AGP Executive Report

Climate & Nature: Scientists are testing how playing sound can help coral larvae “hear” and settle, as a brewing Super El Niño drives mass reef bleaching and threatens marine life across the Caribbean. Clean Energy for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028), with support from Canada’s SuRGE programme, to back women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region to turn clean-energy ideas into market-ready solutions. Biodiversity & Youth Voices: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won the 2026 CARICOM Youth Short Story Competition on climate-secure futures, with “Weathering Us,” while other finalists highlighted reefs and “living sea” themes. Sustainable Tourism Jobs: An ILO study flags that Eastern Caribbean tourism’s big economic role is held back by informality, weak labour protections, and climate shocks—calling for productivity, decent work, and formalisation together. Pesticide Safety: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling and Integrated Pest Management to protect food security and reduce environmental harm. Disaster Risk & Roads: Dominica’s Meteorological Service warned of showers, thunderstorms, and possible flooding/landslides, while the government moved to stabilise a landslide-hit road at Aux Delices and improve an alternative route.

Fisheries Trade Boost: Eastern Caribbean fishers and seafood businesses are in Belize for a five-day exchange on lobster industry practices and fisheries management, with CRFM and fisherfolk groups coordinating visits to cooperatives and meetings with Belize’s Blue Economy and Fisheries officials—aimed at expanding trade in fish and fish products. Clean Energy for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 initiative through its SheTrades Caribbean Hub to back women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region with technical help and funding to turn clean energy ideas into market-ready solutions (2026–2028). Climate Stories from Dominica: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won the CARICOM Climate Change Centre youth short story competition with “Weathering Us,” highlighting a climate-secure future inspired by the Caribbean. Tourism Jobs & Formal Work: A new ILO study flags informality and weak labour protections in Eastern Caribbean tourism, urging countries to improve working conditions and support small businesses to move into the formal economy. Road Safety After Landslide: Prime Minister Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced EC$1 million for an alternative route while drainage and vegetation issues are addressed. Coral Reef Survival Research: Scientists report that sound-based approaches may help coral larvae settle and recover as Super El Niño threatens reefs with severe bleaching.

Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Hub initiative to back women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region with technical help and funding to turn clean energy ideas into market-ready solutions (2026–2028). Climate Storytelling Spotlight: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won the 2026 CARICOM Youth Short Story Competition with “Weathering Us,” beating 172 other entries, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Priya Ramdeo placed second—showing young voices pushing for a climate-secure Caribbean. Coral Reef Rescue via Sound: Scientists say underwater sound may help coral larvae find and settle on reefs, offering a new tool as Super El Niño threatens bleaching and reef recovery. Tourism Jobs and Formal Work: A new ILO study flags informality and weak labour protections in Eastern Caribbean tourism, urging countries to improve working conditions and support small businesses moving into the formal economy. Road Safety After Landslide: Prime Minister Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced work to stabilize the road and improve the Petite Savanne–Delices alternative route. Local Agriculture Safety: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling and more sustainable pest control, including Integrated Pest Management.

Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Hub initiative, with Canada’s SuRGE support, to help women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region turn clean energy ideas into commercial products (2026–2028). Climate Stories by Youth: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won the CARICOM Youth Short Story Competition with “Weathering Us,” highlighting a climate-secure future inspired by the Caribbean. Coral Reef Survival Research: Scientists say sound may help coral larvae find new homes as Super El Niño threatens reefs with severe bleaching. Road Safety After Landslide: PM Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced work to stabilize the road and improve the Petite Savanne–Delices alternative route. Pesticide Awareness: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling and more sustainable pest control, including Integrated Pest Management. Inclusive Education Pilot: ECAAM and St. Maarten’s SKOS launched Project INSPIRE to strengthen support for students with special educational needs. Tourism & Wellness: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl adds a dedicated wellness space, leaning into Dominica’s “nature island” approach to health and relaxation.

Climate & Youth Voices: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won first place in the 2026 CCCCC Youth Short Story Competition with “Weathering Us,” selected from 173 entries across 14 CARICOM states. Clean Energy for Women: A new US$550,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility will support women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region to develop and commercialise clean energy solutions (2026–2028). Coral Reef Survival Research: Scientists are exploring how playing sound can help coral larvae settle and recover as Super El Niño conditions drive mass bleaching risk. Disaster Risk & Roads: Prime Minister Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced work to stabilise the road and improve the alternative Delices–Petite Savanne route. Tourism Jobs & Climate Pressure: An ILO study flags that Eastern Caribbean tourism’s informality and weak labour protections are worsened by climate shocks, calling for better working conditions alongside formalisation. Pesticide Safety: Dominica marked Pesticide Awareness Day with a push for safer handling and more sustainable pest control, including Integrated Pest Management. Regional Health Cooperation: CARICOM ministers moved to advance a regional digital health strategy with PAHO, IDB and World Bank support.

Climate Resilience Finance: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton urged the UN to fund resilience before disasters hit, warning that rebuilding after storms traps vulnerable states in debt and calling for faster, concessional climate adaptation support. Disaster Risk & Roads: PM Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced EC$1 million for an alternative route, plus drainage and vegetation control to improve safety while a bigger slope-stabilisation plan is developed. Wildlife & Enforcement: Dominica’s Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division approved a temporary hunting season (Oct 1–Dec 31, 2026) for licensed hunters only, limited to specific species, with fines for illegal sale or export. Coral Survival Research: Scientists are testing sound-based methods to help coral larvae find settlement sites as Super El Niño-driven heat threatens reefs. Tourism Jobs & Formalisation: An ILO study says Eastern Caribbean tourism’s big economic role is held back by informality, weak labour protections, and climate shocks—arguing productivity, decent work, and formalisation must move together. Education Inclusion: ECAAM and St. Maarten’s SKOS launched a two-year Project INSPIRE pilot to train teachers and improve support for students with special educational needs. Health Systems: CARICOM ministers advanced a regional digital health strategy with PAHO, IDB and World Bank support, aiming to strengthen healthcare delivery, surveillance and workforce management. Agriculture Safety: On Pesticide Awareness Day, Dominica urged safer handling and more sustainable pest control, including Integrated Pest Management, to protect food security and reduce residue risks.

Climate Resilience & Nature: Scientists are exploring how sound could help coral larvae “hear” and settle, offering a new lifeline as Super El Niño threatens reefs with mass bleaching. Health & Community: The Dominican-founded Caring for Miracles Foundation marks five years supporting premature and critically ill newborns at UHWI’s NICU in Jamaica, backing equipment, training, and family support. Regional Health Systems: CARICOM health ministers, with PAHO, IDB and the World Bank, move to advance a CARICOM Digital Health Strategy to strengthen care delivery, surveillance, financing and workforce planning. Waste & Infrastructure: REOI launched for design and build services at Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau, including steel-framed works, drainage, electrical systems, CCTV and fire safety. Road Safety After Landslides: PM Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced EC$1 million for an alternative route, plus drainage and vegetation fixes while longer-term slope stabilisation is planned. Agriculture & Food Safety: Dominica marks Pesticide Awareness Day with renewed push for safer handling and Integrated Pest Management, including residue testing to protect consumers. Wildlife Management: Wildlife hunting is temporarily lifted from Oct 1–Dec 31, 2026 for licensed hunters only, limited to specific species, with export rules and penalties.

Climate Resilience Finance: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton urged the UN to fund climate resilience before disasters strike, warning that waiting to rebuild leaves small islands borrowing for preventable damage, while highlighting Dominica’s push toward renewable energy and resilient infrastructure. Disaster Risk & Roads: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced EC$1 million for an improved alternative route, plus drainage and vegetation fixes to boost safety while a longer-term solution is developed. Weather Watch: The Dominica Meteorological Service warned of scattered showers and thunderstorms, with a possible flood watch overnight and hazards for flooding, landslides and falling rocks. Agriculture & Food Safety: On Pesticide Awareness Day, the Agriculture Ministry urged safer handling and responsible use of highly hazardous pesticides, promoting Integrated Pest Management and residue testing. Wildlife Management: Dominica temporarily lifted wildlife hunting restrictions from Oct 1 to Dec 31, 2026 for licensed hunters only (crabs, agouti, manicou), with strict limits on other species and penalties for illegal sales/export. Tourism Jobs & Informality: An ILO study says Eastern Caribbean tourism’s big economic role is held back by informality, weak labour protections and climate shocks—calling for better working conditions and support for small businesses to formalize.

Adventure Tourism: Fort Young Hotel’s “All-Inclusive, Island-Included” flips the usual model by bundling meals and stays with rainforest hikes, waterfall swims, snorkeling and hot springs around Dominica. Climate Resilience Finance: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly that small islands need resilience funding before disasters strike, not repeated reconstruction after storms, and highlighted Dominica’s push toward renewable energy and resilient infrastructure. Road Safety After Landslide: PM Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced EC$1 million for an alternative route, plus drainage and vegetation fixes while options for safer, wider access are examined. Wildlife Protection vs Hunting: Dominica temporarily lifts the wildlife hunting ban from Oct 1 to Dec 31, 2026 for licensed hunters targeting specific species only, with strict limits on sales and export. Agriculture & Pesticides: The Agriculture Ministry marked Pesticide Awareness Day by urging safer handling and promoting Integrated Pest Management to protect food security and reduce hazardous pesticide risks. Tourism Jobs & Formalization: An ILO study says Eastern Caribbean tourism’s big economic role is held back by informality, weak labour protections and climate shocks—calling for better working conditions and support for small businesses to formalize. Regional Capacity Building: OECS training supported by the EU is strengthening trade-in-services policymaking and negotiating skills across member states, including Dominica. Women in Sport: DABA will launch a Women’s Basketball League with a Nov 7 3×3 tournament, aiming to expand structured pathways for girls and women in basketball.

Climate Resilience Funding Push: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton urged the UN to finance resilience before disasters strike, warning that vulnerable states are forced to borrow for reconstruction after storms. Road Safety After Landslide: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced EC$1 million for an alternative route, plus drainage and vegetation fixes while options for safer road width are examined. Hurricane Maria Remembered: Dominica marked nine years since Category 5 Maria, with leaders noting 31 deaths and 34 still missing, and recalling how 90% of houses were damaged and over 80% left homeless overnight. Pesticide Awareness Day: The Pesticide Control Board highlighted safer handling of highly hazardous pesticides and promoted Integrated Pest Management, alongside residue testing with the Bureau of Standards. Wildlife Hunting Season Update: A temporary hunting season runs Oct 1–Dec 31, 2026 for licensed hunters only (crabs, agouti, manicou), with strict limits on selling and export. Tourism Jobs and Formalisation: An ILO study says Eastern Caribbean tourism’s big economic role is held back by informality, weak labour protections, and climate shocks—calling for decent work and gradual pathways to formalisation. OECS Trade Capacity Building: OECS launched EU-funded training in Dominica and other islands to strengthen services trade policy, regulation, and negotiating skills. Weather Watch: Dominica faces scattered showers and possible thunderstorms, with a flood watch possible tonight and advice for people in flood/landslide-prone areas.

Tourism & decent work: A new ILO study on “Informality in the tourism sector in the Eastern Caribbean” flags weak labour protections, limited access to finance, skills gaps and gaps in social protection as key drivers of informality across Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada and St. Lucia—arguing that productivity, working conditions and formalization must improve together. Pesticides & food safety: On Pesticide Awareness Day, Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board urged safer handling and responsible use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides, pushing Integrated Pest Management and routine residue testing with the Bureau of Standards. Climate resilience funding: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly that resilience must be financed before disasters strike, warning that vulnerable states are forced to borrow for reconstruction instead of prevention. Roads after landslide: PM Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced EC$1 million for an alternative route, alongside drainage and vegetation work to improve safety. Wildlife hunting rules: Dominica temporarily lifts the wildlife hunting ban from Oct 1 to Dec 31, 2026 for licensed hunters only (crabs, agouti and manicou), with strict limits on selling and export. Weather watch: The Dominica Meteorological Service warns of scattered showers and possible heavy rain after midnight, with a flood watch possible tonight.

Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton used the UN General Assembly to push for financing resilience before disasters strike, warning vulnerable states are forced to borrow for rebuilding instead of protecting roads, bridges, water systems, health facilities and other lifelines. Disaster Risk & Weather: The Dominica Meteorological Service reports partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered showers and thunderstorms, with shower activity increasing after midnight; a flood watch could be issued tonight, urging people in flood, landslide and rockfall areas to stay alert. Landslide Response: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced EC$1 million for an improved alternative route between Delices and Petite Savanne, including drainage and vegetation work, while options for additional road width are being examined. UNGA Climate Message: Burton also called for Dominica to be treated as a partner in transformation, backing concessional access, faster catastrophe finance, and use of multidimensional vulnerability in development decisions. Wildlife Hunting Season: The Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division temporarily lifted the wildlife hunting ban from Oct 1 to Dec 31, 2026 for licensed hunters only, allowing specific species (crabs, agouti, manicou) and setting rules for any limited export. Local Capacity Building: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to study campus connectivity issues and link technical problems to policy and access questions.

Flood Watch & Storm Risk: Dominica Meteorological Service says partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected today, with shower activity possibly moderate to heavy after midnight into Monday morning; a flood watch may be issued tonight, with seas near 7 feet on the east coast. Landslide Response: PM Roosevelt Skerrit assessed the Aux Delices landslide and announced an improved alternative route between Delices and Petite Savanne, including drainage and vegetation work, plus options to widen the affected area for safer passage. Climate Resilience Push at UNGA: President Sylvanie Burton urged global partners to finance resilience before disasters strike, calling for faster concessional support, stronger disaster clauses, and recognition of Dominica as a partner in transformation; she also invited the world to make Dominica a “living laboratory” for climate resilience. Wildlife Hunting Season: The Forestry Division temporarily lifted the hunting ban from Oct 1 to Dec 31, 2026 for licensed hunters only (crabs, agouti, manicou), with strict limits on other species and penalties for illegal sale/export. Health Care Upgrade: Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanding neonatal and pediatric services, including a possible dedicated corner and ongoing training such as Helping Babies Breathe. Digital Connectivity Learning: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to study campus connectivity issues and policy questions, leading to a 2027 forum.

Road Safety After Landslide: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says steps are underway to stabilise the Aux Delices landslide area and improve the Petite Savanne–Delices alternative route, including drainage and vegetation control, with EC$1 million earmarked for an upgraded access route. Climate Resilience Funding Push: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton used the UN General Assembly to urge partners to finance resilience before disasters strike, warning that rebuilding after storms keeps vulnerable states trapped in debt. UN Calls for Prevention Over Counting Dead: UNGA leaders pressed for stronger diplomacy and conflict prevention, saying the UN often reacts only after wars erupt. Debt Pressure on Climate and Services: Speakers at the UN warned that high borrowing costs are draining money from health, education, infrastructure and climate protection in developing countries. Wildlife Hunting Season Update: Dominica temporarily lifted the wildlife hunting ban from Oct 1–Dec 31, 2026 for licensed hunters only, allowing crabs, agouti and manicou, with strict limits on selling and export. Health for Newborns and Children: Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanding neonatal and paediatric care, including a dedicated “corner” and refresher training like Helping Babies Breathe. Digital Connectivity Skills: Dominica State College launched a student-led Internet Governance Lab to map campus connectivity issues and link technical fixes with policy and access questions. UNICEF Climate Risk Work: UNICEF rolled out a child-centred, multi-hazard spatial climate risk assessment for the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica. Weather Watch: Slight haziness with a few showers and a small chance of thunderstorms is expected, with Saharan dust pulses and slight-to-moderate seas.

Climate Finance Pressure: UN leaders warned that debt repayments and high borrowing costs are draining money from health, education, infrastructure and climate protection, with Dominica President Sylvanie Burton urging the world to fund resilience before disasters strike. Dominica UN Push: Burton said resilience must begin before storms, calling for concessional loans and faster disaster-ready financing, and highlighted Dominica’s renewable energy push (about 84% geothermal-based electricity) as part of climate and economic transformation. Living Laboratory Plan: Burton invited partners to help make Dominica a “living laboratory” for resilient housing, water management, climate-smart farming, digital services and nature-based adaptation. Wildlife & Hunting: Dominica announced a temporary hunting season from Oct 1–Dec 31, 2026 for licensed hunters targeting crabs, agouti and manicou only, with strict rules on selling and export. Health Services: Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanding neonatal and pediatric care, including a possible dedicated service corner and refresher training for newborn breathing support. Weather: Slight haziness with a few showers and a chance of thunderstorms is expected, plus pulses of Saharan dust and slight-to-moderate seas.

Climate Resilience Funding Push: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton used the UNGA to urge the world to finance resilience before disasters hit, warning that rebuilding after storms keeps vulnerable states borrowing, and pointing to Dominica’s renewable energy push (about 84% geothermal-backed electricity) as part of a wider transformation. Living Laboratory Plan: Burton also invited partners to turn Dominica into a “living laboratory” for climate resilience—covering resilient housing, renewable energy, climate-smart farming, water management, digital services, and nature-based adaptation. Hurricane Maria Remembered: Dominica marked the 9th anniversary of Hurricane Maria, with PM Skerrit recalling the 2017 devastation, 31 deaths, and 34 still missing, plus the scale of damage and homelessness. Child Climate Risk Warning: UNICEF launched a child-centred, multi-hazard spatial climate risk assessment for the Eastern Caribbean, warning that most children could face overlapping climate threats by mid-century. Wildlife Hunting Season: The Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division temporarily lifted the hunting ban from Oct 1–Dec 31, 2026 for licensed hunters only, allowing crabs, agouti and manicou, with strict limits on selling and export. Health-Climate Link: The new Dominica Health-Climatic Bulletin flags below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, warmer temperatures, and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns.