AGP Executive Report

Marine Protection Model: New Zealand has just put five new no-take marine reserves in place, using a shared management setup between Indigenous leaders and the Department of Conservation—being hailed as a potential model for ocean protection. 1.5°C Reality Check: A new analysis warns the world has broken the 1.5°C promise, arguing small states shouldn’t be left paying the bill for damage they didn’t cause. Protected Areas Update (Dominica): Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin, with a nine-month review and stakeholder consultation to align conservation, biodiversity, watersheds, and tourism. Climate-Resilient Housing (Dominica): Eleven Canefield East families received keys to climate-resilient homes, as Dominica moves toward handing over 215 resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities. Grassroots Climate Justice Grants: Six Caribbean groups received small grants to push climate justice work at community level, including tools, advocacy, and documenting hurricane impacts. Disability-Inclusive Employment (Regional): A UN campaign launched across the Caribbean to break barriers and expand decent jobs for people with disabilities. Weather Alert (Dominica): The Met Office reports a tropical wave bringing heavy rains, gusty winds, and rough seas, with flood and landslide risks possible.

Climate Accountability: A new call-out says the world has already broken its 1.5°C promise, warning small, low-emitting states like Dominica shouldn’t be forced into more debt for damage they didn’t cause. Climate-Resilient Housing: Eleven Canefield East families received keys to climate-resilient homes, with Dominica also moving toward wider handovers of 215 homes and apartment units across nine communities. Protected Areas & Biodiversity: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin, with a nine-month review and stakeholder consultation to keep conservation, watersheds and tourism aligned. Climate Justice Grants: Six Caribbean civil society groups secured small grants to push grassroots climate justice, including work on climate litigation and documenting hurricane impacts. Regional Capacity Building: The Caribbean Development Bank opened applications for two fully funded public procurement scholarships, including eligibility for Dominicans. Governance & Community Clean-ups: Ahead of the Roseau North by-election, candidates are campaigning on roads, parks, water storage, drainage and environmental protection.

Protected Areas Update: Dominica has started revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin, with a nine-month process and a national stakeholder consultation to align conservation, watershed protection, biodiversity, tourism and development goals. Climate-Resilient Housing: Government is handing over 215 hurricane-resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities, with “Welcome Home” ceremonies beginning this Friday for the first set of families. Community Health Investment: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre commissioned and renamed the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, highlighting expanded access to maternal and child health, immunisation and chronic disease care. Youth & Agriculture: Two young Dominican farmers earned regional honours at the OECS Youth and Women in Agriculture Symposium, with awards recognising diversification and resilience in farming. Disability Inclusion: Dominica is moving to establish a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit to centralise support and strengthen participation in national development. Governance & Environment in Politics: As Roseau North prepares for the Sept. 7 by-election, candidates and supporters are tying local priorities—roads, parks, water storage and environmental protection—to the vote.

Protected Areas Update: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin, with a nine-month process and a national consultation to align conservation, watershed protection, biodiversity, and tourism needs. Climate-Resilient Housing: Government begins “Welcome Home” handovers for 215 hurricane-resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities, starting with 11 families in Canefield East on Sept 4. Climate Justice Grants: Six Caribbean civil society groups received small grants to push grassroots climate justice, including climate litigation, documenting hurricane impacts, and supporting women in agriculture and fisheries. Biodiversity & Sovereignty Debate: An open letter urges Dominicans to revisit Bird Island (Isla de Aves) maritime claims and historical interests, as Venezuela controls the island and the issue could affect surrounding waters. Regional Inclusion Push: A UN campaign launched across the Caribbean to break barriers for people with disabilities in employment, backed by a Disability Inclusive Employer pledge. Local Agriculture Recognition: Two young Dominican farmers earned regional honours—Ephraim Elijah Roberts (OECS Young Farmer Award) and Dywany St. John (CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year 2026). Governance & Health: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre highlighted continued investment in primary healthcare while commissioning the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre.

Climate-Resilient Housing Handover: Dominica is set to begin “Welcome Home” ceremonies this Friday, Sept. 4, handing keys to 11 Canefield East families, with the wider rollout delivering 215 homes and apartment units across nine communities—Canefield East, Trafalgar, Vieille Case, Paix Bouche, Pointe Michel, Grand Bay, Penville, Wesley and Woodford Hill—part of a push toward hurricane-resilient living. Protected Areas Planning: Stakeholders are being consulted as Dominica reviews management plans for Morne Trois Pitons National Park and the Morne Diablotin World Heritage Site, led by Dr. Camille David. Climate Justice Grants: Six Caribbean civil society groups received small grants to advance grassroots climate justice advocacy, including work on climate litigation, gendered support in agriculture and fisheries, and documenting hurricane impacts. Disability-Inclusive Employment: A UN regional campaign, HireAbility, is urging Caribbean employers to break barriers and expand decent work access for people with disabilities. Regional Governance & Youth: Nevis is represented at the CPA conference in Jamaica, with youth parliament participation focused on leadership in the age of AI. Local Politics: The UPP endorsed UWP candidate Daniel “Danny” Lugay for the Roseau North by-election on Sept. 7, calling for opposition cooperation.

Climate-Resilient Housing: Dominica is moving ahead with the handover of 215 climate-resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities, with “Welcome Home” ceremonies starting Friday and the first keys going to about 11 Canefield East families. Protected Areas Planning: Dominica is reviewing management plans for Morne Trois Pitons National Park and Morne Diablotin World Heritage Site, with a national stakeholder consultation held at the fisheries complex to shape the next plan. Climate Justice Grants: Six Caribbean civil society groups received small grants to push grassroots climate justice work, including climate litigation, documenting hurricane impacts, and supporting women in agriculture and fisheries. Renewable Energy Push: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, with potential support through its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Disability Inclusion: The UN launched the HireAbility Campaign to break barriers to decent work for people with disabilities across the Caribbean, backed by an employer pledge. Regional Resilience Tech: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt a regional early warning surveillance and response system that links human, animal, environmental and lab data.

Climate-Resilient Housing: Dominica’s Housing and Urban Development Minister Melissa Poponne-Skerrit says 215 new homes and apartment units will be handed over across nine communities starting September 2026, as part of the push for safer, climate-adaptive housing in the post-Hurricane Maria recovery. Community Climate Justice: Six Caribbean civil society groups are receiving small grants to strengthen grassroots climate justice work, including projects on climate litigation, documenting hurricane impacts, and supporting women in agriculture and fisheries. Disability-Inclusive Employment: The UN’s HireAbility campaign is rolling out across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean to help break workplace barriers for people with disabilities, with businesses signing a Disability Inclusive Employer pledge. Early Warning for Health Threats: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member state to adopt the regional RIEWSS system, linking human, animal, environmental and lab data to improve early detection and response. Extreme Weather Watch: Dominica’s meteorological office warns a tropical wave may bring locally heavy rains, gusty winds and thunderstorms, with rough seas and possible flood watch conditions. Agrifood Leadership: FAO named Dominica farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste among its inaugural 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems, highlighting her climate-smart, soil- and water-conscious farming practices.

Resilient Housing Handover: Dominica’s Housing Ministry is set to begin “Welcome Home” key ceremonies for 215 newly built, climate-resilient homes and apartment units across Canefield East, Trafalgar, Vieille Case, Paix Bouche, Pointe Michel, Grand Bay, Penville, Wesley and Woodford Hill, supporting the wider goal of delivering 5,000 resilient homes. Climate Justice Grants: Six Caribbean civil society groups received small grants to push grassroots climate justice work, including climate litigation, documenting hurricane impacts, and boosting women’s roles in agriculture and fisheries. Disability-Inclusive Work: A UN campaign, the HireAbility Campaign, is urging Caribbean employers to break barriers and expand decent jobs for people with disabilities, backed by a Disability Inclusive Employer Pledge. Agriculture Land Access: OECS leaders are calling for crown lands to be provided to young farmers on transparent, bank-recognised terms, with training spanning climate-smart agriculture, digital tools, leadership and access to finance. Early Warning for Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt a regional early warning surveillance and response system that links human, animal, environmental and lab data to speed up detection and response. Heat Season Alert: Dominica’s meteorological office warns of heavy rains and gusty winds from a tropical wave, with rough seas and advisories in effect.

Roseau North by-election: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall is in the spotlight after PM Roosevelt Skerrit rallied Yampiece residents ahead of the Sept. 7, 2026 vote, citing the DLP’s housing, education and disaster response record and arguing McDougall has been the one “knocking on doors” since 2019. Disability inclusion push: The UN launched its HireAbility Campaign across the Caribbean, urging employers to break workplace barriers and expand decent jobs for people with disabilities, while Dominica’s finance minister also reiterated plans for a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit to centralize support and complaints. OECS farming access: OECS leaders urged governments to provide crown lands to young farmers on transparent, bank-recognized terms, with climate-smart agriculture and access to finance and markets on the agenda. Climate and safety watch: Dominica’s meteorological office issued alerts for heavy rains, possible flooding/landslides, and rough seas, including a small craft warning and high surf advisory. Agrifood resilience spotlight: FAO named Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste among its inaugural 100 Women Heroes in agrifood systems for sustainable, diversified production. Nature tourism: Soufriere Dive Fest wrapped up Aug. 30, with Coulibri Ridge winning the kayaking title and the event highlighting Dominica’s watersports and community spirit.

Disability & Jobs: The UN launched its regional “HireAbility Campaign” to break barriers and boost disability-inclusive employment across the Caribbean, linking governments, employers and disability groups through a Disability Inclusive Employer’s Pledge. Climate & Safety: Dominica Meteorological Office warns a strong tropical wave (remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly) could bring locally heavy rains, gusty winds and thunderstorms, with flood and landslide risks, plus rough seas and high surf advisories. Health Security: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS state to adopt the regional RIEWSS early warning and response system, combining human, animal, environmental and lab data to spot threats faster. Agriculture Resilience: Dominica’s Tissue Culture Laboratory in Portsmouth is set to produce 500,000+ high-quality plants yearly and also supports disaster recovery by securely storing seeds. Biodiversity & Culture: Dominica is planning a 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot statue at the cable car top station, aiming to spotlight the island’s unique wildlife. Community & Nature Tourism: Soufriere Dive Fest wrapped up with Coulibri Ridge winning the Kayaking Champions title, alongside hikes, hot springs visits and free intro scuba and snorkelling.

El Niño Heat & Storm Alerts: Dominica’s Meteorological Office says a strong tropical wave (remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly) is bringing locally heavy rains, gusty winds and thunderstorms, with flood watch/warning possible by midday, plus rough seas and a high surf advisory. Climate & Water Security: CIMH and UWI warn the Caribbean is heading into peak Heat Season, with El Niño likely to intensify hot, dry conditions into 2027—raising risks for water shortages, farming losses and wildfires. Agrifood Resilience: Dominica’s Tissue Culture Laboratory in Portsmouth is boosting plant production (500,000+ plants/year) and supports disaster recovery by storing secure planting material. Biodiversity & Tourism: Dominica plans the world’s biggest Sisserou Parrot statue at the cable car top station, aiming to spotlight the island’s unique natural heritage. Local Farming Recognition: Farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste has been named among FAO’s inaugural 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems, praised for sustainable, mixed and rainwater-harvesting practices. Regional Health Security: SVG becomes the first OECS state to adopt a regional early warning and response digital system that links human, animal, environmental and lab data for faster outbreak detection.

Health Security & One Health: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS country to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), a digital platform that links human, animal, environmental and lab data to spot and respond to public health threats—rolled out with World Bank support and paired with port surveillance upgrades ahead of major regional events. Climate & Water Risks: Dominica’s Met Office warns a strong tropical wave (remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly) may bring locally heavy rains, gusty winds and thunderstorms, with flood/landslide risk possible, plus rough seas and high surf advisories. Heat & Drought Preparedness: Regional experts are urging urgent action as El Niño strengthens, pointing to hotter, drier conditions that could worsen water shortages, farming stress and wildfire risk across the Caribbean. Agriculture Resilience: Dominica’s Tissue Culture Laboratory in Portsmouth is boosting plant production and also supports disaster recovery by securely storing seeds and planting material. Biodiversity Spotlight: Dominica plans a massive 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot statue at the cable car top station, aiming to celebrate the island’s unique wildlife while drawing visitors to its natural heritage.

El Niño Heat & Drought Watch: Dominica and the wider Caribbean are bracing for intensifying hot, dry conditions as El Niño strengthens, with warnings that extreme heat can strain health, water supplies, farming, and trade. Flood & Coastal Hazards: A strong tropical wave is bringing locally heavy rains, gusty winds and thunderstorms to the northern Lesser Antilles, while seas are rough with high surf advisories and a small craft warning in effect. Climate-Resilient Farming: Dominica is pushing soil and water conservation and climate-smart agriculture, including a regional soil-fertility initiative and support for farmers to improve resilience. Agrifood Leadership: Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste has been named among FAO’s inaugural 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems, recognized for sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting, composting and reforestation. Agricultural Capacity Boost: Portsmouth’s Tissue Culture Laboratory is strengthening Dominica’s agricultural future by producing large volumes of healthy planting material and storing seeds for disaster recovery. Renewables Financing Push: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with Dominica included, to help scale clean energy and support a just transition.

Severe Weather Watch: Dominica’s Meteorological Office says a strong tropical wave (remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly) is bringing locally heavy rains, gusty winds and thunderstorms to the northern Lesser Antilles, with flood watch/warning possible by midday and rough seas building to near 7 feet on the west coast and up to 10 feet on the east—small craft operators should take precautions. Climate & Water Security: Across the region, El Niño is expected to intensify hotter, drier conditions, raising risks for water supplies, farming and heat stress as August to October remains the Heat Season. Agrifood Resilience: Dominica is strengthening sustainable agriculture with an Integrated Soil Conservation and Soil Fertility Improvement Demonstration Project, plus technical support aimed at reducing erosion and boosting soil fertility. Biodiversity Spotlight: Dominica plans a 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot statue at the cable car top station—positioned as the world’s tallest and biggest parrot statue—linking tourism with the island’s unique natural heritage. Disability Inclusion: Government is moving to establish a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit to centralize support and give persons with disabilities a stronger voice in development. Regional Health Capacity: PAHO/WHO training in Eastern Caribbean countries focused on practical critical care skills for severe infections and pandemic preparedness, including simulation-based learning.

Climate Resilience & Agriculture: Dominica is strengthening climate-resilient farming, including a new Tissue Culture Laboratory in Portsmouth that can produce 500,000+ healthy plants yearly and help disaster recovery by securely storing seeds. Biodiversity & Conservation Tourism: Dominica is planning a world-scale 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot statue at the cable car top station, aiming to spotlight the island’s unique native bird and link tourism with natural heritage. Heat & Water Security: Across the Caribbean, El Niño-driven hotter, drier conditions are already stressing health systems and are expected to worsen water supplies, farming, and wildfire risk. Food Systems Leadership: FAO has named Dominica farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste among its inaugural 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems, praising her sustainable, soil- and water-smart practices. Regional Energy Transition: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with Dominica included, to speed up decarbonisation through financing and de-risking support. Health Capacity: PAHO/WHO supported Eastern Caribbean clinicians with simulation-based training to improve critical care readiness for severe infections and pandemics.

Climate & Water Security: Caribbean health clinics are already seeing heat stress as El Niño strengthens, with CIMH/UWI warning of hotter, drier conditions that could hit water supplies, farming and even trigger wildfires and coral bleaching. Agriculture Resilience: Dominica is boosting climate-resilient farming with soil and water support, including a Tissue Culture Laboratory in Portsmouth to produce 500,000+ healthy plants yearly and secure seed storage for post-hurricane recovery. Biodiversity & Culture: Dominica plans a 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot statue at the cable car summit—aimed at spotlighting the island’s unique biodiversity and boosting nature-linked tourism. Food Systems Leadership: Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste was named among FAO’s inaugural 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems, recognized for sustainable, mixed farming and rainwater harvesting. Renewables Financing: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, to speed up decarbonisation via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Health Preparedness: PAHO/WHO supported Eastern Caribbean clinicians with simulation-based training to better manage severe infections and critical care during outbreaks.