AGP Executive Report

Housing & Resilience: The Government says it will hand over keys to 215 newly built resilient homes across nine communities, with “Welcome Home” ceremonies starting this Friday. Senior Citizens Support: Officials also reaffirmed support for older Dominicans, pointing to programmes like Yes We Care, the 65-and-over Non-Contributory Pension, and the Centenarian Programme as the Month of the Elderly gets underway. Education Update: Dominica’s CXC results show a major lift in mathematics, with performance up 10 percentage points, while CXC tightens School-Based Assessment rules as AI use grows. Sports & Youth: Two athletes earned scholarships abroad—Omari Caesar to Edwin Allen High School in Jamaica and Zaiden Cornelius to the same institution—while Dominica’s Thea LaFond won triple jump gold at the Grand Prix Brescia. Politics: Ahead of the Roseau North by-election on Sept. 7, Ashma McDougall and PM Skerrit rallied voters, with the campaign framing the vote as “about delivery.” Justice & Safety: Police charges continue to widen in the Jerbiah Paul case, with another officer remanded, as Dominica also marks ongoing concerns about road safety after a fatal Canefield crash.

Education & Exams: Dominica is celebrating a jump in CSEC Mathematics, with results up 10 percentage points year-on-year and now 7 points above the regional average, while CXC also tightened School-Based Assessment rules as AI use grows, adding originality checks and signed declarations. CXC Logistics: CXC’s June 2026 exams ran over six weeks at 17 centres, with electronic testing at 12 locations and two reported breaches leading to cancelled results. Politics: Questions are swirling around businessman Gregor Nassief’s reported move toward the UWP after public support for Roseau North by-election candidates, with critics calling it political pressure. Roseau North By-Election: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit campaigned in Yampiece for Ashma McDougall ahead of the Sept. 7 vote. Crime & Courts: The Jerbiah Paul investigation widened again as a fourth police officer, Patrick Bethelmie Jr., was charged and remanded, bringing the total of charged individuals to six. Community & Culture: The Flavours of the World Festival returns for Creole Season on Oct. 4 at Windsor Park, promising food, music, kids’ activities and a chefs’ competition. Sports: WE United FC’s U-15 team stays unbeaten, and Falcons won the 2026 DABA Premier Division title. Agriculture: Southeast banana and plantain farmers received practical training on safer chemical handling and mist-blower use.

Court Updates: A fourth police officer, Constable Patrick Bethelmie Jr., has been charged in the widening investigation into the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, accused of perverting the course of justice and possessing ammunition without a valid licence; the case continues with bail hearings set for early September. Fatal Crash: Police are investigating a deadly collision at Canefield involving a scooter rider and a trailer truck; the rider died from severe injuries after the crash. Public Safety Call: A letter urges urgent action at Canefield Cliff, pointing to repeated fatalities and calling for speed bumps, better signage, and stronger enforcement. Education: Dominica’s June CXC exams were held across 17 centres over six weeks, with two breaches reported and results presented by the local registrar. Seniors Month: The Dominica Council on Ageing launched Month of the Elderly 2026 with events running through September, including Grandparents Week, a senior lunch, health and wellness activities, and sports day. Sports: Falcons Basketball won the DABA Premier Division title, and javelin standout Addison James takes up his Sports Ambassador role effective September 1. Regional Jobs Inclusion: The UN launched the HireAbility campaign to push disability-inclusive employment across the Caribbean, backed by governments and businesses.

Missing Children Rescue (Florida): Florida authorities say a five-day “Statewide Shield” operation recovered 163 missing minors, ages two months to 17, with 46 found in Tampa Bay and 41 in Miami, and searches extending beyond Florida to several other states and internationally. Local Politics (Roseau North): The Roseau North by-election is set for Sept. 7, with voter ID card collection and confirmation centres now underway, while DLP candidate Ashma McDougall gained an endorsement from businessman Kenny Green. Crime Update (Jerbiah Paul case): Police charged another suspect in the ongoing investigation into the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, with bail set for Sept. 4 and further court dates scheduled. Sports & Culture (Dominica): Thea LaFond won triple jump at the Grand Prix Brescia, Soufrière Dive Fest wrapped up after two days of watersports, and Addison James takes up a new sports ambassador role effective Sept. 1. Community & Safety: DOMLEC invited residents of Coulibistrie and Morne Rachette to a WSSDP consultation, and a letter urges action to prevent crashes at Canefield Cliff.

Murder Case Update: Police have charged another suspect in the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, with Jolie-Ana Naomi James of Lagoon Portsmouth facing “perverting the course of justice” and ammunition possession charges; her bail application is set for Sept. 4, while the perverting charge is adjourned to Nov. 10. Missing Person: Police are still searching for fisherman Richard Davis of Atkinson, reported missing after going out on the rocks at Big River on Aug. 29. Education: Castle Bruce Secondary student Jeremie Rolle scored 14 grade ones in the 2026 June CSEC exams, as overall pass rates rose by 3.3%. Local Politics: Roseau North by-election is set for Sept. 7, with DLP candidate Ashma McDougall backed by businessman Kenny Green; UWP’s Danny Lugay is also in the race. Community & Health: DOMLEC announced scholarships for four secondary students, while DOMLEC and DOWASCO invite Coulibistrie and Morne Rachette residents to a WSSDP consultation. Regional Health Tech: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt the regional digital early warning system RIEWSS. Weather Alert: A tropical wave is bringing heavy rain and rough seas, with flood and high surf advisories possible.

Voter ID Collection: Dominica’s Electoral Office says voter identification cards for Soufrière and St. Joseph will be available from Tuesday, 1 September 2026, with collection points at the St. Joseph confirmation centre (House of Neverson Wade) and the Layou confirmation centre (Layou Emergency Shelter), plus Soufrière collections at the Soufrière Village Council confirmation centre; hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Sports Leadership: Javelin standout Addison James takes up his role as Dominica’s new Sports Ambassador effective 1 September 2026, with the Dominica Athletics Association citing his CARIFTA gold medal record. Nursing Focus: The Dominica Nurses Association renews its push for better training, mentorship, ethical standards, safer workplaces and stronger mental health support for nurses. Agriculture Alert: The Ministry of Agriculture is holding a Lethal Yellowing Disease awareness meeting for Grand Bay residents at 5:00 p.m. today at the Grandbay Youth Center, warning the disease can kill coconut and ornamental palms within months. Education Support: DOMLEC pledges full five-year scholarships for four students starting secondary school, covering Arthur Waldron SDA Academy, Dominica Grammar School, and Portsmouth Secondary School. Crime Update: Jolie-Ana Naomi James of Portsmouth is charged with perverting the course of justice and possession of ammunition without a valid license in the ongoing investigation into the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul; she is expected to appear in court today.

Healthcare: Riverside Healthcare has hired board-certified general surgeon Dr. Vinay Bajaj, a Dominica-trained graduate of Ross University, to join its surgical team and accept new patients at Riverside General Surgery Specialists in Kankakee. Politics & Elections: Roseau North is set for a September 7 by-election, with three candidates—Daniel Lugay (UWP), Ashma McDougal (DLP) and independent Sherman Boston—after nomination day on August 21; the Electoral Office also outlined polling-centre arrangements. Disability Policy: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre says Government is moving to establish a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit to centralize support and give persons with disabilities a clearer route to assistance. Public Health & Care: The Dominica Nurses Association marks 69 years of service, urging nurses to keep compassion, dignity and kindness at the centre of patient care. Weather: The Dominica Meteorological Office warns of locally heavy rains, gusty winds and thunderstorms from a strong tropical wave, plus rough seas and high surf advisories. Community & Culture: Soufrière Dive Fest returns this weekend with hikes, water activities and a family fun day, while Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival is set for October 23–25 with Ne-Yo and Machel Montano among headline acts.

National Disability Affairs Unit: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre says Dominica is moving to set up a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit to centralize disability-related support and give persons with disabilities a clearer, more focused channel for help and complaints. Roseau North By-Election: The Roseau North constituency is set for a September 7 by-election, with polling arrangements outlined for 10 centres and three candidates in the race. Nursing Compassion Push: The Dominica Nurses Association is urging nurses and ward aides to keep compassion, dignity and kindness at the centre of patient care. Weather & Sea Safety: The Meteorological Office warns of locally heavy rains and gusty winds from a tropical wave, with possible flood watch/warning, plus a small craft warning and high surf advisory. Soufrière Dive Fest: Soufrière Dive Fest 2026 returns August 29–30 with hikes, water activities, coral and family events, and a corporate kayak race. World Creole Music Festival: Winair is offering a 65% fare reduction to Dominica for the October 23–25 festival, with Ne-Yo among headline acts. Agriculture & Energy: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, to help speed up financing and implementation.

Roseau North By-Election: Voters in Roseau North will head to the polls on September 7, 2026, with three candidates—Daniel Lugay (UWP), Ashma McDougal (DLP) and independent Sherman Boston—after nomination day on August 21. The Electoral Office says polling will run across 10 centres, including Goodwill Parish Hall, Alpha Center/Genesis Christian Union Preschool, and St. Alphonsus Preschool, with assignments by community. Healthcare Compassion: The Dominica Nurses Association is urging nurses and ward aides to put kindness, dignity and empathy at the centre of patient care, saying compassion is strength, not weakness. Kalinago Craft Links: Kalinago Chief Anette Sanford and council members are in St Kitts to push for a Kalinago Craft Centre aimed at creating economic opportunities for Kalinago people living outside Dominica. Tourism & Community Events: Soufrière Dive Fest returns August 29–30 with hikes, scuba and freediving, plus a family bayfront day and a corporate kayak race. World Creole Music Festival Build-Up: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival is set for October 23–25 at Windsor Park, with Grammy winner Ne-Yo among the headline acts, alongside Machel Montano and Maxi Priest. Agriculture Recognition: Agriculture Minister Roland Royer congratulated Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste after her selection as one of FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in Agri-Food Systems.

Kalinago Craft Centre Talks: Kalinago Chief Anette Sanford and council members are in St Kitts to push a proposal for a Kalinago craft centre, aiming to create new economic opportunities for Kalinago people living outside Dominica, and they’ll also take part in a remembrance ceremony for Chief Tegre. Roseau North By-Election Campaign: Ashma McDougall told Gutter residents she’s returning with a clearer plan ahead of the Sept. 7 by-election, urging support for the Dominica Labour Party and highlighting local concerns like footpaths, drainage, garbage collection and elderly access. Renewables Push for Dominica: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, with potential support through its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Soufrière Dive Fest: Soufrière Dive Fest 2026 runs Aug. 29–30 with hikes, scuba and freediving, kayaking, coral presentations, family activities and a corporate kayak race. UWI Leadership Appointment: Dr. Gaile Gray-Phillip has been appointed Deputy Director of UWI Global Campus sites, effective Aug. 1, bringing long experience in distance education and institutional leadership. Food Safety Training: CARPHA delivered ServSafe Train-the-Trainer advanced food safety certification training to UWI interns in Trinidad and Tobago. Sports Facility Update: Pointe Ronde’s multi-purpose sporting complex is on track for World Athletics Class One certification, boosting prospects for major meets and official athlete performance ratification. DOMLEC Scholarships: DOMLEC marked its 40-year scholarship programme by awarding four secondary school scholarships to students from across Dominica. Agriculture Recognition: Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste was named among FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in agrifood systems and rural development.

Soufrière Dive Fest: Soufrière’s Tourism and Transport rep Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Soufrière Dive Fest 2026 runs Aug. 29–30, with a “Hike & Soak,” Discover Scuba/Freediving/Kayaking and coral presentations, plus a Bayfront Family Fun and Fish Lyme day and a Sunday corporate kayak race with a $2,500 prize. UWI Global Campus: Dr. Gaile Gray-Phillip has been appointed Deputy Director of UWI Global Campus Sites, effective Aug. 1, bringing long experience in distance education and institutional leadership. Food safety training: CARPHA delivered a ServSafe Train-the-Trainer Advanced Food Safety Certification course for UWI St. Augustine nutrition and dietetics interns in Trinidad, building practical skills in hygiene and safe food handling. Education support: DOMLEC marked its 40-year scholarship programme by awarding four secondary-school scholarships to students from the wider community, covering books, fees and transport for up to five years. Agriculture honour: Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste was named among FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development, with Agriculture Minister Roland Royer calling it a proud win for Dominica’s farming women. Elections logistics: The Electoral Office says voter ID cards for Mahaut’s F01–Massacre polling district are available for pickup Friday Aug. 28 (10am–6pm) and Saturday (10am–6pm), with notarized authorization needed for pickup on someone else’s behalf. World Creole Music Festival travel: Winair is offering 65% off eligible fares to Dominica for WCMF (Oct. 23–25), using promo code WM65YRS for travel Aug. 28–Oct. 31 (bookings by Aug. 27).

Adult Education: Dominica’s Adult Education Division will hold its annual Skills Exhibition today (10am–4pm) at 22 Kennedy Avenue, showcasing learner work in areas like massage therapy, pastry making, sewing, hair braiding and carpentry. Healthcare: The Dominica Nurses Association marks 69 years of service, highlighting nurses’ role in both physical care and emotional support for patients. Education Support: DOMLEC is celebrating its 40-year scholarship programme, awarding four students secondary-school support for up to five years. Agriculture & Women in Agrifood: Agriculture Minister Roland Royer congratulates Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste after her selection as one of FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in agrifood systems. Sports Infrastructure: Work at the Pointe Ronde multi-purpose complex in Portsmouth is progressing toward World Athletics Class One certification, boosting prospects for major meets and sanctioned athlete records. Travel & Culture: Winair is offering 65% off flights to Dominica for the World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25), using code WM65YRS. Community Safety: Police youth outreach continues with visits to Chances emergency shelter, focusing on safe choices and positive decision-making.

Local Sports: Dominica’s Parham Super League is heating up after Troy “Rampant” Jules fired seven goals as Pigotts Bullets thrashed West Ham 8-0, booking a semifinal clash with Garden Stars on Friday at 7:30 pm. Education & Community: DOMLEC marked 40 years of scholarships by awarding four students secondary-school support for up to five years, including books, exam fees and transport. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Roland Royer congratulated Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste after her selection as one of FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in agrifood systems, praising her decades of sustainable farming and community impact. Festival Travel: Winair is offering a 65% discount to Dominica for World Creole Music Festival travel (promo code WM65YRS), with the festival set for Oct. 23–25 in Roseau. Infrastructure & Jobs: A fish processing plant is planned for the Soufriere–Scotts Head area, with tendering underway for design and construction to boost local livelihoods through drying, smoking and freezing. US Policy Watch: A US federal court has suspended a Department of State immigrant visa ban affecting nationals of 75 countries, including Dominica.

World Athletics Upgrade: Dominica’s new multi-purpose sporting complex at Pointe Ronde in Portsmouth is set for World Athletics Class One certification, a boost for sanctioned performances and international training camps. Community & Housing: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit told residents at a Scotts Head town hall that his focus is “raising people up,” while Soufriere parl rep Denise Charles-Pemberton highlighted housing and infrastructure progress, including sea wall completion and upgraded “unsinkable” boats for fishermen. Agriculture & Jobs: A fish processing plant is planned for the Soufriere–Scotts Head area, with a $2 million project aimed at expanding livelihoods through drying, smoking and freezing. Local Culture: The Waitukubuli Artist Association will host a free movie night in Trafalgar on Aug. 30 featuring Venezuelan and Dominican stop-motion animation work. Health & Safety: Adult Education Division holds its Annual Skills Exhibition in Roseau on Aug. 28, showcasing skills from massage to carpentry. Sports & Travel: Winair is offering 65% off flights to Dominica for the World Creole Music Festival (Oct. 23–25), and Bermuda’s Nations League plans are disrupted by lighting issues at Flora Duffy Stadium.

Dominica Politics & Tax: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says his government could eliminate personal income tax by 2028, arguing it’s “philosophically” against income tax and pointing to past threshold and rate changes. Road Safety: The Public Works Ministry will install speed humps in Coulibistrie and Tarreau from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5, with warning signs and temporary disruptions expected. Community Development: Skerrit also announced a new multi-purpose community centre for Gallion during a town hall in Scottshead. Agriculture & Resilience: Dominica’s Tissue Culture Laboratory in Portsmouth is set to produce over 500,000 plants yearly and also store seeds for faster post-disaster recovery. Youth & Education: The ODM’s 2026 summer programme has wrapped up with 190 primary students trained in disaster preparedness and emergency response. Skills & Work: The Adult Education Division will hold its Annual Skills Exhibition on Aug. 28 in Roseau, showcasing courses from carpentry to hair braiding. Aviation Update: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue direct Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights from Sept. 2, while keeping connectivity via other services.

Agriculture & Community Support: NCCU is inviting businesses to dress in “Sea to Soil” colours this Friday, Aug. 28, to show support for Dominica’s farmers and fisherfolk, with the credit union also pointing to revamped agriculture loan products. Creative Industry Boost: Discover Dominica Authority has signed with Stage 32 to give local filmmakers and audiovisual professionals access to international training and certification. Disaster Preparedness for Youth: 190 primary students have completed ODM’s 2026 Summer Programme, learning practical steps for hazards like hurricanes, floods, landslides and volcanic events. Health Outreach: ACSOM says it wants to deepen community healthcare engagement through more screenings, health fairs and partnerships with local doctors and hospitals. Agriculture Capacity: Portsmouth’s Tissue Culture Laboratory is set to produce 500,000+ plants yearly, supporting farmers with healthier planting material and seed storage for post-disaster recovery. Road Safety: Speed humps will be installed in Coulibistrie and Tarreau from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5, with drivers warned to expect temporary disruptions. Education & Skills: The Adult Education Division will host its Annual Skills Exhibition on Aug. 28 in Roseau, showcasing work from courses like massage therapy, pastry, sewing and carpentry. Tax Policy: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica could eliminate personal income tax by 2028 if revenue measures succeed. Tourism Landmark: Dominica plans a 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot statue at the cable car top station, aiming to make it the world’s tallest parrot statue.