Electoral Office Update: Dominica’s Electoral Commission says it’s stepping up voter confirmation efforts, with 20,455 confirmation applications approved and 22,245 received as the Oct. 14 deadline nears. Election Rules: The Commission also clarified that the candidate deposit is now EC$1,000 (up from EC$500) after an outdated form caused confusion. Politics: DLP Roseau North candidate Ashma McDougall has completed nomination and says she’s taking the responsibility seriously. Public Health: A consultant gynaecologist reports cervical cancer cases are declining, while warning breast cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people. Health Policy Debate: Another doctor is calling for higher maternity leave to help address declining birth rates. Tourism & Culture: Dominica’s cable car project is set to feature a giant Sisserou Parrot statue, planned to be the world’s tallest and biggest. Sports: Cayman’s men’s team confirmed Nations League fixtures, starting Sept. 24 in Roseau against Dominica. Cruise News: Disney Cruise Line revealed Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 itineraries, including a return to New York City and more Caribbean sailings.
AGP Executive Report
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Jerbiah Paul Case: Police remanded officer Rennick Stephens and Nyoka James in custody over charges of perverting the course of justice tied to the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, with court dates set for later this year as investigators await phone analysis and other findings. Roseau North Politics: Ashma McDougall has officially filed her nomination as the DLP candidate for the Roseau North by-election, saying she feels a heavy responsibility to serve residents. Electoral Office Update: With the voter reconfirmation deadline approaching, the Electoral Office reports a surge in confirmations—20,455 approved and 22,245 received as of Aug. 19—urging electors to verify details by Oct. 14. Cable Car Landmark: Dominica plans a 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot statue at the cable car top station, aiming to make it the world’s tallest and largest parrot sculpture and a major tourism draw. Public Safety & Policy: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says firearm licence fees will be reviewed, after concerns over a planned increase in the 2026-2027 budget. Regional Health: CARPHA and CAOH have signed a five-year partnership to strengthen cancer prevention, treatment and control across the Caribbean, including training and access to quality-assured medicines.
Visa Court Win for the Caribbean: A US federal judge has struck down a Trump-era immigrant visa freeze affecting 75 countries, including Dominica and other Caribbean states, saying the nationality-based policy exceeded authority; the ruling restores case-by-case processing, though other refusal rules can still apply. Canefield Crash Updates: Police report a fatal two-pickup collision beneath Canefield Cliff, with 56-year-old Jean Zacharie Honore dying after both drivers were taken to hospital; traffic congestion was reported as investigations continue. Jerbiah Paul Case: Investigators have arrested a third police officer and charged a Marigot woman, Nyoka James, with perverting the course of justice in the ongoing probe into the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul; murder charges already involve two officers, with an autopsy report awaited. Water Sector Consultation: DOWASCO will hold a Salisbury community consultation on Aug. 26 at Bruno’s Hall to discuss progress on the Water Sector Strategic Development project. Electoral Office Reminder: Chief Elections Officer Anthea Joseph urges voters to take the reconfirmation exercise seriously, aimed at cleaning up the voters’ list and removing duplicates, running to Oct. 14. Cable Car Landmark: Dominica’s Sisserou Parrot statue at the top station is set to become the world’s tallest parrot statue once the cable car project is completed. Girls Leadership Camp: Educator Beverly LeBlanc praised a Girls Leadership Summer Camp for creating a safe space, building confidence, and strengthening digital citizenship and parent engagement.
Electoral Reform: The Electoral Office is urging voters to take the reconfirmation exercise seriously, saying it helps verify registration details and remove duplicates, with the process set to run until Oct 14; Election Rules Clarified: Chief Elections Officer Anthea Joseph also clarified that the Office can’t investigate claims or objections after the writ is issued until after polling day; Jerbiah Paul Case: Police say a third officer has been arrested as the investigation into the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul continues, with two other officers already charged with murder and remanded; More Charges: A Marigot woman has been charged with perverting the course of justice, separate from the murder allegations; Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Dominica is strengthening sustainable farming through an integrated soil conservation and fertility improvement project supported by German Development Cooperation; Travel & Visas: Canada is tightening document accuracy and identity checks for Dominicans and other Caribbean nationals applying for visas; US Immigration Court Ruling: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa freeze for 75 countries, including Dominica, though other restrictions may still apply; Tourism & Connectivity: Contour Airlines says it will launch flights between Trinidad and Dominica on Oct 5, adding new one-stop connections for travellers.
Citizenship by Investment shake-up: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says “CBI as we know it is dead,” warning Caribbean governments to diversify as EU deadlines and foreign pressure intensify. Jerbiah Paul investigation: A Marigot woman, Nyoka James, has been charged with perverting the course of justice, as police continue probing the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul; authorities also confirmed a separate arrest of another police officer. Local crime and courts: Police identified a body recovered from Calibishie Bay as 57-year-old Aaron Lewis; in court, a Mahaut woman was fined $37,000 in the Woodbridge Bay ammunition case, while a port officer was granted $40,000 bail in a cannabis possession matter. Tourism and travel: Contour Airlines will launch flights between Trinidad and Dominica on October 5, offering onward connections to San Juan and St. Thomas. Cruise development: Government says construction of a new Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay is set to begin in October, funded by foreign direct investment. Culture: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct. 23–25 at Windsor Park, with NE-YO among major international acts. Elections: The Electoral Office posted updated electors list links for voters to check.
US Immigration Ruling: A Manhattan federal judge struck down a Trump administration policy that would have suspended immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Dominica, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority. Tourism Push: The Discover Dominica Authority is promoting Dominica’s festivals and “Nature Island” experience in St. Kitts and Nevis this week, ahead of the World Creole Music Festival set for Oct. 23–25. Elections Update: The Electoral Office published access to the List of Electors via QR codes and online links, including the Adopted Revised List 2025 and revised supplementary and confirmation lists. Port & Court News: A Loubiere port officer was granted EC$40,000 bail on cannabis possession charges, while a Mahaut woman was fined $37,000 in the Woodbridge Bay ammunition case. Community & Safety: Police identified a 57-year-old man found dead in Calibishie Bay and said the cause of death is still under investigation. Major Tourism Development: Government says construction for a new Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay is expected to begin in October, funded through foreign direct investment and aimed at boosting local vendors and artisans. WCMF Lineup: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival confirmed major international names including NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles and Capleton, with local acts also featured.
US Immigration Ruling: A US judge in Manhattan struck down Trump’s immigrant visa freeze affecting 75 countries, including Dominica, calling the policy “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority—clearing a path for applicants whose cases were stalled. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica is promoting the island’s “Nature Island” experience and festivals in St. Kitts and Nevis this week, spotlighting the World Creole Music Festival (Oct. 23–25) and Mas Domnik (Feb. 8–9, 2027). WCMF Lineup: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns to Windsor Park Oct. 23–25 with big names like NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles and Capleton, plus local acts. Crime Update: Police investigations continue into the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, with an adult woman from Marigot arrested for allegedly attempting to pervert the course of justice; two police officers remain charged. Port Court Cases: A Mahaut woman was fined $37,000 in the Woodbridge Bay ammunition case, while a Loubiere port officer was granted $40,000 bail on cannabis possession charges. Elections Office: The Electoral Office says there were no duplicate voter registrations in Roseau North after a review, ahead of the Sept. 7 by-election.
Cruise & Tourism: Dominica is set to break ground in October on a new Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay, backed by foreign direct investment and a public-private partnership, with plans to expand the Roseau cruise pier and create direct opportunities for local vendors, farmers, fishers, artisans, musicians and tour operators. Music & Culture: The World Creole Music Festival returns to Windsor Park Sports Stadium Oct. 23–25, with NE-Yo, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy among the international lineup, plus major local acts. Regional Promotion: The Discover Dominica Authority is pushing WCMF and Mas Domnik in St. Kitts and Nevis this week through pop-ups, media interviews and travel-advisor events. Elections Watch: The Electoral Office says it found no duplicate voters in Roseau North after review; nomination day is Aug. 21 for the Sept. 7 by-election, and candidates now face a higher election deposit of EC$1,000 under new laws. Public Safety & Justice: Police investigations continue in the Jerbiah Paul case, including an autopsy on recovered remains and additional arrests tied to the probe. Health: A consultant says cervical cancer cases are declining, crediting government health interventions, while warning of rising other women’s health conditions. Youth & Education: The National Bank of Dominica launches a Bright Future scholarship for 10 secondary-school students, and the DAA opens applications for its 2026 Athletic Legacy Scholarship. US Immigration Court Ruling: A New York judge struck down a Trump administration immigrant visa freeze affecting 75 countries, including Dominica, calling it unlawful.
Women & Culture: “Women of Dominica,” a debut documentary by Farrah La Ronde-Hutchison, will have its first public screening at Miami’s 2026 Urban Film Festival on Sept. 5, spotlighting 10 Dominican women and how land, mentorship and heritage shape identity. Education & Youth: The National Bank of Dominica launched its “Bright Future Scholarship Award,” supporting 10 students transitioning to secondary school. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority is promoting Dominica in St. Kitts and Nevis Aug. 21–26, with pop-ups, radio/TV interviews and WCMF ticket giveaways. Health: Dominica has seen a decline in cervical cancer cases, credited to government health interventions, though other women’s health issues are rising. Elections: The Electoral Office says no duplicate voters were found in Roseau North after review; nomination day is Aug. 21 for the Sept. 7 by-election. Crime Update: An autopsy was completed on remains recovered in Capuchin in the Jerbiah Paul case; DNA testing is set to confirm identity, while police await the pathologist’s report. Regional Business: A CDB-backed digital transformation initiative will support at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with focus on women-led and underserved firms.
Electoral Office Update: The Electoral Office says it found no duplicate voter registrations in Roseau North after reviewing a complaint, clarifying that repeated names on the list belong to different people; By-election Countdown: Nomination Day is Friday, August 21, with voters set for September 7 and three candidates listed—UWP’s Daniel Lugay, DLP’s Ashma McDougal and Independent Sherman Boston; Crime Investigation: Police arrested a Marigot woman on suspicion of “Attempting to Pervert the Course of Justice” in the murder probe of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, whose remains were found in Capuchin on August 12; Court Case: A Portsmouth Bombers tribute match for Jerbiah Paul is set for Sunday at Benjamin Park, while two officers—Jean-Luc Langlais and Joshua Hamlet—remain charged and remanded; Drug Charge: A port officer, Alistair Bert Riviere-Alfred, was charged with two counts of cannabis possession after an alleged discovery at Woodbridge Bay Port and another quantity at his residence; Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority begins a St. Kitts and Nevis promotion drive August 21–26 to spotlight WCMF (Oct 23–25) and Mas Domnik (Feb 8–9); Health: Dominica reports a decline in cervical cancer cases, credited to government health interventions.
Elections & Voting: The Electoral Office has started producing new voter ID cards in Roseau, with the cards valid for 10 years, as rollout expands beyond Roseau North. Elections & Polls: Candidates contesting Dominica’s general elections now must pay a $1,000 deposit, up from $500, under new election laws. By-election Watch: Roseau North nomination day is set for Friday, with candidates submitting nominations at the Alpha Centre from 9 a.m. Health: Dominica reports a significant decline in cervical cancer cases, credited to government health interventions, though doctors warn other women’s health conditions are rising. Tourism & Culture: The Discover Dominica Authority is taking festival promotion to St. Kitts and Nevis, spotlighting WCMF (Oct 23–25) and Mas Domnik. Music Festival: WCMF 2026’s three-night lineup at Windsor Park includes NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy, plus major local acts. Education Reform: Dominica will launch the four-year WISTLE education reform project on Aug. 21, aiming to modernise lower-secondary learning with a technology-supported, more inclusive curriculum. Business & Youth: Prime Minister Skerrit is pushing digital transformation in education, while ACSOM says it has surged enrollment since 2023 and is expanding medical education partnerships.
Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica is steadily moving toward a $1 billion tourism target, citing about EC$405 million in revenue for 2024–2025 and pointing to the international airport and marina as key boosts. Education Overhaul: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is calling for a digital transformation of Dominica’s education system, arguing students shouldn’t have to carry heavy loads of books when learning resources could be accessed electronically. WISTLE Education Reform: Dominica is set to launch the four-year WISTLE project on Aug. 21, using technology-supported lower-secondary curriculum changes to better match student needs and the wider economy. Business Financing: Skerrit also urged small businesses to prepare for a new $19 million loan facility coming into effect in December via AID Bank. Health Policy: Cabinet has approved a new non-communicable diseases (NCD) policy and action plan to guide health programmes islandwide. Infrastructure & Services: DOWASCO announced a planned water interruption in Loubière, Fond Baron and Pte Michel on Aug. 20 for pipeline relocation, while DOMLEC apologized for recent outages and DOWASCO issued multiple service interruption updates. Crime Update: A second police officer, Joshua Hamlet, has been charged with the murder of teen Jerbiah Paul, with a preliminary inquiry set for Oct. 2. Sports & Culture: DABA playoff finals begin tonight at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex, and Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct. 23–25 with major international acts.
Education Reform: Dominica will roll out the four-year WISTLE Education Reform Project on Friday, August 21, aiming to modernise lower-secondary learning with a more inclusive, technology-supported curriculum across Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Youth & Health: The REACH project has launched a webinar series on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, with sessions covering mental health, nutrition, healthy eating and parent-teen communication. Business & Finance: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged small businesses to prepare for a $19 million loan facility coming into effect in December via AID Bank. Cybersecurity: The UWI is investigating a report of possible ransomware activity, saying there’s no confirmed breach but incident response steps are underway. Tourism Infrastructure: Work continues on Dominica’s cable car project, with tower assembly and landscaping progressing and a late-2026 completion target. Sports: DABA playoff finals begin tonight at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex, while Kaela George has been selected for a Cricket West Indies high-performance camp. Crime/Court: Police officer Joshua Hamlet has been charged with the murder of teen Jerbiah Paul, the second officer facing murder charges in the case. Utilities: DOWASCO scheduled a water interruption in Loubiere, Fond Baron and Pte Michel on Thursday, August 20, and DOMLEC has been apologising for recent outage disruptions.
Murder Case in Court: Police officer Joshua Hamlet was formally charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul and remanded to prison until Oct. 2, making him the second officer charged in the case after former officer Jean-Luc Langlais was also charged and dismissed from the force. Public Health Policy: Cabinet has approved a new Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Policy and Action Plan to guide health programmes islandwide, with a Caribbean Wellness Day planning meeting set for tomorrow. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica is on track for a $1B tourism industry, while the cable car project continues advancing—tower assembly, bottom-station finishing works, and major progress at the top station—with a late-2026 completion target. Agriculture Labour Plan: The Agriculture Minister says a new policy is integrating 100+ migrant farmers to ease farm labour shortages. Elections Watch: The Dominica Business Forum is urging a stronger push for voter confirmation ahead of Oct. 15, citing low participation so far. Power and Water Updates: DOMLEC apologized for prolonged outages linked to plant disconnections and weather-related damage, and DOWASCO issued apologies for interruptions and low water pressure in several communities. Youth and Education: REACH launched a webinar series on adolescent health and wellbeing, and the local CXC registrar reports encouraging 2026 results with online access. Crime Probe: A port officer was reportedly arrested on suspicion of cannabis importation. Sports: DABA playoff finals tip off tonight at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex. Culture: Dominican writer Zephrine Royer was shortlisted for the 2026 BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Award for her story “River Mouth.”
Murder Case in Court: Police officer Joshua Hamlet was remanded to prison until October 2 after being charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, whose body was found in Capuchin; he becomes the second officer charged, following former officer Jean-Luc Langlais. Power and Water Disruptions: DOMLEC apologized for widespread outages between Aug. 14–15 and said it’s reviewing how it communicates during long blackouts; the utility also apologized to Soufriere, Scotts Head and Gallion for a pump malfunction, and to several other areas for low water pressure after a treatment-plant turbidity shutdown. Health Policy: Cabinet approved a new Non-Communicable Diseases policy and action plan to guide health programmes, with a Caribbean Wellness Day planning meeting set for tomorrow. Education Results: Dominica’s CXC registrar reports encouraging 2026 exam results, with grades available via the online student portal. Local Economy and Culture: DABA’s 2026 playoff finals tip off tonight at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex; DBS Radio has partnered with NDFD’s “Creole in the Streets” expo; and Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival lineup was announced for Oct. 23–25. Security and Crime: A port officer is allegedly arrested on suspicion of cannabis importation. Business and Politics: The Dominica Business Forum is urging higher public participation in the voter confirmation process ahead of the Oct. 15 deadline.
Murder Case Update: Two Dominica police officers have now been charged in the Jerbiah Paul case, with Joshua Hamlet remanded to prison until October 2 after appearing in court; police say the investigation is ongoing and include an alleged attempt to hide the death using fake social media accounts. Public Safety & Accountability: The Dominica Police Force also signalled possible disciplinary action, including dismissals and terminations, in the coming days, amid concerns around the investigation. Voter Confirmation Push: The Dominica Business Forum is urging wider public participation in the voter confirmation process, saying only about 27% of the electoral register has been confirmed so far, and calling for a public discussion on September 15. Local Governance: Environment Minister Cozier Frederick questioned Kalinago Council leadership after another by-election was announced during its mandate. Infrastructure & Community: Construction continues on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal, while Soufriere families celebrate a new preschool facility and work is underway to improve security at the Botanical Gardens. Culture & Sports: The World Creole Music Festival lineup was announced for Oct. 23–25, and Dominica’s Calypso Association will hold its AGM Aug. 22; in football, Antigua and Barbuda beat Dominica 2-1 in the CFU U-14 Challenge Series.
Murder Case Update: A second police officer, Joshua Hamlet, was charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul and remanded to prison pending a preliminary inquiry on October 2, as investigators continue to press the case that has already seen another officer charged and dismissed. Community Safety & Accountability: Circle of Friends is calling for a stronger, coordinated child protection network after Jerbiah’s death, urging organisations to review whether children feel safe reporting threats and whether services reach the most vulnerable. Infrastructure & Travel: Construction on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal is progressing, with crews working on steelwork, masonry, roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing and lightning protection. Culture & Tourism: The World Creole Music Festival returns October 23–25 at Windsor Park, with major regional and international acts including Machel Montano, Tabou Combo, Skillibeng, Alkaline, Uncle Waffles and Ne-Yo. Local Business Boost: The NDFD “Creole in the Streets” expo (10th edition) officially launched, with registration now open for small business owners. Sports: Dominica’s men won bronze at the ECVA Championships after a five-set thriller against Bermuda, while the women finished fifth after a playoff win over Anguilla. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring showers to Dominica and nearby islands, with seas elevated and mariners advised to monitor conditions.
Child Protection Push: Circle of Friends is calling for a stronger, coordinated child-protection network after the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, urging agencies to review whether children feel safe reporting abuse or exploitation and whether services reach the most vulnerable. Police Disciplinary Moves: Acting Police Chief Lincoln Corbette says the force expects disciplinary action, including possible dismissals and terminations, against some officers in the coming days, with suspicions they may be linked to the Jerbiah Paul investigation. Weather Watch: Dominica’s Met Office says a new tropical wave will bring showers and gusty winds, with seas rough to very rough and a small craft advisory in place; residents are urged to secure loose items and avoid beaches and breaking waves. ECVA Volleyball: Bermuda’s women won gold at the ECVA Championships, while Bermuda’s men finished fourth; in Dominica’s orbit, the tournament continues with medal matches. Regional Child Policy: The OECS has launched a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, aiming for every child to feel safe, supported and empowered by 2032. CXC Results Date: Dominica’s education ministry says preliminary CXC 2026 results will be released online Tuesday, August 18 at 12:00 p.m. Atlantic time.
Police & Justice: Dominica Police say disciplinary action, including possible dismissals and terminations, could follow in the coming days, with officers suspected to be linked to the Jerbiah Paul investigation; meanwhile, Police Chief Lincoln Corbette says an Amber Alert system isn’t needed here because existing missing-person notifications can reach the public quickly. Missing Teen Case: A police officer has been charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, and the case has also prompted renewed calls for stronger parental responsibility. Public Safety Weather: The Dominica Meteorological Office reports a high-pressure rebuild with some showers and Saharan dust, but also warns of a new tropical wave arriving Monday/Tuesday that could bring showers and rough seas; earlier advisories included strong winds and rough surf, with small craft warnings and beach closures. Education: The Ministry of Education says preliminary CXC 2026 results will be released online Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 12:00 p.m. Sports: Bermuda’s women won ECVA gold in Tortola, and Dominica’s volleyball teams advanced to medal matches. Regional Policy: OECS unveiled a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032 with UNICEF support.
Police & Justice: Acting Chief of Police Lincoln Corbette says disciplinary action, including possible dismissals and terminations, is expected against some officers in the coming days, with suspicion they were linked to the Jerbiah Paul investigation. Murder Charge: Police Constable Jean-Luc Rudy Langlais of Portsmouth was formally charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, whose death has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for accountability. Weather: Dominica is under a Small Craft Advisory after a high-pressure system rebuild; seas are expected to be rough (waves up to about 5 ft west and 8 ft east) and a tropical wave is set to begin affecting the southern Lesser Antilles on Monday. Public Safety: Police Chief Lincoln Corbette says Dominica does not need an Amber Alert system, saying existing missing-person notification channels can reach the public quickly. Family Law: Minister Rayburn Blackmore says Dominica has strengthened its domestic and child protection framework through a package of family legislation passed in 2023. Education: Preliminary CXC 2026 results are set to be released online on August 18 at 12:00 p.m. Atlantic. OECS/Children: OECS launched a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, aiming to protect and empower children across the sub-region. Sports: Dominica’s men’s national football team has appointed Kurt Hurd as head coach on a two-year contract.
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