AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Milestone: Dominica China Friendship Hospital has completed four permanent pacemaker implantations, meaning patients no longer need to travel abroad for the procedure. Road Safety Update: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide area and says an upgraded alternative route via Petite Savanne–Delices is underway, with drainage and slope-stabilisation options being examined. Tourism Jobs Focus: A new ILO study warns that informality and weak labour protections are holding back Eastern Caribbean tourism, urging support for small operators to move into the formal economy while improving working conditions. Regional Trade Training: OECS stakeholders across the public and private sectors received specialised training to strengthen trade policy and negotiating skills for services under the EU-funded RIGHT programme. Football (Nations League): Dominica’s senior men fell 2-0 to Puerto Rico in Roseau, despite a stronger second half, while the Golden Jaguars’ Nations League action continues across League B. Sports & Community: The Dominica Association of Teachers kicks off Teachers Week 2026 with island-wide activities, including public outreach and wellness events. International Spotlight: UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles was named a NYU Distinguished Scholar for 2026–2027, with a public lecture in October.

CONCACAF Nations League: Dominica’s senior men’s team fell 2-0 to Puerto Rico at Windsor Park in Roseau, with head coach Kurt Herd saying the squad didn’t follow the plan in the first half and struggled to create enough chances. Regional football: Guyana kept its perfect start in League B, beating the Cayman Islands 2-0, while the Nations League continues to serve as a route to the 2027 Gold Cup. National health: Dominica China Friendship Hospital carried out four successful permanent pacemaker implantations on Sept. 25, meaning patients no longer need to travel overseas for the procedure. Public service education: The Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling and responsible use of highly hazardous pesticides, and promoting Integrated Pest Management. Teachers Week: The Dominica Association of Teachers announced a full week of activities under the theme “Teachers: The Foundation of National Development – Value Us,” including community events and wellness activities. Culture: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit mourned the death of calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91. Tourism jobs: An ILO study says tourism is vital to the Eastern Caribbean economy but informality and weak labour protections are holding back decent work and sustainable growth.

UN Walkout: At the UN General Assembly, delegations from at least 77 countries walked out or left seats vacant during Netanyahu’s address, including Dominica and other Caribbean states, as criticism focused on the war in Gaza and wider West Asia. Haiti Security: OAS member states, including Dominica, urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back it with full personnel, funding, equipment and logistics for full deployment. Nations League (Roseau): Guyana’s Golden Jaguars opened their Concacaf Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico at Windsor Park in Roseau, with Osaze DeRosario scoring a 78th-minute penalty; Guyana next face the Cayman Islands today, with Dominica also in the group. Aux Delices Landslide: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices Road landslide damage and announced steps to stabilise the affected stretch, improve the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route, and explore road widening for safer access. Travel Trade Push: Dominica launched a new training program for travel advisors to help them better sell the island’s experiences to clients. Weather: Dominica expects partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered showers and thunderstorms, with increased shower activity after midnight into Monday morning.

Road Safety & Infrastructure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced stabilisation steps plus an upgraded Petite Savanne–Delices alternative route, including drainage and possible road widening to improve safety while a bigger solution is planned. Weather Watch: Dominica Meteorological Service reports partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered showers and thunderstorms, with shower activity increasing after midnight into Monday morning; a flood watch could be issued tonight, with caution advised for flood, landslide and falling-rock risk areas. Travel Trade Push: Dominica launched a new destination training course for travel advisors, offering self-paced, destination-specific learning across key travel segments to help the trade better sell the island. Local Dispute Support: The Rent Services Unit is urging landlords and tenants to seek help early in rental disputes over arrears, deposits and illegal increases, before issues escalate to formal hearings. Business Clarification: KFC Dominica says a viral claim about banning under-21 customers is false; all ages are welcome as the company reviews a recent incident. Regional Spotlight (Sports): Guyana’s Golden Jaguars beat Puerto Rico 1-0 in the Nations League opener in Roseau, with Dominica next on Oct 1 and Oct 4. International Policy (UN): UNGA leaders pressed for stronger diplomacy and conflict prevention, warning the UN often “counts the dead” after crises erupt.

UN diplomacy push: UN General Assembly leaders urged the world to “move from reaction to prevention,” warning the UN often counts the dead and delivers supplies after wars erupt, with Gaza cited as the clearest example. Strategic autonomy debate: Canada, Australia and others used the UN to argue that global cooperation and sovereignty are under pressure from rival power blocs, calling for more independent decision-making. Haiti security mandate: OAS member states, including Dominica, called for the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and back it with personnel, funding and equipment for sustained deployment. Dominica road update: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide area and announced plans to stabilise the damaged O’Delices Road stretch and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Nations League in Roseau: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico at Windsor Park, while Dominica drew 0-0 with the Cayman Islands in the historic 500th Nations League match. Health for newborns: Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanding neonatal and pediatric care, including refresher training like Helping Babies Breathe. KFC clarification: KFC Dominica denied a viral claim that it would bar customers under 21, saying all ages remain welcome and safety is the priority. Weather: Slight haziness with a few showers and a chance of thunderstorms expected over the next 24–48 hours.

Road Safety & Infrastructure: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices Road landslide site and announced plans to stabilise the damaged stretch and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route to restore safer southeast access. Public Health: Castle Bruce Health Centre is exploring expanded neonatal and paediatric services after a visit from the World Pediatric Project, including plans for a dedicated neonatal/pediatric corner and refresher training like Helping Babies Breathe. Local Sports: Dominica’s Golden Jaguars kicked off the Concacaf Nations League with a goalless draw against the Cayman Islands in the tournament’s historic 500th match, while Guyana beat Puerto Rico 1–0 in Roseau. Community & Culture: The Independence Walk Through Parade 2026 is set for Botanic Gardens (4pm–8pm), with police issuing traffic and parking changes for Valley Road, Botanic Gardens roads, and Bath Road. Food & Consumer Alert: KFC Dominica says a viral image claiming under-21s are banned is false, and customers of all ages remain welcome as the team reviews a recent Roseau incident. Weather: Slight haziness with isolated light showers and a chance of thunderstorms is expected over the next 24–48 hours, with seas slight to moderate.

Concacaf Nations League: Dominica’s Bouyon Boyz opened their 2026/27 campaign with a goalless draw against the Cayman Islands in the historic 500th match of the tournament, but coach Kurt Herd said the team had enough chances to win and must be sharper in the final third. International football (regional): Guyana started Group A with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico in Roseau, while the Cayman Islands and Dominica played out the 0-0 draw. UN diplomacy & climate: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly that resilience must start before disasters, pushing for climate financing and highlighting Dominica’s geothermal plant now in commercial operation and powering about 84% of electricity. Local services: DOWASCO announced a water interruption for Laplaine, Petite Soufriere, San Sauveur and Fond Bleau on Friday, Sept. 25 (9am–3pm), and a separate Grand Fond community consultation on Sept. 28 about the Water Sector Strategic Development Project. Community & youth: CDPF set traffic and parking changes for the Independence Walk Through Parade at the Botanic Gardens on Sept. 26 (4pm–8pm), and AABL/DABA host a youth basketball camp Saturday at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex. Sports & culture: LIAT is offering a 10% discount on eligible flights to Dominica for World Creole Music Festival travel (Oct. 19–26), and theatre lovers can catch “Fly on the Wall” at St. Gerard’s Hall on Sept. 25–26. Crypto/finance (Dominica-linked): U.S. authorities seized about $84.2 million tied to Capstone, with Tether saying its EQIBank exposure (a Dominica-licensed bank) is under 0.034% of group assets as EQIBank fights to recover funds.

Independence Walk Through Parade: The CDPF announced Saturday (Sept. 26) traffic changes for the Independence Walk Through Parade at the Botanic Gardens, including road closures on Valley Road and no-parking zones, with drivers urged to use the Link Road. Youth Basketball: AABL and DABA will host a youth basketball camp for ages 6–20 on Saturday at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex, 11am–1pm, with skills drills and mentorship. Energy & Diplomacy: Dominica-born Lynton Scotland was appointed to the Virgin Islands WAPA board, while Dominica’s Protocol Chief Remilia White is in the U.S. for an International Visitor Leadership Program on economic prosperity. Football: Dominica opened the Concacaf Nations League B with a goalless draw against the Cayman Islands in the tournament’s 500th match, and now faces Puerto Rico on Sunday. Health: Castle Bruce Health Centre is exploring expanded neonatal and pediatric services after a World Pediatric Project visit. Festival Travel: LIAT is offering a 10% discount on eligible flights to Dominica for World Creole Music Festival week (Oct. 19–26). UN Climate Push: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation and urged climate resilience financing before disasters strike.

UN Climate Push: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly that Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation and that renewable energy already powers about 84% of electricity, urging faster international financing for resilience before disasters strike. Living Laboratory Plan: Burton also invited partners to help turn Dominica into a “living laboratory” for climate resilience, spanning resilient housing, water systems, digital services and climate-smart agriculture. Geothermal Update: Burton’s remarks add momentum to the wider geothermal transition story, as Dominica positions clean power as an engine for jobs and new industries. Protocol Exchange: Dominica’s Chief of Protocol Remilia White is in the U.S. International Visitor Leadership Program focused on advancing economic prosperity. Internet Governance: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to map campus connectivity issues and explore policy and legal questions around access. Banking Fight: EQIBank says U.S. seizure of about EC$89M (roughly 80% of its holdings) could force liquidation unless returned. Sports & Community: Bouyon Boys host Cayman Islands at Windsor Park; DCA Intermediate League resumes; Roseau health outreach brings wellness checks to Mahaut bus stop; DOWASCO schedules a water interruption in several areas.

Water Supply Disruption: DOWASCO says water will be interrupted Friday, Sept. 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Laplaine, Petite Soufriere, San Sauveur and Fond Bleau for system maintenance. Wildlife Hunting Season: Dominica temporarily lifts the wildlife hunting ban from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026 for licensed hunters only, allowing hunting of crabs (Gercarcinidae), agouti and manicou, with limited sale/export rules and fines for illegal activity. Football at Windsor Park: The Bouyon Boys host the Cayman Islands tonight in CONCACAF Nations League B at 8:00 p.m., marking the 500th Nations League match in CONCACAF history. Health Outreach for Drivers: The Roseau Health Team brings blood pressure and blood sugar checks and referrals to bus operators at the Mahaut bus stop as part of Caribbean Wellness Month. WCMF VIP/VVIP Plans: Rize & Whine and Tipsy Music Festival producers will run VIP and VVIP hospitality for WCMF 2026 (Oct. 23–25), featuring dedicated entrances, premium bars, live chef stations, spa/grooming services and a rum-herb “shot station.” Climate Resilience Push at UN: President Sylvanie Burton urges the world to fund climate resilience before disasters hit, calling Dominica a “living laboratory” for resilient development. Finance & Banking: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen consumer protection and ECCB oversight of bank fees and complaint handling.

UN Climate Finance Push: Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly that vulnerable islands need climate resilience funding before disasters hit, warning that today’s approach leaves countries borrowing to rebuild after storms. Living Laboratory Plan: Burton also invited partners to help make Dominica a “living laboratory” for climate resilience, covering resilient housing, renewable energy, water management, climate-smart farming, and nature-based adaptation. Tourism Training Boost: Discover Dominica Authority launched a free online destination training course for travel advisors on its OTT platform, with a certificate on completion and seven tourism pillars from adventure to Kalinago culture. Parliament & Banking Oversight: The House of Assembly passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen consumer protection and ECCB supervision, including complaint procedures and oversight of bank fees. Agriculture & Food Security: A national seminar focused on strengthening poultry and pig production, highlighting the upgraded Layou abattoir. Migrant Labour Policy: IOM and the agriculture ministry advanced a policy and action plan to integrate migrant labour into Dominica’s agricultural sector. Hurricane Maria Remembered: Prime Minister Skerrit marked nine years since Hurricane Maria, noting 31 deaths and 34 still missing, and describing the scale of damage and homelessness. Roseau North Representation: Ashma McDougall was sworn in as the new Roseau North MP and said she has begun meeting community groups. In Memoriam: Desiree John, wife of Dominica’s first Prime Minister Patrick John, died at 78. Road Race Date Set: DAA announced the second 2026 road race series event in Grand Bay for Oct. 11.

Parliament & Finance: Dominica’s House passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen consumer protection, expand ECCB oversight of banks’ fair treatment and complaints, and set penalties for non-compliance, while Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre said the ECCB will also monitor fees charged to customers. Climate Resilience: PM Roosevelt Skerrit marked nine years since Hurricane Maria, recalling the 31 deaths, 34 still missing, and widespread damage, and said Dominica is “built back stronger” while pushing for a more resilient future. UN Diplomacy: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly Dominica wants recognition as a partner in global transformation and urged funding for resilience before disasters strike. Agriculture & Labour: IOM and the Ministry hosted a workshop to validate a policy and action plan for integrating migrant labour into Dominica’s agricultural sector. Livestock Boost: A national seminar focused on strengthening poultry and pig production, linking farmers to the upgraded Layou National Abattoir. Local Governance: Ashma McDougall was sworn in as Roseau North’s new parliamentary representative, pledging to work across political lines. Public Safety: Police invited Pointe Michel residents to a community policing meeting on Oct. 5. Infrastructure Notice: DOWASCO will close its Portsmouth office from 1pm Friday Sept. 25, reopening Monday Sept. 28.

Roseau North Politics: Ashma McDougall was sworn in as the new Parliamentary Representative for Roseau North, taking her Oath of Allegiance after winning the Sept. 7 by-election. Hurricane Maria Remembered: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit marked the 9th anniversary of Hurricane Maria, saying 34 people are still listed as missing and recalling the widespread damage and homelessness left behind. UN General Assembly: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton is set to speak at the UN General Assembly in New York, with her remarks highlighted among leaders’ messages. Public Service & Health: Marigot Hospital will temporarily suspend services for maintenance on Sept. 22–23, with residents advised to use the Nurse Doris Musgrave Health and Wellness Centre. Tourism Training: Discover Dominica Authority launched a new online destination training course for travel advisors via Online Travel Training (OTT). Community Safety: Police will hold a community policing meeting in Pointe Michel on Oct. 5. Regional Security: Dominica is among countries participating in Operation ATLAS NEXUS, which reported 490+ arrests and major drug and weapons seizures. Sports: Reon Cuffy scored as Dominica beat Anguilla 1–0.

Climate Resilience: UNICEF officials have praised Dominica’s commitment to building resilience as a new child-centred, multi-hazard spatial climate risk assessment is launched for the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica, to better protect children from climate threats. Community Safety: The Dominica Police Force will hold a community policing meeting in Pointe Michel on Oct. 5 at 6:00 PM, inviting residents to discuss local safety concerns and strengthen partnerships. Health Services: Marigot Hospital will temporarily suspend all services today and tomorrow (Sept. 22–23) for maintenance, with residents advised to use the Nurse Doris Musgrave Health and Wellness Centre for emergencies. Crime Crackdown: Dominica is among 35 countries involved in Operation ATLAS NEXUS, which led to more than 490 arrests and major seizures targeting drug trafficking, human trafficking, document fraud, firearms and environmental crime. Local Development & Access: AuDelices Road has reopened after a landslide, while officials say they’re working toward a lasting solution. Travel & Tourism: Contour Airlines will start twice-weekly nonstop flights between Trinidad (Piarco) and Dominica (Douglas-Charles) from Oct. 5. Youth & Culture: JCI Dominica’s Future Fest 2026 is set for Sept. 25, and Dominica’s Creole season runs Oct. 3–Nov. 4 leading into the World Creole Music Festival.

Football: Reon Cuffy netted his first international goal as Dominica edged Anguilla 1-0 at Windsor Park, after a goalless first half and a second-half tactical tweak by coach Kurt Herd. Tourism & Training: The Discover Dominica Authority launched a new online course for travel advisors via Online Travel Training, spotlighting Dominica’s seven tourism pillars and experiences from rainforests to Kalinago culture. Roads & Safety: AuDelices Road has reopened after crews cleared landslide debris, but officials say they’re assessing the area and working toward a lasting fix. Local Business: The Small Business Support Unit expands its 2026 Creole exhibition with shopping, culture and entertainment on three Fridays at Government Headquarters. Crime & Security: Dominica took part in Operation ATLAS NEXUS, a major cross-border organized crime crackdown that led to 490+ arrests and large-scale seizures across multiple regions. Health & Community: The State House lit up purple for World Alzheimer’s Day, while Dominica’s Dementia Foundation urged early detection and support for caregivers. Culture Calendar: Dominica’s Creole season runs Oct 3–Nov 4, leading into the World Creole Music Festival Oct 23–25.

World Alzheimer’s Day: The Dominica Dementia Foundation and the Office of the President marked 21 September by lighting the State House purple from 18–21 September, urging support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Education: Four students have been selected for the Marigot Development Corporation’s 2026 US Study Programme boarding school cohort, with placements in Oregon, Ohio, Wisconsin and North Carolina. Agriculture: The Ministry of Agriculture will host a two-day National Seminar on Poultry and Pig Production (22–23 September) to help farmers meet requirements for the planned national abattoirs. Culture: Dominica’s Creole season runs 3 October to 4 November, building to the World Creole Music Festival (23–25 October) with events across music, food and community. Social Security: Dominica Social Security marked 50 years with a Pensioners’ Appreciation Day for nearly 9,000 age pensioners. Parliament: Parliament meets Tuesday (22 September) to consider banking and VAT amendments and an IDA credit facility for fiscal and climate resilience, with Roseau North’s Ashma McDougall set to take her oath. Health & climate: The Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov) warns of below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, plus ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns. Road access: A landslide on the O’Delices Road in the South East disrupted travel, with clearing operations restoring driving conditions. Sports: The DFA moved the Anguilla friendly to 11:00 AM on Monday, ahead of Nations League fixtures.