AGP Executive Report

Roseau Enhancement Project: Dominica has moved into the implementation phase after a June 17 kickoff meeting, with consultants and utility stakeholders preparing works for a decade-long Roseau urban upgrade. The project will rehabilitate key roads including Independence Street, Bath Road, Cork Street, Great George Street, Virgin Lane, River Street and King George V Street, aiming for a safer, more pedestrian-friendly and climate-resilient capital. Tourism Product Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” an eight-itinerary seasonal collection (four multi-day trips and four full-day tours) designed to make planning easier and encourage longer stays and deeper community exploration. ECCB Regional Banking Focus: The ECCB highlighted how its agency offices across member states support currency operations and regulatory oversight, while clarifying they are not commercial banks. Citizenship by Investment Watch: A CBI expert flagged currency volatility and stricter compliance checks as major hurdles for high-net-worth applicants, especially where investments are required in foreign currency. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC reported an island-wide power outage traced to a fault on the transmission line linking the geothermal plant to the Fond Colé substation, with restoration expected in phases through the morning. OECS Leadership Meeting: Prime Minister Skerrit attended the 78th OECS Authority meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, with Finance Minister Irving McIntyre acting during his absence.

Roseau Upgrade Kickoff: Dominica has entered the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project after a June 17 kickoff with consultants, government departments and utility companies, following a US$2.24m consultancy contract for design review and supervision; the decade-long plan targets road rehabilitation and upgrades across key Roseau streets to make the capital safer, more pedestrian-friendly and more climate-resilient. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer: The Nature Island Way,” rolling out eight curated itineraries (multi-day packages and full-day tours) to drive longer stays and deeper community-based spending across nature, wellness, culture and adventure. Climate Resilience Funding: The DNCTF says the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund is contributing US$5,000 to Atkinson Village Council for drainage improvements and slope stabilization, with a three-month implementation window through September 2026. Regional Finance for SMEs: IFC disclosed up to US$15m for the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to expand financing for medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries including Dominica. Energy Disruption: DOMLEC reported island-wide power outages traced to a fault between the Fond Colé substation and power plant, with restoration staged across communities. CBI Scrutiny: A CBI industry expert flags currency volatility and tighter compliance checks as top hurdles for high-net-worth applicants, while regional reporting highlights due-diligence screening volumes tied to passport-for-cash schemes. ECCU Banknotes Update: ECCU countries are set to replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image on new banknotes with Caribbean figures, with Grenada’s Kirani James slated for the $5 note from 2027. Labour Market Politics: The Roseau North by-election is heating up as UWP confirms Danny Lugay and DLP names Ashma McDougall, after earlier claims of cross-party approaches.

Tourism & Local Business Boost: Discover Dominica Authority rolled out “Summer: The Nature Island Way,” with eight curated itineraries (multi-day packages and full-day tours) aimed at getting visitors to explore communities, nature, wellness, culture and local cuisine longer—supporting tourism spend beyond the usual spots. Climate Resilience Funding: DNCTF confirmed a US$5,000 Bahamas Protected Areas Fund contribution to Atkinson for drainage upgrades and slope stabilization, with a three-month implementation window through September 2026. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC reported a second island-wide power outage this week caused by a geothermal-to-Fond Colé transmission line trip, with restoration staged by community. Regional Finance for SMEs: IFC disclosed up to US$15m into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, targeting medium-sized enterprise financing across 13 countries including Dominica. Infrastructure Upgrade: The Roseau Enhancement Project moved into implementation, following a US$2.24m consultancy contract for design review and supervision of road rehabilitation on key Roseau streets. Digital Connectivity (Regional): Digicel launched the Digi-Duo mobile + home fibre bundle in St Lucia, signaling continued telecom competition across the ECCU market. Politics & Jobs Agenda: Roseau North by-election jockeying continues as UWP confirmed Danny Lugay and DLP named Ashma McDougall, while UWP also announced a youth symposium tied to economic reform proposals. Regional Currency Update: ECCU plans to replace Queen Elizabeth II imagery on new banknotes with Caribbean figures, with Kirani James set for the $5 note from 2027.

ECCU Banknotes Update: The Eastern Caribbean Currency Union is set to move beyond Queen Elizabeth II imagery, with Kirani James’ likeness planned for the EC$5 note from 2027, giving member states a chance to feature national heroes. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority has launched “Summer: The Nature Island Way” with eight curated itineraries (multi-day and day tours) aimed at longer stays and deeper community spending across Dominica. Climate Resilience Funding: Atkinson Village Council will receive US$5,000 from the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund via DNCTF for drainage upgrades and slope stabilization, with work expected to run through September 2026. Regional Finance for SMEs: IFC says it will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund to expand financing for medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries, including Dominica. Infrastructure Disruption: DOMLEC traced a major island outage to a fault on the geothermal-to-Fond Colé transmission line, with restoration scheduled in stages through the morning. Roseau Enhancement Project: The Roseau road rehabilitation programme is entering implementation after a US$2.24m consultancy contract for design review and supervision, covering key streets in the capital. Labour Market & Politics: UWP announced a youth symposium and floated economic reforms (tax simplification, minimum wage target, debt relief, local-first employment), while Roseau North by-election candidate selection continues with Ashma McDougall (DLP) and Danny Lugay (UWP) in the spotlight.

Climate Resilience Funding: The Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund says the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund has provided US$5,000 to the Atkinson Village Council for drainage clearing, French drains, soil stabilization and maintenance equipment, with work due to run for about three months through September 2026. CARIFORUM–EU Trade Push: Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader urged stronger regional integration and more practical implementation of the CARIFORUM–EU Economic Partnership Agreement as the CARIFORUM–EU Joint Council meets in Santo Domingo for the first time since 2017—an agenda that matters for Caribbean competitiveness and investment. Tourism & Connectivity Moves: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer the Nature Island Way” with eight curated itineraries to encourage longer stays, while Digicel’s new Digi-Duo bundle (mobile plus home fibre) and Winair’s installment ticket option point to easier access for households and travellers. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC reported an island-wide outage traced to a fault on the geothermal-to-Fond Colé transmission line, with restoration targeted by late morning. Protected Areas & Eco-Tourism: Work has started on Morne Diablotin National Park boundary demarcation and a buffer zone under a GEF/World Bank-backed project, supporting conservation and eco-tourism planning. Local Governance & Jobs: The Roseau North by-election is taking shape as the UWP confirms Danny Lugay and the DLP names Ashma McDougall, while the Roseau Enhancement Project enters implementation with a US$2.24m consultancy for road rehabilitation design review and supervision.

Climate Voice: Dominica’s Michael Joseph says Caribbean SIDS are underrepresented in global climate mobility talks, even as hurricanes and displacement hit small island economies hardest. Transport & Connectivity: Winair launched an installment payment option for eligible ticket buyers via its website, while Digicel rolled out the Digi-Duo mobile + home fibre bundle in the region. Capital Works: Dominica’s Roseau Enhancement Project has moved into implementation after a US$2.24m consultancy contract for design review and supervision of road rehabilitation across key Roseau streets. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC traced a major island-wide outage to a fault on the geothermal-to-Fond Colé transmission line, restoring most areas by late morning. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer the Nature Island Way” with eight curated itineraries to drive longer stays and community-based experiences. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA highlighted work in Antigua and Barbuda on sweet potato productivity and value-added options, while Dominica’s DNCTF backed biodiversity projects including a rapid response to lethal yellowing disease. Regional Finance: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in the CARICOM Resilience Fund debt sub-fund to support SME lending across 13 countries. Local Governance & Jobs: Roseau North by-election politics heated up as UWP confirmed Danny Lugay and DLP named Ashma McDougall following Miriam Blanchard’s resignation.

Energy Disruption: DOMLEC says Dominica’s second island-wide power outage this week was caused by a fault on the transmission line linking the geothermal plant to the Fond Colé substation, triggering a trip around 6:00 AM; the utility switched to the Fond Colé diesel plant and restored most areas by late morning, with Rosalie, Delices and Laudat targeted first, and remaining communities by 10:00 AM. Local Politics & Jobs: With Roseau North MP Miriam Blanchard resigning for health reasons, the by-election is set within 90 days; the UWP confirmed Danny Lugay as its candidate and unveiled “Team Dominica” additions, while the DLP named Ashma McDougall as its candidate to succeed Blanchard. Tourism & Marketing: Discover Dominica launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” offering eight curated itineraries for adventure, wellness, romance and culture, and also named Wendy Lake as its new Destination Marketing Manager to strengthen destination promotion. Environment & Development: Work has started on demarcating Morne Diablotin National Park boundaries and creating a buffer zone under a GEF/World Bank-backed eco-tourism and biodiversity project; separately, DNCTF awarded over US$100,000 to biodiversity and ecosystem protection initiatives. Regional Finance: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in a CARICOM resilience debt fund aimed at SME financing, with up to 70% earmarked for on-lending. Regional Trade/Policy: CARIFORUM–EU’s Joint Council meeting opens in the Dominican Republic, highlighting trade and supply-chain shifts that could boost Caribbean exports.

Tourism & Jobs: Discover Dominica Authority rolls out “Summer the Nature Island Way” with eight curated itineraries to drive longer stays across adventure, wellness, culture and romance. Power & Cost of Living: DOMLEC says today’s island-wide outage was caused by a transmission-line problem linking the geothermal plant to the Fond Colé substation, with restoration staged by community. Budget & Growth: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the 2026-2027 budget will balance support for the vulnerable and economic growth with fiscal prudence after wide consultations with citizens and businesses. Energy Transition: Skerrit reiterates geothermal commissioning continues amid outages, while a Greece council in Milos rejects geothermal development over tourism and quality-of-life concerns. Environment & Resilience: Work begins on demarcating Morne Diablotin National Park boundaries and creating a buffer zone under a GEF/World Bank-backed eco-tourism and biodiversity project. Agriculture & Finance: IICA highlights support for farmers and agribusinesses at its accountability seminar, while DNCTF awards over US$100,000 for biodiversity and ecosystem protection projects. Regional Trade Skills: OECS services-sector training is set for Antigua and Barbuda (June 29–July 2) to strengthen policy and negotiating capacity for the single services space. Local Politics (Election Watch): Roseau North by-election moves forward after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation; UWP confirms Danny Lugay as candidate and DLP names Ashma McDougall.

Energy & Reliability: DOMLEC traced a major early-morning power outage to a fault between the newly built Fond Colé Substation and the Fond Colé Power Plant, with crews isolating the issue before full restoration. Fiscal Planning: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the 2026–2027 budget will balance support for the vulnerable and economic growth with fiscal prudence after broad consultations with citizens and businesses. Hurricane Readiness: Skerrit urged households and businesses to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, citing NEPO inspections of shelters and emergency supplies. Public Finance & Governance: Dominica Labour Party ratifies Ashma McDougall as Roseau North by-election candidate after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation for medical reasons. Tourism & Jobs: Discover Dominica Authority names Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to strengthen brand and trade partnerships as nature and wellness travel demand rises. Climate & Agriculture: DOMCREP is set to deliver a $70.2m resilience push for 8,000 people, including support for 520 farmers and agro-processors with climate-smart tech and irrigation. Environment & Biodiversity: Work begins on demarcating Morne Diablotin National Park boundaries and creating a buffer zone under a GEF/World Bank-backed eco-tourism biodiversity project. Regional Trade/Services: OECS services training is scheduled in Antigua and Barbuda (June 29–July 2) to boost skills for public and private stakeholders in the services sector. Regional Finance: IFC confirms a US$15m investment in a CARICOM resilience debt fund aimed at SME financing across 13 countries. Regional Integration: Commentary and coverage continue on OECS free movement and the economic value of borderless mobility for Dominica and the sub-region. Health & Community: Dominica Cancer Society sets its AGM for June 27 at UWI Open Campus Dominica.

Hurricane Readiness: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged households and businesses to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, saying shelters and supplies have been reviewed and NEPO has coordinated response plans as the season runs June 1–Nov 30. Power Reliability: DOMLEC traced a widespread early-morning outage to a fault between the newly built Fond Colé Substation and the Fond Colé Power Plant, with crews isolating the issue before restoration and some communities facing longer outages. Budget Signals: Skerrit said the 2026–2027 national budget will balance support for the vulnerable and economic growth with fiscal prudence, following broad consultations with citizens and stakeholders. Energy & Resilience: Dominica is pushing climate adaptation with DOMCREP, a $70.2m Green Climate Fund-backed project supporting 8,000 people, including 520 farmers and agro-processors with climate-smart tools and improved water security. Protected Areas: The Ministry of Environment has started demarcating Morne Diablotin National Park boundaries and creating a buffer zone to strengthen biodiversity protection and eco-tourism. Labour & Training: DTUC secured about US$6,000 from the ILO to complete its strategic plan and seek dialogue with government on labour issues. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer the Nature Island Way” with eight curated itineraries to encourage longer stays and community-linked experiences. Regional Finance: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in a CARICOM resilience debt fund aimed at SME lending across 13 countries. Politics (Local Economy Angle): DLP named Ashma McDougall as its Roseau North by-election candidate after Miriam Blanchard resigned for medical reasons.

Geothermal & Power Reliability: PM Skerrit says Dominica is now feeding geothermal energy onto the national grid, but outages continue during commissioning—testing and integration are still ongoing, with promises of lower rates and better reliability once fully operational. Tourism & Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (starting June 1) to push brand and trade partnerships as nature and wellness demand grows; it also launched “Summer the Nature Island Way” with eight curated itineraries to encourage longer stays. Environment & Biodiversity Funding: The Ministry of Environment has started demarcating Morne Diablotin National Park and creating a buffer zone under the GEF/World Bank LETBP project; meanwhile DNCTF awarded over US$100,000 to biodiversity and ecosystem protection projects, including a rapid response to lethal yellowing disease. Labour & Skills: DTUC secured about US$6,000 from the ILO to complete its strategic plan and seek dialogue with government on labour issues; OECS services-sector training is set for June 29–July 2 in Antigua and Barbuda. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA highlighted support for farmers and agribusinesses at its accountability seminar, while CARICOM opened nominations for the 2026 CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer awards. Politics & Local Economy: Roseau North by-election moves forward after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation for medical reasons; DLP selected Ashma McDougall as its candidate.

Lab Funding: Dominica Trade Union Congress secured about US$6,000 from the International Labour Organization to complete its strategic plan and will seek dialogue with government on labour issues. Protected Areas & Eco-Tourism: The Ministry of Environment has started demarcating Morne Diablotin National Park boundaries and creating a buffer zone, under the GEF/World Bank LETBP project, led by Environment Direct Consulting. Biodiversity Grants: The Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund awarded over US$103,000 for biodiversity and ecosystem protection, including a rapid response project to tackle lethal yellowing disease affecting coastal coconut ecosystems. Agriculture & Markets: IICA’s annual accountability seminar highlighted support for farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities, with a focus on MSMEs and access to regional markets. Tourism Promotion: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer the Nature Island Way” with eight curated itineraries to encourage longer stays and community-linked experiences. Regional Finance for SMEs: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in the CARICOM Resilience Fund debt sub-fund to expand SME financing across 13 countries. Energy & Cost Pressure: PM Skerrit urged DOMLEC customers to be patient as geothermal commissioning continues, with outages linked to testing and integration ahead of lower electricity costs. Politics & By-Election: DLP named Ashma McDougall as its Roseau North by-election candidate after Miriam Blanchard resigned for medical reasons; UWP also thanked Blanchard and said it is ready to contest.

CARICOM Agriculture: Nominations are open for the CARICOM Farmer of the Year Award and the Ministers of Agriculture Young Farmer of the Year Awards (2026), with submissions due by end-June and a short bio plus a two-minute production video required. CARICOM Trade Talks: Dominica’s Dr. Vince Henderson chairs the 62nd COTED meeting in Guyana as CARICOM flags energy-market shocks, higher fuel/food/fertiliser costs, and risks to inflation and food security. Tourism Jobs & Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority names Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (from June 1) to push brand, trade partnerships, and campaigns for nature, wellness and adventure travel. Energy & Power Reliability: PM Skerrit asks DOMLEC customers to be patient during geothermal commissioning after recent outages, saying teething issues are being resolved and electricity costs and reliability should improve. Geothermal Milestone: Dominica becomes the first Caribbean nation to place geothermal energy on its national grid, with commissioning still underway. CBI Rule Tightening: Dominica will require successful Citizenship by Investment applicants to visit in person and collect renewed passports locally. Local Governance: Roseau North by-election is set after MP Miriam Blanchard resigns on medical grounds. Infrastructure Delivery: Windsor Park Stadium handover is expected by end-June after lights installation and certification, with warnings against telecom equipment on the towers. Regional Finance for SMEs: IFC confirms a US$15m investment in a CARICOM resilience debt fund aimed at SME financing across 13 countries. Climate Resilience Funding: DOMCREP launches as a US$70.2m Green Climate Fund-backed project supporting 8,000 people and over 520 farmers/agro-processors with climate-smart tools and irrigation.

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.