AGP Executive Report

Adolescent Health Push: A new Canadian government-funded REACH project was launched at Fort Young to strengthen reproductive education and community health support for Dominica’s adolescents. Public Health Upgrade: Dominica also expanded Rapid HIV and Syphilis Testing, with healthcare workers trained to deliver faster, more confidential screening to boost early detection and treatment. Education Watch: Nearly 800 students will sit the Grade Six National Assessment next week (May 28–29), with exams set across 62 centres. Community Safety: Portsmouth parl rep Fenella Wenham-Sheppard condemned a recent fatal shooting and renewed calls for youth development and safer communities. Tourism & Culture: FCCA and Discover Dominica kicked off a 2026 sustainable tourism student competition, while Ediflor debuts in Giraudel May 24–25. Regional Spotlight: OECS ministers will meet in Dominica May 27–28 for environmental sustainability and resilience talks.

Community Safety: Portsmouth’s MP Fenella Wenham-Sheppard condemned a recent fatal shooting and renewed calls for youth development, unity, and stronger public safety action. Public Health: Dominica expanded Rapid HIV and Syphilis Testing, training healthcare workers to deliver faster, confidential testing to support early detection and treatment. Education: Nearly 800 students (792) will sit the Grade Six National Assessment on May 28–29 at 62 centres, with paper-based exams starting 7:45 a.m. Youth & Tourism: The FCCA Foundation launches a 2026 student essay and poster competition on sustainable tourism and ocean protection. Sports & Culture: UWI Games 2026 kicks off with a live regional opening ceremony broadcast, while Dominica’s Ediflor Festival debuts May 24–25 in Giraudel. Regional Climate Talks: OECS ministers will meet in Dominica May 27–28 for COM:ES 13 on environmental sustainability and resilience.

OECS Climate Talks in Dominica: The OECS will convene its 13th Council of Ministers on Environmental Sustainability (COM:ES 13) May 27–28 in Dominica, chaired by Environment Minister Cozier Frederick, with regional partners and ministers focused on practical climate and resilience solutions for small island states. Health & Medicines: Dominica signed an MoU with India to import affordable medicines directly, aiming for safe, high-quality generics through government-to-government standards. Kalinago Resilience Push: India’s ministerial visit also highlighted UNDP-supported SCR-K work in Kalinago Territory, backing climate-resilient farming, forest restoration, and Indigenous livelihoods. World Rivers Day Ready: Dominica will mark World Rivers Day on Sept. 27 with a gratitude mass and a parade to Layou for the titiwi festival. HIV/Syphilis Testing Expansion: A new training drive is expanding rapid HIV and syphilis testing across communities. Culture on the Calendar: Ediflor debuts May 24–25 in Giraudel, and Isidore Sunday Chill hits Geneva Playing Field May 24.

Health Diplomacy: Dominica and India have signed an MoU in Roseau to let Dominica buy affordable medicines directly from India, using the Indian Pharmacopoeia as an official standard and aiming for safe, high-quality generics. Regional Climate Talks: The OECS 13th Council of Ministers meets in Dominica May 27–28 for climate and resilience discussions, building on the OECS sustainability roadmap. Kalinago–UN Partnership: India’s minister visited UNDP-supported Kalinago Territory projects under the SCR-K initiative, focused on climate-resilient farming, forest and watershed restoration, and Indigenous livelihoods. Public Health Push: Dominica is expanding rapid HIV and syphilis testing through national healthcare training to speed up early diagnosis and access to care. Culture & Community: Ediflor debuts in Giraudel May 24–25, and Dominica marks World Rivers Day with national celebrations and a titiwi festival parade. Sports & Security: OECS and regional cooperation continues, while Dominica’s Windsor Park lighting upgrade nears completion with testing underway.

Cross-Border Security Training: Caribbean prosecutors, investigators, customs and intelligence teams are in Barbados for a five-day Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) workshop, aiming to tighten cooperation against organised crime, cross-border financial crimes and illicit money movements. Deportation Debate Spills Into CARICOM: St. Kitts and Nevis confirmed the first group of third-country nationals transferred from the US under a bilateral migration deal—three CARICOM nationals from Jamaica and Belize—processed as immigration violations, not criminal convictions, with details on housing still unclear. Climate + Public Health Planning: Dominica is advancing National Integrated Surveillance Guidelines with PAHO support, building a stronger system for detecting and responding to public health events. Tourism Momentum: Dominica reported a 10% rise in stayover arrivals in Q1 2026, while Fort Young keeps turning heads and new adventure travel is being marketed beyond cruise-only expectations. Culture in the Spotlight: Prince Wadix marks 30 years in radio and cultural promotion, and Dominica’s Library Week kicks off May 18.

US-Cuba Tension: Cuba’s ambassador in Dominica, Miguel Manuel Fraga Gonzalez, rejected a US$100 million humanitarian offer and demanded Washington lift the decades-old trade embargo instead. Dominica Media & Culture: Ambassador Prince Wadix is marking 30 years in radio broadcasting and cultural promotion, with the public invited to celebrate his “behind the microphone” legacy. Tourism Momentum: Dominica says stayover arrivals rose 10% in the first quarter of 2026, building on 2025 growth and a push toward nature, adventure, and wellness. Digital Skills Push: The Caribbean Computer Coding Workshops (C3W) are rolling out to close ICT gaps, targeting low-income youth, girls, and persons with disabilities. Regional Tourism Talent: CTO will launch a scholarship for emerging Caribbean women in tourism during Caribbean Week 2026. Disaster Recovery: Salybia continues recovery after April 26 severe weather, with access roads and vulnerable households still being prioritized.

Cuba–US Standoff: Cuba’s ambassador to Dominica, Miguel Manuel Fraga Gonzalez, rejected a US$100 million US humanitarian offer, saying Washington should lift the decades-old trade embargo first. Radio & Culture: Dominica’s Prince Wadix is celebrating his birthday and 30 years behind the microphone, using radio to spotlight Creole heritage and Caribbean music. Education Debate: A fresh commentary asks whether “universal education” is truly universal in practice. Tourism Momentum: Dominica is reporting a 10% jump in stayover arrivals in the first quarter of 2026, as the island leans into nature, wellness, and new visitor demand. Digital Skills Push: The Caribbean Computer Coding Workshops (C3W) roll out to close regional tech gaps, targeting girls, at-risk youth, and persons with disabilities. Regional Culture & Events: CTO plans a scholarship for emerging women in tourism during Caribbean Week, while Dominica’s Poker Run is set for July 26 and Preston’s Caribbean Carnival returns this weekend.

Universal Education Debate: A new commentary asks if “universal” education in Dominica is truly universal, pointing to how access has historically been shaped by capacity limits and gatekeeping. Digital Skills Push: The Caribbean Computer Coding Workshops (C3W) are set to target low-income youth, girls, and persons with disabilities to close ICT gaps and build a future-ready tech workforce. Tourism Momentum: Dominica’s Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is ranked among the Caribbean’s best all-inclusives, while stayover arrivals rose 10% in the first quarter of 2026—signaling a stronger, more investment-backed tourism phase. Regional Trade Talk: CARICOM’s private sector is urging wider trade beyond the US, using the CSME to secure cheaper, steadier imports. Culture & Community: Library Week 2026 kicks off May 18–23 under “Empowering communities through knowledge, culture and innovation.” Weather Recovery: Salybia continues emergency recovery after April 26 severe weather, with access roads and damage assessments still underway.

Tourism Spotlight: Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort just landed at #7 on Caribbean Journal’s “25 Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Summer Vacations,” praised for blending Roseau history with nature-led adventures like diving, hiking and waterfalls. Big Weekend Plans: Dominica Poker Run 2026 is set for Sunday, July 26, with organizers promising a full weekend of boating, music, networking and “Poker City” entertainment. Culture & Community: Library Week 2026 runs May 18–23 under “Empowering Communities through Knowledge, Culture and Innovation,” with events across Roseau and branches in Portsmouth, Marigot and Grand Bay. Sports Infrastructure: Windsor Park Stadium’s lighting upgrade is in final testing, aiming to meet international standards. Weather Recovery: Salybia continues post-April 26 relief work—clearing slides, restoring access and supporting vulnerable households as hurricane season approaches. Regional Context: OECS and Dominica are pushing food sovereignty through root and tuber crop plans, backed by EU funding.

LGBT rights push: In SVG, ERAO SVG launched an IDAHOBIT National Call for Reparations for LGBT Vincentians, pointing to criminalisation of private same-sex relations (up to 10 years) and the lack of explicit anti-discrimination protections—while an appeal from a 2024 High Court decision still waits at the Court of Appeal. Disaster recovery on the ground: In Dominica, emergency response continues in Salybia after the April 26 severe weather—clearing slides, reopening access roads, assessing homes and farms, and supporting vulnerable families as the hurricane season approaches. Tourism momentum: Dominica reported a 10% rise in stayover arrivals in Q1 2026, building on 2025 growth, with the island also spotlighted at CHTA Marketplace 2026. Sports & upgrades: Windsor Park’s lighting upgrade is in final testing stages. Culture & community: Library Week 2026 runs May 18–23, and Waitukubuli Dance Theatre marks 55 years with “Rhythms of Our Roots.” Regional sport: The VI hosts are into the semis of the 3X3 ANOECS U23 Basketball Tournament.

Tourism Momentum: Dominica has logged a 10% jump in stayover arrivals in the first quarter of 2026, building on a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals in 2025, with tourism leaders pointing to growing demand for nature, adventure, wellness and “meaningful experiences.” CHTA Spotlight: At CHTA Marketplace 2026, Director of Tourism Marva Williams highlighted Dominica’s expanding air access and major infrastructure push as the island enters a more transformative, higher-value phase. Safety for Families: A new “On the Record” segment urges parents to vet summer camps carefully, spotlighting CampSafe training that helps staff prevent child sexual abuse. Sports Infrastructure: Windsor Park’s lighting upgrade is in final testing stages, with officials saying completion is expected within weeks. Regional Work & Food Security: Haiti signed a two-year ILO programme to strengthen decent work and social dialogue, while OECS partners are driving root-and-tuber “food sovereignty” efforts—Dominica is in the mix. Culture & Community: Library Week 2026 runs May 18–23 under “Empowering communities through knowledge, culture and innovation.”

Earthquake Shock: A 6.0 Richter earthquake struck Antigua and Barbuda, with reports listing multiple locations across the islands—an abrupt reminder of how quickly the region can be shaken. Tourism Push: Dominica is leaning into a “premium active” future, with G Adventures debuting new adventure trips that move beyond cruise expectations and route spending toward local and Indigenous communities. Culture & Community: Library Week 2026 runs May 18–23 under “Empowering communities through knowledge, culture and innovation,” while Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company marks 55 years with “Rhythms of Our Roots.” Sports Upgrade: Windsor Park Stadium lighting testing is underway as the upgrade nears completion. Regional Food Security: OECS and Dominica-backed efforts are reframing root and tuber crops as climate-resilient “food sovereignty” tools, with EU support. Health & Learning: CXC reassures families that AI tools won’t replace teacher judgment in school-based assessments.

Labour & Social Dialogue: Haiti has signed a two-year country programme with the ILO in Port of Spain, aiming to strengthen decent work, labour governance, employment creation and social protection through tripartite talks. Tourism Strategy: At CHTA Marketplace 2026 in Antigua, Dominica was highlighted for strong visitor growth and major infrastructure plans, while the wider Caribbean tourism push is shifting toward higher-value, year-round demand. Sports Infrastructure: Windsor Park Stadium’s lighting upgrade is in its final testing stages, with officials saying remaining work should wrap up soon. Culture & Community: Library Week 2026 runs May 18–23 under “Empowering communities through knowledge, culture and innovation,” and Waitukubuli Dance Theatre marks 55 years with “Rhythms of Our Roots.” Food Security: OECS and Dominica-backed efforts are putting root and tuber crops at the centre of climate resilience and school feeding. Local Recovery: Government recovery work continues in Salybia and Kalinago Territory after the April 26 weather event.

ILO & Haiti Jobs Deal: Haiti has signed a two-year country programme with the ILO in Port of Spain, aiming to boost decent work through stronger social dialogue, labour governance, jobs creation and social protection. Tourism Strategy Shift: At CHTA Marketplace 2026, Dominica pushed its growth story—15% average visitor gains in 2025—while the wider Caribbean was told to move beyond “recovery mode” toward higher-value, year-round demand. Dominica Gets a New Adventure Angle: G Adventures debuted premium active trips to Dominica, pitching waterfalls, hiking and Kalinago culture alongside marine experiences. Sports Upgrade Watch: Windsor Park Stadium’s lighting upgrade is in final testing stages. Community & Culture: Library Week 2026 runs May 18–23 on “Empowering communities through knowledge, culture and innovation,” and Waitukubuli Dance Theatre marks 55 years with “Rhythms of Our Roots.” Food Security Push: OECS and Dominica-backed work on root and tuber crops targets food sovereignty through climate-resilient school gardens.

Windsor Park lights nearing the finish: Minister of State for Sport Oscar George says the stadium lighting upgrade is in its final stages, with technicians now aiming and testing the system to meet international cricket standards—expected to wrap up within weeks. Tourism strategy shift: At CHTA Marketplace 2026, Dominica’s CEO Marva Williams highlighted 2025 visitor growth (up about 15%) and new infrastructure, while the wider Caribbean focus is moving from “recovery” to smarter targeting and higher-value, year-round demand—especially from Latin America. Regional culture and travel products: G Adventures has debuted Dominica on its premium active trips, pitching waterfalls, volcanic peaks and Kalinago culture for travellers beyond the cruise narrative. Disaster recovery continues: Government updates say work after the April 26 weather event is ongoing in Salybia and Kalinago Territory, with access roads and resilience efforts still a priority. Fuel pressure response: PM Skerrit links rising prices to the US-Iran-Israel conflict and says a fuel subsidy is being applied to ease the burden on consumers.

Tourism Momentum: Dominica is being pitched as a fast-rising, “authentic” destination at CHTA Marketplace 2026, with Tourism CEO Marva Williams citing 15% average visitor growth in 2025 (to 496,635 total) and pointing to new air-connectivity gains plus major long-term tourism projects. Adventure Tourism Push: G Adventures has now added Dominica to its portfolio with premium active trips—land hikes, volcanic swims, Kalinago culture visits, and even whale encounters—aimed at moving beyond cruise-only narratives. Disaster Recovery Watch: After the April 26 weather event, government teams say recovery work in Salybia and Kalinago Territory continues, focusing on clearing access roads, assessing damage, and supporting vulnerable households ahead of hurricane season. Fuel Relief & Cost Pressure: Prime Minister Skerrit links higher pump prices to the US-Iran-Israel conflict and says a fuel-tax cut subsidy is coming to cushion consumers. Culture & Community: Waitukubuli Dance Theatre marks 55 years with “Rhythms of Our Roots,” while the week also highlights ongoing community policing and health outreach efforts.