AGP Executive Report

Tourism Boost: Travel + Leisure ranked Dominica’s Secret Bay among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts, praising its luxury, sustainability and secluded rainforest-coast setting. Regional Finance & Policy: Prime Minister Gaston Browne urged the ECCB to use a small slice of foreign reserves (about 5–8%) to help fund a “Big Push” for regional growth, while also warning OECS leaders to craft a unified response to the EU’s demand to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 1, 2028. Currency Milestone: Dominica is set to assume ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship on July 9, alongside the unveiling of redesigned EC banknotes and coins marking 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed US peg. Infrastructure Transparency: Dominica’s UPP is pressing the government to publish contracts for major projects including the international airport, cable car and Cabrits Marina. Agriculture Resilience: New Zealand’s climate-smart agriculture team completed a technical mission in Dominica, supporting more sustainable, resilient farming practices. Education & Skills: ECTEL launched the second round of applications for the Pearl Allison Lake scholarship fund, backing secondary education across its member states.

CBI Pressure on OECS: The EU has told five Caribbean states—including Dominica—to end Citizenship by Investment by June 2028, warning that visa-free access could be suspended under a revised EU Visa Suspension Mechanism, putting a major revenue stream and the Eastern Caribbean dollar’s stability at risk. ECCB Leadership & Currency Milestone: Dominica will assume chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council today (July 9) as new EC banknotes and coins are unveiled to mark 50 years since the EC dollar’s fixed peg to the US dollar. Infrastructure Transparency Push: Dominica’s UPP is pressing the government to publish contracts for major projects, including the international airport, cable car, and Cabrits Marina, arguing transparency is key for accountability and public confidence. Agriculture Resilience & Skills: A New Zealand climate-smart agriculture team completed a technical mission in Dominica, while the agriculture ministry ran training on pre- and post-disaster damage assessments to strengthen recovery planning. Education & Community Finance: ECTEL launched round two of the Pearl Allison Lake scholarship fund, and NCCU backed community initiatives in Morne Jaune–Rivière Cyrique. Tourism Boost: Discover Dominica Authority launched Staycation 2026, and Travel + Leisure named Dominica the Caribbean’s No. 1 island in its 2026 awards.

ECCB & EC Dollar: Dominica will host the 113th ECCB Monetary Council on July 9, where Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine presents the report on ECCU monetary, credit and financial conditions, alongside updates on the CAPSS pilot and fast payment system under the “Big Push” agenda. Currency Milestone: The ECCB also marked 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate to the US dollar (EC$2.70 = US$1), tying the stability to low inflation and investor confidence while looking ahead to transformation. CBI Shockwaves: EU letters urge OECS states to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 1/2028, with warnings that visa-free access to Europe could be suspended; Nevis Premier Mark Brantley called it an existential threat and urged economic diversification beyond CBI. Dominica Finance Leadership: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre will assume ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship, with officials noting no new taxes ahead of Dominica’s budget later this month. Agriculture Resilience: Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry ran pre- and post-disaster damage assessment training funded by CDB’s CARE programme (EU-backed) to strengthen recovery planning. Tourism & Community: Discover Dominica Authority launched Staycation 2026, while the World Creole Music Festival countdown begins July 11 with the official lineup reveal; NCCU backed community projects in Morne Jaune–Rivière Cyrique. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM leaders offered to mediate between the US and Cuba after renewed US pressure, citing humanitarian impacts.

ECCB Leadership & EC Dollar Milestone: Dominica’s Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre will take over chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council on July 9 in Portsmouth, with the handover ceremony also marking the 50th anniversary of the EC dollar’s fixed US$ peg and the unveiling of new EC banknotes and coins. CBI Shockwave Across the OECS: The EU has asked OECS states to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 1, 2028, warning of possible visa-free access consequences; Dominica’s PM Skerrit reiterated CBI’s role in funding resilient housing, schools, health facilities, roads and disaster recovery, while Nevis Premier Mark Brantley urged diversification away from CBI. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Staycation 2026,” offering residents exclusive rates at hotels, guesthouses, attractions and tour operators to boost local tourism spending. Skills for Resilience in Agriculture: Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry ran two-day pre- and post-disaster damage assessment training for technical officers, supported by CDB CARE and EU disaster risk reduction funding, to improve how losses are measured and recovery plans are built. Education & Workforce Development: Dominica State College held its 24th commencement, highlighting record bachelor’s graduates and expanded TVET pathways in engineering, construction and technical trades. Blue-Green Economy Jobs: A vacancy was announced for Chief Whale Reserve Officer, with applications due July 15. Community & Human Capital: DASCI awarded 47 scholarships to students in Dominica and Florida, supporting secondary transitions and college studies.

Air Connectivity Boost: Sunrise Airways launches direct Antigua–Barbados flights from July 22, with promo one-ways from US$129 (Antigua→Barbados) and US$179 (Barbados→Antigua), aiming to strengthen regional travel, tourism and business links. CBI Pressure in the OECS: The EU has told four OECS nations to end Citizenship by Investment by June 2028, with Antigua and Barbuda rejecting the move and warning it could damage revenue unless replacement funding is secured. Dominica’s CBI Defense: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica’s CBI programme has been a major development engine funding resilient housing, schools, health facilities, roads and climate projects, while insisting oversight is being tightened as standards evolve. ECCB Milestone & Policy Focus: The ECCB marks 50 years of the EC dollar fixed exchange rate (EC$2.70 to US$1), while Dominica’s Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre is set to chair the ECCB Monetary Council; the council will also deliberate on the “Big Push” to double ECCU GDP. Blue/Green Economy Jobs: Dominica’s Ministry of Agriculture advertises a vacancy for Chief Whale Reserve Officer, tied to management and enforcement of the Sperm Whale Reserve. Skills for Growth: FAO trains Dominica farmers and ag professionals on irrigation, fertigation and nutrient management to improve high-value vegetable production. Education Support: DASCI awards 47 scholarships in Dominica and Florida, backing students from secondary transitions to college studies. Regional Governance Tension: CARICOM leaders move to seek a CCJ advisory opinion over the reappointment process for Secretary-General Carla Barnett, as Kamla Persad-Bissessar challenges the legality.

ECCB Leadership Rotation: Dominica’s Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre is set to assume chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council during a meeting in Portsmouth, with assurances that Dominica will not introduce new taxes ahead of budget day. Blue Economy Jobs: Dominica’s Ministry of Agriculture has advertised a vacancy for Chief Whale Reserve Officer, with applications due July 15, as the Sperm Whale Reserve and enforcement work ramps up. CBI Pressure and Diplomacy: The EU has urged Antigua and Barbuda to phase out its Citizenship by Investment programme by June 1, 2028, citing a revised visa suspension mechanism; locally, Dominica’s PM Skerrit reiterated that CBI has funded development and says oversight has been strengthened. Visa Restrictions Watch: Skerrit also renewed calls for the US to reconsider visa restrictions affecting Dominicans tied to CBI scrutiny. Agriculture Modernisation: FAO training in Dominica is equipping farmers with irrigation, fertigation and nutrient management skills to boost high-value vegetable production. Education Support: DASCI awarded scholarships to 47 students in Dominica and Florida, backing secondary transitions and college studies. Youth and Skills: A robotics camp in Portsmouth (July 13–18) will train young Dominicans in robotics, coding and leadership as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award programme. Tourism and Culture Angle: Caribbean food is increasingly driving travel decisions, with Dominica highlighted for market and local meal experiences.

Geothermal Power Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant resumed its mandatory seven-day reliability test on July 1 after June outages, and is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid following fixes to protection settings coordination with the battery energy storage system. CBI and Visa Pressure: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme has been a major development engine for decades, while he also urges the US to lift visa restrictions tied to CBI scrutiny “at the soonest opportunity.” ECCB Monetary Council: Dominica will host the ECCB Monetary Council’s 113th meeting communiqué briefing and a chairmanship handover, with the “Big Push” initiative aimed at doubling the ECCU economy. Agriculture Skills: FAO training equipped 56 Dominican farmers and agri-professionals with modern irrigation, fertigation and nutrient management techniques to boost high-value vegetable production. Youth and Education Support: DASCI awarded scholarships to 47 students in Dominica and Florida, and a Nature Island Innovators robotics camp runs July 13–18 in Portsmouth. Community and Social Protection: The Dominica Council on Ageing will hold a free forum on seniors’ legal rights and protections on July 11. Local Services: DOWASCO says Roseau cashiers will close Tuesday July 7 for a staff meeting.

ECCB Monetary Council Update: The ECCB will hold its 113th Monetary Council meeting communiqué presentation on Friday, July 10 (3:00 p.m.) at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits, with Dr Irving McIntyre set to brief media—alongside discussion of the “Big Push” plan to double ECCU GDP. ECCB Chairmanship Handover: A separate ceremony marks the change in ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship on Thursday, July 9 (5:00 p.m.), with outgoing Gaston Browne and incoming Dr Irving McIntyre joining Governor Timothy N. J. Antoine. Geothermal Power Reliability: Dominica’s geothermal plant resumed its seven-day reliability test on July 1 after June outages; it is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid following fixes to protection settings coordination. Agriculture Skills Boost: FAO trained 56 farmers and ag stakeholders at One Mile (Portsmouth) on irrigation, fertigation and nutrient management, using demonstration plots to support high-value vegetable production. Youth & Tech Pipeline: The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Dominica launches a Nature Island Innovators Robotics Camp (July 13–18) at Portsmouth Secondary School, building coding, robotics and leadership skills. Seniors’ Legal Rights Forum: The Dominica Council on Ageing hosts a free public forum on Saturday, July 11 (10:00 a.m.) on seniors’ legal protections, financial security and healthcare access. Visa Pressure on Dominicans: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the U.S. should reconsider visa restrictions “at the soonest opportunity,” as June review timelines have passed, affecting travel for education and medical needs. Regional Integration Talks: Dominica’s PM Terrance Drew is in Saint Lucia for CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting (July 5–8), focused on security, food protection, climate resilience, renewable energy and economic integration. Local Business/Service Notes: DOWASCO says Roseau cashiers will close Tuesday, July 7 from 12:00 p.m. for a staff meeting.

CARICOM & Regional Policy: CARICOM leaders opened their 51st Regular Meeting of Heads of Government in St Lucia, with Dominica’s PM Drew set to be in the mix as discussions focus on economic development, food security, climate resilience, security, integration and trade. Geothermal Power & Grid Reliability: Dominica’s geothermal plant resumed its mandatory seven-day reliability test on July 1 after June outages; it is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid following fixes to protection settings coordination with the battery energy storage system. Visa Pressure & Mobility: PM Skerrit renewed calls for the U.S. to reconsider visa restrictions on Dominicans, saying Washington’s June review timeline has passed and urging action to protect travel for medical, education and business needs as CBI scrutiny deepens. Regional Finance: The ECCB released its 2025–26 annual report showing net profit of EC$121.6m and regional growth of about 2.5%, while highlighting ongoing cost-of-living pressure from food and fuel prices. Tourism Jobs & Skills: OECS pushed community-based tourism forward after a St Lucia workshop, while Dominica also saw UNDP-supported training that certified 16 Kalinago residents as professional tour guides. Local Business Ops: DOWASCO announced a Roseau cashiers closure on Tuesday July 7 for staff meetings. Elections Admin: Voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before end of July, as Dominica moves from electoral reform legislation to implementation.

Visa & Mobility Pressure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the U.S. should reconsider visa restrictions on Dominicans “at the soonest opportunity,” after Washington signaled a June 2026 review tied to Citizenship by Investment scrutiny. Energy & Grid Reliability: Dominica’s geothermal plant resumed its mandatory seven-day reliability test on July 1 and is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid after June 17–18 outages linked to protection-setting coordination between the battery storage system and geothermal operations. Regional Finance & Growth: The ECCB released its 2025–2026 annual report showing net profit of EC$121.6m, assets rising to EC$6.7b, and ECCU growth estimated at 2.5% in 2025, with tourism and construction driving activity. Tourism Jobs & Community Benefits: OECS advanced community-based tourism with a June workshop in St Lucia, pushing policies so local communities become primary beneficiaries of tourism revenue. Local Business & Services: DOWASCO announced the Roseau cashiers will close Tuesday July 7 from 12:00pm for staff meetings. Fisheries Support: The agriculture ministry handed over fishing vessels worth EC$400,000 to eight Scottshead beneficiaries to strengthen the fisheries sector. Electoral Reform: Voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before end of July, Skerrit says, as Dominica moves from passing electoral reform legislation to implementation.

Visa & Mobility: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the U.S. should reconsider visa restrictions affecting Dominicans “at the soonest opportunity,” after Washington’s June review timeline for the policy tied to Citizenship by Investment scrutiny. Energy & Power Reliability: Dominica’s geothermal plant resumed its mandatory seven-day reliability test on July 1, now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid after engineers fixed issues linked to protection settings following June outages. Regional Economic Agenda: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is set to attend CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia (July 5–8), with discussions expected to cover economic development, food security, climate resilience, security, integration and trade. Electoral Reform: Skerrit says voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before end of July as Dominica moves from passing electoral reform legislation to implementation. Agriculture & Fisheries Support: The Ministry handed over fishing vessels worth $400,000 to eight Scottshead beneficiaries, aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector. Tourism & Skills: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine after a St. Lucia workshop, while UNDP-backed training saw 16 Kalinago residents graduate as certified tour guides. Regional Finance: ECCB released its 2025–2026 annual report showing net profit of $121.6m and assets rising to $6.7b, alongside a regional economy growth estimate of 2.5%. Business & Community: Team RUBIS donated EC$5,000 to the Wayne George Football Academy for uniforms and equipment. Public Service Notice: DOWASCO says Roseau cashiers will close Tuesday July 7 from 12:00pm for a staff meeting.

Geothermal Power & Grid Reliability: Dominica’s geothermal plant resumed its mandatory seven-day reliability test on July 1 after engineers fixed issues behind the June 17–18 outages; the plant is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid, with the problem traced to protection-setting coordination between the battery energy storage system and the geothermal facility. Regional Economic Policy: CARICOM marks its 53rd anniversary amid calls for deeper integration, with commentary pointing to slow progress on the Caribbean Single Economy despite the Caribbean Single Market’s gains. Electoral Reform Milestone: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before end of July as Dominica moves from passing electoral reform legislation to implementation. Fisheries Support: The Ministry of Agriculture handed over fishing vessels worth EC$400,000 to eight Scottshead beneficiaries, aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector. ECCB Financial Outlook: The ECCB released its 2025–2026 annual report showing net profit of $121.6 million and rising assets, alongside a regional economy growth estimate of 2.5% in 2025. Tourism Jobs & Skills: UNDP-supported training saw 16 Kalinago residents graduate as certified tour guides, boosting community-led tourism and local income opportunities. Creative Sector Forum: The Alwin Bully Foundation will host a public panel on July 8 at UWI Global Campus on strengthening Dominica’s creative industries. Regional Tourism Strategy: OECS advanced community-based tourism planning through a capacity-building workshop in Saint Lucia, backed by the EU’s 11th EDF RIGHT programme. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: Dominica pledged US$500,000 to Venezuela and said logistics are moving via the Galleons Passage for relief to hard-hit areas.

Geothermal Power Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant restarted its mandatory seven-day reliability test on July 1 and is now feeding about 10.4MW into the national grid after engineers fixed issues linked to protection settings between the battery energy storage system and the geothermal plant. Public Services & Cost of Doing Business: DOWASCO says the Roseau cashiers will close from 12:00 pm Tuesday, July 7 for staff meetings, with normal service resuming the next morning. Electoral Reform Milestone: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July as Dominica moves from passing electoral reform legislation to implementation. Regional Finance & Growth: The ECCB released its 2025–2026 annual report showing net profit of EC$121.6 million, assets rising to EC$6.7 billion, and regional economic growth estimated at 2.5% in 2025, with tourism and construction driving activity. Fisheries Support: The Ministry of Agriculture handed over fishing vessels worth US$400,000 to eight Scottshead beneficiaries to strengthen the fisheries sector. Tourism Skills & Jobs: UNDP-backed training saw 16 Kalinago residents graduate as certified tour guides, aiming to expand indigenous tourism opportunities and community resilience. Creative Economy Forum: The Alwin Bully Foundation will host a public panel on July 8 at UWI Global Campus to discuss strengthening Dominica’s creative industries.

Electoral Reform Rollout: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica’s voter ID card issuance should start before end of July, moving from legislation to implementation amid calls for stronger Electoral Reform Commission oversight. Fisheries Support: The Ministry of Agriculture has handed over fishing vessels worth EC$400,000 to 8 Scottshead beneficiaries, with officials stressing transparency and continued investment in the sector. Regional Policy & Security Talks: Skerrit will travel to Martinique and St Lucia for CARICOM and regional meetings covering disaster preparedness, climate resilience, transport, security, health, and economic integration—plus cost-of-living pressures. Venezuela Earthquake Aid Logistics: Dominica pledges US$500,000 to Venezuela and says government-organised aid will move via the Galleons Passage, as officials push for faster delivery of tangible supplies. Tourism Jobs & Skills: OECS is advancing community-based tourism as a growth engine, while UNDP-backed training has certified 16 Kalinago tour guides to expand local income opportunities. Creative Industries Forum: The Alwin Bully Foundation will host a public forum on strengthening Dominica’s creative industries, aiming to link culture with economic and social development. Health & Cost Pressure: A Dominica Cancer Society AGM remarks flagged about 300 cancer patients in Dominica as “alarming,” urging stronger prevention and community action. Sports Sponsorship: Team RUBIS donated EC$5,000 to the Wayne George Football Academy for uniforms and equipment, supporting youth football development.

Disaster Aid & Trade Links: Dominica approved an initial US$500,000 donation to Venezuela after twin earthquakes, while a government-organised aid shipment is set to move via the Galleons Passage to La Guaira as private supplies also head out; Visa & Mobility Pressure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged the US to reconsider visa restrictions “at soonest opportunity,” saying Dominica has taken steps to meet US concerns; Creative Economy: The Alwin Bully Foundation will host a July 8 public forum at UWI Global Campus on strengthening Dominica’s creative industries; Tourism Jobs & Skills: Sixteen Kalinago Territory residents graduated as certified tour guides through a UNDP-supported programme, aimed at boosting indigenous tourism and local livelihoods; Community Tourism Strategy: OECS advanced community-based tourism with a June workshop in Saint Lucia, backed by the EU’s 11th EDF, pushing policies that keep tourism benefits in communities; Health & Human Capital: Dr Velda Wade told the Dominica Cancer Society AGM that about 300 people in Dominica are living with cancer, calling it an “epidemic” for a small population; Regional Finance & Identity: ECCB’s redesigned Eastern Caribbean $5 banknote will feature Grenada’s Kirani James, with new notes rolling out in 2027; Local Politics & Business Confidence: The Dominica Business Forum called for clearer communication from the Electoral Commission ahead of the Roseau North by-election, warning that silence undermines trust in the process.

Disaster Aid: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica has approved an initial US$500,000 donation to Venezuela after twin earthquakes devastated parts of the country, as recovery and damage assessments continue. Tourism Jobs & Skills: Sixteen Kalinago residents graduated as certified tour guides under a UNDP-supported programme, aiming to expand indigenous tourism opportunities and strengthen community resilience. OECS Tourism Policy: OECS officials met in Saint Lucia to push community-based tourism, training member states on “From Assessment to Action” policy development with support from the EU’s 11th EDF RIGHT programme. Marine Economy Planning: Dominica’s new Sperm Whale Reserve Board has started consultations with watersports operators to align whale protection with sustainable livelihoods. Health & Cost Pressure: Dr. Velda Wade warns Dominica has about 300 people living with cancer, calling it an alarming burden for a small population. Local Sports Sponsorship: Team RUBIS donated EC$5,000 to the Wayne George Football Academy for uniforms and equipment. Politics & Business Watch: The Dominica Business Forum is urging electoral authorities to improve transparency ahead of the Roseau North by-election, while party launches continue to shape the race.