AGP Executive Report

OECS Trade-in-Services Push: The OECS Commission says it has wrapped up a UNCTAD/ECLAC-backed initiative to close trade-in-services data gaps, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to help member states craft export strategies and join global value chains more effectively. Airport Build-Out: Construction on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal is progressing across steelwork, masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing and lightning protection systems as the island moves toward a modern air gateway. WCMF Lineup & Tourism Demand: The World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25, 2026 at Windsor Park with major regional and international acts, while new travel research finds more visitors prioritise cultural immersion and food experiences—good news for Dominica’s culture-led tourism push. Watersports Rules: The Dominica Watersports Association is calling for clearer, more transparent regulations and a streamlined licensing process, and wants better guidance as the Sperm Whale Reserve management framework is implemented. Food Security in Kalinago Territory: UNDP’s SCR-K project delivered seedlings, tools, tarpaulins and water storage plus backyard-gardening training to 36 households to boost resilience and fresh food access. Weather Preparedness: The Agriculture Ministry urges farmers and fishers to secure equipment and protect crops/livestock and to avoid going to sea as a weather system threatens strong winds and heavy rainfall. Bridge Rehabilitation: Work has started on the Pointe Ronde Bridge reconstruction, including a temporary bypass to keep motorists moving while crews clear land and repair the structure. Creative Sector Oversight: PM Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister for the creative industry under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA). CBI Scrutiny: Online debate continues around Secret Bay Resort and its links to Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme, with netizens demanding answers on land arrangements and investment claims.

Airport Build-Out: Construction on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal is advancing across multiple sections, with steelwork, masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing and lightning protection being installed as the island moves toward a modern air travel gateway. Festival & Tourism Demand: The 2026 World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park, Roseau) has unveiled a lineup spanning Machel Montano, Tabou Combo, Skillibeng, Alkaline, Uncle Waffles and Ne-Yo, with organizers pitching the event’s knock-on benefits for hotels, restaurants, vendors and transport. Watersports Regulation Push: The Dominica Watersports Association is calling for clearer, more transparent rules under the Sperm Whale Reserve Act framework, including a streamlined licensing path for new operators and better guidance on rights and responsibilities. Agriculture Weather Readiness: The Agriculture Ministry is urging farmers and fishers to secure tools, seedlings and livestock, protect greenhouses, and avoid going to sea as a weather system is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall. Food Security Support: Kalinago households received vegetable seedlings, fruit trees, farming tools, tarpaulins and water storage equipment through UNDP’s SCR-K project to strengthen backyard gardening and resilience. Local Infrastructure Works: Rehabilitation of Pointe Ronde Bridge is underway in Portsmouth with a temporary bypass being set up to keep traffic moving while crews repair and reconstruct the structure. Creative Sector Governance: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister to oversee the creative industry under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA). CBI Scrutiny & Public Questions: Ongoing online debate continues around Secret Bay and its links to Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme, with calls for clearer answers and transparency.

Creative Economy Push: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister to oversee the creative industry under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA), aiming for tighter support for musicians, filmmakers, audio-visual producers, and creative businesses. Tourism & Events: CSIFF26 announced 47 films from 14 countries (including Dominica) for its Oct 9–11 New York run, with screenings plus industry talks and training. Marine & Watersports Rules: The Dominica Watersports Association is urging clearer, more transparent regulations and a streamlined licensing process for operators, including how the Sperm Whale Reserve Act framework will be implemented for tourism. Food Security & Agriculture: Kalinago households received seedlings, tools, tarpaulins, and water storage to expand backyard gardens under a UNDP/India-funded resilience project. Weather Preparedness: Dominica’s agriculture ministry is warning farmers and fishers to secure equipment and protect crops/livestock and to avoid going to sea as a weather system approaches. Infrastructure Works: Work has started on rehabilitating Pointe Ronde Bridge, with a temporary bypass to keep traffic moving while crews clear land and rebuild. CBI Scrutiny & Governance: New public questions and a leaked letter involving Secret Bay proprietor Gregor Nassief continue to fuel debate over Citizenship by Investment practices and transparency. Local Business/Services: DOWASCO opened a tender for the sale/purchase of a backhoe (JCB Backhoe 2CX, 2008) with bids due Aug 21.

Creative Economy Push: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister to oversee the creative industry under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA), aiming for tighter support and funding for musicians, filmmakers, audio-visual producers and creative entrepreneurs. CBI Scrutiny & Policy Signals: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor flags declining Citizenship by Investment revenue and warns of knock-on effects for CBI-funded projects, while separate coverage keeps spotlighting CBI-related questions around Secret Bay and a leaked Nassief letter calling for accountability (not abolition). Marine Tourism Rules: Dominica’s Sperm Whale Reserve Act is reshaping whale-watching governance, with certified operators, permits and site-pass rules now central to how in-water encounters work. Watersports Regulation: The Dominica Watersports Association urges clearer, more transparent regulations and a streamlined licensing process for new operators, including guidance around the Sperm Whale Reserve management framework. Agriculture & Weather Readiness: The Agriculture Ministry urges farmers and fishers to secure tools, seedlings and livestock and avoid going to sea as a weather system threatens strong winds and heavy rainfall. Food Security Support: Kalinago households received backyard gardening training, seedlings, tools and water storage equipment through a UNDP/India-funded resilience project. Infrastructure Works: Work has started on rehabilitating Pointe Ronde Bridge in Portsmouth, with a temporary bypass to keep traffic moving while crews clear land and rebuild. Local Business Notice: DOWASCO announces a tender for the purchase of a backhoe (JCB Backhoe 2CX, 2008). Seasoning Pepper Results: The Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme shows early gains, with a Giraudel farmer harvesting over 250 pounds of seasoning pepper under ministry support.

CCJ Fallout Explained: A fresh wave of commentary is trying to put the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in context after “leaks” sparked regional concern, with authors stressing the CCJ’s role as Dominica’s top court in civil and criminal matters and warning the controversy could hit the court’s legitimacy. Food Security Support: In the Kalinago Territory, 36 households received seedlings, fruit trees, tools, tarpaulins and water storage through UNDP’s SCR-K project (funded by India), aiming to boost backyard gardening and climate resilience. Watersports Regulation Push: The Dominica Watersports Association says clearer rules are urgently needed ahead of the 2026/2027 season, pointing to gaps in licensing and implementation under the Sperm Whale Reserve Act, and calling for streamlined approvals for operators. Weather Readiness for Farmers & Fishers: The Agriculture Ministry urged farmers and fisherfolk to secure crops, livestock, tools and boats as a weather system is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, with advice to avoid going to sea. Bridge Works in Portsmouth: Rehabilitation of Pointe Ronde Bridge is underway under an EC$898,000 contract, with a temporary bypass to keep traffic moving while crews clear land and improve safety. Creative Industry Oversight: Prime Minister Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a minister specifically to oversee the creative sector under a planned Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA). Seasoning Pepper Results: The Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme is showing early gains, with Giraudel farmer Clint Pemberton harvesting over 250 pounds of seasoning pepper under ministry support. CBI Scrutiny Continues: Secret Bay proprietor Gregor Nassief is again in the spotlight after leaked correspondence and public questions about how CBI-linked arrangements and investments are handled, with Nassief clarifying his position. Tourism Sales Mission: The Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad (Aug 12–18) for its destination sales mission, promoting Dominica’s attractions and upcoming events, including World Creole Music Festival and Carnival. Quartz Import Safeguard Alert: A U.S. Section 201 safeguard measure is set to start Aug 15, using a four-year tariff-rate quota on quartz surface products, raising the risk of higher duties once quota allocations are used up.

Weather & Food Security: Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry is urging farmers and fishers to secure tools, seedlings, livestock and boats ahead of a weather system expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, with special warnings for flood-prone areas and greenhouse operators. Watersports Regulation: The Dominica Watersports Association says clearer, more transparent rules are needed for watersports operations, including licensing and implementation guidance tied to the Sperm Whale Reserve Act, as it sets priorities for the 2026/2027 season. Kalinago Livelihoods: UNDP’s SCR-K project, funded by India, delivered seedlings, tools, tarpaulins and water storage plus training to 36 Kalinago households to expand backyard gardens and strengthen resilience. Infrastructure Works: Crews have started rehabilitation of the Pointe Ronde Bridge, with a temporary bypass being set up to keep motorists moving while construction continues. CBI Scrutiny: Secret Bay proprietor Gregor Nassief is again at the center of public questions and leaked correspondence tied to Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme, with demands for transparency. Agrifood Production: The Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme is showing early results, with one Giraudel farmer harvesting over 250 pounds of seasoning pepper after receiving seedlings and technical support. Creative Sector Policy: PM Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister to oversee the creative industry under a planned agency, aiming for tighter support for musicians and creative businesses. Tourism Sales Push: The Discover Dominica Authority is taking its destination sales mission to Trinidad (Aug 12–18), promoting flights, festivals and year-round attractions. DOWASCO Procurement: DOWASCO has opened a tender for the purchase of a backhoe (JCB Backhoe 2CX, 2008).

CBI & Accountability: Secret Bay owner Gregor Nassief is facing fresh online questions over alleged CBI links, land/lease arrangements and agent commissions, as he pushes for transparency on major CBI-funded projects while netizens demand answers. Creative Sector Push: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a minister specifically to oversee the creative industry under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency, aiming to give musicians and creators more direct support. Infrastructure Works: Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation is underway in Portsmouth after an EC$898,000 contract, with a temporary bypass being set up and drivers urged to slow down near construction. Agriculture Results: The Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme is showing early gains, with Giraudel farmer Clint Pemberton harvesting over 250 pounds of seasoning pepper after receiving seedlings and fertilizer. Weather Preparedness: Farmers and fishers are being urged to secure tools, protect crops and livestock, and prepare for strong winds and heavy rainfall from an approaching weather system. Tourism Regulation: Dominica’s new Sperm Whale Reserve framework is clarifying how whale tourism permits and swim encounters are managed under the 2025 reserve law. Regional Agrifood Financing: FAO will host a regional dialogue in Santiago (Aug 18–19) on innovative financing for agrifood systems, bringing together 70+ representatives from 16 countries. Water Utility Tender: DOWASCO is inviting sealed bids (by Aug 21) for the purchase of a 2008 JCB Backhoe 2CX.

Agrifood Finance: FAO will host a high-level regional dialogue Aug 18–19 in Santiago to unlock innovative financing for Latin America and the Caribbean’s agrifood systems, bringing together 70+ representatives from 16 countries to discuss investment tools, territorial financial ecosystems, and a possible task force. Tourism Regulation: Dominica’s new Sperm Whale Reserve Act (world-first, 923.3 sq km) sets a dedicated permit system for whale tourism, including certified operators, locally registered vessels, site passes, and limits on simultaneous swim encounters—while the Chief Whale Officer role is still being filled. Infrastructure Works: Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation is underway after an EC$898,000 contract to CR5 Limited; crews are clearing land for a temporary bypass to keep traffic moving and improve safety and resilience. Water Utility Procurement: DOWASCO invites sealed tenders (by Aug 21, 3:30 pm) for the sale/purchase of a 2008 JCB Backhoe 2CX (TS 669). Agriculture Support: Giraudel farmer Clint Pemberton harvested 250+ pounds of seasoning pepper under the Ministry’s Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme, backed by seedlings and fertilizer to boost local supply and reduce shortages. Creative Industry Push: PM Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister and create the Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA) to give the creative sector tighter financial and policy support. CBI Debate: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor warns declining CBI revenue could affect major projects, while Kenneth Rijock—despite past criticism—acknowledges CBI-funded infrastructure achievements and questions whether EU closure timelines are in Dominica’s best interest. Waste & Skills: Paul-Victor also flags inconsistent garbage collection in Salisbury due to limited trucks and calls for stronger workforce preparation for emerging industries.

CBI & Infrastructure Debate: Financial crime consultant Kenneth Rijock, long critical of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, says the scale of CBI-financed projects—like major health infrastructure—raises the question of whether the EU’s push to end CBI by June 2028 is truly in Dominica’s best interests. Creative Economy Push: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister to oversee the creative industry under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA), aiming for tighter, more direct support for musicians, filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs. Agriculture Results: The Ministry of Agriculture reports early success in its Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme, with Giraudel farmer Clint Pemberton harvesting over 250 pounds of seasoning pepper after receiving seedlings and fertilizer support. Tourism Sales Mission: Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad for its annual destination sales mission (Aug 12–18), promoting year-round experiences and key events like World Creole Music Festival and Carnival, with direct flights from Trinidad to Dominica set for Oct 5. Waste & Skills: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor flags inconsistent garbage collection in Salisbury and calls for more resources plus workforce training for emerging industries. Population Policy: Dominica will introduce citizenship through a grandparent starting Jan 1, 2027, under the National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme. CBI Revenue Warning: Paul-Victor also warns declining CBI revenue could disrupt development plans, urging investment in productive capacity beyond one income stream. Regional Policy Shock: The EU’s deadline for ending CBI in five Caribbean states by June 1, 2028 threatens Schengen visa-free access, with Dominica among the affected countries.

Creative Economy Push: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a minister specifically to oversee the creative industry under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA), aiming to give musicians, filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs more direct backing. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture highlights early results from its Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme, with Giraudel farmer Clint Pemberton harvesting over 250 pounds of seasoning pepper after receiving seedlings and fertilizer support. Tourism Sales Drive: The Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad for its annual destination sales mission (Aug 12–18), with mall activations and business meetings, and it flags new Contour Airlines direct flights from Oct 5 plus major festival dates. Waste & Skills: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor presses for better garbage collection in Salisbury, citing limited trucks, and calls for workforce training aligned with emerging industries. Citizenship Policy Update: Government plans citizenship through a Dominican grandparent starting Jan 1, 2027, as part of a population renewal push. CBI Scrutiny: Nassief clarifies a leaked letter on alleged unlawful practices in Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment pathways, while EU pressure on CBI “golden passports” continues to loom across the region. Trade Impact (US): A new US Section 201 safeguard under a tariff-rate quota targets quartz surface products from Aug 15, raising over-quota duties once quarterly allocations are used up. Regional Finance Marketing: Flow launches a Caribbean-wide “We Live For This” campaign for the 2026 Republic Bank CPL, tying cricket culture to brand promotion.

Telecom & Sports Sponsorship: Flow launched its Caribbean-wide “We Live For This” campaign to promote the 2026 Republic Bank CPL, spotlighting cricket as part of Caribbean identity and driving fan engagement across islands. Tourism Sales & Air Access: The Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad for its Aug 12–18 destination sales mission, with mall activations, B2B meetings and media outreach, and it flags new Contour Airlines direct flights from Oct 5, 2026 plus the World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25) and Carnival (Feb 8–9, 2027). Creative Economy Policy: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a minister specifically to oversee the creative industry under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA), aiming to give musicians, filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs more direct support. Population & Skills Strategy: Government announced a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme to reach 100,000 residents by 2040, including citizenship through a Dominican grandparent starting Jan 1, 2027. Agriculture Resilience: The budget includes EC$1.5m fully government-funded crop insurance for farmers to protect livelihoods from hurricanes and climate shocks. Waste & Workforce: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor presses for better garbage collection in Salisbury and argues for workforce training tied to emerging industries. CBI Scrutiny: Paul-Victor warns CBI revenue is declining, while Nassief clarifies a leaked letter alleging practices tied to citizenship pathways are harming the programme. EU Pressure on Golden Passports: A new EU crackdown gives Dominica and four other Caribbean states until June 1, 2028 to reform or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Industry & Trade Compliance: A Section 201 safeguard measure adds a four-year tariff-rate quota on imported quartz surface products starting Aug 15, 2026, with higher duties once quarterly quota allocations are used up.

CPL & Media/Telecom: Flow has launched its Caribbean-wide “We Live For This” campaign to back the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, spotlighting cricket as part of Caribbean identity and pushing a region-wide fan experience. Tourism Sales: The Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad and Tobago for its annual destination sales mission (Aug 12–18), with mall activations, B2B meetings and promotion of the Oct 23–25 World Creole Music Festival and Feb 2027 Carnival; Contour Airlines’ direct flights are slated to start Oct 5. Creative Economy Policy: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a minister specifically to oversee the creative industry under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA), aiming to centralize support for musicians, filmmakers and creative businesses. Citizenship & Migration Risk: Dominica is moving to introduce citizenship through a grandparent starting Jan 1, 2027, while the EU’s crackdown on CBI “golden passports” (deadline June 1, 2028 for Schengen visa-free access) continues to raise uncertainty for the programme. Trade/Imports: A new Section 201 safeguard measure (TRQ) on quartz surface products begins Aug 15, with in-quota volumes and potentially steep over-quota safeguard duties once allocations are used up. Public Works & Waste: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor renews calls for better garbage collection in Salisbury, citing truck shortages and urging investment in community services and future-focused skills. Agriculture Resilience: Government-backed crop insurance worth EC$1.5 million will fully cover premiums for farmers, designed to protect livelihoods after hurricanes and climate disasters. Ports/Cost of Living: Ongoing public pressure is building over VINLEC’s fuel surcharge and electricity bill impacts, with calls for restraint on disconnections.

Tourism & Air Access: The Discover Dominica Authority is sending a Trinidad destination sales mission (Aug 12–18) with mall activations and B2B meetings, timed to support new Contour Airlines direct flights from Oct 5 and to spotlight the World Creole Music Festival and Carnival. Creative Economy Policy: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister to oversee the creative industry under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA), aiming for tighter financial and commercial support for musicians, filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs. Waste & Skills: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor (Salisbury) is pushing for better garbage collection capacity and future-focused workforce training to prepare young people for emerging industries. Agriculture & Roads: She’s also calling for a comprehensive, engineered farm-road rehabilitation programme in Salisbury so farmers can move perishable produce to market reliably. CBI Revenue Pressure: Paul-Victor warns declining Citizenship by Investment inflows could hit funding for major national projects, while EU moves to phase out CBI schemes by 2028 raise wider uncertainty for the region. Airport Delivery Watch: Budget updates say Dominica’s international airport is on track for Q2 2028 completion, with runway/taxiway work past key milestones and 400+ Dominicans employed; President Burton also flagged Roseau fires and airport-site contractor vehicle losses as risks to business confidence. Small-Business Finance: Government announced an extra EC$19m in concessionary MSME lending via the AID Bank (3.5% reducing balance, up to 10-year terms) after earlier support reached 554 businesses. Climate-Proofing Farming: A new EC$1.5m crop insurance facility will be fully government-financed to help farmers recover after hurricanes and climate disasters. Tourism Product & Jobs: The Dominica Cable Car is highlighted as a jobs and local-spend driver, with ongoing employment and expected post-construction operations across visitor-facing roles.

Creative Economy Push: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister to oversee the creative industry under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA), aiming to give musicians, filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs tighter support and commercialization. Waste & Skills: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor flags inconsistent garbage collection in Salisbury, calling for more trucks and future-focused workforce training to match emerging industries. Farm Access & Productivity: She also urges a proper, engineered programme to rehabilitate Salisbury farm roads with drainage, durable surfacing and climate resilience to cut post-harvest losses and protect income. CBI Under Pressure: Paul-Victor warns declining Citizenship by Investment revenue could disrupt major projects, while the EU’s 2028 crackdown on golden passports continues to loom over Dominica’s migration and investment plans. Budget for Growth: Government highlights the airport’s 2028 timeline (runway 60%+; 400+ jobs), EC$19m more for MSMEs via AID Bank, and EC$1.5m crop insurance for farmers. Agribusiness Branding: Dominica backs beekeepers with EC$1.5m for more hives and a national honey brand, plus plans for multipurpose agro-processing.

Agriculture & Resilience: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor says Salisbury farmers are losing income because farm access roads stay unsafe and unusable after heavy rain, calling for proper engineering, drainage, slope stabilisation, durable surfacing and routine maintenance. Budget & Jobs: The government says Dominica’s international airport is still on track for 2028 completion, with runway/taxiway work past the 60% mark and 400+ Dominicans employed directly. Energy & Cost Pressure: Dominica’s geothermal push gets a boost as a 10MW plant begins commercial operations, while separate debate continues over electricity bill pressure tied to VINLEC fuel surcharges. SME Financing: Another EC$19m in concessionary lending is set to flow to micro, small and medium businesses via AID Bank from December. Food Industry: Government backs a national honey brand with EC$1.5m for more hives and beekeeping expansion, alongside plans for multipurpose agro-processing. CBI & Policy Risk: EU warnings to end “golden passports” by 2028 are driving fresh scrutiny of Dominica’s CBI model, as Nassief clarifies a leaked letter and the opposition flags declining CBI revenue. Population Strategy: Dominica plans citizenship through a grandparent starting 1 Jan 2027, under a wider National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme aimed at reaching 100,000 residents by 2040. Tourism & Local Economy: The Dominica cable car is framed as an economy-builder beyond tourism, supporting local suppliers and ongoing jobs.

Creative & Jobs Push: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says a minister will be appointed specifically to oversee Dominica’s creative industry, with a new agency meant to ensure musicians and others get what’s due. CBI Under EU Pressure: Gregor Nassief clarified a leaked letter, saying CBI support helped Secret Bay but that alleged unlawful practices are now hurting Dominica; meanwhile, the EU has warned five Caribbean CBI states (including Dominica) to phase out by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Tourism & Local Economy: The Dominica Cable Car is highlighted as more than a tourism project—hundreds of local jobs during construction and ongoing roles after completion. Airport & Construction Watch: Budget updates say the international airport is on track for 2028 completion with 400+ direct jobs, while President Burton flagged Roseau fires and airport-site contractor vehicle destruction as risks to business confidence and project timelines. Agriculture & Value-Add: Government announced EC$1.5m crop insurance for farmers, plus EC$1.5m to expand beekeeping and build a national honey brand. Energy Milestone: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant has entered commercial operations, positioning the island as a CARICOM first for geothermal power. Small Business Finance: Another EC$19m in concessionary MSME lending is set to start in December via AID Bank, targeting agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and services. Public Health Costs: President Burton warned of rising non-communicable diseases, citing 1,100+ hypertension diagnoses (2020–2025) and calling for prevention beyond the health sector. Finance Promotion: Republic Bank launched its “Pick Your Rate” campaign to make loans more affordable across Dominica and the region.