AGP Executive Report

CBI Transition: Dominica will hold further talks with the EU by November 12 as the bloc presses the country and other Eastern Caribbean states to move away from citizenship-by-investment programmes by June 2028 to preserve visa-free access to Europe. The government says CBI revenue has helped fund infrastructure and disaster recovery, making alternative income sources a key concern. Regional Travel Costs: FRS Express des Îles will add a temporary €5 one-way or €10 return fuel surcharge from November 1, affecting ferry trips between Dominica and neighbouring islands; the charge will be reviewed every three months. Cannabis Trade: Dominica’s Medicinal Cannabis Authority chair is urging regional cooperation to turn regulation into viable businesses, citing high compliance costs and differing standards as barriers to cross-border trade. Investor Interest: U.S.-based clients accounted for 20% of Dominica CBI consultations at advisory firm Immigrant Invest through mid-October, though the firm cautions its figures are not total industry application numbers.

CBI Talks: Dominica plans further discussions with the EU by November 12 over its Citizenship by Investment programme. The EU says countries must transition away from such schemes by June 2028 to preserve visa-free Schengen access. The government says CBI revenue supports infrastructure, disaster recovery and jobs, and is seeking transition support and alternative revenue sources. Agriculture: The Ministry of Agriculture and FAO trained 30 participants in climate-smart greenhouse production, aiming to improve farm yields and expand agricultural opportunities. Workers: Solid waste employees received a payment equivalent to one month’s salary after union negotiations, while talks continue on salary increases for public-sector workers. Tourism: Dominica cited an estimated US$15 million festival impact as the government pledged continued investment.

CBI and Public Finances: Dominica says it will respond to the EU by November 12 on the future of its citizenship-by-investment programme. The EU wants OECS countries to transition away from CBI by June 2028 to retain visa-free access to the Schengen Area. The government says CBI revenue has funded infrastructure and disaster recovery, and is seeking transition support and alternative revenue sources. Agriculture: The Agriculture Ministry and FAO trained 30 participants in climate-smart greenhouse production, aiming to improve yields and expand farming opportunities. Digital Economy: ECTEL and the OECS are strengthening regulators’ skills in market competition and impact assessment, part of wider efforts to support efficient telecoms and digital economies. Tourism: Dominica’s government cites a US$15 million festival impact and has pledged continued investment.

CBI and Public Finances: Dominica says it will update the EU by November 12 on the future of its Citizenship by Investment programme. The EU wants participating OECS countries to transition away from the schemes by June 2028 to retain Schengen visa-free access. The government says CBI revenue supports infrastructure, disaster recovery and national resilience, making a planned transition important for public finances. Digital Economy: ECTEL and the OECS Commission held a workshop to strengthen telecom market oversight and regulatory impact assessment, with Dominica among the five participating states. Tourism: The government plans to keep investing in the World Creole Music Festival, which officials estimate generated US$15 million in direct economic impact last year for businesses including guesthouses, taxi operators and vendors. Agriculture: The Agriculture Ministry and FAO trained 30 people in climate-smart greenhouse production and assessed facilities to identify ways to improve yields and farm operations. Jobs and Pay: Solid waste workers received a payment equivalent to one month’s salary following union negotiations, while talks continue on other employment and salary matters.

CBI and EU Talks: Dominica says it will respond to the EU by November 12 as it negotiates the future of its citizenship-by-investment programme. The EU says participating countries must move away from the schemes by June 2028 to retain visa-free access to Schengen. The government says CBI revenue has helped fund infrastructure, disaster recovery and national resilience, and any transition would need careful planning. DOMLEC: Possible industrial action was reported at the Fond Cole facility, but the circumstances and any impact on operations remain unconfirmed. Tourism: Government says last year’s World Creole Music Festival generated an estimated US$15 million in direct economic impact, benefiting vendors, guesthouses, taxi drivers and other small businesses. Flights were fully booked for the event. Agriculture: The Agriculture Ministry and FAO trained 30 participants in climate-smart greenhouse production, aiming to improve farm productivity and opportunities across Dominica.

Climate-Smart Farming: Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry and FAO trained 30 farmers, students and others in greenhouse production, aiming to improve crop yields and strengthen farm businesses. Worker Pay: Solid Waste Management Corporation employees received a payment equal to one month’s salary after DPSU negotiations. The union is also preparing its position on public-service salary increases and will begin talks with AID Bank management on November 16. Maritime Security: SAFE Boats won a five-year U.S. contract worth up to US$36.4 million to supply patrol vessels; Dominica is among the first four countries slated to receive boats, with production due to start in 2027. Festival Economy: Government says last year’s World Creole Music Festival generated an estimated US$15 million in direct economic impact, supporting transport operators, guesthouses, vendors and small businesses. Climate Finance: A US$20 million regional climate-adaptation project will be shared equally by Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada, with grants and loans intended to support local resilience. Export Opportunities: Eight Indigenous women entrepreneurs from Dominica, Belize and Jamaica are on a Caribbean Export trade mission to Canada to explore buyers, partnerships and market opportunities.

Maritime Contract: Dominica is among the first countries set to receive patrol boats under a US$36.4 million regional contract, which also covers training and support. Wages and Labour: Solid waste workers received a payment equal to one month’s salary after DPSU negotiations. The union is still discussing salary increases for 2024–26 and plans to start talks with AID Bank on November 16. Climate-Smart Farming: Agriculture officials and the FAO trained 30 participants and assessed greenhouses in Massacre, the Kalinago Territory and La Plaine, aiming to improve yields and farm opportunities. Tourism: Government says last year’s World Creole Music Festival generated an estimated US$15 million in direct economic impact, with flights full for this year’s event. Export Opportunities: Dominican Indigenous women entrepreneurs are joining a Caribbean trade mission to Canada to explore buyers and partnerships. US Travel Rules: Dominica is among 50 countries whose eligible visitor-visa applicants may be required to post a bond of up to US$20,000.

Festival Economy: Dominica’s government says last year’s World Creole Music Festival generated an estimated US$15 million in direct economic activity, benefiting transport operators, guesthouses, vendors and small businesses. Flights were fully booked for this year’s event, and officials pledged continued investment. CBI Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda is likely to suspend its citizenship-by-investment programme by November 12 to protect visa-free access to Europe. The move adds uncertainty for Dominica and other Caribbean states whose programmes face EU pressure. Small Business Support: Minister Daren Pinard urged businesses to use fiscal incentives and funding, including a further EC$19 million in loans announced in the budget; an earlier facility lent EC$27.8 million to 554 businesses. Airport Development: Work continues on Dominica’s international airport control tower, with more than 400 Dominicans previously reported employed on the project. The airport is expected to expand trade, tourism and investment. Regional Investment: A US$340 million US-Caribbean funding package targets energy, ports, critical minerals and digital infrastructure, with Dominica among the participating countries.

Festival Economy: Dominica says last year’s World Creole Music Festival generated an estimated US$15 million in direct economic impact, supporting vendors, taxi operators, guesthouses and other small businesses. Flights were fully booked for this year’s event, and the government says it will continue investing in the festival. Citizenship Investment: Antigua and Barbuda is likely to suspend its citizenship-by-investment programme by November 12 to protect visa-free access to Europe. The move highlights mounting pressure on a revenue source shared by Dominica and other Eastern Caribbean states; Antigua has not made a final decision. Trade Opportunities: Eight Indigenous women entrepreneurs from Dominica, Belize and Jamaica are on a Caribbean Export mission to Winnipeg and Toronto to explore Canadian markets and build business connections. Business Support: Dominica’s government has committed another EC$19 million for small-business loans. A previous facility provided loans to 554 businesses, while officials are urging firms to use available incentives. Infrastructure: Work continues on the Wesley international airport, with more than 400 Dominicans employed on the project as of August. The airport is expected to boost connectivity, trade and tourism.

Trade Opportunities: Eight Indigenous women entrepreneurs from Dominica, Belize and Jamaica begin a Canada trade mission this week, with business meetings in Winnipeg and Toronto aimed at opening export opportunities in agriculture, personal care and artisan goods. Regional Investment: Dominica joined CARICOM talks with the United States following an announced US$340 million regional investment plan targeting energy, ports and digital infrastructure; Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit also pressed Washington on visa restrictions and development financing. Citizenship by Investment: Antigua and Barbuda may suspend its programme by November 12 to preserve Schengen visa-free access. The decision adds pressure on Dominica and other regional CBI countries facing similar European concerns. Infrastructure: Mechanical and electrical work is advancing at the air traffic control tower for Dominica’s international airport, a project expected to support trade, tourism and jobs. Small Business: Minister Daren Pinard urged firms to use government incentives, including duty-free licences and a new $19 million loan commitment.

CIP Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda’s prime minister says suspension of its citizenship-by-investment programme by November 12 is under consideration to protect Schengen visa-free access. Dominica is among the five Eastern Caribbean countries facing European pressure, and regional leaders are seeking a coordinated response. US Engagement: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit welcomed talks with Washington and raised Dominica’s visa restrictions. A US$340 million regional package targets energy, ports, critical minerals and digital infrastructure, with a Caribbean investment summit planned for early 2027. Infrastructure: Mechanical and electrical work is advancing at the Wesley airport control tower. The project is expected to support tourism, trade and jobs; more than 400 Dominicans were reported employed on the development in August. Energy: Dominica won three regional awards for its geothermal project and financing, while the government says it aims to deliver greater energy security and more affordable power. Small Business: Minister Daren Pinard urged firms to use fiscal incentives and funding. Government has committed a further EC$19 million to a loan facility that previously supported 554 small businesses.

US-Caribbean Investment: Washington announced more than US$340 million for regional projects in energy, ports, digital infrastructure and other areas. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit welcomed renewed engagement and urged the US to address Dominica’s visa restrictions and development-financing needs. Tourism: Aman at Sea has added 12 winter 2028 cruises, including calls at Portsmouth, extending opportunities for local tourism businesses. Small Business: Minister Daren Pinard urged firms to use government incentives, including duty-free concessions and a new EC$19 million loan commitment. Airport Development: Work continues on the air traffic control tower at Dominica’s international airport, a project expected to support tourism, trade and jobs. Geothermal Energy: Dominica’s geothermal project and financing earned regional awards at the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum, highlighting progress toward greater energy security. E-waste Planning: Dominica is among 11 Caribbean countries with a new assessment to guide e-waste collection, financing and policy.

Tourism: Aman at Sea has added 12 winter 2028 cruises, including calls at Portsmouth, extending Dominica’s reach in the luxury cruise market. US Partnership: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit welcomed renewed US-CARICOM engagement but pressed Washington to revisit visa restrictions and support Caribbean development financing. A US$340 million regional package targets projects in energy, ports, critical minerals and digital infrastructure; no specific allocation for Dominica was announced. Small Business: Minister Daren Pinard urged firms to use government incentives, including a new $19 million loan commitment, after 554 businesses accessed an earlier facility. Geothermal Energy: Dominica won three regional awards for its geothermal project and financing, highlighting progress on energy security and investment. Creative Industries: The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal reinstated ECCO’s copyright infringement claim, allowing the dispute to proceed to trial.

Airport Development: Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work is advancing at Dominica’s international airport control tower. The project is expected to support tourism, trade and investment, with more than 400 Dominicans reported directly employed. Small Business: Minister Daren Pinard urged businesses to use government incentives, including duty-free concessions and a further $19 million in planned loan funding. E-waste Management: Dominica is among 11 Caribbean countries with new assessments to guide e-waste collection, treatment, financing and policy. Regional Investment: The United States announced a US$340 million Caribbean package focused on areas including energy, ports and digital infrastructure; Dominica took part in the talks, but no country-by-country allocations were announced. Geothermal Energy: Dominica’s geothermal project and financing programme won regional awards, while Foreign Affairs and Energy Minister Vince Henderson received a leadership honour. Electricity Costs: DOMLEC says a new approved tariff takes effect November 1, but has not disclosed the rates.

E-waste Planning: Dominica is among 11 Caribbean countries with a new assessment of e-waste generation and management, intended to guide collection, treatment, funding and policy decisions. U.S. Investment: Dominica joined regional talks on a US$340 million U.S. investment package focused on energy, ports, digital infrastructure and other growth areas; no country-specific allocation was announced. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit also raised U.S. visa restrictions with officials, who said the matter would be discussed with senior decision-makers. Infrastructure: Mechanical and electrical work is underway at the air traffic control tower at Dominica’s international airport, a project expected to support connectivity, trade, tourism and jobs. Small Businesses: Minister Daren Pinard urged firms to use government incentives, including duty-free concessions. He said 554 businesses received loans through a $27.8 million facility in 2022, with another $19 million pledged. Geothermal Energy: Dominica’s geothermal project earned regional awards for energy development and financing, while Energy Minister Vince Henderson received a leadership award.

Airport Development: Mechanical and electrical piping work is underway in Dominica’s international airport control tower. The project is expected to boost trade, tourism and jobs; more than 400 Dominicans were reported employed on site in August. Small Business: Minister Daren Pinard urged firms to use government support, including duty-free fiscal incentives. He said 554 businesses received loans through a $27.8 million facility, with another $19 million pledged. Regional Investment: The United States announced a more than US$340 million Caribbean package targeting energy, ports, digital infrastructure, health and security, but no specific allocation for Dominica was disclosed. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit also raised Dominica’s US visa restrictions in bilateral talks and said Washington would refer the issue to senior officials. Geothermal Energy: Dominica’s 10-megawatt Laudat plant, supplying the national grid since July, won three awards at the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum, including Best Caribbean Energy Project and Best Financing Programme. Agriculture: Farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno. Baptiste received international recognition among the FAO’s 100 Women Heroes, highlighting Dominica’s agrifood sector.