AGP Executive Report

Budget & Jobs: Dominica’s 2026/27 budget push is framed as a jobs-and-growth plan, with the International Airport still on track for 2028 completion and 400+ Dominicans employed on the works, while the President warns Roseau fires and airport-site vehicle losses could hit business confidence and project timelines. SME Financing: Government is adding EC$19 million in concessionary AID Bank lending from December, at 3.5% interest with up to 10-year terms and a six-month grace period, building on earlier MSME support for 554 businesses. Agriculture Resilience: Farmers get EC$1.5 million in fully government-funded crop insurance, and beekeepers receive another EC$1.5 million plus a push for a national honey brand and more hives. Energy & Cost Pressure: Dominica’s geothermal milestone is now commercial, and the island’s electricity debate continues as fuel surcharge concerns simmer. Policy & Trade Rules: Customs reforms will end “tax on tax” at ports from Oct 1 by taxing imports only on CIF value. Public Health: The President flags rising non-communicable diseases, including 1,100+ hypertension diagnoses since 2020. CBI Under EU Scrutiny: The EU’s 2028 deadline to phase out golden passports puts Dominica’s programme under fresh pressure, while opposition leaders press for transparency and results beyond promises.

Tourism & Jobs: Dominica’s cable car is framed as more than a visitor draw—construction has employed hundreds of Dominicans, used local materials and services, and is expected to support 300+ direct and 300+ indirect jobs long after completion. Blue Economy Training: OECS partners with St. Vincent and the Grenadines to boost the sea moss industry via international food-safety and business standards training. Budget Debate—Economy vs. Cost of Living: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor says government can’t build a dynamic economy alone and presses for results on household costs, while also backing the international airport but demanding transparency. Airport Progress & Risk: Officials say the international airport is on track for Q2 2028 completion with 400+ Dominicans employed; President Burton also flagged Roseau fires and contractor vehicle losses as potential threats to major project timelines. Agriculture Support: Government announces EC$1.5m free crop insurance for farmers and EC$1.5m honey branding plus more beehives, aiming to move from raw production to processing and export-ready products. Business Financing: Another EC$19m concessionary MSME lending is set to start in December at 3.5% interest, building on earlier support for 554 businesses. Energy Shift: Dominica marks a geothermal milestone—now generating electricity from its own resources—while a 10MW plant begins commercial operations, strengthening the push toward renewable energy independence. Customs & Local Industry: From Oct 1, Dominica ends “tax on tax” at ports by calculating import taxes only on CIF value; President Burton urges Dominicans to buy local as a resilience strategy. EU Pressure on CBI: The EU warns Dominica and four other Caribbean states to phase out citizenship-by-investment by June 1, 2028 or risk Schengen visa-free access. Health & Workforce: President Burton cites rising non-communicable diseases (including 1,100+ hypertension diagnoses over 2020–2025) and calls for prevention beyond health authorities.

Energy & Power: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant at Laudat has entered commercial operations, making the island the first CARICOM member to generate electricity from its own geothermal resources; geothermal already supplied about 43% of power in June, with government saying the plant should cover roughly half of demand this year. Agriculture & Food Security: Farmers get fully government-funded crop insurance under a new EC$1.5 million facility to protect livelihoods from hurricanes and climate shocks. Agri-Branding: Government also backed beekeepers with another EC$1.5 million to expand hives and build a nationally recognised Dominican honey brand, alongside plans for more agro-processing. Small Business Finance: An extra EC$19 million in concessionary lending will flow through the AID Bank from December, offering 3.5% interest and up to 10-year terms for MSMEs. Infrastructure & Jobs: The international airport is still on track for 2028 completion, with runway works over 60% done and 400+ Dominicans employed; President Burton flagged Roseau fires and airport-site vehicle destruction as risks to business confidence and project timelines. Trade & Costs: Dominica will end “tax on tax” at ports from October 1 by calculating Excise Tax and VAT on imports using only CIF value. Population & Investment Climate: Government plans a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme to reach 100,000 people by 2040, targeting skills and return migration. Regional Policy Pressure: The EU has urged Dominica and four other Caribbean states to phase out Citizenship-by-Investment programmes by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access.

MSME Credit Boost: Dominica will add EC$19 million in concessionary financing for micro, small and medium businesses via AID Bank, with 3.5% reducing-balance loans, up to 10 years repayment and a six-month grace period, building on a prior EC$27.8 million facility that funded 554 businesses across agriculture, tourism, transport, manufacturing and services. Airport Progress & Risk Watch: The international airport is still on track for Q2 2028 completion, with runway works 60%+ done and 400+ Dominicans employed; President Burton also flagged Roseau fires and the reported loss of contractor vehicles at the airport site, warning such incidents can hit business confidence and project timelines. Honey Industry Push: Government is backing beekeeping with an extra EC$1.5 million for new hives and a national honey brand, alongside plans for a multipurpose agro-processing facility to support value-added products like honey, sauces, jams and spices. Ports Tax Simplification: From Oct 1, Dominica will end “tax on tax” by calculating Excise Tax and VAT on imports using only the CIF value, aiming to cut clearance costs and simplify customs. Energy Milestone: Dominica became the first CARICOM country to generate electricity from its own geothermal resources, moving toward full commercial operation and greater energy independence. CBI Under EU Pressure: The EU has asked Dominica and four other Eastern Caribbean states to phase out Citizenship-by-Investment programmes by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access, while Dominica’s government says CBI can’t be the only future and must be paired with diversification. Health & Workforce Impact: President Burton warned of rising non-communicable diseases, citing 1,100+ hypertension diagnoses from 2020–2025, and urged prevention as a shared national effort.

Port & Tax Reform: Dominica will end “tax on tax” at its ports from Oct 1, calculating Excise Tax and VAT on imports using only the CIF value to cut clearance costs and simplify customs. Budget & Macroeconomy: IMF projects Dominica’s economy will grow 3.1% in 2026, building on 4.5% growth in 2025 driven by tourism, construction and trade. Energy Security: Dominica becomes the first CARICOM country to generate electricity from its own geothermal resources, with the plant nearing full commercial operation and regulators monitoring impacts on prices. CBI Under Pressure: Government defends the Citizenship by Investment programme in Parliament, saying it helped finance recovery after Hurricane Maria but must not be the country’s only future. Local Industry Push: President Burton tells Parliament that buying local is a strategic economic imperative, pointing to the National Abattoir rebuild to strengthen livestock production and reduce meat imports. Agrifood Trade: A record 701 companies joined a regional agrifood matchmaking event, generating about US$25.5m in new opportunities, including fresh produce and logistics services. Health & Workforce Risk: President Burton flags over 1,100 hypertension diagnoses (2020–2025) and calls for prevention beyond health authorities; meanwhile the ILO warns El Niño could disrupt jobs across agriculture, tourism and logistics. Shipping Security: A reported tanker attack in the Gulf of Aden is linked by analysts to a Dominica-flagged vessel, underscoring ongoing maritime risk for trade routes. Renewables Funding: IRENA opens a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, with proposals due before Sept 1. Business & Infrastructure: Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation is set to start after an EC$898,000 contract signing, aiming to improve safety and connectivity for residents and businesses.

Budget Watch: IMF projects Dominica’s economy will grow 3.1% in 2026, with Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre citing 4.5% expansion in 2025 driven by tourism, construction and trade. Energy Milestone: Dominica becomes the first CARICOM country to generate electricity from its own geothermal resources, with reliability testing completed and monitoring set to assess real-world impacts on consumer prices. CBI Under Pressure: Government defends its Citizenship by Investment programme in Parliament, arguing CBI has funded housing, healthcare, schools, agriculture, roads and climate-resilient infrastructure, while admitting the international environment is changing and diversification is required. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opens a proposal window for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, prioritizing submissions before Sept 1. Agrifood Trade Push: A record 701 companies joined a regional virtual agrifood matchmaking round, generating an estimated US$25.5 million in new business opportunities. Infrastructure & Transport: Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation is set to begin after an EC$898,000 contract signing, with officials aiming to minimize disruptions during works. Labour & Climate Risk: The ILO warns the 2026–2027 El Niño pattern could disrupt jobs and livelihoods across the Caribbean and Latin America, especially for informal and outdoor workers. Tourism & Jobs: The Dominica Cable Car is expected to complete later this year, with the tourism minister saying it will boost destination readiness and create local employment.

Geothermal Leap for Energy Security: Dominica says it has become the first CARICOM country to generate electricity from its own geothermal resources, with the plant nearing full commercial operation and reliability testing under the Independent Regulatory Commission as Government targets 100% renewable power. Budget Signals for Industry & Households: As Dominica prepares to present the 2026/27 national budget, officials frame it around cost-of-living relief, jobs, healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture and food security—while also defending how Citizenship by Investment (CBI) has funded recovery after Hurricane Maria. CBI Under Pressure: Government reiterated it can’t rely on CBI alone as international scrutiny grows, while a leaked letter from businessman Gregor Nassief renews calls for tighter oversight and questions around major projects. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including geothermal and clean transport, with Dominica listed among eligible countries. Agrifood Deal-Making: A virtual agrifood matchmaking round drew 701 companies and generated an estimated US$25.5 million in new opportunities, with logistics and food-safety services among the offerings. Local Business & Craft Push: Applications are open for the expanded GEMS Artisan Market in October, aiming to draw returning nationals and visitors during Creole Day week. Transport & Power Costs: DOMLEC reports July electricity bill reductions tied to geothermal-driven lower fuel surcharges, and the Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation contract (EC$898,000) is set to begin after a site visit.

Dominica Budget Countdown: Dominica is set to present the 2026/27 national budget today, with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit flagging cost-of-living relief and sector priorities like tourism, agriculture/agro-processing, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and youth development; the budget also outlines recurrent spending of about EC$675.1m, with major allocations including Education (EC$76.9m), Health (EC$75.4m), Finance/Economic Development/Climate Resilience (EC$84.8m), and National Security/Legal Affairs (EC$67.1m). Education & Construction Push: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre says China-backed school projects are nearing completion—Goodwill Secondary, Kalinago Primary, and Capuchin Primary at 90%, plus Tete Morne and Sineku Primary at 85%—with 140+ jobs created and a focus on skills beyond classrooms. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA has opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, prioritizing proposals before Sept 1 and covering solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, clean transport, green hydrogen, and related supply chains. Energy Bills Ease: DOMLEC reports geothermal integration is lowering July electricity bills via reduced fuel surcharges, with domestic users (100 kWh) projected to save about $24 and larger commercial/industrial users seeing bigger reductions. Tourism & Local Jobs: Cable Car plans are framed as a tourism game-changer, with Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton citing ongoing site works and road/ecotourism upgrades plus immediate employment from the project’s completion later this year. Infrastructure Works Begin: Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation is set to start after an Aug 4 site visit, following an EC$898,000 contract signed in June, aiming to improve safety and connectivity while minimizing disruption. Creative Industries: Applications are open for the expanded GEMS Artisan Market, returning in October during Creole Day week at Fort Young Hotel, with 50 hand-picked exhibitors and pre-registration required. CBI Under Pressure: A leaked letter from businessman Gregor Nassief renews scrutiny of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme, alleging “out of control” discounting and concerns around major projects like the cable car, airport, and marina. Regional Policy Shock: The EU has asked five Eastern Caribbean CBI states, including Dominica, to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028, raising fears of revenue loss and Schengen visa-free fallout.

CBI Under Fire: Businessman Gregor Nassief says Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme is “out of control,” alleging illegal discounting and questioning major projects tied to CBI funding, after a leaked June 17 letter circulated widely. Energy Costs: DOMLEC reports geothermal energy is cutting July electricity bills via a lower fuel surcharge, with savings across domestic, commercial, hotel and industrial categories. Infrastructure Works: Dominica will begin Pointe Ronde Bridge rehabilitation after an Aug 4 site visit, following an EC$898,000 contract signed in June, with officials urging the public to expect temporary disruptions. Tourism & Jobs: Cable Car plans are set to complete later this year, with Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton saying it will boost tourism and create immediate local employment, alongside upgrades to ecotourism sites and roads. Housing Finance Push: The Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, citing servicing of 3,000+ public officers and renewed calls for modern, affordable housing solutions. Regional Sports Win: Dominica captured both boys’ and girls’ basketball titles at the 2026 Windward Islands School Games in Saint Lucia, led by coach Yannick Regis. Business & Community: DAIC mourns the death of Valentine Poponne, describing his store as a trusted fixture in everyday commercial life.

Tourism & Infrastructure: Dominica’s Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car—due for completion later this year—will reshape the tourism product and create immediate local jobs, alongside upgrades to key ecotourism sites and major facilities. Energy Costs: DOMLEC reports geothermal power is cutting July electricity bills via a reduced fuel surcharge, with savings projected across domestic, commercial, hotel and industrial categories. Housing & Finance: The Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, with officials pointing to modern, cost-effective solutions needed to meet rising demand for affordable housing. Regional Policy & Business Climate: CARICOM’s tax chief, Dr. Carla Barnett, urged “smart, data-driven” tax systems as external funding becomes less certain, while Dominica’s ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship rotates to Dr. Irving McIntyre. Citizenship-by-Investment Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders are reacting to EU demands to phase out CBI programmes by June 1, 2028, with calls for more transition time to avoid major revenue shocks. Local Commerce: DAIC mourned the death of Valentine Poponne, a long-time fixture of Dominica’s retail community. Public Transport & Fisheries: TUD candidate Christine Dupuis-Dubique pushed for fair, transparent duty-free support for licensed public transport operators and similar backing for fishers and boat owners. Climate Risk: Regional forecasts warn of intense heat and uneven hurricane activity into the late wet season, with flooding risks flagged for parts of the Eastern Caribbean.

Tourism & Infrastructure: Dominica’s Cable Car project is set to complete later this year, with Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton saying it will reshape the tourism offering and create immediate local jobs, alongside upgrades to key ecotourism sites and roads. Energy Costs: DOMLEC reports lower July electricity bills after geothermal energy reduced the fuel surcharge, with projected savings across domestic, commercial, hotel and industrial users. Housing Finance: The Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced well over 3,000 public officers, while the housing ministry called for modern, efficient, cost-effective solutions to tackle affordability, land access, permit delays and rising construction costs. Business & Local Economy: At the Roseau North by-election forum, UWP candidate Daniel Lugay pushed plans including relocating the hazardous Fond Cole “Labass” landfill and improving garbage collection, plus a new mall and commercial hub aimed at creating jobs for local trades and small businesses. Regional Policy Watch: EU pressure on Caribbean Citizenship-by-Investment programmes is intensifying, with Dominica named among countries facing a June 1, 2028 phase-out request—sparking calls for longer transition timelines. Industry Networking: DAIC held a “Networking & Nibbles” event to strengthen business connections under new leadership.

Tourism & Infrastructure: Dominica’s Cable Car project is set to complete later this year, with Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton saying it will reshape the tourism offering and create immediate local jobs, alongside upgrades to key ecotourism sites and roads. Energy Costs: DOMLEC reports lower July electricity bills across Dominica after geothermal energy reduced the fuel surcharge, with projected savings ranging from about $24 (100 kWh) to thousands for larger hotels and industrial users. Housing Finance: The Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced well over 3,000 public officers, while the housing ministry calls for modern, efficient, cost-effective solutions to tackle affordability, land access, construction costs, and permit delays. Regional Policy & Citizenship: EU pressure on Caribbean CBI programmes is intensifying, with calls for more time to transition away from CBI revenue and warnings that the loss could be an “existential threat” to Eastern Caribbean economies. Business & Community: DAIC hosted a networking event to strengthen private-sector connections, while Roseau North by-election hopefuls outlined plans targeting hazardous waste, garbage management, and a new mall/commercial hub. Environment & Risk: Regional forecasts warn of intense heat, uneven rainfall, and flooding/flash-flood risk later in the wet season, with coral reef experts pushing on amid climate pressure.

Tourism & Infrastructure: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car, due to be completed later this year, will reshape the tourism product and create immediate local jobs, alongside upgrades to ecotourism sites and roads. Energy Costs: DOMLEC reports lower July electricity bills as geothermal energy reduces the fuel surcharge, with savings projected across domestic, commercial, hotel and industrial users. Housing Finance: The Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced over 3,000 public officers, while officials call for modern, efficient, cost-effective solutions to meet rising demand amid land, permitting and construction-cost delays. Business Climate: DAIC mourned the late Valentine Poponne, a long-running retailer and trusted commercial figure, while the chamber also held a Networking & Nibbles event to strengthen member ties. Regional Policy Pressure: EU letters urge Eastern Caribbean CBI states, including Dominica, to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028, with Schengen visa-free access at stake; Nevis Premier Mark Brantley argues for a longer transition. Local Governance & Waste: In Roseau North, UWP candidate Daniel Lugay pushed for relocating the Fond Cole “Labass” landfill and improving garbage collection, alongside plans for a new mall and commercial hub. Maritime & Industry Outlook: Dominica’s cruise stakeholders symposium focused on building on a record cruise season and improving visitor-ready services.

Tourism & Infrastructure: Dominica’s tourism push got a boost as Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton said the Dominica Cable Car, due to finish later this year, will create immediate local jobs and lift long-term visitor demand, alongside upgrades to key ecotourism sites and new facilities. Energy Costs: DOMLEC reported lower July electricity bills after geothermal energy reduced the fuel surcharge, with domestic and business customers seeing savings ranging from about $24 to over $3,500 depending on usage. Housing Finance: The Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced well over 3,000 public officers, while officials called for modern, efficient, cost-effective solutions to tackle affordability, land access, construction costs, and permit delays. Local Business & Community: The Roseau North by-election debate highlighted plans for relocating the hazardous Fond Cole “Labass” landfill, improving garbage collection, and building a new mall and commercial hub to create jobs. Regional Policy & Citizenship: The EU has pressed Eastern Caribbean CBI states, including Dominica, to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028, with leaders arguing for longer transition timelines to avoid an “existential threat” to revenue. Private Sector Networking: DAIC hosted a “Networking & Nibbles” event to strengthen business connections under new leadership. Agriculture/Skills: A new OECS Africa-Caribbean cooperation appointment (Aisha Maina) and Dominica youth skills book launches also point to longer-term human capital and trade links.

Housing Finance & Affordability: Dominica’s Government Housing Loans Board marked its 69th anniversary, saying it has serviced well over 3,000 public officers, while officials urged modern, efficient solutions to tackle affordability, land access, rising construction costs, and permit delays. Renewable Energy Savings: DOMLEC reported lower July electricity bills after geothermal energy reduced the fuel surcharge, with projected savings across domestic, commercial, business, hotel and industrial categories. Tourism Infrastructure: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car—plus upgrades to sites like Champagne Beach, Ti Tou Gorge, Emerald Pool and road resurfacing—will boost tourism and create local jobs, with AI and digital readiness now part of the agenda. Local Business & Community: The DAIC mourned the death of Valentine Poponne, while also highlighting its recent Networking & Nibbles push to strengthen private-sector connections. Transport & Fisheries Support: TUD candidate Christine Dupuis-Dubique called for fair, transparent duty-free concessions for licensed public transport operators and similar support for boat owners and fishers, including training and safer operations. Regional Policy Pressure (CBI): Eastern Caribbean leaders weighed the EU’s push to phase out CBI programmes by June 1, 2028, with calls for a longer transition and coordinated regional action.

Tourism Upgrade: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car, due for completion later this year, will reshape the visitor experience and create immediate local jobs, alongside ongoing work at Champagne Beach, Ti Tou Gorge and Emerald Pool. Energy Costs: DOMLEC reports lower July electricity bills as geothermal energy reduces the fuel surcharge, with projected savings across domestic, commercial and industrial users. Business & Ports: Dominica’s cruise push continues with a 3-day Business Cruise Stakeholders Symposium, building on a record season of nearly 410,000 passengers. Local Infrastructure: Cochrane Road in the Roseau Valley is nearing completion, upgrading access and safety ahead of monsoon conditions. Governance & Finance: Dr. Irving McIntyre has taken over as Chair of the ECCB Monetary Council, with climate resilience and renewable energy highlighted. Regional Citizenship Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley urges a five-year transition away from CBI programmes, warning the EU’s tighter timeline could trigger an economic crisis. Industry Community: DAIC mourns the late Valentine Poponne as a trusted small-business pillar, while also hosting networking to strengthen private-sector links.