AGP Executive Report

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.

Caribbean aviation shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut key Eastern Caribbean routes starting June 1, ending Dominica–Suriname and St. Kitts–Suriname links and reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, after Parliament-linked disclosures put route losses at about US$18.8m—prompting fresh debate over who will plug the intra-Caribbean airlift gap, with LIAT 2020 now in the spotlight. Dominica governance & people-first planning: The Dominica Council on Ageing is pushing for elderly consultation before public building works, while youth are urged to connect with seniors. Regional climate agenda: OECS ministers will meet in Dominica May 27–28 for COM:ES 13 on environmental sustainability and resilience. Dominica–India momentum: New grant-funded initiatives and MOUs with India include quick-impact road works and Kalinago Territory climate-smart projects. Tourism & youth engagement: Discover Dominica and FCCA launch a 2026 student essay/poster competition focused on sustainable cruise tourism and ocean protection. Global context: India–CARICOM ties keep expanding, and China delivered emergency rice to Cuba amid worsening shortages.

Transport & Food Security: A new push for a unified ECCU–CARICOM transport strategy is gaining urgency as Caribbean aviation keeps shrinking—Caribbean Airlines says it will stop flights to Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor from June 1, cut Martinique/Guadeloupe to twice weekly, and restructure its Barbados hub, after losses of about US$18.84m on the routes it’s exiting. Airlift Gap Watch: The cuts are already sparking debate over who will plug the intra-Caribbean travel hole, with LIAT 2020 positioned by observers as a likely beneficiary. Dominica Governance & Aging: The Dominica Council on Ageing is calling for elderly people to be consulted before building public facilities, citing real-world access concerns. Project & Legal Clarity: MMC Development denies any arbitration or court action against the Dominica government, insisting it wants the airport project completed. Energy Transition Recognition: DOMLEC picked up regional recognition at the CARILEC CEO conference in Barbados for leadership in the energy transition. OECS Climate Meeting: The OECS Council of Ministers’ Environmental Sustainability session lands in Dominica next week (May 27–28).

Airlift Shock: Caribbean Airlines is cutting multiple Eastern Caribbean routes from June 1, including Dominica–Suriname and St. Kitts–Suriname links, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly—sparking fresh debate over who will plug the growing regional travel gap. Regional Business Pulse: Dominica’s private sector is also looking ahead: the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce urged firms to prepare now for the planned international airport, expected by end-2027, with opportunities flagged in tourism, cargo, logistics, agro-processing, and jobs. Climate & Agriculture Pressure: After a trough system battered Dominica’s east and northeast, the agriculture ministry estimates about EC$2 million in damages to farmers, with a cash grant assistance programme expected soon. Energy Transition Recognition: DOMLEC picked up regional recognition at the CARILEC CEO conference in Barbados for leadership in the energy transition. OECS Sustainability Meeting: The OECS Council of Ministers’ Environmental Sustainability session will convene in Dominica next week, May 27–28, focusing on climate finance, restoration, marine pollution, and disaster resilience. Local Governance & Inclusion: The Council on Ageing is calling for elderly consultation before building public facilities, pushing for better treatment and involvement of older residents. Aviation/Legal Clarity: MMC Development says reports of legal action against the Dominica government are false, insisting it remains focused on completing the airport. Tourism Education: FCCA and Discover Dominica launched a 2026 student essay and poster competition centered on sustainable cruise tourism and ocean protection. International Links: India and Dominica deepened ties via grant-funded development initiatives, including work in the Kalinago Territory.

Wellness Tourism Push: Travel and Tour World named its Top 30 Wellness Tourism Destinations for 2026, spotlighting a shift toward shorter, nature-led, and more affordable regional getaways—good news for Dominica’s wellness and eco positioning. Justice & Security: A Vincentian man who fled drug charges and served time in France was ordered to serve 13 years at home, underscoring how cross-border cases keep catching up. Aviation Shake-up: Caribbean Airlines will cut routes from June 1, including suspending Dominica–Suriname links and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe—raising pressure on regional connectivity. Local Governance & Aging: Dominica’s Council on Ageing is calling for elderly consultation before building public facilities, pushing inclusion into the planning process. Airport Momentum: MMC Development denies any active legal/arbitration fight with the Dominica government, saying it remains focused on completing the international airport. Regional Climate Agenda: OECS environmental ministers meet in Dominica next week, with resilience and climate finance on the agenda.

Caribbean-China cooperation: A fresh push on how the region can work with China is making the rounds, with a “way forward” framing that leans on practical partnerships rather than promises. Aviation & tourism: Caribbean Airlines is cutting three Dominica-linked Suriname routes from June 1 and trimming Martinique/Guadeloupe to twice-weekly service, while the wider tourism calendar stays busy—FCCA’s 2026 student essay/poster competition is underway and Dominica’s poker run is set for July 26. Aging & public works: The Dominica Council on Ageing is urging that elderly people be consulted before building public facilities. Energy & climate policy: Dominica’s electricity company picked up regional recognition at CARILEC’s CEO conference, and next week Dominica hosts the OECS environmental sustainability ministers’ meeting. Business & infrastructure: MMC Development denies any active legal fight with the government over the airport project, even as the private sector keeps positioning for the airport’s end-2027 target. Regional ties: India and Dominica signed new grant-backed MOUs, including road and climate-smart work in Kalinago areas.

Airport Contract Row: MMC Development says a reported legal dispute with the Dominica government is false, insisting no arbitration or court case is underway as it pushes to keep the international airport project on track. Aviation & Tourism Pressure: Caribbean Airlines will cut several regional routes from June 1, including Dominica–Suriname links, while Dominica’s tourism ecosystem also gets a boost from regional recognition at the CARILEC CEO conference and a new FCCA student competition on sustainable tourism. OECS Climate Agenda: The 13th OECS Council of Ministers Environmental Sustainability meeting lands in Dominica next week (May 27–28), with ministers set to tackle climate finance, marine pollution, renewable energy, and disaster resilience. Aging & Public Design: The Council on Ageing is calling for elderly people to be consulted before public buildings are constructed. Health & Food Security Signals: A trough-system damage estimate puts farmer losses at about $2 million, and the World Meteorological Organization warns the region faces intensifying climate extremes. Regional Links: Dominica and India deepen ties via grant-funded development initiatives, including work in Grand Bay and Kalinago Territory.

Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines will cut three Dominica-linked Suriname routes from June 1 and trim Martinique/Guadeloupe to twice-weekly service, tightening direct links for business and diaspora travel. Aging & Public Works: Dominica’s Council on Ageing is urging consultation with elderly people before building public facilities, while health officials push youth to better connect with seniors. Regional Climate Agenda: Dominica will host the OECS 13th Council of Ministers Environmental Sustainability meeting next week (May 27–28), with ministers tackling climate finance, marine pollution, renewables, and disaster resilience. Energy Transition Spotlight: DOMLEC gained recognition at the CARILEC CEO conference in Barbados for leadership in the energy transition. India Partnership: New India grant-funded initiatives include road rehabilitation and Kalinago Territory projects on climate-smart agriculture, restoration, and sustainable tourism. Industry Signals: Viper Networks reported first-quarter growth alongside higher operating losses; UTC says its regional expansion is now “operating reality.” Tourism Momentum: Dominica reported a 10% rise in stayover arrivals in Q1 2026 and continues to attract regional attention.

OECS Climate Agenda: Dominica will host the OECS 13th Council of Ministers’ Environmental Sustainability meeting (COM:ES 13) on May 27–28, bringing ministers, experts and partners to push practical climate and resilience solutions across the region. Tourism Youth Pipeline: The FCCA Foundation, with the Discover Dominica Authority, launched the 2026 children’s essay and poster competition, steering young people toward sustainable tourism and ocean protection themes. Agriculture Recovery: After a severe trough-system weather event, Dominica’s agriculture ministry estimates about $2 million in damages to farmers in the East and Northeast, with a cash grant assistance programme expected to follow. Regional Finance for Resilience: The IFC is set to consider a US$10m investment in a CARICOM resilience fund managed by Sygnus, targeting sustainability-linked sectors like renewable energy and ocean ecosystems. Water Security Context: The World Bank approved a $54.7m Barbados water programme focused on cutting losses, improving sanitation connections and strengthening water governance.

Sustainable tourism push: The FCCA Foundation, with Discover Dominica, has launched its 2026 Children’s Essay and Poster Competition, urging students to spotlight what makes Dominica special for cruise visitors—plus a poster theme on ocean protection. Tourism leadership: Dominica also marked a regional milestone as Gregor Nassief was confirmed president-elect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, the first Dominican to lead the group. Climate agenda: Dominica will host the OECS 13th Council of Ministers’ Environmental Sustainability meeting on May 27–28, focusing on resilience and practical regional solutions. Agriculture hit: After a trough-driven severe weather event, the Agriculture Ministry estimates about EC$2 million in damages to farmers in the East and Northeast, with cash grants planned. Regional development: India’s external affairs minister visited UNDP-supported Kalinago Territory projects aimed at climate-resilient agriculture, restoration, and Indigenous livelihoods.

OECS Climate Agenda: The OECS will convene its 13th Council of Ministers’ Environmental Sustainability meeting in Dominica on May 27–28, with Ministers and partners focused on practical resilience steps for small island states. Diplomatic Push: Dominica joined Ivory Coast in backing Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara, adding to Rabat’s widening political alliances. Tourism Momentum: Dominica’s visitor numbers keep climbing—stayover arrivals are up 10% in the first quarter of 2026, building on 2025 growth and a surge in cruise traffic. Disaster Costs & Recovery: After a trough-driven severe weather event, Dominica’s agriculture ministry estimates about $2 million in damages to farmers, with a cash grant plan expected to follow. Regional Business Reality: The Unit Trust Corporation says its regional expansion is now “operating reality,” extending funds across multiple ECCU member states including Dominica. Industry Calendar: Caribbean Week of Agriculture launches May 21 in Jamaica, with a food-systems theme and a regional launch programme running Sept 27–Oct 2.