AGP Executive Report

Education Reform: Dominica is set to launch the four-year WISTLE Education Reform Project on Aug. 21, aiming to modernise lower-secondary learning with an inclusive, technology-supported curriculum that blends life skills, TVET, arts and resilience across Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent. Regional Trade Policy: The OECS, with UNCTAD and ECLAC, has wrapped up work to strengthen evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to close long-standing data gaps and help countries build stronger export strategies. Music & Festivals: WCMF 2026 returns to Windsor Park Oct. 23–25 with a star-studded lineup including NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy, plus major local acts and DJs. Youth Health: REACH launched a webinar series on adolescent health and wellbeing, covering mental health, nutrition, healthy lifestyles, parent-teen communication and stigma reduction. Court & Safety: Police officer Joshua Hamlet has been remanded to prison until Oct. 2 as the second officer charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul. Community & Learning: A new preschool facility in Soufriere has been completed, giving children a permanent early childhood home after years of temporary arrangements. Culture Awards: The Cultural Division presented Golden Drum Awards and special recognition to Dominica’s music, dance and fashion stalwarts.

World Creole Music Festival: WCMF returns to Windsor Park Sports Stadium Oct 23–25, 2026, with Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton, Tabou Combo and a strong Dominica lineup plus DJs—tickets already on sale. Adolescent Health: The REACH Project launched a webinar series on adolescent health and wellbeing, covering mental health, nutrition, healthy eating, parent–teen communication and stigma reduction, with interactive Q&As. Arts & Literature: Dominican writer Zephrine Royer was shortlisted for the 2026 BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Award for “River Mouth,” alongside another Dominican shortlisted in a related prize. Education Debate: A fresh commentary takes aim at cronyism in education, arguing favoritism and connections undermine fairness and student opportunity. Child Protection Push: Circle of Friends calls for a stronger, coordinated child protection network after the death of Jerbiah Paul, urging better safety reporting and services for the most vulnerable. Justice Update: Police officer Joshua Hamlet was remanded to prison until Oct 2 after being charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, following another officer’s charge. Local Learning Spaces: A new preschool facility in Soufriere marks a fresh start for children after years of temporary classrooms post-Hurricane Maria. Regional Policy for Children: OECS unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, aiming for every child to feel safe and empowered by 2032.

Murder Case Update: Police officer Joshua Hamlet has been remanded to prison until October 2 after being charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, making him the second police-linked suspect in the case following the earlier charge against Jean-Luc Langlais. Child Protection Push: Circle of Friends is calling for a stronger, coordinated child protection network after Jerbiah’s death, urging better safety reporting, parent support, and cross-agency cooperation. OECS Policy for Families: The OECS, with UN partners, wrapped up work to improve evidence-based trade-in-services policymaking, using better data systems—while separately unveiling a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032 aimed at safer, empowered children. Education & Youth: Dominica’s Ministry says preliminary CXC results will be released online Tuesday, August 18, with candidates directed to the official results platform. Culture & Community: The Cultural Division honoured six cultural stalwarts with Golden Drum Awards and special recognition, spotlighting music, dance, choral leadership, and Creole wear. Voter Confirmation Watch: The Dominica Business Forum is urging wider public participation in the voter confirmation process ahead of the October 15 deadline, warning that low uptake could leave the electoral list incomplete.

Murder Case in Focus: Police officer Joshua Hamlet was remanded to prison until October 2, becoming the second CDPF member charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, whose body was found in Capuchin after she went missing in late July; the case has sparked renewed calls for stronger child protection and accountability. Electoral Participation: The Dominica Business Forum says voter confirmation participation is low, with 22,000 applications received and only about 27% of the electoral register confirmed, urging a September 15 public discussion to boost turnout before the October 15 deadline. Trade & Data for Growth: OECS wrapped up a UNCTAD/ECLAC-backed initiative to strengthen evidence-based policymaking for trade in services, using TiSSTAT to close data gaps and help member states build stronger export strategies. Culture & Community Recognition: The Cultural Division honoured six cultural stalwarts with Golden Drum Awards, plus special recognition awards spanning music, dance, choral leadership, and Creole wear. Education & Early Childhood: A new preschool facility in Soufriere was formally transferred to the Ministry of Education, giving children a permanent learning space after years of temporary arrangements. Regional Child Protection Policy: OECS unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, aiming for safer, supported, empowered children across the sub-region. World Creole Music Festival: Dominica’s WCMF announced its 2026 lineup, running Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park, with major regional and international acts.

Police & Justice: Dominica’s police officer Joshua Hamlet was remanded to prison until October 2 after being charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, the second officer charged in the case after her decomposing body was found in Capuchin. Child Protection & Community Response: Circle of Friends is calling for a stronger, coordinated child protection network after Jerbiah Paul’s death, urging organisations to check whether children feel safe reporting threats and whether services reach the most vulnerable. Culture & Awards: The Cultural Division honoured six cultural stalwarts with Golden Drum Awards, with additional special recognition awards going to music, dance, steel pan and creole wear contributors. Music Festival: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival announced its 2026 lineup, running Oct. 23–25 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium. Education & Youth: Preliminary CXC results are set to be released online Tuesday, Aug. 18, with candidates directed to use the official results platform. Regional Policy (OECS): OECS advanced evidence-based trade in services policy making and unveiled a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032, backed by UNICEF. Local Development: A new preschool facility in Soufriere was formally transferred to the Ministry of Education, giving children a permanent home after Hurricane Maria damage.

World Creole Music Festival: Dominica’s 26th WCMF returns to Roseau’s Windsor Park Sports Stadium, running Oct 23–25, with big names like Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, Tabou Combo, Skillibeng, Alkaline and Uncle Waffles. Early Childhood Education: Soufrière families celebrate the handover of the Dominique Marchand Pre-School to the Ministry of Education, giving children a permanent, safer learning home after years of temporary facilities post-Maria. Child Protection Push: Circle of Friends is calling for a stronger, coordinated child protection network after the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, urging better safety, reporting, and support for vulnerable families. Justice in the Jerbiah Paul Case: A police officer has been charged with murder in the Jerbiah Paul matter, with investigations ongoing and condolences extended to the family. Regional Child Policy: OECS and UNICEF unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for every child to feel safe, supported and empowered by 2032. Education Updates: Dominica’s Ministry says preliminary CXC May–June results will be released online Aug 18 at 12:00 p.m. AST, with candidates directed to the official results link. Travel & Culture Trends: Research highlights cultural immersion as the top travel priority, with food and culinary experiences leading what people spend on. Indigenous & Climate Resilience: OECS-backed work supports disaster-resilient schooling in indigenous communities, including upgrades at Atkinson Primary in Dominica’s Kalinago Territory. Community & Culture: Dominica marks the 10th anniversary of the Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete in Grand Bay, featuring bouyon, soca, dancehall and reggae. Public Safety Policy: Police Chief Lincoln Corbette says Dominica doesn’t currently need an Amber Alert system, citing existing missing-person notification mechanisms. Family Law Reform: Minister Rayburn Blackmoore highlights strengthened family legislation covering child protection, domestic violence, maintenance and faster protection orders.

Caribbean Film Spotlight: CSIFF26 announced 47 films from 14 countries will screen in New York Oct 9–11, bringing Caribbean and diaspora stories to the big stage. Regional Child Protection: OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for safer, empowered children across the sub-region through a whole-of-the-child approach. Local Justice & Safety for Girls: Dominica’s case involving the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul took a major turn as a police officer was charged with murder; officials also used the tragedy to renew calls for stronger protection of girls and young women. Missing Child Clarification: Minister Rayburn Blackmore addressed public confusion around Kernisha Etienne’s disappearance, saying the investigation remains open. Education Updates: Students were told preliminary CXC 2026 results will be released online Aug 18 at 12:00 p.m. AST. Elections & Voting Access: The Electoral Office clarified voter ID rules for the Roseau North by-election, noting alternative approved IDs can be used if the voter card isn’t available. Community Learning: NCCU scholarship recipients were encouraged to make the most of education opportunities, while an adult education book donation drive runs Aug 10–Sept 10. Culture & Community: Dominica’s Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete marked its 10th anniversary in Grand Bay with major local and regional music talent.

Police & Safety: Dominica’s police say a serving officer, Jean-Luc Langlais, has been charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, after her decomposing body was found in Capuchin; the case remains under investigation as the community mourns. Child Protection & Law: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore says Dominica has strengthened family-law protections through a package passed in 2023, covering child status, domestic violence, maintenance, and faster protection orders. Missing Child Clarification: Blackmore also addressed public comparisons in the Kernisha Etienne disappearance case, stressing the investigation is still open. Regional Policy for Kids: The OECS, with UNICEF support, launched a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for safer, empowered children across the sub-region. Education Updates: The Ministry of Education advises that preliminary CXC 2026 results will be released online Aug. 18 at 12:00 p.m. AST, with candidates urged to use official links only. Community & Culture: Wokha marked 80th Independence Day with performances and district awards, while Dominica’s Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete celebrated its 10th anniversary in Grand Bay. Youth & Learning: Adult Education is running a book donation drive (Aug. 10–Sept. 10) to boost reading across Dominica. Elections Info: The Electoral Office clarified voter ID rules for the Roseau North by-election, saying voters without the card can still vote using approved alternative identification.

Regional Child Protection: OECS, with UNICEF support, has unveiled a 2026–2032 Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan built on a “whole-of-the-child” approach, aiming for every child to feel valued, safe, supported, loved and empowered by 2032. Justice & Safety for Girls: Dominica continues to reel after the murder charge against police officer Jean-Luc Langlais in the Jerbiah Paul case, while Minister Cassandra Williams and Police Chief Lincoln Corbette stress protection of girls and accountability as the investigation runs on. Family Law Reform: National Security and Legal Affairs Minister Rayburn Blackmore says Dominica’s strengthened family legislation (passed in 2023) targets domestic violence, child protection, maintenance enforcement and faster protection orders. Education Updates: CXC May–June 2026 preliminary results are set to go online August 18, with students urged to use the official results platform. Elections & Voting Access: The Electoral Office clarifies voter ID rules for the Roseau North by-election, saying voters won’t be denied a ballot if they lack the card but can use approved alternative IDs. Tourism & Culture: Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad for a destination sales mission, timed with new direct flights from October 5 and promotion of the World Creole Music Festival and Carnival. Youth & Learning: NCCU scholarship recipients are encouraged to make the most of education opportunities, alongside a book donation drive to boost reading across Dominica. Travel Buzz: Dominica is listed among top solo travel destinations for 2026 in a regional ranking, adding to the island’s growing tourism spotlight.

Family Protection Update: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore says Dominica has strengthened its legal framework with new family laws covering child protection, domestic violence, child maintenance and support for spouses, parents and grandparents. CXC Results Countdown: The Ministry of Education says preliminary CXC 2026 results will be released online Tuesday, August 18 at 12:00 p.m. AST, with candidates directed to the official results link and warned not to use unofficial sources. Child Policy for the Region: OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled the Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for every child to feel safe and empowered by 2032 through a whole-of-the-child approach. Missing Child Clarification: Blackmore also addressed public confusion around the Kernisha Etienne disappearance, stressing the investigation remains open. Murder Case in Focus: Police charged 23-year-old officer Jean-Luc Langlais with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, with the case remanded pending court proceedings. Youth & Learning: Adult Education launched a book donation drive (Aug 10–Sept 10) to boost reading nationwide, while NCCU celebrated 2026 scholarship recipients and urged them to stay focused. Culture & Community: Wokha marked 80th I-Day with folk performances and awards, and Dominica’s Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete wrapped up its 10th anniversary in Grand Bay.

Tragic Justice & Child Safety: Dominica is reeling after 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul of Portsmouth was identified following the discovery of her body in Capuchin; police officer Jean-Luc Langlais was charged with murder and remanded, while Minister of State Dr. Cassandra Williams urged stronger parental responsibility and renewed focus on protecting girls and young women. Regional Child Protection: OECS unveiled its Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, shaped with input from children and families, aiming to make every child in the region feel safe, supported, and empowered by 2032. Climate-Ready Schools: OECS and New Zealand-backed work under a disaster-resilient schools project strengthened Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory with drainage upgrades, protective doors, and emergency power and communications. Indigenous Peoples Focus: Dominica marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with messages highlighting Kalinago resilience and honouring Indigenous midwives and their role in community wellbeing. Education & Youth Development: NCCU celebrated 19 scholarship recipients; Adult Education launched a book donation drive; and I Have A Right Foundation wrapped a Girlhood Summer Leadership Bootcamp building confidence, safety, leadership, and digital citizenship. Culture & Community Life: Dominica’s Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete marked its 10th anniversary in Grand Bay, while the Waitukubuli Artist Association completed a Dominica–Martinique residency that produced murals, school workshops, and new art inspired by local nature and history. Tourism & Travel Buzz: Discover Dominica heads to Trinidad for its destination sales mission, and Dominica’s creative sector got a boost as plans were announced for a dedicated creative industry agency.

Regional Child Protection: OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a 2026–2032 Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan, built with input from children and families and aimed at making sure every child is protected, heard, and treated fairly. Justice for Jerbiah Paul: A serving Dominica police officer, Jean-Luc Langlais, was charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul after her decomposed body was found in Capuchin; the case has sparked national grief and renewed calls to protect girls and young women. Climate-Ready Schools: Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory received upgrades under an OECS climate resilience project, including drainage works, hurricane protection doors, and backup power and communications. Indigenous Peoples Focus: Dominica marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with messages highlighting Kalinago resilience and honouring Indigenous midwives. Education & Youth Support: NCCU urged scholarship recipients to make the most of opportunities, while ECAAM expanded summer academic support and the Adult Education Division launched a book donation drive. Elections & IDs: The Electoral Office clarified that voters without the new Voter ID card can still vote using approved alternative identification during the Roseau North by-election confirmation process. Culture & Community: Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete in Grand Bay closed its 10th anniversary celebrations, and Ne-Yo was announced for the 2026 World Creole Music Festival. Tourism & Sports Culture: Flow launched a Caribbean-wide campaign for the 2026 Republic Bank CPL, tying cricket to Caribbean identity and community pride. Global Policy Ripple: The U.S. made its visa bond program permanent for Dominica and other Caribbean nations, while the UK confirmed Dominicans are exempt from proving English for certain citizenship/settlement applications.

Murder Charge & Social Services Statement: A former Dominica police officer, Jean-Luc Langlais, was charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul after her decomposing body was found in Capuchin; Minister of State Dr. Cassandra Williams urged Dominica to confront the safety and protection of girls and young women, condemning sexual abuse and exploitation. Climate-Ready Schools: Atkinson Primary School in the Kalinago Territory received upgrades under an OECS climate resilience project, including drainage works, hurricane-protection doors, and emergency communications and backup power. Culture & Community Spotlight: Dominica marked the 10th anniversary of the Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete in Grand Bay, while the Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a Dominica–Martinique artistic exchange that produced murals and school workshops. Youth, Learning & Rights: NCCU scholarship recipients were encouraged to make the most of education; REACH launched adolescent health webinars for International Youth Day; and I Have A Right Foundation completed a Girlhood Summer Leadership Bootcamp for Dominican girls. Politics & Governance: The Electoral Office clarified voter ID rules for the Roseau North by-election, and Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor pressed for better waste collection and future-focused workforce planning. Creative Economy Push: PM Skerrit announced plans for a dedicated Creative Economy Development Agency with a minister to oversee the sector.

Climate & Schools: Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory got a major resilience upgrade under an OECS Climate Resilience Project, including a new 100-foot drainage system, hurricane-protection doors, and backup power and communications to keep schools running during disasters. Culture & Community: Dominica marked the 10th anniversary of the Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete in Grand Bay, a “People’s Fete” with a red theme and a lineup spanning bouyon, soca, dancehall and reggae. Tourism & Lifestyle: Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad for its annual destination sales mission, while a new “Summer the Nature Island Way” initiative spotlights curated itineraries that push visitors beyond the usual trail. Youth & Learning: NCCU celebrated 2026 scholarship recipients, and ECAAM expanded its Summer Intensive Academic Support Programme; REACH also marked International Youth Day with adolescent health webinars. Politics & Governance: Electoral Office clarified voter ID rules for the Roseau North by-election, and Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor pressed for better waste collection and workforce-ready skills. CBI Scrutiny: Calls for a formal inquiry into Dominica’s Citizenship-by-Investment programme grew louder after allegations of widespread illegal discounting and declining revenue. Creative Sector Push: PM Skerrit announced plans for a dedicated Creative Economy Development Agency with a minister to oversee the creative industry. Obituaries: Veronica Monica Thomas (“Tita”), 88, was announced deceased, with funeral arrangements set for Soufrière.

International Youth Day (New York): More than 600 young people met at the UN headquarters to shape youth-led AI policy for the Sustainable Development Goals, with a call for meaningful participation beyond token consultation. Voter Access (Roseau North): The Electoral Office clarified that voters won’t be turned away without a new Voter ID card during the ongoing confirmation process, but must use approved alternative ID options at polling stations. Reading Culture Drive: Dominica’s Adult Education Division launched a book donation drive (Aug 10–Sept 10) to support children, youth and adults, with drop-offs at the Adult Education Office in Roseau. Education Support: ECAAM expanded its Summer Intensive Academic Support Programme, using individualized plans and a whole-child approach to help learners return to school ready. Youth Leadership (Girls): I Have A Right Foundation wrapped its Girlhood Summer Leadership Bootcamp, training girls in wellbeing, leadership, advocacy, and digital citizenship. Creative Sector Push: PM Skerrit announced plans for a dedicated Creative Economy Development Agency and a minister to oversee the creative industry. CBI Under Scrutiny: Businessman Gregor Nassief renewed calls for a commission of inquiry into alleged illegal discounting in Dominica’s Citizenship-by-Investment programme, while opposition voices flagged declining CBI revenue. Tourism & Culture: Flow launched a Caribbean-wide CPL campaign, and Ne-Yo was unveiled as a headline for Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026.

Voter Access Update: The Electoral Office says Dominicans won’t be turned away at the Roseau North by-election if they lack the new Voter ID card, as long as they show approved alternatives like a passport, or a driver’s licence or Social Security card plus a birth certificate. Reading Culture Push: The Adult Education Division is running a book donation drive (Aug 10–Sep 10) to boost reading for children, youth and adults. Youth Focus: On International Youth Day, the REACH project highlights adolescent health support across Dominica and other OECS states, including webinars on mental health, nutrition, relationships and parent-teen communication. Learning Support: ECAAM’s Summer Intensive Academic Support Programme expands to help learners return to school with stronger skills and confidence. Scholarships for Students: NCCU celebrates 19 scholarship recipients, backing secondary students with help for books, uniforms, transport and fees. US Travel Rules: The U.S. makes its visa bond program permanent, with Dominica among the Caribbean countries affected. Tourism & Music: DDA heads to Trinidad for its destination sales mission, while Ne-Yo is announced as a headline act for Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026. Creative Sector Plan: PM Skerrit says a dedicated minister and agency are coming for the creative industry. CBI Controversy: Opposition and business voices keep challenging Dominica’s CBI revenue and discounting practices as EU pressure on passports grows.