AGP Executive Report

OECS Regional Talks: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is in Antigua and Barbuda for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, with regional leaders set to focus on economic development, integration, climate resilience, security, food and energy security, and freedom of movement; Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre is acting PM during Skerrit’s absence. Roseau Upgrade Starts: Dominica has entered the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project after a June 17 kickoff with consultants, government departments and utility companies; the US$2.24m consultancy contract covers design review and supervision for road rehabilitation across key Roseau streets. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” offering eight curated itineraries (four multi-day trips and four full-day tours) designed to help visitors plan faster and stay longer across communities. Health Innovation: Sickle Cell Cares Foundation launched SickleConnect, a Caribbean-first digital health platform for people living with sickle cell disease, with tools for managing care and access to support. Education Results: 124 students earned scholarships in Dominica’s 2026 Grade Six National Assessment, while 122 qualified for bursaries. Climate Resilience Funding: Atkinson Village is set to receive US$5,000 from the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund via DNCTF for drainage improvements and slope stabilization, with work expected to run through September 2026.

Roseau Enhancement Project: Dominica has moved into the implementation phase of the decade-long Roseau Enhancement Project after a June 17 kickoff meeting with consultants, government departments, utility companies and other stakeholders. The works will target key roads including Independence Street, Bath Road, Cork Street, Great George Street, Virgin Lane, River Street and King George V Street, with a US$2.24 million consultancy contract awarded for design review and supervision. Tourism Push: The Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer: The Nature Island Way,” rolling out eight curated itineraries for families, couples and solo travellers, with multi-day packages and full-day tours focused on nature, wellness, culture and community experiences. Health Innovation: On World Sickle Cell Day, the Sickle Cell Cares Foundation launched SickleConnect, a free Caribbean-first digital platform offering clinical summaries, virtual support and emergency location alerts for people living with sickle cell disease. Citizenship by Investment Watch: A CBI expert says currency volatility and stricter compliance checks are the biggest hurdles for applicants, even as demand remains strong. Regional Finance: The IFC says it will invest up to US$15 million in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aimed at expanding financing for resilience and SME growth across 13 countries including Dominica. Local Governance & Community: The Diocese of Roseau begins Family Week 2026 (June 21–27) under the theme “Carrying the Graces of the Sacraments Home,” focusing on strengthening the domestic church.

Hotel Fire & Evacuations: A woman died and nearly 1,700 tourists were evacuated after a major fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, with officials saying the straw roof and wind helped the flames spread. Roseau North By-Election: Dominica’s Roseau North race heats up as Housing Minister Melissa Skerrit says UWP first approached Ashma McDougall, but she declined and chose the Labour Party. Athletics Leadership: The Dominica Athletics Association confirmed new club and school representatives for 2026–2030, with elections set for remaining athlete roles. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer: The Nature Island Way,” rolling out eight curated itineraries to encourage longer stays and deeper community-based experiences. Regional Finance: The IFC says it will invest up to US$15 million in a Caribbean debt fund aimed at boosting SME financing and climate resilience, including projects in Dominica. Health Tech for Sickle Cell: Sickle Cell Cares Foundation launched SickleConnect, a Caribbean-first digital platform to help patients manage sickle cell care via tools, support, and emergency alerts. Power Outage Update: DOMLEC traced an island-wide outage to a geothermal transmission line trip to Fond Cole, with restoration expected across affected areas by late morning. Climate Resilience Funding: DNCTF says US$5,000 from the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund will fund drainage and slope-stabilisation work in Atkinson over three months.

Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority has launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” rolling out eight curated itineraries (four multi-day and four full-day) to get visitors exploring communities, nature, wellness and culture beyond the usual spots. Education & Youth: Education Minister Octavia Alfred says 124 students earned scholarships from the 2026 Grade Six National Assessment, with 122 also qualifying for bursaries. Youth & Politics: The United Workers Party says it will hold a Youth Symposium in the coming weeks, alongside proposals including tax simplification, removing a $10,000 environmental tax, and raising the minimum wage. Climate Resilience: A US$5,000 Bahamas Protected Areas Fund contribution will support drainage and slope stabilization work in Atkinson over three months. Health Innovation: Sickle Cell Cares Foundation has launched SickleConnect, described as the Caribbean’s first digital health platform for people living with sickle cell disease. Infrastructure Update: DOMLEC reports an island-wide power outage traced to a geothermal transmission line fault, with restoration expected by late morning. Regional Finance: IFC says it will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, targeting SME financing across 13 countries.

Digital Health Breakthrough: Sickle Cell Cares Foundation, founded in Dominica, has launched SickleConnect—Caribbean’s first digital platform for people living with sickle cell disease, with tools like a 30-day clinical summary, virtual counselling, emergency location alerts, and moderated community support. Health & Environment Funding: Dominica received US$93,000 from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund for two biodiversity projects—supporting the fight against lethal yellowing in the coconut sub-sector and coral reef restoration in Soufriere. Infrastructure & Roads: The Roseau Enhancement Project has entered its implementation phase, with a US$2.24 million consultancy contract for design review and supervision of road rehabilitation across key Roseau streets. Climate Resilience: Atkinson Village Council is set to benefit from US$5,000 for drainage improvements and slope stabilization to reduce flood and landslide risks. Power Reliability: DOMLEC traced an island-wide outage to a geothermal transmission line issue linked to the Fond Colé substation and restored power in stages. Politics & Elections: With voter confirmation applications hitting 17,800 (14,500 approved), officials are urging citizens to confirm before the October 15 deadline; meanwhile, the Roseau North by-election is moving ahead after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation, with UWP confirming Danny Lugay as its candidate. Community & Safety: Castle Bruce Police continued community policing with mobile patrols and business outreach, while two officers completed a regional CVQ training programme.

Climate Voice: Health Minister Michael Joseph says Caribbean nations must get a stronger seat at the table in global climate talks, warning that hurricanes and climate displacement hit the region hardest despite low emissions. CARICOM Watch on Haiti: The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group says it’s monitoring Haiti closely through virtual consultations and plans an on-the-ground visit “as soon as practical.” Biodiversity Funding: Dominica received US$93,000 for two biodiversity projects, targeting lethal yellowing in coconuts and coral reef restoration. Roads Upgrade: The Roseau Enhancement Project has moved into its implementation phase, with a US$2.24m consultancy contract for design review and supervision of key streets. Health Innovation: Coinciding with World Sickle Cell Day, Dominica’s SickleConnect digital platform was launched to help sickle cell patients across the Caribbean manage care, access support, and use emergency tools. Energy Disruption: DOMLEC reports another island-wide power outage traced to a geothermal transmission line issue involving the Fond Colé substation, with restoration staged by area. Sports & Elections: DAA holds elections for club and school representatives on June 20, while Roseau North by-election politics heats up as UWP confirms Danny Lugay and DLP names Ashma McDougall.

Community Policing: Castle Bruce Police stepped up district patrols, visiting local businesses and sharing emergency contacts while supporting bailiffs with summonses and warrants. Sports Governance: The Dominica Athletics Association will hold elections for club and school representatives on June 20, with one school seat already decided unopposed. Training & Skills: Two Dominican police officers completed a regional CVQ training and development course at the Regional Security System institute. Power & Infrastructure: DOMLEC traced a major island-wide outage to a geothermal transmission line issue between the Geothermal Plant and the Fond Colé Substation, with restoration targeted across affected areas through the morning. Politics & By-Election: The UWP confirmed former Roseau North MP Danny Lugay as its candidate, as the seat heads toward a by-election expected within 90 days. Voter Readiness: Voter confirmation is nearing its October 15 deadline, with 17,800 applications submitted and 14,500 already approved. Agriculture Health: The Ministry of Agriculture says it’s pushing back against Lethal Yellowing in the coconut sub-sector with new grant support. Regional Watch: Jamaica’s talks with the U.S. on third-country deportees continue, with Dominica named among countries that have entered similar arrangements.

Coconut Disease Response: The Ministry of Agriculture says it’s stepping up the fight against Lethal Yellowing in the coconut sub-sector in Woodfordhill, after receiving a grant from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and the Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund. Power and Energy: DOMLEC reports a second island-wide outage this week caused by a transmission line problem linking the geothermal plant to the Fond Colé substation; most areas were restored by late morning, with remaining communities scheduled to come back by 10:00 AM. Roseau North By-Election: The UWP confirms Danny Lugay as its candidate, while the DLP has named Ashma McDougall following Miriam Blanchard’s resignation for health reasons; the by-election is expected within 90 days. Elections Update: Voter confirmation applications have reached 17,800, with 14,500 approved, and officials warn unconfirmed voters will be removed from the new list ahead of the October 15 deadline. Hurricane Preparedness: PM Skerrit urges households and businesses to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season as NEPO reviews readiness and shelters and supplies are checked. Health and Community: The Dominica Cancer Society will hold its AGM on June 27 at UWI Open Campus Dominica.

Dominica Summer Events: The Festivals Committee has unveiled a packed June-to-August calendar with seven major events, starting with Comess on June 27, then Gouté Domnik (July 19–26), Poker Run (July 26), and a new Tasty Treasures Heritage Relay on August 1, plus more to follow. Elections Update: Voter confirmation is moving fast, with 17,800 applications submitted and 14,500 confirmed ahead of the October 15 deadline; officials warn unconfirmed voters will be removed from the new list. Hurricane Preparedness: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urges households and businesses to prepare as the 2026 Atlantic season runs June 1 to Nov. 30, pointing to NEPO inspections and shelter readiness. Power and Energy: DOMLEC traced a major early-morning outage to a fault between the Fond Colé Substation and Fond Colé Power Plant, with repairs expected to take time. Health and Community: The Dominica Cancer Society sets its AGM for June 27, while PAHO donates 20 computers to strengthen health surveillance and data systems. Sports and Culture: Thea LaFond and Tyler Mason were named Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year at the National Sports Awards, and Dominica’s Earnisha Fontaine earns a WCPL spot. Regional Politics: Jamaica’s talks with the U.S. over third-country deportees continue, with Dominica closely watching the wider Caribbean immigration fallout.

Hurricane Readiness: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is urging Dominicans to prepare early for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, saying NEPO has already reviewed shelters, supplies and agency response plans, but stressing preparedness is a shared responsibility. Power & Utilities: DOMLEC says a fault between the Fond Colé Substation and Fond Colé Power Plant triggered a major early-morning outage, with crews isolating the fault and some communities facing longer restoration times. Roseau North By-Election: The Dominica Labour Party has named Ashma McDougall as its candidate after Miriam Blanchard resigned for health reasons, while the party also says she was approached by the UWP before accepting the DLP nomination. Sports: Thea LaFond and Tyler Mason took top honours at the Dominica National Sports Awards, marking the awards’ return after a hiatus since Hurricane Maria. Health Policy: PAHO reports health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb harmful consumption, including in the Caribbean. Environment & Tourism: Work has begun on protecting Morne Diablotin National Park through boundary demarcation and a buffer zone under a GEF/World Bank-backed eco-tourism biodiversity project. Regional News: Jamaica and the U.S. are in talks on a third-country nationals transit arrangement, with Jamaica insisting it is not an uncontrolled migration programme.

Roseau North By-Election Politics: The Dominica Labour Party has named Ashma McDougall as its candidate to succeed outgoing MP Miriam Blanchard, who resigned for health reasons, with the party saying McDougall was also approached by the UWP before choosing to represent the DLP. Education & Skills: Thirty secondary-school educators have completed the ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2 regional training, supported by UWI Mona and the Commonwealth of Learning, aimed at boosting math instruction and classroom technology use. Health Systems: PAHO has donated 20 computers (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to strengthen Dominica’s disease surveillance, health data management, and primary care reporting. Environment & Tourism: Work has begun on demarcating Morne Diablotin National Park boundaries and creating a buffer zone under a GEF/World Bank-backed eco-tourism biodiversity project, while DNCTF has awarded over US$100,000 for biodiversity and ecosystem protection initiatives. Sports & Culture: Dominica’s Earnisha Fontaine is set to make history as the first Dominican woman in the WCPL after being drafted by Trinbago Knight Riders. Regional Development: IICA highlighted support for agriculture and food security at its annual accountability seminar in Dominica, focusing on farmers, agribusiness and rural communities.

Roseau North By-Election Politics: The Dominica Labour Party has selected Ashma McDougall as its candidate for the Roseau North by-election after outgoing MP Miriam Blanchard resigned for health reasons, with the party noting her service and McDougall’s local roots in Bath Estate and Goodwill. Protected Areas & Eco-Tourism: The Ministry of Environment has started work to strengthen Morne Diablotin National Park protection, including demarcating boundaries and creating a buffer zone under the LETBP project funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented with the World Bank. Biodiversity Grants: The DNCTF awarded over US$100,000 for biodiversity and ecosystem protection projects, including a rapid response initiative targeting Lethal Yellowing Disease affecting coconut palms. Health Systems Upgrade: PAHO donated 20 computer units to Dominica’s health ministry to boost disease surveillance, health data management, and primary care reporting. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” rolling out eight curated itineraries for adventure, wellness, culture and nature experiences. Labour Support: The DTUC secured about US$6,000 from the International Labour Organization to complete its strategic plan and open dialogue with government on labour matters. Women’s Cricket Milestone: Earnisha Fontaine was drafted by Trinbago Knight Riders for the Women’s Caribbean Premier League, making her the first Dominican female cricketer to play in the WCPL.

Tourism & Safety: The U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued a security alert for Americans visiting The Bahamas, warning about sexual assault reports tied to jet ski and personal watercraft rentals and noting poor safety regulation enforcement. Agriculture & Food Security: CARICOM opened nominations for the CARICOM Farmer of the Year Award and Ministers of Agriculture Young Farmer of the Year Awards, with submissions due by end of June. Health Systems: PAHO donated 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to Dominica’s Ministry of Health to strengthen disease surveillance and digital health systems. Coconut Threat: Plant Protection and Quarantine warned that Lethal Yellowing Disease remains a danger to the coconut sub-sector, with over 12,000 trees destroyed in containment efforts. Education Restructuring: PM Skerrit responded to questions about delays in restructuring primary school teachers, citing multiple factors before rollout. Politics: Roseau North will hold a by-election after MP Miriam Blanchard resigned on medical grounds. Infrastructure & Sports: PM Skerrit said Windsor Park Stadium handover is expected by month-end after lighting certification, and a new DCA T20 league is in the works. Climate Resilience: DOMCREP was highlighted as a $70.2m Green Climate Fund-backed project supporting vulnerable communities and farmers with climate-smart tools.

Health & Tech Upgrade: PAHO has donated 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to Dominica’s Ministry of Health to boost disease surveillance, data management, and primary care reporting. Agriculture Threat Watch: The Plant Protection and Quarantine unit says Lethal Yellowing Disease is still endangering the coconut sector, with over 12,000 trees destroyed in Woodford Hill to contain spread. Education Restructuring: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit responded to questions about delays in restructuring primary school teachers, saying multiple factors must be considered. Major School Project: Skerrit says the new Goodwill Secondary School in Roseau is on track for November 2026 completion, aimed at becoming a TVET Centre of Excellence under the China-Dominica School Project. Tourism Staffing: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, starting June 1, to strengthen global tourism promotion. Politics: Miriam Blanchard resigned as Roseau North MP on medical grounds, triggering a by-election to be held within the constitutional timeframe. Infrastructure & Resilience: DOMCREP is moving ahead as a $70.2m climate resilience push, supporting over 8,000 people across eight communities.

Tourism & Culture: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as its new Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with boosting brand, trade partnerships and promotions for nature, wellness and adventure travel. Health & Capacity: Dominica completed a first-ever brain tumour surgery, with Health Minister Cassanni Laville pointing to expanded neurosurgical services and welcoming the return of the RCP–MMI eye surgery mission. Politics: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed a by-election for Roseau North after Miriam Blanchard resigned on medical grounds, ending nearly a decade in Parliament. Energy & Utilities: Skerrit urged DOMLEC customers to be patient as geothermal commissioning continues, saying outages are part of testing and integration before lower rates and better reliability. Sports: BVI Netball Club opened the friendly Tri-Series with a 27-13 win over Celtics at Windsor Park. Weather: A weak trough keeps moisture up this morning, with breezy conditions and rising Saharan dust later, bringing hazy skies and poorer air quality. Regional Trade: CARICOM trade ministers met in Georgetown for COTED, with the CARICOM SG warning global crises are hitting prices, inflation and food security. Community: Rotary Club of Dominica will hand over drinking fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary on June 15.

Healthcare Upgrade: Dominica has completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, with Health Minister Cassanni Laville saying the milestone shows growing capacity in neurosurgical services, building on earlier spinal surgery and supported by the return of the RCP–MMI eye surgery mission (about 60 operations planned over two weeks). Politics: Roseau North will hold a by-election after MP Miriam Blanchard resigned on medical grounds; PM Roosevelt Skerrit thanked her for nearly a decade of service and said representation will continue without interruption. Infrastructure & Power: PM Skerrit urged DOMLEC customers to be patient as geothermal commissioning continues, explaining outages are part of testing and integration before lower, more reliable electricity. Sports & Community: BVI Netball Club kicked off Dominica’s friendly Tri-Series with a 27-13 win over Celtics at Windsor Park, while the stadium’s official handover is expected by month-end. Weather: A weak trough is boosting morning moisture, with breezy conditions and rising Saharan dust later today, bringing hazy skies and poorer air quality.