AGP Executive Report

Human Rights Watch & Maritime Security: HRW says Houthi attacks on Red Sea and Gulf of Aden commercial ships could amount to war crimes in at least three cases, including an attack on the Dominica-flagged oil tanker Daisy, after the Houthis claimed a ballistic missile strike on Aug. 5. Regional Climate Resilience: A US$12.55 million GEF-funded CC4FISH-II project was launched in Dominica to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries, targeting more than 21,800 fisherfolk and coastal workers across five countries through 2030. Health & Nutrition: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to cut back on sugar and sweetened drinks and eat more fibre-rich foods, as non-communicable diseases and cancer concerns rise. Local Governance & Housing: Sixteen families in Woodford Hill received keys to climate-resilient homes, part of a wider 215-home delivery programme. Firearms Licensing: Government suspended the planned increase in firearm license fees and will consult stakeholders before any reform. U.S. Diplomacy: President Trump nominated Kimberly Greenwood as U.S. ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica. Business & Culture: ECCO’s Dominica director Daryl Bobb urged creators to register works to improve royalty compliance, warning Dominica’s payouts remain low.

Health & Lifestyle: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to cut back on sugar and sweetened drinks and eat more fibre-rich local foods as non-communicable diseases and cancer concerns rise. Honours & Sport: Olympic triple-jump champion Thea LaFond-Gadson is set to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI. Climate Resilience: A US$12.55m regional GEF-backed project (CC4FISH-II) launched in Dominica to help fisherfolk and coastal communities across the Eastern Caribbean adapt to climate shocks. Local Governance & Safety: Government suspended the planned increase in firearm license fees pending wider consultations. Business & Civic Process: The Dominica Business Forum rescheduled its public discussion on voter confirmation to an online session on September 22. Infrastructure Delivery: RIISE has begun operations to help governments speed up climate-resilient infrastructure projects. Community News: DOWASCO apologized to Gallion customers after an unscheduled water interruption. Culture: ECCO’s Daryl Bobb urged creators to register their works to benefit from royalties. Tech (Global): Apple expanded iCloud+ in 100+ countries to include Apple TV and Apple Arcade.

Housing Delivery: Dominica handed over keys to 16 more climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, part of a 215-house push, with units built to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes. Local Politics: Roseau North MP Ashma McDougall says her focus will be housing, youth employment and small business, starting with quick wins like street lighting. Health & Community: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to protect their health during the festive season with better food, sleep and responsible choices. Education & Labour: Dominica State College staff say industrial action stems from years of unresolved grievances, including infrastructure damage and delayed commitments. Economy & Trade: The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange welcomed Sheppard Investment Services as a new broker-dealer, boosting regional market access. Climate & Fisheries: Dominica is set to launch a CC4FISH-II climate resilience project for the Caribbean fisheries sector. International Watch: Human Rights Watch says Houthis’ Red Sea attacks may amount to war crimes, while Belize and other Caribbean states push for binding vaccine-sharing rules in future pandemics.

Diplomacy & Mobility: The U.S. has nominated Kimberly Greenwood as ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with Dominica listed among the countries covered. Regional Politics: OECS leaders are planning Brussels talks with European officials over Citizenship by Investment programmes. Local Governance & Economy: Government says Marigot is moving toward becoming a port of entry after fishermen concerns were addressed, aiming to boost trade and services. Culture & Identity: Dominica is an official sponsor of the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards’ Bouyon categories, backing Dominican artists ahead of Sept. 19 in Trinidad. Education & Scholarships: ACSOM announced a January 2027 intake with 98% of accepted students receiving scholarships or aid, including full tuition for qualifying Dominican nationals. Public Services: A false fire alarm at NCCU’s Roseau branch and head office triggered a temporary evacuation; services have resumed. Health: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to prioritize health during the festive season. Climate Resilience: Dominica will launch a CC4FISH-II climate resilience project for Caribbean fisheries on Sept. 15. Sports & Community: Pioneers Athletics Club will receive sports equipment donated by Tropical Shipping on Sept. 15.

Health Update: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Dr. Terrance Drew says he is out of hospital in Florida and progressing through rehabilitation after a stroke caused by a vertebral artery dissection, adding that his movement, speech, and mental functions are “well managed.” Regional Education & Skills: The OECS Embassy in Morocco recognized 14 graduates and highlighted Morocco’s scholarship support for OECS students, while the OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship opens for applications (Cohort II) from Sept. 10–20. Dominica Politics: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit rejects claims that Dominica’s electoral reforms weakened democracy, saying any voter ID delays were administrative and did not compromise election integrity; he also defended Special Branch monitoring near public meetings. CBI Dispute: The Skerrit–Gregor Nassief clash over Citizenship by Investment concerns continues, with Nassief alleging repeated letters and calls for audits while Skerrit says responses were provided. Infrastructure & Services: DGDC begins trenching for a 69kV underground powerline in Laudat on Sept. 15 (about eight weeks), and DOWASCO schedules a water interruption in Loubiere, Pte Michel, Wall House and Fond Baron on Sept. 13. Culture & Community: La CourDes Arts de la Dominique stages “Fly on the Wall” Sept. 25–26, and Dominica’s Council on Ageing marks Grandparents Day with a call to honour elders.

Health Update: Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit says his stroke recovery is “progressing extremely well” after being treated abroad, noting he can move all limbs and speak clearly while continuing rehabilitation. Regional Cooperation: The OECS Embassy in Morocco recognized 14 graduates, highlighting education, human capital, and South-South solidarity, including Morocco’s scholarship support for OECS students. Politics & Democracy: Skerrit rejects claims that electoral reforms weakened democracy, saying administrative delays like voter ID distribution did not compromise election integrity. Infrastructure: DGDC roadworks begin Tuesday, Sept. 15 for installation of a 69kV underground powerline in Laudat, with about eight weeks of trenching and traffic safety measures. Public Services: DOWASCO warns of a scheduled water interruption in Loubiere, Petite Michel, Wall House and Fond Baron on Sunday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Local Governance & Jobs: DASPA’s board is urged to move quickly to appoint a new CEO after the death of former minister Ian Pinard. Culture & Community: La Cour des Arts de la Dominique announces “Fly on the Wall,” a satirical play running Sept. 25–26 at St. Gerard’s Hall.

Roseau North Aftermath: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica’s electoral reforms “strengthened, not weakened” democracy, rejecting claims of confusion and voter suppression after the Roseau North by-election. CBI Pressure: Skerrit also renewed calls for a future cabinet of national unity and defended special branch monitoring near public meetings, as businessman Gregor Nassief’s CBI complaints continue to spark public dispute. Housing Push: Sixteen families in Woodford Hill are set to receive keys to new three-bedroom climate-resilient homes, with the government aiming to deliver 215+ homes across nine communities. Energy Works: DGDC announced trenching will begin Tuesday, Sept. 15 for a 69kV underground powerline in Laudat, Wotten Waven, Trafalgar and nearby areas, lasting about eight weeks. Regional Finance: The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange welcomed new licensed broker-dealers, including National Investment Corporation (Dominica), expanding access to the ECCU securities market. Sports & Culture: Dominica’s DFA unveiled its squad for the 2026 CONCACAF Nations League, while La Cour des Arts de la Dominique announced “Fly on the Wall” at St. Gerard’s Hall Sept. 25–26.

Electoral Reform & Democracy: PM Roosevelt Skerrit rejected claims that Dominica’s electoral reform laws confused voters or weakened democracy, saying any voter ID delays were administrative and did not compromise the Roseau North by-election. Roseau North Aftermath: UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine said “we may have lost this battle, but certainly not the fight,” while acknowledging reports of voters being turned away and difficulty identifying polling places. CBI & Diplomacy: Skerrit announced Dominica will appoint a special envoy to coordinate UK and EU engagement over Citizenship by Investment concerns and visa-free access. Housing Programme: Sixteen families in Woodford Hill are set to receive keys to new three-bedroom climate-resilient homes as the government pushes ahead with wider housing delivery. Energy Infrastructure: DGDC roadworks begin Tuesday, Sept. 15 for installation of the 69kV underground powerline in Laudat and nearby areas, expected to last about eight weeks. Water Disruption: DOWASCO scheduled a service interruption in Loubiere, Pte Michel, Wall House and Fond Baron on Sunday, Sept. 13 to install new pipes. Ports Leadership: The DASPA board is being urged to move quickly to appoint a new CEO after the death of former minister Ian Pinard. Sports & Culture: Dominica’s footballers unveiled for the CONCACAF Nations League, while La Cour des Arts de la Dominique announced its play “Fly on the Wall” for Sept. 25–26.

DASPA Leadership: Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA) is moving toward a new CEO after the death of former minister Ian Pinard, with applications already closed and the board urged to act quickly to keep port leadership stable. Water Disruption: DOWASCO scheduled a water supply interruption Sunday, Sept. 13 (9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.) for Loubiere, Pte Michel, Wall House and Fond Baron to install new pipes on the Loubiere Bridge. Housing Handover: Sixteen families in Woodford Hill will receive keys to new three-bedroom climate-resilient homes Friday, Sept. 11, as the government continues its wider push to deliver hundreds of resilient units across communities. CBI Tensions: The Gregor Nassief–Roosevelt Skerrit dispute over Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme escalated again, with Nassief alleging long-running concerns over CBI discounting and the government saying it responded through letters and meetings. Regional Opportunities: OECS opened applications for its Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship (Cohort II) starting Sept. 10, with training areas spanning AI, cybersecurity, cloud and data analytics. Sports & National Pride: The Dominica Football Association unveiled its senior men’s CONCACAF Nations League squad, with players drawn from local clubs and overseas.

Housing Handover: Dominica will hand over 16 new climate-resilient three-bedroom homes in Woodford Hill on Friday, September 11, with priority for vulnerable families and work also continuing on repairs and more housing support. Politics & Democracy: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit renewed his call for a future cabinet of national unity, saying Dominica is too small for talent to be excluded by party lines, while also defending the electoral reform process and voter confirmation issues after the Roseau North by-election. Roseau North By-Election: The Electoral Office reported 32.5% turnout, with DLP’s Ashma McDougall winning the seat and Skerrit pointing to a major collapse in UWP support since 2019. US Migration Update: Skerrit says the five Colombians received under the US third-country nationals arrangement have all returned to Colombia, and Dominica currently has no third-country nationals under the programme. Regional Opportunities: OECS opens applications for the Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship on September 10, and UNESCO launched WINGS Caribbean fellowships for women in science and innovation. Sports: The Dominica Football Association unveiled its 2026/27 CONCACAF Nations League senior men’s squad.

Housing Handover: Dominica will hand over 16 new three-bedroom climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill on Friday, Sept. 11 at 3:30 p.m., following the recent Canefield East keys handover and as the government pushes a wider programme of 215 homes across nine communities. CBI and Travel Talks: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a special envoy to coordinate UK and EU engagement over visa issues tied to Citizenship by Investment, with the EU giving CBI states until June 1, 2028 to end programmes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Migration Update: Skerrit confirms the five Colombian third-country nationals received under the U.S. arrangement have returned to Colombia, with Dominica now having no third-country nationals in the programme and IOM managing arrangements. Politics: The Roseau North by-election saw DLP’s Ashma McDougall win with a 32.5% turnout, while Skerrit rejects claims about electoral reform readiness and blames UWP voter confusion for reduced support. Sports: The Dominica Football Association unveiled its 2026 CONCACAF Nations League senior men’s squad, mixing local and overseas-based players. Community & Health: DOMDA announced “Sip & Chat” for young people on diabetes and wellbeing, and Rotary Portsmouth opened a new playground at Morne Jaune Primary.

Roseau North By-Election: The Dominica Labour Party has won the September 7 Roseau North seat in a decisive result, with Ashma McDougall taking 1,473 votes over UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay (998) and independent Sherman Boston (49), amid a low 32.5% turnout. Electoral Reform Debate: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says claims that Parliament passed electoral bills while the Electoral Commission was unready are “false” and says the voter ID delay did not compromise democracy. UWP Pushback: UWP leader Joshua Francis argues the low participation shows voter disengagement, not a national endorsement of the government, while Lugay raised concerns about the voter confirmation process. Third-Country Nationals: Skerrit confirmed Dominica has no third-country nationals currently under the US programme after five Colombians were selected, housed via IOM, and quickly repatriated. Local Governance & Services: The government announced 16 new climate-resilient homes for handover on September 11, and the Solid Waste Management Corporation says staff issues are being addressed as the public service union warns of possible protests. Community & Health: DOMDA will host “Sip & Chat” for youth on health and relationships on September 30, and Rotary Portsmouth opened the sixth playground at Morne Jaune Primary. Regional Opportunities: UNESCO launched WINGS Caribbean fellowships for women in science, and OECS opened applications for advanced digital skills scholarships.

Roseau North By-Election Fallout: PM Roosevelt Skerrit and UPP leader Joshua Francis are trading blows over what the Sept. 7 result means, as turnout stayed low (about 32.5% of registered electors) despite DLP’s Ashma McDougall winning with 1,473 votes. Electoral Process Questions: UWP’s Daniel Lugay says voter confirmation issues left hundreds missing from confirmed lists and raised concerns about how requirements were communicated. Housing Programme: Dominica will hand over 16 new resilient homes on Sept. 11, part of a wider push delivering 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities. U.S. Third-Country Nationals: Dominica confirmed it accepted five Colombians under the U.S. programme, but says all five have already returned to Colombia; the government says it now has no third-country nationals under the programme and is working with IOM. Public Safety & Community: Police are investigating the suspicious death of 23-year-old Aliyah Joseph of Delices; CDPF also announced traffic measures around River Street schools for the new term. Culture & Heritage: Kalinago Week 2026 runs Sept. 11–19, spotlighting indigenous traditions and life.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party’s Ashma McDougall won the Roseau North seat with 1,473 votes (58.45%) over UWP’s Daniel Lugay’s 998 (39.60%), while independent Sherman Boston polled 49; voter turnout was low at about 32.5%, with 46 rejected ballots. Electoral Process Scrutiny: Lugay is now challenging the voter confirmation process, saying hundreds who applied were missing from confirmed lists and that applicants faced late-added document requests. Government Response: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit congratulated McDougall and said the result reflects confidence in the ruling party, while noting Cabinet roles are still being decided. Migration Update: Dominica confirmed it accepted five Colombians under the US third-country nationals programme, but all have already returned to Colombia; the government says it has no remaining arrivals under the programme and will use IOM to manage future arrangements. Public Services & Safety: The Public Service Union warned of looming protests at the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation over longstanding concerns, and police rolled out traffic measures on River Street around schools for the new term. Education & Community: Dominica State College reported strong 2026 enrolment growth, and UPP’s Edline Harris sponsored a new bus stop in Eggleston.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall is projected to win (and preliminary figures show) the Roseau North seat, defeating UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay and independent Sherman Boston; PM Roosevelt Skerrit called it a message that “Roseau North has spoken for the whole country,” while the Electoral Office reported turnout concerns and polling-day allegations. Housing & Resilience: The government says it will hand over 215 climate-resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities, including 11 families in Canefield East, as part of its post-Maria housing push; it also approved an EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers at 3.5%. Education & Inclusion: Dominica State College opened for the new academic year with increased intakes, and the wider region saw support for special needs learning, including a CDB-backed upgraded classroom at Jamaica’s Mico CARE Centre. Regional Diplomacy: UWI announced Dr Janet Caroo’s appointment as St Lucia’s Ambassador to CARICOM and the OECS, highlighting continued focus on regional integration. Climate Watch: A new UNEP warning says the world has broken the 1.5°C promise, raising fresh pressure on small states already paying for climate damage.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall is set to win the Roseau North seat, with preliminary figures showing 1,506 votes versus 983 for UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay and 50 for independent Sherman Boston; PM Roosevelt Skerrit called it a message that “Roseau North has spoken for the whole country,” while the official recount begins today. Elections Process: The Electoral Office reported 7,489 registered voters with 2,595 casting ballots, and earlier adjustments included adding a polling station in District N09 to reduce congestion, plus a reminder that voter ID card distribution was paused on by-election day. Local Governance & Housing: The government reiterated its “housing revolution,” including plans to offer EC$10M housing loans at 3.5% for eligible public officers and the handover of 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities. Education: Dominica State College opened for the new academic year with enrollment “bouncing back” toward pre-Hurricane Maria levels and several courses returning. Regional & Policy Watch: CARICOM marked the fifth Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties, including trade, connectivity, health and reparatory justice.