AGP Executive Report

U.S. Visa Pressure on Dominicans: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit renewed calls for Washington to lift visa restrictions affecting Dominican nationals, saying the June review timeline has passed and urging action “at the soonest opportunity,” amid fears for medical care, education and family travel. Regional Justice Training: Eastern Caribbean law enforcement and prosecutors completed an RSS prosecution course, aiming to strengthen criminal case handling and fair justice delivery across member states. Community Tourism Push: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia to advance community-based tourism, stressing that local communities should be the main beneficiaries, with support from the EU-backed RIGHT programme. Creative Industries Forum: The Alwin Bully Foundation will host a public panel on strengthening Dominica’s creative industries at UWI Global Campus on July 8. Indigenous Tourism Skills: Sixteen Kalinago residents graduated as certified tour guides through a UNDP-supported programme, boosting indigenous-led tourism and local resilience. Education & Youth: Acting Sgt. Dion Moses presented a “Most Disciplined Student” award at Petite Savanne Primary’s graduation, part of the police community policing programme. Culture & Music: Award-winning Dominican artist Shelly Alfred wrapped a first promotional tour of Grenada, promoting “I Deserve This” and linking with local media ahead of Spice Mas 2026.

Visa Pressure on Dominicans: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the U.S. should reconsider visa restrictions “at the soonest opportunity,” after Washington’s June review timeline passed, with Dominicans worried about access to medical care, education, and family travel. Regional Justice Training: Eastern Caribbean law enforcement and prosecutors complete an RSS prosecution course, aiming to strengthen summary court cases and improve justice delivery across member states. Community Tourism Push: OECS steps up community-based tourism planning after a Saint Lucia workshop, urging countries to put local communities at the centre so tourism benefits stay in-house. Creative Industries Forum: Alwin Bully Foundation announces a public panel on strengthening Dominica’s creative sector, set for July 8 at UWI Global Campus. Kalinago Tourism Skills: UNDP-backed training sees 16 Kalinago residents graduate as certified tour guides, boosting indigenous tourism and local livelihoods. Culture Calendar: Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 official contestant reveal is postponed, with a new date expected soon. Youth & Recognition: Acting Sgt. Dion Moses presents a discipline award at Petite Savanne Primary graduation, part of the police community policing programme. Bouyon on the Move: Signal Band frontman Shelly Alfred wraps a Grenada promotional tour, pushing “I Deserve This” and planning more Caribbean expansion. Travel & Lifestyle Roundup: Caribbean Airlines stops serving Blue Waters on flights, switching to Dasani, while TTW releases a 2026 Top 100 luxury hotels list for the Americas and Caribbean.

Regional Justice Training: 56 law enforcement officers and prosecutors across the Eastern Caribbean have completed an RSS Criminal Practice and Procedure course, boosting prosecution skills through online and face-to-face training supported by the EU. Education & Youth: Acting Sergeant Dion Moses presented the Dion Moses Most Disciplined Student Award at Petite Savanne Primary’s graduation, part of the police’s community policing push to reward positive school conduct. Community Service & Leadership: The Rotary Club of Dominica installed new leadership and honoured former President Charles Angelo Savarin with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition during its 2026–2027 investiture. Maths for Teachers: The Advancing Caribbean Teachers (ACT) Mathematics Initiative wrapped up a six-month programme for 29 Barbadian teachers, joining cohorts from Dominica and Grenada to strengthen classroom practice. Creative Industries Forum: The Alwin Bully Foundation will host a public panel on July 8 at UWI Global Campus, Roseau, focused on building sustainable arts and cultural industries in Dominica. Indigenous Tourism Skills: Sixteen Kalinago residents graduated as certified tour guides after a UNDP-supported training programme aimed at strengthening indigenous tourism and community resilience. Tourism Strategy (OECS): OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia to advance community-based tourism, training member states to put local communities at the centre of tourism planning and benefits. Politics & Representation: UPP introduced Edline Harris as its Roseau South candidate, pitching a community-centred campaign focused on youth, education and jobs. Culture Calendar: Dominica’s Cultural Division postponed the Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 official contestant reveal, with a new date to be announced.

Education & Youth: Acting Sergeant Dion Moses presented the Dion Moses Most Disciplined Student Award to Petite Savanne Primary graduate Regev B. Bougouneau, as part of the police’s Community Policing Programme that links schools and positive youth engagement. Arts & Culture: The Alwin Bully Foundation will host a public forum on July 8 at UWI Global Campus, Roseau, focused on building a sustainable arts and cultural industries sector in Dominica. Tourism & Community Development: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia (June 9–11) to push community-based tourism, with training aimed at strengthening national policies so local communities become primary beneficiaries. Indigenous Tourism: Sixteen Kalinago residents graduated as certified tour guides after a UNDP-supported programme, backed by partners including the Kalinago Council and Dominica State College. Gender Equality: The OECS Commission launched a three-part Gender Mainstreaming staff training series to embed gender-responsive planning across regional programmes. Politics & Local Leadership: UPP introduced Edline Harris as its Roseau South candidate, while DLP candidate Ashma McDougall continued campaigning for Roseau North. Sports & Regional Culture: St. Kitts and Nevis announced its squad for the ANOCES Athletics Championship (July 4–5) at Kim Collins Stadium, featuring athletes from across the OECS.

Community Leadership & Service: The Rotary Club of Dominica kicked off its 2026–2027 year with a fresh leadership team and a Paul Harris Fellow honour for Charles Savarin, spotlighting continued humanitarian work islandwide. Education & Skills: The Advancing Caribbean Teachers (ACT) Mathematics initiative wrapped a six-month training for 29 Barbadian secondary school teachers, joining cohorts from Dominica and Grenada to strengthen classroom practice through shared learning. Creative Industries Forum: The Alwin Bully Foundation will host a public panel on July 8 at UWI Global Campus, Roseau, focused on building a sustainable arts and cultural industries sector in Dominica. Tourism With Communities at the Centre: OECS tourism leaders met in Saint Lucia to push community-based tourism as a growth engine, backed by EU/EDF support and aimed at putting local communities first. Local Politics: UPP has introduced Edline Harris as Roseau South candidate, while DLP continues campaigning momentum around Roseau North. Culture Calendar: Dominica’s Cultural Division postponed the Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 official contestant reveal, with a new date to be announced.

Creative Industries: The Alwin Bully Foundation will host a public forum on July 8 at UWI Global Campus, Roseau, focused on “Building a Sustainable Arts and Cultural Industries Sector in Dominica,” aiming to shape policy and best practices for a stronger creative sector. Bouyon & Caribbean Music: Award-winning Dominican artist Shelly Alfred has wrapped a first promotional tour of Grenada, pushing his single “I Deserve This” and planning to return for Spice Mas 2026 while expanding Bouyon across the region. Community Tourism: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia (June 9–11) to strengthen community-based tourism, with training and national action planning supported by the EU’s 11th EDF RIGHT programme—centering local communities as the main beneficiaries. Indigenous Tourism Skills: Sixteen Kalinago residents graduated as certified tour guides after a UNDP-supported programme, coordinated with the Kalinago Council, Dominica State College, and tourism partners. Local Politics & Leadership: DLP candidate Ashma McDougall formally launched her Roseau North by-election bid, backed by PM Roosevelt Skerrit, pitching youth, entrepreneurship, and community wellbeing. Culture Calendar: The Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 official contestant reveal was postponed, with a new date to be announced. Visa Pressure: PM Skerrit urged the US to reconsider visa restrictions “at soonest opportunity,” citing impacts on Dominicans seeking medical and educational opportunities.

Community Tourism & Culture: OECS tourism officials met in Saint Lucia (June 9–11) to push community-based tourism, training Member States to move from “assessment to action” so local people lead and benefit, with support from the EU’s 11th EDF RIGHT programme. Indigenous Tourism Boost: Sixteen Kalinago residents graduated as certified tour guides in Kalinago Territory after a UNDP-supported programme, coordinated with Dominica State College and the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association. Gender Equality in the Spotlight: The OECS Commission launched a three-part Gender Mainstreaming staff training series to help embed gender-responsive planning across regional work. Politics & Local Leadership: UPP introduced Edline Harris as Roseau South candidate, while Dominica Labour Party campaign coverage continues around Roseau North by-election politics, including Ashma McDougall’s “service through Labour” message. Arts & Pageantry: Dominica’s Cultural Division postponed the Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 official contestant reveal, with a new date to be announced. Music Scene: Wet Fete 2026 returns to Anguilla July 31, featuring Dominica bouyon acts Little Boy, Quan Dan and Jahari Chi.

Kalinago Tourism & Jobs: Sixteen Kalinago residents (10 women, six men) graduated as certified tour guides after a UNDP-supported training at Barana Autê, coordinated with the Kalinago Council, Dominica State College and tourism partners to boost indigenous tourism and resilience. Local Politics: UPP introduced Edline Harris as Roseau South candidate, framing her run as “daughter of the soil” leadership focused on listening and community-centred priorities. Gender Equality Training: OECS Commission launched a three-part Gender Mainstreaming staff series to strengthen gender-responsive programme design and evaluation across its regional work. Rastafarian Rights at CARICOM: CARICOM plans a regional meeting and committee work to address discrimination and marginalization affecting Rastafarians, including access to education and public life. Culture Spotlight: Dominica’s Cultural Division postponed the Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 official contestant reveal, with a new date to be confirmed. Roseau North Campaign: Prime Minister Skerrit backed DLP candidate Ashma McDougall, pitching youth empowerment and entrepreneurship as key pillars for the constituency. Sports & Youth: DFA hosted an academy football festival for ages 6–15, with scouting for the national academy and community-focused fun.

Gender Equality Training: The OECS Commission has launched a three-part Gender Mainstreaming Staff Training Series, using case studies and a Gender Marker simulation to help staff apply gender-responsive planning across programmes. Rastafarian Rights at CARICOM: CARICOM is setting up a regional committee to address discrimination and barriers facing Rastafarians, including access to education, jobs, and public life. Roseau North Politics: Ashma McDougall says joining the DLP is the “only choice,” pitching youth empowerment and entrepreneurship as her Roseau North by-election focus, with PM Roosevelt Skerrit backing her campaign. Miss Wob Dwiyet Update: The Cultural Division postponed the Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 official contestant reveal, with a new date to be announced. Electoral Accountability Push: An open letter urges Dominica’s Electoral Commission and Chief Elections Officer to answer legal and administrative questions about the 2025 electoral legislation. Centenarian Spotlight: Pearly Eusebe, “Auntie Pearly,” turns 102, with other Dominicans celebrating June birthdays among the island’s centenarians. Bouyon on the Move: Dominica’s Signal Band brought Bouyon energy to St. Kitts Music Festival 2026, spotlighting the island’s sound on a major regional stage. Youth Football Day: The DFA Academy Football Festival is set for Roseau, targeting ages 6–15 with scouting for the national academy.

Roseau North Politics: Ashma McDougall says joining the Dominica Labour Party was her “only choice,” arguing the DLP is the right platform to turn community ideas into real projects, with a focus on youth, entrepreneurship, and community wellbeing as she campaigns for the Roseau North by-election. Party Backing: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit backed McDougall at her campaign lift-off, framing Roseau North as a hub of modern Dominica and pitching her as a bridge between young professionals, educators, and everyday families. Miss Wob Dwiyet Update: The Cultural Division postponed the Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 official contestant reveal, originally set for July 1, citing unforeseen circumstances, with a new date to be announced. Electoral Process Pressure: An open letter urges the Electoral Commission and Chief Elections Officer to answer major legal and administrative questions around Dominica’s 2025 electoral legislation, including registration and voter identification rules. Culture & Music Spotlight: Dominica’s Signal Band brought Bouyon energy to the St. Kitts Music Festival, while Dominica’s Bouyon artists and songs earned nominations for the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards. Youth & Community: Kiwanis Nature Island Club inducted 13 new members and installed its 2025/2026 leadership team, reaffirming its service focus on children and communities. Marine Conservation: Fisheries Division marked SSMR Day 2026 with education and awareness activities promoting marine protected areas and sustainable use.

Roseau North Politics: Ashma McDougall says joining the DLP is the “only choice,” backed by PM Roosevelt Skerrit as he frames the constituency as a hub of youth, entrepreneurs, and community wellbeing. Electoral Accountability: An open letter urges the Electoral Commission and Chief Elections Officer to publicly answer legal and administrative questions around Dominica’s 2025 electoral legislation. Pageant Update: The Cultural Division has postponed the Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 official contestant reveal, now expected on a new date after the July 1 plan was delayed. Youth & Sports: The Kiwanis Nature Island Club inducted 13 new members and installed its 2025/2026 leadership, while the DFA Academy Football Festival targets ages 6–15 and scouts for the national academy. Marine Conservation: Fisheries Division marks SSMR Day 2026 with school presentations, radio programmes, and an inter-school debate under a “Strong Marine Protected Areas” theme. Culture & Music: Dominica’s Bouyon continues to gain traction, with local artists nominated for the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, and Signal Band bringing Bouyon energy to St. Kitts Music Festival.

Roseau North Politics: PM Roosevelt Skerrit backed Ashma McDougall at the DLP campaign lift-off, calling youth empowerment and entrepreneurship the “bread-and-butter” focus for the by-election. Local Leadership & Service: Kiwanis Nature Island Club inducted 13 new members and installed its 2025/2026 executive, reaffirming its mission to serve children and communities. Culture Spotlight: The Cultural Division will unveil the 2026 Miss Wob Dwiyet contestants in an online premiere on July 1, kicking off the road to the Oct. 21 crowning. Sports & Youth: Dominica’s DFA Academy Football Festival runs June 27 for ages 6–15, with scouting for the national academy, while Olympic Day celebrations are set for June 28. Marine Conservation: Fisheries Division marked SSMR Day 2026 with school talks, radio programmes, and an inter-school debate under the theme “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet.” Bouyon on the Move: Dominica’s Signal Band brought Bouyon energy to the St. Kitts Music Festival, reinforcing the genre’s growing regional pull. Education Wins: Achievement Learning Centre celebrated 12-year-old Jahmielle Cadette after he passed the Grade 6 National Assessment.

Roseau North By-Election: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit threw his weight behind Labour candidate Ashma McDougall, saying her youth focus, support for entrepreneurs, and push on “bread-and-butter” issues fit DLP’s vision for the constituency. Community Service: Kiwanis Nature Island Club welcomed 13 new members and installed its 2025/2026 executive team, reaffirming its mission to serve children and communities. Youth, Learning & Health: Dominica’s Achievement Learning Centre celebrated 12-year-old Jahmielle Cadette after he passed the Grade 6 National Assessment, while the Rotary Club installed water fountains at Roseau and Trafalgar primary schools to help tackle childhood obesity. Culture Spotlight: The Cultural Division announced the Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 delegate reveal for July 1, with the pageant set to run to Oct. 21. Sports & Development: The DFA Academy Football Festival opens the weekend for ages 6–15, with top players scouted for the national academy.

Bouyon on the move: St. Kitts Music Festival 2026 kept the rhythm high as Dominica’s Shelly & Signal Band brought authentic Bouyon energy to Warner Park, with fans praising the fast-paced sound and crowd control. Culture spotlight: The Cultural Division is set to unveil the 2026 Miss Wob Dwiyet contestants on July 1 via an online premiere, kicking off the road to the Oct. 21 crowning. Sports & youth: The DFA Academy Football Festival runs today (June 27) for ages 6–15 at the DFA Technical Centre in Stockfarm, with scouting for the national academy; and Olympic Day celebrations are also slated for today in Roseau. Community health: Rotary installed water fountains at Roseau and Trafalgar primary schools to support a childhood obesity push, pairing hydration with nutrition talks. Education wins: Dominica awarded 124 scholarships and 122 bursaries after Grade 6 results, while the Achievement Learning Centre celebrated Jahmielle Cadette’s Grade 6 National Assessment pass. Local politics: The DLP launches its Roseau North campaign this Sunday, June 28, with candidate Ashma McDougall. Regional ties: Canada and CARICOM renewed a strategic partnership focused on security, climate resilience and trade.

Bouyon on the big stage: Dominica’s Signal Band brought high-energy Bouyon to the St. Kitts Music Festival in Basseterre on June 25, blending jing ping and lapo kabwit roots with modern electronic beats. Culture spotlight: A fresh commentary review highlights Jerome A. Robinson’s memoir, “A Time of Rapid Change in Dominica,” as a key record of nation-building. Regional diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed their strategic partnership in Panama, with priorities including security, climate resilience, and trade. Local pageantry: Dominica’s Cultural Division will unveil the 2026 Miss Wob Dwiyet contestants via an online premiere on July 1, with the pageant set to culminate on Oct. 21. Youth & learning: Dominica’s Fisheries Division marked SSMR Day 2026 with marine conservation education, while the Achievement Learning Centre celebrated Grade 6 success for Jahmielle Cadette. Sports for kids: The DFA Academy Football Festival runs June 27 for ages 6–15, with scouting for the national academy.

Medical Milestone for the OECS: Saint Lucia’s Camille Andrew became the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco, defending her pediatric inflammatory bowel disease thesis with highest honors after seven years of training. Dominica Pageantry: The Cultural Division will unveil the five Miss Wob Dwiyet 2026 contestants in a live online premiere on July 1 at 6:00 PM, with the pageant set to culminate Oct. 21. Sports & Youth: The DFA Academy Football Festival runs today (June 27) for ages 6–15, with scouting for the national academy, while Dominica’s Olympic Day celebrations bring sports demos and family activities on June 28. Bouyon on the Rise: Dominica leads Caribbean Music Awards Bouyon nominations, and the island’s Breakfast Fete culture continues to draw attention ahead of its Aug. 7–10 return. Marine Conservation: Fisheries Division marks SSMR Day 2026 with school presentations, radio programmes and an inter-school debate focused on protecting Dominica’s blue planet. Community Health: Rotary installed water fountains at Roseau and Trafalgar primary schools to support healthier hydration habits for children. Regional Leadership: OECS marks 45 years of integration, with a renewed push for an “OECS renaissance” as leaders meet in Antigua.