AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Borders: Congresswoman Nancy Mace has introduced the “Third World Immigration Moratorium Act,” proposing to bar entry to the U.S. for people from dozens of countries—explicitly listing Dominica—citing poor cooperation with U.S. immigration and deportation systems. Regional Security: The U.S. and CARICOM (via IMPACS) signed a landmark Biometric Data-Sharing Partnership to strengthen border security and immigration vetting, with Dominica among the participating states; officials say it also targets risks tied to citizenship-by-investment identity misuse. CBI Pressure & Diplomacy: Eastern Caribbean leaders, including Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit, agreed on a united Brussels mission and a common stance against the EU’s push to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 2028. Travel Access: Spain granted visa-free short stays (up to 90 days/180) to citizens of nine CARICOM nations including Dominica, while Germany keeps a 62-country visa-free list for 2026 that also includes Dominica. Community & Culture: Dominica State College graduates were urged to embrace lifelong learning as work and technology shift fast; and Rootz Herbal launched a children’s educational book celebrating Caribbean nature and heritage.

Border Security & Travel Tech: The U.S. and CARICOM signed a landmark Biometric Data-Sharing Partnership under DHS/IMPACS, creating a framework for automated fingerprint and facial-scan checks to strengthen border protection and immigration vetting across participating states, with Dominica among the signatories. Regional Diplomacy on CBI: Eastern Caribbean leaders backed a united response to the EU’s push to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 2028, agreeing on coordinated engagement with Brussels and a high-level mission to EU leadership while stressing economic safeguards for small island states. Money & Identity: The ECCB unveiled redesigned Eastern Caribbean banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image with regional heroes and leaders, including Dominica’s Dame Mary Eugenia Charles on the EC$20 note. Community & Youth: Newtown Youth Development Program chairman Joffre Faustin said the initiative could become a Dominica-wide model if donors and partners keep supporting it. Aging & Rights: A DCOA official urged stronger protection for seniors against financial scams and abuse, following a panel on older adults’ legal rights. Culture for Kids: Rootz Herbal released “Nature’s Treasure,” a children’s educational book celebrating Caribbean nature, medicinal plants, and heritage. Sports Spotlight: Guyana’s young chess players shone at CARIFTA Chess Championship 2026, with top finishes in U-16 and U-18 categories.

CARICOM Reparations Push: The CARICOM Reparations Commission begins a four-day UK mission (July 13–16) led by Sir Hilary Beckles, aiming to build public support and partnerships for reparatory justice through events and civil society engagement in London. ECCB Currency Reset: The ECCB unveiled redesigned Eastern Caribbean banknotes, moving away from Queen Elizabeth II’s image and spotlighting regional heroes and heritage across the EC$100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 notes. EU vs CBI Showdown: Eastern Caribbean leaders, including Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit, back a united diplomatic response to the EU’s push to phase out Citizenship by Investment by June 2028, agreeing on a high-level Brussels mission and a common position on economic safeguards. U.S.-CARICOM Border Tech: The U.S. DHS signed a landmark multilateral biometric data-sharing memorandum with CARICOM IMPACS, creating automated exchanges to strengthen border security and immigration vetting across member states. Dominica-US Security Deal: Dominica also signed a new border security agreement with the United States, aligning with the wider regional biometric approach. Local Learning & Heritage: Rootz Herbal launched a children’s educational book, “Nature’s Treasure,” designed to teach Caribbean nature, medicinal plants, and heritage through interactive activities.

UK Visa Tightening: The UK updated its immigration rules (July 10) and expanded the list of countries whose citizens—including Dominica—must secure a visa before entering or transiting, warning travellers to check status to avoid denial of boarding. Regional Security Tech: The U.S. DHS signed a landmark multilateral biometric data-sharing memorandum with CARICOM’s IMPACS, with Dominica among participating states, aiming to strengthen border screening and immigration vetting. CBI Under EU Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Roseau and agreed on a united diplomatic push to Brussels, defending Citizenship by Investment as vital non-tax financing while responding to the EU’s visa suspension mechanism and calls to phase out CBI by June 2028. Caribbean Identity in Currency: The ECCB unveiled redesigned banknotes featuring regional nation-builders, including Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw on the EC$50 note, and Dominica’s Dame Mary Eugenia Charles on the EC$20. Children’s Learning & Heritage: Rootz Herbal launched “Nature’s Treasure,” a children’s book blending Caribbean nature, medicinal plants, and heritage with interactive activities.

US–CARICOM Security: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and CARICOM’s IMPACS signed a biometric data-sharing deal to strengthen border screening and vetting, with a spotlight on Eastern Caribbean citizenship-by-investment risks. OECS–EU CBI Pushback: Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit chaired a Roseau meeting where OECS leaders backed a united diplomatic response to the EU’s revised visa suspension approach, agreeing to send a high-level delegation to Brussels. Dominica Kids’ Culture & Nature: Rootz Herbal launched “Nature’s Treasure,” a children’s educational book mixing Caribbean herbs, rainforest life, and heritage with puzzles and hands-on learning. ECCB Banknotes, New Faces: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled redesigned EC$ banknotes featuring regional nation-builders and heroes, including Dame Mary Eugenia Charles on the EC$20 and Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw on the EC$50. Court Watch (Regional Rights): A London court heard a final appeal that could decriminalize gay sex in Trinidad and Tobago, a case with potential ripple effects across the region.

Eastern Caribbean Diplomacy on CBI: Heads of government from Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines met in Roseau to coordinate a response to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism, arguing CBI funds support climate resilience, disaster recovery, housing, healthcare and education, and agreeing on a high-level Brussels mission to meet top EU officials. Regional Security Tech Link: The US Department of Homeland Security and CARICOM’s IMPACS signed a landmark biometric data-sharing partnership to strengthen border security and immigration vetting across participating Caribbean states. ECCB Banknote Redesign: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled a new EC dollar banknote series featuring regional and national heroes, with Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw set for the EC$50 note and other leaders replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s image. Culture Spotlight: Musical Mélé returns after a six-year hiatus, with organizers citing venue delays and announcing a new August 9 staging at St. Gerard’s. Travel Mobility Watch: The Henley Passport Index placed the Pakistani passport at 100th for visa-free access to 30 destinations, while Germany confirmed visa-free entry rules for 62 countries including Dominica.

Caribbean Diplomacy & Mobility: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica and agreed on a coordinated push to Brussels over the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism tied to Citizenship by Investment, including a high-level mission to meet senior EU officials. Regional Security: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security signed a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation with CARICOM IMPACS to strengthen border security and immigration vetting through biometric data sharing. Currency & Heritage: The ECCB unveiled redesigned Eastern Caribbean banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth II’s image with regional national heroes and icons, including Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw on the EC$50 and William Henry Bramble on the EC$10. Culture Spotlight: Musical Mélé returns after a six-year hiatus, with organizers citing venue delays and promising a new August 9 staging at St. Gerard’s Hall. Education & Youth: ECTEL launched the second round of the Pearl Allison Lake scholarship fund to support secondary students across its contracting states. Dominica Lifestyle Note: Travel + Leisure named Dominica the No. 1 island in the Caribbean (and No. 9 worldwide) in its 2026 World’s Best Awards.

Caribbean Border Security: The US Department of Homeland Security signed a landmark deal with CARICOM IMPACS to share biometric data for border security and immigration vetting, with Dominica among the participating states. CBI vs Europe: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica and agreed on a coordinated high-level mission to Brussels to address the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism targeting Citizenship by Investment programmes, while reaffirming security and transparency reforms. Regional Currency & Heritage: The ECCB unveiled redesigned Eastern Caribbean banknotes in Dominica, moving away from Queen Elizabeth II’s image and featuring national heroes and icons, including Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw on the EC$50 and William Henry Bramble on the EC$10. Culture Spotlight: Musical Mélé returns after a six-year hiatus, with organizers citing venue delays and promising a new season of polished music and live performances. Education & Youth: ECTEL launched the second round of the Pearl Allison Lake scholarship fund to support secondary students across its contracting states, including Dominica. Travel Buzz: Travel + Leisure named Dominica the No. 1 island in the Caribbean (and No. 9 worldwide) in its 2026 World’s Best Awards, spotlighting the island’s rainforest, waterfalls, and hiking-led eco-adventure.

CARICOM in Saint Lucia: Heads of Government met in Gros Islet (5–8 July) under PM Philip J. Pierre, with Dominica’s Roosevelt Skerrit among the leaders—yet reporters say CBI wasn’t raised directly, even as Europe’s pressure grows. EU CBI pressure, OECS response: Eastern Caribbean CBI states met in Dominica (10 July) and agreed on a coordinated pushback, including a high-level Brussels mission to explain how CBI funds climate resilience, disaster recovery, housing, healthcare and education, while pledging tighter due diligence and transparency. Border security pact: The U.S. DHS signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with CARICOM IMPACS to strengthen border security and immigration vetting through biometric data sharing. Regional currency, new faces: ECCB unveiled redesigned EC banknotes (from late 2027) replacing Queen Elizabeth II with regional heroes—Dominica’s Dame Eugenia Charles appears on the EC$20, alongside Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw on the EC$50. Culture & community: Musical Mélé returns after six years (Aug 9 at St. Gerard’s Hall), and ECTEL launched the second round of the Pearl Allison Lake scholarship fund for secondary students. Dominica spotlight: Travel + Leisure named Dominica the No. 1 island in the Caribbean (and No. 9 worldwide) in its 2026 World’s Best Awards.

EU-Driven CBI Talks: Eastern Caribbean CBI countries agreed to send a high-level delegation to Brussels after EU concerns over Citizenship by Investment programmes, with leaders meeting in Dominica and pledging stronger due diligence, transparency, and a coordinated response. Regional Currency Moment: The ECCB unveiled redesigned Eastern Caribbean banknotes featuring regional heroes, including Dominica’s Dame Mary Eugenia Charles on the EC$20 and Sir Robert Bradshaw on the EC$50, with circulation expected from late 2027. Dominica Education & AI: A teachers’ summer training institute heard calls for educators to use AI as a learning tool, while Dominica State College marked its 24th commencement with record bachelor’s graduates and expanded TVET. Arts Return: Musical Mélé is set to return after six years, with organizers pointing to venue delays and planning a new season of classic pop and jazz ballads. Scholarships for Students: ECTEL launched round two of the Pearl Allison Lake scholarship fund, offering support for secondary education across its contracting states. Dominica in Travel Spotlight: Travel + Leisure named Dominica the No. 1 island in the Caribbean in its 2026 World’s Best Awards, praising the island’s nature, hikes, and eco-tourism. Culture & Heritage Watch: A cultural industry consultant raised concerns about the condition of some major buildings in Roseau, urging more attention to Dominica’s built heritage.

Regional Currency & Identity: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank unveiled a redesigned EC banknote family, replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s image with national heroes and regional icons; circulation is expected in late 2027, with Dominica’s Dame Eugenia Charles featured on the EC$20 note and Montserrat’s William Henry Bramble on the EC$10. Education & Youth: Dominica’s teachers were urged to embrace AI as a classroom tool during the DAT Summer Training Institute, while Dominica State College marked its 24th commencement with record bachelor’s graduates and expanded TVET offerings. Arts & Culture: Musical Mélé returns after a six-year hiatus, citing venue delays tied to Arawak House of Culture refurbishment, with the next show set for August 9. Community & Learning Support: ECTEL launched round two of the Pearl Allison Lake scholarship fund, offering EC$1,500 to selected students across its contracting states, including a Dominican recipient in the inaugural cohort. Travel & Lifestyle: Dominica was named the Caribbean’s No. 1 island by Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, reinforcing its “Nature Island” appeal. Governance & Economy (CBI pressure): EU letters demand OECS Citizenship by Investment programmes end by 2028, raising fears of lost visa-free access and renewed calls for economic diversification.

Education & Youth: Dominica’s teachers are being urged to embrace AI as a classroom tool, with the DAT Summer Training Institute hearing calls for smarter use—not blind reliance—alongside renewed passion for teaching. Higher Education Milestones: Dominica State College marks its 24th commencement with its biggest-ever bachelor’s graduating class, highlighting growth in nursing and business, plus expanded TVET pathways. Culture & Arts: Musical Mélé is set to return after a six-year hiatus, with organizers pointing to venue delays and promising a new season of classic pop and jazz selections. Heritage & Built Environment: Cultural industry consultant Anita Bully raised alarms about the condition of major buildings in Roseau, arguing Dominica’s built heritage needs urgent attention. Scholarships: ECTEL opened round two applications for the Pearl Allison Lake (P.A.L.) Scholarship Fund, supporting secondary education across its contracting states. Regional Spotlight: Dominica was named the Caribbean’s No. 1 island by Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, reinforcing its “Nature Island” appeal. Regional Policy Pressure: EU letters demanding an end to OECS Citizenship by Investment programmes by 2028 are driving fresh debate on how Dominica and other islands will fund development if visa-free access is threatened.

Climate & Agriculture: A New Zealand climate-smart agriculture team wrapped a five-day technical mission in Dominica (June 22–26), meeting officials to push more resilient, sustainable farming practices. Culture & Heritage: Cultural industry consultant Anita Bully raised concerns about the condition of some major buildings in Roseau, urging stronger attention to Dominica’s built heritage. Education & Youth: ECTEL opened round two applications for the Pearl Allison Lake (P.A.L.) Scholarship Fund, supporting secondary students across its Contracting States. Arts & Performance: Musical Mélé returns after a six-year hiatus, with organizers citing venue delays tied to Arawak House of Culture refurbishment. Tourism & Lifestyle: Travel + Leisure crowned Dominica the Caribbean’s No. 1 island in its 2026 World’s Best Awards. Regional Spotlight: OECS marked its 45th anniversary with a reception at the WTO in Geneva, featuring steelpan music. Learning Tech: Dominica’s teachers are being urged to embrace AI as a classroom tool during the DAT summer training. CBI Pressure: EU warnings on Citizenship by Investment continue to ripple through the OECS, with Dominica named among the affected states.

Education & Youth: Dominica State College marks its 24th commencement with record bachelor’s graduates, including 10 nursing and 11 business management students, plus expanded TVET pathways. Learning Tech: Dominica’s teachers are being urged to treat AI as a classroom tool, with education officials saying “AI should be our friend” when used wisely. Scholarships & Culture Links: Chinese Ambassador Chu Maoming presented a scholarship to top DSC graduates, highlighting ongoing China–Dominica education cooperation. Regional Sports & Community: Dominica’s sporting associations completed child safeguarding training, strengthening protection for young athletes. Festival Calendar: Dominica’s Flavours of the World Festival returns October 4, promising a one-island celebration of global food, music, dance, and language. Regional Policy Shock (CBI): Across the OECS, EU pressure to end Citizenship by Investment by 2028 is driving urgent calls to diversify economies and prepare for possible visa-free fallout. Human Rights Watch: A London court is set to hear Trinidad and Tobago’s final challenge over the colonial-era gay sex ban, with Caribbean activists watching for a wider precedent.

Citizenship by Investment Shock: EU letters demand OECS CBI programmes end by June 1, 2028, with warnings of losing EU visa-free access—Dominica is named among the most exposed, and Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says the region must “save itself” by cutting reliance on CBI revenue. Education & Tech: Dominica’s DAT Summer Training Institute opened with calls for teachers to embrace AI as a classroom tool, while the Dominica State College marks its 24th commencement with record bachelor’s graduates and more TVET pathways. Culture on the Calendar: Dominica’s Flavours of the World Festival returns October 4, promising global food, music, dance and language—right here on island. Community Growth: DASCI scholarships will support 47 students across Dominica and Florida, and the Dominica Council on Ageing hosts a forum on seniors’ legal rights and protection. Youth & Safety: A robotics camp runs July 13–18, and sporting associations complete child safeguarding training to strengthen protection for young athletes. Regional Watch: A London court hearing could decide whether Trinidad and Tobago’s colonial-era anti-gay “buggery” law is decriminalized, with Caribbean activists closely following.

Education & Youth: Dominica’s teachers are being urged to reignite their passion and lead with courage during the DAT summer training institute, with calls to engage actively in sessions and return to classrooms ready to innovate. AI in Schools: The Ministry of Education’s Permanent Secretary, Robert Guiste, encouraged teachers to embrace AI as part of modern teaching. Early Childhood Focus: The DAT also pushed for better training and improved salaries for early childhood educators. Child Safety in Sport: Sporting associations completed child safeguarding training, strengthening protection for young athletes and emphasizing zero tolerance for abuse. Robotics & Tech Skills: The Nature Island Innovators Robotics Camp (July 13–18) will train Dominican youth in robotics, coding, teamwork, and leadership. Culture & Community: Miss Dominica 2026 Dainisha Eusebe is set for her first regional pageant in Nevis on August 3, representing Grand Bay. Seniors’ Rights: The Dominica Council on Ageing announced a public forum on seniors’ legal rights and protections, including safeguards against financial exploitation. Regional Watch: Prime Minister Skerrit renewed calls for the U.S. to reconsider visa restrictions affecting Dominicans and Antigua & Barbuda nationals as diplomatic talks continue. Caribbean Food as Travel Driver: A feature highlights how Caribbean food experiences—markets, fish fries, cocoa tours, and local meals—are increasingly shaping travel choices and sharing culture worldwide.