AGP Executive Report

Tourism Momentum: Dominica has been named the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination by TravelPulse, with 2025 visitor arrivals up 15% to 496,635 and overnight arrivals up 19% to 99,846, while cruise traffic also rose. Wellness Push: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July and highlighting nature-based wellness. New Leadership at DDA: Wendy Lake was appointed Destination Marketing Manager at the Discover Dominica Authority, tasked with boosting destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Climate Resilience Funding: Government launched the US$26M DOMCREP in Marigot, backed by the Green Climate Fund, targeting water security, early warning, disaster preparedness, and food security in eight vulnerable communities. Local Disaster Impact: A bushfire in Grand Savanne, Salisbury destroyed crops and damaged water infrastructure, affecting about 2.5 acres and wiping out several vegetable harvests. Utilities Update: DOMLEC restored power to most customers after a geothermal plant trip caused a nationwide outage. Regional Watch: CARICOM Heads of Government meet in St Lucia July 5–8, with sessions on key regional priorities.

Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica officially launched the US$26M DOMCREP project in Marigot, backed by the Green Climate Fund and CCCCC, targeting eight vulnerable communities with upgrades to water storage, disaster management, early warning systems, and support for farmers and agro-processors. Tourism & Wellness Push: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority rolled out the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, positioning Dominica through wellness tourism, with community participation and a “Be Well in Nature” campaign running through July. Disaster Impact on Agriculture: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed crops and farm infrastructure, including watermelon, pumpkin, eggplant and bell pepper fields, plus water storage tanks, after which the Ministry of Agriculture began assessments with affected farmers. Local Appointments: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Regional Context: A US federal judge struck down Trump-era immigration policies that had paused asylum and other benefit decisions for people from 39 countries, including Dominica.

Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica has officially launched the $25 million DOMCREP climate resilience project in Marigot, with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit saying it will strengthen water security, disaster management and early warning systems for eight vulnerable communities, funded through the Green Climate Fund and supported by the CCCCC. Bushfire Damage: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed crops and farm infrastructure, wiping out vegetables for one farmer and damaging water storage tanks, as the Ministry of Agriculture assessed losses and urged stronger fire safety. Tourism Push: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under a wellness theme, aiming to position Dominica through nature-based wellness experiences as visitor numbers continue to rise. Youth & Climate Jobs: A UNICEF-commissioned study shared at World Environment Day says young people across the Eastern Caribbean want green jobs, but face barriers like limited information, training and access to opportunities—Dominica included. Leadership Appointment: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with boosting the island’s global destination visibility. US Immigration Ruling: A US federal judge struck down Trump-era pauses on immigration and asylum processing for people from 39 countries, including Dominica, calling the policies illegal.

US Visa Shock for Tourism: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says his US visa renewal was denied, linking it to Washington’s partial travel restrictions tied to Citizenship-by-Investment programmes—raising fears for Caribbean airlift and tourism talks. Climate Resilience Push (Dominica): Dominica launched the US$26M DOMCREP project to boost food security, disaster management infrastructure, early warning systems, and farmer support in eight vulnerable communities. Regional Governance: CARICOM Heads of Government will meet in St Lucia from July 5–8, with sessions set to tackle key regional priorities. Health Research: A UWI researcher contributed to a major Lancet series highlighting the fast-growing global chronic kidney disease crisis. Local Agriculture Hit by Fire: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne damaged crops and irrigation infrastructure, with officials assessing whether extra support is needed. Power Restored: DOMLEC restored electricity to most customers after a geothermal plant trip shut down the national grid. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to strengthen the island’s global visibility. Public Safety: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau.

Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority has appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with boosting the island’s global visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Climate Resilience Push: Dominica launched the US$26 million (EC$70.2m) DOMCREP project with CCCCC and the Green Climate Fund, targeting food security, disaster preparedness, early warning upgrades, and support for farmers in eight vulnerable communities. Hurricane Season Reminder: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans and supplies as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins. Power and Water Updates: DOMLEC restored electricity after a geothermal plant trip, leaving only the Picard–Ti-Bay area until later that evening; DOWASCO also announced scheduled water interruptions in Grand Savanne and other communities for maintenance. Local Crime: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau after a man died following an early Monday altercation. Regional Justice: A CCJ judge criticized CARICOM countries for not accepting the court as final appellate jurisdiction, with Dominica among the few using it. Tourism Numbers: Dominica reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals last year, with stayover and cruise growth continuing into 2026.

Power Restoration: DOMLEC says it restored electricity to most of Dominica after a nationwide outage caused by a trip at the Geothermal Power Plant, with remaining service expected back by 6:00 PM for the Picard–Ti-Bay area. Climate Resilience Funding: The Government launched the US$26 million (EC$70.2 million) DOMCREP project with the Green Climate Fund and CCCCC to boost disaster preparedness, early warning, and climate-smart support for farmers in eight vulnerable communities. Hurricane Season Preparedness: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans and supplies as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season began, while the Dominica Red Cross pushed community and family readiness beyond storms alone. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals to nearly 497,000 last year, with stayover and cruise growth and upgrades progressing across key sites. Local Appointments & Services: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager; DOWASCO scheduled water interruptions in Grand Savanne and other areas for system maintenance. Crime Update: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau after a man died following an altercation on Hanover Street.

Climate Resilience & Agriculture: Dominica has launched the EC$70.2 million (US$26m) DOMCREP project, running March 2026 to March 2031, to strengthen disaster management infrastructure, early warning systems, and support for farmers and agro-processors in eight vulnerable communities. Economic Outlook: Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre says Dominica recorded 4.5% growth in 2025 despite global uncertainty. Food Security & Exports: Agriculture Minister Roland Royer stressed that MSMEs are key to boosting food security and agricultural exports, alongside stronger accountability. Hurricane Season Preparedness: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged households to review emergency plans as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins, while the Dominica Red Cross called for early action and family emergency kits. Local Governance & Justice: A judge criticized CARICOM countries for not accepting the CCJ as a final court of appeal. Crime Update: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau after a man was pronounced dead following an early Monday altercation. Communications: Flow says it has invested over US$1m to fix mobile interference in northern Dominica, with equipment arriving soon. Tourism & Infrastructure: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals and said major projects, including the international airport, are advancing. Water Services: DOWASCO scheduled a water interruption in several communities on June 4 for system maintenance.

Hurricane Preparedness: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged Dominicans to stay vigilant as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins, pointing to recent flooding and landslides and reminding households to review plans and supplies. Business Resilience: The Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) echoed the call, warning firms to prepare for more than hurricanes, including outages, flooding, heat, and supply disruptions. Opposition on Airport Project: The United Progressive Party (UPP) demanded the government publish detailed information on the international airport’s long-term financial viability, warning taxpayers could face subsidies if growth doesn’t materialize. Connectivity Update: Flow says it has invested over US$1 million to fix mobile interference in northern Dominica, with equipment expected to arrive between June 5 and 15. Water Service Notice: DOWASCO scheduled a service interruption in Paix Bouche, Bourne, Dos Dan’e and Thibaud on June 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for system maintenance. Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals last year and ongoing upgrades across key sites. Education & Culture: Ministry of Education invites the public to TVET Showcase 2026 and prepares the 15th Kwéyòl Spelling Bee at Alliance Française in Roseau. Regional Legal Access: OECS and partners move to strengthen access to economic justice through OHADAC–CARO training on arbitration and ADR, launching June 10.

Tourism Boost: Dominica recorded a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals last year, with stayover arrivals up about 10% and cruise tourism up 21%, as Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton said major upgrades are progressing at Champagne Beach and Kalinago Barana Aute, with further work planned for Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls, Morne Bruce and Mero Beach, plus secured funding for Cabrits National Park and the India River. Youth Leadership: Senator Oscar George says the newly elected National Youth Council will better represent Dominica’s youth, following Yannick Registe’s election as president. Policing Skills: The Dominica Police Force launched a professional development series with a lecture on identifying criminal offences, aimed at strengthening officers’ investigative and procedural skills. Regional Justice & Business: OECS and the OHADAC Regional Arbitration Centre will launch training on arbitration and ADR to improve access to economic justice across the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica. Hurricane Readiness: As the Atlantic hurricane season begins, the Dominica Red Cross and national meteorology officials urge households and businesses to prepare now, warning against complacency even with a below-normal forecast. Health & Medicines: PAHO and OECS advanced joint work to improve access to essential medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean. Fisheries Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted after a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre.

Hurricane Preparedness: With the Atlantic hurricane season officially underway, Dominica’s Red Cross and DAIC are urging households and businesses to move beyond “hurricane-only” thinking and strengthen plans for flooding, landslides, outages, and supply disruptions. Regional Justice & Business: The OHADAC–CARO training programmes on arbitration and ADR are set to launch June 10 with OECS support, aiming to make dispute resolution more predictable and accessible for Eastern Caribbean investors and firms. Health & Medicines: PAHO and OECS-PPS opened a joint workshop focused on improving access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines and health technologies across OECS states. Sargassum Response: A SARSEA-backed delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum management and explore value-added uses, while a Dominica-hosted SARSEA workshop earlier this week pushed for stronger regional technical cooperation. Transport Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted after a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked the Pointe-à-Pitre port. Aviation Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched a single-ticket interline deal to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly with through-checked baggage. Local Governance & Law: The Electoral Office published confirmed voters for May 1–31, 2026, as the voter confirmation process continues. Crime/Court/Law: CDPF began a professional development series with a lecture on identifying criminal offences.

Hurricane Season Watch: The Dominica Red Cross is urging households to start early preparations as the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins today, with the season running June 1 to Nov. 30 and officials warning against complacency even if forecasts lean below-normal. Regional Aviation: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched a single-ticket interline deal connecting Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly from June 1, easing travel for Dominica passengers. Tourism & Economy: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says visitor arrivals and stayover numbers are showing encouraging signs, while Dominica’s tourism push continues alongside major site upgrades. Legal & Justice Access: OHADAC–CARO training programmes will be officially launched June 10 to strengthen arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean, supporting more predictable access to economic justice. Environment & Governance: Civil society and CANARI are calling for swift Escazú Agreement implementation, and a SARSEA workshop advanced regional cooperation on sargassum management and coastal resilience. Sports & Community: Cricket West Indies highlights Dominica’s growing cricket talent, and the National Youth Council of Dominica elects a new executive committee for 2026–2028.

Chief Justice Appointment: Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay has been appointed the 14th Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective 9 April 2026. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a National Accountability Seminar in Dominica on June 3, focusing on strengthening food security through trade and agricultural MSMEs. Health Support: The RayAsta Foundation donated stroke recovery and support equipment to four care facilities, boosting rehabilitation for stroke survivors and elderly residents. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says visitor arrivals and stayover arrivals are rising, with upgrades improving Dominica’s tourism product. Regional Environment: A SARSEA workshop in Dominica brought OECS partners together to coordinate responses to sargassum impacts and strengthen coastal resilience. Governance & Environment Rights: Civil society and CANARI are pushing for faster implementation of the Escazú Agreement, urging real improvements in access to environmental information and justice. Hurricane Season: The Atlantic hurricane season begins with a below-normal forecast, but Dominica is still urged to stay prepared. Politics: Senior UWP figures issued an open letter condemning what they call “character assassination and political persecution,” while the party also calls for talks with Guyana to access cheaper fuel.

Cricket Spotlight: Cricket West Indies president Dr. Kishore Shallow says Dominica is producing a steady stream of talent, naming Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge and young prospects Stephan Pascal, Earsinho Fontaine and fast bowler Gilon Tyson. Tourism Update: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton reports encouraging momentum, with visitor arrivals and stayover numbers rising, as Dominica pushes upgrades and marketing through Tourism Awareness Month. Opposition Tensions: Senior UWP figures have issued an open letter condemning what they call “misinformation, character assassination and political persecution,” including calls for their expulsion. Youth Leadership: The National Youth Council of Dominica elected Yannick Regis as president for 2026–2028, after a term marked by setbacks including a May 5 fire and burglary. Hurricane Season Alert: Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 with a below-normal forecast, but meteorology officials warn Dominica must stay vigilant. IMF Review: The IMF says Dominica’s economy grew faster in 2025, while urging continued prudent policies and reforms to manage fiscal and external imbalances and disaster risks. Environment & Governance: Civil society and CANARI are urging swift action to implement the Escazú Agreement, while OECS ministers push climate resilience through digital transformation.

Youth Leadership: The National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD) elected Yannick Regis as President for 2026–2028, with Dylan Registe (1st VP), Keanu Winston (2nd VP) and Shervin Dominique (Communications Lead), as outgoing President reflected on a tenure marked by limited resources, fire damage and a burglary. Hurricane Readiness: Dominica’s meteorology office says the Atlantic season has begun with a below-normal forecast, but warns Dominica remains highly vulnerable to flash floods, landslides and rough seas—urging residents to follow official updates and prepare early. Environment & Governance: Civil society groups, with CANARI, are pushing for swift implementation of the Escazú Agreement to improve access to environmental information, public participation and justice. Economy Watch: The IMF welcomed Dominica’s growth supported by tourism and infrastructure, while flagging high fiscal and external imbalances and urging continued prudent policies and structural reforms. Elections Process: The Electoral Office reported progress on voter confirmation, with about 17,000 applications submitted and over 11,000 approved. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Awareness Month 2026 was launched, highlighting wellness tourism and upgrades as arrivals continue to rise. Regional Aviation: Commentary and reports point to major Caribbean Airlines network changes and a new interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes affecting regional connectivity.

Regional Aviation: Caribbean Airlines’ latest network cuts are set to reshape travel from Dominica, with a new LIAT 2020–Air Caraïbes interline deal kicking in June 1 as Caribbean Airlines exits key markets and trims frequencies. IMF Watch: The IMF says Dominica’s economy grew faster in 2025, helped by tourism and infrastructure, but warns fiscal and external imbalances remain high and calls for continued prudent policies and reforms. Fuel Costs Politics: The UWP is urging Dominica to push CARICOM talks with Guyana for cheaper fuel as local prices rise amid wider regional pressures. Electoral Process: The Electoral Office reports progress on voter confirmation, with about 17,000 applications submitted and over 11,000 approved, while a public open letter calls for a reset of the Electoral Commission. Local Development: PM Skerrit continues consultations on making the Marigot Fisheries Complex a port of entry, stressing it won’t disrupt fishers’ livelihoods. Tourism Push: Tourism Awareness Month 2026 is launched, highlighting wellness tourism and upgrades as arrivals keep climbing. Weather: A tropical wave may bring cloudiness and scattered showers, with Saharan dust lingering and small craft urged to be cautious. Community & Services: DOWASCO schedules water interruptions in Hagley and Centre (Grandbay); police remove derelict vehicles in Coco Bottom and Goodwill; and Dominica’s Grade Six National Assessment runs May 28–29.

IMF Update: The IMF executive board says Dominica’s economy grew faster in 2025, with tourism and major infrastructure driving GDP up to 4.5%, but warns fiscal and external imbalances remain high and urges continued prudent policies, structural reforms, and more fiscal consolidation to build disaster buffers. Electoral Process: The Electoral Office published the confirmed electors list for April and says about 17,000 applications have been submitted, with over 11,000 approved, while remaining cases are still being verified or may need corrections. Culture & Awards: Nominations are now open for Dominica’s 2026 Golden Drum Awards, inviting the public to recognize long-serving Dominican cultural contributors, with a separate Special Recognition category for shorter service or standout achievements. Local Governance & Jobs: The UWP calls for talks with Guyana to access cheaper fuel as prices rise, while the DPSU says it will meet the prime minister early next month over longstanding concerns at Dominica State College. Energy & Daily Life: DOMLEC says May 26 load shedding was caused by a generation shortfall at Fond Cole, with repairs scheduled and geothermal expected to return to boost supply.