AGP Executive Report

OECS Air Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, saying unreliable flights are stranding travellers and even costing him hours en route to regional meetings. EU Pressure on CBI: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica and agreed on a united diplomatic response to the EU’s demand to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by June 2028, stressing reforms, security and transparency while warning of major economic fallout. Brussels Mission: The same leaders backed a high-level delegation to Brussels to meet senior EU officials and seek practical, mutually beneficial solutions that protect development gains. Water Security Upgrade: DOWASCO says Dominica’s Water Sector Strategic Development Project is nearing completion after a CDB extension, with more storage tanks set to boost island water capacity. ECCB Stability Watch: The ECCB Monetary Council kept key rates unchanged and reaffirmed the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate, while warning global uncertainty could slow tourism and growth. Nature Education Push: Rootz Herbal launched a children’s book series edition focused on Caribbean herbs, forests, wildlife and environmental stewardship. Tourism Spotlight: Dominica’s Secret Bay was named among Travel + Leisure’s Caribbean top 10 resorts, praised for luxury and sustainability.

CBI Pressure & Regional Response: Eastern Caribbean leaders meeting in Dominica agreed on a united diplomatic push against the EU’s call to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by June 2028, warning any change could hit climate resilience, disaster recovery, housing, healthcare and infrastructure funding; they also backed a high-level Brussels mission to senior EU officials and pointed to strengthened due diligence and the Eastern Caribbean CBI Regulatory Authority. Water Infrastructure Update: DOWASCO says the Water Sector Strategic Development Project is nearing completion after the CDB extended the terminal disbursement date to Sept. 30, 2026, with most of the new glass-fused-to-steel storage tanks already built to boost island water capacity. ECCB Monetary Stability: The ECCB Monetary Council kept key savings/discount rates unchanged, reaffirming the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate and warning global uncertainty could slow tourism and growth. Tourism & Nature Brand: Dominica’s Secret Bay was ranked among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts by Travel + Leisure, highlighting its “luxury meets sustainability” approach. Green Transition Procurement: A EU-backed Euroclima/GIZ call seeks engineering consultancy for a recycling shed at the Fond Cole Landfill in Roseau.

CBI Pressure on the Region: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica and agreed on a coordinated diplomatic push with the EU after reports the bloc wants Citizenship by Investment programmes phased out by June 2028, with a high-level Brussels mission planned and leaders stressing reforms, due diligence, and that CBI revenue helps fund climate resilience, healthcare, and infrastructure. Water Infrastructure Update: DOWASCO says Dominica’s Water Sector Strategic Development Project is nearing completion, with the CDB extending the terminal disbursement date to Sept. 30, 2026, as major storage tank works progress across communities. ECCB Stability Watch: The ECCB Monetary Council kept key rates unchanged and reaffirmed the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate, while warning global uncertainty could slow tourism and growth. Climate-Smart Agriculture in Focus: A New Zealand-funded climate-smart agriculture initiative completed a technical mission in Dominica to support more sustainable farming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Conservation & Nature Education: Rootz Herbal launched a children’s book series, “Nature’s Treasure,” using Caribbean plants, wildlife, and rainforest ecosystems to teach environmental stewardship. Tourism Spotlight: Secret Bay was named among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, highlighting its sustainability-led luxury.

EU-Driven CBI Crunch: Eastern Caribbean leaders meeting in Roseau, chaired by Dominica’s Roosevelt Skerrit, agreed on a coordinated diplomatic push to Brussels over the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism—arguing CBI revenue underpins climate resilience, disaster recovery, healthcare and infrastructure, and that reforms like the regional CBI regulatory authority strengthen due diligence and transparency. Regional Finance Watch: Dominica’s Dr. Irving McIntyre took over as chair of the ECCB Monetary Council, as the Council kept key savings/discount rates unchanged and warned global uncertainty could slow tourism and growth. Water Security: DOWASCO says Dominica’s Water Sector Strategic Development Project is nearing completion after the CDB extended the deadline to Sept 30, with major progress on new storage tanks that will boost water capacity. Tourism & Nature Brand: Secret Bay in Dominica was ranked among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts by Travel + Leisure, highlighting its “luxury meets sustainability” approach. Community & Governance: Opposition UPP is pressing for public release of contracts tied to major infrastructure projects, including the airport, cable car and Cabrits Marina.

ECCB Leadership & Stability: Dominica’s Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre took over the ECCB Monetary Council chair, pledging to protect the financial well-being of the ECCU’s 650,000-plus people while navigating global uncertainty. Rates Kept Steady: The Monetary Council held key interest rates unchanged and reaffirmed the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate as the anchor for stability, as the currency marks 50 years of the peg. Cost-of-Living Cushioning: Leaders noted fiscal measures across member states to soften higher living costs, alongside moves to deepen financial inclusion. Payments & Inclusion: The ECCU highlighted progress on instant cross-border payments in local currencies and real-time 24/7 electronic payments, plus expansion of the First Step Savings Account. EU Pressure on CBI: OECS and CARICOM leaders met in Dominica to respond to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism tied to Citizenship by Investment, agreeing to send a high-level Brussels delegation and stress security, transparency, and development financing. Environment & Waste: A new EU-backed engineering consultancy is set for the Fond Cole Landfill in Roseau, including design work for a structural steel recycling shed. Tourism Spotlight: Travel + Leisure ranked Dominica’s Secret Bay among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts, reinforcing the island’s nature-led, sustainability-focused appeal.

EU–CBI Pressure: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica and agreed to send a high-level delegation to Brussels to address the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism and its call to phase out Citizenship by Investment programmes by 2028, stressing CBI funds’ role in climate resilience, disaster recovery, housing, healthcare and education. Regional Finance Watch: The ECCB Monetary Council kept key interest rates unchanged and reaffirmed the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate as it marks 50 years of stability, while warning global uncertainty could weigh on tourism and growth. Tourism & Nature: Dominica’s Secret Bay was named among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, highlighting its rainforest-and-coast sustainability model. Climate-Smart Agriculture: A New Zealand-funded team with IICA wrapped a technical mission in Dominica to strengthen agricultural resilience and promote more sustainable farming practices. Fisheries Governance: Dominica’s agriculture minister said beneficiaries of fishing vessels were assessed and verified with no political affiliation influencing the process.

OECS & EU CBI Talks: Heads of government from Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis met in Roseau to respond to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism tied to Citizenship by Investment, agreeing on a high-level Brussels mission while stressing security, transparency and climate resilience funding from CBI. ECCB Stability Watch: The ECCB Monetary Council kept savings and discount rates unchanged and reaffirmed the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate as it marks 50 years of stability, while warning global uncertainty could weigh on tourism and growth. Green Transition Funding: A new EU-backed call for engineering consultancy covers a structural steel framed recycling shed at Fond Cole Landfill in Roseau, supporting a more circular, climate-smart waste approach. Dominica Nature Tourism Wins: Secret Bay was named among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, highlighting its rainforest-and-coast sustainability model. Agriculture Resilience Push: New Zealand’s climate-smart agriculture team completed a technical mission in Dominica to strengthen resilience and promote more sustainable farming practices.

CBI Pressure on OECS: Eastern Caribbean leaders met in Dominica and agreed on a coordinated response to the EU’s revised visa suspension mechanism, reaffirming security and transparency in Citizenship by Investment programmes while planning a high-level mission to Brussels. Tourism & Nature Conservation: Travel + Leisure again crowned Dominica the No. 1 island in the Caribbean (No. 9 globally), and readers also ranked Secret Bay among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts—highlighting the island’s rainforest, waterfalls and “sustainable luxury” appeal. Climate-Smart Agriculture: New Zealand’s climate-smart agriculture team completed a mission in Dominica to boost resilience and promote more sustainable farming practices, including cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Disaster-Ready Farming: Dominica’s agriculture ministry ran pre- and post-disaster damage assessment training with CDB and EU support to strengthen how the sector measures losses and plans recovery. Fisheries Transparency: Minister Jullan Defoe said beneficiaries of fishing vessel support were assessed with verified loss claims and that political affiliation played no role.

Tourism & Nature Branding: Dominica’s Secret Bay has been named among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, with the magazine spotlighting the property’s “luxury yet sustainable” approach in a secluded rainforest-and-coast setting. Climate-Smart Agriculture: A New Zealand climate-smart agriculture team completed a technical mission in Dominica to strengthen farming resilience and support more sustainable practices, including work aimed at boosting production and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Disaster-Ready Farming: Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry ran a two-day pre- and post-disaster damage assessment training to help agriculture officers evaluate losses and support evidence-based recovery planning after natural hazards. Regional Water & Procurement Scrutiny: Reports around Caribbean Airlines and Blue Waters bottled water supply arrangements are raising questions about transparency and procurement practices across the wider Caribbean. Marine Science Spotlight: New research using AI suggests sperm whales may use a structured “phonetic” communication system, with regional dialect differences—another reminder of how much wildlife still has to teach us.

Eco-Tourism Spotlight: Travel + Leisure has ranked Dominica’s Secret Bay among the Caribbean’s top 10 resorts, praising its luxury-with-sustainability approach on the island’s northwest coast. Nature Island Ranking: Dominica also placed No. 1 in the Caribbean and No. 9 globally in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, with readers highlighting rainforests, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, hot springs and eco-adventure over beach-only travel. Marine Life Science: Scientists using AI report a complex sperm whale communication system, including a possible “phonetic alphabet,” and note regional dialect differences in the eastern Mediterranean. Climate-Smart Agriculture: A New Zealand climate-smart agriculture team completed a technical mission in Dominica to boost resilience and support more sustainable farming practices. Disaster-Ready Farming: The agriculture ministry ran pre- and post-disaster damage assessment training to strengthen how the sector measures losses and plans recovery after natural hazards. Regional Governance & Money: Dominica assumes chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council as new EC dollar banknotes and coins are unveiled for the 50th anniversary of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate. Tourism, Water & Accountability: UPP presses the government to release contracts for major infrastructure projects, including the international airport, cable car and Cabrits Marina—citing long-term environmental and public finance impacts.

Transparency & Accountability: The UPP is pressing Dominica to publish contracts for major infrastructure deals, including the international airport, cable car, and Cabrits Marina—arguing the terms matter for the island’s environment, public finances, and long-term future. Climate-Smart Agriculture: A New Zealand-backed Climate Smart Agriculture mission wrapped up after five days in Dominica, supporting more sustainable farming practices and resilience, with IICA coordinating on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture. Disaster-Ready Farming: The agriculture ministry ran pre- and post-disaster damage assessment training to help officers measure losses and guide recovery planning, funded through CDB’s CARE programme with EU support. Nature Tourism Spotlight: Travel + Leisure ranked Dominica No. 1 in the Caribbean and No. 9 globally, praising its rainforests, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and eco-tourism appeal. Regional Currency & Policy: Dominica takes over ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship as new EC banknotes and coins are unveiled, marking 50 years since the EC dollar’s fixed US peg. Water & Food Systems: CARDI showcased research aimed at boosting regional food production, while SeaSprings aqua farm interns learned freshwater aquaculture practices focused on water quality and organic methods.

Currency & Resilience: The ECCB marked 50 years of the EC dollar’s fixed exchange rate to the US dollar (EC$2.70 to US$1) and says the next phase is a “Big Push” to turn stability into shared prosperity. Disaster-Ready Agriculture: Dominica’s Agriculture Ministry is training officers on pre- and post-disaster damage assessments to speed up recovery planning for crops and livelihoods. Tsunami Preparedness: “Tsunami Ready” efforts are underway in Dominica’s north and northeast districts, supported by US funding via the International Tsunami Information Centre. Nature Tourism Spotlight: Dominica earned top Caribbean and global recognition in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, with the magazine pointing to the island’s rainforests, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and hot springs. Food & Water Innovation: CARDI showcased climate-resilient agricultural research, while FAO-backed training in Dominica focused on irrigation, fertigation and nutrient management for stronger vegetable yields. Climate Watch: CariCOF warns El Niño-linked warming could mean hotter, drier spells in places, plus higher flood risk from heavy rains.

Disaster Preparedness for Agriculture: Dominica’s Agriculture ministry is running a two-day pre- and post-disaster damage assessment training for technical officers in Roseau, using standardized field methods to speed up recovery planning after storms and other natural hazards. Tsunami Readiness: “Tsunami Ready” efforts are underway in Dominica’s northern and northeastern districts, supported by U.S. funding via the International Tsunami Information Centre, to help communities respond faster when waves threaten. Nature Tourism Recognition: Dominica has been ranked No. 1 in the Caribbean and No. 9 globally in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, with the magazine pointing to the island’s rainforests, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and hot springs as the draw. Ocean Wildlife Spotlight: The Ocean Conservancy photo contest crowned a walrus nursing image as top prize, highlighting how marine wildlife photography can build public support for ocean protection. Climate Risk Watch: CariCOF says strengthening El Niño and warmer Caribbean seas could mean more heatwaves and drought risk in parts of the Lesser Antilles, alongside heavy-rain flooding threats later in the wet season. Community Tourism Skills: UNDP-backed training has certified 16 Kalinago residents as professional tour guides, supporting indigenous, community-driven tourism and resilience.

Climate & Weather: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening and Caribbean seas are warming, bringing hotter, more humid conditions, longer drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a higher risk of damaging heavy-rain flooding later in the wet season. Marine Conservation: Dominica’s new Sperm Whale Reserve Board has started consultations with watersports operators to protect the globally significant whale population while supporting sustainable marine livelihoods. Sustainable Food & Water: FAO trained 56 Dominican farmers and ag professionals on irrigation, fertigation, and nutrient management to boost vegetable production, using demonstration plots including greenhouse and anti-insect net houses. Community Tourism: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, with a regional workshop in St Lucia focused on stronger policies so local communities become primary beneficiaries. Local Capacity Building: In the Kalinago Territory, 16 residents graduated as certified tour guides under a UNDP-supported programme aimed at expanding indigenous tourism and community resilience. Health & Environment Link: Dr. Velda Wade says cancer cases in Dominica are “alarming” (about 300 people), urging prevention and community action. Regional Policy Context: PM Skerrit defended Dominica’s CBI as key development finance, as EU pressure grows across the OECS.

Marine Life Protection: Dominica’s newly formed Sperm Whale Reserve Board has started stakeholder talks with watersports operators, aiming to protect the globally significant sperm whale population while keeping marine-based livelihoods viable. Climate & Weather Watch: The Dominica Meteorological Office warns of Saharan dust bringing moderate to poor air quality, plus breezy conditions, scattered showers, and higher waves—along with flood and landslide caution in vulnerable areas. Sustainable Agriculture: FAO training in Portsmouth helped over 50 farmers and ag professionals boost vegetable yields using better irrigation, fertigation, and nutrient management, with demonstration plots planned across Dominica. Community Tourism: OECS is pushing community-based tourism as a growth engine, training officials in policy and action planning so local communities become primary beneficiaries—not just participants. Education for Resilience: Dominica’s teachers are being urged to lead with courage and innovate during DAT’s summer training institute, reinforcing inclusive, effective teaching ahead of the new school year. Sports Safeguarding: Dominica’s sporting associations completed child safeguarding training to strengthen protection for young athletes. Regional Policy Pressure: Across the region, EU moves are escalating scrutiny of Citizenship by Investment programmes, with Dominica’s PM defending CBI as climate-disaster financing while Antigua and Barbuda faces a phase-out request.

Sperm Whale Reserve: Dominica’s newly formed Sperm Whale Reserve Board has started stakeholder talks with watersports operators, aiming to protect the globally significant sperm whale population while supporting sustainable marine livelihoods. Climate & Weather Watch: The Dominica Meteorological Office warns of Saharan dust lowering air quality, plus breezy conditions, scattered showers, and elevated wave heights—small craft operators and people in flood/landslide-prone areas should stay alert. Farm Resilience: FAO trained 56 farmers and ag professionals in integrated crop management, focusing on irrigation, fertigation, and nutrient control to boost high-value vegetable production. Child Safety in Sport: Dominica’s sporting associations completed child safeguarding training to strengthen protection for young athletes and improve how abuse concerns are identified and handled. Tourism That Benefits Communities: OECS advanced community-based tourism planning in Saint Lucia, pushing policies that keep tourism revenues and decision-making in local hands. CBI Under Pressure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit defended Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment as a key development engine for resilient housing, schools, health facilities, and post-disaster recovery.