AGP Executive Report

Missing Persons: Dominica launched its first-ever National Missing Person Alert System, with police saying the tool will speed up action, standardize information sharing, and mobilize the public without waiting 24–48 hours. Public Safety & Security: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore also used the launch to report 21 illegal firearms recovered so far this year, including rifles and semi-automatic pistols. Police Communications: Sergeant Petrina Dupigny was named the new CDPF Public Relations Officer, tasked with circulating alert flyers and urging residents to stay vigilant. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines began twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica service, a boost for tourism ahead of the World Creole Music Festival. Tourism Spotlight: Dominica’s dive sector received international recognition from Scuba Diving magazine, praised as a win for marine tourism. Education & Development: Dominica State College secured four grants to improve technology, infrastructure, and learning, including an ARIN-funded Youth Internet Governance Lab. Sports: Guyana thrashed Dominica 8-1 in the CONCACAF Nations League, while Dominica’s netball team was selected for the Battle of the Isles in St. Maarten. Culture: World Creole Music Festival 2026 runs Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park in Roseau, with major headliners announced by night.

Missing Persons: Dominica has launched its first-ever National Missing Person Alert System, with Deputy Police Chief Jeoffrey James calling it a timely tool to speed up action, standardize information sharing, and mobilize the public—no 24- or 48-hour wait needed. Education & Skills: Dominica State College secured four grants (ARIN, BNTF, Mercy Corps and the Commonwealth of Learning) to boost technology, infrastructure and learning, including a US$20,000 Youth Internet Governance Lab. Justice & Training: Correctional officers across 10 Caribbean countries, including Dominica, are taking part in regional training aimed at safer custody, rehabilitation and reintegration. Community Support: Tropipulp Dominica marked its sixth year of school-supplies support for Newtown Primary School. Diplomacy: PM Roosevelt Skerrit renewed Dominica–China cooperation at the Chinese Embassy reception for China’s 77th anniversary. Youth & STEM: Four Dominicans will represent the island at the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge in South Korea. Tourism & Air Access: Contour Airlines begins Trinidad–Dominica service, adding another route for visitors. Sports: Dominica’s Bouyon Boyz were hit hard in Nations League action, losing 8-1 to Guyana in Puerto Rico. Culture: World Creole Music Festival 2026 runs Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park, with night-by-night headliners including Ne-Yo and Machel Montano.

World Creole Music Festival 2026: The Discover Dominica Authority confirms WCMF returns Oct. 23–25 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, with gates opening 7pm–8pm nightly and music running into the early morning; the guide says the lineup is verified and aims to clear up fake flyers and wrong dates. Nations League shock for Dominica: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars thrashed Dominica 8-1 in Puerto Rico, with Omari Glasgow and Deon Moore scoring twice each and Elliot Bonds adding a brace; Dominica’s only goal came from Reon Cuffy, while coach Kurt Herd took responsibility for the team’s shape and discipline slipping. Public safety upgrade: Dominica launched its first National Missing Person Alert System, with Minister Rayburn Blackmoore saying it will go live this Wednesday and outlining the alert categories. Tourism spotlight: AFAR featured Dominica as a top solo-travel destination, highlighting Batibou, Champagne and Mero beaches and the island’s “Nature Island” appeal. Culture and jobs: The 13th E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture will spotlight traditional crafts, and the government posted vacancies in the judicial and legal service, including a Magistrate post and a State Attorney role for the Legal Aid Clinic.

CONCACAF Nations League: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars hammered Dominica 8-1 in League B Group A in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, with Omari Glasgow and Deon Moore leading the rout and Dominica’s Reon Cuffy scoring the lone goal; the loss leaves the Bouyon Boyz needing a strong response in remaining fixtures. Sports (earlier match): Dominica also suffered a 5-1 defeat to Guyana just days before, underscoring the tough stretch for the national team. Culture & Education: UWI Global Campus Dominica and the Division of Culture will host the 13th E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture, spotlighting traditional crafts under the theme “Traditional Crafts: Traces of Our Terrain.” Legal Appointments: The Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs posted vacancies for a Magistrate (Magistrates Court) and a State Attorney for the Legal Aid Clinic. Tourism Spotlight: AFAR highlighted Dominica as a top pick for solo travellers, naming Batibou, Champagne and Mero beaches. Diplomacy: Dominica and China renewed long-term commitment to deepen diplomatic relations.

Dominica–China Diplomacy: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica and China have renewed their long-term commitment to deepen ties, reaffirming the “One China” principle at a ceremony marking the PRC’s 77th anniversary. Community & Governance: Skerrit met Marigot residents to hear priorities and encourage people to take up government development opportunities. Energy for Seniors: DOMLEC marked International Day of Older Persons by celebrating three Dominica centenarians and giving them electricity credits through its “Credit for Life” programme. Teachers’ Support: Education Minister Octavia Alfred highlighted teacher appointments, PPE and first-aid support, plus a $250 allowance, while Skerrit and the Dominica Association of Teachers marked Teachers’ Week and Teachers’ Day. Sports: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars thrashed Dominica 5-1 in CONCACAF Nations League action in Puerto Rico, setting up another meeting soon. Regional Mobility: CARICOM leaders say small states still face hurdles implementing full free movement, with border control and capacity concerns slowing labour mobility. Connectivity Boost: EllaLink launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, aiming for service by end-2029, to strengthen regional digital links.

DOMLEC & Seniors: DOMLEC marked International Day of Older Persons by celebrating three Dominica centenarians—Christine White, Matthew St. Rose and James Riley—through its “Credit for Life” programme, which provides a $600 electricity credit on their 100th birthday and every birthday after. Local Governance: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit met Marigot residents to hear community priorities and urged people to take advantage of government development opportunities. Diplomacy: Dominica and China renewed their long-term commitment to deepen diplomatic relations during a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy. Elections & Voting Access: The Dominica Trade Union Congress urged eligible voters to complete voter confirmation/registration before the October 14 deadline amid public scrutiny of the process. Education: Teachers received fresh recognition as the Education Minister highlighted appointments, allowances and ongoing engagement with the sector during Teachers’ Week. Sports: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars hammered Dominica 5-1 in the CONCACAF Nations League, while Dominica’s next match against Guyana is set for October 4.

Marigot Community Engagement: PM Roosevelt Skerrit met Marigot residents this week, urging people to take part in government programmes and development opportunities and to share community priorities directly with officials. Diplomacy with China: Dominica and China renewed their long-term commitment to deepen relations, with Skerrit reaffirming the “One China” principle at a ceremony marking the PRC’s 77th anniversary. Voter List Push: The Dominica Trade Union Congress is urging eligible voters to complete confirmation/registration before the Oct. 14 deadline amid public concerns about delays and scrutiny of the process. Teachers’ Recognition: Education leaders and the Prime Minister highlighted teachers’ role in national development, citing appointments, support measures, and ongoing engagement during Teachers’ Week. Regional Legal Access: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold itinerant sittings in St Lucia Oct. 7–8, the first time the country hosts the court since it began travelling proceedings. Sports: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars hammered Dominica 5-1 in the CONCACAF Nations League, while Dominica faces Guyana again soon. Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl Support: The Dominica National Lottery contributed $25,000 toward this year’s Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl, backing culture and community programming. Water Notice: DOWASCO scheduled a water interruption in Brentridge, Penrice, Belles, Wet Area and Gleau Gomier on Oct. 2 for system maintenance.

Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines says it will resume Trinidad–Caracas passenger service from October 31, add a weekly Tobago–Toronto non-stop from October 25, and run seasonal Trinidad–Panama charters from December 1. Regional Justice: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold its first itinerant sittings in St Lucia in more than two decades, with hearings set for October 7–8. Elections Watch: The Dominica Trade Union Congress urges eligible voters to complete voter confirmation/registration before the October 14 deadline amid public concerns about the process. Teachers’ Spotlight: Education Minister Octavia Alfred praised teachers for nation-building, noting appointments, support items, and ongoing engagement as Dominica marks Teachers’ Week. Sports: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars hammered Dominica 5–1 in the CONCACAF Nations League in Puerto Rico, taking control of Group A in League B. Culture & Community: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is set for October 19–22, with organisers adding a dedicated wellness space and the Dominica National Lottery contributing $25,000.

CONCACAF Nations League: Guyana hammered Dominica 5-1 in League B in Puerto Rico, with Osaze De Rosario and Omari Glasgow scoring before halftime, Deon Moore adding a third after the break, and Troy Jules replying for Dominica before Kelsey Benjamin and Enoch George completed the rout. Local Football: Dominica captain Marcus Bredas said the team’s discipline slipped after Guyana’s first goal and the squad will regroup for the rematch on Sunday, Oct. 4. Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will resume Trinidad–Caracas flights on Oct. 31 and launch a weekly Tobago–Toronto non-stop service from Oct. 25, plus seasonal charters between Trinidad and Panama from Dec. 1, 2026. Education & Community: PM Roosevelt Skerrit thanked teachers across Dominica for Teachers’ Week, while Wesley High School marks 100 years of educating young women this October. Culture & Tourism: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl runs Oct. 19–22, with organisers adding a dedicated wellness space for locals and visitors. Regional Opportunities: Sherdina Antoine won Dominica’s top spot in a CARICOM climate short-story contest with “Weathering Us.”

Education Milestone: Wesley High School marks 100 years since opening on October 16, 1926, with centennial events starting Oct. 12 and culminating Oct. 16 with a Founder’s Day service and parade. Teachers’ Appreciation: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit thanked Dominica’s teachers for their patience and sacrifice as the country observes Teachers’ Week 2026. Community Engagement: Skerrit met Marigot residents at a community social gathering to hear local concerns and priorities. Culture & Tourism: Dominica National Lottery contributed $25,000 as a platinum sponsor for Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl, and organisers also announced a new dedicated wellness space for the Oct. 19–22 event. Public Service & Safety: Dominica plans a national missing person alert system on Oct. 5, with separate alerts for children, vulnerable people, other adults, and police-related incidents. Football: Dominica’s senior men were heavily beaten 5-1 by Guyana in the CONCACAF Nations League, with the teams set to meet again on Oct. 4. Sports/Regional: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars kept their perfect start in Group A, while the GFF said it will respect Puerto Rico entry rules after Neron Barrow’s detention.

Immigration & Football: Golden Jaguars forward Neron Barrow has retained Canadian lawyer Andrew Werners and is expected to pursue legal action after being denied entry into Puerto Rico while on national duty, with the GFF saying it must follow local immigration rules. Nations League: Guyana thrashed Dominica 5-1 in Puerto Rico to keep a perfect start, setting up another clash with high stakes for promotion and Gold Cup qualification. EU Citizenship by Investment: The European Union has told Eastern Caribbean states to stop selling golden passports by 2028 or risk losing visa-free travel access. Public Safety: Dominica plans to launch a national missing person alert system on October 5, with separate alerts for children, vulnerable people, other missing adults, and police-officer incidents. Local Culture & Community: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl-‘Tout Biten Domnik is set for October 19–22 at the Dominica Botanic Gardens, bringing food, music, crafts and Creole heritage ahead of the World Creole Music Festival. Climate & Youth: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won the 2026 CCCCC Youth Short Story Competition with “Weathering Us,” beating 172 other entries. Water Service Notice: DOWASCO will interrupt water supply in Brentridge, Penrice, Belles, Wet Area and Gleau Gomier on Friday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for system maintenance.

Missing Persons Alert: Dominica will roll out a national missing person alert system on October 5, with separate alerts for missing children, vulnerable people, other missing adults, and incidents involving police officers, so the public and media can join searches quickly. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: A new US$550,000 Caribbean initiative will support women-led businesses in Dominica to develop and commercialise clean energy solutions, with technical help, financing opportunities, and links to regional value chains. Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl: The 5th edition of Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl-‘Tout Biten Domnik is set for October 19–22 at the Dominica Botanic Gardens, bringing Creole food, music, artisan markets and performances ahead of the World Creole Music Festival. Special Education Support: Dominica’s ECAAM and St. Maarten’s SKOS Catholic Education Foundation launch a two-year Project INSPIRE to train educators and improve support for students with special educational needs. Football in the Nations League: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars face Dominica in a Nations League double-header in Puerto Rico, with attention also on the reported detention experience of Guyana forward Neron Barrow. Honouring Mighty Sparrow: CARICOM and the region mourn the death of calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow at 91. Water & Community Notices: DOWASCO schedules a water interruption in parts of Roseau on October 1 for system maintenance.

Haiti Security: CARICOM and OAS member states, including Dominica, are urging the UN Security Council to renew and fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Repression Force, calling for more personnel, funding, equipment and logistics to support a sustainable, Haitian-led approach. Education & Inclusion: Dominica’s ECAAM and St. Maarten’s SKOS Catholic Education Foundation launched a two-year Project INSPIRE to strengthen support for students with special educational needs, with training for teachers and school managers plus parent and public awareness activities. Connectivity: EllaLink says its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway has moved into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a Cayenne–Martinique/Guadeloupe trunk and a western segment serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, with possible onward links via interconnection including Dominica. Local Health & Community: Dominica’s DOMDA hosts “Sip N Chat” today at The Realm (4:30–7:00 pm) to encourage healthier lifestyle choices among youth aged 16–35. Tourism Spotlight: Dominica earned 11 recognitions in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, boosting its marine tourism profile. Infrastructure Tender: GIZ/EU Euroclima is seeking expressions of interest for design and build services for steel-framed installation works at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau.

CARICOM Health Push: CARICOM ministers meeting in Washington agreed to develop a regional digital health strategy, with support from PAHO, the IDB and the World Bank, aiming to strengthen healthcare delivery, surveillance and financing across member states. Dominica Tourism Boost: Dominica earned 11 recognitions in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, spanning marine health, wall diving, value, underwater photography and snorkeling. Food Security Idea: Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson is calling for a “One country, one product” model to help Caribbean states specialize, trade more and improve food security. Youth Health Event: The Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) hosts “Sip N Chat” today at The Realm in Roseau (4:30–7:00 PM) for ages 16–35 to promote healthier lifestyle choices. Local Travel Spotlight: Travel + Leisure highlights Dominica’s nature and culture as an “authentic Caribbean” experience for explorers. Community Notices: DOWASCO scheduled water interruptions are set for Oct 1 (Mero to Castle Comfort) and earlier notices for Pichelin, Maranatha Square and Geneva. Culture & Sports: Mas Domnik 2027 dates were announced (Jan 9–Feb 10), and Dominica’s chess community celebrates Shermel Timothy as the island’s first Woman Candidate Master.

Caribbean Tourism & Travel: Ambassador Cruise Line has launched its 2027-28 and 2028-29 winter “fly-cruise” programmes aboard the Renaissance, with 10 sailings each season, including eight 14-night trips and two repositioning routes between the UK and Bridgetown (calls include St Kitts and Dominica). Youth & Community Policing: The Dominica Police Force took part in JCI Dominica’s Future Fest, encouraging students to consider policing careers, while Portsmouth officers held a church fellowship as part of the Community Policing Initiative. Women’s Sports: DABA will launch a Women’s Basketball League with a November 7 Ladies Night 3×3 tournament at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex. Agriculture Recognition: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John was named CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026 at Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica. Health Milestone: Dominica China Friendship Hospital performed four permanent pacemaker implantations on September 25, bringing the service fully in-country. Public Services: DOWASCO scheduled water interruptions are set for Sept. 30 (Pichelin, Maranatha Square and Geneva). Local Culture: Mas Domnik 2027’s official calendar was announced, with Carnival running Jan. 9 to Feb. 10, 2027.

Women’s Basketball: DABA will launch Dominica’s Women’s Basketball League on November 7 with a “Ladies Night” 3×3 tournament at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex, aiming to grow structured pathways from school and grassroots to clubs and national representation. Vital Records: Dominica’s Civil Registry says it can resume normal birth, marriage and death certificate processing after delays caused by security paper shortages; officials report new shipments and continued efforts to prevent repeat disruptions. Agriculture Recognition: Wesley farmer Dywany St. John received the CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026 award in Jamaica, with the Ministry citing his role in strengthening food security and sustainable farming. Carnival 2027: The Mas Domnik 2027 calendar is out, with the season running January 9 to February 10, including the National Parade opening, Bouyon Day, Calypso Monarch, and Teway Vaval. Chess Milestone: Shermel Timothy became Dominica’s first Woman Candidate Master after earning the title at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Policing: Four probationary police officers were dismissed following an investigation, with the chief noting dismissal decisions can be separate from criminal charges. Water Notice: DOWASCO scheduled a service interruption Wednesday, Sept. 30, 9am–3pm in Pichelin, Maranatha Square and Geneva. Healthcare Upgrade: Dominica China Friendship Hospital completed four permanent pacemaker implantations, bringing the procedures in-country for the first time. Regional Spotlight: CARICOM leaders and Dominica’s PM mourned calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91.