AGP Executive Report

Health: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the Health Ministry will pay 16 Dominica-China Friendship Hospital doctors directly after a wage dispute, with a new payment system starting in October. Democracy: The voter confirmation exercise closed with 36,861 applications; continuous registration is now available in all 21 constituencies. Education: Six China-funded schools are expected to be finished by December, with local workers employed at each site. Culture: Officials say Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl will run October 19–22, featuring more than 90 entrepreneurs. Guadeloupean artist TIITII NBA also credits Dominica’s jump-up music with shaping his bouyon sound. Sport: Boxer Daniel Ali Shillingford is competing in Mexico’s Panamerican Elite Championships, which offer a first qualification route to the 2027 Pan American Games. Heritage: SHAPE has secured funding to restore a wooden Roseau building dating to at least the 1850s as a cultural and community hub. Regional ties: Skerrit joined the US-Caribbean Dialogue in Washington, where officials announced $340.3 million for regional connectivity, health and security projects.

Education: Six schools funded by a US$30 million Chinese grant are on track for completion by December, Education Minister Octavia Alfred says. Furniture is expected to arrive next month, and local workers and suppliers have been involved. Sport: Boxer Daniel Ali Shillingford is competing in Mexico’s Panamerican Elite Championships, a first chance to qualify for the 2027 Pan American Games. Voter Registration: The confirmation period closed with 36,861 applications, including 3,717 new registrations. Continuous registration has resumed at offices in all 21 constituencies. Health: The government will pay 16 Dominica-China Friendship Hospital doctors directly through the Health Ministry after a salary dispute prompted protests. Culture and Heritage: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl runs October 19–22, with more than 90 entrepreneurs expected. In Roseau, a grant will support restoration of a wooden ti kai dating to at least the 1850s, with plans for a museum, café and community space.

Voter Registration: More than 36,800 people applied for confirmation or registration before Dominica’s confirmation period closed on October 14. Continuous registration resumed Friday at offices across all 21 constituencies. Health Services: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says 16 Dominica-China Friendship Hospital doctors have received their outstanding September salaries after a protest. The Health Ministry will handle their pay directly to prevent further delays. Sport: Boxer Daniel Ali Shillingford and coach McNeil Jules are representing Dominica at the Panamerican Elite Championships in Mexico, which run through October 25. Tourism and Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is set for October 19–22, with officials dismissing cancellation rumours. Discover Dominica Authority will also honour tourism workers at its November 29 service awards. Energy: The Independent Regulatory Commission projects electricity bills could fall by 9–17 per cent as geothermal power reduces diesel use; a new tariff starts November 1.

Creole Festival: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl will run October 19–22, with officials dismissing cancellation rumours and saying more than 90 entrepreneurs will take part. Voter Registration: The confirmation period has ended, with 36,861 people applying; continuous registration resumes today at offices across Dominica’s 21 constituencies. Doctors’ Pay: The 16 Dominica-China Friendship Hospital doctors whose September salaries were delayed have been paid, and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has established a committee to address doctors’ concerns. Electricity: The regulator says bills could fall by 9–17% when a new tariff takes effect November 1, though actual savings will depend on usage and rate category. Roseau Heritage: A historic wooden ti kai dating to at least the 1850s will be restored as a cultural and community hub, with a museum, café and bookshop planned. Tourism: Dominica placed 11th among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Voter Registration: Dominica’s confirmation exercise closed with 36,861 applications, including 3,717 new registrations. Continuous registration resumes Friday, October 16, at constituency offices. Doctors’ Pay: The government says 16 Dominica-China Friendship Hospital doctors have received their outstanding September salaries. From October, the Ministry of Health will pay them directly, while a committee reviews wider concerns. US-Caribbean Dialogue: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit joined regional leaders in Washington to discuss security, energy, trade, investment and disaster preparedness. Electricity Costs: The regulator projects bills could fall 9–17 per cent as geothermal power reduces fuel use; a new tariff takes effect November 1. Roseau Heritage: SHAPE secured a Caribbean Culture Fund grant to restore a wooden ti kai dating to at least the 1850s, creating a cultural and community hub. Tourism: Dominica placed 11th among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 readers’ awards. Citizenship by Investment: Dominica ranked second globally in the 2026 CBI Index, three points behind St. Kitts and Nevis.

Doctors’ Pay: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says 16 Dominica-China Friendship Hospital doctors have received their September salaries after a protest. The Ministry of Health will pay them directly from October, and a new committee will track doctors’ concerns. Voter Confirmation: More than 36,800 electors applied for confirmation and registration before the process closed on Wednesday, Chief Elections Officer Anthia Joseph says. Electricity Costs: Customers could see bills fall by 9–17 per cent as geothermal power helps reduce generation costs, the Independent Regulatory Commission says. A new tariff takes effect November 1, with the regulator monitoring bills and DOMLEC’s performance. Tourism: Dominica’s cruise season is underway, with nearly 270 ship calls and more than 475,000 visitors projected. Agriculture: A 20-week farmers’ field school has launched to give young people hands-on training and support a more resilient agricultural sector.

Doctors’ Pay: The government says 16 Dominica China Friendship Hospital doctors have been paid after their protest over delayed salaries. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has also set up a committee to report weekly on workplace concerns and seek to prevent further disputes. Voter Confirmation: Dominica’s voter confirmation process reaches its deadline today, with election officials urging eligible voters to verify their information. Citizenship by Investment: Dominica ranks second in the 2026 CBI Index, scoring 75 points—three behind St. Kitts and Nevis and two more than last year. Health Policy: Consultations are under way on modernising Dominica’s Mental Health Act to better protect patients’ rights. Psychiatrist Nadia Wallace has also urged the country to consider raising the legal age for alcohol and cannabis use. Electricity: The regulator says it will track DOMLEC’s bills and performance after new tariffs take effect on November 1, while the utility develops AI-assisted customer service and faster meter updates.

Voter Confirmation: Dominica’s voter confirmation process ends today, with Chief Elections Officer Anthia Joseph urging eligible voters to verify their details before the deadline. Doctors’ Pay and Conditions: A protest at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital ended in an agreement, with officials saying outstanding pay should be issued within 24 hours. Concerns over short-term contracts and other employment issues are set for further discussion. Electricity: The IRC will track customer bills and DOMLEC’s performance after new rates take effect November 1, while the utility says renewables supplied more than 80% of electricity from July to September. Health Services: The Esprit-Murphy Health and Wellness Centre in Mahaut reopens Thursday, though extended hours remain suspended. Food Security: On World Food Day, the Agriculture Ministry highlighted local production and initiatives supporting farmers with seedlings and smart-farming tools. Mental Health: Psychiatrist Dr Nadia Wallace is urging Dominica and other Caribbean countries to consider raising the legal age for alcohol and cannabis use. Arts and Culture: New exhibitions at Fort Young and Secret Bay showcase Dominican artists’ work on nature, water and diversity.

Doctors’ Dispute: Doctors and other hospital staff protested over delayed and unpaid salaries and short-term contracts; the Dominica Hospitals Authority, union and doctors later reached an agreement, though details were not announced. Power Outage: A tree near DOMLEC’s Fond Cole power station triggered an islandwide outage on Tuesday, with crews working to restore service. Utility Upgrade: DOMLEC is developing an AI-assisted customer system and electronic meter reporting to speed up service. Business: DAIC appointed Tahera Musgrave-Robinson as president after three board members, including the former president, resigned; the association says operations will continue uninterrupted. Healthcare Policy: Dominica is preparing a new Mental Health Act and policy, while psychiatrist Nadia Wallace has urged a review of the legal age for alcohol and marijuana use. Sport: Kalinago Warriors won the DFA Division One Tier 2 title with a perfect nine-win season and will move up to Tier 1 alongside Marigot United.

Energy: DOMLEC says renewables supplied more than 80% of Dominica’s electricity from July to September, as geothermal and hydro power reduce reliance on imported fuel. National Identity: Flag Day launched National Emblems Week, celebrating the flag as a symbol of unity and heritage ahead of the country’s 48th Independence anniversary. Health: A new Mental Health Act and policy are being prepared, while psychiatrist Nadia Wallace urged a review of legal ages for alcohol and marijuana use. Tourism: Dominica earned 11 recognitions in Scuba Diving magazine’s 2027 awards, including a Caribbean top-five ranking for marine environmental health. Public Safety: Police issued a Pink Alert for missing 14-year-old Kenan Peters of Eggleston and are asking anyone with information to call 1-800-4357. Sport: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson received an honorary UWI Doctor of Laws degree; Dominica’s Ajani Casimir placed eighth in the under-23 race at the Caribbean Cycling Championships.

Missing Child: Police have issued a Pink Alert for 14-year-old Kenan Peters of Eggleston, last seen in Tarish Pit on October 10. Anyone with information is urged to call 1-800-4357. Mental Health: A new Mental Health Act and policy are in development, consultant psychiatrist Dr Nadia Wallace announced during World Mental Health activities. Tourism: Dominica earned 11 recognitions in Scuba Diving magazine’s 2027 awards, including a Caribbean and Atlantic Top 5 ranking for marine environment health. Sport: Windsor Park is set to host six West Indies Women matches against Pakistan in December, bringing international cricket back to Dominica. Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson also received an honorary UWI Doctor of Laws degree. Voting Rights: The Dominica Business Forum is calling for a three-month extension to voter confirmation, warning that thousands of eligible voters could be left unconfirmed before the October 14 deadline. Agriculture: A 20-week field school has begun for 15 young farmers, offering practical training in sustainable production and agricultural entrepreneurship.

National Honour: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson received an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI, recognising her sporting achievements and contribution to Caribbean pride. Cricket: Windsor Park is set to host six international matches when West Indies Women meet Pakistan in an ODI and T20 series starting December 8. Agriculture: A 20-week Farmer Field School has begun for 15 young people, offering practical training in sustainable farming and agribusiness. Voter Confirmation: With the October 14 deadline approaching, the Dominica Business Forum is calling for a three-month extension; it says only 25,126 voters had been confirmed by September 30, leaving tens of thousands unconfirmed. Tourism: Dominica’s cruise season opened with 267 ship calls and 475,521 passengers projected, as officials urge businesses to turn arrivals into local income. Culture: National Emblems Week activities are promoting the meaning of Dominica’s flag, while Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl returns to the Botanic Gardens October 19–22 with more than 90 entrepreneurs.

Voter Confirmation: With the October 14 deadline approaching, the Dominica Business Forum is urging a three-month extension, citing delays and barriers that could leave eligible voters unconfirmed. The Forum says 25,126 people had been confirmed by September 30; opposition voices have also raised concerns about documentation and access to centres. Tourism: Dominica has opened its 2026–27 cruise season, projecting 267 ship calls and more than 475,000 passengers as it pursues one million annual visitors. Officials are urging businesses to turn arrivals into local income. Culture and Food: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl returns to the Botanic Gardens October 19–22, with more than 90 entrepreneurs and a focus on the blue economy. World Food Day activities run through October 16, highlighting innovation and resilient food systems. National Pride: Olympic champion Thea LaFond has received an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI, sharing how setbacks shaped her journey to Dominica’s first Olympic medal.

Tourism: Kids Sea Camp has announced three family diving and eco-adventure trips to Dominica in March 2027, combining guided dives, youth training, whale watching and rainforest excursions. The 2026/27 cruise season has also opened, with 267 ship calls and about 475,500 passengers projected; officials are targeting one million cruise visitors a year and urging businesses to capture more of the spending. Voting Rights: With voter confirmation due to end October 14, opposition groups and the Dominica Business Forum are seeking a three-month extension, citing documentation hurdles, access to centres and registry paper shortages. The forum says only 25,126 of more than 73,000 listed voters had been confirmed by September 30. Cost of Living: New electricity tariff rates are set to take effect November 1. Culture and Sport: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson has received an honorary UWI doctorate. Women in Dominica are also invited to submit creative work to a Commonwealth-wide call ahead of the November summit in Antigua. Agriculture: World Food Day activities are underway through October 16, with a focus on innovation, youth and more resilient food systems.

Voter Confirmation: With the October 14 deadline approaching, the Dominica Business Forum says only 25,126 voters had been confirmed by September 30, leaving about 47,527 unconfirmed. It is calling for a three-month extension to protect voting rights. Regional Trade: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can supply its own paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen before trade ministers decide on future tariffs. National Recognition: Olympic gold medallist Thea LaFond-Gadson has received an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI for her contribution to sport. Food and Agriculture: Dominica’s World Food Day activities run through October 16 under the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” with a focus on youth, innovation and resilient food systems. Tourism: The cruise season has opened, with 267 ship calls and 475,521 passengers projected as Dominica pursues its goal of one million annual visitors. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts 3% growth for Dominica in 2026, while noting tourism-dependent economies face high energy and transport costs.

Voter Confirmation: The Dominica Business Forum is urging a three-month extension to the October 14 deadline, saying only 25,126 voters had been confirmed by September 30 and many face documentation and access hurdles. Weather: A trough is bringing cloudy skies, scattered showers and possible thunderstorms through Sunday; residents in areas prone to flooding and landslides should take care. National Recognition: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson has received an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI for her contribution to sport. Food and Farming: A week of World Food Day activities began Saturday, highlighting innovation, youth and sustainable agriculture ahead of the October 16 observance. Tourism: Dominica’s cruise season has opened, with 267 ship calls and about 475,500 passengers projected; officials are targeting one million annual visitors. Festival Preparations: Organisers are moving into final production and safety planning for the World Creole Music Festival, set for October 23–25.