AGP Executive Report

EU CBI Pressure on Eastern Caribbean: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne shouldn’t face the EU’s Citizenship by Investment phaseout demand alone, urging a stronger OECS and CARICOM push as the EU sets a June 1, 2028 deadline. CARICOM Tax Modernisation: CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett opened a COTA conference in Guyana calling for smarter, data-driven, AI-enabled tax systems to secure sustainable revenue for the region. OECS Africa-Caribbean Link: OECS appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation, aiming to boost trade, investment and partnerships. Dominica Business & Tourism Momentum: DAIC highlighted local businessman Valentine Poponne, while Dominica’s 2026 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium looks to build on a record cruise season with nearly 410,000 visitors in 2025. Energy & Construction Updates: Dominica is nearing geothermal commissioning and Cochrane Road upgrades are in final stages, improving access after heavy-rain disruptions. Skills for a Green Economy: BTC launched free green skills training for 85 Dominicans, targeting climate-resilient jobs across solar, HVAC, construction administration and digital green skills.

Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Shock: A new EU push would force the Eastern Caribbean CBI programmes to phase out by June 2028, raising fresh pressure on Dominica and its neighbours to protect development funding while managing public messaging. Cruise Economy Push: Dominica is gearing up to build on a record 2025 cruise run (409,761 visitors) with a 2026 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium bringing operators, taxi providers, vendors and attraction managers together. Energy & Power Supply: The geothermal project in the Roseau Valley is nearing commissioning, with the Energy Minister saying sign-off is close and operations could begin under the DOMLEC power purchase agreement. Business Networking: DAIC kicked off its renewed private-sector engagement with a Networking & Nibbles event, spotlighting its new leadership and push for stronger member connections. Tourism Infrastructure: The Dominica Cable Car project continues to move from concept to delivery, with the developer describing how the idea began and why it’s designed to boost access to key attractions. Skills for Jobs: BTC launched free green skills training for 85 Dominicans, targeting HVAC, solar/thermal installation, construction administration, green vehicle mechanics and digital green skills. Maritime Community Events: This weekend’s Sport Fishing Tournament and Poker Run Dominica 2026 aim to draw visitors to the west coast and spread spending across coastal businesses. OECS-Africa Link: OECS appointed Aisha Maina as Strategic Advisor for Africa-Caribbean cooperation to deepen trade, investment and energy/agribusiness ties. Education Rebuild: A new early childhood learning centre in Soufrière is set for handover to the Ministry of Education on August 11, nearly nine years after Hurricane Maria destroyed the previous preschool.

DAIC Business Pulse: DAIC paid tribute to late businessman Valentine Poponne, calling him a dependable pillar of Dominica’s commercial community, and also hosted a “Networking & Nibbles” event to kick off its renewed push for stronger private-sector links under new leadership. Cruise & Tourism Growth: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism launched a three-day 2026 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium, aiming to build on a record cruise season that brought nearly 410,000 passengers. Energy & Power Supply: Dominica’s Energy Minister says the geothermal plant commissioning is nearing completion, with a target of late July and readiness to move into power purchase agreement operations. Infrastructure & Access: Cochrane Road in the Roseau Valley is in final stages, upgrading muddy monsoon access between the Cochrane Housing Scheme and the playing field. Skills for the Green Economy: BTC rolled out an eight-month “Green Skills Training” programme for 85 Dominicans, covering trades and digital skills tied to climate resilience. Maritime & Coastal Tourism: Poker Run Dominica 2026 returns this weekend, designed to boost spending in west-coast communities alongside a sport fishing tournament. Business & Finance Innovation: Asprofin Bank announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance with Digital TRVST, signaling more embedded, multi-currency financial services backed by licensed banking infrastructure. Education Support: A new early childhood learning centre is set for handover to the Ministry of Education on August 11, replacing the Soufrière Preschool destroyed by Hurricane Maria.

Geothermal Power Push: Dominica’s Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says the Roseau Valley geothermal plant is nearing commissioning, with sign-off expected within days and a target of July 31 to start operating under the DOMLEC power purchase agreement. Diplomatic & Business Links: PM Roosevelt Skerrit met U.S. Charge d’Affaires Karine Sullivan, highlighting infrastructure and security cooperation, including U.S.-funded disaster management facilities and a new fire and ambulance station in La Plaine. OECS Trade Drive: OECS and Morocco wrapped an Economic Promotion Week focused on trade, investment, and sector partnerships, with Invest Dominica among the delegations. Construction & Access: Cochrane Road in the Roseau Valley is in final stages, upgrading muddy monsoon access between the Cochrane Housing Scheme and the playing field. Education Rebuild: Soufrière is set to receive a new early childhood learning centre on August 11, replacing the Maria-destroyed preschool via a Jungle Bay-led partnership. Maritime Tourism Weekend: Poker Run Dominica 2026 returns on Sunday, boosting west-coast coastal communities through visitor spending along the Toucari route. Green Workforce Training: BTC launched an eight-month, free green skills programme for 85 Dominicans, training for climate-resilient jobs across construction, energy, surveying, and digital green skills. Hospitality Branding: Mileo’s hospitality strategy is spotlighted as a service-led model that adapts each destination’s guest experience, with a planned Dominica development in the mix. Business Community Loss: WIOC mourned veteran Dominican businessman McMillan Jno-Baptiste, praising decades of customer service and community impact.

OECS–Morocco Trade Push: OECS states, including Dominica, used Economic Promotion Week in Morocco to line up new trade, investment and sector partnerships, with Invest Dominica Authority among the delegations. Geothermal Power Timing: Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing commissioning and aims to sign off and move into power purchase agreement operations by late July. Early Childhood Education Upgrade: Jungle Bay Resort and Spa is set to hand over a new early childhood learning centre in Soufrière to the Ministry of Education on August 11, replacing the Maria-era preschool. Road Works in Roseau Valley: Cochrane Road construction is in final stages, upgrading muddy monsoon access between the Cochrane Housing Scheme and the playing field. Maritime Tourism Weekend: Dominica’s west coast hosts a sport fishing tournament in Toucari (July 25) and Poker Run Dominica 2026 (July 26), designed to boost spending in coastal communities. Business & Skills: BTC launched free green skills training for 85 Dominicans, targeting HVAC, solar/thermal installation, surveying, construction administration, green motorbike tech, and digital green skills. Regional Finance & Policy: ECCB’s Monetary Council met in Dominica to reaffirm EC dollar stability, while EU pressure on Citizenship by Investment deadlines continues to shape regional policy talk. Local Business Loss: WIOC paid tribute to veteran retailer McMillan Jno-Baptiste, praising decades of service across Dominica and Antigua & Barbuda.

OECS–Morocco Trade Push: OECS states, including Dominica, showcased economic development priorities during Economic Promotion Week in Morocco, aiming to deepen trade, investment, and sector partnerships. Dominica Early Years: Jungle Bay Resort and Spa is set to hand over a new early childhood learning centre to the Ministry of Education on August 11, replacing the Soufrière Preschool destroyed by Hurricane Maria. Road Works: Cochrane Road in the Roseau Valley is in final stages, upgrading access for residents facing monsoon mud and heavy rainfall. Geothermal Timeline: Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing commissioning and targets month-end sign-off to start operating under the DOMLEC power purchase agreement. Green Skills for Jobs: BTC launched an eight-month, Canada-funded Green Skills Training programme for 85 Dominicans, covering HVAC, solar/thermal installation, construction administration, green motorbike tech, land surveying, and digital green skills. Cost of Living Budget: PM Skerrit says the August 4 budget will focus on cost of living relief, tax reform, and economic challenges amid global shocks. Maritime Tourism Weekend: Dominica’s west coast hosts a sport fishing tournament in Toucari and Poker Run Dominica 2026 on Sunday, boosting coastal community spending. Business & Finance: Asprofin Bank announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance with Digital TRVST to expand multi-currency accounts, payments, and digital asset settlement. Regional Policy Pressure: Reports say the EU has asked CBI countries to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028, putting Schengen visa-free access at risk. Industry Loss: WIOC mourned veteran Dominican businessman McMillan Jno-Baptiste, praising decades of customer service and community impact.

OECS–Morocco Trade Push: OECS states, including Dominica, highlighted economic development cooperation during a June 22–26 promotion week in Morocco, with delegations from investment agencies, ministries and chambers focused on trade and investment links. Education & Community Rebuilds: Dominica is set to receive a new early childhood learning centre on August 11, nearly nine years after Hurricane Maria destroyed the Soufrière Preschool, with the project led by Jungle Bay Resort and Spa. Road Works: Cochrane Road in the Roseau Valley is in final stages, upgrading access between the Cochrane Housing Scheme and the playing field to reduce monsoon mud and improve safety. Energy Update: Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing commissioning, targeting sign-off and operations under DOMLEC’s power purchase agreement soon. Finance & Payments: Asprofin Bank (Dominica-licensed) and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance to expand multi-currency accounts, payments and embedded finance. Maritime & Tourism Boost: Poker Run Dominica 2026 returns this weekend on the west coast, with a route from Rockaway to Toucari designed to drive visitor spending in coastal communities. Business Legacy: WIOC paid tribute to veteran Dominican businessman McMillan Jno-Baptiste, praising decades of customer service through his service stations.

Geothermal Power Push: Energy Minister Dr Vince Henderson says Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing commissioning, with sign-off expected within days and a target of July 31 to start operations under the DOMLEC power purchase agreement. Early Childhood Education: Nearly nine years after Hurricane Maria destroyed the Soufrière Preschool, a new early childhood learning centre built with Jungle Bay Resort and Spa support is set for official handover to the Ministry of Education on August 11. Road Access Upgrade: Cochrane Road in the Roseau Valley is in final stages, upgrading the route between the Cochrane Housing Scheme and the playing field to ease monsoon mud and improve safety. Tourism & Blue Economy: Dominica will host a Cruise Stakeholders Symposium (July 27–29) after welcoming 409,761 cruise passengers in the 2025/26 season, aiming to sharpen service standards across local tourism businesses. Maritime Events: This weekend’s Sport Fishing Tournament in Toucari and Poker Run Dominica 2026 (July 26) are set to draw visitors and boost spending in coastal communities. Trade & Investment Links: OECS and Morocco highlighted new cooperation opportunities during Economic Promotion Week, with Invest Dominica among participating agencies. Business & Skills: BTC launched free green skills training for 85 Dominicans to support climate-resilient jobs, covering areas from solar/thermal installation to construction administration and digital green skills. Policy Pressure on Citizenship: Reports say the European Commission has asked Dominica and other CBI states to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028, warning Schengen visa-free access could be at risk. Community & Legacy: West Indies Oil Company paid tribute to veteran businessman McMillan Jno-Baptiste, praising decades of service and customer-first leadership.

Geothermal Power Push: Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says Dominica is nearing sign-off and is aiming to commission the geothermal plant by July 31, moving the project closer to full operation under DOMLEC’s power purchase terms. Hospitality Branding: Yasam Ayavefe’s Mileo is positioning itself as a hospitality brand built on service philosophy and destination-specific experiences, not copy-paste design. Blue Economy Weekend: Dominica’s west coast hosts a sport fishing tournament in Toucari and then Poker Run Dominica 2026 on Sunday, with the route designed to boost spending in coastal communities. Energy & Trade Diplomacy: PM Skerrit met U.S. Charge d’Affaires Karine Sullivan, highlighting U.S.-funded disaster management facilities and a new fire and ambulance station, while OECS and Morocco explored fresh trade and investment cooperation. Skills for Climate Jobs: BTC launched free green skills training for 85 Dominicans across HVAC, solar/thermal installation, surveying, construction administration, green motorbike tech, and digital green skills. Tourism Industry Readiness: Authorities announced a Cruise Stakeholders Symposium 2026 (July 27–29) to prepare frontline tourism and small businesses for the next cruise season. CBI Pressure in Focus: Commentary and reporting continue to track the EU’s push for Citizenship by Investment programmes to be phased out by 2028, with Dominica named among affected states.

Geothermal Power Push: Energy Minister Dr Vince Henderson says Dominica’s geothermal plant commissioning is nearing completion, with Dominican staff set to run operations and officials aiming to keep the month-end schedule. U.S.-Dominica Infrastructure & Security: PM Roosevelt Skerrit met U.S. Charge d’Affaires Karine Sullivan, highlighting expanded cooperation and the handover of over US$3m in U.S.-funded disaster management facilities plus an extra US$2.1m for a new fire and ambulance station in La Plaine. Budget Signals: Skerrit says the August 4 budget will tackle cost of living, tax reform and broader economic shocks, including higher freight and insurance costs feeding into retail prices. Green Skills for Jobs: BTC launched an eight-month, free training programme for 85 Dominicans to build climate-resilient workforce skills, covering HVAC, solar/thermal installation, surveying, construction administration, green motorbike mechanics and digital green skills. Tourism & Investment Pipeline: The Dominica Cable Car project is described as moving from a 2019 idea to feasibility and environmental studies, while cruise authorities report 409,761 cruise visitors in 2025 and set a July 27–29 stakeholders symposium. Finance & Digital Services: Asprofin Bank and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance to deliver regulated banking infrastructure, multi-currency accounts, payments and digital asset settlement. Maritime & Nature Research: Studies from Dominica’s waters report sperm whales change click patterns and “vowel” sounds when ships are nearby, with implications for marine policy. CBI Pressure: EU-linked reporting and commentary say Citizenship by Investment programmes face a June 1, 2028 phase-out request tied to Schengen visa-free risk. Business Loss: WIOC and DAIC paid tribute to veteran fuel retailer McMillan Jno-Baptiste, praising decades of service and community impact.

National Budget Focus: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica’s August 4 budget will tackle cost of living, tax reform and wider economic shocks, pointing to higher freight and insurance costs from global instability while noting relief through taxation. Tourism Infrastructure: The Dominica Cable Car project is traced back to a 2019 investor trip and is now moving through feasibility and environmental studies, with Swiss engineering support highlighted. Green Jobs Training: BTC launched an eight-month, free green skills programme for 85 Dominicans, funded by Canada, covering HVAC, solar/thermal installs, surveying, construction admin, green motorbike tech, and digital green skills. Banking & Fintech: Asprofin Bank (Dominica-licensed) and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance to deliver multi-currency accounts, payments, fiat on/off ramps, digital asset custody and API compliance. Maritime & Trade Readiness: Dominica’s cruise sector hit 409,761 passengers in 2025, with a July 27–29 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium aimed at upgrading shore services. Climate-Resilient Housing: Vieille Case homes are nearing completion, with 21 hurricane-resilient houses set for key handover. Business Community Loss: WIOC and DAIC paid tribute to veteran fuel retailer McMillan Jno-Baptiste, praising decades of service and community impact. EU CBI Pressure: A reported EU letter asks Dominica and other CBI states to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028, warning Schengen visa-free access could be at risk.

Green Skills for Climate Jobs: BTC launched an eight-month, free training push for 85 Dominicans, funded by Canada, to build a climate-resilient workforce with CPD-accredited skills in HVAC, solar/thermal installation, land surveying, construction administration, green motorbike tech, and digital green skills (cybersecurity and data entry). EU CBI Deadline Watch: The EU has asked Dominica and four OECS partners to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 1, 2028, warning Schengen visa-free access could be suspended; Dominica PM Drew says the region is engaging the EU on the phase-out demand. Tourism Infrastructure Progress: Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility construction is at about 35% completion, with key site works, access, retaining walls, and ongoing ground-floor and services installation. Cruise Sector Milestone: Dominica recorded 409,761 cruise visitors in 2025 and will host a Cruise Stakeholders Symposium (July 27–29) to ready tourism service providers for the next season. Energy Cost Relief: DOMLEC says geothermal is driving lower bills, cutting the July 2026 fuel surcharge to 33 cents/kWh (vs 63 cents without geothermal), as renewables penetration climbed to 68% in June. Maritime Safety & Trade: A port worker, Otis Francis, died in a Woodbridge Bay cargo-handling accident after a container reportedly fell; meanwhile, maritime research highlights how ship noise changes sperm whale communication off Dominica. Business Community Loss: WIOC mourned veteran retailer McMillan Jno-Baptiste, a long-time partner since 1972.

CBI Deadline Watch: The European Commission has reportedly written to Dominica and four other Eastern Caribbean CBI states asking for Citizenship by Investment programmes to be phased out by June 1, 2028, warning that continued operation could put Schengen visa-free access at risk. Climate-Resilient Housing: Vieille Case’s hurricane-proof homes are nearing completion, with 21 families expected to receive keys soon as Dominica pushes forward its wider resilience housing drive. Energy Costs: DOMLEC says July’s fuel surcharge will be 33 cents per kWh, citing higher geothermal and hydro output that cut diesel use sharply. Cruise Sector: Dominica logged 409,761 cruise passengers in 2025 and will host a Cruise Stakeholders Symposium (July 27–29) to ready tourism service providers for the next season. Business Loss: West Indies Oil Company and DAIC mourn veteran retailer McMillan Jno-Baptiste, praised for decades of service to Dominica’s fuel and service-station community. Maritime Safety: DASPA continues investigating a fatal Woodbridge Bay Port accident after a shipping container reportedly fell during cargo unloading, killing stevedore Otis Francis. Finance Innovation: Asprofin Bank (Dominica-licensed) announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance with Digital TRVST to expand multi-currency payments and embedded finance.

ECCB Monetary Council Update: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s 113th Monetary Council meeting (chaired by Dominica’s finance minister) reaffirmed the EC dollar’s role as a stability anchor while pushing its 2026–31 “Big Push” agenda for resilience and shared prosperity. Cruise Tourism Push: Dominica hit 409,761 cruise passengers in 2025 and announced a July 27–29 Cruise Stakeholders Symposium to ready tour operators, vendors, transport providers and frontline workers for the 2026 season. Marine Science & Shipping: New research off Dominica shows sperm whales change click patterns and “vowel” sounds when ships are nearby, raising fresh questions for marine policy around underwater noise. Banking Innovation: Asprofin Bank (Dominica-licensed) and Digital TRVST signed a Banking-as-a-Service alliance aimed at multi-currency accounts, payments, custody and embedded finance. CBI Pressure from the EU: EU officials asked OECS states including Dominica to wind down Citizenship by Investment by June 1, 2028, warning of possible Schengen visa-free suspension—prompting regional coordination. Energy Cost Relief: DOMLEC says geothermal is driving down the July fuel surcharge to 33 cents/kWh (from a projected 63 cents without geothermal). Tourism Infrastructure Progress: Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility at Pointe Michel is 35% complete, with key foundation, access and utility works underway. Workplace Safety Tragedy: Port stevedore Otis Francis died after a container reportedly struck him during cargo unloading at Woodbridge Bay; police and DASPA investigations continue. Food & Local Business Spotlight: Goute Domnik (July 19–26) launches Restaurant Week and a food guide to boost Creole cuisine, local agriculture and dining tourism. Agri-Exports Challenge: Bee Natural highlighted export logistics hurdles at an IICA-CDB forum for small agri-enterprises. Youth & Skills: Dive Dominica’s inaugural Women’s Dive Day introduced girls and women to scuba and potential watersports careers.

UN Diplomacy & Sports: Report says President Trump wants FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to become the next UN secretary-general, citing his global standing and ability to “bring people together,” with the UN Security Council recommendation and General Assembly confirmation still unclear. Business & Energy Loss: Dominica’s DAIC and local media mourn fuel pioneer McMillan Jno-Baptiste, remembered for nearly 70 years in commerce and the McMillan All-in-One Service Station. AI & Foreign Policy: Foreign Minister Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai to discuss expanding AI cooperation and development ties under WAICO. Plastic Pollution Push: Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign hit a milestone by preventing over one million pieces of plastic from entering waterways. Tourism Build-Out: Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility reached 35% completion, with foundation, access, retaining wall works and first-fix plumbing/electrical underway. Port Safety Tragedy: Stevedore Otis Francis died after a shipping container reportedly struck him during cargo unloading at Woodbridge Bay Port; police investigations continue. Regional Food Security: EU-funded “Cultivating Futures” project will support Bagatelle and Soufriere Primary schools as part of a wider OECS food security push. Hospitality & Trust: A hospitality-focused piece argues trust is now built long before check-in, driven by digital promises and operational delivery. CBI Pressure: Commentary and regional coverage highlight EU demands to phase out Citizenship by Investment programs by 2028, with OECS leaders coordinating a Brussels response.

AI & Diplomacy: Dominica’s Foreign Affairs/Trade/Energy minister Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation on artificial intelligence and development, with China stressing inclusive access for smaller states via WAICO. Business Loss: Dominica industry and commerce mourns Mc Milian James Jno Baptiste, a long-time fuel retailer and DAIC member, remembered for decades of service and community-building. Hospitality & Trust: A local hospitality commentary argues that trust is now built long before check-in—through accurate online information, consistent service, and delivering on promises. Energy Costs: DOMLEC says July’s fuel surcharge will drop to 33 cents/kWh as geothermal and hydro lift renewable penetration to 68% in June, cutting diesel use. Port Safety Tragedy: Investigations continue after stevedore Otis Francis died at Woodbridge Bay Port when a shipping container reportedly struck him during cargo unloading. Tourism Build-Out: Champagne Beach Tourist Reception Facility at Pointe Michel hits 35% completion, with foundation, retaining wall works, and first-fix plumbing/electrical underway. Agri-Exports: Bee Natural highlighted export logistics hurdles at an IICA-CDB AgriMSME forum focused on moving products to regional and international markets. Food Festival: Goute Domnik (Taste of Dominica) launches July 19–26 with Restaurant Week menus and an official food guide to boost local agriculture and Creole cuisine tourism.