AGP Executive Report

ECCB Currency Change: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC banknotes in Dominica, replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes and nation builders, including Dame Mary Eugenia Charles on the EC$20 and Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw on the EC$50; the new notes are set to enter circulation in late 2027. OECS Connectivity Push: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline and backed talks on a shared OECS ICT network using EU-supported subsea cables to cut broadband costs. CBI Under EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica to craft a coordinated response to the EU’s request to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by June 1, 2028, citing reforms, transparency, and a planned high-level mission to Brussels. Power Restored After Outage: DOMLEC began restoring electricity after an island-wide outage, with power returning first to northern communities and Upper Goodwill while crews work incrementally. Sports—AmeriCup: Dominica’s men opened with an 81-64 loss to Turks and Caicos, while Guyana beat Dominica 68-53 in the women’s/other pre-qualifier action. Youth Sports: Aspirers Athletics Club arrived in Curaçao for the Trupial Classic after a year of fundraising, with multiple Dominican athletes winning medals in early field events. Seniors’ Rights Forum: The Dominica Council on Ageing hosts a public panel on seniors’ legal rights and protection this Saturday.

Eastern Caribbean Currency Union: ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes and leaders, including Dominica’s Dame Mary Eugenia Charles on the EC$20 and Dame Mary Eugenia Charles’ fellow honourees across the series; circulation is expected to begin in late 2027. Regional Connectivity: OECS Air is being proposed to tackle inter-island connectivity gaps, while Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne also pushed for a shared OECS ICT network using subsea cables to cut broadband costs. Power and Utilities: DOMLEC is investigating an island-wide outage that left customers without electricity, and says power has started returning in the north and Upper Goodwill; DOWASCO also announced a Portsmouth office closure and a separate Soufriere water interruption. Governance and Diplomacy: Dominica’s ambassador Steve Ferrol assumed chair of the OAS Permanent Council, focusing on governance, hemispheric integration, and the needs of small states. Community and Safety: Dominica Council on Ageing hosts a Saturday panel on seniors’ legal rights and protection. Tourism Spotlight: Secret Bay was ranked among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts by Travel + Leisure. Sports: Dominica’s senior men’s team opened the FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers with an 81-64 loss to Turks and Caicos.

Tourism Accolades: Travel + Leisure has ranked Dominica’s Secret Bay among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts, praising its luxury, sustainability and secluded rainforest setting. More Tourism Buzz: Dominica also took the No. 1 island spot in the Caribbean and No. 9 worldwide in the same World’s Best Awards, with the “Nature Island” pitch front and centre. EU CBI Pressure: The EU has told five OECS states—including Dominica—to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 1, 2028, warning visa-free access to the Schengen Area could be suspended. Regional Politics: CARICOM says it will audit how member states handle the US Third-Country Nationals deportation arrangement, after concerns over unclear positions. Local Governance & Accountability: The UPP is pressing the government to publish contracts for major infrastructure projects, including the international airport, cable car and Cabrits Marina. Finance & Currency: Dominica is set to assume chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council, with new EC banknotes and coins unveiled. Public Services: DOWASCO apologised for an unscheduled water interruption in Soufriere due to repairs on a damaged supply line. Culture & Sport: Musical Mélé returns after six years, and Dominica’s Bouyon Ballers open their FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers campaign against Turks and Caicos.

UPP Accountability Push: The United Progressive Party is demanding the government publish contracts for major Dominica infrastructure projects, including the international airport, the cable car, and Cabrits Marina, arguing transparency is key for public confidence. ECCB Monetary Council Handover: Dominica will assume chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council today, with Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre taking over and a new EC banknote and coin design unveiled to mark 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed peg to the US dollar. EU CBI Deadline: The EU has told five Caribbean states, including Dominica, to end Citizenship by Investment by 2028, warning of possible loss of visa-free Schengen access; Dominica’s leaders are responding publicly as the region weighs revenue risks. Tourism Spotlight: Dominica has been named the No. 1 island in the Caribbean and No. 9 worldwide in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards. Sports & Culture: The Bouyon Ballers open their FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers campaign against Turks and Caicos, while Musical Mélé returns after six years, set for August 9.

CBI Pressure on the OECS: EU letters urge OECS states to phase out Citizenship by Investment by 2028, with warnings that visa-free Schengen access could be suspended—Dominica’s Premier Brantley calls it an existential threat and urges economic self-reliance beyond CBI. ECCB in Dominica: The ECCB Monetary Council meets in the Commonwealth of Dominica today, with Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine set to present the Monetary, Credit and Financial Conditions report and Dominica taking the chairmanship; the bank also marks 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed rate to the US dollar. Tourism Boost: Dominica is ranked No. 1 in the Caribbean and No. 9 globally in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, and the World Creole Music Festival lineup will be revealed at an official launch July 11 ahead of Oct. 23–25 at Windsor Park. Community & Safety: The Dominica Council on Ageing is calling for justice after the death of an 83-year-old man and urges vigilance for seniors; NCCU backs the Morne Jaune–Rivière Cyrique reunion with road improvements and support to a health centre. Education & Agriculture: Teachers are encouraged to use AI as a learning tool, while the Agriculture Ministry trains officers on pre- and post-disaster damage assessment to strengthen resilience.

Tourism Spotlight: Dominica has been named No. 1 island in the Caribbean and No. 9 globally in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, with the magazine praising the island’s rainforests, volcanic scenery, waterfalls and hot springs. Disaster Readiness: The Agriculture Ministry is running two-day pre- and post-disaster damage assessment training for technical officers, using CDB support under an EU-funded resilience programme. Regional Finance: Dominica’s Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre will take over chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council on July 9, with the handover also marking 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate. Citizenship by Investment Pressure: EU letters urge OECS states to phase out CBI by June 2028, and regional leaders warn of major economic fallout if visa-free access is suspended. Elections Update: Prime Minister Skerrit says voter ID cards will begin issuing before the end of July. Education & Skills: The DAT Summer Training Institute continues, with teachers encouraged to use AI as a learning tool, while Dominica State College marks its 24th commencement with record bachelor’s graduates. Public Safety: Senior police officials visited a drill refresher session to reinforce discipline and operational readiness.

CARICOM/CCJ: CARICOM Heads of Government agreed to seek a Caribbean Court of Justice advisory opinion on the process used to reappoint Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett, after Trinidad and Tobago raised objections—keeping the current status quo until the court rules. CBI Pressure: The EU has told OECS states to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by June 2028, warning that the programmes themselves can trigger visa-free access suspensions; Dominica’s PM Skerrit defended the CBI as a key development engine while oversight tightens. ECCB Milestone: The ECCB marked 50 years of the EC dollar fixed exchange rate, as Dominica’s Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre is set to chair the ECCB Monetary Council meeting in Portsmouth. Elections: Dominica will begin issuing Voter ID cards before the end of July, as part of the electoral reform push. Sports (Dominica): Dominica’s senior men’s team is set for its historic FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers debut in Guyana, with the squad drawn in Group A against Guyana, Turks and Caicos, Antigua and Barbuda, and Bermuda. Local Announcements: DOWASCO warned of heavy traffic in Morne Rachette due to water tank construction and advised caution. Community/Health: Police are investigating the discovery of human skeletal remains in Castle Bruce, with identity pending autopsy and identification.

Electoral Update: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will begin issuing voter ID cards before the end of July, as part of efforts to strengthen the electoral system and encourage citizens to confirm their registration. Infrastructure & Safety: DOWASCO warns of heavy traffic in Morne Rachette from construction work tied to a new water storage tank at Au Piton, expected to start around July 8 and run through the end of July. Blue & Green Economy: The Ministry of Agriculture is inviting applications for a Chief Whale Reserve Officer to manage and develop Dominica’s Sperm Whale Reserve, including monitoring, enforcement coordination, and public engagement. Education & Training: The Dominica Association of Teachers’ Training Institute is underway, with DAT President Mervin Alexander urging teachers to stay engaged, renew their passion, and return to classrooms ready for September. Youth & Innovation: A Nature Island Innovators Robotics Camp will run July 13–18 at Portsmouth Secondary School, giving young people hands-on robotics, coding, and leadership training. Public Health & Community: The Dominica Council on Ageing will host a free forum on seniors’ legal rights and protections on July 11, covering issues like healthcare access, financial security, housing, and protection from abuse. Local Investigation: Police are investigating the discovery of human skeletal remains in Castle Bruce, with identity not yet confirmed and an autopsy pending.

CBI and US visa pressure: Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit renewed calls for Washington to reconsider visa restrictions affecting Dominicans, saying the issue is still under review after earlier promises of a June 2026 look. CBI scrutiny in the region: Skerrit also defended Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme as a key development engine, while Antigua and Barbuda faced an EU demand to phase out its CBI by June 1, 2028—setting up a major diplomatic standoff. Regional governance dispute: Trinidad and Tobago challenged CARICOM reappointment of Secretary-General Carla Barnett, urging an advisory opinion from the Caribbean Court of Justice. Public safety: Dominica police are investigating skeletal remains found in Castle Bruce, while separately probing an apparent suicide in Lagoon, Portsmouth. Community and youth: The Dominica Council on Ageing announced a free forum on seniors’ legal rights and protections, and a Nature Island Innovators Robotics Camp runs July 13–18 for young people in Portsmouth. Sports: FIFA cleared US striker Folarin Balogun to play Belgium after a suspension appeal was rejected.

CBI and US visa pressure: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged Washington to reconsider visa restrictions affecting Dominicans and Antigua and Barbuda nationals, saying the measures are hurting travel for medical care, education and other essentials, while regional talks continue. CBI backlash warning: Skerrit also cautioned against negative comments about Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme, insisting recent changes have been favourable. Geothermal power update: Dominica’s geothermal plant reliability test resumed after June outages, with the plant supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid following fixes to protection settings coordination. Health watch—Ebola: The Health Ministry says Ebola risk in Dominica remains low, but it has tightened port screening and issued travel advisories. Community and youth: The Dominica Council on Ageing will host a forum on seniors’ legal rights and protection; and the Nature Island Innovators Robotics Camp runs July 13–18 in Portsmouth. Agriculture: FAO trained 56 farmers and ag professionals on irrigation, fertigation and nutrient management to boost vegetable production. Public safety: Police are investigating an apparent suicide in Lagoon, Portsmouth. Regional sport: Dominica athletes posted strong results at the CARICOM Road Run/Walk in St. Lucia.

Visa Pressure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit urged the United States to reconsider visa restrictions affecting Dominicans and Antiguans and Barbudans, saying talks continue and Washington has not yet made a final decision, with citizens worried about travel for education, medical care and business. CARICOM in Focus: Dominica’s leaders and athletes are in the spotlight as the 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government opens in St. Lucia, while Dominica also posted strong results at the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk in Gros Islet. Energy Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant reliability test resumed July 1 after June outages, with the plant supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid following fixes to protection settings coordination. Health Watch: The Health Ministry issued an Ebola travel advisory and strengthened border screening, stressing the risk in Dominica is currently low while urging caution for travel to affected African countries. Elections & Services: Voter ID card issuance is expected before end of July as electoral reform moves into implementation, and DOWASCO announced a Roseau office cashier closure on Tuesday July 7. Culture & Sports: Signal Band frontman Sheldon “Shelly” Alfred wrapped a Grenada promotional tour, and Dominica’s athletes delivered notable performances in regional competition.

Visa Pressure on Dominicans: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says he’s urging Washington to reconsider U.S. visa restrictions affecting Dominican nationals “at the soonest opportunity,” after a June review timeline passed, with the curbs linked to Citizenship by Investment scrutiny. Geothermal Power Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant resumed its mandatory seven-day reliability test on July 1 and is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid after June outages tied to protection-setting coordination were corrected. Electoral Reform Move: Voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July, as the government says it has moved from passing electoral reform legislation to implementation. Ebola Preparedness: The Health Ministry says Ebola risk in Dominica remains low, but it has issued travel advisories and strengthened port-of-entry screening following WHO’s PHEIC declaration. Public Health & Safety: DOWASCO announced a Roseau cashiers closure on Tuesday, July 7, and police reported a fatal Marigot road crash that killed a 39-year-old man. Regional Spotlight: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is set to attend CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia, with discussions expected to cover security, food, climate resilience, and integration.

Geothermal Power Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant resumed its mandatory seven-day reliability test on July 1 and is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid after engineers fixed issues linked to protection settings between the battery energy storage system and the plant. Electoral Reform: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July, as the government moves from passing legislation to implementation. Ebola Preparedness: The Health Ministry says Dominica’s Ebola risk is currently low, but it has issued a travel advisory and strengthened border screening after WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Local Services: DOWASCO announced a Roseau cashiers closure on Tuesday, July 7, and separate scheduled service interruptions in other areas. Regional Politics: PM Skerrit is set to attend CARICOM’s 51st Regular Meeting in St Lucia, with discussions expected to cover security, food, climate resilience, renewable energy, integration and trade. Community & Culture: The Alwin Bully Foundation will host a public forum on strengthening Dominica’s creative industries on July 8 at UWI Global Campus. Sports & Youth: Police Acting Sergeant Dion Moses presented a discipline award at Petite Savanne Primary’s graduation, while Dominica’s centenarians were celebrated by the Council on Ageing.

Geothermal Power Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant reliability test resumed July 1 after June outages, and the plant is now supplying about 10.4MW to the national grid following fixes to protection settings coordination. Regional Politics: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew is set to travel for CARICOM’s 51st Regular Meeting in St. Lucia (July 5–8), marking the handover of the CARICOM chair from Drew to Phillip J Pierre. Public Health: The Health Ministry says Dominica’s Ebola risk is currently low, but has issued travel advisories and tightened border screening after WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Elections Watch: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July as Dominica moves from electoral reform legislation to implementation. Local Safety & Services: Police report a fatal Marigot road crash on July 2; DOWASCO also announced planned water and cashier service interruptions in parts of Roseau and Stockfarm/Tarish Pit. Weather: Partly cloudy to cloudy, hazy and breezy with a few showers, plus Saharan dust affecting air quality and rougher seas.

Ebola Watch: Dominica’s Health Ministry says the risk of Ebola in Dominica is currently low, but it has rolled out precautionary measures after WHO declared the outbreak a PHEIC—issuing travel advisories and tightening border screening, with enhanced surveillance at ports of entry and possible monitoring, quarantine or isolation for up to 21 days. Elections Reform: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says voter ID card issuance is expected to begin before the end of July, as the electoral reform process moves from legislation to implementation amid public criticism. Public Health & Access to Care: Health Minister Cassanni Laville clarified that healthcare remains free for Dominicans 18 and under and 60 and over, responding to circulating claims about a 25% contribution fee. Road Tragedy: Antrizile resident Johnson Abraham, 39, died after a fatal Marigot road crash on July 2; police say he was the sole occupant and the body is pending an autopsy. Local Services: DOWASCO announced a Roseau cashiers closure on Tuesday, July 7, plus scheduled water interruptions in Stockfarm/Tarish Pit and St. Joseph/Layou/Mero/Hillsborough Gardens. Sports & Youth: Dominica is set to return to the revived ANOECS Athletics Championships in St. Kitts and Nevis with a nine-member team competing July 4–5.

Electoral Reform: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica’s voter ID cards will start being issued before the end of July, calling it a key step in the electoral reform rollout. Maritime Security: Acting Corporal Steven Celestine has completed the 2026 Legal Aspect of Maritime Security Operations (LAMSO) course, strengthening the CDPF’s legal and operational capacity for maritime security. Fisheries Support: The Ministry has handed over fishing vessels worth EC$400,000 to 8 beneficiaries in Scottshead, aimed at boosting the fisheries sector. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: Dominica pledges US$500,000 toward Venezuela’s earthquake recovery, with PM Skerrit stressing solidarity as rescue and damage assessments continue. Regional Engagement: Skerrit leaves for regional meetings, including talks in Martinique and the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia. Health Policy Clarification: The Health Minister says healthcare remains free for Dominicans 18 and under and 60 and over, addressing confusion over a circulated document. Community & Culture: OECS pushes community-based tourism as a growth engine after a workshop in St. Lucia, while the Kalinago Territory sees 16 new certified tour guides graduate under a UNDP-supported programme. Local Notes: DOWASCO scheduled water interruptions are set for Stockfarm/Tarish Pit and other areas; Dominica also returns to revived ANOECS athletics championships with a nine-member team.