AGP Executive Report

Murder Charge in Jerbiah Paul Case: Dominica police have confirmed the body of 16-year-old Jerbiah (Jerbiah/Jerbiah) Paul was found in Capuchin and say a serving police officer, Jean Luc-Rudy Langlais (formerly with the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force), has been charged with her murder; the officer has been dismissed and remanded as investigators continue, with authorities urging the public to avoid speculation. Minister’s Statement: Social Services Minister of State Dr. Cassandra Williams addressed the nation, extending condolences and stressing that violence and exploitation against girls and young women must never be normalized. Court Update—Quebec Couple Convictions: A special prosecutor says an international investigation helped secure convictions in Dominica for the murders of Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and partner Dominique Marchand, citing dozens of witnesses and forensic work including ballistics, DNA and phone records, with sentencing expected in September. Climate-Resilient Schools: Atkinson Primary School in the Kalinago Territory received upgrades under an OECS disaster-resilient schools project, including drainage works, protective doors, and emergency communications and backup power. Roseau North By-Election Prep: The Electoral Office clarified voter ID rules for the September 7 by-election, saying voters without the new card can still vote using approved alternative ID at the polling station. Local Economy & Food Security: The Agriculture Ministry highlighted early results from its Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme, with one Giraudel farmer harvesting over 250 pounds of seasoning pepper.

Murder Case Update: Dominican police say the body of missing 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul was found in Capuchin, with DNA testing needed because the remains were badly decomposed; officials also said a police officer was believed to be the last person seen with her, and authorities warned the public against speculation while the investigation continues. Roseau North By-Election: The Electoral Office clarified that voters without the new Voter ID card won’t be turned away, but must show approved alternative ID at polling stations as card distribution expands ahead of the September 7 vote. Election Integrity Claims: UWP candidate Danny Lugay alleged irregularities on the Roseau North voters’ list, including duplicate entries and people registered at addresses they don’t live in. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is affecting the region with showers and isolated thunderstorms, plus stronger winds and Saharan dust that could worsen air quality and visibility. Agriculture: A Giraudel farmer says he has harvested over 250 pounds of seasoning pepper under the Ministry’s Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme. Finance & Education: NCCU rolled out new steps to improve loan repayment and encouraged scholarship recipients to make the most of their secondary education support. Culture & Community: Dominica marked the 10th anniversary of the Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete in Grand Bay, while an Adult Education book donation drive runs through September 10.

Roseau North By-Election: The Electoral Office says voters won’t be turned away just because they don’t yet have the new Voter ID card, but those without it must show approved alternative ID at polling stations as card distribution ramps up for the Sept. 7 contest. Weather Watch: A tropical wave continues bringing showers and isolated thunderstorms, with rising winds and Saharan dust that could worsen air quality and visibility; mariners are urged to take precautions. Missing Teen Tragedy: Police confirm the body found in Capuchin is that of missing 16-year-old Jerbia Paul, but DNA testing is needed for identification; a press conference is set for Thursday. Youth & Learning: Adult Education launches a book donation drive running Aug. 10–Sept. 10, while youth advocates mark International Youth Day with renewed calls for meaningful AI standards and participation. Politics & Justice: The PNP hits back at Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson over Jamaica’s CCJ stance, arguing access to justice must be meaningful for all Jamaicans. CBI Scrutiny: Businessman Gregor Nassief renews calls for a formal inquiry into Dominica’s CBI program, alleging widespread illegal discounting.

Visa Policy: The U.S. has made its visa bond program permanent, meaning consular officers can require certain B-1/B-2 applicants to post a financial bond; Dominica is among the four Caribbean countries currently affected. Education Support: ECAAM expanded its Summer Intensive Academic Support Programme, growing from two learners in year one to five this year, with individualized plans that also target social-emotional and independence skills. Scholarships: NCCU celebrated 19 scholarship recipients in Roseau, backing secondary students with help for books, uniforms, transport, and school fees. Tourism Push: Dominica’s Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad for its annual destination sales mission, timed with new direct flights from Oct. 5 and promotion for the World Creole Music Festival and Carnival. Sports Milestone: Team Dominica made history at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, winning the island’s first-ever U20 medal (bronze in javelin) and advancing in the women’s 100m. Politics & Services: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor renewed calls for better Salisbury farm roads and warned about declining CBI revenue; she also highlighted garbage collection problems. Creative Sector: PM Skerrit says a dedicated minister will oversee Dominica’s creative industry under a new creative economy development agency. UK Rules: Dominicans are listed as exempt from providing a separate English test for UK settlement/citizenship applications in 2026.

Tourism Push: Dominica’s Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad for its annual destination sales mission (Aug 12–18), with mall activations, media interviews and B2B meetings, and it will also promote the World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25) and Carnival (Feb 8–9), ahead of new Contour direct flights from Oct 5. Sports Glory: Team Dominica made history at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, winning the island’s first-ever medal—Addison James took bronze in the javelin, while Kerelle Etienne reached the women’s 100m semi-finals. Local Football: Mahaut Soca Strikers edged South East FC 3–2 in a five-goal DFA Premier League thriller, with Jahmo Talbert named Man of the Match. Indigenous Recognition: Minister for Kalinago Upliftment Cozier Frederick marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, spotlighting Kalinago resilience and the UN theme honouring Indigenous midwives. Politics & Elections: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor was unanimously selected as the UWP candidate for the Roseau North by-election set for Sept 7, with nomination day Aug 21. CBI Scrutiny: Businessman Gregor Nassief renewed calls for a formal commission of inquiry into Dominica’s Citizenship-by-Investment programme, alleging widespread illegal discounting. Weather Watch: Forecasters are monitoring a tropical wave that could develop into Storm Cristobal later this week, with uncertainty over whether it tracks near the eastern Caribbean or turns north.

Tourism & Economy: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says Dominica recorded an 18% jump in visitor arrivals to 527,728 last fiscal year, with stayover arrivals hitting 102,659 and cruise arrivals rising 20%. Creative Sector: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a minister specifically to oversee the creative industry under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA). Sports Development: D-Up Basketball Academy plans an international debut at the Aloysius Daniel Basketball Youth Classic in St Lucia (Aug 17–22), aiming to raise youth skills while keeping academics on track. Youth Leadership: I Have A Right Foundation (IHARF) wrapped its 2026 Girlhood Summer Leadership Bootcamp, training girls in wellbeing, leadership, digital citizenship and life skills. Mental Health: Dominica recorded 398 acute psychiatric admissions to the Acute Psychiatric Unit between May 2023 and May 2024, highlighting ongoing pressure on services. Public Safety: Police arrested a male officer in the Jerbiah Paul disappearance investigation and confirmed one person remains in custody as inquiries continue. Elections: Roseau North by-election is set for September 7, with nomination day on August 21. Utilities: DOWASCO will close its Roseau office Wednesday Aug 12, and apologized for a recent unscheduled water interruption in Gallion.

Roseau North By-Election: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has set the Roseau North parliamentary by-election for September 7, with nomination day on August 21, following the resignation of Miriam Blanchard. Water & Services: DOWASCO says its Roseau office will close Wednesday, August 12 and apologizes to Gallion customers for an unscheduled water interruption, with restoration work underway. Cost of Living & Business Climate: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor argues for a “comprehensive” plan to rehabilitate Salisbury farm access roads and says Dominica should become one of the easiest places to start and grow a business, with faster registration, digital licensing, and predictable timelines. CBI Pressure: Paul-Victor warns declining Citizenship by Investment revenue could hit major national projects, while Gregor Nassief says leaked CBI concerns point to alleged unlawful discounted pathways. Public Safety: Police confirm one person is in custody in the Jerbiah Paul disappearance case, and a separate report says a police officer was arrested in connection with the investigation. Mental Health: Dominica recorded 398 acute psychiatric admissions to the Acute Psychiatric Unit between May 2023 and May 2024, highlighting ongoing demand for services. Creative Sector: Skerrit says a minister will be appointed specifically to oversee Dominica’s creative industry. Population Plan: Government moves ahead with citizenship through a Dominican grandparent starting January 1, 2027, as part of the push to grow the resident population to 100,000 by 2040. International Watch: The US sanctioned crypto platform Shelbit over alleged Iran-linked activity, a development that also mentions Kayvanpour, who holds Dominica citizenship.

Mental Health Pressure: Dominica recorded 398 acute psychiatric admissions to the Acute Psychiatric Unit between May 2023 and May 2024, as local staffing levels remain tight and officials push for stronger community-based support and updated mental-health policy. Roseau North By-Election: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says a by-election will be held in Roseau North on September 7, with nomination day set for August 21, after Miriam Blanchard’s June resignation; candidates include Daniel Lugay, Ashma McDougal and independent Sherman Boston. Missing Teen Investigation: Police confirm one person is in custody in the Jerbia Paul disappearance case, while searches and inquiries continue. CBI Programme Row: Businessman Gregor Nassief addresses a leaked letter about Citizenship by Investment concerns, saying CBI-linked practices are being questioned and that alleged issues are harming Dominica. US Sanctions: The US Treasury sanctions a Georgia-based crypto network tied to alleged Iran IRGC financing, with Dominica-linked owner Siavash Kayvanpour named in the action. Health Centre Call: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor urges a modern, climate-resilient upgrade to the Salisbury Health Centre, including expanded primary care and counselling services.

Dominica Politics: Dominica has set September 7 as the date for a by-election, as the country continues to manage its electoral calendar. Electoral Reform: The Electoral Office begins distributing new Voter Identification Cards on Monday, August 10, starting with Roseau North electors, with collection centres and hotlines provided for residents. Budget & Governance: The Dominica Business Forum is hosting a Zoom post-budget discussion on the 2026–2027 national budget, aiming to widen public input beyond Parliament. Public Health & Cost of Living: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor renewed calls to modernize and expand the Salisbury Health Centre, and also flagged uneven delivery across ministries despite a high overall capital spending rate. Community Development: Jungle Bay Resort and Spa says a new Dominique Marchand Pre-School in Soufriere will be handed over to the Ministry of Education on August 11. Regional Sports: Dominica’s Addison James won bronze at the World Athletics U20 Championships in the men’s javelin, with India’s Ashish Yadav taking silver. Travel Disruptions: LIAT has issued updated flight schedules after disruptions, including services through Antigua to Dominica and other regional destinations. Safety Alert: An urgent appeal is out for the safe return of a 7-year-old autistic girl reportedly taken from outside her home in Newfield Village.

U.S. Sanctions on Crypto Linked to Iran: The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC sanctioned digital asset exchanges and a network of front companies it says helped Iran launder billions and support the IRGC, warning it will keep “hunting down” illicit finance. Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games: Jamaica will host the inaugural Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in Montego Bay from Nov. 18–22, with about 2,000 athletes and Dominica among confirmed participating countries. Dominica’s Addison James on the World Stage: At the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, Dominica’s Addison James won bronze in the men’s javelin with a national-record 73.89m, as India also added silver through Ashish Yadav (74.09m). Dominica Electoral Update: Voter ID card distribution begins Monday, Aug. 10 in Roseau North, starting with approved electors in three polling districts, with collection centres listed and hotline numbers provided. Budget Participation Push: The Dominica Business Forum will hold a Zoom post-budget forum tonight to broaden input on the 2026–2027 national budget, featuring economist Kent Vidal and a live Q&A. LIAT Flight Changes: LIAT issued updated schedules for Sunday and beyond after disruptions, including services through its Antigua hub to several Caribbean destinations including Dominica. Missing Child Appeal: An urgent appeal is out for a safe return of a 7-year-old autistic girl reportedly taken from outside her home in Newfield Village, with police urging the public not to confront anyone.

Dominica Politics & Services: The Electoral Office begins distributing new Voter Identification Cards on Monday, Aug. 10, starting with approved electors in Roseau North (N04 Upper Goodwill, N05 Bellevue Rawle, N06 Fond Cole), with collection at Fond Cole Emergency Shelter and the Red Cross Building in Goodwill. Budget Participation: The Dominica Business Forum is hosting a Zoom post-budget forum tonight to broaden input on the 2026–2027 national budget, with economist Kent Vidal leading a review and Q&A. Health & Local Governance: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor urged modernization of the Salisbury Health Centre, calling for a climate-resilient facility with expanded primary care, maternal and child services, mental health support, and backup power. Education & Community: Jungle Bay Resort and Spa says the new Dominique Marchand Pre-School in Brooklyn, Soufriere will be handed over to the Ministry of Education on Aug. 11. Public Safety: An urgent appeal is out for the safe return of a 7-year-old autistic girl reportedly taken from outside her home in Newfield Village. Sports (Dominica in the spotlight): Dominica’s Addison James won bronze at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene with a national record 73.89m.

Javelin Spotlight: Dominica’s Addison James won bronze at the World U20 Championships in Eugene with a national record 73.89m, while India’s Ashish Yadav took silver (74.09m) and South Africa’s Jan-Hendrik Heymans claimed gold (80.50m). Local Education: Jungle Bay Resort and Spa says the Dominique Marchand Pre-School in Soufrière will be handed over to the Ministry of Education on Aug. 11, giving children ages two to five a permanent home after Hurricane Maria displacement. Adolescent Health: The REACH project launched a new webinar series on adolescent sexual and reproductive health across Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent, starting Aug. 11 with a session on mental health stigma. Elections Update: The Electoral Office has begun printing new voter identification cards, with the process underway ahead of the next steps in the voter ID rollout. Tourism Jobs Angle: A report highlights how Dominica’s cable car project is expected to boost tourism and support ongoing employment, building on hundreds of local jobs already created.

Electoral Reform: Dominica’s Electoral Office has begun printing new voter identification cards, with distribution planned by constituency through voter confirmation centres as the final step of the 2025 House of Assembly Elections Act process. Budget Debate: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor says government alone can’t build a dynamic economy, stressing the need for private-sector conditions like stable policies, reliable infrastructure, affordable energy and predictable regulation—while also calling out the cost of living pressures families feel daily. Airport & Transparency: Paul-Victor backs the international airport project but urges full public disclosure of key details as work continues. Tax Relief: Dominica will cut personal income tax to a flat 10% for earners above EC$30,000 starting January 2027, replacing the current three-tier system. Health & Immunization: PAHO/WHO has delivered updated Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) manuals to strengthen Dominica’s immunization services. Agriculture Resilience: Government announced EC$1.5 million in fully state-funded crop insurance for farmers to help cushion hurricane and climate shocks. Population Push: Plans are underway for a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme aimed at reaching 100,000 residents by 2040.

Budget & Taxes: Dominica will cut personal income tax to a flat 10% from January 1, 2027 for earners above EC$30,000, replacing the 15/25/35 tiers, as Finance Minister Irving McIntyre says it’s the biggest relief in the island’s history. Cost of Living & Accountability: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor backed the direction of the 2026–27 budget but pressed for results that ease household pressures, arguing infrastructure announcements can’t replace answers on everyday prices. Airport Progress: The international airport remains on track for 2028 completion, with runway and taxiway work past the 60% mark and more than 400 Dominicans employed; President Sylvanie Burton also warned that fires affecting Roseau and airport contractors could harm confidence and timelines. Small Business Support: AID Bank will soon offer Dominica’s small businesses an additional EC$19 million in concessionary loans at 3.5% interest, with up to 10-year terms and a six-month grace period. Agriculture Resilience: Government will fully fund EC$1.5 million in crop insurance for farmers, plus a separate honey push to build a national brand and expand beehives. Regional & Global Pressure: The EU has given Dominica and four other Caribbean states until 2028 to end citizenship-by-investment programmes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Community & Culture: The Dominica National 4-H Club begins its first-ever educational tour to Paris, while Secret Bay adds another international accolade after being invited to join the Forbes Travel Guide Curated Collection.

Budget Boost for Farmers: Dominica will fund an EC$1.5 million crop insurance facility for farmers, with no premiums, to help cushion hurricanes and other climate shocks. Population Push: Government says it will launch a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme to target 100,000 people by 2040, encouraging skilled Dominicans abroad to return. Small-Business Financing: Another EC$19 million in concessionary loans is coming via the AID Bank, with 3.5% interest and up to 10-year repayment terms. Tax Relief: From January 1, 2027, Dominica will move to a flat 10% personal income tax rate (keeping the tax-free allowance for incomes up to EC$30,000). Energy Cost Pressure: VINLEC’s fuel surcharge is drawing public concern, with the Prime Minister urging against rushed disconnections. Airport Update: The international airport is still on track for 2028 completion, with runway works over 60% done and 400+ Dominicans employed. Tourism & Culture: Secret Bay gets an invitation to the Forbes Travel Guide Curated Collection, while a new creative economy agency is planned and a Portsmouth marina is in the works. Community & Health: President Burton warns NCDs remain a major threat, citing 1,100+ hypertension diagnoses from 2020-2025.

Forbes Travel Guide Recognition: Dominica’s Secret Bay has been invited to join the invitation-only Forbes Travel Guide Curated Collection, adding to its Relais & Châteaux and Michelin Two Keys accolades. Resort Expansion: The luxury property is also rolling out six new Cliffside Villas, two more spas and a family pool pavilion, with sales set to begin this fall. Airport & City Fire Concerns: President Sylvanie Burton told Parliament she’s worried about recent Roseau fires and a blaze that destroyed contractor vehicles at the international airport site, warning such incidents can shake business confidence and delay major projects. Missing Teen Update: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore urged the public to stop spreading false social media claims in the search for missing 16-year-old Jerbiah Kaysia Paul. Agriculture Push: Government is investing EC$1.5 million to expand beekeeping and build a nationally recognised Dominican honey brand. Tax Reform: Dominica will move to a flat 10% income tax from January 1, 2027, replacing the 15/25/35 tiers. EU CBI Deadline: The EU has warned five Eastern Caribbean countries, including Dominica, to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access.