AGP Executive Report

Citizenship by Investment Pressure: The EU has told Eastern Caribbean governments to stop selling “golden passports” by 2028 or risk losing visa-free travel access, saying islands can’t properly screen applicants even after security upgrades. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: Dominica women-led businesses can apply for a US$550,000 CDB initiative (2026–2028) to turn clean energy ideas into market-ready products, with technical help, financing access, and value-chain links. Agriculture Workforce Plan: At Caribbean Week of Agriculture, Jamaica’s Floyd Green urged a regional farmworker framework, pointing to Dominica’s migrant-worker model that brought about 200 workers to support roughly 80 farmers and boost output. Food Security Strategy: Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson pushed a “One country, one product” approach to specialize by commodity and strengthen regional trade. Green Infrastructure Procurement: GIZ/EU Euroclima is seeking bids for design-and-build services for steel-framed installation work at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau. Road Resilience Update: PM Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced stabilization work plus upgrades to the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Tourism Jobs & Labour: An ILO study warns tourism’s big GDP role across the Eastern Caribbean is held back by informality, weak labour protections, skills gaps, and limited financing. Regional Trade Skills: OECS is running EU-funded training in Dominica and other islands to strengthen trade-in-services negotiating capacity. Sports (Local Impact): Guyana opened its Nations League campaign in Roseau with a 1–0 win over Puerto Rico via a late penalty.

Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: Dominica women-led businesses are set to benefit from a new US$550,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028), offering technical help and financing to turn clean energy ideas into market-ready products and services. Agriculture Workforce & Food Security: Floyd Green urged a regional farmworker framework, pointing to Dominica’s migrant-worker model that has brought about 200 workers to support roughly 80 farmers and boost productivity. CARICOM Farmer Recognition: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John (Wesley) was named CARICOM Minister of Agriculture Farmer of the Year 2026, with the Ministry citing his role in strengthening regional food security. Waste & Construction Tender: Euroclima/GIZ issued an EOI for design-and-build services for steel-framed installation work at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau, covering structural, electrical, CCTV, fire alarm, drainage and plumbing. Connectivity & Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, moving from letters of intent to committed investment, targeting service by end-2029. Energy Transition at the UN: Dominica’s President said the geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, lifting renewable electricity to about 84% and aiming for 100% by 2030. Tourism Jobs & Informality: An ILO study warns that informal work and weak labour protections are limiting sustainable growth in Eastern Caribbean tourism. Digital/Internet Skills: Dominica State College launched a Youth Internet Governance Lab with a US$20,000 ARIN grant to tackle campus connectivity issues and build student-led policy and research. Sports: Guyana opened its Concacaf Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico in Roseau, with Osaze De Rosario scoring a late penalty.

Education & Credentials: Ghana’s GTEC published a list of 110 unrecognised institutions as of end-September 2026, warning the public to do due diligence on certificates. Agriculture Workforce: At Caribbean Week of Agriculture, Belize’s minister backed a regional farmworker framework, pointing to Dominica’s migrant-worker setup that has brought about 200 workers to support roughly 80 farmers. Food Security Strategy: Belize’s agriculture minister also pushed a “One country, one product” model to specialize commodities and boost intra-Caribbean trade. Agriculture Recognition: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John won CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026, with the Ministry citing his role in strengthening food security. Tourism Jobs: An ILO study says tourism drives about 39% of GDP and 11% of employment across several Eastern Caribbean states, but informality and weak protections limit decent work. Pesticide Safety: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling and Integrated Pest Management. Energy Transition: Dominica’s President told the UN the geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, lifting renewables to about 84% of electricity and targeting 100% by 2030. Connectivity & Digital Skills: Dominica State College launched a student-led Internet Governance Lab to study campus connectivity issues and policy questions. Infrastructure Tender: GIZ/EU Euroclima issued an EOI for design-and-build services for steel-framed industrial installation at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau. Regional Trade Skills: OECS training supported services-sector negotiators across Protocol states, funded by the EU’s RIGHT programme. Haiti Security: OAS member states, including Dominica, urged the UN to renew and fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force with personnel, funding, equipment and logistics.

Food Security Strategy: Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson is pushing a “One Country, One Product” model for the Caribbean, urging countries to specialize in what they produce best and coordinate through regional trade, backed by infrastructure investment. Regional Farming Recognition: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John (Wesley) received the CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026 award in Jamaica, with the Ministry citing his role in strengthening food security and sustainable agriculture. Safer Agriculture Practices: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling of highly hazardous pesticides and promoting Integrated Pest Management to protect consumers and the environment. Tourism Jobs & Labour: An ILO study warns that Eastern Caribbean tourism’s heavy reliance on informal work and weak protections is limiting decent work and sustainable growth, even as tourism remains a major GDP and employment driver. Digital Connectivity Skills: Dominica State College launched a Youth Internet Governance Lab to help students map campus connectivity issues and explore policy and legal questions around internet access. Energy Transition: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, with renewables at about 84% of electricity and a push for 100% by 2030. Transport Infrastructure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced plans to stabilize the damaged O’Delices Road section and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Regional Trade Capacity: OECS, with EU funding, is training services-sector stakeholders across Protocol member states to strengthen trade policy development and negotiating skills. Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink launched the Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a submarine cable route serving multiple islands, targeting service by end-2029. Music & Culture: Bouyon artist Rudy Ru$h released “Here for You,” blending techno textures with Bouyon, as he prepares more releases ahead of Dominica Creole Festival.

Caribbean Agriculture Week: Dominica’s Dywany St. John (Wesley) was named CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026 at the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture opening in Jamaica, with the Ministry of Agriculture praising his role in strengthening food security and sustainable production. Trade & Services Skills: OECS, with EU funding, rolled out specialised training for trade in services practitioners across OECS Protocol member states, including sessions held in Dominica, to boost negotiating and policymaking capacity. Pesticide Safety: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day by urging safer handling of highly hazardous pesticides and promoting Integrated Pest Management, plus residue testing with the Bureau of Standards. Energy & Climate Resilience: President Sylvanie Burton told the UNGA Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, pushing renewables to about 84% of electricity and calling for financing to build resilience before disasters. Digital Skills for Youth: Dominica State College launched a student-led Internet Governance Lab to map campus connectivity issues and connect technical problems to policy and legal questions. Infrastructure Update: PM Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced stabilisation work and upgrades to the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Tourism Training: Discover Dominica launched a new Online Travel Training course for UK travel advisers to help sell Dominica’s nature and tourism pillars. Regional Diplomacy: India and CARICOM foreign ministers met on UNGA sidelines, with Dominica among attendees, discussing deeper cooperation on trade, agriculture, digital governance, climate resilience and energy.

Caribbean Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure: EllaLink officially launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a fibre optic submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western branches serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Agriculture Recognition: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John (Wesley) received the CARICOM Minister of Agriculture Farmer of the Year 2026 award in Jamaica, with the Ministry citing his role in food security and sustainable farming. Trade in Services Capacity: OECS, with EU funding, delivered specialised training for trade in services stakeholders across Protocol states, building negotiating and policymaking capacity for the revised Treaty of Basseterre. Tourism Jobs & Informality: An ILO study warns that informal work and weak labour protections are holding back Eastern Caribbean tourism’s push for decent work, productivity and social protection. Pesticide Safety Push: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling of highly hazardous pesticides and promoting Integrated Pest Management plus residue testing. Energy & Resilience: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton told the UN geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, supporting a shift to ~84% renewable electricity and a 100% target by 2030, while calling for resilience financing. Local Infrastructure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced stabilisation steps and upgrades to the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Digital Skills for Students: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to map campus connectivity issues and explore governance, policy and accessibility. Dominica in Regional/Global Networks: Dominica’s Chief of Protocol Remilia White joined a US State Department IVLP on advancing economic prosperity, while Dominica also invited partners to use the island as a “living laboratory” for climate resilience. Finance & Banking Risk (Dominica-linked): Reports on Tether’s limited exposure to Dominica-licensed EQIBank followed a US seizure tied to payment processor Capstone, raising counterparty-risk questions even as Tether says the impact is small.

Crypto & Banking Shock: U.S. prosecutors seized about $84.2M tied to a Montana payments firm (Capstone) allegedly linked to Tether, after Capstone allegedly misrepresented itself to banks including Wells Fargo and JPMorgan; Tether says its EQIBank exposure is below 0.034% of total assets and had “no knowledge” of the alleged conduct. Regional Trade Skills: OECS launched EU-funded training for trade in services negotiators across OECS Protocol states, with sessions held in Dominica and other islands. Agriculture & Food Safety: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling of highly hazardous pesticides and promoting Integrated Pest Management, plus residue testing with the Bureau of Standards. Livestock Production Push: A national seminar focused on strengthening poultry and pig output, highlighting the upgraded Layou abattoir and local “produce local, consume local” goals. Energy & Industry Transition: Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, with the President telling the UN it supports about 84% renewable electricity and aims for 100% by 2030. Infrastructure & Transport: PM Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide area and announced steps to stabilize the O’Delices Road and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Digital Governance for Youth: Dominica State College launched a student-led Internet Governance Lab to study campus connectivity issues and policy impacts. Tourism Training: Discover Dominica Authority rolled out a new OTT destination course for UK travel advisers to sell Dominica’s tourism pillars. Governance & Climate Resilience: President Sylvanie Burton urged global partners to fund resilience before disasters, pitching Dominica as a “living laboratory” for climate-smart development.

Geothermal & Climate Resilience: Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly the country’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, lifting renewable electricity to about 84% and aiming for 100% by 2030, framing clean power as a driver for new industries and jobs. Roads & Infrastructure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced steps to stabilize the damaged O’Delices Road stretch and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Agriculture & Food Safety: On Pesticide Awareness Day, Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board urged safer handling of highly hazardous pesticides and promoted Integrated Pest Management, while noting residue testing with the Bureau of Standards. Tourism & Labour: An ILO study warns informality and weak labour protections are limiting Eastern Caribbean tourism’s ability to deliver sustainable growth, despite tourism’s large GDP and employment share. Digital Skills: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to map campus connectivity issues and explore policy and legal questions around access. Finance & Consumer Protection: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen ECCB oversight of banks’ customer treatment, complaints handling, and fee monitoring. Regional Security: OAS member states, including Dominica, urged the UN to renew and fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate with personnel and funding. Culture & Entertainment: Dominica’s Discover Dominica Authority rolled out a new OTT destination training course for UK travel advisers, and Bouyon artist Rudy Ru$h released “Here for You” ahead of upcoming performances.

Haiti Security: OAS member states, including Dominica, have urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and fully deploy it with personnel, financing, equipment and logistics, after an OAS mission flagged security and elections as tightly linked. Climate Resilience & Energy: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly that Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation and that resilience must be financed before disasters strike, with renewable energy and resilient infrastructure driving economic transformation. Road & Public Works: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced steps to stabilise the damaged O’Delices Road stretch and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Digital & Skills: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to tackle campus connectivity issues, supported by a US$20,000 ARIN grant. Finance & Consumer Protection: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen ECCB oversight, require fair treatment and complaint procedures, and create a financial market conduct and inclusion office. Livestock & Food Systems: A national seminar focused on strengthening poultry and pig production, highlighting the upgraded Layou abattoir and efforts to boost local output. Tourism Training: Discover Dominica rolled out a new OTT destination training course for UK travel advisers to sell Dominica’s nature, culture and agro tourism. Geopolitics & Trade: India and CARICOM foreign ministers met on UNGA sidelines, discussing deeper cooperation across trade, agriculture, digital governance, climate resilience and energy. Local Sports: Guyana opened its CONCACAF Nations League campaign in Roseau with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico, with Osaze De Rosario scoring a late penalty. Business/Tech Finance: International reporting says stablecoin issuer Tether has limited exposure to Dominica-licensed EQIBank after a major US asset seizure tied to Capstone, while EQIBank contests the action.

UN Climate & Energy Push: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly that resilience must start before disasters, calling for global financing for resilient roads, water, health and digital services, while highlighting Dominica’s geothermal plant now in commercial operation and renewable electricity at about 84%, aiming for 100% by 2030. Geothermal & Power Sector: Burton’s remarks reinforced the geothermal milestone as a path to cut imported fuel exposure and spur new industries. Road Access Fix: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced stabilisation work plus upgrades to the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route to restore safer southeast access. Digital Skills for Industry: Dominica State College launched a student-led Internet Governance Lab to map campus connectivity issues and link technical fixes with policy and legal questions. Agriculture & Food Security: A national poultry and pig production seminar focused on strengthening local output and improving links across the livestock value chain, with the upgraded Layou abattoir highlighted as key infrastructure. Banking Consumer Protection: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen ECCB oversight, require fair customer treatment, and create a financial market conduct and inclusion office. Tourism Training: Discover Dominica Authority rolled out a new OTT destination course for UK travel advisers, covering Dominica’s seven tourism pillars. Regional Governance & Security: Dominica backed an OAS call for renewal of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, urging full funding and logistical support. Finance Watch (Offshore Banking): Tether confirmed its EQIBank exposure is under 0.034% after a major U.S. seizure tied to the Dominica-licensed bank, keeping the direct impact described as limited.

UN Diplomacy Push: UNGA leaders urged the UN to shift from counting the dead to preventing crises through early diplomacy and stronger peace agreements, with Dominica President Sylvanie Burton backing climate resilience financing before disasters strike. Haiti Security Mandate: OAS member states, including Dominica, called for renewing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and funding full deployment under Haitian-led solutions. Debt Pressure: Global South leaders warned debt repayments and high borrowing costs are draining money from health, education, infrastructure and climate protection. Dominica Energy Milestone: Burton told the UN Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, lifting renewable electricity to about 84% and supporting a push for 100% by 2030. Digital Skills for Governance: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to tackle campus connectivity issues and build policy and legal understanding. Road Access After Landslide: PM Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced plans to stabilise the damaged O’Delices Road and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Banking Oversight: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen consumer protection and ECCB supervision of commercial banks’ fees and complaints handling. Tourism Training: Discover Dominica rolled out a new OTT destination course for UK travel advisers to help sell Dominica’s tourism pillars. Sports: Guyana edged Puerto Rico 1-0 at Windsor Park in Roseau, with Osaze De Rosario scoring a late penalty.

Debt & Development: UN leaders warn that high borrowing costs are draining money from hospitals, schools and climate protection, with Kenya’s Ruto saying many developing states now pay more in interest than on health or education. Offshore Finance Shock: U.S. prosecutors seek forfeiture of about $84.2M tied to Tether-linked accounts, while Tether and EQIBank (a Dominica-licensed bank) say Tether’s EQIBank exposure is under 0.034% of total assets. Road Access Update: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced plans to stabilise the damaged O’Delices stretch and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Energy Transition: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton told the UN that the geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, lifting renewable electricity to about 84% and targeting 100% by 2030. Digital Skills for Industry: Dominica State College launched a student-led Internet Governance Lab to study campus connectivity issues and build future policy know-how. Tourism Training: Discover Dominica Authority rolled out a new OTT destination course for UK travel advisers, covering Dominica’s seven tourism pillars. Livestock Push: A national seminar focused on strengthening poultry and pig production as Dominica prepares for full operation of its national abattoirs. Global Crime Cooperation: Dominica is named among 35 countries in Operation ATLAS NEXUS, reporting 490+ arrests and 156.9 tonnes of seizures.

Stablecoin & Offshore Banking: Tether says its EQIBank exposure is under 0.034% of total assets after U.S. authorities seized about $89M from the Dominica-licensed digital bank, raising liquidation fears and spotlighting offshore counterparty risk. Energy Transition: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton told the UNGA the country’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, pushing renewables to about 84% of electricity and supporting a goal of 100% by 2030. Climate Resilience Funding: Burton also urged partners to finance resilience before disasters, proposing Dominica as a “living laboratory” for resilient housing, water systems, climate-smart agriculture, and digital services. Tourism & Skills: Discover Dominica Authority launched a new Online Travel Training course for UK and US travel advisers, covering Dominica’s seven tourism pillars to boost destination sales. Livestock Production: A national poultry and pig seminar focused on “Produce Local, Consume Local, Secure the Future,” tied to upgrading abattoir capacity and strengthening local supply. Governance & Consumer Protection: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to expand ECCB oversight of fair treatment, complaints handling, and consumer protection. Sports: Guyana opened its Concacaf Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico in Roseau, with Dominica as the match venue.

Stablecoin & Offshore Banking: Tether says its EQIBank exposure is under 0.034% of total assets after U.S. authorities seized about $89M from the Dominica-licensed bank, raising liquidation fears; Tether also says it had no knowledge of alleged misconduct by payment processor Capstone. Energy & Climate Resilience: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly the country’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, with renewables at about 84% of electricity and a push to reach 100% by 2030, while urging partners to fund resilience before disasters hit. Tourism & Skills: Discover Dominica Authority launched a new Online Travel Training course for UK and US travel advisers, teaching Dominica’s seven tourism pillars and key experiences to help sell the island. Agriculture & Food Systems: Dominica hosted a national seminar on poultry and pig production to help farmers meet requirements for the upgraded National Abattoir at Layou Park, alongside efforts to strengthen local supply. Governance & Consumer Protection: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to expand ECCB oversight of banks’ customer treatment, complaints handling, and financial market conduct. Regional Security: Dominica took part in Operation ATLAS NEXUS, an international crackdown that led to 490+ arrests and 156.9 tonnes of seizures across multiple crime categories. Music & Culture: Bouyon artist Rudy Ru$h released “Here for You,” blending techno textures with Bouyon and preparing a fuller project for early 2027.

UNGA Climate & Energy Push: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton told the UN that the country’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, lifting renewable electricity to about 84% and supporting a goal of 100% renewables by 2030, while urging partners to fund resilience before disasters strike. Living Laboratory Pitch: Burton also invited international researchers and investors to turn Dominica into a “living laboratory” for climate-smart housing, water, digital services, agriculture and nature-based adaptation. Geothermal Regional Context: Grenada published a tender for preparatory infrastructure for geothermal slim-hole drilling, signaling wider OECS interest in renewable energy projects. Tourism Training for Sales: Discover Dominica Authority launched a new Online Travel Training course for UK (and US) travel advisers, focusing on Dominica’s seven tourism pillars to help boost bookings. Internet Governance Lab: Dominica State College is setting up a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to map campus connectivity issues and explore policy and legal questions around access. Livestock Supply Boost: A national poultry and pig seminar is preparing farmers for the National Abattoir’s ramp-up, while an IOM-backed workshop advances a policy to integrate migrant labour into agriculture. Consumer Banking Oversight: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen ECCB supervision, complaint handling and consumer protection. Regional Security Cooperation: Dominica took part in Operation ATLAS NEXUS, a major cross-border crackdown that led to 490+ arrests and large seizures.

Internet & Skills: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab, backed by a US$20,000 ARIN grant, to map campus connectivity issues and explore policy, legal and accessibility questions, with a Youth Internet Governance Forum planned for 2027. Energy Transition: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly that Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, lifting renewable electricity to about 84% and supporting a push for 100% renewables by 2030—framed as an economic transformation, not just climate action. Climate Resilience Financing: Burton also urged partners to fund resilience before disasters strike, proposing Dominica become a “living laboratory” for resilient housing, water management, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture and digital public services. Tourism & Hospitality: Rize & Whine and Tipsy Music Festival teams will curate the VIP/VVIP experience for WCMF 2026, adding premium bars, chef stations, wellness services and Dominica-themed activations. Agriculture & Food Security: A national poultry and pig seminar focused on “Produce Local, Consume Local, Secure the Future,” building toward full operation of Dominica’s upgraded abattoirs. Governance & Consumer Protection: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen ECCB oversight of banks’ customer treatment, complaints handling and financial market conduct.