AGP Executive Report

Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines says that from June 1 it will discontinue its Dominica, St Kitts and Ogle (Guyana) to Suriname routes, and cut flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—offering rebooking where possible, full refunds, or future travel credit, while working toward a codeshare to widen connections. Policy Backdrop: The cuts follow earlier warnings in Parliament that some 2023 expansion routes were launched without enough commercial justification, with losses topping US$18.8 million. Regional Environment Focus: Dominica is set to host the OECS Council of Ministers Environmental Sustainability meeting next week (May 27–28), with ministers tackling climate finance, ecosystem restoration, marine pollution, fisheries, biodiversity and disaster resilience. Local Climate Watch: Breezy, partly cloudy conditions continue, with Saharan dust lingering and a higher chance of showers tonight into tomorrow. Tourism Momentum: Dominica’s Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort has been named among the Caribbean’s 25 best all-inclusive resorts for summer vacations.

Aviation Reshuffle: Caribbean Airlines says it will cut several regional routes and reduce others starting June 1, including ending service on the Dominica–Suriname and St. Kitts–Suriname links and dropping flights from Guyana’s Ogle to Suriname; it will also scale Martinique and Guadeloupe down to twice-weekly service, with affected passengers offered rebooking, refunds, or future travel credits and a codeshare partner being pursued to widen options. Tourism Spotlight: Travel and Tour World ranks the Americas and Caribbean’s top wellness destinations for 2026, highlighting a shift toward shorter, nature-focused, more sustainable getaways. Weather Watch: Dominica can expect partly cloudy, breezy conditions with scattered showers, plus lingering Saharan dust and a higher chance of showers tonight into tomorrow as a tropical wave approaches. Regional Climate Agenda: Next week, Dominica hosts the OECS Council of Ministers’ Environmental Sustainability meeting, bringing ministers and partners to push practical resilience solutions.

Aviation Shock for Dominica: Caribbean Airlines says it will stop flying between Dominica and Suriname from June 1, while also ending the St Kitts–Suriname and Ogle (Guyana)–Suriname routes; it will cut Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly, citing a push for “operational reliability” and long-term financial stability as it restructures an earlier expansion that left it with major losses. Passenger Options: Travellers on affected flights are set to be offered re-accommodation where possible, alternative itineraries via partner connections, full refunds for unused ticket portions, or ticket value as future credit. Regional Environment Focus: Next week, Dominica hosts the OECS Council of Ministers’ Environmental Sustainability meeting (May 27–28), with ministers set to tackle climate finance, marine pollution, biodiversity, and disaster resilience. Tourism Momentum: Dominica also reported a 10% rise in stayover arrivals in the first quarter of 2026, as nature and adventure demand keeps climbing.

Aviation Cuts: Starting June 1, Caribbean Airlines will stop the Dominica–Suriname, St. Kitts–Suriname, and Ogle–Suriname routes, and will cut Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly—leaving fewer direct links into northern South America and reshuffling travel options for business and diaspora passengers. OECS Climate Agenda: Dominica will host the OECS 13th Council of Ministers Environmental Sustainability meeting next week (May 27–28), with ministers set to tackle climate finance, ecosystem restoration, marine pollution, sustainable fisheries, renewable energy, biodiversity, and disaster resilience. India–Dominica Development: India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita signed two India-funded MOUs in Dominica, including pharmacopoeia cooperation and road rehabilitation, and visited Kalinago Territory projects on climate-smart agriculture, restoration, and sustainable cultural tourism. Tourism Momentum: Dominica’s stayover arrivals rose 10% in the first quarter of 2026, building on last year’s growth and strengthening the island’s nature-and-wellness positioning. Regional Watch: The week also flagged wider climate pressure across the Caribbean and Latin America, alongside ongoing preparations for the Grade Six National Assessment.

Aviation Cuts: Caribbean Airlines will stop flights between Dominica and Suriname (and also cut Suriname links via St. Kitts and Ogle, Guyana) from June 1, and reduce Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice-weekly—shrinking key nonstop routes for business, diaspora travel, and regional connections. OECS Climate Agenda: Dominica hosts the 13th OECS Council of Ministers Environmental Sustainability meeting next week (May 27–28), with ministers set to tackle climate finance, ecosystem restoration, marine pollution, sustainable fisheries, renewable energy, biodiversity, land and water management, and disaster resilience. Energy Transition Recognition: At CARILEC’s CEO conference in Barbados, Dominica’s DOMLEC won an award for leadership in the energy transition. India Partnership on the Ground: India and Dominica signed two MOUs during a visit by Minister of State Pabitra Margherita, including grant-funded road rehabilitation and climate-smart work in the Kalinago Territory. Tourism Momentum: Dominica reported a 10% rise in stayover arrivals in Q1 2026, building on last year’s growth.

Social Innovation Push: Ministers from 18 countries met in London to back social innovation as a practical way to tackle inequality, climate resilience, and public service delivery, with new data putting social innovation at about 6.7% of the global economy. Water Security Funding: The World Bank approved a $54.7m Barbados program aimed at cutting water losses, improving sanitation, and strengthening water-sector governance. Dominica Education & Youth: Dominica’s Grade Six National Assessment runs May 28–29 with 792 students testing across 62 centres. OECS Climate Talks in Dominica: The OECS Council of Ministers on Environmental Sustainability (COM:ES 13) is set for May 27–28 in Dominica, focusing on regional resilience and practical solutions. Homelessness Approach: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says homelessness in Roseau will be handled humanely, with plans to identify families rather than “crack down” on people. Sustainable Tourism for Students: FCCA and Discover Dominica launched a 2026 student essay and poster competition on sustainable tourism and ocean protection.

Education Rollout: Nearly 800 students will sit Dominica’s Grade Six National Assessment next week, with 792 candidates (380 girls, 412 boys) testing paper-based across 62 centres on May 28–29, starting 7:45 a.m. Regional Diplomacy: Denzil Douglas handed over COFCOR chairmanship at the 29th CARICOM Foreign Ministers meeting in Suriname, as ministers pushed coordination on climate resilience and economic diplomacy. Human-Centred Safety: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says homelessness in Roseau will be handled “humanely,” focusing on identifying families and avoiding police “crackdowns” that lead to arrests and beatings. Sustainable Tourism Push: FCCA and Discover Dominica launched a 2026 student essay and poster competition on sustainable tourism and ocean protection, with junior and senior categories. OECS Climate Talks: OECS ministers will convene in Dominica May 27–28 for COM:ES 13 on environmental sustainability and resilience.

OECS Climate Push: Dominica is set to host the OECS 13th Council of Ministers on Environmental Sustainability (COM:ES 13) on May 27–28, with Ministers and partners expected to focus on practical ways to strengthen regional resilience as climate threats rise. Regional Finance Reality Check: UTC says its regional expansion is now “operating reality,” shifting from entry to integration across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union and Jamaica. Food Systems & Agriculture: CARICOM’s Caribbean Week of Agriculture launches May 21 in Kingston under “The New FACE of Caribbean Food Systems,” spotlighting food security, agri-business, climate-smart tech, and export growth. Kalinago Resilience Support: India’s minister visited UNDP-backed SCR-K projects in Kalinago Territory, highlighting climate-resilient farming, forest and watershed restoration, and Indigenous livelihoods. Disaster Costs: After Dominica’s April 26 trough-driven flooding, agriculture damages are estimated at about $2 million, with a cash grant planned for recovery. Tourism Momentum: Dominica reported a 10% rise in stayover arrivals in Q1 2026, building on 2025 growth.

Regional Climate Talks: Dominica will host the OECS 13th Council of Ministers on Environmental Sustainability (May 27–28), with ministers and experts focused on practical ways to boost resilience and sustainability across a high-risk landscape. Food Systems & Agriculture: Jamaica is set to launch the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (May 21), under a food-systems theme aimed at food security, agri-business, climate-smart tech, and export growth. Indigenous Resilience: India’s minister visited UNDP-supported Kalinago Territory projects, highlighting climate-resilient agriculture, forest and watershed restoration, and Indigenous tourism and livelihoods. Disaster Reality Check: After a trough-driven severe weather event, Dominica reports about $2 million in agricultural damages and plans cash grants plus longer-term soil and land stabilization. Tourism Momentum: Dominica says stayover arrivals rose 10% in Q1 2026, building on strong 2025 growth. Global Climate Warning: A WMO report flags intensifying hurricanes, extreme heat, and worsening drought and flooding across the region.

CHTA Leadership Boost: Discover Dominica Authority has congratulated Gregor Nassief on his election as President-Elect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, calling it a milestone for Dominican leadership and a sign of Dominica’s rising influence in sustainable, high-value tourism. World Bee Day: Dominica’s beekeepers marked World Bee Day by stressing pollinators’ role in biodiversity and food systems, while pointing to ongoing work on honey standards and stronger partnerships with government and farmers. Climate Pressure: The World Meteorological Organization warns the Caribbean is facing faster sea-level rise, stronger hurricanes, and harsher swings between drought and flooding—raising risks for public health and coastal communities. Disaster Reality Check: After a trough-driven severe weather event, Dominica reports about $2 million in agricultural damages and says a cash grant initiative is planned, alongside longer-term soil and land stabilization. Tourism Momentum: Dominica’s stayover arrivals rose 10% in the first quarter of 2026, building on last year’s growth. Regional Finance: IFC is set to consider a US$10m stake in a CARICOM resilience fund, targeting renewable energy and ocean ecosystems.

Agriculture Recovery: Dominica’s Ministry of Agriculture says a trough-driven severe weather event has left about $2 million in damages, hitting nearly 300 registered producers across the eastern and northeastern parts of the island, with losses to crops, livestock, and farm infrastructure—while road repair costs are still being tallied; officials plan a cash grant to stabilize livelihoods and are also pushing longer-term soil restoration and land stabilization to reduce future disaster damage. Climate Pressure: A new World Meteorological Organization report warns the Caribbean is facing faster sea-level rise, stronger hurricanes, and harsher swings between drought and flooding—raising the stakes for food and water security. Regional Shock: A magnitude 6.0–6.1 earthquake rattled the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt across nearby islands; authorities say there’s no tsunami threat and residents should stick to official updates.

Climate Warning: The UN weather agency is flagging escalating climate extremes across the Caribbean and Latin America—faster sea-level rise, stronger hurricanes, and harsher swings between drought and flooding that are already straining public health and local economies. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.1 quake rattled the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St Kitts and Nevis; officials say there’s no confirmed tsunami threat, but people are being urged to stay alert and stick to official updates. Disaster Recovery: In Dominica, recovery work after the April 26 severe weather continues in Salybia and Kalinago Territory, with teams clearing slides, reopening access roads, and supporting vulnerable households ahead of hurricane season. Tourism Momentum: Dominica’s tourism push is gaining traction—Fort Young is named among the Caribbean’s best all-inclusives, while visitor numbers keep climbing, including a reported 10% rise in stayovers in early 2026. Regional Resilience Funding: Caribbean countries are moving closer to accessing a US$250M loss and damage climate grant, with Dominica among the eligible states preparing submissions by June 15.

Earthquake Watch: A strong magnitude 6.0–6.1 earthquake rattled the Eastern Caribbean Sunday morning, with tremors felt in St Kitts and Nevis and across several islands; authorities say there’s no tsunami threat, but people are being urged to stay alert and avoid unverified claims as online chatter links the quake to unusual shoreline exposure at Nevis’ Oualie Beach. Disaster Recovery: In Dominica, recovery continues after the April 26 severe weather hit Salybia and the Kalinago Territory, with officials reporting progress clearing slides, reopening access roads, and supporting vulnerable households ahead of hurricane season. Tourism Momentum: Dominica’s Fort Young earned a spot in Caribbean Journal’s “25 Best All-Inclusive Resorts,” while the wider sector keeps climbing—Dominica reported a 10% rise in stayover arrivals in Q1 2026 and highlights major projects at CHTA Marketplace. Climate Finance Push: Caribbean countries, including Dominica, are moving closer to accessing the US$250M loss and damage grant as CDB and FRLD training prepares nations for June 15 submissions. Regional Governance: CDB’s William G. Demas Memorial Lecture on June 2 will focus on how courts and strong institutions support Caribbean development.

Tourism Spotlight: Dominica’s Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort just landed at 7th place in Caribbean Journal’s “25 Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Summer Vacations,” praised for blending history with nature-led adventures like diving, hiking and waterfalls. Disaster Recovery: In Salybia, Dominica’s emergency response after the April 26 severe weather continues—clearing slides, reopening access roads, and supporting vulnerable households as the hurricane season approaches. Tourism Momentum: The island also reported a 10% jump in stayover arrivals in the first quarter of 2026, building on 2025’s 15% overall visitor growth. Climate Finance Push: Across the region, Caribbean countries are moving closer to accessing a US$250M loss-and-damage grant window after a CDB/FRLD workshop in Barbados. Health & Preparedness: CARPHA says Molbio rapid diagnostic platforms are now installed across 10 member states, including Dominica, strengthening faster detection of public health threats.

LGBT rights push: Equal Rights, Access and Opportunities SVG (ERAO SVG) has launched a National Call for Reparations for LGBT Vincentians on IDAHOBIT, spotlighting how same-sex relations remain criminalised in SVG and how discrimination protections are still missing—while an appeal in the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal is still pending. Disaster recovery: In Dominica, the Ministry of Environment and partners are continuing emergency response in Salybia after the April 26 severe weather, focusing on clearing slides, reopening access roads, assessing homes and farms, and supporting vulnerable families ahead of hurricane season. Tourism momentum: Dominica is reporting a 10% rise in stayover arrivals in the first quarter of 2026, building on 2025 growth and a strong cruise season, as officials highlight major tourism infrastructure plans. Climate finance readiness: Caribbean countries, including Dominica, are moving closer to accessing the US$250M loss and damage grant facility after a CDB/FRLD workshop in Barbados.

Tourism Surge: Dominica has logged a 10% jump in stayover arrivals in the first quarter of 2026, building on a 19% rise in 2025—tourism officials say the momentum is tied to growing nature-and-wellness demand and major infrastructure investment. CHTA Spotlight: At CHTA Marketplace 2026, Discover Dominica Authority CEO Marva Williams highlighted 496,635 total visitors in 2025, plus a 23% increase in cruise passengers from October 2025 to April 2026. Climate Funding Push: Caribbean countries, including Dominica, are preparing for a June 15 deadline to tap a US$250M loss-and-damage grant pilot after a CDB/FRLD workshop in Barbados. Disaster Readiness: Recovery work continues after the April 26 weather event, with officials reporting road access clearing and support for vulnerable households in Salybia and Kalinago Territory. Regional Shock: A magnitude 6.0 earthquake was felt off the Leeward Islands; no tsunami was expected.