AGP Executive Report

Roseau South Politics: The United Progressive Party has officially unveiled businesswoman Edline Harris as its Roseau South candidate, pitching her as a “daughter of the soil” focused on education, jobs, and staying visible to residents after elections. Roseau North By-election: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall says joining the DLP was her “only choice,” arguing the party offers the platform to turn community ideas into projects, with PM Roosevelt Skerrit backing her and framing the seat as central to modern Dominica’s hopes. Electoral Process Scrutiny: The Dominica Business Forum is calling for more transparency from the Electoral Commission ahead of the Roseau North by-election, warning that the new electoral rules face unusual constraints. Indigenous Tourism & Jobs: Sixteen Kalinago residents graduated as certified tour guides in a UNDP-supported programme aimed at strengthening indigenous tourism and community resilience. Marine Conservation: The new Sperm Whale Reserve Board has started consultations with watersports operators to protect sperm whales while supporting sustainable livelihoods. Regional Rights Agenda: CARICOM is preparing a regional meeting on issues affecting Rastafarians, citing discrimination and barriers to education and employment.

Gender Equality Training: The OECS Commission launched a three-part Gender Mainstreaming Staff Training Series (June 15) to help staff apply gender-responsive approaches across programmes, using case studies and a Gender Marker simulation, under the EC-STEMS project funded by the CDB and the EU’s CARE programme. Rastafarian Rights at CARICOM: CARICOM is set to convene a regional meeting to address discrimination and marginalization faced by Rastafarians, with a committee planned to examine issues across the Caribbean and internationally. Marine Conservation Consultations: Dominica’s newly appointed Sperm Whale Reserve Board has started consultations with watersports operators in Goodwill to advance the sperm whale reserve initiative and build shared responsibility for sustainable marine opportunities. Roseau North By-election Politics: Campaigning for the Roseau North by-election is heating up: DLP candidate Ashma McDougall says she chose Labour “unapologetically,” while PM Roosevelt Skerrit backs her and raises concerns about UWP statements on the CBI programme; meanwhile, the Dominica Business Forum is calling for electoral authorities to provide clearer public communication ahead of the vote. Youth Sports Support: Wayne George Football Academy received EC$5,000 from Team RUBIS for uniforms and equipment to support youth football development. Centenarian Milestone: Pearly Eusebe marked her 102nd birthday, with three other centenarians celebrating June birthdays. Whale Reserve Spotlight: The reserve board’s stakeholder push also includes engagement aimed at advancing the whale reserve initiative alongside local marine tourism operators.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica’s political campaign heats up as DLP candidate Ashma McDougall insists she chose Labour “unapologetically,” saying the party offers the best platform to create youth opportunities, strengthen small businesses, and improve community wellbeing. Party Backing: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit backed McDougall at her campaign lift-off, framing Roseau North as a hub of “hopes and aspirations” and saying her leadership will match the constituency’s needs. CBI Programme Tension: Skerrit also raised concerns about UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine’s comments on phasing out the Citizenship by Investment programme, arguing Dominica’s CBI has helped the country recover after Hurricane Maria. Electoral Watchdogs Push for Answers: The Dominica Business Forum is calling for transparency from the Electoral Commission ahead of the Roseau North vote, pointing to ongoing legal and administrative questions around the 2025 electoral legislation. Independent Candidate Enters: Sherman Boston announced he will run as an independent for Roseau North, saying he declined an invitation to rejoin the DLP. Sports Spotlight: Olympic triple-jump champion Thea Lafond Gadson set a new Dominican record of 15.25m at a World Athletics Continental Tour meet in Croatia.

CBI Programme Clash: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit pushed back on UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine’s call to phase out Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme, saying CBI has helped the country recover after Hurricane Maria. Roseau North By-election Watch: DLP candidate Ashma McDougall says joining Labour was her “only choice,” while independent candidate Sherman Boston announced his bid after declining a reported DLP invitation. Skerrit also framed Roseau North as reflecting the hopes of “modern Dominica.” Electoral Transparency Push: A Dominica Business Forum statement urges the Electoral Commission to end its “silence” and give clarity on how the 2025 electoral laws will be applied ahead of the by-election. Open Letters and Governance: An open letter to the Electoral Commission and Chief Elections Officer demands public answers on legal and administrative questions tied to the 2025 electoral legislation, and another calls on Speaker Joseph Isaac to stay above partisan politics after endorsing McDougall. Sports Spotlight: Olympic triple-jump gold medallist Thea Lafond-Gadson set a new national record of 15.25m in Croatia. Infrastructure for Athletics: Government says an EC$14 million synthetic athletics track project is moving forward toward a World Athletics Class 1 facility in Pointe Ronde.

Roseau North By-Election: Ashma McDougall says joining the DLP was the “only choice,” pitching her run as a way to create opportunities, solve problems and improve lives ahead of the Roseau North by-election. Electoral Transparency Push: The Dominica Business Forum is calling out the Electoral Commission’s “silence,” urging clearer public communication on how the new electoral rules will be applied, especially with the voters’ register confirmation process still underway. Sports Spotlight: Olympic triple-jump star Thea Lafond-Gadson set a new national record of 15.25m at a World Athletics meet in Croatia, adding another major milestone to her 2026 form. Infrastructure for Athletes: Government says an EC$14 million synthetic athletics track project is moving forward, with a World Athletics team set to visit in July for final site checks. Earthquake Preparedness: UWI’s Seismic Research Centre urges Dominicans to stay prepared after major Venezuela quakes, noting regional seismic activity can affect the wider area. Community & Culture: The Cultural Division will unveil Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 contestants online on July 1, kicking off the pageant season.

Roseau North Politics: PM Roosevelt Skerrit formally backs Ashma McDougall at the Labour campaign lift-off, pitching her as a service-focused candidate for youth, entrepreneurs and “bread-and-butter” needs. Parliamentary Neutrality: A former CSA general secretary, Alvin A. Thomas, has penned an open letter urging Speaker Joseph Isaac to stay above partisan politics after Isaac introduced McDougall at a Labour meeting. Sports & Facilities: Dominica is moving ahead with an EC$14 million synthetic athletics track project in Pointe Ronde, with World Athletics and Qatar Development Fund support, aimed at keeping elite athletes training at home. Athletics Spotlight: Olympic gold medallist Thea Lafond Gadson set a new Dominican triple jump record with a 15.25m leap at a Continental Tour Gold meeting in Croatia. Preparedness & Earthquakes: UWI Seismic Research Centre says recent major quakes in Venezuela should not alarm people, but residents should remain prepared in the region’s active seismic zone. Community & Culture: Kiwanis Nature Island Club welcomed 13 new members and installed its 2025/2026 executive. Public Service Notices: DOWASCO will close offices in Portsmouth and Roseau on Monday, June 29, resuming Tuesday morning.

National Sports: Olympic triple-jump star Thea Lafond-Gadson smashed her own Dominican record at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Meeting in Croatia, clearing a world-best 15.25m on her final attempt. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their foreign ministers’ partnership in Panama, backing a new action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security, including gangs, irregular migration and Haiti. Youth & Capacity Building: CARICOM launched a two-year online capacity programme for about 180 youth professionals to strengthen youth leadership, project design, grant writing, monitoring, mental health first aid, and youth engagement. Local Governance & Services: DOWASCO will close its Portsmouth and Roseau offices from noon Monday, June 29, reopening Tuesday, June 30 at 8am. Public Safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Concord on June 25; 95-year-old Maria Alfred died after a Suzuki Swift hit a roadside parapet near Concord Primary School. Elections Update: The Electoral Office reports 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved as it modernizes and verifies the electors list. Earthquake Watch: A 4.2 quake was felt across several islands including Dominica, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Bouyon on the big stage: Dominica’s Signal Band, rooted in Goodwill and known for blending jing ping and lapo kabwit with modern sounds, brought high-energy Bouyon to the St. Kitts Music Festival in Basseterre on June 25. Regional diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership in Panama, backing a results-focused action plan on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security, with Haiti and transnational crime on the agenda. Youth development: CARICOM launched a new online capacity-building programme to strengthen youth directors, officers and leaders across member states, targeting about 180 youth professionals over two years. Dominica civic updates: The Electoral Office reported progress on the electors list, approving 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations as modernization efforts continue. Public safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Concord on June 25 that killed 95-year-old Maria Alfred; three others were injured. Local services: DOWASCO will close its Portsmouth and Roseau offices from noon Monday June 29, reopening Tuesday June 30. Culture countdown: Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 contestants will be revealed online on July 1 ahead of the pageant’s October 21 finale. Disaster watch: A 4.2 quake was felt across parts of the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica, with no immediate damage reported.

Medical Milestone: Saint Lucia’s Camille Andrew has earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Morocco, becoming the first OECS woman to do so, after defending her thesis on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease with “highest honors.” Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their partnership in Panama, agreeing on a results-focused action plan covering competitive economies, climate action, and regional security, with Haiti and irregular migration on the agenda. Dominica Sports & Culture: The DFA Academy Football Festival runs today for ages 6–15, with scouts eyeing the national academy, while Dominica also marks Olympic Day this weekend at Bath Estate with a run/walk and family-friendly sports activities. Local Governance & Services: DOWASCO will close its Portsmouth and Roseau offices from noon Monday June 29, reopening Tuesday June 30. Public Safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Concord on June 25 that left 95-year-old Maria Alfred dead and injured three others. Elections Update: The Electoral Office reports 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved as of June 23, as modernization and verification efforts continue. Earthquake Watch: A 4.2 quake was felt across parts of the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica, with no immediate damage reported.

Olympic Day & youth sport: Dominica will mark 2026 Olympic Day this weekend at Bath Estate Playing Field, with a run/walk and sports demonstrations for all ages. Football development: The DFA Academy Football Festival runs today (June 27) at the DFA Technical Centre in Stockfarm, Roseau, for players aged 6–15, with scouting for the national academy. Culture spotlight: The Cultural Division will unveil the 2026 Miss Wob Dwiyet contestants in an online premiere on July 1 at 6:00 PM, ahead of the pageant’s October 21 finale. Road safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Concord on June 25 that killed 95-year-old Maria Alfred; three others were injured. Elections update: The Electoral Office reports 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved as it modernizes and verifies the electors list. Regional news: CARICOM and Dominica’s PM Skerrit extended condolences and support to Venezuela after twin earthquakes left at least 164 dead and hundreds injured. Utilities notice: DOWASCO offices in Portsmouth and Roseau close Monday June 29 for a staff meeting, reopening Tuesday June 30.

Youth & Skills: CARICOM launched a new online youth capacity-building programme, “Strengthening the Youth Development Landscape,” expected to train about 180 youth professionals over two years, covering project design, grant writing, monitoring, leadership, mental health first aid and youth engagement. Culture: Dominica’s Cultural Division will unveil the 2026 Miss Wob Dwiyet contestants on July 1 via a 6:00 PM online premiere, with the pageant set to culminate on Oct. 21. Public Safety: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Concord on June 25; a 95-year-old passenger, Maria Alfred, died after a Suzuki Swift hit a roadside parapet near Concord Primary School. Utilities: DOWASCO says its Portsmouth and Roseau offices will close from noon June 29 for a staff meeting, reopening June 30 at 8:00 AM. Elections: The Electoral Office reports 17,332 voter confirmations and 1,174 new registrations approved in the latest June update as voter verification and modernization continue. Sports & Community: Dominica will mark Olympic Day this weekend at Bath Estate Playing Field, with an Olympic Day run among the highlights. Regional News: A 4.2 earthquake was felt across several islands including Dominica, with no immediate damage reported.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Dominica’s PM Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit sent condolences and offered support after twin quakes left at least 164 dead and 971 injured, with a state of emergency declared as rescue efforts continue. Regional Solidarity: CARICOM and several Caribbean governments also extended sympathy and readiness to help. Dominica Politics: The Dominica Labour Party will launch its Roseau North campaign this Sunday, June 28, at Lindo Park with candidate Ashma McDougall, following Miriam Blanchard’s resignation on health grounds. UWP Roseau North Meeting: The UWP is set for a public meeting in Tarish Pit on Friday, June 26, where Daniel Lugay will share his vision ahead of a by-election. Telecom Disruption: Dominica and St Lucia regulators say Flow’s outage was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, urging customers to keep backup communication plans. Tourism & Culture: Dominica’s Bouyon artists scored nominations at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, while the Discover Dominica Authority announced an inaugural Wellness Fair for July 4.

Roseau North Politics: The Dominica Labour Party will launch its Roseau North campaign this Sunday, June 28, at Lindo Park (6:00 PM), featuring candidate Ashma McDougall alongside PM Roosevelt Skerrit and senior party figures, as she steps in after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation on medical grounds. Telecom Disruption: Dominica and St Lucia regulators say Flow’s near-19-hour outage earlier this week was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’re urging customers and businesses to keep backup communication plans. Energy Transition: Caribbean leaders at the CDB’s annual meeting pushed for a faster, coordinated renewable energy push—bundling projects, using blended finance, and building climate-resilient grids. Diplomacy: Dominica welcomed New Zealand’s new High Commissioner, Linda Charlotte Te Puni, with both sides highlighting cooperation on sustainable development, including renewable energy and geothermal. Tourism & Culture: Dominica’s Bouyon is leading Caribbean Music Awards nominations, while the Discover Dominica Authority announced an inaugural Wellness Fair for July 4. Regional Humanitarian: CARICOM extended condolences after Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, reporting at least 164 deaths and hundreds injured.

DOWASCO Procurement: Dominica Water and Sewerage Company has opened tenders for the purchase of a 2008 JCB Backhoe (TS 669), viewable at its Rawles Lane store office; bids close Tuesday, June 30 at 3:30 pm. Marine Conservation: The Fisheries Division marked SSMR Day 2026 at Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve under “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet,” with school presentations, radio programmes and an inter-school debate. Politics & By-Elections: UWP is set for a Roseau North public meeting in Tarish Pit on Friday, June 26, where candidate Daniel Lugay will outline his vision ahead of a by-election expected within three months after MP Miriam Blanchard’s resignation on medical grounds. Telecoms Update: Regulators say Flow’s near-19-hour outage (June 21–22) was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua; Flow reports full restoration and automatic rebates/credits for affected customers. Diplomacy: Dominica welcomed New Zealand’s new High Commissioner, Linda Charlotte Te Puni, with PM Skerrit citing renewed cooperation on sustainable development, renewable energy and climate resilience. Tourism & Culture: Dominica leads Bouyon nominations at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, while the Discover Dominica Authority announced an inaugural Wellness Fair for July 4.

Flow Outage Response: Dominica and Saint Lucia telecom regulators say the Flow disruption (June 21–22) was linked to a damaged fibre path between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and Flow has fully restored services and will apply automatic rebates/credit to affected customers. Tourism Wellness Push: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism will host the island’s inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4 at UWI Global Campus, with free screenings, consultations and nature-based wellness activities. Diplomatic Ties: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit welcomed New Zealand’s new High Commissioner Linda Charlotte Te Puni after she presented credentials, highlighting cooperation on geothermal, climate resilience and climate-smart agriculture. Education & Youth: The Girl Guides Association of Dominica elected Abigail Christmas as chief commissioner, while Rotary installed water fountains at Roseau and Trafalgar primary schools to support healthier hydration habits. Regional Integration: OECS marked 45 years of integration and called for an “OECS renaissance” as chairmanship shifted to Gaston Browne. Sports & Community: Dominica Bike Fest 2026 is set for July 31–Aug 3, and 124 scholarships plus 122 bursaries were awarded to Grade 6 students.

Telecom Relief for Flow Customers: Dominica and St Lucia regulators say Flow’s major outage (June 21–22) left customers without service for nearly 19 hours, linked to a fault on a fibre route between Guadeloupe and Antigua; Flow now reports full restoration and will apply automatic rebates (credit for prepaid users, notices for businesses). Tourism & Wellness: The Discover Dominica Authority and Ministry of Tourism will host the island’s inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4 at UWI Global Campus, “Be Well in Nature,” with free screenings, consultations and fitness sessions. Youth & Community Health: Rotary Club of Dominica installed water fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary as part of its Childhood Obesity Programme, plus reusable bottles to encourage healthier hydration. Sports Tourism Push: Dominica is showcasing football development through International Futbol Experiences’ “Train & Play in Nature” programme, aiming to bring visiting athletes for training and recovery. Education Wins: 124 scholarships and 122 bursaries were awarded to Grade 6 students after the Grade 6 National Assessment. Hospital Upgrades: Major renovations are set to begin at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital to improve access, repairs, drainage and room bathroom facilities.