AGP Executive Report

CBI Scrutiny & Transparency: Dominica’s Secret Bay owner Gregor Nassief is facing fresh online questions linking the resort to the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, including claims about land arrangements, agent commissions and the level of investment made locally—while Nassief has been urged to respond publicly. Power Reliability: DOMLEC reported a second islandwide power outage in a day, caused by total loss of power at a generating plant; service was restored by 7:25 AM, with customers again calling for better reliability. Agrifood Financing: FAO will host a regional dialogue Aug 18–19 in Santiago on innovative financing for agrifood systems, bringing together officials, banks and private-sector players from 16 countries. Agriculture Support: Dominica’s Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme is showing early results, with one Giraudel farmer harvesting over 250 pounds of seasoning pepper after receiving seedlings and fertilizer support. Credit Union Moves: NCCU is tightening loan collections with upgraded technology, member support initiatives, and a plan to publish names of persistent loan defaulters only after contact and negotiation efforts fail. Weather Preparedness: Farmers and fishers are being urged to secure equipment and protect crops and livestock ahead of an expected weather system. Infrastructure/Procurement: DOWASCO has a tender for the purchase of a backhoe, with viewing at its Rawles Lane store office and submissions due Aug 21. Tourism & Travel Links: Discover Dominica’s Authority is heading to Trinidad for a destination sales mission, timed with new direct flights from Oct 5 and upcoming festival promotions. US Visa Bond Update: The US has made its visa bond programme permanent for Dominica and other Caribbean countries, raising costs and planning needs for some tourist and business travellers.

Energy Reliability: DOMLEC reported a second islandwide power outage on Friday, after an earlier morning disruption; service was restored by 7:25 AM, with the latest incident blamed on a total loss of power at a generating plant. Regional Child Policy: OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 aimed at protecting, hearing, and supporting children across the Eastern Caribbean through a “whole-of-the-child” approach. Agrifood Financing: FAO will host a regional dialogue Aug. 18–19 on innovative financing for agrifood systems, bringing together 70+ representatives from 16 countries to discuss investment tools and partnerships. Tourism Integrity: Dominica’s sperm whale reserve rules are now tied to a dedicated legal framework, with certified operators, permits, vessel rules, and swim encounter limits—plus guidance on what a legitimate tour permit should look like. Credit & Education: NCCU is tightening loan collections (including potential public naming of persistent defaulters after contact efforts) and continues scholarship support, investing $136,348.80 in 2025/26. Local Agriculture: A Giraudel farmer harvested over 250 pounds of seasoning pepper under the Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme, showing early gains from targeted seedlings and technical support. Business Climate Talk: The Dominica Business Forum urged more public education on the budget and national development, pushing for decisions grounded in accurate information. Tourism Demand: The tourism ministry reported an 18% rise in visitor arrivals to 527,728 for the last fiscal year, with stayover and cruise growth across key markets. CBI Scrutiny: Financial crime consultant Kenneth Rijock acknowledged Dominica’s CBI-funded infrastructure progress while still questioning whether ending the programme would best serve the country.

CBI scrutiny and infrastructure debate: Financial crime consultant Kenneth Rijock, long critical of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, publicly acknowledged the scale of infrastructure projects funded under PM Roosevelt Skerrit—while still questioning whether the EU’s push to end CBI by June 2028 is in Dominica’s best interests. Credit union repayment push: The National Co-operative Credit Union (NCCU) says it’s tightening loan management with upgraded collections tech, new member support initiatives, and a plan to publish names of borrowers in default only after contact efforts fail. Tourism numbers up: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reported an 18% rise in visitor arrivals to 527,728, with stayover arrivals up 20% and cruise passengers up 20%. Agriculture support shows results: The Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme is already paying off, with Giraudel farmer Clint Pemberton harvesting 250+ pounds of seasoning pepper. US visa bond becomes permanent: Washington made its visa bond programme permanent for Dominica and other Caribbean states, a move that could affect travel demand and planning for visitors and business travellers. Public safety and justice: A special prosecutor said an international investigation helped secure convictions in the murder of Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and partner Dominique Marchand, with sentencing expected in September.

Court Case Update: A special prosecutor says an international investigation helped secure July 28 convictions of two Americans in the murder of Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and partner Dominique Marchand in Dominica, citing 46+ witnesses plus ballistics, DNA and phone records; appeals are underway and sentencing is set for September. Public Safety & Justice: Dominican police say a charged officer is linked to the murder of teen Jerbiah Paul, with authorities warning they won’t protect anyone suspected in serious crimes. Credit & Household Finance: NCCU is tightening loan management with upgraded collections tech, member support for overdue accounts, and a plan to publish names of persistent loan defaulters only after contact and failed repayment efforts. Agriculture & Food Security: The Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme is showing early results, with one Giraudel farmer harvesting over 250 pounds of seasoning pepper after receiving seedlings and fertilizer support. Tourism & Growth: Tourism Minister reports an 18% rise in visitor arrivals to 527,728, with stayovers up 20% and cruise passengers up 20%, including strong US and Canadian growth. CBI Scrutiny: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor warns CBI revenue is declining and calls for less dependence on the programme; meanwhile, business figures are pushing for a formal inquiry into alleged illegal discounting. Trade Policy Shock: A US Section 201 safeguard measure adds a four-year tariff-rate quota on quartz surface products starting Aug 15, with over-quota duties potentially reaching 50% after quarterly allocations are used up. Regional Business Climate: Dominica Business Forum urges more public education on the budget and national development, pushing dialogue between business and government.

CBI Under Fire: Dominica’s Citizenship-by-Investment programme is again in the spotlight after businessman Gregor Nassief renewed calls for a formal commission of inquiry, alleging widespread illegal discounting that he says is eroding public trust and draining lawful treasury revenue. US Travel Rules: The U.S. made its visa bond programme permanent, and Dominica is among the Caribbean countries affected—consular officers may require certain B-1/B-2 applicants to post a bond before a visa is issued. Safeguard Tariffs: A new U.S. Section 201 safeguard measure starts Aug. 15, 2026, putting a four-year tariff-rate quota on quartz surface products, with safeguard duties potentially rising sharply once quota allocations are used up. Tourism Momentum: Dominica reported an 18% jump in visitor arrivals to 527,728 in the last fiscal year, with stayover arrivals up 20% and U.S. arrivals rising 22%. Creative Economy Push: Prime Minister Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister to oversee a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency, aiming to give the creative sector stronger, more coordinated financial support. Business Dialogue: The Dominica Business Forum urged more public education on the national budget and how government and the private sector can work together to drive development. Crypto Sanctions Spillover: U.S. sanctions targeting Iran-linked crypto flows included Shelbit and its founder, raising compliance risks for regional digital-asset activity. Governance & Justice Debate: In Jamaica, the PNP hit back at Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson over the CCJ dispute—an issue tied to access to justice and court independence.

Visa Policy: The U.S. has made its visa bond program permanent, meaning consular officers can require certain B-1/B-2 applicants to post a financial bond; Dominica is among the four Caribbean countries currently on the list. Tourism & Travel: Dominica’s Discover Dominica Authority will run a Trinidad destination sales mission Aug 12–18, timed with new Contour Airlines direct flights from Oct 5 and major events like World Creole Music Festival and Carnival. Budget & Business Climate: The Dominica Business Forum says its budget forum showed strong participation but called for more public education on how the national budget affects the economy and development. CBI Under Pressure: Businessman Gregor Nassief is pushing for a formal commission of inquiry into Dominica’s Citizenship-by-Investment program, alleging widespread illegal discounting is eroding trust and draining treasury revenue; separately, EU moves to tighten CBI rules could reshape wealthy Nigerians’ mobility plans. Creative Economy: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister for the creative sector under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency. Sanctions Watch: U.S. sanctions on a Georgia-based crypto platform tied to Iran-linked flows add another layer of risk for digital-asset networks. Local Economy & Services: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor urges better farm access roads in Salisbury and warns CBI revenue is declining, while also flagging garbage collection capacity issues.

Tourism Push: The Discover Dominica Authority is heading to Trinidad for its annual destination sales mission (Aug 12–18), with mall activations, media interviews and B2B meetings—timed to support new direct flights from Trinidad on Oct 5 and to promote the World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25) and Carnival (Feb 8–9). Budget Signals: Tourism Minister Denise-Charles-Pemberton says visitor arrivals rose 18% to 527,728, with stayovers up 20% and the US up 22%. Creative Economy Plan: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister for the creative sector under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency, linked to the 2026/27 budget. CBI Under Fire: Businessman Gregor Nassief is calling for a formal inquiry into alleged illegal CBI discounting, while opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor warns CBI revenue is declining and urges investment in productive capacity. Population & Diaspora: Government plans citizenship through a Dominican grandparent starting Jan 1, 2027, alongside a “Live in Dominica” visa for remote workers and retirees. Local Business/Services: Flow Dominica will retire its legacy cwdom.dm email domain starting Aug 31 (sending), with full shutdown Sept 30. US Sanctions Watch: US Treasury sanctions a Georgia-based crypto network tied to alleged Iran/IRGC-linked illicit finance—raising compliance risks for regional crypto activity.

Indigenous Peoples Day: Kalinago Upliftment Minister Cozier Frederick marked UN International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, spotlighting Kalinago resilience and the theme “Honouring Indigenous Midwives.” Creative Economy Push: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister for the creative sector under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA), aimed at stronger financing and coordinated support for artists and creative businesses. Tourism Performance: Tourism Minister Denise-Charles-Pemberton reported an 18% rise in visitor arrivals to 527,728, with stayover arrivals up 20% and cruise arrivals up 20%. CBI Under Scrutiny: Businessman Gregor Nassief renewed calls for a formal inquiry into Dominica’s Citizenship-by-Investment programme, alleging heavy illegal discounting and revenue loss; meanwhile, opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor warned CBI revenue is declining and could affect funding for national projects. Cost of Living & Services: Paul-Victor also pressed for better waste collection and more workforce development to prepare young people for emerging industries. Business Climate: She urged Dominica to make it easier to start and grow businesses, including faster registration and predictable regulatory timelines. Digital/Payments & Compliance: Flow Dominica will retire its legacy cwdom.dm email service in September, urging customers to transition. US Sanctions Ripple: US Treasury sanctions a Shelbit-linked crypto network tied to alleged Iran/IRGC-linked illicit flows, raising compliance risks for regional financial activity. Local Governance: A Roseau North by-election is set for September 7, with nomination day August 21.

CBI Under Pressure: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor warned Dominica’s citizenship-by-investment receipts are sliding (about $605m last year to a budgeted $514.9m, down ~15%), warning of knock-on effects for CBI-funded schools, hospitals, roads and water projects. Business Climate Push: Paul-Victor also urged faster business registration, digital licensing, predictable regulatory timelines and better support for exporters to make Dominica one of the easiest places to start and grow a business. Diaspora & Population Plan: Government moves to boost resident numbers to 100,000 by 2040, including citizenship through a Dominican grandparent starting Jan. 1, 2027, plus a “Live in Dominica” residence visa for remote workers and retirees and a returning Dominican one-stop service. EU Visa Risk for CBI: Reports say the EU could tighten Schengen access for five Caribbean CBI states by June 2028, raising concerns for wealthy Nigerians using Caribbean passports for easier travel. US Sanctions Hit Crypto Links: The US sanctioned Shelbit and its operator, alleging Iran-linked crypto flows tied to the IRGC—an issue that also flags Dominica-linked citizenship for the named operator. Local Economy & Services: DOWASCO will close its Roseau office Wednesday Aug. 12; Flow Dominica will retire the cwdom.dm email domain in stages from Aug. 31, with full decommissioning Sept. 30. Agriculture Access: Paul-Victor called for a comprehensive, climate-resilient programme to rehabilitate Salisbury farm access roads, saying poor roads are cutting productivity and perishable produce market access.

By-Election Watch: Dominica’s Roseau North seat will be contested in a by-election on September 7, with Nomination Day set for August 21 after Miriam Blanchard’s June resignation. Digital Transition: Flow Dominica will retire its legacy cwdom.dm email service in stages—no sending from August 31, no incoming from September 15, and full decommissioning by September 30. Population & Sports: Senator Oscar George backed the National Population Renewal Initiative, pointing to citizenship through a Dominican grandparent starting January 1, 2027, plus a “Live in Dominica” residence visa for remote workers and retirees, and a Returning Dominican one-stop service. CBI Pressure: Gregor Nassief clarified a leaked letter on the Citizenship by Investment programme, arguing certain “social infrastructure” housing pathways may be unlawful and could reduce revenue—while saying he’s not calling to end CBI. US Sanctions Ripple: The US Treasury sanctioned a Georgia-based crypto network tied to Iran’s IRGC; the operator named is an Iranian-born person holding Dominica citizenship, raising reputational and compliance concerns for any links. Budget Participation: The Dominica Business Forum is hosting a Zoom post-budget public forum to broaden private-sector and civil-society input on the 2026/2027 fiscal package. Local Business Support: Jungle Bay Resort will hand over a new Dominique Marchand pre-school to the Ministry of Education on August 11, securing a permanent early-years facility for relocated children.

US Sanctions & Crypto Compliance: The US Treasury sanctioned Georgia-based Shelbit Exchange and its operator Siavash Kayvanpour, who also holds Dominica citizenship, alleging IRGC-linked crypto transfers of over $1m into Shelbit and more than $2m back out, while also naming other Iran-linked platforms. Local Banking & Regulation: Georgia’s central bank said the sanctioned Shelbit entity was not registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider and its registration was cancelled, underscoring stricter market-entry rules. Dominica Budget Participation: The Dominica Business Forum will host a Zoom post-budget forum to widen access to the 2026–2027 budget debate, with Economist Kent Vidal leading a review and Q&A. Capital Spending Scrutiny: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor backed the government’s overall PSIP implementation rate but flagged big ministry-by-ministry execution gaps and weak budget discipline. Income Tax Relief: Dominica announced a major tax shift: from Jan 1, 2027, a flat 10% personal income tax for earners above EC$30,000, replacing the current three-tier system. Small Business Credit: AID Bank is set to roll out a new EC$19m loan facility for small business owners. Tourism Jobs Angle: The Dominica Cable Car project is highlighted as a jobs and local-spend driver, with ongoing employment expected beyond construction. Property Market Pressure: A regional estimate says Eastern Caribbean property values have fallen about 10% over five years, with fears of further declines.

US Sanctions & Crypto: The U.S. Treasury (OFAC) sanctioned Iran-linked crypto exchanges and a network operator, including Siavash Kayvanpour, who holds Dominica citizenship, alleging billions in illicit finance tied to the IRGC. Budget Participation: The Dominica Business Forum will host a virtual post-budget forum on Zoom to broaden private-sector and civil society input into the 2026–2027 budget debate. Capital Spending Scrutiny: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor praised near-98% PSIP delivery overall but flagged big ministry-by-ministry execution gaps and weak budget discipline. Tax Relief: Dominica announced a major personal income tax overhaul—10% flat tax from January 2027 for earners above EC$30,000, replacing the current 15/25/35 tiers. Cost of Living Pressure: Paul-Victor renewed calls for the budget to deliver results, not just promises, as households keep feeling rising essentials. Small Business Finance: AID Bank is set to roll out a new EC$19M loan facility for small business owners. Agriculture Resilience: Government-backed crop insurance worth EC$1.5M will be fully financed by the state to protect farmers from hurricanes and climate shocks. Tourism Jobs: The Dominica Cable Car is highlighted as a jobs and local-spend driver, with ongoing direct and indirect employment expected after construction. Local Education Handover: Jungle Bay-funded preschool in Soufriere will be handed to the Ministry of Education next week.

Dominica Budget & Tax Relief: Dominica’s 2026/2027 package includes a major personal income tax overhaul: from Jan. 1, 2027, earners above EC$30,000 will pay a single flat 10% rate (replacing 15%/25%/35%), while those at or below the threshold keep no personal income tax. Budget Execution Watch: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor backed the government’s overall PSIP capital spending rate (~98%) but warned that ministry-by-ministry performance is uneven, with some portfolios under-spending and others exceeding allocations. Small Business Finance: Officials say an additional EC$19 million is coming to support Dominica’s small businesses, including a new EC$19M loan facility at AID Bank. Agriculture Resilience: Government will fully fund EC$1.5 million crop insurance for farmers, with no premiums charged, to speed post-disaster support. Population & Skills Push: The state plans a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme aimed at reaching 100,000 residents by 2040. Tourism & Jobs: The Dominica Cable Car is highlighted as more than a tourism project—supporting local suppliers and creating ongoing roles beyond construction. Governance & Participation: The Dominica Business Forum will host a virtual post-budget Zoom forum to broaden business and civil-society input into the 2026–2027 budget debate. Regional Context: EU warns Dominica and four other Caribbean states to phase out citizenship-by-investment schemes by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access.

US Sanctions & Crypto Compliance: The U.S. Treasury (OFAC) hit Iran-linked crypto exchanges and a network operator, including Siavash Kayvanpour, who holds Dominica citizenship, alleging millions in digital-asset transfers tied to the IRGC—another reminder that crypto and cross-border identities can trigger sanctions risk. Budget Participation: The Dominica Business Forum will host a virtual post-budget forum tonight (7:30 p.m. on Zoom) to widen input on the 2026–2027 budget beyond Parliament, with economist Kent Vidal leading a review and Q&A. Capital Spending Scrutiny: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor praised near-98% overall PSIP delivery but warned ministry-by-ministry execution gaps, citing weak planning and uneven procurement discipline. Small Business Finance: Government says an extra EC$19m will flow to Dominica’s small businesses via AID Bank from December, with loans at 3.5% interest (reducing balance), up to 10-year terms, and a six-month grace period. Tax Relief: Dominica will cut personal income tax to a flat 10% from January 2027 for earners above EC$30,000, replacing the old 15/25/35% tiers. Agriculture Resilience: Farmers will get EC$1.5m in fully government-funded crop insurance at no premium cost to help cushion hurricane and climate shocks. Tourism & Jobs: The Jungle Bay-funded pre-school in Soufriere will be handed to the Ministry of Education on Aug. 11, while the Dominica Cable Car is framed as a broader local-economy jobs and supplier boost. Cost of Living Pressure: Paul-Victor again pressed that budgets must translate into household relief, as electricity and other essentials keep squeezing families.

US Sanctions & Crypto Compliance: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned two digital-asset exchanges and a network operator tied to alleged Iran-linked laundering and IRGC support, including a figure reported to hold Dominica citizenship. Tax Relief in Dominica: Dominica will cut personal income tax to a flat 10% for earners above EC$30,000 from January 1, 2027, replacing the 15/25/35 tiers. Small Business Financing: AID Bank will add another EC$19 million in concessionary loans for micro, small and medium enterprises from December, with 3.5% interest and up to 10-year terms. Budget Debate & Cost of Living: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor argued government alone can’t drive a dynamic economy and stressed households are still squeezed by rising essentials. Energy & Jobs: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant has entered commercial operations, and the international airport project remains on track for 2028 completion with 400+ Dominicans employed. Tourism & Local Spillovers: The Dominica Cable Car is highlighted as a jobs and local-business driver, while the Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete is set to return in August, expected to boost visitor spending in Grand Bay. Agriculture Resilience: Government announced EC$1.5 million crop insurance for farmers and additional funding to expand beehives and build a national honey brand. CBI Pressure in the Region: The EU warned Dominica and four other Caribbean states to phase out citizenship-by-investment schemes by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access.

Income Tax Relief: Dominica will cut personal income tax to a flat 10% from January 2027 for earners above EC$30,000, replacing the 15/25/35% tiers, as part of the 2026/27 budget push to leave workers with more disposable income. Small-Business Finance: Government says another EC$19 million will flow through AID Bank from December, offering concessionary loans at 3.5% (reducing balance), up to 10-year terms and a six-month grace period, building on earlier MSME lending that supported 554 businesses. Energy & Cost Pressure: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant in Laudat has started commercial operations, boosting renewable supply, while separate coverage highlights ongoing electricity bill stress tied to VINLEC fuel surcharge concerns. Tourism & Jobs: The Roseau Valley Cable Car is framed as an economy driver beyond tourism, and a Portsmouth marina is proposed to grow yacht and luxury tourism. CBI Under EU Pressure: The EU warns five Caribbean states, including Dominica, to phase out citizenship-by-investment by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Agriculture Resilience: Farmers will get government-funded crop insurance under a new EC$1.5 million facility, and honey branding plus more beehives are planned to move beekeeping toward value-added exports. Regional Context: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor argues government alone can’t build a dynamic economy, stressing stable policies, finance access and predictable regulation.