AGP Executive Report

Weather Alert: Dominica is under a Flood Watch until 6:00 PM today as a tropical wave and low-level trough bring moderate to heavy showers, possible thunderstorms, and rough seas—waves up to 8 feet on the east coast—raising risks of flooding, landslides, and falling rocks. Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines says it will discontinue flights to Dominica and St Kitts, and end the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname corridor from June 1, while cutting Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly; affected passengers are being offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit. Regional Debate: The route cuts follow reported losses tied to CAL’s 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion, reigniting questions about who will fill the growing intra-Caribbean airlift gap. Local Politics: Juliette “Juliette Shillingford” Shillingford is named UWP candidate for Roseau Central. OECS Environment: Ministers meet in Dominica next week for the OECS Council of Ministers Environmental Sustainability session.

Caribbean Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines says it will cut key Eastern Caribbean links from June 1, including discontinuing service to Dominica and St. Kitts, plus the Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname route, while Martinique and Guadeloupe flights drop to twice weekly. The move follows a parliamentary review by Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Eli Zakour, who said CAL’s 2023 expansion into “unprofitable” routes has driven losses of US$18.8 million (and specific Dominica losses of US$730,000 as of April 2026). Regional Airlift Debate: With CAL stepping back, attention is turning to who will fill the gap—especially LIAT. Local Governance & Community: Dominica’s Council on Ageing is urging consultation with elderly people before building public facilities. Public Safety: Police are investigating a fatal road crash in Springfield on May 22.

Caribbean Airlines shake-up: Caribbean Airlines has started cutting routes after reporting more than TT$128 million in losses tied to its 2023 Eastern Caribbean expansion, with Dominica among the markets set to be hit—withdrawal from the Dominica market (losses reported at US$730,000 as of April 2026) and St Kitts (losses US$1.65m) taking effect from June 1; the airline is also discontinuing the Ogle–Suriname corridor and reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly. Local governance & services: DOWASCO scheduled a water interruption in Pichelin on Sunday May 24 (9am–4pm) for pipeline replacement. Public health: Dominica expanded rapid HIV and syphilis testing after training healthcare professionals to improve early detection and access. Community & culture: Poetry and Jazz was postponed due to an emergency, while Dominica marked World Turtle Day with conservation-focused attention. Weather: Partly cloudy with scattered showers, hazy and breezy, plus Saharan dust lingering.

Caribbean Airlines Exit: Caribbean Airlines says it will withdraw from Dominica and St Kitts from June 1, while also ending the Ogle–Suriname corridor and cutting Guyana–Suriname service, citing sustained losses and a push for “operational reliability” and long-term financial stability; affected passengers are promised re-accommodation, refunds, or travel credit as the airline works toward a codeshare deal to keep regional connections moving. Labour Rights: The International Court of Justice has issued an advisory opinion protecting the right to strike, a win welcomed by unions across the region. Road Tragedy: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Springfield on Friday, May 22, where 44-year-old Kenworth Gordon died after his car left the road and plunged down a precipice. Local Governance & Services: Dominica’s Council on Ageing is urging consultation with elderly people before building public facilities, while DOWASCO schedules a water interruption in Pichelin on Sunday. Regional Spotlight: The OECS environmental ministers’ meeting is set to convene in Dominica next week.

Airport Dispute Denied: Montreal Management Consultants Development Ltd. says a reported arbitration case against the Government of Dominica is false, insisting no court or arbitration proceedings are underway—after Caribbean News Global claimed formal arbitration was filed over unmet project conditions tied to the airport. Aviation Cuts: Caribbean Airlines is trimming its network from June 1, withdrawing from Dominica and St Kitts, ending the Guyana–Suriname nonstop, and cutting Martinique and Guadeloupe flights—moves linked to sustained route losses. UWI Games Momentum: UWI Five Islands Campus opened The UWI Games 2026 with a win in men’s basketball but a loss in cricket, with more events ahead on Day 2. Public Service Pressure: The Dominica Public Service Union is calling for urgency on issues at Dominica State College, including delayed repairs, reclassification, and the push to close negotiations. Health & Education: Rapid HIV and Syphilis testing is expanding after training for healthcare workers, while 792 students prepare for the Grade Six National Assessment next week. Water Notice: DOWASCO schedules a Pichelin service interruption Sunday May 24, 9am–4pm for pipeline replacement.

Aviation Cuts: Caribbean Airlines is slashing its network again, with plans from June 1 to stop flying to three destinations and reduce service to two more, after losses tied to routes added during the 2023 expansion. Politics: Juliette Shillingford is set to vie for Roseau Central on the UWP ticket, stepping in after Glenroy Cuffy is no longer available. Public Buildings & Ageing: The Dominica Council on Ageing is urging consultation with elderly people before new public buildings are built. Education & Work Pressure: The PSU is calling for urgency over operational issues at Dominica State College, including delays around repairs and negotiations. Regional Climate Talks: Dominica will host the OECS Council of Ministers’ Environmental Sustainability meeting next week. Health & Youth: Rapid HIV and Syphilis testing is being expanded after training, while a new Canadian-funded REACH project targets adolescent health. Sports: UWI Five Islands opened The UWI Games 2026 with a win in basketball and a loss in cricket. Local Notice: DOWASCO will interrupt water supply in Pichelin Sunday, May 24, 9am–4pm for pipeline replacement.

Tax Diplomacy Reset: Spain says it will remove Gibraltar from its tax haven blacklist after 35 years, saying Gibraltar now meets Spanish standards on transparency—an update that could smooth future border and business relations. Public Service & Water: DOWASCO warns of a Pichelin water interruption Sunday May 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for pipeline replacement, and asks drivers to keep the road clear. Union Push: Dominica Public Service Union general-secretary Thomas Letang urged members to be “more active than reactive” at the PSU delegates convention. Health Upgrade: Dominica expanded Rapid HIV and Syphilis Testing, training healthcare workers to improve early detection and access to care. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority hailed Gregor Nassief’s election as President-Elect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association. Education Ahead: Nearly 800 students (792) will sit the Grade Six National Assessment May 28–29. Regional Focus: OECS ministers’ environmental sustainability meeting is set for Dominica May 27–28.

Community Safety: Portsmouth’s parliamentary rep Fenella Wenham-Sheppard condemned a recent fatal shooting and violence in Picard, urging unity and stronger youth and public-safety action. Health Upgrade: Dominica expanded Rapid HIV and Syphilis Testing after specialised training for healthcare workers, aiming for earlier detection and faster treatment. Education Watch: Nearly 800 students (792) will sit the Grade Six National Assessment on May 28–29 across 62 centres, with parents asked to keep away from school compounds during exams. Governance & Regional Ties: Discover Dominica Authority CEO Marva Williams hailed Gregor Nassief’s election as President-Elect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association as a major win for Dominica’s tourism profile. Housing & Dignity: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore said homelessness in Roseau will be handled “humanely,” focusing on identifying family links rather than a harsh police crackdown. Next Steps: NCCU set its 16th AGM for June 3, with remote participation available. Regional Diplomacy: Denzil Douglas handed over COFCOR chairmanship at CARICOM’s foreign ministers meeting in Suriname.

Diplomacy on the Sahara: Dominica and Ivory Coast have publicly backed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, with Rabat using the renewed support to strengthen its political alliances across Africa and the Caribbean. Health supply boost: Dominica signed an MoU with India to import affordable medicines directly, using recognized quality standards to cut procurement costs. Public health upgrades: PAHO-backed training helped Dominica expand Severe Acute Respiratory Infection surveillance through DHIS2, moving away from paper-based reporting. Regional climate focus: The OECS Council of Ministers’ Environmental Sustainability meeting (COM:ES 13) is set for May 27–28 in Dominica, aiming to push practical resilience steps for small island states. Sports spotlight: St Kitts and Nevis won the inaugural OECS ANOECS U23 3-on-3 tournament in the BVI, while Dominica’s football and community events keep the weekend busy. World Rivers Day plans: Dominica is gearing up for national celebrations and a titiwi festival parade tied to the UN’s World Rivers Day theme.

Regional Finance Push: UTC says its regional presence is now “operating reality,” expanding across Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union and shifting from entry to integration as it grows funds in Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis and beyond. Health & Medicines: Dominica signed an MoU with India to import affordable, quality-assured medicines directly, using the Indian Pharmacopoeia as an official standard. Climate & Resilience Talks: OECS ministers will meet in Dominica May 27–28 for climate and environmental sustainability discussions, building on the OECS roadmap to 2030. Public Health Expansion: Dominica is rolling out expanded rapid HIV and syphilis testing after healthcare workers completed training to improve early diagnosis and access. Tourism Momentum: Dominica’s tourism chief reports a 10% rise in stayover arrivals in Q1 2026, with growth building from 2025. World Rivers Day: Dominica will mark the 21st anniversary with national celebrations and a parade to Layou for the titiwi festival. Safety Watch: In the wider region, a fatal dog attack in Florida has neighbors demanding action as an investigation into the owner continues.

Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority has congratulated Gregor Nassief on his election as President-Elect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, calling it a milestone for Dominican leadership and a sign of Dominica’s rising influence in nature, wellness and adventure travel. Regional Security: Caribbean prosecutors, investigators and customs officials are in Barbados for a five-day Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) training workshop, aimed at tightening cross-border action against organised crime and financial wrongdoing. Crime and Community Impact: A regional piece argues Caribbean violence is now a public health and opportunity crisis, spreading through homes, schools and neighbourhoods. World Bee Day: Dominica’s beekeepers marked World Bee Day, linking pollinators to biodiversity, food systems and ongoing efforts to strengthen honey standards. Sports Infrastructure: In Dominica, officials say testing is underway on Windsor Park’s new stadium lighting, with hopes it will lift the island’s sporting profile.

Stadium Upgrade Buzz: Sports Minister Oscar George says testing is already showing the Windsor Park lighting project will be a “game changer,” with the new system expected to lift Dominica’s sporting experience. CARICOM Clarification: The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) insists it is not involved in a Haiti political initiative branded “Washington-Haiti-CARICOM Socio-Political Relief Solution,” saying it will keep focusing on stability, good governance, and free elections. Regional Justice Push: Caribbean countries are moving toward a framework for Joint Investigation Teams after a Barbados legal forum, with a model agreement set for Attorneys General review and a pilot team planned. Cuba-US Tension: Cuba’s ambassador told the US to lift the long-standing embargo instead of offering a US$100 million aid package. Climate Warning: A new WMO report flags intensifying hurricanes, extreme heat, and worsening drought and flooding across the region. Local Economy & Culture: JCI Dominica gets regional recognition, while Prince Wadix marks 30 years in radio and cultural promotion.

Community Recognition: JCI Dominica is getting regional praise after winning recognition at the JCI Conference of the Americas 2026 in Antigua for community development work and leadership. Football Management: DFA president Glen Etienne says the association is strengthening local competition management after appointing Vladimir Corbette as Competitions Manager. Cuba-US Tension: Cuba’s ambassador in Dominica dismissed a US$100 million US humanitarian offer, again urging Washington to lift the long-standing embargo instead. Climate Warning: A new World Meteorological Organization report warns the Caribbean is facing rising seas, stronger hurricanes, and harsher swings between drought and flooding. Farmers Hit by Weather: Dominica’s agriculture ministry estimates about $2 million in damage and losses to farmers after a trough system brought heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, with cash grant support expected soon. Tourism & Culture: Dominica’s tourism push continues with reports of a 10% jump in stayover arrivals in early 2026, while veteran radio personality Prince Wadix marks 30 years in broadcasting and cultural promotion.

DAIC Leadership: The Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce has elected a new board after its May 14 AGM, with business leaders urged to prepare now for the economic lift expected from the planned international airport—positioning firms for tourism, cargo, logistics, agro-processing and jobs once construction targets end-2027. Regional Courts: The Caribbean Court of Justice will sit in original jurisdiction on May 19 in Belize’s referral case involving anti-competitive conduct rules under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Tourism Momentum: Dominica’s tourism push continues, with reports of a 10% jump in stayover arrivals in the first quarter of 2026 and major plans showcased at CHTA Marketplace 2026. Earthquake Watch: A strong 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean on May 16, with no tsunami expected, while Dominica’s emergency response to April 26 storm damage in Salybia continues. Sports & Skills: Dominica’s U23 3×3 team heads to the BVI for ANOCES action, while regional coding workshops and a new CTO scholarship for women in tourism leadership are set to roll out soon.

Sports & Tourism Buzz: Dominica Poker Run 2026 is set for Sunday, July 26, with organizers promising a full weekend of rides along the coast, music, networking, and “Poker City” entertainment. Regional Shock: A powerful 6.0 earthquake hit the Eastern Caribbean on May 16, with residents reporting strong shaking across several islands; authorities say no major tsunami threat was expected. Disaster Recovery: In Salybia, Dominica continues emergency response after the April 26 severe weather damage, with work focused on clearing slides, restoring access, and supporting affected families ahead of hurricane season. Local Growth Watch: Dominica’s tourism momentum stays in focus, with reports of a 10% rise in stayover arrivals in the first quarter of 2026. Community & Culture: A Caribbean film celebration is coming to Hastings, while Dominica’s Library Week 2026 runs May 18–23 under a theme of empowering communities through knowledge, culture, and innovation.

Earthquake Update: A powerful 6.0 quake struck the Eastern Caribbean on May 16, with reports of strong shaking across islands after the initial 6.5 reading was later revised; the epicentre was in the North Atlantic near Antigua and Barbuda, and authorities say there’s no major tsunami threat. Disaster Response: In Dominica, the Ministry of Environment and partners continue emergency recovery in Salybia after the April 26 severe weather event, working to restore access, clear debris, support vulnerable families, and assess damage to homes and farms. LGBTQ+ Rights Push: In SVG, ERAO SVG launched a National Call for Reparations for LGBT Vincentians on IDAHOBIT, pointing to criminalisation of same-sex relations and the lack of explicit anti-discrimination protections. Sports: The Virgin Islands are into the semi-finals of the first-ever OECS 3X3 ANOECS U23 Basketball Tournament in Tortola, while Dominica’s U23 team is also competing regionally. Tourism Momentum: Dominica reported a 10% rise in stayover arrivals in the first quarter of 2026, building on strong 2025 growth.