations completed child safeguarding training to strengthen protection for young athletes. Education & Training: The Dominica Association of Teachers opened its annual institute with a record 187 teachers registered.

Visa and CBI pressure: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged the United States to reconsider visa restrictions affecting Dominicans and Antigua and Barbuda nationals, saying the impact is hitting travel, education and medical access as regional talks continue. CBI debate at home: Skerrit also warned Dominicans against negative comments about the Citizenship by Investment programme, insisting recent changes have strengthened it. Energy update: Dominica’s geothermal plant reliability test resumed July 1 after fixes to protection settings, and the plant is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid. Agriculture support: FAO trained 56 farmers and agri stakeholders in integrated crop management, focusing on irrigation, fertigation and nutrient control to boost high-value vegetables. Youth and skills: The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Dominica launched a Nature Island Innovators Robotics Camp (July 13–18) to build coding, robotics and leadership skills. Regional finance and policy: ECCB Monetary Council meetings are set for July 9–10 in Roseau, with “The Big Push” initiative on the agenda. Tourism planning: A National Wellness Tourism Advisory Committee was appointed to guide Dominica’s wellness tourism push. Sports and events: Dominica athletes posted results at the CARICOM Road Run/Walk in St Lucia, and Dominica is listed among teams for the upcoming ECVA U20 beach volleyball championship in St Kitts.

Visa Pressure on Dominica: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged the United States to reconsider visa restrictions affecting Dominicans and Antigua and Barbuda, saying the impact is hitting travel for medical care, education and other essential needs while regional talks continue. CARICOM in Session: Dominica is watching the 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in St. Lucia, with leaders focused on security, food protection, climate resilience, renewable energy, regional transport, integration, Haiti and youth. Power Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant reliability test resumed July 1 after June outages, and the plant is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid. Ebola Preparedness: The Ministry of Health issued an Ebola travel advisory and strengthened port-of-entry screening, stressing the risk in Dominica remains low. Electoral Reform: Voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July as Dominica moves from passing electoral reform legislation to implementation. Sports & Culture: Dominica posted strong results at the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk, while Signal Band frontman Sheldon “Shelly” Alfred wrapped a Grenada promotional push for Spice Mas 2026.

Visa Pressure on Dominicans: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the U.S. should reconsider visa restrictions “at the soonest opportunity,” after Washington linked tougher rules to Citizenship by Investment scrutiny—an issue raising regional alarm for travel, study, medical care and business. Power Reliability Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant resumed its mandatory seven-day reliability test on July 1 and is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid, after engineers fixed June 17–18 outage problems tied to protection settings coordination. Ebola Preparedness: The Health Ministry says Ebola risk in Dominica remains low, but it has issued travel advisories and tightened port-of-entry screening, with possible monitoring or isolation for up to 21 days depending on exposure. Electoral Reform Rollout: Voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July as Dominica moves from passing electoral reform legislation to implementation. Regional CARICOM Focus: Drew is set to attend CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia, with priorities including security, food protection, climate resilience, renewable energy, integration and trade. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: Dominica pledged US$500,000 toward Venezuela’s earthquake recovery, with more assistance logistics underway.

Geothermal Power Update: Dominica’s mandatory seven-day reliability test resumed July 1 after engineers fixed issues behind the June 17–18 outages, and the geothermal plant is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid. Electoral Reform: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July, as the country moves from passing legislation to implementation. Health Advisory (Ebola): The Ministry of Health says the risk of Ebola in Dominica is currently low, but it has issued travel guidance and tightened screening at ports of entry following WHO’s PHEIC declaration. Regional Leadership (CARICOM): Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is set to attend the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia (July 5–8), with priorities including security, food, climate resilience, and economic integration. Local Services: DOWASCO will close its Roseau cashiers from 12:00pm Tuesday July 7 for a staff meeting. Community & Youth: Police Acting Sgt. Dion Moses presented a “Most Disciplined Student” award at Petite Savanne Primary’s graduation, part of the force’s community policing programme.

Geothermal Power Update: Dominica’s mandatory seven-day geothermal reliability test resumed July 1 after engineers fixed issues linked to protection settings between the battery energy storage system and the plant; the facility is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid. Regional Security Training: A cohort of 20 Eastern Caribbean law enforcement officers and prosecutors completed an RSS Criminal Practice and Procedure course, aimed at strengthening prosecution skills across member states. Ebola Preparedness: The Health Ministry says Dominica’s Ebola risk remains low, but it has issued travel advisories and tightened port-of-entry screening, with enhanced monitoring for arrivals from affected countries. Electoral Reform: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July, as the country moves from legislation to implementation. CARICOM Meetings: PM Terrance Drew is set to attend the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia (July 5–8) for regional talks on security, climate resilience, food security, integration and trade. Community & Youth: Police Acting Sgt. Dion Moses presented a “Most Disciplined Student” award at Petite Savanne Primary’s graduation, part of the force’s community policing programme. Business Notice: DOWASCO says Roseau cashiers will close Tuesday July 7 for a staff meeting.