AGP Executive Report

Cruise Economy Boost: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says a US$75 million privately funded cruise village for Roseau North is moving toward a formal agreement soon, promising more cruise passengers and higher demand for local vendors, taxis and tour guides. Housing Delivery: Dominica will allocate 215 new homes and apartment units across nine communities starting in September 2026, as part of the push for climate-resilient housing after Hurricane Maria. Financial Sector Risk: First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union members will vote next Thursday on whether to divest FHC Investments Limited after years of losses, including a reported cumulative net loss of $120.68 million from 2022–2024. Tourism & Business Leadership: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO from September 1, with oversight of Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort. CBI Debate: Businessman Kenny Green backs Dominica’s CBI programme but warns the European Commission wants CBI schemes ended by 2028. Local Politics: Roseau North by-election endorsements intensify, with UPP backing Danny Lugay and DLP campaigning for Ashma McDougall. Governance & Privacy: Hotelier Gregor Nassief seeks legal advice after CCTV allegedly showed PM Skerrit’s security at a private civic meeting, raising monitoring concerns.

Cruise Tourism Boost: Dominica’s Roseau North is set to get a privately funded US$75 million cruise village, with a formal agreement expected soon—projected to deepen local spending by vendors, taxi operators and tour guides. Housing Delivery: The government says it will allocate 215 new homes and apartment units across nine communities starting in September 2026, as part of its climate-resistant housing push. CBI & Business Politics: Hotelier Gregor Nassief says he’s seeking legal advice after CCTV footage allegedly showed PM Skerrit’s security at a private civic meeting, while separate reports question his growing alignment with the UWP and the timing of his political move. Tourism & Hospitality Leadership: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO from September 1, with Founder Gregor Nassief shifting to Group Executive Director. CBI Industry Debate: Businessman Kenny Green backs Dominica’s CBI programme but warns the European Commission wants CBI ended by 2028. Social Protection for Seniors: Dominica reaffirms support for older citizens through programmes including Yes We Care, the 65+ non-contributory pension and centenarian support. Education & Skills: DOMLEC pledges full secondary scholarships for four students, while the Roseau North by-election campaign continues to frame jobs, taxes and public services as key economic issues.

Housing & Urban Development: Dominica will begin handing over 215 climate-resistant homes and apartment units across nine communities starting September 2026, as part of the post-Hurricane Maria recovery push. Immigration Policy (Regional Impact): A US court order has lifted the January 2026 pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Dominica, after the policy was struck down. Education & Governance: UWP senator Jonathan Wehner criticized UWI Five Islands LLB classes being held at the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party headquarters, arguing education should not be tied to party politics. Social Protection for Seniors: Government reaffirmed support for older citizens through programmes like Yes We Care, the 65-and-over non-contributory pension, and Centenarian support, as the Month of the Elderly rolls out. Disability & Jobs: The UN launched the HireAbility Campaign to expand disability-inclusive employment across the Caribbean, while Dominica also moves to establish a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit. Local Business & Finance: Asprofin Bank announced expansion of embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service capabilities, positioning for API-driven fintech growth. Politics & Economy: Ahead of the Roseau North by-election on Sept. 7, DLP leaders highlighted housing, pensions and tax changes, while UWP-linked businessman Gregor Nassief’s political alignment drew fresh questions.

Senior Support & Pensions: Dominica’s Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services says it’s doubling down on older citizens through the Yes We Care Programme, Public Assistance, the 65-and-over Non-Contributory Pension and Centenarian support, with about 161 seniors previously receiving home help and roughly EC$1m allocated annually. Elderly Month Calendar: The Dominica Council on Ageing kicked off the 2026 Month of the Elderly under “Empowering Elder Voices for an Inclusive Future,” with events from Grandparents Week (Sept 9–12) to Senior Lunch (Sept 17), a Health Fair, Centenarians Day (Sept 21) and more. Disability Inclusion Push: Government finance minister Dr. Irving McIntyre says a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit is planned to centralize support and boost confidence that disability concerns get focused attention. Regional Jobs for Disabled Workers: The UN launched the HireAbility Campaign across the Caribbean to break barriers and expand decent work access for people with disabilities, backed by an employer pledge. Roseau North By-election Economy Talk: Ahead of Sept 7, PM Skerrit and DLP candidate Ashma McDougall are campaigning on housing, the 65+ allowance and the National Employment Programme, while questions swirl over businessman Gregor Nassief’s reported UWP alignment after CBI-related disputes. Local Business & Finance Innovation: Asprofin Bank says it’s expanding embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service via an API-enabled platform aimed at fintech and cross-border transaction growth. Tourism & Community: Soufrière Dive Fest wrapped up Aug 30, with Coulibri Ridge winning the kayaking title and the event continuing as a long-running marine and community showcase. Health Security Tech: SVG became the first OECS state to adopt a regional digital early warning system for public health threats, with training and port surveillance pilots. Agriculture Risk Alert: Farmers in Grand Bay are being urged to attend a Lethal Yellowing Disease awareness meeting after Dominica confirmed LYD in March 2026.

Dominica Politics & Business Climate: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit campaigned in Roseau North for DLP candidate Ashma McDougall ahead of the Sept. 7 by-election, pitching major projects like a new international airport and a planned $75m cruise village as engines for local vendors and transport operators. Disability & Inclusion Policy: Finance Minister Irving McIntyre says Dominica is moving to create a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit to centralize support and boost disabled people’s participation in economic development. Regional Jobs Access: The UN launched the HireAbility Campaign urging Caribbean employers to break barriers and adopt disability-inclusive hiring, backed by a Disability Inclusive Employer Pledge. Agriculture & Land Access: OECS governments were urged to provide crown lands to farmers on transparent terms, with arrangements banks can recognize as collateral—aimed at helping young farmers scale agribusiness. Health Security Tech: SVG became the first OECS state to adopt the regional digital early warning system RIEWSS, improving detection and response to public health threats ahead of major events. Tourism & Local Economy: Dominica’s Soufrière Dive Fest wrapped up with Coulibri Ridge winning the kayaking title, reinforcing watersports tourism tied to community activity. Finance & Innovation: Asprofin Bank says it’s expanding embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service via an API-enabled partnership targeting $5bn in annualized transaction volume. Agriculture Threat Alert: Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry held a Grand Bay awareness meeting on lethal yellowing disease, warning coconut and palm losses could follow within months.

Disability & Jobs: The UN launched its “HireAbility Campaign” to push disability-inclusive employment across the Caribbean, linking governments and employers with a Disability Inclusive Employer’s Pledge. Energy & Climate Finance: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, with potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Agriculture Biosecurity: Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry is holding a Lethal Yellowing Disease awareness meeting for Grand Bay farmers and residents, after the disease was confirmed in March 2026. Tourism & Local Economy: Soufrière Dive Fest wrapped up with Coulibri Ridge winning the Kayaking Champions title, highlighting watersports and community activities that draw visitors. Banking & Fintech: Asprofin Bank (Dominica-headquartered) is expanding embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service through an API-enabled partnership aimed at boosting transaction volumes. Education Support: DOMLEC pledged full five-year secondary scholarships for four students, reinforcing private-sector investment in youth development. Regional Health Systems: SVG became the first OECS state to adopt the regional digital early warning and response platform for public health threats. Local Governance: Finance Minister Irving McIntyre says Dominica is moving to establish a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit to centralize support and complaints. Business Growth: A Caribbean all-in-one business platform, SnapTap, is expanding across multiple countries and includes Dominica among its users. Aviation/Travel: Winair launched a 65% fare reduction promotion for Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (travel Aug 28–Oct 31, booking by Aug 27).

U.S. Immigration Policy: A federal court has ended the January 2026 pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Dominica, meaning the suspension is no longer in effect as of Aug. 21, 2026. Dominica Business & Finance: Asprofin Bank (Dominica-headquartered) is expanding Banking-as-a-Service and embedded-finance via an API-enabled platform, targeting about US$5bn in annualized transaction volume within 12 months. Local Education Support: DOMLEC says it will back four students through full secondary school, with scholarships covering books, fees and transport for five years. Agriculture & Biosecurity: The Ministry of Agriculture is holding a Lethal Yellowing Disease awareness meeting for Grand Bay farmers and residents after confirming LYD in Dominica in March 2026. Regional Health Tech: SVG becomes the first OECS state to adopt the CARPHA-led Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System, improving early detection ahead of major events. Energy & Climate Resilience: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with Dominica listed among eligible countries.

Digital Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), a World Bank-backed OECS health project that links human, animal, environmental and lab data, with added port surveillance pilots ahead of major events like Carnival and the CPL. Education Investment: DOMLEC pledged full five-year scholarships for four secondary students, covering books, fees and transport, while also marking 40 years of support for learners. Agriculture Risk Response: The Ministry of Agriculture is holding a Grand Bay awareness meeting on Lethal Yellowing Disease after lab-confirmed cases in March, urging farmers to spot and respond quickly to protect coconut and ornamental palms. Renewable Energy Pipeline: IRENA is inviting Dominica and other Caribbean developers to submit renewable project proposals for potential financing and de-risking support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Regional Business & Finance: Asprofin Bank is expanding embedded finance through an API-enabled Banking-as-a-Service push aimed at supporting large transaction volumes for fintech and digital platforms. Tourism & Air Access: Winair launched a 65% fare discount to Dominica for the 2026 World Creole Music Festival, while Caribbean Airlines continues regional route cutbacks, including discontinuing Trinidad/Barbados direct services from Sept. 2.

Embedded Finance Expansion: Dominica-headquartered Asprofin Bank is expanding its Banking-as-a-Service and embedded-finance push via an API-enabled platform partnership with Digital TRVST, targeting about US$5bn in annualized transaction volume within 12 months. Disability Policy: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre says Government plans a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit to centralize support and boost confidence that disability concerns get focused attention. Tourism & Events: Soufrière Dive Fest returns Aug. 29–30 with hikes, scuba/freediving, kayaking, coral presentations and a family bayfront day. Agriculture & Food Security: DOMLEC marks 40 years of scholarships with four new secondary recipients, while the Tissue Culture Laboratory in Portsmouth is set to produce 500,000+ plants yearly to strengthen farming resilience. Climate Pressure: Regional reports warn El Niño-driven heat and drought are already affecting health and water, with heat stress risks rising for vulnerable groups. Local Recognition: Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste was named an FAO “100 Women Heroes” for agrifood systems leadership. Business Travel Deal: Winair offers a 65% fare reduction to Dominica for the World Creole Music Festival using code WM65YRS.

National Disability Affairs Unit: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre says Dominica is moving to set up a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit to centralize support, boost confidence that complaints are handled, and help persons with disabilities participate in economic development. Agriculture & Food Security: Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste was named among FAO’s inaugural “100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems,” highlighting decades of sustainable farming and local market supply. Renewables Financing: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with Dominica included, for possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Tourism & Local Economy: Soufrière Dive Fest returns Aug. 29–30 with hikes, scuba/freediving, kayaking, coral presentations, and a corporate kayak race—plus local food and entertainment. Business & Skills: DOMLEC marked 40 years of scholarships, awarding four students support for up to five years, while UWI interns received advanced CARPHA food-safety training. Transport & Access: Winair launches a 65% fare discount to Dominica for the World Creole Music Festival (travel Aug. 28–Oct. 31, code WM65YRS). Infrastructure: Speed humps are set for Coulibistrie and Tarreau from Aug. 31–Sept. 5 to improve road safety. Climate Risk: Regional reports warn El Niño-driven heat and drought are already affecting health and could strain water, farming, and trade.

Income Tax Push: Dominica PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the government could eliminate personal income tax by 2028 if revenue measures work, arguing people should keep more of what they earn. Election & Local Economy: Ahead of the Sept. 7 Roseau North by-election, DLP candidate Ashma McDougall told Gutter residents she’s returning with a clearer plan after months of talks with families and small business owners. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with Dominica included, for potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Agriculture Support & Skills: DOMLEC marked 40 years of scholarships with four new secondary recipients, while CARPHA delivered advanced ServSafe food safety training to UWI nutrition and dietetics interns. Climate & Water/Trade Risk: Regional health and climate warnings highlight El Niño-driven heat and drought risks that can hit water supplies, farming and trade. Tourism & Events: Soufrière Dive Fest returns Aug. 29–30, and Winair offers a 65% fare discount for the Oct. 23–25 World Creole Music Festival. Regional Transport: Caribbean Airlines continues network changes, including discontinuing certain Barbados–Tobago and Trinidad–Tobago–Barbados routes from Sept. 2.

Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project developers across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, to submit proposals for possible financing and de-risking support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Agriculture & Food Security: Dominica’s Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste was named among FAO’s “100 Women Heroes” in agrifood systems, while the island’s Tissue Culture Laboratory in Portsmouth is boosting capacity to produce 500,000+ plants a year to strengthen farming resilience. Power & Education: DOMLEC marked 40 years of scholarships by awarding four students secondary-school support, and the company also highlighted its long-running investment in education. Local Business Tools: A Jamaican entrepreneur’s AI “SnapTap” platform—built to combine marketing, sales, payments and customer management—says it’s already used by 500+ operators across 10 countries including Dominica. Tourism & Community Economy: Soufrière Dive Fest returns Aug 29–30 with scuba, kayaking, coral presentations and a family bayfront day, while Kalinago Council members visited St Kitts to advance plans for a Kalinago craft centre aimed at creating off-island income opportunities. Policy & Cost of Living: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit hinted Dominica could eliminate personal income tax by 2028 if revenue measures succeed.

Small Business Tech: A Jamaican entrepreneur’s AI “all-in-one” platform, SnapTap, is spreading across the Caribbean and is already used by 500+ operators in 10 countries, including Dominica, aiming to replace multiple apps for marketing, sales, payments and customer management. Tourism & Community Events: Soufrière Dive Fest returns Aug. 29–30 with hikes, scuba/freediving, kayaking and family bayfront activities, plus a corporate kayak race and local food. Food Safety Skills: UWI nutrition and dietetics interns in Trinidad received CARPHA’s ServSafe Train-the-Trainer Advanced Food Safety certification, boosting practical hygiene and handling skills for future jobs. Agriculture & Resilience: Dominica’s Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste was named an FAO “100 Women Heroes” for agrifood systems, while DOMLEC marked 40 years of scholarships with four new secondary-school recipients. Agri-Production Capacity: Portsmouth’s Tissue Culture Laboratory is set to produce 500,000+ plants yearly to strengthen planting material supply and disaster recovery. Transport & Travel Deals: Winair is offering a 65% fare reduction to Dominica for the 2026 World Creole Music Festival (travel Aug. 28–Oct. 31, code WM65YRS). Local Infrastructure: Speed humps will be installed in Coulibistrie and Tarreau from Aug. 31–Sept. 5 to improve road safety. Policy & Economy Watch: PM Skerrit hinted Dominica could eliminate personal income tax by 2028 if revenue measures work.

Tourism & Local Economy: Soufrière Dive Fest 2026 returns Aug. 29–30, with hikes, scuba/freediving, kayaking, coral presentations, family bayfront activities and a $2,500 corporate kayak race—plus local food and entertainment. Education & Skills: CARPHA delivered a ServSafe Train-the-Trainer Advanced Food Safety course for 35 UWI Nutrition and Dietetics interns in Trinidad, boosting practical food-handling and hygiene skills for the workforce. Agriculture & Food Security: Dominica’s Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste was named among FAO’s inaugural “100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems,” while DOMLEC marked 40 years of scholarships by awarding four secondary-school recipients from the wider community. Infrastructure & Safety: Speed humps are set for Coulibistrie and Tarreau from Aug. 31–Sept. 5 to improve road safety. Tax Policy: PM Roosevelt Skerrit hinted Dominica could eliminate personal income tax by 2028 if revenue measures succeed. Regional Business Watch: Caribbean Airlines is discontinuing some Barbados routes from Sept. 2 as it optimises schedules, while the CCJ moved to address panel-fixing allegations by requiring judges to sit on all panels unless excused.

Education & Skills: DOMLEC marked 40 years of scholarships by awarding four secondary-school students support for up to five years, including books, exam fees and transport. Agriculture & Food Security: Dominica’s Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste was named among FAO’s inaugural “100 Women Heroes” for agrifood systems, while the Portsmouth Tissue Culture Laboratory is set to boost planting material supply and disaster recovery capacity. Climate Risk: CIMH and UWI are urging Dominica and the wider Caribbean to prepare for intensifying El Niño heat and drought, warning of health impacts, water stress and knock-on effects for farming and trade. Tourism & Air Access: Winair launched a 65% fare reduction for Dominica during the World Creole Music Festival period, while Caribbean Airlines continues to cut regional routes, including Barbados–Tobago direct service from Sept. 2. Tax Policy: Prime Minister Skerrit hinted Dominica could eliminate personal income tax by 2028 if revenue measures succeed. Infrastructure & Safety: Speed humps are planned for Coulibistrie and Tarreau from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5 to improve road safety. Business & Jobs: NCCU is running a “Sea to Soil Uniform Deviation” to spotlight Dominica’s farm and fishing economy, alongside its revamped agriculture loan products.

U.S. Immigration Update: A federal court in New York struck down a Trump-era immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Dominica, restoring case-by-case processing after the State Department’s generalized “public charge” policy was ruled unlawful. Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue its direct Trinidad–Tobago–Barbados return flights from Sept. 2, with passengers re-accommodated on same-day services, as the carrier continues network cost and schedule adjustments. Dominica Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Roland Royer congratulated Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste after her selection as one of FAO’s “100 Women Heroes” in agrifood systems, highlighting decades of sustainable farming and local market supply. Agri-Tech Capacity: Dominica’s Tissue Culture Laboratory in Portsmouth is set to produce 500,000+ plants yearly, boosting healthy planting material and disaster recovery seed storage. Education Support: DOMLEC awarded secondary scholarships to four students, backing the next five years of schooling. Tourism & Culture: EPIC’s Seas & Scenes photo contest has a Aug. 31 deadline, offering US$3,000+ in prizes across categories. Climate Watch: CIMH and UWI warn El Niño could intensify heat and drought through 2027, raising risks for water, farming, and health.