AGP Executive Report

Electricity Infrastructure: DGDC says trenching for the 69kV underground powerline in Laudat, Wotten Waven and Trafalgar starts Tuesday, Sept. 15, and should run about eight weeks, with works along the Biaic-to-Manface road and in Glasgow Hill. Politics & Governance: Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell in Grenada attacks CCCC-I over long road delays, while Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit defends his government’s handling of Roseau North by-election fallout and rejects Gregor Nassief’s claims of unanswered letters, plus denies Special Branch monitoring at a Fort Young meeting was intimidation. CBI Pressure: Nassief’s dispute with Skerrit over Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme escalates, with calls for scrutiny and a possible forensic audit. Regional Business & Skills: OECS opens applications (Sept. 10–20) for the Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (CARDTP/UWI Global Campus), and ECSE admits new broker-dealers in Dominica and Saint Lucia to widen market access. Local Economy & Jobs: Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation’s GM assures staff issues and salary increases are being addressed after union threats. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines plans twice-weekly POS–DOM service starting Oct. 5, reviving direct T&T–Dominica links after CAL ended its route. Climate Finance Angle: A commentary warns small states shouldn’t take on more debt after the world breaks the 1.5°C climate promise.

CBI Tensions: Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit and businessman Gregor Nassief are locked in a public dispute over whether Nassief’s 14 letters about Citizenship by Investment (CBI) concerns were properly answered, with Skerrit saying correspondence and meetings were held and concerns were addressed. Security & Governance: Skerrit also defended Special Branch monitoring near public meetings, saying intelligence gathering is routine and denying any disruption tied to Nassief-related allegations. Regional Diplomacy: OECS CBI countries are pushing for a high-level mission to Brussels later this month to engage EU leaders after warnings about ending visa-free access. Capital Markets: The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) admitted Sheppard Investment Services and National Investment Corporation as new licensed broker-dealers, expanding access to the region’s securities market. Skills & Jobs Pipeline: OECS launched applications for its Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (Cohort II) opening Sept. 10 and running to Sept. 20, with training areas spanning AI, cybersecurity, fintech/blockchain and more. Local Economy & Services: Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation’s general manager says staff issues are being addressed amid union threats of protests. Air Connectivity Watch: Contour Airlines plans new twice-weekly flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct. 5, reviving direct air links after CAL ended service citing losses.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall won the Sept. 7 parliamentary by-election in a landslide, taking 1,506 votes versus UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay on 983, with independent Sherman “Donty” Boston on 50; PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the UWP’s Roseau North support has “collapsed” since 2019. Political Tensions & Governance: Skerrit also defended Special Branch monitoring near public meetings, saying it’s routine intelligence work and not disruption, while he rejected businessman Gregor Nassief’s claims of unanswered letters and says concerns were addressed. Digital Skills Push: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme opens Sept. 10 and runs to Sept. 20, offering CARDTP/WORLD BANK-backed training delivered by UWI Global Campus across areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics and fintech. Regional Capital Markets: ECSE welcomed new member broker-dealers Sheppard Investment Services (St Lucia) and National Investment Corporation (Dominica), expanding access to the Eastern Caribbean securities market. Energy & Cost Debate: A former Central Bank governor warns Dominica and the region against relying on distributed solar-and-wind models, arguing hydroelectric and centralized power-company investment could better lower consumer prices. Workforce & Community: Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation says staff issues are being addressed amid union threats of protests, while Rotary Club of Portsmouth opened a new Morne Jaune Primary playground funded with Republic Bank support.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party (DLP) candidate Ashma McDougall won the Sept. 7 by-election with 1,506 votes, beating UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay (983) and independent Sherman Boston (50). PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the UWP’s Roseau North support “collapsed,” with more than half of its 2019 vote disappearing. Governance & Politics: Skerrit also rejected businessman Gregor Nassief’s claims of unanswered letters, saying he responded through letters and WhatsApp and even referred issues to the FIU. Labour & Public Services: The Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation says staff concerns are being addressed after Public Service Union threats of protests; union general secretary Thomas Letang says a meeting is planned next week. Regional Policy (CBI): OECS leaders plan a high-level mission to Brussels to discuss EU moves that could end visa-free access tied to Citizenship by Investment. Skills & Innovation: UNESCO launched WINGS Caribbean fellowships for women in science and innovation (US$10,000 each), while OECS opened applications for advanced digital skills scholarships (Sept. 10–20) via a World Bank-backed programme. Business & Exports: Omni Industries says it wants exports to reach 10% of revenue in five years, targeting expansion in Trinidad and Tobago for baking trays. Education & Growth: Dominica State College reports strong 2026 enrolment gains across multiple programmes, including Business Administration (102 students).

Roseau North by-election: Dominica Labour Party’s Ashma McDougall won the Sept. 7 seat with 1,506 votes, defeating UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay (983) and independent Sherman Boston (50), a result PM Roosevelt Skerrit says reflects a sharp collapse of UWP support since 2019. Political economy & governance: Skerrit also rejected businessman Gregor Nassief’s claims of unanswered letters, saying concerns were addressed and correspondence was shared, while he accused the UWP of confusing voters over the voter confirmation exercise. Digital skills push: OECS opened applications for its 2026 Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (Sept. 10–20), funded via the World Bank-backed CARDTP and delivered by UWI Global Campus, covering areas like AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. Climate-smart development leadership: UWI named Professor Preeya S. Mohan Executive Director and Dr Ronald Roopnarine Deputy Director of its Global Institute for Climate-Smart and Resilient Development. Energy costs debate: A former Central Bank governor argued distributed solar-and-wind models may raise prices without the right incentives, urging Caribbean governments to consider hydroelectric options. Waste management labour pressure: Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation’s GM says staff issues are being addressed as the Public Service Union warns of looming protests. Business & connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new twice-weekly POS–DOM service starting Oct. 5, aiming to compete where Caribbean Airlines previously exited after losses. Community investment: Rotary Club of Portsmouth opened its sixth playground at Morne Jaune Primary with support from Republic Bank’s Power to Make a Difference programme.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party’s Ashma McDougall won the Sept. 7 Roseau North seat in preliminary results, taking 1,506 votes to UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay’s 983, with independent Sherman Boston at 50; the Electoral Office reported 7,489 registered electors and 2,595 ballots cast, with 15 spoilt and 41 rejected. PM Skerrit & Opposition Fallout: Hours after the win, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit rejected claims he ignored businessman Gregor Nassief, saying he replied via letters, WhatsApp and meetings, referred allegations to the FIU, and questioned Nassief’s growing political influence. Public Sector Watch: The Public Service Union warned of looming protests at the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation if staff concerns aren’t addressed, with a meeting planned next week. Energy & Cost Debate: Former Central Bank governor Dr Delisle Worrell argued distributed solar-and-wind models may raise prices, urging Caribbean governments to consider hydro as a lower-cost renewable path. Climate-Smart Leadership: UWI named Professor Preeya S. Mohan Executive Director and Dr Ronald Roopnarine Deputy Director of its Global Institute for Climate-Smart and Resilient Development. Housing Push: Government handed over 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, part of a wider resilient housing drive. Education & Skills: Dominica State College reported strong 2026 enrolment growth across multiple programmes, including record intakes in Business Administration and engineering tracks. CBI Defended: Local businessman Kenny Green said Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme helped restart the economy after Hurricane Maria and continues to fund major projects.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party’s Ashma McDougall won the Sept. 7 Roseau North by-election, with preliminary figures showing 1,506 votes versus 983 for UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay and 50 for independent Sherman Boston; PM Roosevelt Skerrit later congratulated McDougall and said her role in government is still being decided. Public Sector & Waste Services: The Public Service Union is warning of looming protests over unresolved staff concerns at the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation. Housing & Public Finance: The government is handing over 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East and has also approved a new EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers (targeting incomes up to EC$45,000) to support home ownership. Education & Skills Pipeline: Dominica State College reports strong 2026 enrolment growth across multiple programmes, including record intakes in Business Administration and other fields. Climate-Smart Development: UWI has appointed new leadership for its climate-smart development institute, with Professor Preeya S. Mohan as Executive Director and Dr Ronald Roopnarine as Deputy Director. Agriculture Sustainability: Eco Balance secured a grant to launch a 12-month “Greening Farms” initiative in central Dominica, including soil/runoff assessments, composting systems, and training for farmers.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party’s Ashma McDougall won the Roseau North seat in the Sept. 7 by-election, taking 1,506 votes to UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay’s 983, with independent Sherman Boston at 50; the Electoral Office reported 2,595 voters cast ballots out of 7,489 registered. Housing Finance: PM Roosevelt Skerrit announced a new EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers earning EC$45,000 or less, with financing at 3.5% (via the Government Housing Board). Climate-Resilient Homes: Eleven Canefield East families received keys to climate-resilient homes, part of a wider plan delivering 215 homes and apartment units across nine communities. CBI Debate: Former DAIC president Kenny Green defended Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, saying it helped restart the economy after Hurricane Maria and continues to fund national projects. Sustainable Farming Grant: Eco Balance secured a DNCTF-backed grant (XCD 33,918.17) for its “Greening Farms” project in central Dominica, including soil/runoff assessments, equipment support, composting systems, and training. Regional Business/Skills: CDB opened applications for two fully funded public procurement scholarships for 2026/2027, with Dominicans eligible to apply.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party (DLP) candidate Ashma McDougall won the Roseau North parliamentary by-election, with preliminary figures pointing to 1,506 votes versus 983 for UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay; independent Sherman Boston trailed with 50, and an official recount has started amid earlier polling concerns. Housing Finance & Delivery: PM Roosevelt Skerrit announced a new EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers earning EC$45,000 or less, with a 3.5% interest rate, while the government also handed over 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East as part of a wider push to deliver 215 units across nine communities. CBI Debate & Electoral Reform: Businessman Kenny Green defended Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme as key to recovery after Hurricane Maria, while the Electoral Reform Coalition backed Gregor Nassief amid claims of alleged state monitoring of a private meeting and concerns raised over voter confirmation and CBI processes. Sustainable Farming Support: Eco Balance secured a grant to launch its “Greening Farms” project in central Dominica, including soil mapping, runoff risk work, composting systems, and training with a focus on women farmers. Regional Business & Skills: Caribbean Development Bank opened applications for two fully funded public procurement scholarships for 2026/2027, and Dominica-based Asprofin Bank announced expansion into embedded finance via a BaaS partnership.

Roseau North By-Election: Ashma McDougall (DLP) has won the Roseau North parliamentary by-election, defeating UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay (1,506 vs 983 in preliminary figures; final reporting cites 1,407 vs 974) with independent Sherman Boston trailing at 50 votes; the seat opened after Miriam Blanchard resigned due to ill-health. Housing & Resilience: The government handed over 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, part of a wider push delivering 215 homes and apartment units across nine communities, while PM Skerrit also approved a new EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers (targeting incomes of EC$45,000 or less). Agriculture & Environment: Eco Balance secured a DNCTF-backed grant (XCD 33,918.17) for its “Greening Farms” project in central Dominica, including soil/runoff assessments, farmer training, composting systems, and women-focused support. Business & Finance: Asprofin Bank is expanding into embedded finance/BaaS via a partnership with Digital TRVST, aiming to support about US$5bn in annualized transaction volume. Regional Policy & Skills: CDB opened applications for two fully funded procurement scholarships (IMPPM in Italy), and CARICOM marked CARICOM-Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties. Tech & Cost of Living (UK data): A Broadband Genie study ranked the UK 46th globally for average mobile broadband data cost ($0.27 per 1GB), a reminder of how connectivity costs can shape consumer spending.

Housing & Resilience: Eleven Canefield East families received keys to climate-resilient homes as Dominica’s housing push delivers 215 homes and apartment units across nine communities. Public Finance: PM Skerrit approved a Government Housing Board loan facility of EC$10M for eligible public officers earning EC$45,000 or less, at 3.5% (reported as 5% in another release), aiming to widen access to home ownership. Agriculture & Environment: Eco Balance secured a DNCTF-backed grant of XCD 33,918.17 for its “Greening Farms” project in central Dominica, including soil/runoff assessments, equipment support, composting systems, and training with a bilingual best-practices manual. Business & Policy Debate: Former DAIC president Kenny Green defended Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme as key to recovery after Hurricane Maria and continued funding for national projects, while Roseau North by-election politics intensify around jobs, governance, and delivery. Regional Connectivity: Dominica’s planned international airport is drawing airline interest, with reported capacity increases from American Airlines and renewed New York service by United. Skills & Procurement: CDB opened applications for two fully funded procurement scholarships for 2026/2027, with Dominicans eligible to apply. Healthcare Focus: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre commissioned and renamed the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, highlighting upgrades to community primary care.

Aviation & Tourism: Caribbean Airlines says it’s pushing a transformation to boost operations, customer service and long-term financial sustainability, including new duty-free and gift-card options. Housing Finance: PM Roosevelt Skerrit approved an EC$10M Government Housing Board loan facility for eligible public officers earning EC$45,000 or less, with affordable interest rates announced for home ownership. Climate-Resilient Homes: Eleven families in Canefield East received keys to climate-resilient homes, underscoring the government’s housing push. Airport & Routes: Dominica’s planned international airport is moving ahead as major airlines signal interest; American Airlines and United are among those expected to expand or resume services. Roseau North Economy: A US$75M cruise village is expected to be signed soon, with knock-on benefits for vendors, taxis and tour operators. Public Procurement Skills: The Caribbean Development Bank opened applications for two fully funded procurement scholarships for Dominicans to study advanced public procurement in Italy. Finance & Tech: Asprofin Bank is expanding embedded finance via an API-driven Banking-as-a-Service partnership targeting billions in annualized transactions. Agriculture & Jobs: Two young Dominican farmers won regional honours, highlighting youth momentum in agriculture. Governance & Elections: Roseau North by-election campaigning intensifies ahead of Sept. 7, with candidates pitching jobs, healthcare, waste management and community development.

Housing Finance: PM Roosevelt Skerrit approved an EC$10M Government Housing Board loan facility for eligible public officers earning EC$45,000 or less, with financing at 3.5% (reported as 5% in one release), aimed at expanding home ownership and easing families’ rent pressure. Climate Resilience Homes: 11 families in Canefield East received keys to climate-resilient homes during an official handing-over ceremony, underscoring the government’s push to improve safety and stability. Healthcare Infrastructure: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre commissioned and renamed the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, highlighting upgrades for maternal/child health, immunisation, chronic disease care, and better working conditions. Airport & Tourism Demand: Dominica’s planned international airport is moving toward route deals, with reports that American Airlines will add capacity from December, United Airlines will resume seasonal New York service in October, and talks continue with JetBlue, Delta, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Roseau North By-Election: With voting set for Monday, Sept. 7, the three-way contest features DLP Ashma McDougall, UWP Danny Lugay and independent Sherman Boston; candidates are pitching jobs, waste and healthcare, while online polling shows DLP leading among respondents. Public Procurement Skills: The Caribbean Development Bank opened applications for two fully funded procurement scholarships (IMPPM at Rome Tor Vergata), with Dominicans eligible if they meet requirements. Business & Finance Tech: Asprofin Bank is expanding embedded finance via a partnership with Digital TRVST, targeting about US$5B in annualized transaction volume within 12 months. Governance & Scrutiny: Electoral Reform Coalition and Dominica Business Forum weighed in on claims of monitoring tied to a private meeting involving businessman Gregor Nassief, as he seeks legal advice over alleged CCTV activity.

Housing & Resilience: Dominica handed over keys to 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, while the government also announced a new $10M housing loan facility for public officers earning $45,000 or less at 5% interest. Public Finance & Skills: The Caribbean Development Bank opened applications for two fully funded procurement scholarships for Dominicans to pursue an International Master in Public Procurement Management in Italy. Tourism & Infrastructure: Major airlines are showing interest as Dominica’s international airport takes shape, with American Airlines expected to boost capacity and United Airlines set to resume New York service. Local Economy Boost: A US$75M privately funded cruise village is expected to be signed soon for Roseau North, targeting more spending by cruise visitors on local services. Business & Banking: Asprofin Bank is expanding into embedded finance via an API-driven Banking-as-a-Service partnership aimed at billions in annualized transactions. Agriculture & Jobs: Two young Dominican farmers won regional honours, including OECS Young Farmer and CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year recognition. Politics & Governance: Roseau North by-election campaigning heats up ahead of Sept. 7, with competing platforms focused on jobs, delivery, and governance, plus renewed debate over alleged monitoring and electoral reform.

Roseau North By-Election: Independent candidate Sherman Boston is campaigning on unity, jobs and practical community delivery ahead of the Sept. 7 vote, pitching 70% local employment in key areas and expanded skills/trades training. Housing Finance: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the Government Housing Board will contract a $10M loan facility for lower-income public officers earning $45,000 or less, at 5% interest, to help more families move from rent to home ownership. Climate-Resilient Homes: Eleven families received keys to climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, as government continues post-Maria housing delivery. Airport & Tourism Growth: Dominica’s planned international airport is drawing airline interest, with American Airlines expected to boost capacity from December and United Airlines resuming New York service in October; officials are also engaging JetBlue, Delta, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Cruise Economy: A US$75M privately funded cruise village in Roseau North is moving toward a formal agreement, expected to deepen local spending by vendors, taxi operators and tour guides. Public Procurement Skills: The Caribbean Development Bank opened applications for two fully funded procurement scholarships (IMPPM in Italy), with Dominicans eligible if they meet requirements. Business & Finance: Asprofin Bank is expanding into embedded finance via an API-driven Banking-as-a-Service partnership aimed at about $5B in annualized transaction volume. Governance & Scrutiny: Electoral Reform Coalition backs Gregor Nassief amid claims of alleged monitoring of a private meeting, while Nassief says he’s seeking legal advice after CCTV footage raised concerns. Agriculture Recognition: Two young Dominican farmers won regional honours, including Ephraim Elijah Roberts taking the OECS Young Farmer Award.

Housing Finance: PM Roosevelt Skerrit announced a new $10M housing loan facility for lower-income public officers earning $45,000 or less, with financing at 5% to help more families move from renting into home ownership. Airport & Tourism Growth: As Dominica’s international airport nears, major airlines are reportedly showing interest—American Airlines plans to boost Douglas-Charles capacity from December, United is set to resume New York service in October, and talks continue with JetBlue, Delta, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Cruise Economy: Skerrit says a US$75M privately funded cruise village for Roseau North is advancing, with a formal agreement expected soon, aiming to deepen cruise tourism spending on local vendors, taxis and tour operators. Embedded Finance Expansion: Dominica-based Asprofin Bank is expanding into embedded finance via an API-driven Banking-as-a-Service partnership with Digital TRVST, targeting about $5B in annualized transaction volume within 12 months. Agriculture & Jobs: Two young Dominican farmers won regional honours—Ephraim Elijah Roberts took an OECS Young Farmer Award and Dywany St. John was named CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year—highlighting diversification and resilience in farming. Elections & Governance: Roseau North by-election coverage continues amid political endorsements and disputes, including an online Only Polls survey showing DLP leading, plus renewed calls for transparency and concerns over alleged monitoring of private meetings.