AGP Executive Report

Roseau North By-Election Logistics: The Electoral Office says voter ID card distribution at its Jewel Street office will pause on Monday, Sept. 7, with cards resuming Tuesday, Sept. 8, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; it also confirms confirmation centres at the Electoral Office, Red Cross and Fond Cole will be closed that day and reopen Tuesday. Polling Station Update: District N09 (Gutter Village, Tarish Pit, parts of Goodwill) will add a fifth polling station at Goodwill Primary School, with voters assigned by surname to reduce congestion. Housing Push: In Canefield East, 11 families received keys to climate-resilient homes, as the government moves toward handing over 215 homes and apartment units across nine communities. Housing Finance: PM Roosevelt Skerrit announced a $10 million housing loan facility for public officers earning $45,000 or less, offering 5% interest. Health and Leadership: PM Drew says he is in good spirits and stable as medical evaluations continue after illness and treatment in Martinique and South Florida. By-Election Campaigning: Candidates and parties intensify messaging ahead of Sept. 7, with DLP’s Ashma McDougall focusing on community delivery in Gutter and opposition figures backing Danny Lugay or independent Sherman Boston.

Roseau North By-Election: The Electoral Office says District N09 polling stations will rise from four to five for Monday’s vote, with all five stations at Goodwill Primary School and voters assigned by surname ranges (A–C, D–G, H–L, M–R, S–Z). Campaign Focus: Independent candidate Sherman Boston is urging unity and jobs, while DLP’s Ashma McDougall is pushing community delivery in Gutter—footpaths, drainage, sanitation and safer access for elders and children. Opposition Moves: UPP and Dominica Freedom Party both back Danny Lugay, framing the race as a wider push for democracy and accountability. Housing Delivery: PM Roosevelt Skerrit handed over keys to 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, part of a broader 215-home rollout, and announced a new $10M housing loan facility for public officers earning $45,000 or less at 5% interest. Crime Update: Acting Police Chief Davidson Valerie reports nine homicides so far this year and a record cocaine seizure worth over EC$67 million, with arrests and charges ongoing. Health & Travel: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin over about nine months, and officials say major airlines are showing interest as the international airport takes shape.

Housing & Finance: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced a new $10M housing loan facility for lower-income public officers earning $45,000 or less, offering financing at 5% interest to help more families move from renting to home ownership. Roseau North By-Election: As campaigning heats up for Sept. 7, DLP candidate Ashma McDougall is promising fixes in Gutter—footpaths, drainage, sanitation, community facilities and housing—while PM Skerrit attacks the UWP for “disappointing” voters and urges turnout. Political Endorsements & Tensions: Businessman Gregor Nassief says Dominicans should “choose the right people” for democracy and transparency, while the Electoral Reform Coalition backs him and the Dominica Business Forum raises concerns about alleged monitoring of a private meeting. Crime & Courts: Bail was denied to police constable Patrick Bethelmie Jr. and his girlfriend Jolie-Ana Naomi James in the Jerbiah Paul investigation, charged with perverting the course of justice and ammunition offences. Health & Tourism Infrastructure: Government says primary healthcare remains a priority as a health centre is commissioned/renamed, and officials report major airlines are showing interest as Dominica’s international airport takes shape. Environment & Agriculture: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin, and two young farmers earned regional honours, including an OECS Young Farmer award.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica’s political heat is rising ahead of the Sept. 7 vote, with the DLP’s Ashma McDougall pushing “delivery” in Gutter Village while the UWP’s Danny Lugay pitches tourism-led youth jobs; the DFP has backed Lugay, and the UPP has also endorsed him as part of opposition cooperation. Poll Watch: An Only Polls online survey shows the DLP leading (about 67.6% vs 32.4% for the UWP) among respondents, but the race remains three-way with independent Sherman Boston on the ballot. CBI & Governance Row: Businessman Gregor Nassief says he’s seeking legal advice after CCTV allegedly showed PM Skerrit’s security detail monitoring an invitation-only meeting, while the Electoral Reform Coalition and Dominica Business Forum raise concerns about alleged state monitoring. Crime Update: Bail was denied to police constable Patrick Bethelmie Jr. and his girlfriend Jolie-Ana Naomi James in the Jerbiah Paul investigation, where charges include perverting the course of justice and ammunition offences. Health & Infrastructure: Government says primary healthcare remains a priority as a renamed health centre is commissioned, and Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin. Business & Tourism: Asprofin Bank expands into embedded finance, and airlines are reportedly showing interest as the international airport takes shape.

Housing & Resilience: Dominica is set to hand over 215 climate-resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities, with “Welcome Home” key ceremonies starting Friday, including Canefield East families among the first recipients. Crime & Security: Acting Police Chief Davidson Valerie says Dominica has recorded nine homicides this year and reports a record cocaine seizure worth over EC$67 million, with arrests and charges underway. Education & Youth: Dominica’s CXC results show major gains in mathematics, and CXC is tightening School-Based Assessment rules as AI use grows, with originality checks and signed declarations. Local Politics: The UPP has endorsed Danny Lugay for the Roseau North by-election on September 7, pitching opposition cooperation in a three-way race. Business & Tourism: A US$75 million cruise village is expected to boost Roseau North’s economy, while GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO. Community & Culture: Dominica Netball is recruiting people for a certified umpiring course, and the Flavours of the World Festival returns for Creole Season on October 4. Regional Note: St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew says he is in good spirits and stable as medical evaluations continue overseas.

Cruise & Local Economy: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says a US$75 million cruise village for Roseau North is moving toward a formal agreement, promising more spending for vendors, taxi operators and tour guides. Housing Delivery: Dominica begins “Welcome Home” handovers of 215 climate-resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities, with keys starting this Friday and more construction soon. Crime Update: Acting Police Chief Davidson Valerie reports nine homicides so far this year and a record cocaine seizure in four months, with arrests and charges underway. Education Progress: Dominica celebrates improved 2026 CXC results, including a 10-point jump in CSEC Mathematics, while CXC tightens school-based assessment rules as AI use grows. Governance & Politics: Businessman Gregor Nassief says CCTV allegedly shows Skerrit security at a private meeting, raising monitoring concerns amid rising political tension. Community & Culture: Dominica mourns veteran communicator Marcella André, remembered across the regional media for her mentorship and commanding voice. Regional Watch: Nevis leaders join a CPA conference in Jamaica on strengthening parliaments in the digital age, with youth parliamentarians set to discuss AI.

Housing & Resilience: Dominica will begin allocating 215 new homes and apartment units across nine communities starting September 2026, as part of the push for climate-resistant housing after Hurricane Maria. Elderly Support: The Government reaffirmed its commitment to seniors at the launch of the 2026 Month of the Elderly, highlighting programmes like Yes We Care, the 65-and-over pension and centenarian support. Education & Exams: CXC says Dominica’s CSEC mathematics results jumped by 10 percentage points, while CXC also tightened School-Based Assessment rules due to growing AI use. By-Election Politics: Roseau North’s Sept. 7 by-election heats up with DLP rallies and commentary on the registration saga, as questions swirl around businessman Gregor Nassief’s reported shift toward the UWP. Community & Culture: Creole Season’s Flavours of the World Festival returns Oct. 4, and Soufriere Dive Fest wrapped up Aug. 29–30 with kayaking and scuba events. Public Safety: Police continue investigations into the Canefield Cliff fatal crash and another officer charged in the Jerbiah Paul murder probe.

Housing & Resilience: The Government says it will hand over keys to 215 newly built resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities, with “Welcome Home” ceremonies starting this Friday. Senior Support: Minister of State Dr. Cassandra Williams reaffirmed the state’s backing for older citizens, pointing to programmes like Yes We Care, the 65-and-over Non-Contributory Pension, and the Centenarian Programme. Roseau North By-Election: Ahead of the Sept. 7 vote, PM Roosevelt Skerrit and DLP candidate Ashma McDougall campaigned on delivery and warned against opposition plans to shrink the public service; meanwhile, questions are also swirling around businessman Gregor Nassief’s reported political alignment. Education: Dominica’s CXC results show a 10-point jump in CSEC Mathematics, while CXC tightened School-Based Assessment rules due to AI, including originality checks and signed declarations. Community & Culture: Creole Season gets a boost with the return of the Flavours of the World Festival on Oct. 4, plus the Month of the Elderly programme is underway with events for seniors throughout September. Regional Focus: UN launches a disability-inclusive employment push across the Caribbean, and Barbados will host the third CARICOM Regional Conference on Reparations later this month.

Roseau North By-Election: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit rallied Yampiece residents to back DLP candidate Ashma McDougall ahead of the Sept. 7 vote, arguing the opposition has been absent since 2019 and pointing to DLP achievements in housing, education and disaster response. Disability & Jobs: The UN launched its HireAbility campaign across the Caribbean, urging employers to break barriers and expand decent work for people with disabilities, with businesses signing a disability-inclusive employer pledge. Agriculture Land Access: OECS Director General Didacus Jules urged governments to provide crown lands to young farmers on transparent terms that banks can recognize as collateral, stressing inclusion must be structural. Road Safety Tragedy: Police are investigating a fatal Canefield crash on Aug. 31 that killed a 59-year-old scooter rider after a collision with a trailer truck. Justice Update: Another police officer, Patrick Bethelmie Jr., was arrested in the Jerbiah Paul murder probe, bringing more officers and suspects to remand. Education & Seniors: CXC exams wrapped after six weeks across 17 centres, and the Dominica Council on Ageing unveiled its Month of the Elderly programme for September.

Disability & Work: The UN launched its “HireAbility Campaign” across the Caribbean to push disability-inclusive employment, backed by governments and businesses through a Disability Inclusive Employer’s Pledge. Road Safety & Tragedy: Police are investigating a fatal Canefield collision on Aug. 31 that killed a 59-year-old scooter rider after a trailer truck turned onto the E.O. Leblanc Highway; Dominica is also still reeling from the June 8 Canefield Cliff crash death of graphic designer Travis Bannis. Crime Update (Jerbiah Paul): Another police officer, Patrick Bethelmie Jr., was arrested and charged in the Jerbiah Paul murder probe, bringing the number of officers charged to four, with multiple suspects still on remand. Local Governance & Services: DOWASCO invited Coulibistrie and Morne Rachette residents to a community consultation on the Water Sector Strategic Development Project. Community & Culture: Soufrière Dive Fest wrapped up with kayaking and other watersports, while St. Kitts marked Kalinago remembrance and talks on a Kalinago craft centre that could create livelihoods beyond Dominica. Health Policy: The Ministry of Finance says Dominica plans a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit to centralize support and improve access for persons with disabilities. Sports & Education: Addison James takes up his Sports Ambassador role effective Sept. 1, and DOMLEC pledged five-year scholarships for four secondary students.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica’s Roseau North seat heads to a Sept. 7 by-election with three candidates—DLP’s Ashma McDougall, UWP’s Danny Lugay, and independent Sherman Boston—while the electoral office continues voter confirmation and polling arrangements. Crime & Court: A 20-year-old Portsmouth woman, Ronalda Luke Pascal, was remanded in connection with the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, with charges including perverting the course of justice and possession of ammunition; police also charged Jolie-Ana Naomi James in the ongoing investigation. Water & Community Planning: DOWASCO invited residents of Coulibistrie and Morne Rachette to a community consultation on the Water Sector Strategic Development Project (WSSDP). Health & Nursing: The Dominica Nurses Association renewed its push for better training, mentorship, ethical standards, safer workplaces, and mental health support for nurses. Agriculture Threat: Farmers and residents in Grand Bay are being called to a meeting on lethal yellowing disease after confirmation of LYD in Dominica earlier this year. Sports: Javelin standout Addison James takes effect as Dominica’s new Sports Ambassador on Sept. 1. Education & Scholarships: DOMLEC pledged full five-year support for four secondary scholarship recipients, and Castle Bruce Secondary student Jeremie Rolle secured 14 grade ones at the June 2026 CSEC exams.

CSEC Results: Castle Bruce Secondary student Jeremie Rolle shines with 14 grade ones as Dominica’s CSEC pass rate rises 3.3% over 2025, announced by Acting Education Minister Chekeria Lockhart Hypolite. Water & Community: DOWASCO invites Coulibistrie and Morne Rachette residents to a WSSDP community consultation on Sept. 2 at the Morne Rachette Community Resource Centre. Roseau North By-Election: Roseau North heads to a Sept. 7 by-election with Ashma McDougall (DLP) backed by businessman Kenny Green, while the UWP’s Danny Lugay and independent Sherman Boston also contest. Crime Update: Portsmouth’s Jolie-Ana Naomi James is charged in the Jerbiah Paul investigation, with other suspects already facing murder and related charges. Health & Nursing: The Dominica Nurses Association renews its push for better training, mentorship, workplace safety and mental health support for nurses. Sports Appointment: Javelin standout Addison James takes up his Sports Ambassador role effective Sept. 1. Agriculture Alert: Grand Bay farmers are urged to attend an LYD awareness meeting on Aug. 31 as lethal yellowing disease threatens coconut and ornamental palms. Regional Health Tech: SVG becomes the first OECS member to adopt the CARPHA-backed regional digital health warning system, RIEWSS. Scholarships: DOMLEC pledges full five-year support for four secondary scholarship recipients. Weather: A tropical wave is expected to bring heavy rains and rough seas, with flood and high surf advisories possible.

Banking & Innovation: Asprofin Bank (Dominica) is expanding its Banking-as-a-Service and embedded-finance push, partnering with Digital TRVST to support about US$5 billion in annualized transaction volume within 12 months. Disability Policy: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre says Government plans a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit to centralize support and give persons with disabilities a clearer path to assistance. Local Loss: Dominica is mourning graphic designer Travis Bannis, who died after injuries from a Canefield Cliff crash on June 8. Health & Care Culture: The Dominica Nurses Association marks 69 years of service, urging nurses to keep compassion and dignity at the centre of patient care. Elections Watch: Roseau North’s by-election is set for September 7, with polling centres mapped and three candidates in the race. Weather: A tropical wave is bringing locally heavy rains, gusty winds and thunderstorms, with small craft warnings and a high surf advisory in effect. Regional Development: IRENA is calling for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica.

Disability Policy Push: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre says Government is moving to create a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit to centralize support and give persons with disabilities a stronger voice in Dominica’s development. By-Election Watch: Roseau North is set for a September 7 by-election, with voters assigned to 10 polling centres and three candidates in the race. Health & Care Culture: The Dominica Nurses Association marks 69 years of service, renewing calls for compassion, dignity and kindness as part of everyday patient care. Weather Alert: A strong tropical wave is bringing locally heavy rains, gusty winds and thunderstorms, with small craft warnings and a high surf advisory in effect. Community & Culture: The Soufrière Dive Fest returns this weekend with hikes, water activities and family events, while the Waitukubuli Artist Association hosts a free stop-motion animation movie night in Trafalgar. Road Tragedy: Dominica mourns graphic designer Travis Bannis, who died after injuries from a Canefield Cliff accident.

Roseau North By-Election: The Electoral Office says the Roseau North parliamentary by-election is set for September 7, with polling centres mapped across the constituency and three candidates contesting the seat. Healthcare Compassion: The Dominica Nurses Association is urging nurses and ward aides to keep kindness, dignity and empathy at the centre of patient care. Education & Skills: UWI students in Nutrition and Dietetics received advanced food safety training through CARPHA, while Dominica’s Adult Education Division hosts its annual Skills Exhibition today in Roseau. Local Scholarships: DOMLEC marks 40 years of its scholarship programme, awarding four students support for secondary school. Agriculture Recognition: Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste has been named among FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in agrifood systems. Sports Development: Pointe Ronde’s multi-purpose complex is progressing toward World Athletics Class One certification. Culture & Tourism: Soufrière Dive Fest returns this weekend, and Winair is offering a 65% fare reduction for World Creole Music Festival travel.

Roseau North By-Election: The Electoral Office says polling for the Sept. 7 by-election will run across 10 centres, with voters assigned by community, after nomination day on Aug. 21. Nurses’ Compassion Call: The Dominica Nurses Association marks its 69 years by urging nurses and ward aides to keep kindness, dignity and empathy at the centre of care. Dominica Politics: DLP candidate Ashma McDougall told Gutter residents she returns with a clearer plan ahead of the Roseau North vote. Kalinago Craft Centre Talks: Kalinago Chief Anette Sanford and council members are in St. Kitts pushing for a Kalinago craft centre to create jobs beyond Dominica. Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across the Caribbean, including Dominica, for possible financing support. Food Safety Training: UWI students in Trinidad received CARPHA ServSafe train-the-trainer advanced food safety certification. Agriculture Recognition: Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste was named among FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in agrifood systems. Sports Facility Update: Pointe Ronde’s multi-purpose complex is expected to target World Athletics Class One certification after assessment. Community & Learning: Adult Education Division hosts its annual Skills Exhibition in Roseau today, showcasing trades from pastry and sewing to carpentry.