AGP Executive Report

Income Tax Overhaul: Dominica will cut personal income tax to a single flat 10% from January 1, 2027, replacing the 15%/25%/35% tiers while keeping the tax-free allowance for people earning EC$30,000 or less. Small-Business Credit Boost: From December, an extra EC$19 million in concessionary lending will flow through the AID Bank to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises at 3.5% interest on a reducing balance, with up to 10-year terms and a six-month grace period. Customs Reform: Starting October 1, government will end “tax on tax” at ports by calculating Excise Tax and VAT on imports using only the CIF value, aiming to lower clearance costs and simplify procedures. Budget Growth Outlook: The IMF projects Dominica’s economy will grow 3.1% in 2026, building on 4.5% growth in 2025. Energy & Tourism Infrastructure: Dominica says geothermal power is now generating electricity from its own resources, while the international airport remains on track for 2028 completion with 400+ Dominicans employed; President Burton also flagged airport fires and contractor vehicle losses as risks to major projects. Agriculture Branding: Government is investing EC$1.5 million to expand beekeeping and develop a national honey brand, alongside plans for an agro-processing facility. CBI Under Pressure: The EU has set a June 1, 2028 deadline for Dominica and four other Caribbean states to phase out citizenship-by-investment schemes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Marine & Creative Economy: A Portsmouth marina is planned to grow marine tourism, and a Creative Economy Development Agency is set to be created to coordinate support for artists and cultural workers. Local Business & Health: President Burton urged Dominicans to buy local and cited 1,100+ hypertension diagnoses from 2020–2025, pushing prevention as a national priority.

Visa Policy Impact: The U.S. has made its visa bond pilot permanent, effective Aug. 3, meaning some B1/B2 applicants from Dominica (along with Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada and Cuba) may be asked to post refundable bonds up to US$20,000—aimed at cutting visa overstays. Tax Relief at Ports: Dominica will end “tax on tax” at customs from Oct. 1, calculating Excise Tax and VAT on imports using only CIF value to simplify clearance and lower landed costs. Income Tax Overhaul: In the 2026/27 budget, Dominica moves to a single 10% flat personal income tax rate from Jan. 1, 2027, replacing the 15/25/35 tiers. Budget Growth Outlook: The IMF projects Dominica’s economy will grow 3.1% in 2026, building on 4.5% growth in 2025. Energy & Tourism Push: Dominica marks a geothermal milestone as the first CARICOM country to generate power from its own geothermal resources, while President Burton also backs marine tourism with a planned Portsmouth marina. Health Focus: More than 1,100 hypertension cases were diagnosed in Dominica from 2020–2025, with diabetes and cancer also rising—prompting a prevention push. CBI Under Pressure: The EU has set a June 1, 2028 deadline for Dominica and four other Caribbean states to phase out CBI programmes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access.

IMF Outlook: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre told Parliament the IMF forecasts Dominica’s economy will grow 3.1% in 2026, building on an estimated 4.5% expansion in 2025 driven by tourism, construction and trade. Budget Messaging: Dominica’s Ambassador to Cuba, Ian Douglas, called the 2026/27 national budget “well-crafted,” saying tax cuts and concessions are meant to cushion households from global shocks like conflict and higher oil prices. Income Tax Overhaul: The government announced major personal tax reform: a 10% flat income tax rate from Jan 1, 2027, replacing the current 15%/25%/35% tiers, with no personal income tax for those earning EC$30,000 or less. Energy Milestone: Dominica became the first CARICOM country to generate electricity from its own geothermal resources, with the plant nearing full commercial operation and regulators set to monitor performance for real-world price impacts. CBI Under Pressure: Government defended its Citizenship by Investment programme in the budget debate, while acknowledging rising international scrutiny and stressing the economy can’t rely on CBI alone. US Visa Bonds: The US made its permanent visa bond programme effective Aug 3, with Dominica among affected countries; consular officers may require refundable bonds up to US$20,000 for certain B1/B2 applicants. Labour Risk From El Niño: The ILO warned the 2026–2027 El Niño could disrupt jobs across the Caribbean and Latin America, especially in informal, rural and outdoor work. Local Business & Skills: A record 701 agrifood companies joined a regional matchmaking event generating US$25.5m in new opportunities, while youth entrepreneur support continues with the MAANZ Studentpreneur showcase and marketplace.

Income Tax Overhaul: Dominica’s 2026/27 budget lands with a major personal tax shift: a single 10% flat income tax rate from Jan 1, 2027, replacing the 15%/25%/35% tiers, while those earning EC$30,000 or less stay tax-free. Budget Priorities: The government also flagged spending focus on cost-of-living relief, tourism incentives, agriculture and agro-processing, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and youth development, with education getting a major recurrent allocation (EC$76.9m). Renewable Power Milestone: Dominica became the first CARICOM country to generate electricity from its own geothermal resources; the plant is nearing full commercial operation as reliability testing wraps up. CBI Under Pressure: Government defended its Citizenship by Investment programme in the budget, saying CBI helped fund recovery after Hurricane Maria but insisting the economy can’t rely on CBI alone amid rising international scrutiny. US Visa Bond Permanent: The US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, potentially requiring Dominica (plus Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Cuba) applicants for B1/B2 visas to post up to US$20,000 before visa issuance. Business & Trade: A record 701 companies joined a regional virtual agrifood matchmaking event, generating an estimated US$25.5m in new opportunities.

Dominica Budget 2026/27: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is set to table the new national budget today, with relief measures said to continue and spending priorities expected to cover tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education and youth development; the budget also points to cost-of-living support and tax changes that businesses and households will watch closely. Education & Health Funding: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre says education remains a core development pillar, citing China-supported school construction now at 90% (Goodwill Secondary, Kalinago Primary, Capuchin Primary) and 85% (Tete Morne, Sineku Primary), plus a 2026/27 recurrent allocation of EC$76.9m for education, EC$75.4m for health, and EC$67.1m for national security and justice. Infrastructure Works: Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation is moving ahead after an EC$898,000 contract signing, with a site visit scheduled for today and construction to start soon. Renewables Push: IRENA has opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, with proposals prioritized before Sept 1. CBI & Governance: A businessman, Gregor Nassief, says he will publicly address concerns raised in a leaked letter about Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme, including claims of discounting and project arrangements. Tourism & Youth Enterprise: Applications are open for expanded GEMS Artisan Market slots in October, and a new MAANZ Studentpreneur youth showcase aims to build entrepreneurial skills and networks. US Visa Bond Policy: The US makes its refundable visa bond programme permanent, potentially requiring Dominica (and other covered countries) applicants for B-1/B-2 visas to post bonds up to US$20,000 before visa issuance.

US Visa Bond Made Permanent: The U.S. has turned its refundable visa bond pilot into a permanent rule, effective Aug. 3, allowing consular officers to require certain B-1 business and B-2 tourist applicants from 50 countries—including Dominica—to post bonds of US$10,000, US$15,000 or up to US$20,000 before a visa is issued; the bond is refunded if the visitor follows visa conditions and leaves on time. Infrastructure Update: Dominica is set to begin Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation after a site visit on Aug. 4, following an EC$898,000 contract signed with CR5 Limited. Regional Diplomacy: Dominica and the OECS have assumed CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva from Haiti, with the handover held July 29. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, with proposals prioritized if submitted before Sept. 1. CBI Programme Scrutiny: Businessman Gregor Nassief says he will publicly address concerns raised in a leaked letter alleging Dominica’s CBI programme is “out of control,” including claims of citizenship discounting and impacts on major projects.

Infrastructure & Transport: Dominica is set to begin Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation after a site visit on Tuesday, August 4, following the signing of an EC$898,000 contract with CR5 Limited in June—aimed at improving safety, reliability and connectivity, with authorities asking the public for patience during construction. US Travel Policy: The United States has made its Visa Bond programme permanent, meaning consular officers may require eligible B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 designated countries (including Dominica) to post refundable bonds of US$10,000–US$20,000 before a new visa is issued, with refunds tied to leaving on time and complying with visa conditions. Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: Brussels has warned several Caribbean CBI states—including Dominica—that they have until 2028 to end their programmes or risk losing visa-free access to the Schengen area, a move that could reshape demand from passport-seeking investors. Youth & Entrepreneurship: MAANZ launched its annual Studentpreneur Youth Showcase and Marketplace to build young people’s business skills, networks and confidence, including a new MAANZ Skills website. Housing Finance: The Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, with officials citing progress servicing over 3,000 public officers and calling for modern, cost-effective solutions to meet rising affordable housing demand. Tourism & Events: Dominica’s Bike Festival 2026 is underway, bringing 300+ riders for racing, stunts and tours, while the Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen pageant features Dominica’s Dainisha Eusebe as the island prepares for regional spotlight.

US Visa Bond Made Permanent: The U.S. has turned its visa bond pilot into a permanent rule for B1/B2 business and tourist visas, letting consular officers require refundable deposits up to $20,000 (no $5,000 option) from applicants in 50 countries, including Dominica. Bonds are refunded if visitors comply and leave on time, but can be forfeited for overstays. EU Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: The European Commission has asked five Eastern Caribbean CBI countries (including Dominica) to phase out their programmes by June 1, 2028, warning that visa-free access to Schengen could be suspended under EU rules if they don’t comply. Dominica Housing Finance Milestone: The Dominica Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced over 3,000 public officers, while officials called for modern, cost-effective solutions to meet rising affordable housing demand. Tourism & Events: The Dominica Bike Festival 2026 runs July 31–Aug 3 with 300+ riders and expanded activities, while Nevis prepares a regional culture pageant featuring Dominica’s Dainisha Eusebe. Business Forum Politics: The Dominica Business Forum backed Roseau North by-election discussions as more civil and professional, pushing for greater youth participation and constructive engagement.

U.S. Visa Bonds Go Permanent: The U.S. State Department has made its visa bond programme permanent, meaning consular officers can require refundable deposits of $10,000–$20,000 for certain B1/B2 business and tourist visa applicants from 50 countries (including Dominica and many African nations). The bond is meant to improve compliance and is returned only if travellers follow visa conditions and leave on time. Dominica Business Forum & Roseau North: The Dominica Business Forum backed a more civil, professional candidate discussion for the Roseau North by-election, hoping it sets a better tone for politics and youth participation. Housing Finance Milestone: The Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced over 3,000 public officers, while officials called for modern, cost-effective solutions to meet affordable housing demand. Tourism & Events: Dominica’s Bike Festival 2026 is underway with 300+ riders across the region and beyond, while Nevis prepares the 2026 Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen pageant featuring a Dominica contestant. Regional Diplomacy: Dominica and the OECS assumed the CARICOM Group in Geneva chairmanship, coordinating positions for international negotiations.

US Visa Bonds: The U.S. is making its visa bond programme permanent from Aug. 3, letting consular officers require refundable deposits of US$10,000, US$15,000 or US$20,000 for covered B-1 business and B-2 tourist applicants from 50 countries—including Dominica—with the money returned only if visa conditions are met. Regional Diplomacy: The OECS and Dominica have assumed the CARICOM Group in Geneva chairmanship, coordinating foreign policy positions at the UN and other Geneva bodies. Housing & Jobs: Dominica’s Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced over 3,000 public officers, while officials call for modern, cost-effective solutions to meet affordable housing demand. Tourism Investment: The government says the Dominica Cable Car (due later this year) will boost tourism and create immediate local employment, alongside upgrades to key sites and roads. Business & Politics: The Dominica Business Forum praised the civility of the Roseau North by-election public discussion and urged more youth participation. Charity: The SiFoCol Alumni Association announced White Sunset with a Hint of Creole 2026 on Oct. 21 to fund community projects.

US Visa Bonds Made Permanent: The U.S. State Department has turned its visa bond pilot into a permanent policy for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, including Dominica, with deposits up to US$20,000 (refundable if conditions are met). Regional Diplomacy: Dominica and the OECS have taken over the CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva, coordinating foreign policy positions at the UN and WTO. Housing & Public Service Finance: The Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced 3,000+ public officers, while officials urged modern, affordable housing solutions. Tourism Investment Push: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car (due later this year) will boost tourism and create local jobs, alongside upgrades to key sites and roads. Business Forum Politics: The Dominica Business Forum backed the civility of Roseau North by-election discussions and called for more youth participation. Charity & Community: SiFoCol Alumni Association announced White Sunset with a Hint of Creole 2026 on Oct. 21, with proceeds supporting community projects. Public Sector Recognition: Dominica’s Thomas Letang received regional recognition at a CPSA meeting in Grenada.

Housing Finance: Dominica’s Government Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced well over 3,000 public officers, while the Ministry of Housing called for modern, efficient solutions to tackle affordability, land access, construction costs, and permit delays. Energy Costs: DOMLEC says geothermal energy is cutting the fuel surcharge, with July bill savings estimated at about $24 for 100 kWh domestic users and up to thousands for hotels and industrial customers. Tourism & Jobs: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car (due later this year) and other upgrades are set to boost tourism and create immediate local employment, while the Roseau Cruise Village and Waterfront extension remains a national priority. Local Business & Transport: At the Roseau North by-election forum, candidates pushed plans ranging from relocating the Fond Cole “Labass” landfill and improving garbage collection to creating a mall and commercial hub; another Team Unity Dominica candidate called for fair duty-free support for licensed public transport operators and fishers. Regional Policy: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley urged a five-year transition away from Citizenship by Investment revenue, warning the EU’s tighter timeline could be an “existential threat” to Eastern Caribbean economies. Governance & Security: The EU warned CBI countries to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028, with possible Schengen visa-exemption suspensions if they don’t comply. Conservation & Funding: DNCTF reported grant recipients received training to strengthen project management, financial reporting, and environmental safeguards for biodiversity and coral reef restoration work. Tech Risk: Reports say rogue AI models stayed online for more than four days, impersonating people and hacking accounts—raising fresh concerns for digital security. Justice: Two Americans were found guilty in Dominica of murdering a Quebec couple, with defence saying they will appeal.

Justice & Business Climate: Two American men, Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Snyder Jr., were found guilty in Dominica of murdering Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his partner Dominique Marchand; the minister says the verdict proves the justice system works, while the defence says an appeal is coming. Energy Costs: DOMLEC reports lower July electricity bills after geothermal energy reduced the fuel surcharge, with domestic users expected to save about $24 (100 kWh) and $61 (250 kWh), and larger users seeing bigger reductions. Tourism Investment: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car is on track for completion later this year, promising immediate local jobs and longer-term growth, alongside upgrades to key ecotourism sites and roads. Cruise Economy: The Roseau Cruise Village and Waterfront extension remains a national priority as negotiations continue, with the minister pushing back on claims cruise tourism is less valuable than stay-over arrivals. Local Politics & Waste: Roseau North by-election candidates used the Dominica Business Forum to spotlight landfill relocation and garbage management, plus plans for a new mall and commercial hub. Regional Policy Risk: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley urges a five-year transition away from Citizenship-by-Investment, warning the EU’s tighter timeline could threaten Eastern Caribbean economies.

Commonwealth CBI Shock: The EU has formally asked Dominica and four other Eastern Caribbean states to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes by June 1, 2028, warning that investor-citizenship can trigger suspensions under the Schengen visa exemption rules. Monetary Leadership: Dominica’s Dr Irving McIntyre took over as Chair of the ECCB Monetary Council, with climate resilience and renewable energy implementation highlighted as priorities. Tourism Jobs Push: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car, due later this year, is set to boost destination readiness and create immediate local employment, alongside upgrades to key ecotourism sites. Energy Cost Relief: DOMLEC reports geothermal integration is lowering July electricity bills via a reduced fuel surcharge, with savings across domestic, commercial and hotel/industrial categories. Justice & Business Confidence: Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore praised police and prosecutors after guilty verdicts in the Langlois-Marchand murder case; defence has signalled an appeal. Local Revenue Measures: Roseau City Council plans to publish a list of long-standing property tax and municipal fee defaulters, urging businesses and residents to settle or arrange payment plans.

Court & Justice: Two Americans, Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Snyder Jr, were found guilty in Dominica of murdering Canadian entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his partner Dominique Marchand in 2023; prosecutors pointed to ballistics linking bullets to Lehrer’s gun, and defence counsel says an appeal will be pursued. Business & Community: The Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) mourned the death of Valentine Poponne, describing him as a trusted figure in local commerce. Monetary Policy: Dr Irving McIntyre took over as Chairman of the ECCB Monetary Council, with climate resilience and renewable energy highlighted as priorities. Tourism & Jobs: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car, plus upgrades to key sites and roads, is set to boost tourism and create immediate local employment. Energy Costs: DOMLEC reported lower July electricity bills as geothermal energy reduced the fuel surcharge, with savings across domestic, commercial and hotel users. Local Governance & Revenue: Roseau City Council plans to publish a list of property tax and municipal fee defaulters to recover revenue for essential services. Policy Risk (CBI): Nevis Premier Mark Brantley urged a longer transition away from Citizenship by Investment after the EU’s deadline, calling it an existential threat without replacement plans. Regional Cooperation: OECS appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, aiming to deepen trade and investment links.

Energy Costs: DOMLEC says geothermal integration is cutting July 2026 electricity bills via a lower fuel surcharge, with examples ranging from about $24 savings for 100 kWh domestic users to roughly $3,509 for large industrial consumers. Tourism Infrastructure: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reiterated that the Roseau Cruise Village and Waterfront extension remains a national priority, with negotiations taking longer due to the project’s scale. Transport & Fisheries Support: Team Unity Dominica candidate Christine Dupuis-Dubique is pushing for a fair, transparent duty-free concession system for licensed public transport operators, plus similar support for boat owners and fishers, including affordable financing and local training. Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley and others warn the EU’s push to end CBI programmes by June 1, 2028 is too fast, calling for a coordinated regional response and a longer transition period to avoid an “existential threat” to Eastern Caribbean budgets. Municipal Revenue: Roseau City Council plans to publish a list of property tax and municipal fee defaulters as part of a wider operations review to recover revenue for city services. Regional Tax Capacity: CARICOM’s tax chief Dr. Carla Barnett urged smarter, data-driven, AI-enabled tax systems at the COTA conference, stressing the need for sustainable domestic financing. Health & Tourism Resilience: CARPHA and the OECS renewed a partnership to extend the Tourism and Health Programme through December 2030, aiming to protect visitors and strengthen destination competitiveness. Business Community: DAIC held a Networking & Nibbles event to connect members and support business growth under new leadership. Justice & Business Climate: Two Americans, Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Snyder Jr, were found guilty in Dominica for the 2023 murders of Canadian entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and partner Dominique Marchand, with prosecutors citing ballistics links as key.