Commonwealth CBI Shock: The EU has formally asked Dominica and four other Eastern Caribbean states to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes by June 1, 2028, warning that investor-citizenship can trigger suspensions under the Schengen visa exemption rules. Monetary Leadership: Dominica’s Dr Irving McIntyre took over as Chair of the ECCB Monetary Council, with climate resilience and renewable energy implementation highlighted as priorities. Tourism Jobs Push: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car, due later this year, is set to boost destination readiness and create immediate local employment, alongside upgrades to key ecotourism sites. Energy Cost Relief: DOMLEC reports geothermal integration is lowering July electricity bills via a reduced fuel surcharge, with savings across domestic, commercial and hotel/industrial categories. Justice & Business Confidence: Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore praised police and prosecutors after guilty verdicts in the Langlois-Marchand murder case; defence has signalled an appeal. Local Revenue Measures: Roseau City Council plans to publish a list of long-standing property tax and municipal fee defaulters, urging businesses and residents to settle or arrange payment plans.
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Court & Justice: Two Americans, Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Snyder Jr, were found guilty in Dominica of murdering Canadian entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his partner Dominique Marchand in 2023; prosecutors pointed to ballistics linking bullets to Lehrer’s gun, and defence counsel says an appeal will be pursued. Business & Community: The Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) mourned the death of Valentine Poponne, describing him as a trusted figure in local commerce. Monetary Policy: Dr Irving McIntyre took over as Chairman of the ECCB Monetary Council, with climate resilience and renewable energy highlighted as priorities. Tourism & Jobs: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car, plus upgrades to key sites and roads, is set to boost tourism and create immediate local employment. Energy Costs: DOMLEC reported lower July electricity bills as geothermal energy reduced the fuel surcharge, with savings across domestic, commercial and hotel users. Local Governance & Revenue: Roseau City Council plans to publish a list of property tax and municipal fee defaulters to recover revenue for essential services. Policy Risk (CBI): Nevis Premier Mark Brantley urged a longer transition away from Citizenship by Investment after the EU’s deadline, calling it an existential threat without replacement plans. Regional Cooperation: OECS appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, aiming to deepen trade and investment links.
Energy Costs: DOMLEC says geothermal integration is cutting July 2026 electricity bills via a lower fuel surcharge, with examples ranging from about $24 savings for 100 kWh domestic users to roughly $3,509 for large industrial consumers. Tourism Infrastructure: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reiterated that the Roseau Cruise Village and Waterfront extension remains a national priority, with negotiations taking longer due to the project’s scale. Transport & Fisheries Support: Team Unity Dominica candidate Christine Dupuis-Dubique is pushing for a fair, transparent duty-free concession system for licensed public transport operators, plus similar support for boat owners and fishers, including affordable financing and local training. Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley and others warn the EU’s push to end CBI programmes by June 1, 2028 is too fast, calling for a coordinated regional response and a longer transition period to avoid an “existential threat” to Eastern Caribbean budgets. Municipal Revenue: Roseau City Council plans to publish a list of property tax and municipal fee defaulters as part of a wider operations review to recover revenue for city services. Regional Tax Capacity: CARICOM’s tax chief Dr. Carla Barnett urged smarter, data-driven, AI-enabled tax systems at the COTA conference, stressing the need for sustainable domestic financing. Health & Tourism Resilience: CARPHA and the OECS renewed a partnership to extend the Tourism and Health Programme through December 2030, aiming to protect visitors and strengthen destination competitiveness. Business Community: DAIC held a Networking & Nibbles event to connect members and support business growth under new leadership. Justice & Business Climate: Two Americans, Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Snyder Jr, were found guilty in Dominica for the 2023 murders of Canadian entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and partner Dominique Marchand, with prosecutors citing ballistics links as key.
CBI Deadline Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the EU’s June 1, 2028 end-date for Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment is too short, warning the loss of CBI inflows is an “existential threat” and calling for a five-year transition plus regional backing. Cruise Growth Push: Dominica’s Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reaffirmed Roseau Cruise Village and Waterfront extension as a national priority, citing ongoing negotiations and arguing cruise and stay-over tourism can both expand. Tax Systems & Revenue: CARICOM SG Dr. Carla Barnett urged smarter, data-driven tax administrations at COTA, as the region leans more on home-grown financing. Local Revenue Enforcement: Roseau City Council will publish a list of property tax and municipal fee defaulters as part of an operations review, urging residents and businesses to settle or sign payment plans. Regional Health for Tourism: CARPHA and the OECS renewed a partnership to strengthen travellers’ health across OECS states through 2030. Business Networking: DAIC held a “Networking & Nibbles” event to reconnect members and support business growth. Court Update: Two Americans, Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Snider Jr, were found guilty in Dominica of murdering Canadian entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his partner Dominique Marchand.
AI & Diplomacy: China’s Ambassador Chu Maoming says Dominica can benefit from a “just and equitable” global AI governance system, following Dominica’s foreign minister’s participation in the 2026 World AI Conference. Regional Tax Modernisation: CARICOM SG Dr. Carla Barnett urged smarter, technology-driven tax systems at COTA, as the region leans more on home-grown revenue. CBI Pressure: Commentary and regional leaders warn Eastern Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programmes face existential EU pressure, with calls for OECS/CARICOM coordination rather than countries acting alone. OECS Africa Link: OECS appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation to boost trade and investment ties. Tourism Health Security: CARPHA and OECS renewed a tourism-focused health partnership through 2030 to protect visitors and strengthen destination resilience. Business & Cashflow: Roseau City Council will publish property tax and fee defaulters lists as part of an operations review, urging businesses to settle or enter payment plans. Infrastructure Skills Support: Canada and UNOPS launched the RIISE facility to help Dominica and other islands deliver climate-resilient projects more smoothly. Cruise Economy: Dominica’s 2026 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium aims to build on a record 409,761 cruise visitors in 2025. Aviation Connectivity: OECS leaders continue pushing for a regional airline as delays disrupt travel across the sub-region. Local Business Community: DAIC hosted a networking event to strengthen private-sector connections. Court Update (Economic spillover): Two Americans—Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Snider—were found guilty in the murder case of Canadian hotelier Daniel Langlois and partner Dominique Marchand.
Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Pressure: A new EU push would force Eastern Caribbean CBI states to phase out programmes by June 2028, raising the stakes for Dominica’s long-term development financing model and demanding clearer public diplomacy at home. OECS Africa-Caribbean Link: The OECS appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean Cooperation, aiming to boost trade, investment and partnerships through South-South engagement. Tourism Health Security: CARPHA and the OECS renewed a partnership to extend the Tourism and Health Program across OECS member states through 2030, supporting safer, more resilient tourism and destination competitiveness. Regional Infrastructure Delivery: Canada and UNOPS launched the RIISE Facility to help governments implement climate-resilient infrastructure faster, with Dominica among the initial beneficiaries. Cruise Economy Boost: Dominica opened its 2026 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium, building on a record cruise season with nearly 410,000 passengers in 2025 and a push to strengthen visitor trends and services. Business Growth Networking: DAIC held a “Networking & Nibbles” event to connect members and support the chamber’s renewed push for private-sector collaboration. Connectivity for Trade & Tourism: Contour Airlines announced nonstop Dominica–Trinidad service starting October 5, expected to improve travel convenience for residents, businesses and visitors. Local Business Loss: DAIC and the wider community marked the passing of prominent businessman Valentine Poponne, while Dominica also saw a local restaurant close after about a year in operation. Skills for Youth: A Dominican entrepreneur launched two skills development books aimed at helping children and youth build practical, academic and digital readiness. Women’s Health Rights: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court struck down Dominica’s abortion criminalisation in key circumstances, with CFPA calling it a meaningful step forward. Energy Project Update: Dominica’s geothermal project is nearing month-end commissioning, with the government saying sign-off is expected soon ahead of operations under the power purchase agreement.
Business Community Loss: The Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit mourn the passing of Valentine Poponne, calling him a trusted, integrity-driven figure in Dominica’s commercial life. Elections & Civic Rules: The Dominica Business Forum (DBF) set the ground rules for Wednesday’s Roseau North by-election public discussion, aiming for a structured, respectful format with equal question time for candidates. Tourism & Cruise Economy: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism kicked off a 2026 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium, building on a record cruise season of nearly 409,000 passengers in 2025 and focusing on trends and visitor expectations. Regional Health for Tourism: CARPHA and the OECS renewed their partnership to strengthen travellers’ health across OECS member states through December 2030, supporting destination resilience and economic sustainability. Private Sector Networking: DAIC held a “Networking & Nibbles” event to connect businesses and launch its renewed push for collaboration under newly elected President Olive Strachan and the new board. Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: Canada and UNOPS signed an agreement creating the RIISE facility to help governments deliver climate-resilient infrastructure, with Dominica among the initial beneficiaries. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced nonstop Dominica–Trinidad service starting October 5, twice weekly, to boost regional travel for residents, business, and tourism. Energy Project Update: Dominica’s geothermal project is nearing commissioning, with the target for month-end commissioning and power purchase agreement operations with DOMLEC. Finance Markets: CDB backed a US$100,000 study on whether CARICOM should establish a regional stock exchange to improve investment access and lower financing costs across member states.
Regional Capital Markets: The Caribbean Development Bank backed a US$100,000 study with CARICOM’s private sector group on whether a CARICOM Regional Stock Exchange is feasible, aiming to connect capital markets, attract investment, and cut financing costs for businesses across the CSME. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines confirmed nonstop Dominica–Trinidad and Tobago service starting October 5 (twice weekly), positioning the route to boost tourism, trade, and business travel. Energy Project Update: Dominica’s geothermal project is nearing commissioning, with the Energy Minister saying the plant could be ready by July 31 and then operate under DOMLEC’s power purchase agreement. Cost of Living & Budget: Prime Minister Skerrit said the 2026-2027 National Budget (set for August 4) will tackle cost-of-living pressures amid global shocks, including higher freight and insurance costs. Early Childhood Education: Dominica will receive a new early childhood learning centre on August 11, built after Hurricane Maria destroyed the Soufrière Preschool. Digital Advertising Security: Kairi FM apologized after unauthorized pornographic content appeared on its Bath Road LED billboard, saying safeguards are being strengthened. Women’s Health Rights: The CFPA welcomed a Supreme Court ruling striking down parts of Dominica’s abortion criminalization in specific circumstances, calling it a step forward for women’s health and dignity. OECS–Morocco Trade Push: OECS and Morocco highlighted economic cooperation during a promotion week focused on trade, investment, and sector partnerships, including Invest Dominica participation. Banking Innovation: Asprofin Bank announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance with Digital TRVST, expanding multi-currency accounts, payments, and digital asset settlement via regulated banking infrastructure.
Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines says it will launch nonstop Dominica–Trinidad and Tobago service from October 5, 2026, twice weekly, with one-stop same-aircraft links via San Juan and St Thomas—aimed at boosting tourism, trade and business travel. Energy & Power: Dominica’s geothermal project is nearing commissioning, with the Energy Minister targeting July 31 to sign off and move into power purchase agreement operations with DOMLEC. Budget & Cost of Living: Prime Minister Skerrit says the August 4 budget will focus on cost of living, tax reform, and broader economic challenges amid global shocks. Skills for the Green Economy: BTC launched an eight-month green skills programme for 85 Dominicans, funded by Canada, covering trades and digital green skills to support climate-resilient jobs. OECS–Morocco Trade Push: OECS and Morocco highlighted economic cooperation during a June promotion week, with Invest Dominica and other agencies exploring new trade and investment opportunities. Local Business & Community: Dominica’s Roseau Central UWP candidate Juliette Shillingford outlined a plan to make the capital greener and more economically vibrant, while a local restaurant closure in St Helens underscored the pressures on small businesses. Education Support: Dominica is set to receive a new early childhood learning centre on August 11, nearly nine years after Hurricane Maria destroyed the original preschool.
Air Connectivity Boost: Contour Airlines will launch nonstop Douglas-Charles (Dominica)–Piarco (Trinidad) service on Oct 5, 2026 (twice weekly), with same-plane one-stops via San Juan and St Thomas—expected to lift tourism, trade, and business travel. Energy Project Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing commissioning, with Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson saying the project is on track for end-of-July sign-off and operation under the DOMLEC power purchase agreement. Budget Focus on Cost of Living: Prime Minister Skerrit says the Aug 4 budget will target cost of living pressures, tax reform, and broader economic challenges amid global shocks. Skills for a Green Economy: BTC, funded by Canada’s CFLI, is training 85 Dominicans for climate-resilient jobs (HVAC, solar/thermal installation, surveying, construction admin, green vehicle tech, and digital green skills). OECS–Morocco Trade Push: Economic Promotion Week in Morocco highlighted new OECS–Morocco cooperation on trade, investment, and sector partnerships, with Invest Dominica among participating agencies. Tourism & Community: A new early childhood learning centre in Soufrière is set for handover Aug 11 after Hurricane Maria destroyed the former preschool. Business & Finance: Asprofin Bank and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance to expand regulated multi-currency payments and digital asset settlement. Local Business Pulse: Dominica’s Bella Roma restaurant in St Helens closes after just over a year, citing ill health and other reasons.
Air Connectivity Boost: Contour Airlines will launch nonstop Douglas-Charles (Dominica)–Piarco (Trinidad) service on October 5, 2026, twice weekly, with same-aircraft one-stop links via San Juan and St. Thomas—expected to lift tourism, trade and business travel. Energy Project Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing commissioning, with Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson saying the team is preparing to sign off and target July 31, enabling operations under the DOMLEC power purchase agreement. Regional Trade & Investment: OECS and Morocco highlighted economic cooperation during Economic Promotion Week (June 22–26), bringing together investment agencies and chambers, including Invest Dominica Authority, to push new trade and investment opportunities. Skills for a Green Economy: BTC launched an eight-month “Green Skills Training” programme for 85 Dominicans, funded by Canada, covering solar/thermal installation, HVAC, surveying, construction administration, green vehicle mechanics and digital green skills. Education & Community Resilience: Dominica will receive a new early childhood learning centre on August 11, built after Hurricane Maria destroyed the Soufrière Preschool, led by Jungle Bay Resort and Spa with community support. Business & Finance: Asprofin Bank (Dominica-licensed) and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance to expand multi-currency accounts, payments and digital asset settlement using regulated banking infrastructure. Cost of Living & Budget: PM Skerrit says the 2026-2027 National Budget (Aug 4) will focus on cost of living amid global shocks, including freight and insurance pressures, while pointing to tax relief measures.
Air Connectivity Boost: Contour Airlines says it will launch nonstop Dominica–Trinidad and Tobago service on October 5, operating twice weekly and linking Douglas-Charles (DOM) with Piarco (POS), with one-stop same-plane connections via San Juan and St Thomas—aimed at boosting tourism, trade and business travel. Energy Project Update: Dominica’s geothermal project is nearing commissioning, with Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson saying the plant is on track for end-of-July sign-off and operation under the DOMLEC power purchase agreement. Cost of Living & Budget: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the 2026-2027 National Budget Day on August 4 will tackle cost of living pressures, citing global shocks that raise freight and prices, while pointing to tax relief measures. Skills for Climate Resilience: The Business Training Centre (BTC) begins an eight-month “Green Skills Training” programme for 85 Dominicans, funded by Canada, covering HVAC, solar/thermal installation, surveying, construction administration, green motorbike mechanics, and digital green skills. Regional Trade Links: OECS and Morocco highlight new opportunities after Economic Promotion Week in Morocco, with Invest Dominica among participating agencies pushing trade and investment cooperation. Tourism Development: Dominica’s early childhood learning centre in Soufrière is set for handover to the Ministry of Education on August 11, nearly nine years after Hurricane Maria destroyed the original preschool. Business & Community: Asprofin Bank and Digital TRVST announce a Banking-as-a-Service alliance to expand regulated multi-currency banking and digital asset settlement services. Local Business Closure: Bella Roma restaurant in St Helens closes today after just over a year, citing ill health and other reasons.
Air Connectivity Boost: Contour Airlines says it will launch nonstop Douglas-Charles (Dominica)–Piarco (Trinidad) service on October 5, running twice weekly, with same-plane one-stop links via Trinidad to San Juan and St. Thomas—aimed at making travel easier for residents, tourism, and business. Energy Project Update: Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson reports Dominica’s geothermal plant is on track for commissioning by month end, with sign-off steps underway so DOMLEC can move under the power purchase agreement. Cost of Living & Budget: Prime Minister Skerrit says the August 4 budget will focus on cost of living pressures, tax reform, and wider economic challenges from global shocks. Tourism & Investment: The OECS and Morocco explored new trade, investment, and economic cooperation opportunities during Economic Promotion Week, with Dominica among participating member states. Skills for a Green Economy: BTC launched free, CPD-accredited green skills training for 85 Dominicans, funded by Canada, targeting climate-resilient jobs across solar, HVAC, surveying, construction, and digital green skills. Regional Finance & Payments: Asprofin Bank and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance to expand regulated banking, multi-currency accounts, payments, and digital asset settlement. Maritime Tourism Weekend: Poker Run Dominica 2026 and a sport fishing tournament are set to bring visitors to west-coast communities, supporting local spending in bars, restaurants, and shops. Housing Resilience Progress: Vieille Case housing nears completion, with 21 hurricane-resilient homes expected to be handed over soon.
Air Connectivity & Tourism: Contour Airlines will launch nonstop Douglas-Charles (DOM) to Piarco (POS), Port of Spain, starting Oct 5, 2026, twice weekly, with same-plane one-stop links via Trinidad to San Juan and St. Thomas—expected to boost business travel and tourism ties. Cost of Living & Budget: PM Skerrit says the Aug 4 budget will tackle cost of living, tax reform and wider economic shocks, citing higher freight and insurance costs feeding into prices. Green Jobs & Skills: BTC, funded by Canada’s CFLI, is training 85 Dominicans for climate-resilient work through free CPD-accredited courses in solar/thermal, HVAC, surveying, construction administration, green vehicle mechanics and digital green skills. Finance & Innovation: Asprofin Bank and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance to expand regulated multi-currency banking, payments, custody and embedded financial services. Cruise Sector Readiness: Dominica recorded 409,761 cruise passengers in 2025 and will hold a July 27–29 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium to prepare frontline and small business operators for the next season. Regional Policy Pressure (CBI): The EU has asked five Eastern Caribbean states, including Dominica, to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 1, 2028 or risk Schengen visa-free access. Local Economy & Community: Vieille Case’s hurricane-resilient homes are nearing completion, with 21 families set to receive keys soon. Maritime Events: This weekend features a Sport Fishing Tournament in Toucari and Poker Run Dominica 2026, designed to drive visitor spending into coastal communities.
National Budget Focus: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica’s August 4 budget will target cost of living pressures, tax reform and wider economic shocks from global conflict and supply-chain costs. Tourism Infrastructure: The Dominica Cable Car project is traced back to a 2019 investor trip to the Boiling Lake, with Swiss engineering and environmental studies cited as key steps toward transforming tourism access. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines will launch nonstop Douglas-Charles (DOM) to Piarco (POS) in Trinidad on Oct. 5, 2026 (twice weekly), plus one-stop same-plane links via San Juan and St. Thomas—aimed at boosting tourism, business travel and regional trade. Green Jobs Training: BTC, funded by Canada’s CFLI, is offering free eight-month “Green Skills” training for 85 Dominicans across HVAC, solar/thermal, surveying, construction admin, green motorbike tech and digital green skills. Finance & Payments: Asprofin Bank and Digital TRVST announce a multi-year Banking-as-a-Service alliance to expand multi-currency accounts, payments, fiat on/off-ramps, digital asset custody and embedded services. Cruise Sector: Dominica reports 409,761 cruise passengers in 2025 and will hold a July 27–29 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium to prepare service providers for the next season. Regional Policy Risk: EU pressure on Citizenship by Investment continues, with a formal push for a 2028 phase-out deadline that could affect Schengen visa-free access. Community & Business Loss: WIOC mourns veteran fuel retailer McMillan Jno-Baptiste, praising decades of service and customer-first entrepreneurship.
Air Connectivity Boost: Contour Airlines says it will launch nonstop Dominica–Trinidad flights from October 5, 2026, with twice-weekly service (DOM–POS on Mondays/Thursdays; return on Tuesdays/Fridays), plus one-stop same-plane links via Dominica to San Juan and St. Thomas—aimed at easing travel for tourism, business, and family visits. Green Skills for Jobs: The Business Training Centre (BTC) rolled out an eight-month, free training push for 85 Dominicans to build climate-resilient skills, funded by Canada’s CFLI, covering areas like solar/thermal installation, HVAC, surveying, construction administration, green motorbike tech, and digital green skills. Tourism Capacity Building: Dominica marked 409,761 cruise passengers in the 2025 season and will host a Cruise Stakeholders Symposium July 27–29 to ready shore workers, vendors, transport providers, and small tourism businesses for the next cruise run. Climate-Resilient Housing: Vieille Case’s hurricane-proof homes are nearing completion, with keys expected for 21 families as Dominica continues expanding its resilience housing programme. Regional Finance & Currency: The ECCB Monetary Council met in Dominica and unveiled redesigned Eastern Caribbean banknotes featuring national heroes and regional icons, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II imagery. Business Loss: West Indies Oil Company paid tribute to veteran Dominican retailer McMillan Jno-Baptiste, “Mr. Mac,” whose decades-long service began in 1972. CBI Pressure Watch: EU reporting and commentary this week highlighted a push for Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment phase-outs by June 1, 2028, with Schengen visa-free access at stake.
Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines will launch nonstop Dominica–Trinidad service from Oct. 5, 2026 (DOM–POS twice weekly) and add one-stop same-plane links via Dominica between San Juan and Trinidad, plus St. Thomas and Trinidad—aimed at boosting tourism and business travel. Housing & Resilience: Vieille Case’s hurricane-resilient homes are nearing completion, with 21 families set to receive keys soon as Dominica pushes forward its climate-ready housing pipeline. Tourism & Cruise Economy: Dominica hit 409,761 cruise passengers in 2025 and will host a Cruise Stakeholders Symposium (July 27–29) to prepare service providers for the next season. Finance & Currency: The ECCB Monetary Council met in Dominica and unveiled redesigned EC banknotes that remove Queen Elizabeth II’s image and replace it with national heroes and regional icons. CBI/Passport Pressure: The EU has formally asked five Eastern Caribbean CBI states, including Dominica, to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028 or risk Schengen visa-free suspension—prompting renewed calls for a coordinated regional response. Governance: Parliament will convene Aug. 4 for the 2026–2027 national budget presentation by Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre. Business Community: WIOC paid tribute to veteran Dominican businessman McMillan Jno-Baptiste, a long-time fuel retailer and “Mr. Mac,” remembered for decades of service.
Climate-Resilient Housing: Vieille Case is nearing completion, with 21 hurricane-proof homes expected to be handed over soon, as Dominica pushes ahead with its wider climate-resilient housing programme. Air Connectivity & Tourism: Contour Airlines will launch nonstop Dominica–Trinidad service from October 5, 2026 (twice weekly), boosting business travel and tourism links between Douglas-Charles (DOM) and Piarco (POS). ECCB Monetary Policy & Currency: The ECCB Monetary Council met on July 10 and unveiled redesigned EC banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image with national heroes and regional icons. Cruise Economy: Dominica recorded 409,761 cruise visitors in 2025 and will host a Cruise Stakeholders Symposium (July 27–29) to ready tourism operators for the next season. Banking Innovation: Asprofin Bank and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance aimed at expanding regulated multi-currency payments and embedded financial services. Business Community Loss: West Indies Oil Company paid tribute to veteran fuel retailer McMillan Jno-Baptiste, describing decades of service and customer-first entrepreneurship. Budget Timeline: Dominica’s 2026–27 national budget will be presented August 4 when Parliament convenes. Regional Policy Pressure (CBI): EU pressure on Citizenship by Investment programmes continues, with a push to phase them out by 2028 and warnings that visa-free access could be affected.
ECCB Banknotes Overhaul: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has unveiled redesigned EC dollar notes that remove Queen Elizabeth II’s image and replace it with national heroes from ECCU member states, with the change marked in Dominica during the Monetary Council chairmanship ceremony. Business Loss: Dominica’s DAIC and local leaders mourn fuel pioneer McMillan Jno-Baptiste, who died at 90 after decades building the McMillan All-in-One Service Station and serving customers across the island. Water Supply Disruption: DOWASCO says restoration work continues on the WA1 network after emergency repairs to a damaged main at the E.C. Loblack Bridge, with intermittent service still affecting higher-elevation communities. National Budget Date Set: Parliament will convene August 4 for the 2026–2027 National Budget presentation by Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre. EU Travel Pressure on CBI: EU warnings and reporting highlight that citizenship-by-investment schemes in Dominica and other OECS states face possible visa-free access suspension if programmes aren’t phased out by 2028. Dominica-China Cooperation: Foreign Minister Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai to discuss expanding AI and development cooperation, including through WAICO.
National Budget Timeline: Dominica’s 2026–2027 National Budget will be presented on Tuesday, August 4, when Parliament convenes at 10:00 AM, with the Finance Minister tabling the Estimates of Expenditure and the Presidential Address kicking off the new session. Water & Utilities: DOWASCO says restoration work on the WA1 network is still ongoing after emergency repairs to a damaged main at the E.C. Loblack Bridge on July 20, with some higher-elevation communities (including Castle Comfort, Fortune and Bellevue Rawle) still facing intermittent supply. Foreign Affairs & Tech Cooperation: Foreign Minister Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, including AI development through the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). CBI Pressure on the Region: A political analyst warns that losing Citizenship by Investment revenue could remove well over $100 million from the regional economy, arguing Dominica and its neighbours need a coordinated approach as EU scrutiny intensifies. Tourism Infrastructure Progress: The Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility is reported at 35% completion as of June 2026, with key works like access, excavation, foundations, and early ground-floor construction underway. Business Community Loss: Dominica’s fuel retail sector mourns McMillan Jno-Baptiste, a long-serving businessman and DAIC member, who died at home at age 90. Local Business & Community: The Dominica Business Forum is set to host a public discussion with Roseau North by-election candidates on July 29 at Fond Cole Community Centre, aiming to boost voter education and participation.
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