AGP Executive Report

Climate & Health: Dominica has released its third Health-Climatic Bulletin for September to November, warning of below-average rainfall but an extremely high risk of flash flooding, plus warmer-than-usual temperatures and heat impacts; dengue and leptospirosis remain key concerns. Child Climate Warning: A UNICEF-backed study says children across the Eastern Caribbean face overlapping climate threats, with more than nine in 10 projected to be exposed to at least three major hazards by mid-century—no “safe zone.” Youth Wellness Push: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors in Dominica are calling for stronger focus on young people’s mental and physical wellbeing, urging practical action and better access to mental health support. Training & Jobs: A new programme will provide vocational and digital training for 150 unemployed and underemployed young Dominicans through 2027. Sports & Community: The Dominica Council on Ageing hosts its Annual Sports Day Sunday at St. Joseph Playing Field, while the DFA moved the Dominica–Anguilla friendly to 11:00 AM Monday. Culture: Filmmaker Farrah La Ronde-Hutchison’s “Women of Dominica” won Best International Documentary at a Miami festival; Kalinago artist Faustulus Frederick received the Prevo Cinemall Cultural Heritage Award.

Basketball & Youth Sports: The All About Ball League (AABL) tipped off Thursday at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex, running through Sept. 26, with playoffs Sept. 25 and Championship Night Sept. 26; meanwhile, the Dominica Olympic Committee opened registration for an AABL × DABA Basketball Development Camp for ages 13–20 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium (Sept. 19 and 26). Health & Community: The Ministry of Health is hosting a Men’s Health Fair 2026 on Sept. 20 at Grand Bay Health Centre to boost prostate cancer awareness and encourage early check-ups. Dementia Awareness: The State House will glow purple Sept. 18–21 for World Alzheimer’s Day, marking support for people living with dementia and caregivers. Agriculture: Dominica farmers are adopting FAO-backed techniques like fertigation and ground cover to raise yields of high-value vegetables. Climate & Children: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns that most Eastern Caribbean children face overlapping climate hazards, with Dominica included in the assessment. Culture & Fundraising: Belles Combo’s legacy is being celebrated with a benefit concert Oct. 3 in Mahaut to support former members of the iconic group.

Regional Deportations: A new U.S. “third-country” deportation tracker says more than 22,000 people have been sent from the U.S. to at least 26 countries since Feb 2025, with Dominica among CARICOM states capped at 7 transfers per quarter (28 a year). Climate & Fisheries: A US$12.55 million GEF-backed CC4FISH-II project launched in Dominica will support fisherfolk and coastal communities across the Eastern Caribbean through 2030, aiming to boost resilience as climate impacts worsen. Flood Risk: Dominica is under a flood watch as a tropical wave brings unsettled weather, with scattered showers that could turn moderate to heavy and possible flooding/landslides. Public Health Labs: CARPHA’s CariPHLN workshop in Barbados brought together Dominica and other regional lab directors to strengthen disease detection, surveillance, and coordinated responses. Housing Update: Woodford Hill residents received keys to climate-resilient homes, with titles expected to follow. International Spotlight: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton will represent the country at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. Sports & Community: Pioneers Athletics Club received equipment support from Tropical Shipping, and a Kalinago Week exhibition at Prevo Cinemall will showcase and sell local crafts.

Climate Risk for Children: A UNICEF-backed study says one in three children across the Eastern Caribbean live where they face at least three climate hazards now, with that projected to rise to more than nine in ten by mid-century. Flood Watch: Dominica has a flood watch from noon Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday as a tropical wave and upper-level trough bring scattered showers that could turn moderate to heavy, with gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms. Housing in Woodford Hill: Government handed over 16 new climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with titles to follow, as officials touted hurricane-resilient Category 5 design and major infrastructure investment. Roseau North Politics: Roseau North MP-elect Ashma McDougall says she’s ready to make a substantive Cabinet contribution, while she also floated a constituency “business support desk” to help micro and small businesses. Sport Support: Pioneers Athletics Club received funding from Tropical Shipping for sports equipment to boost training and youth development. Independence Calendar: Dominica launched its 48th Independence programme under “Our Journey, Our Legacy, Our Future,” with prayer days starting Sept. 19 and a walkthrough parade “Voyage Kilty” on Sept. 26. Regional Health Labs: CARPHA wrapped up a workshop in Barbados to strengthen Caribbean laboratory preparedness, surveillance, and coordinated response to public health threats. CCJ Confidence: The Dominica Bar Association reaffirmed confidence in the Caribbean Court of Justice amid controversy over leaked internal correspondence. U.S. Diplomacy: Trump nominated Kimberly Greenwood as U.S. ambassador to Barbados and concurrently to several Eastern Caribbean states including Dominica, pending Senate confirmation.

Public Health: CARPHA wrapped up its 11th CariPHLN workshop in Bridgetown, bringing 26 lab directors (including from Dominica) together to strengthen disease detection, lab networking, specimen handling and coordinated public health response. Independence Calendar: Dominica unveiled plans for its 48th Independence celebrations under “Our Journey, Our Legacy, Our Future,” running Sept. 19 to Nov. 4, with prayer days, an official opening and a parade. Weather Alert: A flood watch is in effect for Dominica as a tropical wave and upper trough bring scattered showers, possible heavy rain, gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms through Thursday morning. Local Development: NCCU says construction of its La Salette branch at Pointe Michel is about three weeks ahead of schedule, with major works already underway. Regional Climate Resilience: Dominica is part of the US$12.55m CC4FISH-II fisheries project, launched in Dominica to help fisherfolk and coastal communities adapt to climate and disaster impacts through 2030. US Diplomacy: Trump nominated Kimberly Greenwood as U.S. ambassador to Barbados, with concurrent responsibility for several Eastern Caribbean states including Dominica. Business & Community: Prevo Cinemall will host a two-day exhibition in Roseau (Sept. 17–18) to boost sales of Kalinago arts and crafts.

Sustainable Cooling: Dominica’s National Ozone Officer, Sophia Anselm-Larocque, is urging stronger cooperation across agencies, businesses, technicians and schools to make the shift to sustainable cooling work as the country marks a decade of action under the Montreal Protocol. Climate & Fisheries: A US$12.55 million CC4FISH-II project was launched in Dominica to boost climate and disaster resilience for Caribbean fisheries, with Dominica among the participating countries and a focus on protecting livelihoods for fisherfolk, including women and youth. Regional Infrastructure Support: The new RIISE facility has started operations, giving Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines access to technical help to push climate-resilient projects past delays. Education Update: Classes at the Dominica State College have resumed after dispute resolution, according to interim president Trudy Christian. Local Culture & Trade: Prevo Cinemall will host a two-day Kalinago Week exhibition (Sept 17–18) to help Kalinago artists and craft makers sell in Roseau. Middle East Shipping Risk: Human Rights Watch says Houthi attacks on commercial ships could amount to war crimes, including an incident involving the Dominica-flagged tanker Daisy. Air Travel: Trinidad and Tobago’s Airports Authority says Piarco passenger traffic remains robust, pointing to July figures and upcoming new regional services, including a Dominica–Piarco route expected to begin in October.

Human Rights Watch: HRW says recent Houthi attacks on Red Sea and Gulf of Aden commercial ships—after a July 20 “maritime embargo” claim—most likely amount to war crimes in at least three cases, including attacks on a Dominica-flagged vessel. Climate & Fisheries: A US$12.55 million CC4FISH-II project launched in Dominica will support more than 21,800 people across five countries to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries through 2030. Infrastructure Delivery: Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent can now access the RIISE facility, funded by Canada and hosted by UNOPS, to speed up climate-resilient public works by tackling implementation bottlenecks. Health: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to cut sugar and sweet drinks and eat more fibre-rich foods to curb rising non-communicable diseases and cancer risk. Local Governance: The Roseau North by-election loser Daniel Lugay thanked constituents for their support and said he’ll keep working for a stronger Roseau North. Public Safety Policy: Government suspended the planned increase in firearm license fees while it consults on licensing reform, safety and storage. Community & Services: DOWASCO apologized to Gallion customers for an unscheduled water interruption due to pump-station equipment failure. Sports & Recognition: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson is set to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI.

Housing & Resilience: Dominica handed over keys to 16 more climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, part of a wider 215-home delivery, with families describing the move as “peace after uncertainty.” Local Politics: Roseau North MP Ashma McDougall says her priorities include housing, youth employment and small business, with quick fixes like street lighting already in motion. Education: Achievement Learning Center began the new term with a focus on individualized student needs, adjusting timetables for multi-grade classes. Culture & Heritage: Pont Casse Press launched PontCassePress.org, a new digital platform to preserve Dominica’s history, literature and diaspora heritage. Regional Development: CC4FISH-II was launched to strengthen Caribbean fisheries resilience to climate change across five countries, including Dominica. Sports: Olympic triple-jump champion Thea Lafond-Gadson finished fourth at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. International Watch: President Trump nominated Kimberly Greenwood as U.S. ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, which would include Dominica if confirmed. Security/Trade: Human Rights Watch warned that some Houthi attacks on Red Sea commercial ships may amount to war crimes, as shipping fears grow.

Red Sea Safety: Human Rights Watch says recent Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden most likely amount to war crimes in at least three cases, including attacks on vessels flying the flags of Saudi Arabia, Tanzania and Dominica. Sports Spotlight: Dominica’s Thea Lafond-Gadson finished fourth in the women’s triple jump at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, while Jamaica’s Romane Beckford also missed the podium in the men’s high jump. Prime Minister’s Message: PM Roosevelt Skerrit expressed condolences and solidarity with the family of Jerbiah Paul as the legal process continues, and urged Dominica to keep pushing a national campaign against gender-based violence. Culture & Tourism: Dominica is an official sponsor of the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards’ Bouyon categories, backing Dominican nominees ahead of the Sept. 19 event in Trinidad. Heritage Online: Pont Casse Press launched PontCassePress.org, a new digital platform to share Dominica’s history, literature and cultural heritage. Local Development: Government plans to operationalise the Marigot Fisheries Complex as a port of entry, with systems and facilities to be put in place after fishermen’s concerns were addressed. Health Reminder: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to prioritise health during the festive independence season, warning against risky choices during celebrations. Education & Training: Dominica’s CC4FISH-II climate resilience project for the Caribbean fisheries sector is set to launch Sept. 15, supported by GEF, FAO and CCCCC. Business & Community: Pioneers Athletics Club announced a Sept. 15 donation presentation of sports equipment from Tropical Shipping Co. Ltd. at the Botanic Gardens in Roseau.

Climate Resilience for Fisheries: Dominica will launch the CC4FISH-II climate change resilience project for the Caribbean fisheries sector on Tuesday, Sept. 15, with support from GEF, FAO and the CCCCC. Port Development: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Marigot is moving toward becoming a port of entry after fishermen’s concerns were addressed, paving the way for DASPA and other departments to install the needed systems. Health in the Festive Season: Nurse Priscilla Prevost is urging Dominicans to protect their health during the independence celebrations—choosing better food and drinks, getting enough rest, and staying mindful of mental and emotional wellbeing. Sports Boost: Pioneers Athletics Club will receive sports equipment from Tropical Shipping Co. Ltd. on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 4:30 pm at the Roseau Botanic Gardens. Power Works in Laudat: DGDC says trenching for a 69kV underground powerline starts Tuesday, Sept. 15, with works expected to last about eight weeks. Regional Education Links: OECS and Morocco held a first-ever graduate recognition ceremony in Rabat for 14 students, highlighting South-South education and human capital ties.

Health Update: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says his stroke was caused by a vertebral artery dissection and that, after being treated abroad and discharged, he is doing “much better” in Florida—able to move all limbs and speak well, with mental and coordination effects “well controlled.” Local Infrastructure: DGDC announced trenching will start Tuesday, Sept. 15 for the 69kV underground powerline in Laudat, Wotten Waven, Trafalgar and nearby areas, expected to last about eight weeks. Water Advisory: DOWASCO scheduled a Sunday (Sept. 13) service interruption in Loubiere, Pte Michel, Wall House and Fond Baron from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for new pipe installation. Politics: PM Skerrit rejected claims that electoral reforms weakened democracy, saying any voter ID delays were administrative and did not compromise election integrity. Weather: Dry conditions are expected with some cloudiness, a few showers and breezy spells; Saharan dust may reduce visibility and affect air quality.

Caribbean Music Awards & “Orange Economy”: Hope is building that the Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad on Sept. 19 will spotlight the region’s music industry and boost tourism and spending, with organisers pointing to the wider economic potential of a Caribbean-focused push. Weather Update: Dominica is expected to stay mostly dry over the next 24 hours, with some cloudiness, a few showers, breezy spells, and elevated Saharan dust affecting air quality and visibility. Electoral Reform Pushback: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit rejects claims that Dominica’s electoral reforms weakened democracy, saying any voter ID delays were administrative and did not compromise the Roseau North by-election. Power & Water Disruptions: DGDC begins trenching for a 69kV underground powerline in Laudat on Sept. 15 for about eight weeks, while DOWASCO schedules a water interruption in Loubiere, Pte Michel, Wall House and Fond Baron on Sept. 13. Regional Finance Market: The ECSE welcomes new member broker-dealers, including National Investment Corporation in Dominica, expanding access to Eastern Caribbean securities. Sports & Culture: La Cour des Arts de la Dominique announces “Fly on the Wall” (Sept. 25–26), and Dominica’s senior men’s team continues preparations for the CONCACAF Nations League.

Roseau North Politics: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit rejected claims that Dominica’s electoral reforms weakened democracy, saying any voter ID delays were administrative and did not compromise the election’s integrity, as the DLP retained the seat in the by-election. CBI Dispute: Businessman Gregor Nassief and Skerrit remain locked in a public back-and-forth over Citizenship by Investment concerns, with Nassief alleging long-running irregularities and Skerrit saying the government responded through letters and meetings. Energy Works: DGDC announced trenching will begin Tuesday, Sept. 15 for the 69kV underground powerline in Laudat and surrounding areas, expected to last about eight weeks. Water Disruption: DOWASCO scheduled a Sunday service interruption in Loubiere, Pte Michel, Wall House and Fond Baron from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for new pipes on Loubiere Bridge. Regional Cricket: The Windward Islands Volcanoes franchise will relocate to Saint Lucia’s Daren Sammy Cricket Ground from Oct. 1, with the MOU running to Nov. 30, 2027. Markets & Business: ECSE welcomed two new member broker-dealers, including National Investment Corporation in Dominica, expanding access to the Eastern Caribbean securities market.

Roseau North by-election fallout: UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine said his party “lost this battle, but certainly not the fight,” thanking Roseau North voters, volunteers, and noting reports of people turned away and difficulty identifying polling places. Politics & CBI dispute: Businessman Gregor Nassief’s public clash with PM Roosevelt Skerrit over Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme escalated, with Nassief alleging long-running concerns about CBI discounting and calling for scrutiny, while Skerrit says government responses were made through letters, WhatsApp and meetings. Housing delivery: Sixteen Woodford Hill families are set to receive keys to new three-bedroom climate-resilient homes on Friday, as the government continues its wider housing push across nine communities. CBI diplomacy: Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a special envoy to coordinate UK and EU engagement over CBI-related visa issues. Ports leadership: After the death of former DASPA CEO Ian Pinard, the DASPA board is being urged to move quickly on selecting a new CEO. Cricket franchise move: Windward Islands Volcanoes will relocate to Saint Lucia’s Daren Sammy Cricket Ground from Oct. 1, with a deal running to Nov. 30, 2027. Football: Dominica’s senior men’s squad for the 2026–27 CONCACAF Nations League was unveiled, with Eustace Marshall backing the team’s readiness. Culture: La Cour des Arts de la Dominique announces “Fly on the Wall” at St. Gerard’s Hall Sept. 25–26.

Water Disruption: DOWASCO says water will be interrupted Sunday, Sept. 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Loubiere, Pte Michel, Wall House and Fond Baron to install new pipes on the Loubiere Bridge, with motorists and pedestrians asked to use caution. Ports Leadership: The DASPA board is being urged to move quickly to appoint a new CEO after the death of former minister Ian Pinard, with the PM saying applications have closed and the process must be completed fast for the country’s ports. CBI Dispute: Businessman Gregor Nassief and PM Roosevelt Skerrit are locked in a fresh public clash over whether Nassief’s CBI concerns were properly addressed, including allegations about discounting and calls for deeper scrutiny. Housing Handover: Sixteen families in Woodford Hill will receive keys to new three-bedroom climate-resilient homes Friday, Sept. 11, as the government pushes its wider housing programme. Digital Skills: OECS opens applications Sept. 10 for the Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (Cohort II), with Dominica among eligible countries and training areas ranging from AI to cybersecurity. Sports & National Team: Eustace Marshall backs Dominica’s senior men as the CONCACAF Nations League squad prepares, while the DFA has also unveiled its broader Nations League squad. Grandparents Day: Dominica Council on Ageing urges families to mark Grandparents Day Sunday, Sept. 13, by visiting, calling, and honoring grandparents’ contributions. U.S. Migration Update: PM Skerrit says five Colombians accepted under the U.S. third-country arrangement have returned to Colombia, with no third-country nationals currently in Dominica.

Roseau North Politics: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit renewed his call for a future cabinet of national unity, saying Dominica is too small for capable people to be excluded over party lines, and he defended the government’s consultation approach. Electoral Reform Debate: Skerrit also pushed back hard on claims that electoral bills were passed while the Electoral Commission was unready, saying any administrative delays did not compromise democracy. Security at Public Meetings: He denied allegations that Special Branch officers were used to intimidate attendees at a Fort Young Hotel meeting involving businessman Gregor Nassief, saying monitoring of public gatherings is routine. Housing Delivery: Sixteen families in Woodford Hill are set to receive keys to new three-bedroom climate-resilient homes on Friday, Sept. 11, as the government continues its wider housing push. CBI and Visa Talks: Skerrit said Dominica will appoint a special envoy to coordinate engagements with the UK and EU over visa issues tied to Citizenship by Investment. Migration Update: Skerrit confirmed five Colombian third-country nationals brought under a US arrangement have all returned to Colombia and that Dominica currently has none under the programme. Sports: The Dominica Football Association unveiled its senior men’s squad for the 2026/27 CONCACAF Nations League.