AGP Executive Report

Fisheries & Trade Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted after fishermen in Guadeloupe struck and blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, leaving passengers to be accommodated by shipping agents. Clean Energy for Fisheries: Canada-backed STAR-Fish is scaling clean energy interventions across Dominica and other CARICOM states, targeting renewable tech, better cold-chain storage, and pathways to low-carbon fish certification. Disaster Preparedness: DAIC is urging businesses and agencies to broaden hurricane-season readiness to cover flooding, heat, coastal erosion, landslides, water scarcity, outages, and supply-chain shocks. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a Dominica national accountability seminar on June 3, focusing on agricultural MSMEs, trade links, and strengthening food security. Electricity Reliability: DOMLEC said Tuesday’s load shedding came from a Fond Cole Power Plant generation shortfall tied to a unit fault, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and geothermal expected to return Thursday. Tourism Momentum: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing rising arrivals and major upgrades, with a push toward wellness tourism. Regional Justice Training: OHADAC–CARO will officially launch arbitration and ADR training in the Eastern Caribbean on June 10 to improve access to economic justice for businesses and investors.

Shipping Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted after fishermen in Guadeloupe struck and blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, leaving passengers to be accommodated by Whitchurch Shipping/FRS EXPRESS des Îles. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The Canada-funded STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including renewable tech for cold storage and support for low-carbon certification, with Dominica among participating countries. Hurricane Preparedness Push: DAIC is urging businesses and institutions to broaden disaster planning beyond hurricanes as the Atlantic season begins, warning of wider risks like flooding, heat, outages, and supply chain shocks. Arbitration & Business Justice: OHADAC and the CARO Centre will launch training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean on June 10, aiming to improve access to economic justice for investors and firms. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a national accountability seminar in Dominica on June 3 focused on agricultural MSMEs, trade, and strengthening food security. Tourism Momentum: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing rising arrivals and major upgrades to key sites. Electricity Reliability: DOMLEC said May 26 load shedding was caused by a generation shortfall linked to issues at Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs scheduled after peak hours.

Tourism & Connectivity: Dominica’s tourism push is getting a boost as the Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism launch Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing a 15% rise in 2025 visitor arrivals and continued growth into 2026 alongside major upgrades to key sites. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC says Tuesday’s load shedding was caused by a generation shortfall linked to a fault at the Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and a warning that more outages could follow if demand stays higher than supply. Legal & Business Access: The OHADAC–CARO training programmes for arbitration and ADR are set for an official launch on 10 June, aiming to strengthen dispute resolution capacity across the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica, to support a more predictable business environment. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a National Accountability Seminar in Dominica on 3 June under the theme “From Local Fields to Regional Markets,” focusing on agricultural MSMEs, food security, and IICA’s 2025 results. Regional Environment: A SARSEA workshop in Dominica on 26 May advanced regional cooperation on sargassum management and coastal resilience, with OECS states and partners sharing practical solutions. Policy & Cost of Living: UWP leaders renewed calls for action on fuel costs, including urging CARICOM talks with Guyana to access cheaper gasoline, as Dominica faces higher regulated petroleum prices.

Agribusiness & Food Security: IICA will hold a National Accountability Seminar in Dominica on June 3 under the theme “From Local Fields to Regional Markets,” focusing on how agricultural MSMEs can strengthen food security, jobs, and rural growth, with the 2025 Annual Report to be handed to the agriculture minister. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC says Tuesday’s load shedding came from a generation shortfall tied to a fault at the Fond Cole Power Plant; repairs start after peak hours and geothermal is expected back Thursday. Regional Environment & Resilience: A SARSEA workshop in Dominica (May 26) brought OECS states and partners together to coordinate responses to sargassum impacts, linking biodiversity protection with coastal resilience. Fuel Cost Pressure: UWP leader Thomson Fontaine urged talks with Guyana for cheaper gasoline as Dominica’s fuel prices rose sharply; separately, St. Vincent rolled out short-term relief measures to cushion electricity and LPG costs. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority and the tourism ministry launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, highlighting wellness tourism and upgrades as arrivals keep climbing. Policy & Inclusion: The DCOA called for elderly-friendly building designs, pushing for consultation before development that leaves seniors facing steep stair access. Regional Connectivity Warning: A regional aviation commentary argues Dominica and the ECCU need a unified air-and-sea transport strategy as carriers restructure or exit key routes.

Energy & Utilities: DOMLEC says Tuesday’s May 26 load shedding came from a generation shortfall tied to issues at the Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and geothermal expected back by May 28. Water Supply: DOWASCO apologized for an unscheduled water interruption in Roseau and Water Area 1 (Mero to Wall House and surrounding areas), saying service restoration is underway. Tourism & Services: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, highlighting wellness tourism and major upgrades as visitor arrivals keep rising (15% up in 2025; cruise up 21%). Elderly-Friendly Built Environment: DCOA president Nigel Lawrence urged developers to consult seniors and design for accessibility, calling out buildings with steep stair access and no support features. Politics & Fuel Costs: UWP leader Thomson Fontaine pushed for CARICOM talks with Guyana to secure cheaper gasoline as Dominica’s fuel prices rose in May. Regional Aviation Pressure: Caribbean Airlines will end service to Dominica and St. Kitts and cut frequencies to Martinique/Guadeloupe from June 1, citing route losses—fueling calls for a unified air-and-sea transport strategy. Macroeconomic Outlook: The IMF concluded Dominica’s 2026 Article IV, praising growth supported by tourism and infrastructure while warning fiscal and external imbalances remain high.

Regional Aviation Reshuffle: Caribbean Airlines is exiting Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor from June 1, cutting frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe, as LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes sign an interline deal starting the same day—another sign of a market rebuilding around new hubs. Fuel Cost Pressure: Dominica’s UWP is urging talks with Guyana for cheaper gasoline after regulated price hikes tied to the US–Israel–Iran conflict. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism launch Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing rising arrivals and major upgrades, with a focus on wellness tourism. Elderly-Friendly Design: DCOA calls for seniors to be consulted in building projects, warning against step-heavy, multi-storey designs without proper access. Power Reliability: DOMLEC says May 26 load shedding came from a Fond Cole unit fault, with repairs scheduled and geothermal expected to return to boost capacity. Water Service Disruption: DOWASCO apologizes for an unscheduled Roseau and Water Area 1 interruption, promising restoration soon. Health Supply Planning: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean.

Regional Aviation Reshuffle: Caribbean Airlines’ June 1 cuts (ending Dominica, St. Kitts and Ogle–Suriname; halving Martinique/Guadeloupe) are landing alongside LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes’ interline deal from June 1, signaling a market realignment around emerging hubs. Tourism & Upgrades: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing a 15% rise in 2025 arrivals and continued growth into 2026, with major site upgrades and a push for wellness tourism. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC said May 26 load shedding came from a Fond Cole Power Plant unit fault, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and geothermal expected back by May 28. Water Service Disruption: DOWASCO apologized for an unscheduled Roseau/Water Area 1 outage and said restoration is underway. Fuel Cost Politics: UWP leader Thomson Fontaine urged talks with Guyana for cheaper gasoline as Dominica’s fuel prices rose after May 5 regulated increases tied to the US–Israel–Iran conflict. Elder-Friendly Design: DCOA president Nigel Lawrence called for seniors to be consulted in building design, warning against step-heavy access that excludes older residents.

IMF Update: The IMF executive board says Dominica’s economy is expanding, with real GDP growth hitting 4.5% in 2025 (tourism up and infrastructure investment driving activity), but warns fiscal and external imbalances are still high and downside risks remain from conflict spillovers, trade tensions, and disasters—pushing for continued fiscal consolidation and structural reforms. Fuel & Cost Pressure: UWP leader Thomson Fontaine urges CARICOM talks with Guyana to access cheaper fuel as Dominica’s regulated petroleum prices rose sharply in May, citing the wider US–Israel–Iran conflict. Party Platform: The UWP also released a 10-point plan covering jobs, tourism, agriculture modernization, healthcare, governance, and support for small businesses. Tourism Push: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, highlighting rising arrivals and major upgrades tied to wellness tourism. Aging & Built Space: DCOA president Nigel Lawrence calls for elderly-friendly building designs and better consultation before development. Power Reliability: DOMLEC blamed May 26 load shedding on a generation shortfall at Fond Cole, with repairs scheduled and geothermal expected to return to boost capacity. Water Service Disruption: DOWASCO apologized for an unscheduled water interruption in Roseau and Water Area 1, with restoration expected soon. Regional Connectivity: Commentary flags that Caribbean air-and-sea transport failures could stall food security and broader development goals, as airlines cut routes and frequencies.

IMF Update: The IMF says Dominica’s economy is expanding, with real GDP growth rising to 4.5% in 2025 and tourism now 36% above pre-pandemic levels, but warns fiscal and external imbalances are still high and downside risks remain from conflict spillovers, trade tensions, and disasters—pushing for more fiscal consolidation and structural reforms. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC links May 26 load shedding to a generation shortfall at the Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and a warning that outages could continue if geothermal restart is delayed. Fuel Cost Politics: The UWP is urging talks with Guyana to access cheaper gasoline as Dominica’s regulated fuel prices rose sharply in May, citing regional energy cost pressures tied to global conflict. Regional Health Supply: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean, including pooled procurement and better supply-chain planning. Tourism Push: Dominica launches Tourism Awareness Month 2026, highlighting wellness tourism and major upgrades as visitor arrivals keep climbing. Aging-Friendly Design: The DCOA calls for elderly-friendly building designs and consultation before development, criticizing projects with steep stair access and limited accessibility. Aviation Shake-up: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, including ending service to Dominica and St. Kitts, intensifying the regional airlift debate. Water Service Disruption: DOWASCO apologizes for an unscheduled interruption in Roseau and Water Area 1, saying restoration is underway.

Aviation & Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and frequencies from June 1, ending Dominica–Suriname and St. Kitts–Suriname links and reducing Martinique/Guadeloupe service to twice weekly, raising fresh concerns for intra-Caribbean business and diaspora travel. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC says Tuesday’s May 26 load shedding came from a generation shortfall tied to issues at Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and geothermal expected back by May 28. Tourism Push: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, spotlighting wellness tourism and major upgrades as visitor arrivals continue climbing. Elder-Friendly Design: The Dominica Council on Ageing is urging consultation with seniors before public building projects, citing barriers like steep steps and lack of access features. Fuel Cost Politics: UWP leader Thomson Fontaine calls for talks with Guyana to access cheaper gasoline as Dominica’s fuel prices rise. Water Service Apology: DOWASCO apologized for an unscheduled water interruption in Roseau and Water Area 1, saying restoration is underway.

Fuel Costs & Regional Bargaining: The UWP is urging the Dominica government to push CARICOM talks with Guyana to access cheaper gasoline after regulated fuel prices jumped in May, with the party linking the rise to wider conflict-driven oil pressures. Emergency Relief in the Region: St. Vincent rolled out short-term measures to cushion households and businesses from higher fuel and electricity costs, including temporary tax and customs relief on diesel for power generation and matching utility discounts. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC said Tuesday’s load shedding came from a generation shortfall tied to a fault at the Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and geothermal expected to return Thursday. Tourism Push: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, highlighting wellness tourism and upgrades as visitor arrivals climbed in 2025 and continued into 2026. Aging & Built Environment: The Dominica Council on Ageing called for elderly-friendly building design and consultation before public projects move ahead, citing barriers like steep steps and lack of access features. Policy & Infrastructure Planning: The UWP unveiled a 10-point plan spanning jobs, tourism, agriculture modernization, healthcare, governance, and community development, while India-linked grant work continues on roads and climate-smart initiatives. Regional Health & Medicines: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to safe medicines and health technologies across OECS member states. Aviation Pressure on Trade: Caribbean Airlines’ route cuts and frequency reductions from June 1 are expected to reshape intra-Caribbean travel options that support business and diaspora links.

Tourism Push: Dominica’s Discover Dominica Authority and Ministry of Tourism have launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, spotlighting wellness tourism and upgrades to key sites as arrivals keep climbing—2025 saw a record 15% rise, with stayover arrivals up about 10% to March 31, 2026 and cruise arrivals up 21% toward nearly 497,000 total visitors. Aging-Friendly Design: Dominica Council on Ageing president Nigel Lawrence urged that elderly people be consulted before any public building work, warning against designs with steep steps and poor access for seniors. Power Reliability: DOMLEC said Tuesday’s May 26 load shedding came from a generation shortfall tied to a fault at Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and geothermal expected back by May 28. Regional Health Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to strengthen access to medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean. Aviation Shockwaves: Caribbean Airlines confirmed route cuts effective June 1, including discontinuing Dominica–Suriname and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, citing losses on the exited routes.

Electricity Reliability: DOMLEC says Tuesday’s May 26 load shedding was triggered by a generation shortfall tied to a fault at the Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and into Wednesday morning; if demand stays higher than supply, more outages are possible, though geothermal generation is expected to resume Thursday. Water Supply Disruption: DOWASCO apologized for an unscheduled interruption affecting Roseau and Water Area 1 communities from Mero to Wall House (including Warner and Campbell), Rosehill, Soufriere, Tete Morne, Montin, and said service restoration is expected as work continues. Regional Airlift Pressure: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and frequencies from June 1, including discontinuing service to Dominica and St. Kitts (and the Ogle–Suriname corridor), while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—sparking renewed calls for a unified ECCU/CARICOM air-and-sea transport strategy. Health & Medicines Access: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS will convene in Saint Lucia (May 28–29) to strengthen access to safe, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean, launching a coordinated technical working group. Dominica–India Development: Dominica signed two India grant MOUs—pharmacopoeia cooperation and road rehabilitation for the Chateau to Pierre Charles Boulevard link road in Grand Bay—plus India-backed work in Kalinago Territory on climate-smart agriculture and restoration. Tourism Education: FCCA and Discover Dominica launched the 2026 children’s essay and poster competition focused on sustainable cruise tourism and ocean protection. Aging & Public Buildings: The Dominica Council on Ageing is urging consultation with elderly people before constructing public buildings, citing concerns about how older residents are treated.

Power & Utilities: DOMLEC says Tuesday’s load shedding came from a generation shortfall tied to a fault at the Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and into Wednesday morning; if demand stays above supply, more outages are possible, though geothermal generation is expected back on Thursday. Water Supply: DOWASCO has apologized for an unscheduled water interruption affecting Roseau and Water Area 1 communities from Mero to Wall House (including Warner and Campbell), Rosehill, Soufriere, Tete Morne, Montin and more, saying service restoration is expected soon. Regional Transport & Trade: A new regional commentary argues ECCU and CARICOM must build one bold air-and-sea transport strategy, warning that recent aviation setbacks and route cuts are undermining food security, medical travel, trade and integration. Aviation Network Shift: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue service to Dominica and St. Kitts on June 1 (plus Suriname links) and cut Martinique/Guadeloupe to twice weekly, raising questions about who will fill the airlift gap. OECS Environment Meeting: The OECS Council of Ministers’ Environmental Sustainability Meeting (May 27–28) will convene in Dominica on climate finance, ecosystem restoration, marine pollution, sustainable fisheries, renewable energy, biodiversity and disaster resilience. Dominica-India Development: Dominica and India signed two MOUs during India’s ministerial visit, including pharmacopoeia cooperation and Indian grant-funded road rehabilitation and quick-impact works in Grand Bay and the Kalinago Territory, including climate-smart agriculture and restoration. Tourism Education: FCCA and Discover Dominica launched a 2026 children’s essay and poster competition focused on sustainable cruise tourism and ocean protection.

Water Disruption Apology: DOWASCO has apologized for an unscheduled water interruption across Roseau and Water Area 1 (from Mero to Wall House, plus Rosehill, Soufriere, Tete Morne, Montin, including Warner and Campbell), saying repairs are underway and service should be restored soon. CBI Compliance Push: Dominica PM Roosevelt Skerrit is confirmed to visit Hong Kong (Oct 26–27) for GGCC 2026, with a clear focus on Citizenship by Investment compliance as Asia’s wealth-management hub tightens scrutiny. Regional Airlift Pressure: Caribbean Airlines’ June 1 cuts—ending Dominica and St Kitts links to Suriname and reducing Martinique/Guadeloupe to twice weekly—are reigniting the debate on how ECCU/CARICOM can keep people and goods moving as carriers retrench. OECS Climate Meeting Next: The OECS Council of Ministers’ Environmental Sustainability session (May 27–28) convenes in Dominica, spotlighting resilience, climate finance, marine pollution, and disaster readiness. Tourism Mindset in Nevis: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley again urged a shift toward events and a stronger regional market as geopolitics and costs reshape travel demand.

Airlift Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes and frequencies from June 1, ending Dominica–Suriname and St. Kitts–Suriname links, dropping the Ogle–Suriname route, and reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly—after Parliament cited US$18.84m in combined losses (Dominica: US$730k). Regional Transport Push: The cuts are reigniting calls for a unified ECCU–CARICOM transport strategy to protect food security and keep goods moving when carriers fail. Dominica Governance & Projects: MMC Development denies it has launched arbitration against the Dominica government, while Dominica’s DOMLEC won recognition at the CARILEC CEO conference for energy-transition leadership. OECS Climate Meeting: OECS ministers will convene in Dominica May 27–28 for COM:ES 13 on environmental sustainability and resilience. Dominica–India Ties: India’s grant-funded initiatives continue, including road works and Kalinago Territory climate-smart projects. Human Angle: Dominica broadcasting pioneer Jeff Charles has died, remembered for building Radio Dominica and shaping early local media.