AGP Executive Report

Budget participation: Dominica Business Forum is hosting a virtual post-budget forum on Zoom tonight to widen input on the 2026–2027 National Budget, with economist Kent Vidal leading a review and Q&A. Climate-resilient health: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor urged a modern, accessible, climate-resilient upgrade of the Salisbury Health Centre, including stronger maternal/child services, disability access, backup power and water storage, plus mental health and chronic-disease support. Water stress in the region: Puerto Rico is rolling out 48-hour alternating water outages for more than 180,000 customers as drought deepens, a reminder of how climate impacts can quickly disrupt tourism and daily life. Blue economy & marine training: OECS and partners backed sea moss capacity-building in St. Vincent, while MarineLab’s Caribbean teacher workshop trained educators on mangroves, reefs and seagrass to drive local action on marine pollution and conservation. Waste management pressure: A Bellevue Chopin resident says months of uncollected garbage are attracting rats and creating health risks, calling for urgent action from the Solid Waste Management Corporation and the Environment Ministry. Marine tourism push: President Sylvanie Burton outlined plans for a modern Portsmouth marina to grow yacht and luxury tourism while protecting Dominica’s blue economy. Agriculture resilience: Government announced EC$1.5 million crop insurance fully funded by the state to help farmers recover after hurricanes and other climate-related disasters. Tax and trade reform: Dominica will end “tax on tax” at ports from Oct. 1 by calculating import Excise Tax and VAT only on CIF value, aiming to cut costs and simplify clearance. Renewables funding call: IRENA opened a proposal call for renewable energy projects across the Caribbean, including Dominica, with support routed through its climate and energy transition finance platforms.

Budget Participation: The Dominica Business Forum is hosting a virtual post-budget forum tonight (Aug 8) to widen input from business and civil society on the 2026–2027 National Budget. Climate-Resilient Health: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor is pushing for a modern, accessible, climate-resilient Salisbury Health Centre with expanded primary care, maternal and child services, disability-friendly access, and backup power and water. Water & Drought Watch: Across the region, drought is driving water rationing and travel disruption, underscoring how climate stress can hit everyday life fast. Waste & Public Health: A Bellevue Chopin resident says months of uncollected garbage are attracting rats and creating health risks, renewing calls for urgent action from the waste management authorities. Blue Economy & Tourism: President Sylvanie Burton highlights plans for a modern Portsmouth marina to grow yacht and luxury tourism while protecting Dominica’s natural assets. Marine Conservation Learning: MarineLab’s Caribbean teacher workshop is training educators on mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass to turn classroom learning into local action. Agriculture Resilience: Government will fully fund EC$1.5 million in crop insurance to help farmers recover after hurricanes and other climate-related disasters. Tax & Cost Pressures: Dominica is moving to end “tax on tax” at ports from Oct 1, and is also cutting personal income tax to a 10% flat rate from Jan 2027. Regional Cooperation: President Burton urged stronger CARICOM/OECS collaboration on climate action, health security, food resilience, and disaster preparedness.

Water & Drought Watch: Puerto Rico’s San Juan is rolling out 48-hour alternating water outages for 180,000 customers as severe drought grips the island, leaving tourists scrambling to adjust plans. Blue Economy & Marine Tourism: Dominica is pushing ahead with plans for a modern Portsmouth marina to grow yacht and luxury tourism while protecting the island’s blue economy. Waste & Public Health: A Bellevue Chopin resident says months of uncollected household garbage are attracting rats, renewing calls for faster action from the solid waste authorities. Climate-Ready Farming: Dominica’s budget includes EC$1.5 million in fully government-funded crop insurance to help farmers recover after hurricanes and other climate disasters. Regional Cooperation: President Sylvanie Burton urged stronger CARICOM/OECS collaboration on climate action, disaster preparedness, food security and health security. Sustainable Tourism Training: MarineLab’s Caribbean teacher workshop trained educators on mangroves, reefs and seagrass, with plans for local action projects on marine pollution and education. Tourism Spotlight: St. Vincent and the Grenadines earned a top-30 beach destination ranking for 2026, highlighting marine ecosystems and sustainability.

Blue Economy & Marine Tourism: Dominica is pushing marine tourism growth with plans for a modern Portsmouth marina, aiming to attract yacht and luxury visitors while protecting the island’s blue economy and natural assets. Waste & Public Health: A Bellevue Chopin resident says months of uncollected household garbage are drawing rats and creating health risks, renewing calls for faster action from the DSWMC and the Ministry of Environment. Climate Resilience for Farmers: The government announced EC$1.5 million in fully state-funded crop insurance to help farmers recover after hurricanes and other climate-related disasters. Regional Cooperation: President Sylvanie Burton urged stronger CARICOM/OECS collaboration on climate action, public health, food security, disaster preparedness and other shared priorities. Sustainable Tourism Skills: OECS and partners wrapped a sea moss industry training in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, focusing on quality, food safety and standards for a stronger blue economy. Policy & Cost Pressures: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor warned that Dominica can’t build a dynamic economy on government alone and stressed that households still feel the cost of living most. Tax & Trade Reform: Dominica will cut personal income tax to a 10% flat rate from January 2027, and end “tax on tax” at ports from October 1 to reduce import costs. CBI Under Scrutiny: Government defended its Citizenship by Investment programme as the EU presses several Caribbean states, including Dominica, to phase out or risk losing Schengen visa access. Energy & Jobs Outlook: ILO warns El Niño could disrupt work across the region, hitting outdoor and informal jobs hardest. Conservation & Nature-Based Luxury: Secret Bay Resort unveiled plans for new cliffside villas and expanded wellness facilities, positioning growth alongside rainforest preservation.

Waste & Health: A Bellevue Chopin resident says months of uncollected household garbage on her property has drawn rats and raised health risks, despite repeated requests to the DSWMC and promises of a paid special collection. Climate Risk & Food Security: Government announced EC$1.5 million in fully state-funded crop insurance for farmers, designed to protect livelihoods from hurricanes and other climate-linked disasters. Blue Economy & Biodiversity: OECS and partners wrapped up a sea moss capacity-building workshop in St Vincent and the Grenadines, aiming to lift production to international food safety and business standards under the CRAB project. Energy Costs: VINLEC faces mounting public anger over rising fuel surcharges on electricity bills, with the Prime Minister urging it not to rush disconnections. Marine Tourism: President Sylvanie Burton says Dominica is pushing a Portsmouth marina to grow yacht and luxury tourism while protecting the island’s blue economy. Regional Climate Cooperation: Burton told Parliament that Caribbean countries must work together on climate action, health security, food security, and disaster preparedness. Budget & Trade Reform: From October 1, Dominica will end “tax on tax” at ports by calculating Excise Tax and VAT on imports using only the CIF value. CARICOM Diplomacy: OECS and Dominica assumed CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva, coordinating regional positions at international agencies. Global Climate Warning: The ILO warns El Niño 2026–2027 could disrupt jobs and livelihoods across the Caribbean, especially in outdoor and informal work.

Waste & Public Health: Bellevue Chopin resident Frances Harvey says months of uncollected household garbage on her property have drawn rats and raised health risks, despite repeated requests and a promised paid special collection. Regional Climate Push: President Sylvanie Burton told Parliament that no Caribbean country can tackle climate change, public health, food security, and disaster preparedness alone, calling for stronger CARICOM/OECS cooperation. Blue Economy & Tourism: Dominica is moving toward marine tourism growth with a planned modern Portsmouth marina, aiming to boost yacht and luxury travel while protecting the island’s environmental assets. Marine Tourism & Conservation: Secret Bay Resort & Residences unveiled plans for six new cliffside villas, two more spas, and a family pool pavilion as it completes its final residential enclave near Coconut Beach. EU Pressure on CBI: The EU has given five Eastern Caribbean countries, including Dominica, until June 1, 2028 to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Ports Reform: From October 1, Dominica will end “tax on tax” at ports by calculating Excise Tax and VAT on imports using only the CIF value, aiming to cut costs and simplify clearance. Tax Relief: In the 2026/2027 budget, Finance Minister Irving McIntyre announced a 10% flat personal income tax rate from January 1, 2027. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, with proposals prioritized before September 1. El Niño Jobs Warning: The ILO warns the 2026–2027 El Niño pattern could disrupt work and livelihoods across the region, especially for informal and outdoor workers. One Health Lab Readiness: Eastern Caribbean lab professionals boosted molecular diagnostic capacity for emerging infectious diseases through a PAHO/WHO-backed regional workshop. Park Survey Announcement: A Morne Diablotin National Park buffer zone household survey was announced by the Ministry of Environment and partners.

Marine Tourism & Blue Economy: President Sylvanie Burton says Dominica wants to grow yacht and luxury tourism with a modern Portsmouth marina, linking it to diving and whale watching while aiming to protect the island’s environmental assets. Customs Reform: From October 1, Dominica will end “tax on tax” at ports by calculating Excise Tax and VAT on imports using only the CIF value, a move meant to cut costs and simplify clearance. Local Production Push: Burton urged Dominicans to treat buying local as a strategic need for economic security and sustainable development, pointing to rebuilding the National Abattoir after Hurricane Maria to reduce meat imports and create jobs. Climate & Work Risks: The ILO warns El Niño 2026–2027 could disrupt agriculture, fisheries, tourism and outdoor work across the Caribbean, raising the risk of job losses and food insecurity. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects in the Caribbean, including Dominica, with proposals prioritized before September 1. EU CBI Deadline: The EU has asked five Eastern Caribbean states, including Dominica, to phase out Citizenship-by-Investment programmes by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Security at Sea: A reported attempted attack on a tanker in the Gulf of Aden is under investigation; a Dominica-flagged vessel, Daisy, was identified as the likely target.

Climate & Work: The ILO warns the 2026–2027 El Niño pattern could hit Caribbean livelihoods hard, especially outdoor and informal workers, as rainfall shifts threaten agriculture, fisheries, tourism, transport and energy—raising the risk of job losses, lower incomes and food insecurity. Public Health Preparedness: Eastern Caribbean lab teams, including Dominica, boosted skills in rapid molecular diagnostics for diseases like measles, leptospirosis and hantavirus using a One Health approach that links human and animal health. Energy & Cost of Living: DOMLEC says geothermal power is already cutting fuel surcharges, with July bills expected to drop across categories—about 17–18% savings for typical users. Conservation Capacity: Dominica’s DNCTF delivered extra training to biodiversity grant recipients on donor reporting and environmental safeguards for projects including coral reef restoration and rapid response to lethal yellowing disease. CBI Pressure: Dominica’s government defended its Citizenship by Investment programme in the face of growing international scrutiny, stressing the need to diversify beyond CBI revenues. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, with Dominica among eligible countries.

CBI Under Fire, Diversification Pushed: Dominica’s government defended its Citizenship by Investment programme amid EU-linked international pressure, saying CBI helped fund recovery after Hurricane Maria and must not become the country’s only economic pillar. Budget & Tax Reform: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre unveiled a 2026/27 budget of EC$1.125 billion and a major shift to a 10% flat personal income tax rate from Jan. 1, 2027, with a tax-free threshold for lower earners. Renewables Pay Off: DOMLEC reported lower July electricity bills as geothermal energy reduces the fuel surcharge, with savings expected across domestic, commercial, hotel and industrial users. Conservation Capacity Boost: DNCTF trained Caribbean Biodiversity Fund grant recipients on financial reporting and environmental safeguards for projects including lethal yellowing disease response and coral reef restoration in marine reserves. Regional Climate Resilience Funding: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, prioritizing projects that move from planning to implementation. Marine Stewardship Spotlight: The Seas & Scenes: Love the Caribbean photo contest opened, inviting entries that highlight marine life and environmental impact, with conservation-focused categories and prizes. CARICOM Geneva Leadership: Dominica and the OECS assumed the rotating chairmanship of the CARICOM Group in Geneva, coordinating foreign policy positions at UN and trade bodies.

Dominica Budget & Education Build-Out: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre says education remains the “foundation of opportunity,” pointing to China-supported construction progress at Goodwill Secondary School, Kalinago Primary, Capuchin Primary (90%); and Tete Morne and Sineku Primary (85%), with 140+ jobs created and a focus on modern classrooms and technical skills. Budget Recurrent Spending Snapshot: The budget lists recurrent outlays of about EC$675.1m, including EC$10.2m for Environment, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment, and EC$52.2m for Public Utilities and Digital Economy. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a proposal call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, prioritizing submissions before Sept 1, with support via the Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Finance Accelerator. Energy Transition Payoff: DOMLEC reports lower July electricity bills as geothermal energy reduces the fuel surcharge, with typical savings ranging from about $24 (100 kWh) to thousands for large users. Conservation Capacity Boost: DNCTF grant recipients received training on financial reporting and environmental safeguards for biodiversity work, including rapid response to lethal yellowing disease and coral reef restoration in Soufriere and Scotts Head Marine Reserve. Climate Risk Outlook: Regional forecasters warn of intense heat, uneven wet-season rainfall, and flooding/flash-flood risks later in the season, tied to El Niño strengthening and global warming. Marine Conservation Spotlight: A global coral reef symposium highlighted urgent action on climate-driven reef decline and support for Indigenous knowledge, with the next meeting set for Rio in 2030. Regional Diplomacy: Dominica and the OECS assumed CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva, coordinating foreign policy positions at UN agencies.

CARICOM Diplomacy in Geneva: Dominica and the OECS have taken over the CARICOM Group chairmanship in Geneva from Haiti, with the rotating leadership set to guide how member missions align positions at the UN and other International Geneva bodies. Climate and Resilience Outlook: Regional forecasters warn of intense heat, patchy hurricane activity and uneven rainfall later in the wet season, with heightened flood and flash-flood risk tied to El Niño and global warming. Renewable Energy Payoff: DOMLEC says geothermal power is cutting the July fuel surcharge, with domestic users expected to save roughly $24 (100 kWh) and $61 (250 kWh), alongside bigger reductions for hotels and industry. Coral Reef Pressure: Coral reef experts meeting internationally stressed climate-driven threats and the need for stronger action, community involvement and better reef monitoring as the next symposium heads to Rio in 2030. Conservation Capacity in Dominica: DNCTF grant recipients received training to improve financial reporting and environmental safeguards for biodiversity projects, including work on lethal yellowing disease and coral reef restoration in marine reserves. CARIBBEAN CBI Under EU Scrutiny: The EU has asked five Eastern Caribbean citizenship-by-investment states, including Dominica, to phase out programmes by June 1, 2028, or face possible loss of Schengen visa-free access. Marine Governance Watch: Kingston hosted the International Seabed Authority assembly, with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez making a historic first visit and meeting regional maritime institutions.

Marine Conservation & Tourism: EPIC and Caribbean Compass have launched the Seas & Scenes: Love the Caribbean Photo Contest 2026, inviting entries (Aug 1–31) with prizes of over US$3,000 across nature, marine life, and environmental stewardship categories—aimed at boosting appreciation for conservation. Climate Risk Watch: Caribbean climatologists warn of intense heat, patchy hurricane activity, and uneven rainfall late in the wet season, with heightened flood and flash-flood potential for the Eastern Caribbean. Coral Reefs Under Pressure: Coral reef experts from 90+ countries met in Auckland to push action on climate-driven reef decline, including better mapping, stronger community roles, and next steps toward the 2030 symposium in Rio. Dominica Conservation Funding: DNCTF grant recipients received training on financial reporting and environmental safeguards for biodiversity work, including rapid response to lethal yellowing disease and coral reef restoration in marine reserves. Renewables & Bills: DOMLEC says geothermal energy is cutting July electricity fuel surcharges, with domestic users expected to save about $24 (100 kWh) and larger users seeing bigger reductions. Local Waste & Health: In Roseau North politics, candidates spotlight hazardous landfill and unmanaged garbage as health hazards, calling for urgent waste system fixes. Regional Resilience Infrastructure: Canada and UNOPS launched the RIISE Facility to help Dominica and other OECS states deliver climate-resilient infrastructure faster, with a Barbados-based secretariat coordinating support.

Community Reforestation & Eco-Style: Akilah’s Jewellery is spotlighted as a nature-rooted business based at the Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project in St Ann’s, turning organically grown seeds, shells and pods into high-fashion eco jewellery while supporting a green economy. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Regional forecasters warn of intense heat, patchy hurricane activity and uneven rainfall later in the wet season, with risks of heatwaves and flooding/flash floods. Coral Reef Action Under Pressure: Coral reef scientists and partners push for stronger protection and mapping as climate change looms over international reef talks. Dominica Conservation Capacity: DNCTF grant recipients received training on financial donor reporting and environmental safeguards for biodiversity work, including lethal yellowing disease response and coral reef restoration in marine reserves. Cleaner Power for Bills: DOMLEC says geothermal energy is lowering the fuel surcharge, with domestic and hotel customers seeing reduced July 2026 electricity bills. Regional Resilience Funding: Canada and UNOPS launched the RIISE facility to help Caribbean governments deliver climate-resilient infrastructure more smoothly, with Dominica among the initial beneficiaries. Ocean Governance Spotlight: The IMO Secretary-General made a first visit to the International Seabed Authority assembly in Jamaica, underscoring global pressure to manage seabed resources sustainably. Waste & Health Concerns in Roseau North: A Roseau North by-election candidate raised alarms about hazardous landfill conditions and garbage management, linking them to health risks.

Heat and storms watch: The Caribbean Climate Outlook flags intense heat, patchy hurricane activity, and uneven rainfall into the late wet season, with Eastern Caribbean and far-north areas urged to prepare for heatwaves and flood/flash-flood risks. Coral reefs under pressure: Coral reef experts met internationally to push action on climate-driven reef decline, with mapping and research efforts spotlighted alongside community knowledge. Dominica conservation capacity: DNCTF grant recipients received training on financial reporting and environmental safeguards for biodiversity work, including rapid response to lethal yellowing disease and coral reef restoration in marine reserves. Renewables and bills: DOMLEC says geothermal energy is lowering July fuel surcharges, with domestic and business customers seeing estimated savings. Marine protection abroad: French Polynesia’s new massive marine protected area bans seabed exploitation and drifting fish aggregating devices, boosting ocean conservation. Regional resilience funding: Canada and UNOPS launched the Caribbean Resilient Infrastructure Implementation and Skills Exchange, initially supporting Dominica and other islands to speed up climate-resilient project delivery. CBI pressure in Europe: EU letters urge Dominica and four other Eastern Caribbean states to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes by June 1, 2028, or face possible loss of Schengen visa-free access. Local environment politics: A Roseau North by-election forum candidate cited hazardous landfill conditions and weak garbage management, calling for urgent waste solutions. Energy diplomacy: OECS and Dominica assumed CARICOM chairmanship of the Geneva group, coordinating regional positions at UN agencies. Tourism and nature branding: A travel ranking highlights Caribbean beach destinations and claims “sustainable visitor experiences” as a key scoring factor.

Heat & Flood Risk: Climatologists warn the late wet season could bring intense heat, patchy hurricane activity, and bouts of excessive rainfall that raise the risk of flooding and flash floods across the Eastern Caribbean. Coral & Marine Protection: Coral reef experts met internationally as climate pressures grow, with new research and mapping efforts underscoring the urgency for reef conservation. Dominica’s Conservation Capacity: DNCTF grant recipients received training to strengthen project management, financial reporting, and environmental safeguards for biodiversity work, including coral reef restoration and response to lethal yellowing disease. Renewables Pay Off: DOMLEC says geothermal energy is cutting the fuel surcharge, lowering July electricity bills for homes, businesses, and hotels. Regional Resilience Funding: Canada and UNOPS launched the RIISE facility to help Dominica and other OECS states deliver climate-resilient infrastructure faster, with a Barbados secretariat coordinating support. CBI Pressure on Dominica: The EU has asked Dominica and four other Caribbean states to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes by June 1, 2028, or face possible loss of Schengen visa-free access. Marine Governance Spotlight: Jamaica hosted the International Seabed Authority assembly, with IMO’s Secretary-General making a first-ever appearance, keeping seabed governance and sustainable use in focus.

Heat & Flood Watch: Climatologists warn the late wet season could bring intense heat, patchy hurricane activity, and bouts of excessive rainfall that raise the risk of flooding and flash floods across the Eastern Caribbean. Coral Under Pressure: Coral reef experts met internationally to push action on climate-driven reef decline, with mapping and research efforts aimed at better protection and community-led management. Marine Conservation Spotlight: French Polynesia’s new mega marine protected area bans seabed exploitation and drifting fish aggregating devices, boosting safeguards for whales and other wildlife. Dominica’s Conservation Funding: DNCTF grant recipients received training on donor reporting and environmental safeguards for biodiversity work, including rapid response to lethal yellowing disease and coral reef restoration in marine reserves. Cleaner Power at Home: DOMLEC says geothermal energy is cutting the July fuel surcharge, with savings expected across domestic, commercial, and hotel bills. Tourism, Health & Resilience: CARPHA and the OECS renewed a tourism health partnership through 2030, aiming to keep destinations safer and more resilient. Regional Policy Pressure: EU letters urge Dominica and four other Caribbean CBI states to phase out programs by June 1, 2028, or face possible Schengen visa-free suspension. Beach Tourism Rankings: TTW released a 2026 Americas/Caribbean beach destination list that highlights marine biodiversity and “sustainable visitor experiences” as key criteria.