AGP Executive Report

OECS Regional Agenda: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is in Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting (June 21–22), with leaders set to focus on economic development, regional integration, climate resilience, security, food and energy security, and freedom of movement. Roseau Infrastructure Push: Dominica has begun the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project after a June 17 kickoff, with a US$2.24m consultancy contract for design review and supervision; works target key streets and aim to make Roseau safer, more pedestrian-friendly, and more climate-resilient. Climate & Biodiversity Funding: Dominica received US$93,000 for two biodiversity projects, including support to fight lethal yellowing in the coconut sub-sector and coral reef restoration in Soufrière. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC traced an island-wide power outage to a transmission line trip linking the geothermal plant to Fond Cole, switching to diesel generation while restoring service across affected areas. Agriculture & Food Security: The IFC will invest up to US$15m in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, including Dominica, to expand financing for resilience and medium-sized enterprises. Politics (Local): The DLP named Ashma McDougall as its Roseau North by-election candidate after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation, while the UWP’s Danny Lugay is also in the race.

Tourism Leadership: SVG Tourism Authority named Shafia T.T. London as its new CEO effective July 1, bringing nearly two decades of regional business leadership from roles across the SVG Chamber of Industry and Commerce and AB InBev. Regional Integration: OECS leaders opened the 78th Authority Meeting in Antigua under Dr. Gaston Browne’s chairmanship, with priorities spanning economic development, climate resilience, security, food and energy security, freedom of movement, and cooperation in health, education and digital transformation. Urban Infrastructure: Dominica has entered the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project after a June 17 kickoff, following a US$2.24m consultancy contract for design review and supervision of road rehabilitation across key Roseau streets, including drainage and safer pedestrian upgrades. Climate Resilience Funding: The DNCTF says US$5,000 from the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund will support Atkinson drainage and slope stabilization over three months, targeting flood and landslide risk reduction. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC traced an island-wide power outage to a geothermal transmission line trip, switching to the Fond Cole Diesel Plant and restoring service in stages. Agriculture & Biodiversity: DNCTF reported US$93,000 for two biodiversity projects, including a rapid response to Lethal Yellowing disease in the coconut sub-sector and coral reef restoration in Soufrière.

Roseau Upgrade Kickoff: Dominica has moved into the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project after a June 17 kickoff with consultants, government departments, utility companies and other stakeholders. The decade-long plan targets road and streetscape upgrades across Independence Street, Bath Road, Cork Street, Great George Street, Virgin Lane, River Street and King George V Street, with a US$2.24m consultancy contract awarded for design review and supervision. Climate Resilience Funding: The Atkinson community is set to receive US$5,000 from the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund via the DNCTF to cut flood and landslide risk through drainage clearing, French drains, soil stabilization and maintenance equipment. Biodiversity Money for Key Threats: Dominica also received US$93,000 for two biodiversity projects—supporting the fight against Lethal Yellowing disease in the coconut sub-sector and coral reef restoration in Soufrière—under DNCTF’s CRAB Pro-Nature grants. Power Reliability: DOMLEC traced an island-wide outage to a transmission line trip linking the geothermal plant to the Fond Cole substation, with restoration staged across affected communities. Regional Finance for SMEs: The IFC confirmed up to US$15m into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to expand financing for medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries, including Dominica. Citizenship by Investment Watch: A CBI industry expert flagged currency volatility and stricter compliance checks as major hurdles for investment applicants. Local Governance & Services: The OECS Authority meeting brought Prime Minister Skerrit to Antigua, with regional priorities spanning economic development, climate resilience, security, food and energy security, and freedom of movement. Agriculture Capacity: IICA highlighted support for agriculture and food security at its annual accountability seminar, focusing on farmers, agribusiness and market access. Politics (By-election): Ashma McDougall was named DLP candidate for the Roseau North by-election after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation, as opposition parties trade claims over who approached whom.

OECS Regional Policy: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is in Antigua and Barbuda for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, where leaders will focus on economic development, integration, climate resilience, security, food and energy security, freedom of movement, and digital transformation; Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre is acting PM during Skerrit’s absence. Urban Infrastructure & Roads: Dominica has moved into the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project after a June 17 kickoff with consultants, government departments, utility companies, and stakeholders; the decade-long plan targets road rehabilitation and upgrades across key Roseau streets, with a US$2.24m consultancy contract for design review and supervision. Climate Resilience Funding: The Atkinson community is set to receive US$5,000 from the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund via the DNCTF to cut flood and landslide risks through drainage clearing, French drains, soil stabilization, and maintenance equipment. Biodiversity & Agriculture Protection: Dominica received US$93,000 for two biodiversity projects—supporting the fight against lethal yellowing in the coconut sub-sector and coral reef restoration in Soufriere—while officials warn the disease remains a threat. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC traced an island-wide early-morning outage to a geothermal transmission line trip, switching to diesel backup and restoring power in stages. Regional Finance for SMEs: IFC confirmed up to US$15m investment in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to expand financing for medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries including Dominica. Citizenship by Investment Scrutiny: An industry expert flags currency volatility and stricter compliance checks as top hurdles for Citizenship by Investment applicants. Political Contest Signals: Roseau North by-election politics intensify as Ashma McDougall is named DLP candidate, with competing claims about prior approaches by the UWP.

Roseau Enhancement Project: Dominica has moved into the implementation phase after a June 17 kickoff with consultants, government departments, utility companies and other stakeholders, setting up road rehabilitation and upgrades across key Roseau streets (Independence, Bath, Cork, Great George, Virgin Lane, River Street and King George V), with a US$2.24m consultancy contract for design review and supervision. Citizenship by Investment: Currency volatility and stricter compliance checks are the main hurdles for high-net-worth applicants, according to a CBI industry expert, with exchange-rate swings affecting foreign-currency investment requirements. Roseau North by-election: Political heat is rising around the Roseau North seat after DLP named Ashma McDougall as its candidate, while UWP claims she was first approached by the opposition before choosing Labour. Climate resilience funding: Atkinson Village Council is set to receive US$5,000 from the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund via DNCTF for drainage and slope stabilization to cut flood and landslide risks. Biodiversity grants: DNCTF says Dominica received US$93,000 for two biodiversity projects—Lethal Yellowing disease response in the coconut sub-sector and coral reef restoration in Soufrière. Energy reliability: DOMLEC traced an island-wide power outage to a geothermal transmission line trip and moved to restore service using the Fond Cole Diesel Plant. Tourism industry staffing: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to boost brand and promotional work for nature, wellness and adventure travel.

Roseau North By-Election Politics: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall says she was first approached by the opposition UWP to contest Roseau North, but she declined and chose Labour—an exchange Housing Minister Melissa Skerrit highlighted during McDougall’s meet-and-greet. Biodiversity & Agriculture: The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and DNCTF disbursed about US$93,000 for two Dominica projects—Lethal Yellowing Disease containment in the coconut sub-sector and coral reef restoration in Soufriere—while officials pushed for transparency and continued surveillance. Climate Resilience Works: Atkinson Village Council is set to receive a US$5,000 BPAF contribution via DNCTF for drainage clearing, French drains, soil stabilization and equipment, with implementation running through September 2026. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC traced an island-wide early-morning outage to a geothermal transmission line trip, switching to the Fond Cole Diesel Plant and restoring power in stages. Urban Infrastructure: The Roseau Enhancement Project has moved into its implementation phase after a US$2.24 million consultancy contract for road rehabilitation design review and supervision. Regional Finance for SMEs: IFC confirmed up to US$15 million into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, targeting medium-sized enterprise lending across 13 countries including Dominica.

World Bank/IFC Financing: IFC says it will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund (CCRF) Debt sub-fund, with money aimed at expanding credit for medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries including Dominica, alongside resilience and sustainability projects. Climate Resilience for Dominica: The DNCTF reports US$5,000 from the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund for Atkinson Village Council to cut flood and landslide risks via drainage clearing, French drains, soil stabilization, and maintenance equipment (3-month push through Sept 2026). Biodiversity Funding: Dominica received US$93,000 for two biodiversity projects—supporting the fight against Lethal Yellowing Disease in the coconut sub-sector and coral reef restoration in Soufrière. Roads & Urban Upgrade: The Roseau Enhancement Project has moved into implementation, following a US$2.24M consultancy contract for design review and supervision of key street rehabilitation works. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC traced an island-wide outage to a geothermal transmission line trip, switching to diesel generation while restoring power in stages. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA highlighted support for agriculture and food security at its accountability seminar, focusing on farmers, agribusiness, and market access. Regional Trade/Integration: CARIFORUM–EU talks in the Dominican Republic spotlight stronger regional integration and practical implementation of the CARIFORUM–EU agreement. Political Watch (Local): UWP unveiled its “Team Dominica” slate for the expected Roseau North by-election, while DLP named Ashma McDougall as its candidate after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation.

Climate Resilience & Infrastructure: The DNCTF says the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund has approved a US$5,000 Climate Resilience Contribution for Atkinson Village Council to cut flood and landslide risk, with drainage clearing, French drains, soil stabilization, and maintenance equipment planned over a three-month run ending September 2026. Biodiversity & Agriculture Health: Dominica received US$93,000 for two biodiversity projects under the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund—supporting the fight against Lethal Yellowing in the coconut sub-sector and coral reef restoration in Soufriere—while DNCTF calls for stronger accountability and transparency. Urban Works: The Roseau Enhancement Project has entered its implementation phase after a US$2.24 million consultancy contract for design review and supervision, targeting road rehabilitation on key Roseau streets to improve safety and walkability. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC traced an island-wide early-morning outage to a geothermal transmission line trip to Fond Cole Substation, switching to the Fond Cole Diesel Plant and restoring power in phases through late morning. Regional Trade & Integration: The Dominican Republic hosted the CARIFORUM–EU Joint Council meeting, with President Abinader urging stronger regional coordination and practical CARIFORUM–EU EPA implementation. Tourism & Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to push brand, trade partnerships, and campaigns for nature, wellness, and adventure travel.

Biodiversity Funding: Dominica received US$93,000 for two Caribbean Biodiversity Fund-backed projects—Lethal Yellowing Disease containment support for coconut growers and coral reef restoration in Soufrière—while officials urged accountability and transparency. Roads & Urban Upgrade: The Roseau Enhancement Project has moved into its implementation phase after a US$2.24 million consultancy contract for design review and supervision of road rehabilitation across key Roseau streets. Agriculture & Food Security (Regional): Antigua and Barbuda’s agriculture ministry highlighted IICA-backed sweet potato work, including improved planting materials, climate-resilient varieties, pest management, and possible value-added products. Power & Energy Reliability: DOMLEC traced an island-wide early-morning outage to a geothermal transmission line trip, switched to diesel backup, and set restoration targets across multiple communities. Political Watch: The DLP named Ashma McDougall as its Roseau North by-election candidate following Miriam Blanchard’s resignation for health reasons, while the UWP also unveiled new faces in its campaign push. Resilience Investment: PM Skerrit said the DOMCREP climate resilience programme is a US$70.2 million push supporting farmers, agro-processors, water security, and emergency preparedness across eight vulnerable communities.

Roseau North By-Election Momentum: The UWP unveiled “Team Dominica,” naming Juliet Schillingford (Roseau Central) and Delbert Paris (Marigot), while reaffirming Danny Lugay as its Roseau North standard-bearer ahead of a by-election expected within 90 days. Opposition Candidate Line-Up: The DLP, meanwhile, ratified Ashma McDougall as its Roseau North candidate after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation for medical reasons—setting up a high-stakes contest. Geothermal Power Strain: DOMLEC reported an island-wide outage traced to a geothermal transmission line trip, with restoration staged across communities; PM Skerrit says outages are part of commissioning teething issues as Dominica moves geothermal onto the national grid. Coconut Disease Fight: The Ministry of Agriculture received grant support to tackle Lethal Yellowing in the coconut sub-sector, with officials warning the threat remains active in Woodford Hill. Biodiversity Funding: DNCTF awarded over US$100,000 for biodiversity and ecosystem protection, including rapid response work tied to the same coconut disease effort. Agriculture Market Support: IICA highlighted support for farmers and agribusinesses at its accountability seminar, focusing on food security, trade, and agri MSMEs. Tourism Staffing: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to push brand and trade partnerships. Regional Finance for SMEs: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in a CARICOM resilience debt fund aimed at SME financing.

Coconut Disease Response: Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry says it’s stepping up the fight against Lethal Yellowing Disease in the coconut sub-sector in Woodfordhill, after receiving a Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund grant to help contain the threat. Power & Energy Reliability: DOMLEC reports an island-wide outage early Thursday traced to a geothermal transmission line trip between the geothermal plant and the Fond Cole substation; backup generation was activated and most communities were restored by late morning, with remaining areas scheduled to come back by 10:00 AM. Biodiversity Funding: DNCTF announced US$103,000 for two ecosystem projects under the CRAB Pro-Nature Grant Facility, including a “Rapid Response to Lethal Yellowing Disease” initiative focused on surveillance and coastal ecosystem protection. Geothermal Commissioning Pressure: Prime Minister Skerrit reiterated that geothermal outages are linked to commissioning and integration work, while promising lower rates and improved reliability once testing is complete. Regional Services Training: Dominica is set to participate in an OECS specialised services sector training programme (June 29–July 2) aimed at strengthening trade officials’ and policymakers’ skills for global services markets. Agriculture Market Linkages: IICA’s annual accountability seminar in Dominica highlighted support for farmers and agribusinesses, with a focus on food security through trade and MSMEs.

Geothermal Power & Grid Reliability: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit urged DOMLEC customers to be patient as Dominica’s geothermal plant completes commissioning, saying recent outages are “teething difficulties” tied to testing and integration, with promises of lower rates and better reliability once fully operational. Energy Sector Performance: DOMLEC reported $1.99m in profits for the financial year, citing stronger sales and renewable performance, and pointing to geothermal as a key driver of future electricity costs. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA highlighted support for Dominica’s farmers and agribusinesses at its annual accountability seminar, focusing on getting local fields into regional markets through trade and MSMEs. Plant Health Threat: The Plant Protection and Quarantine unit warned that Lethal Yellowing Disease remains a serious threat to the coconut sub-sector, with over 12,000 trees destroyed to contain spread. Biodiversity Funding: DNCTF awarded over US$103,000 for biodiversity and ecosystem protection, including a rapid response project to combat Lethal Yellowing and a coral reef restoration effort in Soufriere. Regional Services Training: OECS is set to run a specialised services sector training programme in Antigua and Barbuda from June 29 to July 2, aimed at strengthening trade officials’ and policymakers’ capacity. Tourism & Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as its new Destination Marketing Manager to boost global tourism positioning. Infrastructure Watch: Skerrit said the International Airport at Wesley is progressing, with major works at stated completion levels and approvals for aggregate sites under environmental safeguards. Climate Resilience: DOMCREP was launched as a $70.2m investment to support vulnerable communities and more than 520 farmers/agro-processors with climate-smart technologies and improved water security.

Dominica Budget Prep: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the 2026-2027 National Budget will balance support for the vulnerable with growth and fiscal prudence, following wide consultations amid global inflation, supply-chain shocks, geopolitics and climate pressures. Geothermal Power & Grid Reliability: Skerrit and DOMLEC are asking consumers to be patient as Dominica’s geothermal plant completes commissioning; outages are blamed on testing and integration, with promises of lower rates and less reliance on imported fuel. Energy Sector Performance: DOMLEC reports $1.99m profit for the financial year, citing stronger sales and renewable performance. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA’s annual accountability seminar highlights support for farmers and agribusiness, with focus on MSMEs and access to regional markets. Coconut Disease Watch: Plant Protection and Quarantine warns Lethal Yellowing Disease remains a threat, with thousands of coconut trees destroyed to contain spread. Biodiversity Funding: DNCTF awarded over US$103,000 for biodiversity and ecosystem projects, including a rapid response to Lethal Yellowing Disease and coral reef work in Soufriere. Climate Resilience Project: DOMCREP is set to invest $70.2m to support vulnerable communities, including climate-smart farm support for 520+ farmers and agro-processors. Tourism & Services: Discover Dominica Authority names Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to push brand and trade partnerships. Regional Trade Talks: Dominica’s Vince Henderson chairs CARICOM COTED in Guyana as ministers respond to energy-market disruption and rising food and fuel costs. OECS Services Training: OECS will run a specialised services sector training programme in Antigua (June 29–July 2) with Dominica among member states. Infrastructure Pipeline: Skerrit says the new Goodwill Secondary School is on track for November 2026 completion, and updates continue on major works including the international airport. Governance & Local Politics: Miriam Blanchard’s resignation triggers a Roseau North by-election; the DLP selects Ashma McDougall as candidate, while the opposition disputes her prior offers.

Geothermal Power Push: PM Skerrit urged DOMLEC customers to be patient as geothermal commissioning continues, saying outages are “teething difficulties” and should bring lower rates and better reliability once testing and integration finish. Electric Utility Results: DOMLEC reported $1.99m profit for the financial year, pointing to renewable performance and sales growth. Energy & Grid Milestone: Dominica became the first Caribbean nation to place geothermal energy on its national grid, marking a major shift away from imported fuel. Citizenship by Investment Tightening: Dominica will require successful CBI applicants to visit in person and collect renewed passports locally, aiming to strengthen programme integrity and meet international expectations. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA highlighted support for farmers and agribusiness at its annual accountability seminar, focusing on trade, MSMEs, and market access. Coconut Disease Threat: Plant Protection and Quarantine warned Lethal Yellowing Disease remains a serious risk to the coconut sub-sector, with over 12,000 trees destroyed to contain spread. Biodiversity Funding: DNCTF awarded over US$103,000 for biodiversity and ecosystem protection, including a rapid response project targeting Lethal Yellowing Disease and coral reef work in Soufrière. Regional Agriculture Awards: CARICOM opened nominations for the 2026 Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year awards, with submissions due by end of June. Tourism Talent & Promotion: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to boost global positioning for nature, wellness, and adventure travel. Infrastructure Watch: Goodwill Secondary School is on track for November 2026 completion, and Windsor Park Stadium handover is expected by end of June after certification. Regional Services Training: OECS-backed specialised services sector training is set for June 29–July 2 in Antigua and Barbuda, supporting trade officials and policymakers.

Agribusiness & Food Security: IICA used its June 3 accountability seminar in Dominica to spotlight support for farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities, with a focus on getting agricultural MSMEs into regional markets. Biodiversity & Agriculture Health: DNCTF approved US$103,000 for two ecosystem projects under the CRAB Pro-Nature facility, including a “Rapid Response to Lethal Yellowing Disease” push to protect coconut palms after thousands were destroyed. Politics & Constituency Watch: The DLP named Ashma McDougall as its Roseau North by-election candidate after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation for health reasons. Regional Farming Awards: CARICOM opened nominations for the 2026 CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Ministers of Agriculture Young Farmer awards, with submissions due end of June. Tourism & Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to strengthen brand and trade partnerships. Energy & Power Reliability: PM Skerrit urged DOMLEC customers to be patient during geothermal commissioning outages, while DOMLEC reported US$1.99m profit and pointed to geothermal’s long-term cost impact. Citizenship by Investment Rules: Dominica will require successful CBI applicants to visit in person and collect renewed passports locally. Infrastructure: Windsor Park Stadium handover is expected before month-end after lighting work and certification steps.

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Tightening: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says successful CBI applicants must now visit Dominica in person and collect renewed passports locally, aiming to strengthen ties to the island and meet higher international expectations. Energy & Utilities: As Dominica’s geothermal plant moves through commissioning, Skerrit and DOMLEC are urging patience amid outages, while DOMLEC reports $1.99m in profits and points to renewable performance. Agriculture Biosecurity: The Plant Protection and Quarantine unit warns lethal yellowing disease is still threatening coconuts, with over 12,000 trees destroyed in Woodford Hill; conservation and biodiversity funding also backs coral reef work in Soufriere. Tourism Industry Moves: Discover Dominica Authority names Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to push brand and trade partnerships for nature and wellness travel. Regional Trade Policy: CARICOM trade ministers open COTED in Georgetown as energy and supply-chain shocks threaten inflation and food security across the region. Food Production & Jobs: Government plans a near $700,000 animal feed mill to cut import dependence, with an EOI expected soon and cassava trials already showing promise. CARICOM Farming Awards: Nominations are open for CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer awards, due end of June.