AGP Executive Report

UN Climate Resilience Push: President Sylvanie Burton invited international partners to turn Dominica into a “living laboratory” for climate resilience, calling for research, technology, investment and innovation across resilient housing, renewable energy, climate-smart farming, water management and nature-based adaptation. Hurricane Maria, 9 Years On: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit marked the 9th anniversary of Hurricane Maria, recalling 31 deaths, 34 still missing, and the scale of damage—90% of houses affected and over 80% left homeless overnight—while stressing Dominica is still rebuilding stronger. Funding for Resilience: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre sought Parliament’s approval for an IDA credit facility of about EC$68.6 million to strengthen fiscal and climate resilience. Child-Centred Climate Warning: UNICEF-backed research says Eastern Caribbean children face “no safe zone” from overlapping climate threats, with more than nine in 10 projected to be exposed to at least three hazards by mid-century. Health-Climate Planning: The latest Dominica Health-Climatic Bulletin flags below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, warmer temperatures, and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns.

Climate Finance Push: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly that the world must fund climate resilience upfront, not just pay for rebuilding after disasters—positioning Dominica as a partner in climate transformation. Hurricane Maria Remembered: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit marked nine years since Hurricane Maria, recalling 31 deaths and 34 still missing, and the scale of damage that left most families homeless overnight. Child-Focused Climate Risk: UNICEF launched a child-centred, multi-hazard spatial climate risk assessment for the Eastern Caribbean, warning that by mid-century more than nine in 10 children could face overlapping climate threats. Water Security in the Region: The CDB and Jamaica government signed a US$36m, five-year rural water programme to upgrade schemes and help communities cope with mounting water stress. Fisheries Resilience Funding: A US$12.55m GEF-backed regional project (CC4FISH-II) began in Dominica to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries through 2030. Health-Weather Watch: Dominica’s third Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov) flags below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, plus heat impacts and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns.

Hurricane Maria Remembrance: Dominica marked the 9th anniversary of Hurricane Maria, with PM Roosevelt Skerrit telling Parliament that 34 people are still listed as missing and recalling how 90% of homes were damaged and over 80% left homeless overnight. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF launched a child-centred, multi-hazard spatial climate risk assessment for the Eastern Caribbean, warning that by mid-century more than 9 in 10 children could face at least three climate hazards, with no “safe zone.” Health-Climate Planning: The Ministry of Health released the third Dominica Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov), flagging below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, warmer-than-usual temperatures, and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns. Fisheries Resilience Funding: A GEF/FAO-backed CC4FISH-II project was launched in Dominica to support climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries, reaching over 21,800 coastal people through 2030. Regional Water Security: The CDB and Jamaica government formalized a US$36m rural water programme aimed at improving drinking water access while helping communities cope with climate pressure. Parliament & Fiscal/Climate Measures: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Act and VAT Amendment Tax Act and approved an IDA credit facility to strengthen fiscal and climate resilience. Safety & Weather Watch: A flood watch was issued as a tropical wave and upper trough brought unsettled conditions, with rainfall up to two inches and risks of flooding and landslides. Wildlife/Environmental Crime Crackdown: Dominica took part in Operation ATLAS NEXUS, which targeted drug, human trafficking, document fraud, firearms and environmental crime, with seizures including wild animals and livestock.

Climate & Health Preparedness: Dominica’s third Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov) flags below-average rainfall but an extremely high flash-flood risk, with 5–9 excessive rainfall events possible, plus heat impacts and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns. Flood Watch: The Dominica Meteorological Service issued a flood watch as a tropical wave and upper-level trough bring scattered showers that could turn moderate to heavy, with rainfall up to two inches and isolated thunderstorms. Child-Centred Climate Warning: UNICEF-backed research says no “safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children—more than 9 in 10 could face at least three climate hazards by mid-century, with rising heat, drought, stronger hurricanes and sea-level rise. Fisheries Resilience Funding: A US$12.55m GEF-backed CC4FISH-II project launched in Dominica aims to protect Caribbean fisheries and coastal livelihoods through 2030, benefiting over 21,800 people, including women and youth. Sustainable Cooling Push: Dominica’s National Ozone Officer calls for stronger cooperation to make the transition to sustainable cooling work. Wildlife & Environmental Crime Hit: Operation ATLAS NEXUS—targeting drug, trafficking, document fraud, firearms and environmental crime—seized wildlife and livestock and arrested 490+ across 35 countries, with Dominica among participants. Women’s Documentary Win: “Women of Dominica” won Best International Documentary at Miami’s Urban Film Festival, spotlighting 10 Dominican women and the island’s cultural identity.

Cross-border crime crackdown: Dominica took part in Operation ATLAS NEXUS, a major international push against organised crime that led to 490+ arrests and seizures including 803 wild animals and livestock, 201 firearms, and hundreds of fraudulent documents—also targeting environmental crime. Climate & health preparedness: The Ministry of Health and the Dominica Meteorological Service released the third Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov), warning of below-average rainfall but an extremely high flash-flood risk, plus heat impacts and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns. Child-centred climate risk: UNICEF-backed research says no “safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children—more than 9 in 10 could face at least three climate hazards by mid-century, with rising heat, drought, and stronger storms. Fisheries resilience funding: Dominica hosted the launch of CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55m GEF-backed project to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries, benefiting 21,800+ people through 2030. Flood watch: A tropical wave prompted a flood watch for Dominica, with scattered showers that could turn moderate to heavy and isolated thunderstorms. Local environment-linked recognition: Environmental scientist and filmmaker Farrah La Ronde-Hutchison’s “Women of Dominica” won Best International Documentary at Miami’s Urban Film Festival.

Banking Oversight: Hamilton Reserve Bank says it has kept a “pristine” record of BSA/AML/OFAC compliance since launch, after Justice Iain Morley KC issued a 222-page judgement on Sept. 15. Climate & Health: Dominica released its third Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov), warning of below-average rainfall but an extremely high flash-flood risk, plus heat impacts and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns. Child-Centred Climate Risk: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with more than 9 in 10 projected to face at least three climate hazards by mid-century. Fisheries Resilience Funding: Dominica helped launch CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55m GEF-backed project to build climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries, benefiting 21,800 people through 2030. Disaster Preparedness: A flood watch was issued as a tropical wave brings unsettled weather, with rainfall up to two inches and risks of flooding and landslides. Sustainable Cooling: Dominica’s National Ozone Officer calls for stronger cooperation to support the shift to sustainable cooling under the Montreal Protocol decade of action.

Flood Watch: Dominica is under a flood watch as a tropical wave and upper-level trough bring cloudy skies, scattered showers that could turn moderate to heavy, gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms, with rainfall totals up to two inches and higher in elevated areas. Health-Climate Preparedness: The Ministry of Health and the Dominica Meteorological Service released the third Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov), warning of below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, plus warmer-than-usual temperatures; it flags dengue (121 suspected, 3 confirmed) and leptospirosis (4 suspected, 2 confirmed). Child-Centred Climate Risk: UNICEF-backed research presented in the region warns there’s “no safe zone” for children: more than one-third already face at least three climate hazards, and by mid-century it could rise to over nine in ten, with added heat days, drought and hurricane risks. Youth Voice in Climate: Saint Lucian youth advocate Kezia St Brice says young people must be involved in climate decisions from the start, with meaningful influence—not just a seat. Fisheries Resilience Funding: CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55m GEF-backed project launched in Dominica, aims to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries through 2030, benefiting over 21,800 people. Climate-Resilient Housing: Woodford Hill’s 16 new hurricane-resilient homes were handed over, with titles expected soon.

Climate & Children: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns that Eastern Caribbean children face escalating, overlapping climate hazards, with more than one-third already exposed to at least three risks and projections rising to over nine in ten by mid-century—no “safe zone,” with heat, drought and stronger storms all in the mix. Health & Weather Preparedness: Dominica’s third Health-Climatic Bulletin flags below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, plus heat impacts and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns. Fisheries Resilience Funding: Dominica hosted the launch of CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55m GEF-backed regional project to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries through 2030, benefiting over 21,800 people. Resilient Infrastructure Support: The new RIISE facility is now operating, offering Dominica and three neighbours specialist help to push climate-resilient projects past implementation bottlenecks. Housing for Resilience: Government handed over keys to 16 hurricane-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with titles expected to follow. Flood Watch: A tropical wave triggered a flood watch for Dominica, with showers, gusty winds and possible landslide risk. Youth Wellness Push: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors urged practical action on mental and physical well-being as Wellness Month begins.

Climate & Children: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with more than 9 in 10 projected to face at least three climate hazards by mid-century—driven by hotter days, longer droughts, and stronger storms. Disaster Preparedness & Media: Regional journalists are being urged to rethink disaster coverage so children’s rights, dignity, and privacy come first. Health & Weather Outlook: Dominica released its third Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov), flagging below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, plus heat impacts and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns. Fisheries Resilience Funding: Dominica is hosting the launch of CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55m GEF-backed project to build climate and disaster resilience in Caribbean fisheries, benefiting over 21,800 people. Resilient Infrastructure Support: The new RIISE facility is now operational, offering technical help to speed up climate-resilient infrastructure delivery. Housing & Safety: 16 families in Woodford Hill received keys to hurricane-resilient homes, with titles promised soon.

Climate & Children: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns that across Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean there may be “no safe zone” for children, with more than one-third already living where they face at least three climate hazards, and projections rising to over nine in 10 by mid-century as heat, drought, hurricanes and sea-level rise intensify. Health & Weather Preparedness: Dominica’s Ministry of Health and the Meteorological Service released the third Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov), flagging below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, warmer-than-usual temperatures, and ongoing concerns like dengue and leptospirosis. Fisheries Resilience: A US$12.55m GEF-backed regional push, CC4FISH-II, was launched in Dominica to help fisherfolk and coastal communities adapt through 2030, aiming to protect marine biodiversity and livelihoods. Flood Watch: A tropical wave triggered a flood watch for Dominica (noon Wed to 6am Thu), with scattered showers that could turn moderate to heavy, gusty winds, and advice for flood- and landslide-prone areas. Youth & Wellness: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors in Dominica are calling for real action on youth mental and physical well-being, not just awareness, as anxiety and depression concerns grow. Local Adaptation Housing: Government handed over keys to 16 climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with titles promised and homes described as hurricane-resilient.

Child Climate Risks: A UNICEF-commissioned, multi-hazard study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with more than a third already exposed to at least three climate hazards and projections rising to over 9 in 10 by mid-century. Climate Planning for Kids: The same UNICEF work finds many regional climate plans fail to track whether climate spending actually benefits children, calling for child-specific targets and better monitoring. Fisheries Resilience Funding: Dominica is hosting the launch of CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55m GEF-backed project to help over 21,800 fisherfolk and coastal families adapt through 2030, with support from FAO and the CCCCC. Regional Cooperation: FAO’s Dr. Renata Clarke and Dominica’s officials stress that fisheries and climate pressures cross borders, so solutions must be shared. Sustainable Cooling: Dominica’s National Ozone Officer calls for stronger coordination to make the shift to sustainable cooling work, as the country marks a decade of action under the Montreal Protocol. Flood Watch: A tropical wave has triggered a flood watch for Dominica, with scattered showers, gusty winds and possible moderate-to-heavy rain.

Caribbean Fisheries Resilience: Dominica hosted the launch of CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55m GEF-backed project to help fisherfolk and coastal communities across five countries build climate and disaster resilience through 2030, with FAO and the CCCCC leading. Child Climate Risk: A UNICEF-backed study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with over a third of children, schools and health facilities already exposed to multiple climate hazards, projected to rise sharply by mid-century. Social Protection Meets Climate: FAO’s Dr. Renata Clarke stressed regional cooperation as CC4FISH-II gets underway, framing fisheries resilience as a shared future challenge. Sustainable Cooling Push: Dominica’s National Ozone Officer called for stronger cooperation across agencies, businesses and schools to support the shift to sustainable cooling under the Montreal Protocol. Flood Watch: A tropical wave and trough triggered a flood watch for Dominica, with scattered showers, possible moderate-heavy rain, gusty winds and sea caution. Resilient Homes Update: Woodford Hill families received keys to hurricane-resilient homes, with titles promised soon. Regional Infrastructure Support: Dominica is among countries able to tap the new RIISE facility for technical help to speed up climate-resilient infrastructure delivery.

Climate Resilience for Fisheries: FAO’s Dr. Renata Clarke backed the US$12.55m GEF-funded CC4FISH-II project, launched in Dominica, saying regional cooperation is key to helping Caribbean fisheries withstand climate pressures and protect marine resources. Housing & Disaster Safety: Government handed over keys to 16 climate-resilient homes in Woodford Hill, with Housing Minister Melissa Poponne-Skerrit stressing hurricane-ready, Category 5 design and that titles will follow. Child Climate Risk: A UNICEF-backed, child-centred analysis warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with more than a third already exposed to at least three climate hazards and projections rising sharply by mid-century. Weather Watch: A flood watch is in effect as a tropical wave brings unsettled conditions, with scattered showers that could turn moderate to heavy, gusty winds, and possible flooding or landslides. Sustainable Cooling: Dominica’s National Ozone Officer called for stronger coordination to make the shift to sustainable cooling work across agencies, businesses, technicians and schools. Regional Infrastructure Support: The RIISE facility has started operations, offering technical help to speed up climate-resilient infrastructure delivery in Dominica and other participating islands.

Climate & Children: A UNICEF-commissioned Eastern Caribbean study warns of a “new normal” of longer, more frequent dry spells—up to three to four months a year by mid-century—raising risks for water, farming, health, and schooling, with Barbados and Grenada flagged hardest. Dominica Weather Watch: A flood watch is in effect for Dominica as a tropical wave and upper trough bring scattered showers that could turn moderate to heavy, gusty winds, and isolated thunderstorms; totals may reach around two inches, with higher amounts in elevated areas. Sustainable Cooling: Dominica’s National Ozone Officer is calling for stronger cooperation across government, businesses, technicians and schools to make the shift to sustainable cooling work as the island marks a decade of Montreal Protocol action. Fisheries Resilience: Eastern Caribbean leaders are pushing regional cooperation as the US$12.55 million CC4FISH-II project gets underway in Dominica to help fisherfolk and coastal communities adapt to climate impacts on marine resources and livelihoods. Resilient Infrastructure Support: The Canada-funded RIISE facility has started operations, offering specialised technical help to speed up climate-resilient infrastructure delivery in Dominica and three other participating states. Homes for Recovery: Sixteen families in Woodford Hill received keys to climate-resilient homes, part of a wider push for safer housing after extreme weather.

Flood Watch: A tropical wave and upper-level trough have triggered a flood watch for Dominica from noon Wednesday to 6 AM Thursday, with scattered showers that could turn moderate to heavy, gusty winds, and isolated thunderstorms; residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas are urged to stay alert. Sustainable Cooling: National Ozone Officer Sophia Anselm-Larocque is calling for stronger cooperation across government, business, technicians and schools to help Dominica’s transition to sustainable cooling succeed under the Montreal Protocol’s decade of action. Fisheries Resilience: The US$12.55 million CC4FISH-II project is underway, aiming to strengthen climate and disaster resilience for more than 21,800 people across Dominica and other Caribbean states through 2030, with a focus on fisherfolk livelihoods, women and youth. Resilient Infrastructure Support: Dominica is among four countries now able to tap the RIISE Facility for technical help to push climate-resilient infrastructure projects past implementation bottlenecks. Housing for Climate Risk: Sixteen Woodford Hill families received keys to climate-resilient homes, part of a wider 215-home programme designed for hurricanes and earthquakes. Regional Legal Confidence: The Dominica Bar Association reaffirmed confidence in the CCJ despite leaked internal correspondence and calls for investigations into the leak.

Climate Resilience for Fisheries: Dominica is hosting the launch of CC4FISH-II, a US$12.55m GEF-backed project to help Caribbean fisherfolk and coastal communities adapt to extreme weather, changing ocean conditions, habitat damage and biodiversity loss, reaching more than 21,800 people across five countries through 2030. Resilient Infrastructure Support: Four Caribbean governments, including Dominica, can now tap the RIISE Facility, funded by Canada and hosted by UNOPS, to speed up delivery of climate-resilient public infrastructure by tackling implementation bottlenecks. Housing After Disasters: Sixteen Woodford Hill families received keys to new climate-resilient homes as part of a wider 215-home programme, with the houses designed to better withstand hurricanes and earthquakes. Local Rights & Royalties: ECCO’s Dominica director urged creators to register works to improve compliance and boost royalty payouts, after warning Dominica’s low membership is limiting local earnings. Weather Watch: The Dominica Meteorological Office reports dry conditions with some cloudiness and showers, plus elevated Saharan dust and breezy spells.