AGP Executive Report

Cross-border crime crackdown: Dominica was among 35 countries in Operation ATLAS NEXUS, a major international push against organised crime that led to 490+ arrests, 156.9 tonnes of seized drugs and weapons, and 18 victims rescued. Livestock production push: The Ministry of Agriculture will host a two-day National Seminar on Poultry and Pig Production (Sept 22–23) to help farmers meet the requirements for Dominica’s national poultry and pig abattoirs, covering biosecurity, nutrition, planning and market standards. Energy security: Economist Marla Dukharan warns the Caribbean’s limited progress on energy sovereignty leaves it exposed to oil-market shocks as prices stay volatile above US$100 a barrel. Road access risk: A landslide on the AuDelices Road has renewed concerns about South East access, with clearing restoring driving conditions and calls continuing for the Petite Savanne–Delices link. Fisheries resilience funding: A US$12.55m GEF-backed CC4FISH-II project was launched in Dominica to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in fisheries through 2030, benefiting 21,800+ people across the region. Maritime safety and accountability: Human Rights Watch says Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden may amount to war crimes, including an incident involving Dominica-flagged tanker Daisy. Skills for youth: The Business Training Centre will deliver vocational and digital training for 150 unemployed/underemployed young Dominicans via a Maria Holder Memorial Trust programme. Climate impacts on children: UNICEF-backed research warns there may be “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with more than 9 in 10 exposed to multiple climate hazards by mid-century.

South East Access Disruption: A landslide on the AuDelices Road (O’Delices Road) has disrupted travel in Dominica’s south east, with Public Works saying clearing restored driving conditions and no injuries reported; UWP leader Thomson Fontaine says tourists were rerouted and some cancelled trips, while residents continue pushing for restoration of the Petite Savanne–Delices link damaged by Tropical Storm Erika in 2015. Youth Skills & Jobs: The Business Training Centre will deliver vocational and digital training for 150 unemployed/underemployed young Dominicans under a Maria Holder Memorial Trust programme, including electrical, plumbing, construction, hospitality, medical admin, data entry and digital marketing. Climate-Resilient Fisheries Funding: Dominica is hosting the launch of the US$12.55m GEF-backed CC4FISH-II project to build climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries, expected to benefit 21,800+ people across participating islands through 2030. Agriculture Upgrade: Farmers are adopting higher-value vegetable production techniques with FAO support, including fertigation and ground cover, to improve yields and market readiness. Education Disruption Eases: Dominica State College classes have resumed after industrial action, with management and the union agreeing to resolve issues. Health & Safety Research: New CGM-based research suggests sexual intercourse is safe for people with type 1 diabetes, addressing hypoglycaemia fears. Regional Trade/Border Capacity: St Lucia officers received EU-funded training to strengthen coordinated, intelligence-led border controls across OECS states. Sports & Community: The AABL basketball league kicked off at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex, while Pioneers Athletics Club received equipment support from Tropical Shipping. International Spotlight: Human Rights Watch says Houthi attacks on commercial ships may amount to war crimes, including incidents involving a Dominica-flagged tanker.

Climate & Children: UNICEF-backed research warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with more than 9 in 10 projected to face at least three climate hazards by mid-century, alongside hotter days and longer droughts. Fisheries Resilience: Dominica hosted the launch of CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55m GEF-funded project to build climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries, targeting over 21,800 fisherfolk and coastal workers through 2030. Vocational & Digital Jobs: Dominica’s Business Training Centre will deliver vocational and digital training for 150 unemployed/underemployed youth under a Maria Holder Memorial Trust programme running to Sept 2027. Agriculture Upgrade: The Ministry of Agriculture says farmers are adopting high-value vegetable techniques with FAO support, including fertigation and ground cover, to improve yields and market readiness. Regional Trade & Borders: St Lucia officers received EU-funded training to strengthen risk-based, intelligence-led border controls across OECS ports of entry. Shipping Risk: Human Rights Watch links Houthi attacks on commercial ships to likely war crimes, including an incident involving the Dominica-flagged tanker Daisy. Infrastructure Delivery: NCCU’s new Pointe Michel branch construction is reported three weeks ahead of schedule, with phases extending into 2027. Housing: Woodford Hill residents received keys to hurricane-resilient Category 5 homes, with titles expected soon. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines is set to start a twice-weekly Dominica–Piarco service from Oct 5.

Climate Resilience for Fisheries: Dominica is hosting the launch of the US$12.55m GEF-backed CC4FISH-II project, aimed at building climate and disaster resilience across the Caribbean fisheries sector through 2030, with more than 21,800 fisherfolk and coastal workers expected to benefit. Regional Infrastructure Support: Dominica is also among the first countries able to tap the new RIISE Facility, which provides technical help to clear bottlenecks and speed up climate-resilient infrastructure delivery. Youth Skills Push: The Business Training Centre will deliver vocational and digital training for 150 unemployed and underemployed young Dominicans under a Maria Holder Memorial Trust programme running to Sept 2027. Agriculture Upgrade: Farmers are adopting high-value vegetable production techniques with FAO support, including fertigation and ground cover, to improve yields and market readiness. Housing Delivery: Government handed over 16 hurricane-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with titles promised to follow. Maritime Risk Watch: Human Rights Watch says Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden may amount to war crimes, including an attack on the Dominica-flagged tanker Daisy. Border Controls Training: OECS states, including St Lucia, received EU-funded training to strengthen coordinated, intelligence-led border management. Sports & Community: Tropical Shipping backed Pioneers Athletics Club with equipment support, while the AABL basketball league kicked off at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex.

Climate Resilience for Fisheries: Dominica hosted the launch of the US$12.55m GEF-backed CC4FISH-II project, aiming to build climate and disaster resilience for more than 21,800 fisherfolk and coastal workers across Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, with FAO and the CCCCC leading work through 2030. Regional Infrastructure Delivery: The new RIISE Facility has begun operations, giving Dominica (along with Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent & the Grenadines) access to technical help to clear bottlenecks and speed up climate-resilient projects. Jobs & Skills: A BTC programme funded by the Maria Holder Memorial Trust will train 150 unemployed and underemployed youth in vocational and digital skills from Sept 2026 to Sept 2027. Agriculture Upgrade: Farmers are adopting high-value vegetable techniques with FAO support, including fertigation and ground cover, to improve yields and market readiness. Housing & Assets: Government handed over 16 hurricane-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with titles to follow. Maritime Risk: Human Rights Watch says Houthi attacks on commercial ships may amount to war crimes, including an incident involving the Dominica-flagged tanker Daisy. Climate Threats to Children: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns there may be “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with exposure to multiple climate hazards projected to rise sharply by mid-century.

Climate & Children: UNICEF-backed research warns that across Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean, more than one-third of children already live where they face at least three climate hazards, with projections rising to over 9 in 10 by mid-century—no “safe zone,” as heat, drought, stronger hurricanes and sea-level rise intensify. Fisheries Resilience: A US$12.55m GEF-funded CC4FISH-II project was launched in Dominica to help fisherfolk and coastal communities adapt through 2030, with FAO and the CCCCC leading work across Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Skills for Youth: Dominica’s Business Training Centre will deliver vocational and digital training for 150 unemployed/underemployed young people (Sept 2026–Sept 2027), including electrical, plumbing, construction, hospitality, medical admin, data entry and digital marketing. Agriculture Upgrade: Farmers are adopting high-value vegetable techniques with FAO support, including fertigation and ground cover, to improve yields and market-ready consistency. Education Disruption: Dominica State College classes have resumed after industrial action, following dispute resolution talks. Maritime Risk: Human Rights Watch says Houthi attacks on commercial ships may amount to war crimes, including an incident involving the Dominica-flagged tanker Daisy. Infrastructure Support: Dominica can now tap the RIISE facility for technical help to push climate-resilient projects past delivery bottlenecks. Sports & Community: The AABL basketball league opened at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex, while Pioneers Athletics Club received equipment support from Tropical Shipping.

Workforce & Skills: Dominica’s Business Training Centre, funded by the Maria Holder Memorial Trust, is rolling out a year-long “Digital Inclusion & Skills Development for Unemployed Youth” programme for 150 young people, mixing vocational tracks (electrical, plumbing, construction, hotel reception/hospitality, medical admin, data entry, secretarial studies, digital marketing) with built-in digital literacy. Climate & Food Security: A UNICEF-backed study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children as more than a third are already exposed to at least three climate hazards, with projections rising to more than nine in 10 by mid-century; drought and heat are also flagged as growing threats to farming and water. Fisheries Resilience Funding: The US$12.55m GEF-backed CC4FISH-II project was launched in Dominica to help more than 21,800 fisherfolk and coastal households across the region build climate and disaster resilience through 2030, with FAO and the CCCCC leading implementation. Infrastructure Delivery Support: The Canada-funded RIISE Facility has started operations for Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, offering technical help to push climate-resilient projects past implementation bottlenecks. Local Agriculture Upgrades: Dominica farmers are adopting FAO-supported high-value vegetable techniques like fertigation and ground cover to improve yields and consistency for market readiness. Maritime Risk for Shipping: Human Rights Watch says Houthi attacks on commercial ships could amount to war crimes, including an incident involving the Dominica-flagged tanker Daisy, keeping pressure on regional maritime safety. Housing & Titles: Government handed over 16 hurricane-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with land titles expected to follow. Sports & Youth: Tropical Shipping is funding equipment for Pioneers Athletics Club, while the AABL basketball league opened at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex.

Caribbean Fisheries Resilience Funding: Dominica is hosting the launch of CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55m GEF-backed regional project to boost climate and disaster resilience in fisheries, with 21,800+ fisherfolk and coastal workers across Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago set to benefit through 2030. Regional Infrastructure Delivery: The Canada-funded RIISE Facility has started operations, offering Dominica and three other OECS states specialized technical help to clear bottlenecks and speed up climate-resilient public works. Climate Risk for Children: A UNICEF-backed study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with many schools and health facilities exposed to multiple climate hazards that could worsen by mid-century. Maritime Safety and Trade: Human Rights Watch says Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden may amount to war crimes, including an incident involving the Dominica-flagged tanker Daisy—raising fresh concerns for shipping risk. Housing and Assets: Government handed over 16 hurricane-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with titles promised soon. Local Sports Support: Tropical Shipping backed Pioneers Athletics Club with equipment funding to strengthen youth training. Education Disruption: Dominica State College classes have resumed after dispute resolution following industrial action.

Caribbean Fisheries Resilience: FAO’s Dr. Renata Clarke backed a new US$12.55m GEF-funded CC4FISH-II project launched in Dominica, saying regional cooperation is key to helping fisheries withstand climate pressure. Climate Risk for Children: A UNICEF-backed Eastern Caribbean study warns there’s “no safe zone” for children, with many schools and health facilities exposed to multiple climate hazards now and far worse by mid-century. Housing Delivery: Government handed over 16 hurricane-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with titles promised soon. Infrastructure Support: Dominica is among four states gaining access to the RIISE facility to speed up climate-resilient infrastructure delivery. Maritime Security & Rights: Human Rights Watch says Houthi attacks on commercial ships—including a Dominica-flagged tanker Daisy—could amount to war crimes, raising risks for Dominican-registered vessels. Sports & Youth: Tropical Shipping funded equipment for Pioneers Athletics Club to boost training resources. Education Disruption: Dominica State College classes resumed after dispute resolution following industrial action. International Representation: President Sylvanie Burton will deliver Dominica’s UN General Assembly statement in New York.

Climate Resilience for Fisheries: Dominica is set to benefit from the US$12.55m CC4FISH-II project, launched in Dominica on Sept. 15, aimed at building climate and disaster resilience for more than 21,800 people across the region, with special focus on women and youth in coastal fishing communities. Infrastructure Delivery Support: The RIISE Facility has begun operations, giving Dominica and three other Eastern Caribbean governments access to specialized technical help to clear bottlenecks and speed up climate-resilient infrastructure projects. Regional Cooperation on Food Security: Parliamentary Secretary Lakeyia Joseph called for stronger Eastern Caribbean cooperation as the fisheries sector faces climate-driven pressure, aligning with the CC4FISH-II rollout. Maritime Risk for Dominican Shipping: Human Rights Watch says Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden could amount to war crimes in at least three cases, including the Dominica-flagged tanker Daisy. Education Continuity: Classes at the Dominica State College have resumed after dispute resolution, following industrial action tied to long-running grievances. Banking Construction Update: NCCU says its Pointe Michel branch construction is about three weeks ahead of schedule, moving into first-floor works.

Red Sea Shipping Risk: Human Rights Watch says Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden could amount to war crimes, including an August 5 strike on the Dominica-flagged oil tanker Daisy; HRW notes attacks on multiple flagged ships and warns seafarers are being put in deadly danger. Fisheries Resilience Funding: Dominica is hosting the launch of CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55m GEF-backed regional project to strengthen climate and disaster resilience for fisheries and coastal communities through 2030, with more than 21,800 people expected to benefit. Infrastructure Delivery Support: The RIISE Facility has begun operations for Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, offering specialized technical help to push climate-resilient infrastructure projects past implementation bottlenecks. Education Disruption: Classes at Dominica State College have resumed after dispute resolution, following industrial action tied to long-running grievances beyond salaries. Air Connectivity Watch: Piarco International Airport reports robust passenger traffic and points to continued regional route expansion, including a planned Dominica–Piarco service by Contour Airlines starting October 5. Local Development: Government plans to operationalise Marigot as a port of entry are moving ahead, aiming to unlock new trade and services for the area.

Caribbean Fisheries Resilience Push: Dominica is hosting the launch of CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55M GEF-backed project to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in the fisheries sector, reaching 21,800 fisherfolk and coastal workers across Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago through 2030. Port & Trade Facilitation: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says plans to operationalise the Marigot Fisheries Complex as a port of entry are moving ahead after fishermen’s concerns were addressed, aiming to unlock new commerce for Marigot and surrounding communities. Infrastructure Delivery Support: The RIISE Facility has begun operations, offering Dominica and three other Eastern Caribbean governments technical help to clear bottlenecks and complete climate-resilient infrastructure projects, funded by Canada and hosted by UNOPS. Shipping Safety & Rights: Human Rights Watch warns that recent Houthi attacks on commercial ships could amount to war crimes, including incidents involving a Dominica-flagged vessel, raising fresh concerns for Dominican-registered shipping and seafarers. Local Business Outlook: Omni Industries cuts its export target to 10% of revenue over five years (from an earlier higher, faster goal), citing regional expansion plans alongside a strong domestic rebound after Hurricane Melissa. Workforce Planning Upgrade: Dominica is developing a Centralized Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) to improve health workforce planning and pandemic readiness. Sports & Youth Development: Pioneers Athletics Club announces a donation of sports equipment from Tropical Shipping Co. Ltd., aimed at boosting training opportunities for young athletes and coaches.

Climate & Fisheries Funding: Dominica is hosting the launch of CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55 million GEF-backed regional project to help more than 21,800 people in the fisheries sector and coastal communities across the Eastern Caribbean build climate and disaster resilience through 2030. Infrastructure Delivery: Four Caribbean governments, including Dominica, can now tap the RIISE Facility, funded by Canada and hosted by UNOPS, to get climate-resilient infrastructure projects past implementation bottlenecks and into completion. Health Workforce Planning: Dominica is developing a Centralized Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) with PAHO/WHO support to strengthen workforce planning and pandemic preparedness. Port & Trade: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the Marigot Fisheries Complex is moving toward becoming a port of entry, after concerns from fishermen were addressed—aiming to unlock new commercial activity. Local Governance & Jobs: Roseau North MP Ashma McDougall highlights housing, youth employment and small business support as she begins work after her Sept. 7 by-election win. Sports & Recognition: Olympic triple-jump champion Thea LaFond-Gadson is set to receive an honorary UWI Doctor of Laws for her contribution to sport. Culture & Community: The inaugural Tasty Treasures Heritage Relay’s White River leg in Delices spotlighted sport, local bread-baking, youth essays and heritage tourism.

Maritime Security: Human Rights Watch says recent Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden likely amount to war crimes in at least three cases, including attacks on vessels flying Saudi, Tanzania and Dominica flags—raising fresh alarms for civilian seafarers. Port & Fisheries Development: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica is moving to operationalise the Marigot Fisheries Complex as a port of entry after fishermen’s concerns were addressed, aiming to boost trade and services for Marigot through to Calibishie and the Kalinago Territory. Climate Resilience for Industry: Dominica will launch the CC4FISH-II Climate Change Resilience in the Caribbean Fisheries Sector Project on Sept. 15, supported by GEF, FAO and CCCCC, to strengthen resilience for fishing communities. Local Jobs & Small Business: Roseau North MP Ashma McDougall says her priorities include housing, youth employment and small business development, with quick fixes like street lighting already underway. Education & Workforce Pipeline: Dominica State College reports strong 2026 enrolment growth across programmes, including engineering and business tracks. Sports & Corporate Support: Pioneers Athletics Club will receive sports equipment from Tropical Shipping on Sept. 15 in Roseau, backing youth training and development. Digital Skills: OECS opens applications Sept. 10 for the Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme (CARDTP/UWI Global Campus), targeting advanced tech certifications across member states including Dominica.

Port & Fisheries Development: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica is moving to operationalise the Marigot Fisheries Complex as a port of entry, after fishermen’s concerns were “reconciled,” paving the way for DASPA and other departments to install the needed systems—expected to boost trade and services from Marigot down to Calibishie and the Kalinago Territory. Climate & Food Systems: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy will launch the CC4FISH-II Climate Change Resilience in the Caribbean Fisheries Sector Project on Sept. 15, supported by GEF, FAO and CCCCC, aiming to strengthen resilience for fishing communities. Aviation & Tourism Access: Dominica is set to benefit from more direct U.S. flights, with United Airlines and American Airlines expanding routes—plus plans for a full-scale international airport to deepen connectivity. Creative Industries & Jobs: Dominica sponsors Bouyon categories at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad on Sept. 19, backing local nominees and the “orange economy” angle of music-driven tourism. Education & Skills: OECS opens applications Sept. 10 for the Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme (CARDTP/UWI Global Campus), targeting advanced training in areas like AI, cybersecurity and cloud. Higher Education Labour: Dominica State College staff say current industrial action stems from years of unresolved grievances, including post-Maria infrastructure damage, delayed lecturer appointments, vacant key posts and stalled salary framework approvals. Sports & Local Business: Pioneers Athletics Club will receive sports equipment donated by Tropical Shipping Co. Ltd. on Sept. 15 in Roseau.

OECS Education & Skills: The OECS Commission’s Morocco embassy held its first graduate recognition ceremony in Rabat, spotlighting South-South education links and Morocco’s scholarship support for OECS students. Digital Workforce Pipeline: The OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme opens 10 Sept (closes 20 Sept), offering training and certifications in areas like AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics, and digital marketing for Dominica and other member states. Dominica Industry & Jobs: Dominica State College reports strong 2026 enrolment growth, with record intakes in Business Administration, Pre-Health, Electrical Engineering, and other programmes. Construction & Procurement Tensions: PM Dickon Mitchell sharply criticized the Nelson Louison-led CCCC-I over long delays on state road works, raising procurement and performance concerns. Renewables & Energy Debate: A former Central Bank governor argues distributed solar-and-wind models may raise costs, urging Caribbean governments to consider hydro as a lower-cost renewable path. Regional Business Expansion: Omni Industries says it’s pushing exports harder—targeting 10% of revenue from export markets—and is in talks to supply Trinidad’s baking manufacturers with tray products. Air Connectivity Watch: Contour Airlines plans twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica flights starting Oct 5, aiming to compete after Caribbean Airlines ended the route.