AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Jobs: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as its new Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with boosting brand work, trade partnerships and promotions for nature, wellness and adventure travel. Energy & Cost of Living: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged DOMLEC customers to be patient as geothermal commissioning continues, saying outages are “teething difficulties” and that full operation should bring lower electricity rates and better reliability. Climate Resilience Funding: DOMCREP is set to receive $70.2m from the Green Climate Fund, supporting over 8,000 people, including 520 farmers and agro-processors with climate-smart tech, irrigation and greenhouses. Citizenship by Investment Overhaul: Dominica will now require successful CBI applicants to visit in person and collect renewed passports locally, aiming to strengthen integrity and ties to the island. Politics & Representation: Roseau North MP Miriam Blanchard resigned on medical grounds; a by-election is expected within 90 days. Infrastructure Watch: Windsor Park Sports Stadium handover is expected by end of June after lights are installed and certification is completed. Regional Trade Policy: Dominica’s Dr. Vince Henderson chaired CARICOM’s COTED in Guyana as ministers warned energy and supply-chain shocks are raising prices and threatening food security.

CARICOM Trade Talks: Dominica’s Dr. Vince Henderson chairs the 62nd COTED meeting in Georgetown as CARICOM SG Dr. Carla Barnett warns energy-market shocks and higher fuel, food and fertiliser costs could push inflation and worsen food security across the region. Geothermal Power Update: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica is now feeding geothermal onto the national grid, but outages continue during commissioning; once testing ends, the government expects lower electricity rates and less reliance on imported fuel. DOMLEC Performance: DOMLEC reports $1.99m profit for the financial year, citing stronger sales and renewable performance, with geothermal expected to further cut consumer costs. CBI Rules Tightened: Dominica will require successful Citizenship by Investment applicants to visit in person and collect renewed passports locally, aiming to strengthen integrity and meet international expectations. Tourism Staffing: Discover Dominica Authority appoints Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to boost brand work and trade partnerships as demand rises for nature, wellness and adventure travel. Agriculture & Food Security: CARICOM opens nominations for Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year awards, while Dominica also plans a near-$700,000 animal feed mill to cut import dependence and stabilize feed supply. Infrastructure & Resilience: PM Skerrit flags progress on the Windsor Park Stadium handover by month-end and launches DOMCREP, a $70.2m climate resilience project supporting 8,000 people and over 520 farmers/agro-processors. Local Governance: Roseau North MP Miriam Blanchard resigns on medical grounds; a by-election is expected within 90 days.

Geothermal Power Push: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica is the first Caribbean nation to place geothermal energy on its national grid, but outages continue during commissioning as testing and integration work wraps up—promising lower rates and less reliance on imported fuel. Energy Utility Results: DOMLEC reported $1.99 million in profit for the financial year, citing stronger sales and renewable performance, with geothermal expected to shape future electricity costs. Citizenship by Investment Tightening: Dominica will require successful CBI applicants to visit in person, spend time on island, and collect renewed passports locally—aimed at strengthening programme integrity and links to national development. Roseau North By-election: Miriam Blanchard resigned as MP on medical grounds; a by-election will be held within 90 days. Climate Resilience Funding: DOMCREP will invest $70.2 million to support 8,000 people across eight communities, including 520 farmers and agro-processors with climate-smart tech and irrigation. Agriculture & Food Security: Government plans a nearly $700,000 animal feed mill using locally grown cassava to cut import dependence and stabilize supply. Regional Trade Outlook: CARICOM COTED opened in Guyana amid warnings of higher fuel/food/fertiliser costs and weaker global trade, with resilience and trade policy coordination in focus. CARICOM Farmer Awards: Nominations are open for CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year awards, due by end of June. Regional Innovation: Future Caribbean AI Buildathon applications are open until July 3, targeting AI solutions for regional challenges.

Geothermal & Power Reliability: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica is the first Caribbean country to place geothermal energy on its national grid, but outages continue during commissioning as testing and integration work wraps up. Energy Utility Results: DOMLEC reports $1.99m profit for the financial year, citing stronger sales and renewable performance, with geothermal expected to lower electricity costs. Citizenship by Investment Overhaul: Dominica will require successful CBI applicants to visit in person and collect renewed passports locally, tightening the programme’s integrity and linking it more directly to national development. Local Governance: A Roseau North by-election is set after MP Miriam Blanchard resigned on medical grounds; the vote must be held within constitutional timelines. Infrastructure Delivery: Windsor Park Sports Stadium handover is expected by end of June after lights installation and final certification, with PM Skerrit warning against adding telecom equipment to the towers. Agriculture & Food Security: Nominations are open for the CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Ministers’ Young Farmer awards, due end of June. Regional Trade Context: CARICOM trade ministers meet in Guyana for COTED, with UNCTAD warning of weaker global trade and higher fuel, food and fertiliser costs that could hit inflation and food security. Climate Resilience Funding: DOMCREP will invest $70.2m to support over 8,000 people across eight communities, including 520 farmers and agro-processors with climate-smart tools. Finance Sector Pressure: NCCU delinquency reached $86.4m, with the treasurer urging stronger member accountability. Tourism & Business Pipeline: OECS specialised services training is scheduled in Antigua (June 29–July 2), supporting competitiveness in regional services markets.

Roseau North By-election: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed a by-election will be held after MP Miriam Blanchard resigned on medical grounds, with the Speaker saying the resignation takes effect on receipt of her letter and the vote must follow constitutional timelines. Stadium Handover: Skerrit said Windsor Park Sports Stadium’s official handover is expected before month-end after lights are installed and finishing/certification is completed, with a warning that delays could push into July. Electricity & Geothermal Commissioning: DOMLEC reported profits of EC$1.99 million and said outages are tied to feeder faults during geothermal commissioning; Skerrit urged customers to be patient, saying the new geothermal grid should eventually cut rates and reduce reliance on imported fuel. CBI Rules Tightened: Dominica will require successful Citizenship by Investment applicants to visit in person and collect renewed passports locally, aiming to strengthen integrity and links to the island. Climate Resilience Push: Government highlighted DOMCREP, a $70.2m Green Climate Fund-backed project supporting over 8,000 people, including 520 farmers/agro-processors with climate-smart tech and water security upgrades. Economic Outlook: IMF data cited Dominica’s 4.5% growth in 2025, alongside tourism strength and construction activity, while warning of external shocks. Regional Trade Talks: Dominica chaired CARICOM’s COTED in Guyana, as ministers discussed rising global energy/food costs and the need for coordinated trade and economic action. Tourism & Investment Access: Reports say CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief and his wife were denied US visa renewal, adding pressure to Caribbean travel and investment flows. Agriculture Import Cuts: Dominica plans a nearly $700,000 animal feed mill to reduce feed imports (over $2m annually), with cassava trials already showing promise.

Geothermal Power Push (Outages/Costs): Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica is the first Caribbean country to put geothermal energy on its national grid, but the plant is still in commissioning—testing and integration work that has contributed to recent outages; he urged customers to be patient, promising lower electricity rates and better reliability once the teething issues are resolved. Energy Utility Results: DOMLEC reported $1.99 million in profit for the financial year, citing stronger sales and renewable performance, with geothermal expected to drive future cost reductions. Climate Resilience Funding (DOMCREP): The $70.2 million DOMCREP project—backed by the Green Climate Fund—will support over 8,000 people across eight communities, including 520 farmers and agro-processors with climate-smart technologies, irrigation, and food-security measures. Citizenship by Investment Tightening: Dominica will require successful CBI applicants to visit in person and spend time locally, including traveling to collect renewed passports—aimed at strengthening programme integrity and meeting evolving standards. CBI/US Visa Shock (Regional Impact): The US denial of a visa renewal to newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief has sparked debate over tighter Washington travel rules tied to CBI screening concerns, with knock-on risks for regional tourism access. Economic Outlook (IMF): IMF figures point to 4.5% economic growth in Dominica in 2025, up from 3.4% in 2024, supported by tourism gains and construction activity. Trade Policy Talks (CARICOM COTED): Dominica’s trade minister chaired the 62nd COTED meeting in Guyana as CARICOM warned that energy-market disruption and higher fuel, food, and fertilizer costs could raise inflation and strain food security. Local Business/Finance: NCCU delinquency reached $86.4 million as treasurer Shannon Bedminister called for stronger member accountability to protect savings and reinvestment capacity. Public Sector/Projects: Skerrit says the international airport at Wesley is progressing, with major earthworks and runway/taxiway work underway, while also highlighting progress on the Goodwill Secondary School project. Governance/Politics (MP Resignation): Labour minister Miriam Blanchard resigned as Roseau North MP for medical reasons; a by-election is expected within 90 days.

CARICOM Trade Agenda: CARICOM’s COTED opened in Georgetown with Dominica’s Vince Henderson chairing, as CARICOM SG Carla Barnett warned that energy-market shocks and higher fuel, food and fertiliser costs could push inflation up and worsen food security across the region. Dominica Growth Watch: The IMF projects Dominica grew 4.5% in 2025, up from 3.4% in 2024, helped by tourism hitting above pre-pandemic levels and momentum in construction. Geothermal Power Update: PM Skerrit urged DOMLEC customers to be patient during geothermal commissioning, saying outages stem from testing and integration work; once complete, the country expects lower rates and less dependence on imported fuel. Electricity Disruption Details: DOMLEC said a fault on its Lower Goodwill Feeder triggered an outage, then the geothermal plant tripped and spread the disruption, with restoration underway. CBI Rule Tightening: Dominica will require successful CBI applicants to visit in person and travel to collect renewed passports, aiming to strengthen integrity and meet international expectations. Tourism & Connectivity: A US visa denial to newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief is sparking regional concern over travel access, while Barbados was named host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027. Energy Utility Results: DOMLEC reported profits of EC$1.99 million for the financial year, citing stronger sales and renewable performance.

CARICOM Trade Talks: Dominica’s Dr. Vince Henderson chairs the 62nd COTED in Georgetown as CARICOM warns that energy-market shocks and higher fuel, food and fertiliser costs are set to push inflation and strain food security across the region. Airport Progress: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the Wesley international airport is moving ahead on earthworks (78%), runway/taxiway (60%), and major terminal and support facilities, with quarry activity framed as construction aggregate only. CBI Tightening: New rules require successful Citizenship by Investment applicants to visit Dominica in person and spend time in-country to collect renewed passports—part of a push to strengthen links between citizens and national development. US Visa Fallout for Tourism: Gregor Nassief, newly elected CHTA president, and his wife were denied US visa renewal, raising fears of wider Caribbean travel and tourism disruption. Energy & Utilities: DOMLEC reports $1.99m profit, citing stronger sales and renewable performance, while also restoring power after a feeder fault triggered a wider outage. Budget Signals: Skerrit says the 2026–2027 budget will focus on initiatives to improve the economy, review concessions, and introduce further CBI requirements. Agriculture Import Cuts: Government plans a nearly $700,000 feed mill to reduce reliance on imported feed (over $2m annually), with cassava trials already showing promising results. Finance Sector Pressure: NCCU delinquency hit $86.4m (14.07%), with the treasurer urging stronger member accountability. Tourism & Wellness: Discover Dominica Authority hosts a wellness tourism panel as part of its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program.

Citizenship by Investment Crackdown: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will require successful CBI applicants to visit in person to receive passports, and also warns that citizenship obtained below the official minimum investment threshold will be revoked as enforcement tightens ahead of an October 2026 summit. US Visa Shock to Tourism: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief and his wife were denied U.S. visa renewal, a move linked to Washington’s tightening around CBI screening and travel safeguards; Skerrit says he can’t comment on the U.S. decision. Food Security Push: Government plans to invest nearly $700,000 in an animal feed mill to cut import dependence (over $2m in annual feed imports), with cassava tests already showing promising results and an Expression of Interest expected soon. Finance Sector Stress: NCCU delinquency hit $86.4m (14.07%) as treasurer Shannon Bedminister urged stronger member accountability and highlighted new collections software. Power Restoration: DOMLEC restored electricity after a feeder fault triggered a wider outage, with crews reconnecting Roseau first. Tourism & Community Events: Soufriere Divefest 2026 is set for Aug 29–30, and the Discover Dominica Authority will host a wellness tourism panel June 11 as part of its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program. Infrastructure & Jobs: Skerrit reports steady progress on the Goodwill Secondary School build and says major development work, including the international airport, is advancing.

Tourism & Investment Pipeline: Dominica is gearing up for Soufriere Divesfest 2026 on August 29-30, with eco-diving, marine education and local food/music aimed at eco-tourists and regional divers. Food Security & Import Substitution: The government plans to invest nearly $700,000 in an animal feed mill, using locally grown cassava to cut the country’s $2m-plus annual feed imports; an Expression of Interest is expected soon and the private sector is urged to run the facility. Finance & Household Risk: Roseau Cooperative Credit Union delinquency hit $86.4m (14.07%), far above the PEARLS benchmark, prompting calls for stronger member accountability. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC is restoring power after a feeder fault in Lower Goodwill triggered a wider outage when the geothermal plant tripped. Education & Public Works: PM Skerrit says Goodwill Secondary School construction is progressing “very satisfactorily,” with major structures completed and fit-out underway. Citizenship Oversight: Dominica tightens citizenship-by-investment enforcement, warning that citizenship obtained below the legal minimum will be revoked ahead of a 2026 summit. Regional Connectivity: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief urges Trinidad and Tobago to reconsider cancelled Caribbean airline routes, warning of knock-on effects for tourism and business travel. Agriculture Support: AgriHub says its SheHarvest Project exposed operational delays that can slow women’s progress into commercial farming. Community Resilience: A summer youth climate resilience program will train 125 children (ages 5-15) through free learning and community action.

Tourism & Wellness Push: Dominica’s Tourism Awareness Program is rolling out under “Wellness by Nature,” with the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority launching wellness tourism as a growth strategy and hosting a panel discussion at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa on June 11. CBI Crackdown: The government says citizenship obtained below the official minimum investment threshold will be revoked, as it tightens enforcement and vetting ahead of an October 2026 industry summit. Connectivity Upgrade: Digicel is promoting “Digi-Duo,” a combined mobile and home fibre bundle with entry-level fibre speeds starting at 350 Mbps, aiming to boost value and streaming-ready performance. Agriculture Support Gaps: AgriHub says its SheHarvest Project showed delays and operational disconnects that can slow women’s progress into commercially focused farming, calling for faster, more responsive systems. Local Business & Policy Ideas: A Dominica businessman backs financing for the international airport using CBI funds, while the DAIC urges meaningful concessions for hybrid vehicle imports and supports a $25 levy toward solid waste management. Community & Jobs: Police and partners removed derelict vehicles from multiple communities, and SNAR is seeking volunteers and truck drivers for a June 13–14 animal airlift.

Tourism & Wellness Push: Dominica’s Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, positioning the island through wellness tourism under “Be Well in Nature,” with activities running through July. Tourism Momentum: TravelPulse highlights Dominica’s 2025 gains—stayover arrivals up 19% and cruise passengers at a decade high—supporting local agriculture, construction and small businesses. Climate Resilience Funding: The US$25M DOMCREP climate resilience project was officially launched in Marigot, with an initial EC$3.7M disbursement, targeting water security, disaster management and early warning systems in eight vulnerable communities. Disaster Impact on Farms: A bushfire in Grand Savanne, Salisbury destroyed crops and water infrastructure, including watermelon, pumpkin, eggplant and bell pepper under drip irrigation. Agriculture Support for Women: AgriHub says the SheHarvest Project showed delays and operational gaps that can slow women’s progress into commercially focused farming. Banking Risk Watch: A regional banking lecture urged Caribbean banks to strengthen compliance to avoid derisking pressures. Tourism Visa Shock: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says a U.S. visa renewal denial could disrupt Caribbean tourism and business travel. Local Business Policy: DAIC recommends meaningful concessions for Dominicans importing hybrid vehicles, and supports a $25 household levy for solid waste management. Community & Safety: Police coordinated removal of derelict vehicles in Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street and Loubiere to reduce health and public safety risks. Culture & Tax Ideas: Bouyon artist Coleridge “Mr Ridge” Bell urged a tax treaty to help grow the bouyon genre’s financial opportunities.

Tourism & Jobs: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program with a wellness focus, running through July under “Be Well in Nature,” aiming to boost destination competitiveness and public participation. Climate Resilience Spend: The US$25M DOMCREP climate resilience project was officially launched in Marigot, funded by the Green Climate Fund, with an initial EC$3.7M disbursement and plans to raise communal water storage by 30% in rural districts. Agriculture Shock: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed about 2.5 acres of crops and damaged water storage tanks, including full losses for a drip-irrigated watermelon, pumpkin, eggplant and bell pepper farm. Banking Risk: A regional banking warning highlighted the need for Caribbean banks to stay aligned with international anti-money laundering norms to avoid derisking. Tourism Travel Pressure: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief said his U.S. visa renewal was denied, warning tightening U.S. rules could disrupt Caribbean tourism and business travel. Policy & Trade: DAIC urged meaningful concessions for Dominicans importing hybrid vehicles and supported a $25 levy toward solid waste management. Community Economy: AgriHub called for faster, more responsive support for women entering agriculture after delays in its SheHarvest Project. Governance & Elections: An open letter to the Prime Minister pushed for a practical reset of the Electoral Commission. Announcements: New job vacancies were posted for Estate House roles (including a gardener) and Jumby Bay Island Company.

Tourism & Marketing: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program with a wellness focus, running through July under “Be Well in Nature,” aiming to boost destination competitiveness and public participation. Tourism Performance: Dominica’s 2025 results were strong—stayover arrivals up 19% and cruise passengers at a decade high—supporting local agriculture, construction and small businesses. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasked with strengthening the island’s global visibility and sustainable visitor growth. U.S. Visa Shock for Tourism: CHTA President-elect Gregor Nassief says his U.S. visa renewal was denied, warning tighter U.S. rules could disrupt Caribbean travel, tourism business and family movement. Agriculture & Gender Support: AgriHub says its SheHarvest Project showed delays in systems meant to help women scale into commercial farming, calling for faster, more responsive support. Trade & Tax Policy: DAIC urged meaningful concessions for Dominicans importing hybrid vehicles, while a bouyon artist recommended a tax treaty to help artists benefit financially. Climate Resilience & Disaster Risk: DOMCREP, a US$26M climate resilience project, was launched to strengthen water security and community adaptation in vulnerable areas. Local Economy & Safety: Police and partners removed derelict vehicles from multiple communities to reduce health and public safety risks. Job Listing: Jumby Bay Island Company Ltd posted a vacancy for an Estate House Director.

Tourism & Growth: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program with a wellness focus, aiming to boost destination competitiveness through community engagement under “Be Well in Nature,” as visitor numbers keep climbing. Climate Resilience & Food Security: The US$26M DOMCREP project was officially launched to strengthen disaster preparedness, early warning, and water security, with major support for vulnerable communities and agriculture. Agriculture Hit by Fire: A bushfire in Grand Savanne, Salisbury damaged about 2.5 acres, destroying crops and water storage tanks, prompting ministry assessments for possible support. Airlift & Business Travel: A local businessman backed the financing model for Dominica’s international airport, while regional concerns grow as Caribbean tourism leaders face US visa denials that could affect airlift talks and investment. Trade & Transport Policy: The DAIC is calling for meaningful concessions on hybrid vehicle imports, and police coordinated removal of abandoned vehicles to improve public safety and the local environment. Youth & Green Economy: A UNICEF-commissioned study finds young people in Dominica lag in awareness of green and circular economy opportunities, pointing to gaps in information and training. Culture & Skills: Bouyon artist Ridge Belle urged a tax treaty approach to help artists benefit financially, and Macmillan Education Caribbean opened entries for its second regional poetry competition.

Tourism & Marketing: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program with a wellness focus (“Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism”), as arrivals rose in 2025 and the island pushes nature-led experiences. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with boosting global visibility and trade partnerships. Climate Resilience Spending: Government launched the US$26M DOMCREP project (Green Climate Fund) to strengthen water security, food security, disaster preparedness, early warning, and support eight vulnerable communities. Agriculture Hit by Fire: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed about 2.5 acres of crops and damaged 2,500-gallon water storage tanks, prompting ministry assessments. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC restored electricity after a geothermal plant trip collapsed the national grid, with remaining service expected to return by early evening. Regional Finance Risk: UWI lecture in Roseau urged regional banks to tighten compliance to avoid “derisking” pressures. Visa & Airlift Uncertainty: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief said US visa renewal was denied, raising concerns for tourism travel and regional airlift talks. Regional Connectivity: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to plan new maritime routes and improve tourism and commerce links across participating territories.