AGP Executive Report

U.S. Court Ruling: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS pauses on immigration and asylum for people from 39 “travel-ban” countries, calling the policies illegal and leaving applicants in “indefinite legal limbo” — a decision that also names Dominica among the affected countries. Tourism & Visas: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says he was denied a U.S. visa renewal, warning it could disrupt Caribbean airlift and tourism planning. Climate Resilience: Dominica launched the US$26 million DOMCREP project to boost food security, disaster management, early warning systems, and support farmers in eight vulnerable communities. Banking Watch: A UWI Global Campus lecture urged regional banks to strengthen compliance to avoid “derisking” risks tied to international sanctions and FATF standards. Local Services: DOMLEC restored power to most of Dominica after a grid shutdown, with remaining areas expected back by early evening. Agriculture After Fire: The Ministry reported bushfire damage in Grand Savanne, including destroyed crops and damaged water storage tanks. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, effective June 1. Regional Talks: CARICOM leaders are set to meet in St Lucia from July 5–8 for the 51st Heads of Government meeting.

CARICOM Watch: CARICOM leaders are set to meet in St Lucia from July 5–8 for the 51st Heads of Government meeting, with the opening ceremony at Sandals St Lucia and live broadcasts via CARICOM’s social media. Climate Resilience: Dominica launched the US$26 million (EC$70.2m) DOMCREP project to boost food security, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and support for farmers in eight vulnerable communities. Agriculture Hit: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne damaged about 2.5 acres of cultivated land, destroying crops and water storage tanks; officials say further assessments may follow. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, effective June 1, to drive brand and visitor growth. Regional Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched a new interline partnership, improving one-itinerary travel linking Dominica and the wider Caribbean via St Maarten and San Juan. Local Public Safety: Police are investigating a suspected homicide on Hanover Street, Roseau, after a man died in hospital following an early Monday altercation. Infrastructure Notice: DOWASCO announced sewer excavation on Upper Lane on June 7, with road diversions and caution for motorists.

Power Restoration: DOMLEC says it has restored electricity to most of Dominica after a nationwide outage caused by a trip at the Geothermal Power Plant, with service expected to return by 6:00 PM for the Picard to Ti-Bay area. World Cup Viewing: Rush Sports (CPSL) is promising a big 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcast push across 13 Caribbean markets, with Dominica included and Jamaica getting a split deal with TVJ. Climate Resilience Funding: Government and partners launched the US$26 million DOMCREP project to boost disaster preparedness, early warning, and food security in eight vulnerable communities, with major support for farmers and agro-processors. Tourism Update: Dominica reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals last year, with stayover and cruise growth, alongside ongoing upgrades at key attractions. Crime Watch: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau after a man died following an altercation on Hanover Street. Sports Spotlight: MJ Postell earned an ESPN SportsCenter Next Top 25 national ranking, while Dominica’s Kohath Baron placed in OECS cycling results. Water Notices: DOWASCO scheduled maintenance will interrupt water in Grand Savanne (June 5) and Paix Bouche/Bourne/Dos Dan’e/Thibaud (June 4).

Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica has launched the US$26 million (EC$70.2 million) DOMCREP project with the CCCCC and the Green Climate Fund, targeting eight vulnerable communities and focusing on food security, disaster preparedness, early warning upgrades, and support for farmers and agro-processors over five years. Water & Utilities: DOWASCO announced scheduled water interruptions for Grand Savanne (June 5, 9am–5pm) and for Paix Bouche, Bourne, Dos Dan’e and Thibaud (June 4, 9am–5pm) for system maintenance. Economy & Tourism: Finance Minister Irving McIntyre reported 4.5% growth for Dominica’s economy in 2025, while Tourism Minister Denise-Charles-Pemberton said visitor arrivals rose 15% last year to nearly 497,000. Public Appointments: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as its new Destination Marketing Manager, effective June 1. Local Governance & Justice: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau on Hanover Street; a judge also criticized CARICOM governments for not accepting the CCJ as final court of appeal. Connectivity: Flow says it invested over US$1 million to fix mobile interference in northern Dominica, with equipment arriving between June 5 and June 15. Hurricane Season Prep: PM Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season began June 1.

Hurricane Preparedness: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged Dominicans to stay vigilant as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1, pointing to recent flooding and landslides and reminding households to review emergency plans and supplies. Opposition Airport Scrutiny: The UPP called on the Government to publish detailed information on the international airport’s long-term financial viability, warning taxpayers could face subsidies if growth doesn’t hold. Connectivity Fix for the North: Flow says it has invested over US$1 million to tackle mobile network interference in northern Dominica, blaming external interference from a mobile operator in Guadeloupe, with specialised equipment arriving between June 5 and 15. Tourism Update: Tourism Minister Denise-Charles-Pemberton reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals to nearly 497,000 last year, with stayover and cruise growth, and outlined ongoing upgrades and major projects. Water Service Notice: DOWASCO scheduled a water interruption in Paix Bouche, Bourne, Dos Dan’e and Thibaud on June 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for system maintenance. Education & Culture: The Ministry of Education invites the public to TVET Showcase 2026 (June 5), and prepares the 15th Kwéyòl Spelling Bee at Alliance Française in Roseau. Regional Legal/Justice: CARICOM congratulated Trinidad and Tobago on its UN Security Council election, and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court welcomed new Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay.

Tourism Update: Dominica logged a 15% jump in total visitor arrivals to nearly 497,000 last year, with stayover arrivals up about 10% and cruise tourism rising 21%, as the Tourism Minister pointed to ongoing upgrades at Champagne Beach, Kalinago Barana Aute, and planned works at Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls, Morne Bruce and Mero Beach. Education & Culture: The Ministry of Education is inviting the public to TVET Showcase 2026 on June 5, highlighting hands-on skills across areas like agriculture, garment production and woodwork, while the 15th Kwéyòl Spelling Bee heads to the Alliance Française in Roseau with students from four primary schools. Youth & Community: Senator Oscar George says the new National Youth Council is set to better represent Dominica’s young people after Yannick Registe’s election. Weather & Preparedness: Disaster Management warns Dominica will be affected by Saharan dust in the coming days, and with hurricane season underway, the Red Cross is urging families to start emergency planning now. Regional & Legal: Dominica will receive donated copies of “Sea Wolves in Warm Waters” ahead of a June 5 handover, and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court welcomed Margaret Price Findlay as its new Chief Justice effective April 9, 2026.

Hurricane Season Watch: With the Atlantic hurricane season officially underway, Dominica’s Red Cross is urging families and businesses to start preparing now, warning that even a quieter forecast can still bring dangerous storms. Public Safety & Readiness: Meteorology officials also stressed Dominica’s vulnerability to flash floods, landslides, rough seas and coastal damage, calling for early action and staying informed through official channels. Regional Justice Access: OECS and the OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre (CARO) are set to launch training on arbitration and ADR to strengthen access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica. Legal Leadership: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court welcomed Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay as its new Chief Justice, effective April 9, 2026. Environment & Coastal Resilience: A SARSEA workshop in Dominica and a regional study mission in Martinique/Guadeloupe are pushing coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience efforts. Elections (Voters List): The Electoral Office published confirmed voters for May 1–31, 2026, along with the supplementary list approved as of May 31. Tourism Signals: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says visitor arrivals and stayover numbers are showing encouraging growth. Training & Crime Prevention: The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force kicked off a professional development series with a lecture on identifying criminal offences.

Hurricane Season Preparedness: With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially underway, the Dominica Red Cross is urging families and communities to start early with emergency plans and kits, while DAIC says businesses must prepare for more than storms, including flooding, outages, and supply disruptions. Sargassum Response: A SARSEA delegation from nine OECS states and territories is on a June 1–4 study mission in Martinique and Guadeloupe to learn how they manage sargassum and turn it into value-added products. Transport Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica are disrupted after a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, with arrangements being made for stranded passengers. Elections Update: The Electoral Office has published the Confirmed Voters list for May 1–31, 2026, along with the Supplementary List approved as of May 31. Regional Governance & Justice: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court welcomed new Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay, effective April 9, 2026. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says visitor arrivals are up, and two new art exhibitions are set to open at Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay. Cycling: Kohath Baron says Dominica’s small elite team limited results at the OECS championships in Antigua.

U.S. Travel & Visas: The United States plans to cut visa processing across Africa, shrinking services from nearly 50 embassies/consulates to about 20 “hub” locations—meaning longer trips and higher costs for many applicants. Tourism & Travel Advisories: A new roundup of updated U.S. travel advisories lists most Caribbean destinations at Level 1, including Dominica, while flagging higher-risk countries like Haiti. Regional Justice Training: OECS and the OHADAC–CARO Centre will launch June 10 the “OHADAC–CARO training Programmes” to strengthen arbitration and alternative dispute resolution across the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica. Local Health Support: The RayAsta Foundation donated stroke recovery and support equipment to four Dominica care facilities, backing rehabilitation for stroke survivors and elderly residents. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a June 3 National Accountability Seminar in Dominica focused on food security, agricultural trade, MSMEs, and accountability. Environment & Governance: Civil society and CANARI are pushing for faster implementation of Dominica’s Escazú Agreement obligations after a Roseau sensitisation workshop. Hurricane Season Reminder: Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 with NOAA forecasting a below-normal season, but Dominica officials stress preparedness because one storm can still be devastating. Sports & Community: DBS Radio’s national reading competition grand final crowns Dominica’s best reader later today, with live broadcast on multiple platforms.

Chief Justice Appointment: Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay has been appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026, taking on leadership for the court serving OECS states. Junior Officers Training: Guyana’s Junior Officers’ Course #1/2026 opened with a focus on leadership, ethics, critical thinking, accountability, and technology in modern policing. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a National Accountability Seminar in Dominica on June 3 under the theme “From Local Fields to Regional Markets,” spotlighting agricultural MSMEs and food security. Health Support for Stroke Survivors: The RayAsta Foundation donated stroke recovery equipment to four care facilities, including the Dominica Infirmary, to help residents regain independence. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says visitor arrivals and stayover numbers are showing encouraging growth. Environment & Governance: Civil society and CANARI are pushing for swift implementation of Dominica’s Escazú Agreement obligations after a Roseau sensitisation workshop. Hurricane Season Reminder: Dominica’s meteorology office says the Atlantic season has begun with a below-normal forecast, but warns residents to stay prepared. Sports & Community: Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow highlighted Dominica’s growing cricket talent, while DBS Radio’s national reading final crowns the best reader later today. Politics: Senior UWP figures issued an open letter condemning what they call “character assassination and political persecution,” including calls for expulsion “by force if possible.”

Youth Leadership: The National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD) has elected a new Executive Committee for 2026–2028, led by President Yannick Regis, with Dylan Registe (1st VP), Keanu Winston (2nd VP) and Shervin Dominique (Communications Lead), as outgoing president reflects on a rewarding but tough tenure. Hurricane Season Preparedness: Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1, with a below-normal forecast from NOAA but Dominica urged to stay vigilant and use official weather channels. Environment & Rights: Civil society groups, with CANARI, are pushing the government to move quickly on implementing the Escazú Agreement, stressing better access to environmental information, public participation and justice. Electoral Process Update: The Electoral Office says about 17,000 electors applied for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved, and warns some may need corrections or could be denied. Regional Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines’ St. Kitts withdrawal is linked to financial losses, and officials say the government wasn’t consulted—raising connectivity concerns across the southern Caribbean. Tourism Push: Tourism Awareness Month 2026 is launched as visitor arrivals rise, with wellness tourism and upgrades to key sites highlighted.

Hurricane Season Watch: Dominica’s Acting Director of Meteorology says the 2026 Atlantic season has begun (June 1–Nov 30) with a below-normal NOAA forecast, but warns not to get complacent given Dominica’s history of flash floods, landslides and damaging winds; residents are urged to follow official updates from the Meteorological Service and weather.gov.dm. Regional Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines’ pullout from St Kitts and related route changes have sparked concern over connectivity, with St Kitts and Nevis tourism officials saying the government wasn’t consulted and claiming talks are underway to secure an alternative airline. Environment & Rights Push: Civil society groups, with CANARI, are calling for swift implementation of Dominica’s Escazú Agreement commitments after a Roseau sensitisation workshop. IMF Update: The IMF says Dominica’s economy grew faster in 2025, but highlights still-high fiscal and external imbalances and urges continued prudent policies and reforms for climate-resilient growth. Elections Process: The Electoral Office reports progress on voter confirmation, with about 17,000 applications submitted and over 11,000 approved, while remaining cases are still under verification. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Awareness Month 2026 was launched, citing rising visitor arrivals and major upgrades, including wellness tourism focus. Local Weather: A tropical wave may bring scattered showers, with Saharan dust lingering and small craft cautioned.

Weather Update: A tropical wave is expected to bring more cloudiness and scattered showers across Dominica over the next day, with breezy conditions and lingering Saharan dust that could worsen breathing issues. Youth Leadership: Yannick Regis was elected Vice President of the Dominica Amateur Basketball Association and also won the National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD) presidency, defeating Luchiano Devin Sherlock Dupuis. IMF Economic Review: The IMF executive board welcomed Dominica’s 2026 Article IV findings, citing tourism and infrastructure investment driving growth, while warning that fiscal and external imbalances remain high and downside risks are still significant. Elections Process: The Electoral Office says about 17,000 electors applied for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved, and more still under verification. Culture & Awards: Nominations are now open for the 2026 Golden Drum Awards, Dominica’s top national cultural honour. Tourism Push: Tourism Awareness Month 2026 was launched, highlighting wellness tourism and major upgrades as visitor arrivals continue to rise. Marigot Fisheries Plan: PM Skerrit continued consultations on making the Marigot Fisheries Complex a port of entry, assuring fishers operations won’t disrupt livelihoods. Power & Public Concern: A new group, Manicous against discrimination, is speaking out over electricity price confusion and ongoing power outages.

IMF Review for Dominica: The IMF executive board says Dominica’s economy grew faster in 2025, helped by tourism and infrastructure, but warns fiscal and external imbalances are still high and risks remain from conflict spillovers and disasters. Electoral Process Update: Dominica’s Electoral Office reports about 17,000 applications for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved, and says remaining cases are still being verified, with some applicants asked to correct documents. Golden Drum Awards Open: Nominations are now open for the 2026 Golden Drum Awards, Dominica’s top national culture honour, with a new Special Recognition category and an online form deadline. Marigot Fisheries Complex: Prime Minister Skerrit continues consultations on making the Marigot Fisheries Complex a port of entry, telling fishers and vendors operations won’t disrupt livelihoods. Tourism Push: Tourism Awareness Month 2026 is launched as visitor arrivals keep rising, with wellness tourism and upgrades to key sites highlighted. Education Watch: The Grade Six National Assessment runs May 28–29 across 62 centres, with 792 students expected to sit paper-based exams. Fuel Cost Politics: The UWP urges talks with Guyana to seek cheaper gasoline as Dominica’s fuel prices rise. OECS Environment Meeting: Dominica’s Cozier Frederick calls for stronger regional involvement in environmental protection as OECS ministers push climate resilience and public participation.

Golden Drum Awards: Nominations are now open for Dominica’s 2026 Golden Drum Awards, the country’s top national honour for cultural excellence, with entries accepted online and through the Cultural Division; the awards cover long-term cultural contributors (20+ years) and a Special Recognition category for shorter service or standout achievements. Electoral Office Update: The Electoral Office has published the confirmed electors list for April and says about 17,000 applications have been submitted for voter confirmation, with over 11,000 approved and the rest still under verification, review, or possible correction requests. Voter Confirmation Process: A fresh statement from the Chief Elections Officer outlines the verification stages and warns some applications may be denied if requirements aren’t met. Regional Music Business: ECCO Inc. will hold its 15th Annual General Meeting in St Lucia next month, with Dominica director nominations due by June 17. Fuel Costs Push: The UWP is urging the government to seek cheaper gasoline options with Guyana as Dominicans face higher fuel prices. Marigot Fisheries Plan: PM Skerrit continues consultations on making the Marigot Fisheries Complex an official port of entry, stressing it won’t disrupt fishers’ livelihoods. Tourism Drive: Dominica launches Tourism Awareness Month 2026, highlighting wellness tourism and upgrades as visitor arrivals keep rising. Education: Over 700 students will sit the 2026 Grade Six National Assessment across 62 centres over May 28-29. Community Policing: Police and partners removed derelict vehicles from Coco Bottom and Goodwill to improve safety and public health.

Fuel Prices & Politics: The UWP is urging the Dominica government to push CARICOM talks with Guyana for cheaper gasoline after new fuel price increases tied to the US–Israel–Iran conflict. Environment & Regional Action: OECS Environment chair Cozier Frederick called for wider member-state involvement, stronger climate financing, and more public participation to boost regional environmental protection. Fisheries Development: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit held a second Marigot consultation on making the Marigot Fisheries Complex a port of entry, assuring fishers and vendors operations won’t disrupt livelihoods. Tourism Push: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, highlighting wellness tourism and upgrades as visitor arrivals rose, with cruise growth also reported. Electricity & Reliability: DOMLEC said Tuesday’s load shedding came from a generation shortfall at Fond Cole, with repairs scheduled and geothermal expected to resume Thursday. Education: Grade Six National Assessment runs May 28–29 for 792 students across 62 centres, with paper-based exams and security support in place. Community & Safety: Police and partners removed derelict vehicles from Coco Bottom and Goodwill to reduce hazards and public health risks.