AGP Executive Report

Health Policy: PAHO says health taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases, noting beer and spirits tax burdens sit below global averages and a third of countries still tax nothing on sugary drinks. Power & Utilities: DOMLEC is restoring electricity after a feeder fault on its Lower Goodwill Feeder triggered a wider outage; power is returning in stages, starting with Roseau, after the geothermal plant later tripped. Citizenship-by-Investment: Dominica says citizenship gained below the legal minimum investment will be revoked as it tightens enforcement ahead of a 2026 summit. Tourism & Wellness: Discover Dominica Authority will host a panel on wellness tourism at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa as part of the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program. Climate Youth Program: A summer initiative will train 125 children (ages 5–15) as Junior Climate Resilience Champions, funded through CCRIF SPC support. Regional Connectivity: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief urges Trinidad and Tobago to reconsider recent airline route withdrawals that include Dominica, warning of damage to multi-destination travel. Sports: Dominica has unveiled a 21-man training squad for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in Guyana (July 8–12).

Basketball Focus: Dominica has unveiled a 21-man training squad for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers, with the team set to compete July 8–12 in Georgetown, Guyana. Regional Mobility: A CARICOM free movement update from Barbados says fewer than 800 people have remained on the island since the regime began last October, after calls that numbers were far higher. Sports & Community Health: CARICOM Road Run/Walk returns July 5 in St Lucia, with 10K and 5K options (including welcome for persons with disabilities) ahead of CARICOM Heads of Government talks. Tourism & Travel Risk: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa tightening could hit Caribbean tourism and family travel after he and his wife were denied visa renewals. Public Health & Weather: The Ministry of Health releases a June–August Health-Climatic Bulletin warning of warmer-than-average days, flash-flood risks, and possible spikes in waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses. Local Services: DOWASCO schedules water interruptions in Morne Rachette (June 9, 9am–5pm) and police handed a new vehicle to the Delices station. Culture & Heritage: A Caribbean heritage dialogue highlighted efforts to preserve historic sites and traditional building knowledge, including a Resilient Houses Project linking Saba and Dominica.

UWP Politics: UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine is urging party members to “RESCUE DOMINICA,” extending an olive branch amid internal tensions and warning he won’t tolerate distraction or division. CARICOM Mobility: Barbados’ ambassador to CARICOM says misinformation has inflated the number of people staying in Barbados under the Free Movement Regime, putting the figure just under 800 and calling for a stakeholder review. Tourism & Wellness: Dominica has launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, with a push for wellness tourism and community participation through activities running into July. Health & Climate: The Ministry of Health released the June–August Health-Climatic Bulletin, warning of warmer-than-average days, flash-flood risks, and possible spikes in waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses. Agriculture Support: AgriHub says its SheHarvest Project showed delays that can slow women’s progress into farming, calling for more responsive systems on the ground. Community Safety: Police and partners removed derelict vehicles from several communities to reduce health and public safety risks. Regional Sports: CARICOM athletes will gather in St Lucia for the 19th Road Run/Walk on July 5, tied to regional health commitments. Tourism Travel Risk: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa renewals were denied for him and his wife, raising fears for Caribbean airlift and tourism.

Tourism & Wellness: Dominica officially launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, pitching “Wellness Tourism” as a growth engine under the theme “Be Well in Nature,” with activities running through July and wellness-focused tourism service awards. Tourism Growth: Dominica was highlighted by TravelPulse as the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination, citing 2025 stayover arrivals up 19% and cruise passenger numbers at a decade high, with momentum continuing into early 2026. Climate & Health: The Ministry of Health released the Dominica Health-Climatic Bulletin for June to August 2026, warning of warmer-than-average conditions, flash-flood risks, and possible spikes in waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses, plus respiratory impacts from Saharan dust. Water & Public Works: DOWASCO scheduled a water interruption in Morne Rachette (June 9, 9am–5pm) for system maintenance. Community Safety: Police, waste officials and partners removed derelict vehicles from Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street and Loubiere to reduce health and public safety hazards. Agriculture: AgriHub urged faster, more responsive support for women entering farming after delays in the SheHarvest Project affected on-the-ground progress. Local Economy: DAIC backed meaningful concessions for Dominicans importing hybrid vehicles and supported a $25 household levy toward solid waste management. UWP Politics: UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine called for unity and reconciliation after internal tensions, urging focus on Dominica’s economic and social challenges.

Tourism & Wellness Push: Dominica officially launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, positioning the island for wellness travel under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism” and “Be Well in Nature,” with activities running through July. Climate & Health Preparedness: The Ministry of Health released the June–August 2026 Health-Climatic Bulletin, warning of warmer-than-average conditions, flash-flood risks, and higher chances of waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses, plus respiratory impacts from Saharan dust. Water & Public Works: DOWASCO scheduled a Morne Rachette water interruption for Tuesday, June 9 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) for system maintenance, while police and partners removed derelict vehicles from Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street and Loubiere to reduce health and safety hazards. Community Resilience Funding: DOMCREP was launched in Marigot as a US$25M community resilience project, including an initial EC$3.7M for climate adaptation planning and plans to boost rural water storage capacity. Agriculture Setback: A bushfire in Grand Savanne, Salisbury destroyed crops and damaged water infrastructure, including watermelon, pumpkin, eggplant and bell pepper, and wiped out storage tanks. Regional Security Engagement: CARICOM’s Secretariat hosted senior Guyana Defence Force officers for security knowledge-sharing on CARICOM’s role in addressing crime and emerging threats. Women in Agriculture: AgriHub urged faster, more responsive systems after SheHarvest Project delays affected women trying to enter farming. Local Business & Policy: A businessman backed the financing model for Dominica’s international airport, while bouyon artist Coleridge “Mr Ridge” Bell urged a tax treaty to help artists benefit financially. Community Safety: The Delices Police Station received a new police vehicle to improve response times and visibility.

Tourism Boom: Dominica is getting major international attention after TravelPulse highlighted strong 2025 performance, with stayover arrivals up 19% and cruise passenger numbers hitting their highest level in more than a decade, bringing about EC$405.5 million in direct tourist spending and continuing momentum into early 2026. Wellness Push: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July and urging community-led, sustainable visitor experiences tied to the island’s nature and geothermal strengths. Climate Resilience Funding: Government launched the US$25 million DOMCREP project in Marigot, aiming to boost water security, disaster management and early warning systems for eight vulnerable communities, with an initial EC$3.7 million disbursement already started. Disaster Preparedness: CDEMA’s chief praised Antigua and Barbuda’s new five-year resilience framework as a roadmap for protecting lives and livelihoods, stressing that resilience needs long-term planning across sectors. Local Agriculture Hit: A bushfire in Grand Savanne, Salisbury destroyed crops and damaged water infrastructure, affecting about 2.5 acres and leaving farmers seeking support. Regional Connectivity: New airline interline partnerships involving Winair and Contour are set to make regional travel smoother, with improved access to Dominica via St. Maarten connections.

Tourism Momentum: Dominica has been named the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination by TravelPulse, with 2025 visitor arrivals up 15% to 496,635 and overnight arrivals up 19% to 99,846, plus continued growth in early 2026. Wellness Push: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July and highlighting Dominica’s nature, geothermal resources and community-led experiences. Climate Resilience Funding: DOMCREP, a US$25M community resilience project, was launched in Marigot to boost water security, early warning and disaster readiness, with an initial EC$3.7M disbursement already received. Agriculture Hit by Fire: A June 3 bushfire in Grand Savanne destroyed about 2.5 acres of crops and damaged water storage tanks, prompting Agriculture Ministry assessments and follow-up support planning. Regional Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched a new interline partnership to improve one-itinerary travel across the Caribbean via St. Maarten. US Visa Shock for Tourism: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says he and his wife were denied US visa renewals, raising concerns for regional tourism representation. Education & History: Ten secondary schools and Dominica State College received copies of Clement Richards’ WWII Caribbean book “Sea Wolves in Warm Waters.”

Climate Resilience: Dominica officially launched the $25 million DOMCREP project in Marigot, backed by the Green Climate Fund, aiming to boost water security, early warning systems and disaster-ready communities across eight vulnerable areas. Tourism & Wellness: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority rolled out the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, positioning Dominica through wellness tourism and highlighting nature-based experiences as visitor arrivals keep rising. Agriculture After Fire: A bushfire in Grand Savanne, Salisbury destroyed crops and farm water infrastructure, wiping out vegetables for at least one farmer and damaging irrigation-related tanks. Local Appointments: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with strengthening the island’s global destination visibility. Regional Policy Watch: A U.S. federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era immigration pauses affecting applicants from 39 countries, including Dominica, reopening paths for asylum and other benefits. Youth & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study says Eastern Caribbean youth want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training and accessible opportunities.

Climate Resilience: Dominica has officially launched the US$25 million DOMCREP in Marigot, backed by the Green Climate Fund, to boost water security, disaster preparedness, early warning and community capacity in eight vulnerable communities. Tourism & Wellness: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority rolled out the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, pushing wellness tourism under “Be Well in Nature,” as visitor numbers continue to climb. Agriculture After Fire: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed crops and farm water infrastructure, wiping out watermelon, pumpkin, eggplant and bell pepper production and damaging 2,500 gallons of water storage. Local Appointments: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with strengthening the island’s global destination visibility. Regional Finance Watch: A UWI Global Campus lecture urged Caribbean banks to stay compliant to avoid “derisking” pressures and follow international anti-money laundering norms. Youth & Green Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green and circular economy careers, but lack information, training and accessible opportunities. US Immigration Court: A Rhode Island judge struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused immigration decisions for people from 39 countries, leaving applicants in legal limbo.

U.S. Court Ruling: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS pauses on immigration and asylum for people from 39 “travel-ban” countries, calling the policies illegal and leaving applicants in “indefinite legal limbo” — a decision that also names Dominica among the affected countries. Tourism & Visas: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says he was denied a U.S. visa renewal, warning it could disrupt Caribbean airlift and tourism planning. Climate Resilience: Dominica launched the US$26 million DOMCREP project to boost food security, disaster management, early warning systems, and support farmers in eight vulnerable communities. Banking Watch: A UWI Global Campus lecture urged regional banks to strengthen compliance to avoid “derisking” risks tied to international sanctions and FATF standards. Local Services: DOMLEC restored power to most of Dominica after a grid shutdown, with remaining areas expected back by early evening. Agriculture After Fire: The Ministry reported bushfire damage in Grand Savanne, including destroyed crops and damaged water storage tanks. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, effective June 1. Regional Talks: CARICOM leaders are set to meet in St Lucia from July 5–8 for the 51st Heads of Government meeting.

CARICOM Watch: CARICOM leaders are set to meet in St Lucia from July 5–8 for the 51st Heads of Government meeting, with the opening ceremony at Sandals St Lucia and live broadcasts via CARICOM’s social media. Climate Resilience: Dominica launched the US$26 million (EC$70.2m) DOMCREP project to boost food security, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and support for farmers in eight vulnerable communities. Agriculture Hit: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne damaged about 2.5 acres of cultivated land, destroying crops and water storage tanks; officials say further assessments may follow. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, effective June 1, to drive brand and visitor growth. Regional Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched a new interline partnership, improving one-itinerary travel linking Dominica and the wider Caribbean via St Maarten and San Juan. Local Public Safety: Police are investigating a suspected homicide on Hanover Street, Roseau, after a man died in hospital following an early Monday altercation. Infrastructure Notice: DOWASCO announced sewer excavation on Upper Lane on June 7, with road diversions and caution for motorists.

Power Restoration: DOMLEC says it has restored electricity to most of Dominica after a nationwide outage caused by a trip at the Geothermal Power Plant, with service expected to return by 6:00 PM for the Picard to Ti-Bay area. World Cup Viewing: Rush Sports (CPSL) is promising a big 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcast push across 13 Caribbean markets, with Dominica included and Jamaica getting a split deal with TVJ. Climate Resilience Funding: Government and partners launched the US$26 million DOMCREP project to boost disaster preparedness, early warning, and food security in eight vulnerable communities, with major support for farmers and agro-processors. Tourism Update: Dominica reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals last year, with stayover and cruise growth, alongside ongoing upgrades at key attractions. Crime Watch: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau after a man died following an altercation on Hanover Street. Sports Spotlight: MJ Postell earned an ESPN SportsCenter Next Top 25 national ranking, while Dominica’s Kohath Baron placed in OECS cycling results. Water Notices: DOWASCO scheduled maintenance will interrupt water in Grand Savanne (June 5) and Paix Bouche/Bourne/Dos Dan’e/Thibaud (June 4).

Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica has launched the US$26 million (EC$70.2 million) DOMCREP project with the CCCCC and the Green Climate Fund, targeting eight vulnerable communities and focusing on food security, disaster preparedness, early warning upgrades, and support for farmers and agro-processors over five years. Water & Utilities: DOWASCO announced scheduled water interruptions for Grand Savanne (June 5, 9am–5pm) and for Paix Bouche, Bourne, Dos Dan’e and Thibaud (June 4, 9am–5pm) for system maintenance. Economy & Tourism: Finance Minister Irving McIntyre reported 4.5% growth for Dominica’s economy in 2025, while Tourism Minister Denise-Charles-Pemberton said visitor arrivals rose 15% last year to nearly 497,000. Public Appointments: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as its new Destination Marketing Manager, effective June 1. Local Governance & Justice: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau on Hanover Street; a judge also criticized CARICOM governments for not accepting the CCJ as final court of appeal. Connectivity: Flow says it invested over US$1 million to fix mobile interference in northern Dominica, with equipment arriving between June 5 and June 15. Hurricane Season Prep: PM Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season began June 1.

Hurricane Preparedness: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged Dominicans to stay vigilant as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1, pointing to recent flooding and landslides and reminding households to review emergency plans and supplies. Opposition Airport Scrutiny: The UPP called on the Government to publish detailed information on the international airport’s long-term financial viability, warning taxpayers could face subsidies if growth doesn’t hold. Connectivity Fix for the North: Flow says it has invested over US$1 million to tackle mobile network interference in northern Dominica, blaming external interference from a mobile operator in Guadeloupe, with specialised equipment arriving between June 5 and 15. Tourism Update: Tourism Minister Denise-Charles-Pemberton reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals to nearly 497,000 last year, with stayover and cruise growth, and outlined ongoing upgrades and major projects. Water Service Notice: DOWASCO scheduled a water interruption in Paix Bouche, Bourne, Dos Dan’e and Thibaud on June 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for system maintenance. Education & Culture: The Ministry of Education invites the public to TVET Showcase 2026 (June 5), and prepares the 15th Kwéyòl Spelling Bee at Alliance Française in Roseau. Regional Legal/Justice: CARICOM congratulated Trinidad and Tobago on its UN Security Council election, and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court welcomed new Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay.

Tourism Update: Dominica logged a 15% jump in total visitor arrivals to nearly 497,000 last year, with stayover arrivals up about 10% and cruise tourism rising 21%, as the Tourism Minister pointed to ongoing upgrades at Champagne Beach, Kalinago Barana Aute, and planned works at Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls, Morne Bruce and Mero Beach. Education & Culture: The Ministry of Education is inviting the public to TVET Showcase 2026 on June 5, highlighting hands-on skills across areas like agriculture, garment production and woodwork, while the 15th Kwéyòl Spelling Bee heads to the Alliance Française in Roseau with students from four primary schools. Youth & Community: Senator Oscar George says the new National Youth Council is set to better represent Dominica’s young people after Yannick Registe’s election. Weather & Preparedness: Disaster Management warns Dominica will be affected by Saharan dust in the coming days, and with hurricane season underway, the Red Cross is urging families to start emergency planning now. Regional & Legal: Dominica will receive donated copies of “Sea Wolves in Warm Waters” ahead of a June 5 handover, and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court welcomed Margaret Price Findlay as its new Chief Justice effective April 9, 2026.

Hurricane Season Watch: With the Atlantic hurricane season officially underway, Dominica’s Red Cross is urging families and businesses to start preparing now, warning that even a quieter forecast can still bring dangerous storms. Public Safety & Readiness: Meteorology officials also stressed Dominica’s vulnerability to flash floods, landslides, rough seas and coastal damage, calling for early action and staying informed through official channels. Regional Justice Access: OECS and the OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) are set to launch training on arbitration and ADR to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica. Legal Leadership: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court welcomed Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay as its new Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026. Environment & Coastal Resilience: A SARSEA workshop in Dominica and a regional study mission in Martinique/Guadeloupe are pushing coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience efforts. Elections (Voters List): The Electoral Office published confirmed voters for May 1–31, 2026, along with the supplementary list approved as of May 31. Tourism Signals: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says visitor arrivals and stayover numbers are showing encouraging growth. Training & Crime Prevention: The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force kicked off a professional development series with a lecture on identifying criminal offences.