AGP Executive Report

Commonwealth Games 2026: Glasgow is welcoming athletes this week for a pared-down Commonwealth Games after Victoria, Australia, pulled out. The event runs Thursday with 10 sports (down from 17 in 2014) and about 3,000 athletes, using existing venues including the smaller Scotstoun Stadium. Foreign Affairs/Travel Rules: Dominica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Spain’s visa-free list doesn’t mean Belizeans can enter without a Schengen visa—Spain is only reflecting EU exemptions. Health Security: CARPHA completed a five-day technical visit to Turks and Caicos to strengthen antimicrobial resistance detection, lab systems, surveillance and regional health security. Water Disruption: DOWASCO warns of an emergency shutdown for customers on the Water Area 1 network between Mero and Castle Comfort due to a burst main line repair. Local Community: Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau set St. Ann parish feast activities for July 23–26. Business/Industry: DOMLEC says July’s fuel surcharge will be 33 cents per kWh, citing higher geothermal and renewable penetration. Elections Integrity: The Electoral Office rejects false claims about voter confirmation procedures, stressing each elector must be physically present for photo and electronic signature. Regional Politics: OECS CBI programmes face EU pressure to phase out by June 2028, with leaders seeking talks in Brussels.

Local Business & Community: Well-known Dominican businessman Mc Millan James Jno Baptiste has died at 90, with his Cross Lane home and the closure of his Mc Millan businesses today marking a day of respect. Maritime Safety: Police and DASPA are investigating the death of 47-year-old stevedore Otis Francis after a shipping container reportedly struck him during cargo unloading at Woodbridge Bay Port. Energy Costs: DOMLEC says geothermal energy helped cut Dominica’s July fuel surcharge to 33 cents per kilowatt-hour, down from what it would have been without geothermal. Tourism Development: Construction on the Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility is at 35% completion, with key works including foundations, ramps, retaining walls, and ongoing ground-floor slab and services. Youth & Culture: Dive Dominica hosted Dominica’s inaugural Women’s Dive Day, while Project Discovery Dominica selected two young Dominicans to represent the island at CARYFED 2026 in Grenada. Regional Policy: OECS leaders, including Dominica’s PM, are pushing for a Brussels meeting with the European Commission over the CBI phase-out demand. EU Travel Rules: The EU has warned OECS states that citizenship-by-investment could cost visa-free access if programmes aren’t ended by 2028.

EU Visa Warning on CBI: The EU has warned Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia to end citizenship-by-investment schemes by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access to Europe, with leaders planning a high-level push to Brussels. Immigration Bill Fallout: In the U.S., Rep. Nancy Mace’s proposed “Third World Immigration Moratorium Act” would bar entry from 39 countries including Dominica, drawing pushback from Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador. Energy Costs Cut: DOMLEC says geothermal is driving down the July fuel surcharge to 33 cents per kilowatt-hour, cutting what bills would have been without geothermal. Workplace Tragedy at Woodbridge Bay: Police and DASPA are investigating the death of stevedore Otis Francis after a shipping container reportedly fell during cargo unloading. Tourism Progress: Construction on the Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility in Pointe Michel is 35% complete. Food Security Boost: EU-funded “Cultivating Futures” will support Bagatelle and Soufriere Primary schools as part of a regional push on hunger, nutrition, and climate resilience.

Port Tragedy: Dominica’s port community is mourning stevedore Otis Francis, 47, who died after a shipping container reportedly fell on him during cargo unloading at Woodbridge Bay Port; police investigations are ongoing. Energy & Cost of Living: DOMLEC says July’s fuel surcharge will drop to 33 cents per kilowatt-hour, driven by rising geothermal and hydro generation. EU Visa Pressure on CBI: The EU has warned Dominica and four other Eastern Caribbean states to end “golden passport” citizenship-by-investment schemes by 2028 or face loss of visa-free travel, with regional leaders preparing a unified push to Brussels. Regional Food Security: The EU-funded “Cultivating Futures” project will support Bagatelle Primary and Soufriere Primary schools, part of a wider push to improve food security, nutrition, education and climate resilience. Tourism Progress: Construction on the XCD$1.81m Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility in Pointe Michel is at about 35% completion. Local Governance & Services: Birth certificate issuance in Dominica has been fully restored, with plans to decentralise some services to communities. Youth & Environment: Two young Dominicans, Geyoudena Desir and Reece Lantan, are representing the island at CARYFED 2026 in Grenada.

US Immigration Pushback: Rep. Nancy Mace’s “Third World Immigration Moratorium Act” would permanently bar nationals from 39 countries, including Dominica, but Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador says any measures targeting friendly states should be based on “accurate information and objective facts.” EU CBI Ultimatum: The EU has told five Eastern Caribbean governments to end citizenship-by-investment by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access, and Dominica and others plan a high-level mission to Brussels. Tourism Development: Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility in Pointe Michel is 35% complete, with foundation, access, retaining wall works and first-fix plumbing/electrical progressing. Local Politics: Roseau North by-election candidate Danny Lugay proposes turning the former Public Works site into a tourism and commercial hub to tackle unemployment. Public Safety: Police continue investigating a fatal Woodbridge Bay port accident after a stevedore was struck by a container; separate probe follows a fatal shooting in Mahaut. Food Security: EU-funded “Cultivating Futures” will support Bagatelle and Soufriere primary schools under a regional food security push. International Desk: China’s top diplomat met Dominica’s foreign minister in Shanghai to discuss AI cooperation. Culture & Community: Gouté Domnik launches July 19–26 with Restaurant Week menus and a food guide.

Tourism Development: Dominica’s XCD$1.81m Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility in Pointe Michel is at 35% completion as of June 2026, with site mobilisation, demolition of the old staircase, secondary access, basement walls, ramps, and major ground-floor works underway. EU-Funded Food Security: The EU-backed “Cultivating Futures” project will support Bagatelle Primary and Soufriere Primary schools as part of a four-year push to strengthen food systems across OECS countries. Community Services Restored: The issuance of birth certificates in Dominica is now fully restored, with plans to decentralise services like birth certificates and driver’s licences to communities. Port Safety Tragedy: Police are investigating the death of 47-year-old Otis Francis, a stevedore struck by a shipping container during cargo operations at Woodbridge Bay Port. Public Safety: Police also continue inquiries into a fatal shooting in Mahaut involving 34-year-old Al Toussaint. Regional Diplomacy: China’s top diplomat met Dominica’s foreign minister in Shanghai to discuss AI cooperation. Culture & Food: Dominica officially launches Gouté Domnik (July 19–26), featuring Restaurant Week fixed-price menus and a food guide. Sports & Mourning: The Caribbean and cricket world mourn the death of legend Sir Garfield Sobers.

Port Tragedy: Police are investigating the death of 47-year-old stevedore Otis Francis after he was struck by a shipping container during cargo operations at Woodbridge Bay Port in Fond Colé. Fatal Violence: Officers are also probing a fatal shooting in Mahaut, where 34-year-old Al Toussaint was found with multiple gunshot wounds near his motorcycle; police are appealing for information. Earth & Safety: A magnitude 3.2 earthquake was reported near Dominica early Friday morning; residents are being encouraged to submit felt reports. Tourism Progress: The XCD$1.81m Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility in Pointe Michel is now over 35% complete, with major infrastructure underway. Food Security Push: The Zero Hunger Trust Fund launched a regional, EU-funded initiative—using 10 schools in Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia and Grenada—to tackle food security, nutrition, education and climate resilience. CBI Talks with EU: OECS leaders, including Dominica’s PM, are stepping up engagement with the EU over Citizenship by Investment programme changes, with plans to send a high-level delegation to Brussels. Culture & Community: Lakeview Public Library’s “America 250” exhibit spotlights hidden American and Caribbean stories through art, while Dominica’s basketball team says it gained positives from the Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in Guyana.

Tourism Development: Dominica’s Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility in Pointe Michel is now 35% complete, with foundation works finished and major construction underway on the XCD$1.81 million, government- and CARICOM Development Fund-backed project. Disaster Monitoring: The Office of Disaster Management is investigating reports of light tremors and rumbling sounds in Gallion, urging residents to rely on official updates while scientific agencies assess the activity. Fatal Incidents: Police are investigating two separate deaths—one after a container allegedly fell on a port worker at Wood Bridge Bay Port, and another involving a fatal shooting in Mahaut. Disability Inclusion: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit met with the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities, discussing a possible dedicated government department/unit to advocate for disability rights and coordinate inclusion policies. Water Updates: DOWASCO has apologized for unscheduled water interruptions in Mount Joy, Warner, and earlier disruptions in Bellevue Rawle, Zicack and Chance, with repairs and possible intermittent service affecting nearby areas. Regional Integration: Martinique and French Guiana have officially joined CARICOM as associate members, bringing the associate total to eight. CBI Pressure: EU demands to phase out Citizenship by Investment by 2028 are driving regional coordination, with leaders preparing for talks in Brussels.

Water Woes in Portsmouth and Mount Joy: DOWASCO has apologized for unscheduled water interruptions in Mount Joy, Warner (since Sunday July 10) and in Bellevue Rawle (since Sunday July 12), saying repairs are underway after pump-station malfunctions and a blockage along the supply line. More Service Disruptions: Another DOWASCO notice warns Portsmouth residents in Zicack and Chance that interruption or intermittent supply may affect Portsmouth, Cotton Hill, Glanvilles and Lagoon while investigations continue. Disability Inclusion Push: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit met with the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities and is considering a dedicated government department/unit to advocate for disability rights and coordinate related policies. Regional Security and Borders: CARICOM IMPACS and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen biometric data sharing and support background checks tied to regional citizenship processes. CBI Under EU Pressure: OECS leaders, meeting in Dominica, moved to craft a unified strategy after the EU ultimatum to phase out CBI/CIP by 2028, while Dominica’s PM says the programme remains backed. Visa-Free Update for Spain: Spain named Dominica among nine CARICOM countries granted visa-free short stays (up to 90 days in 180) for tourism and business. Culture and Community: FACE OFF will proceed despite Sir Clarence “Oungku” Edwards’ health concerns, with Tian Winter stepping in to battle Triple K; and Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival launches with a reported 10,500+ visitors last year and a star-studded 2026 lineup.

CBI Under EU Pressure: OECS leaders, meeting in Dominica, agreed on a unified strategy to respond to the EU’s ultimatum to phase out Citizenship by Investment/Citizenship by Investment Programme passports by 2028, arguing reforms already tightened security and transparency. Visa Update for Dominica: Spain has granted visa-free short stays (up to 90 days in 180) to citizens of nine CARICOM states, including Dominica, for tourism and business—while Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, Belize and Haiti remain excluded. Regional Security Pact: CARICOM IMPACS and the U.S. Homeland Security signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen biometric data sharing and background checks, including support for CBI due diligence. Local Elections Reminder: Dominica’s Chief Election Officer urged eligible voters to complete voter confirmation before the October 15 deadline or risk removal from the voters list. Tourism & Culture: Dominica launched plans for the 26th World Creole Music Festival and is also set to kick off its first-ever Gouté Domnik culinary festival in Roseau this evening. Health & Education: A Dominica-linked OECS Grade 2 assessment report highlighted strong early reading and math performance across the region.

Visa-Free Travel: Spain has added Dominica and eight other CARICOM states to a new list of 60 countries whose citizens can enter Spain without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), while Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, Belize and Haiti are left out. CBI Under Pressure: Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says he is backing the Citizenship by Investment programme as EU concerns mount, with CBI countries expected to meet in Brussels to respond to the European Commission’s phase-out request. Regional Security Tech: CARICOM IMPACS and the U.S. Homeland Security Department signed a cooperation deal to strengthen biometric data sharing across the region, with the partnership also aimed at tightening checks around citizenship programmes. Dominica Politics: Roseau North by-election candidates Ashma McDougall (DLP) and Danny Lugay (UWP) both project confidence ahead of the polls. Tourism & Culture: Dominica’s first Gouté Domnik culinary festival launches this evening in Roseau, with a week of events running July 19–26. Local Governance Reminder: The Chief Election Officer urged eligible voters to complete voter confirmation before the October 15 deadline. Humanitarian Solidarity: Acting Venezuela President Delcy Rodríguez thanked CARICOM countries for earthquake relief, including Dominica, after 88 containers of aid were sent.

Regional Security: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is urging a unified Caribbean response to modern security threats, saying policing alone can’t handle cross-border risks like cyberattacks and climate-driven instability. CBI and EU Pressure: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says Eastern Caribbean leaders agreed to keep dialogue with the EU while strengthening CBI oversight, as the bloc pushes changes to its visa suspension mechanism. Visa-Free Travel to Spain: Spain has granted visa-free short stays (up to 90 days in 180) to citizens of nine CARICOM states, including Dominica, while Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, Belize and Haiti remain excluded. US Border Tech Deal: Dominica is among countries signing a US-Caribbean biometric data-sharing agreement aimed at tightening border checks, with officials openly linking it to risks around passport programmes. Local Governance & Seniors: Dominica’s Council on Ageing is calling for stronger legal protection to shield seniors from scams and abuse. Youth Development: Newtown’s Youth Development Program is being pitched as a potential model for wider Dominica, if sustained support continues. International Aid: Venezuela’s acting president thanked CARICOM for humanitarian aid sent after the June 24 earthquake.

Spain visa-free access: Spain has added Dominica and eight other CARICOM states to its visa-free list for short stays (up to 90 days), but Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, Belize and Haiti are left out. US-Caribbean border security: Dominica and six other islands signed a biometric border security agreement with the United States to speed up sharing of fingerprint and facial-scan data, with officials saying the focus includes reducing risks linked to Citizenship by Investment. CBI pressure on the OECS: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica and agreed on a united diplomatic push toward Brussels after the EU’s call to phase out CBI programmes by June 2028, including a high-level mission to EU leaders. ECCB finances and currency: ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine says the bank posted EC$121.6 million in profit, while new EC banknotes were unveiled featuring regional heroes instead of Queen Elizabeth II. Local governance & services: DOWASCO announced a scheduled water interruption for Water Area 1 on July 15, and the Electoral Office set a mobile voter confirmation visit for shut-ins in La Plaine. Seniors’ rights: Dominica Council on Ageing officials renewed calls for stronger legal protections to guard seniors from scams and abuse. Sports: Aspirers Athletics Club returned from the Trupial Classic in Curaçao with a record 52 medals and five trophies.

CBI Pressure & Regional Unity: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Roseau and agreed on a coordinated Brussels mission to respond to the EU’s demand to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by June 2028, stressing security, transparency reforms and the need for economic safeguards for small islands. Local Politics & Accountability: The Dominica Freedom Party criticized the government’s handling of CBI after reports that the EU has formally asked OECS states to end the programmes, while Prime Minister Browne says the region must push back. ECCB Money & Currency: ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine reported EC$121.6 million in profit and unveiled redesigned EC banknotes featuring regional icons, as the Monetary Council met in Dominica. OECS Airline Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing hours-long travel delays that disrupt regional meetings and daily life. Health Upgrade: Dominica’s National Medical Laboratory migrated its digital system to speed test processing and improve patient care. Community Notice: Electoral Office announced mobile voter confirmations for shut-ins in La Plaine on July 15.

UK Immigration Update: The UK has revised its visa rules, adding/adjusting a list of countries whose citizens must get a valid visa before entering or transiting, with travellers urged to check status to avoid denial of boarding. CARICOM & TCN Deportees: Caribbean leaders discussed the controversial US third-country nationals (TCN) deportee arrangements, stressing no settlement intent, insisting on no criminal antecedents, and calling for public understanding of the distinction. CBI Under EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean governments, including Dominica, agreed on a united diplomatic push toward Brussels after the EU signalled a phase-out of Citizenship by Investment programmes by June 2028, with a high-level mission planned. ECCB Money & Banknotes: ECCB Monetary Council business in Dominica included the unveiling of new EC$10 banknotes featuring Anguilla’s James Ronald Webster, plus updates on regional monetary stability and financial inclusion. Dominica Voter Access: The Electoral Office announced mobile voter confirmation for shut-ins in La Plaine on July 15, with photo ID required for voter ID card photos. Health System Upgrade: Dominica’s National Medical Laboratory upgraded its digital system to speed test processing and improve patient care. Water Notices: DOWASCO scheduled a Water Area 1 interruption on July 15 for repairs, advising customers to store water. Sports: Aspirers Athletics Club returned from Curaçao’s Trupial Classic with a record 52 medals and five trophies.

ECCB Finance: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank says it recorded EC$121.6 million in profits for the financial year, with the EC dollar holding steady. Health & Services: Dominica’s Health Ministry reports a major upgrade to the National Medical Laboratory’s digital system, aiming to cut delays and improve turnaround for test results. Elderly Advocacy: The Dominica Council on Ageing says it will keep pushing for direct legislation to address seniors’ concerns. CBI & EU Pressure: The Dominica Freedom Party blasts the government over reports that the EU wants CBI programmes phased out, warning of economic risks for Dominica and other OECS states. Regional Diplomacy: Eastern Caribbean leaders, meeting in Dominica, agreed to coordinate talks with the EU in Brussels over the revised visa suspension mechanism. ECCB Monetary Council: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre took over as Monetary Council chair, while the ECCB kept key interest rates unchanged and approved an extra EC$25 million for food and nutrition security. Tourism & Community: Dominica Poker Run 2026 expands into a two-day marine tourism weekend with a sport fishing tournament on Saturday. Culture & Learning: Rootz Herbal launches a children’s educational book celebrating Caribbean nature and heritage. Sports: Dominica’s Aspirers Athletics Club adds four gold medals at the Trupial Classic.