AGP Executive Report

Weather Watch: Dominica’s Met Office says a high-pressure system will rebuild today with a few showers, but a new tropical wave is expected to start affecting the southern Lesser Antilles late Monday night into Tuesday morning, bringing a higher chance of showers (with “broken” rain) and elevated seas—around 7 to 12 feet in Atlantic passageways—while the wave is expected to weaken as it approaches. Marine Safety & Air Quality: With Saharan dust drifting in, fair air quality is forecast today but dust-sensitive people are warned to take precautions; small craft conditions remain a concern, with seas peaking near 5 feet west and 8 feet east. Kalinago Resilience: In the Kalinago Territory, households received seedlings, tools, tarpaulins and water storage through UNDP’s SCR-K project (funded by India) to boost backyard gardening, food security and climate resilience. Watersports Governance: The Dominica Watersports Association is pushing for clearer, more transparent rules and licensing for operators, including how the Sperm Whale Reserve Act’s management framework will be implemented for whale-protection and tourism. OECS Child Policy: OECS and UNICEF unveiled a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032, aiming to protect and empower children through whole-of-the-child action across the sub-region.

Weather & Marine Safety: Dominica is under a rebuilding high-pressure system with fair air quality, but a tropical wave is expected to start affecting the southern Lesser Antilles Monday, bringing more showers across islands including Dominica, with seas rising to around 5 feet west and 8 feet east and a Small Craft Advisory in place; earlier forecasts warned of gusty winds, rough seas, and flash-flood risk as the wave passes. Agriculture & Livelihoods: The Agriculture Ministry urged farmers and fishers to secure tools, seedlings, livestock and boats ahead of deteriorating conditions, especially in eastern areas. Kalinago Resilience: Kalinago households received seedlings, fruit trees, tarpaulins, tools and water storage through a UNDP-backed backyard gardening push to boost food security and climate resilience. Marine Conservation Governance: The Dominica Watersports Association is calling for clearer, more transparent rules for watersports operations and licensing under the Sperm Whale Reserve framework, aiming to protect whales while giving operators workable guidance. Disaster-Ready Schools: OECS and New Zealand support helped strengthen Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory with drainage upgrades, hurricane-protective doors, and emergency power and communications. Regional Policy: OECS launched a UNICEF-supported Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, using a whole-of-the-child approach to protect and empower children across the sub-region.

Weather & Coastal Safety: Dominica’s Meteorological Service says a vigorous tropical wave will bring strong, gusty winds, rough seas and scattered showers into tonight, with the Flash Flood Watch now discontinued but people in flood, landslide and falling-rock areas urged to stay alert; waves are forecast up to ~8 ft west and ~12–13 ft east, and mariners are told to remain in port and keep away from beaches. Agriculture Resilience: The Agriculture Ministry urges farmers and fishers to secure tools, seedlings, livestock and greenhouse facilities, and to avoid going to sea as conditions worsen. Kalinago Food Security: UNDP’s SCR-K project, funded by India, delivered seedlings, fruit trees, farming tools and water storage to 36 Kalinago households to boost backyard gardening and climate resilience. Marine Protection & Tourism Rules: The Dominica Watersports Association is pushing for clearer, more transparent regulations for watersports operations and better guidance around the Sperm Whale Reserve management framework. OECS Child Policy: OECS and UNICEF unveiled the Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for whole-of-the-child protection and support across the sub-region. CCJ Integrity Row: CCJ President Winston Anderson rejects “panel fixing” claims amid leaked correspondence controversy.

Severe Weather Watch: Dominica is under a tropical wave bringing strong, gusty winds, rough seas and scattered showers/thunderstorms; the Flash Flood Watch has been discontinued, but people in flood, landslide and rockfall areas are told to stay alert, secure loose items, and avoid beaches and breaking waves as waves peak around 8 ft west and 12 ft east. Farm & Fisher Prep: The Agriculture Ministry urges farmers and fisherfolk to protect crops, livestock and equipment, move animals from flood-prone spots, and keep boats in port as conditions worsen. Kalinago Food Security Boost: Kalinago households received vegetable seedlings, fruit trees, tools and water storage support through UNDP’s SCR-K project to strengthen backyard gardening, livelihoods and climate resilience. Marine Conservation Rules in Focus: The Dominica Watersports Association is pushing for clearer, more transparent regulations for watersports under the Sperm Whale Reserve Act, including streamlined licensing and guidance for operators while protecting the marine environment. OECS Child Policy: OECS and UNICEF unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, aiming for safer, supported and empowered children across the region. Tourism & Nature Integrity: A new look at Dominica’s sperm whale reserve explains how to spot legitimate whale tours under the reserve’s permit and operator rules. Creative Resilience in Schools: OECS and New Zealand-backed work strengthened disaster-ready school infrastructure and emergency readiness in indigenous communities, including Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory.

Severe Weather Watch: Dominica Meteorological Service is warning of a vigorous tropical wave bringing strong, gusty winds, rough seas, and heavy showers/thunderstorms, with a Flash Flood Watch from midnight to noon Saturday and waves peaking near 8 ft west coast and 13 ft east coast; residents are urged to secure loose items, avoid beaches, and stay alert for flooding, landslides, and falling rocks. Climate Resilience in Schools: OECS and New Zealand-backed work to strengthen disaster-resilient indigenous schools is complete, including Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory with a new drainage system, hurricane-protective doors, and emergency communications plus solar lighting and backup power. Marine Protection & Tourism Rules: Dominica’s sperm whale reserve is now governed by a dedicated legal framework with permits, vessel rules, and swim encounter limits—plus guidance on how to spot legitimate whale tours. Health & Safety for Farmers/Fishers: The Ministry of Agriculture urges farmers and fishers to prepare for the same weather system by protecting crops and livestock, securing equipment and structures, and staying ready for rough conditions. Governance & Public Trust: CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson rejects claims of “panel fixing” and improper influence amid reports of internal tensions.

Regional Child Protection: The OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, using a “whole-of-the-child” approach to protect and empower every child across the Eastern Caribbean. Marine Conservation & Tourism Integrity: Dominica’s new Sperm Whale Reserve rules are now in focus, with guidance on what a legitimate whale-watching permit should cover under the 2025 Sperm Whale Reserve Act. Weather & Coastal Safety: Dominica is bracing for stronger winds, rough seas and Saharan dust as a tropical wave approaches; residents are urged to secure loose items, watch for hazards and mariners to plan for reduced visibility. Disaster Response Live Updates: The Office of Disaster Management is running a special simulcast on current conditions as the system moves through. Climate-Resilient Schools: Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory received drainage upgrades, hurricane-ready doors, and backup power as part of an OECS disaster-resilient schools project. Indigenous Peoples Focus: Dominica marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with emphasis on Kalinago resilience and the UN theme honouring indigenous midwives. Youth & Health: Across the region, International Youth Day programming highlights adolescent health support, including webinars on mental health, nutrition and healthy relationships.

Tragic Loss and Child Safety: Minister of State Dr. Cassandra Williams expressed deep condolences after police identified the body of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, renewing urgent calls to protect girls and young women from abuse and exploitation. Weather and Disaster Readiness: Dominica’s NEMA and regional partners are monitoring a tropical wave and low-pressure system, with forecasts warning of showers, isolated thunderstorms, stronger winds, Saharan dust affecting air quality and visibility, and rougher seas—urging people in flood, landslide and rockfall-prone areas to stay alert. Climate-Resilient Schools: The OECS Climate Resilience push reached Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory with a new drainage system, hurricane-protective doors, and emergency power and communications to help schools serve as safer community shelters. Indigenous Peoples Day: Dominica marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, highlighting Kalinago resilience and the UN theme on honouring Indigenous midwives and safeguarding life and well-being. Waste and Public Health: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor flagged inconsistent garbage collection in Salisbury, saying delays leave waste for animals to scatter and raise health risks—calling for more collection capacity. Youth and Health: Across the region, International Youth Day coverage highlighted youth-led AI policy discussions and adolescent health support through the REACH project’s webinars and training.

Climate Resilience for Schools: Atkinson Primary in the Kalinago Territory received upgrades under an OECS “Capacity Development for Disaster-Resilient Schools in Indigenous Communities” project, including a new 100-foot drainage system for chronic flooding, hurricane-protection doors, and emergency communications plus solar lighting and backup power to keep schools and community spaces functioning during disasters. Weather Watch: Dominica is under the influence of a tropical wave with showers and possible isolated thunderstorms, rising winds into the weekend, and Saharan dust bringing moderate-to-poor air quality and low visibility; mariners are urged to use navigational devices as seas build. Storm Monitoring: NEMA is tracking a mid-Atlantic low pressure area (Invest 92L) that could strengthen toward the Eastern Caribbean by this weekend, though there’s no watch or warning yet. Youth and Health: International Youth Day coverage highlights Caribbean efforts to strengthen adolescent health, including REACH webinars on reproductive health, mental health, nutrition, and parent-teen communication. Waste and Public Health: Salisbury MP Jesma Paul-Victor renewed calls for better garbage collection, saying inconsistent service leaves waste on roadsides, attracting insects and rodents and worsening environmental and health risks. Indigenous Recognition: Dominica marked UN International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with Kalinago-focused messages on resilience and the theme “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.”

Weather & Disaster Readiness: A tropical wave is set to keep Dominica cloudy with showers and possible isolated thunderstorms tonight, with rising winds into the weekend and Saharan dust lowering air quality and visibility; seas may reach up to 5 ft west and 8 ft east, so small craft operators should stay cautious, while NEMA and regional forecasters also track two eastern Atlantic systems that could develop over the coming days. Waste & Public Health: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor says Salisbury’s garbage collection is being undermined by limited trucks and inconsistent schedules, leaving waste on roadsides where animals scatter it—raising environmental and health risks—and calls for more collection capacity. Indigenous Peoples & Health Traditions: Dominica marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with Kalinago resilience in focus, highlighting Indigenous midwives and the theme on safeguarding life and well-being. Education Support: ECAAM wrapped its second year of a Summer Intensive Academic Support Programme, expanding from two to five learners with individualized plans that also target social-emotional and independence skills. Youth, Tech & SDGs: International Youth Day events in New York spotlight youth-led AI policy discussions tied to sustainable development goals, reinforcing calls for meaningful youth participation.

Storm Watch: NEMA is tracking Invest 92L in the mid-Atlantic, with conditions seen as favorable for it to strengthen into a tropical depression within 2–3 days as it heads toward the Eastern Caribbean; no watches or warnings are in effect yet, but NEMA says the exact path and impacts for the islands remain uncertain. Youth & Health: Dominica is among countries backing the REACH Project’s International Youth Day push, using webinars and training to strengthen adolescent health support across the region. Indigenous Heritage: Dominica marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with Kalinago Upliftment Minister Cozier Frederick, spotlighting Kalinago resilience and honoring Indigenous midwives and their role in safeguarding life and well-being. Waste & Public Health: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor says Salisbury’s garbage collection problems are leaving waste on roadsides long enough for animals to scatter it, raising insect and rodent risks. Creative Economy: PM Skerrit announced plans to appoint a dedicated minister for the creative sector under a new Dominica Creative Economy Development Agency (DCEDA), aiming for stronger support for creative businesses and talent. Agriculture Resilience: The budget includes EC$1.5 million in fully government-funded crop insurance to help farmers recover after hurricanes and other climate disasters.

Indigenous Peoples Day: Dominica marked UN International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with Kalinago Upliftment Minister Cozier Frederick, spotlighting Kalinago resilience and the UN theme “Honouring Indigenous Midwives,” linking traditional knowledge to community health and survival. Waste & public health: Opposition Salisbury MP Jesma Paul-Victor renewed calls for better garbage collection, saying inconsistent truck service leaves rubbish on roadsides long enough for animals to scatter it, raising insect and rodent risks. Environment & governance: A Bellevue Chopin resident appealed for urgent removal of months-old household garbage, warning that delays are pushing communities toward illegal dumping and creating health hazards. Blue economy & tourism: President Sylvanie Burton backed plans for a modern Portsmouth marina to grow yacht and luxury tourism while protecting Dominica’s natural assets. Climate-smart farming: Government announced EC$1.5 million crop insurance fully funded by the state to help farmers recover after hurricanes and other climate disasters. EU pressure on CBI: The EU set a June 1, 2028 deadline for Dominica and four other Eastern Caribbean states to phase out Citizenship-by-Investment programmes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access.

Indigenous Peoples Day: Dominica marked UN International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with Kalinago Upliftment Minister Cozier Frederick, spotlighting Kalinago resilience and the theme “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.” Waste & public health: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor says Salisbury’s garbage collection is failing residents, with trash left roadside long enough for animals to scatter it—raising insect and rodent risks. Sanitation pressure: A Bellevue Chopin resident appealed for urgent removal of months-old household waste, warning rats have been drawn to the pile and pushing for stronger follow-up on waste management. Blue economy & marine tourism: President Sylvanie Burton backed a Portsmouth marina plan to grow yacht and luxury tourism while protecting Dominica’s blue economy. Climate resilience for farmers: Government announced EC$1.5 million crop insurance fully funded by the state to help farmers recover after hurricanes and other climate disasters. Creative sector boost: PM Skerrit says Dominica will appoint a dedicated minister for a new Creative Economy Development Agency to support creative businesses and talent. Storm watch: Forecasters are tracking a tropical wave that could develop into Storm Cristobal, with uncertainty over whether it will affect the eastern Caribbean.

Marine Tourism & Blue Economy: President Sylvanie Burton says Dominica wants to grow yacht and luxury tourism with a modern marina in Portsmouth, aiming to create jobs while protecting the island’s natural assets. Waste & Public Health: A Bellevue Chopin resident says months of uncollected household garbage are attracting rats, raising health and safety concerns and highlighting gaps in waste collection. Climate Risk for Farmers: Government will fund EC$1.5 million in crop insurance for farmers, fully paid by the state, to help livelihoods after hurricanes and climate-linked disasters. Sustainable Tourism & Culture: The Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Dominica–Martinique residency where artists worked on themes like climate resilience, biodiversity, and rivers, forests and coastline. Agriculture Infrastructure: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor calls for a comprehensive, climate-resilient programme to rehabilitate Salisbury farm access roads to prevent lost income and wasted labour. Governance & Environment: President Burton urged stronger regional cooperation on climate action, disaster preparedness, and food security—arguing no Caribbean country can tackle these alone. CBI Under Pressure: Paul-Victor warns declining CBI revenue could affect climate resilience and major infrastructure, as EU pressure on citizenship schemes continues. Local Business Push: Burton told Parliament that buying local is a strategic imperative for resilience, alongside rebuilding the National Abattoir to reduce dependence on imported meat.

Indigenous Rights & Health: A UN chief’s message spotlights how Indigenous Peoples—key guardians of biodiversity—remain disproportionately excluded, while Dominica’s own commentary honours Indigenous midwives and the right to safe, dignified care. CBI Scrutiny: Businessman Gregor Nassief says a leaked letter followed years of warnings about Citizenship by Investment practices, arguing alleged “unlawful” pathways tied to housing are now harming the programme. Budget & Participation: The Dominica Business Forum is hosting a virtual post-budget forum to widen input into the 2026–2027 budget debate, after calls that stakeholders had limited access. Climate-Resilient Health: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor urges a modern, climate-resilient Salisbury Health Centre with expanded services, backup power and water storage. Agriculture Resilience: Government-backed crop insurance worth EC$1.5 million will fully cover premiums for farmers to help absorb hurricane and climate shocks. Waste & Public Health: A Bellevue Chopin resident reports months of uncollected garbage, attracting rats and raising health risks, calling for urgent action by the solid waste authority. Blue Economy & Marine Tourism: President Sylvanie Burton backs a Portsmouth marina to grow yacht and luxury tourism while protecting Dominica’s blue economy. EU Pressure on CBI: The EU has set a June 1, 2028 deadline for Dominica and four other states to phase out CBI schemes or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Tax & Cost of Living: Customs reforms will end “tax on tax” on imports from Oct. 1, and a new 10% flat personal income tax rate begins Jan. 2027. Electricity Bills: VINLEC’s fuel surcharge is drawing renewed concern as consumers brace for higher power costs.

Marine Tourism & Blue Economy: Dominica is pushing ahead with plans for a modern Portsmouth marina to tap yacht and luxury tourism demand while protecting the natural assets that make the island stand out. Waste & Public Health: A Bellevue Chopin resident says months of uncollected household garbage are attracting rats and creating health risks, renewing calls for faster action from the Solid Waste Management Corporation and the Environment Ministry. Climate Risk & Resilience: The government announced EC$1.5 million crop insurance for farmers, fully funded by the state, to help livelihoods recover after hurricanes and other climate-linked disasters. Regional Cooperation: President Sylvanie Burton urged stronger CARICOM/OECS collaboration on climate action, health security, food security, disaster preparedness and trade. Tax & Cost of Living: Dominica will cut personal income tax to a single 10% flat rate from January 2027, while also ending “tax on tax” at ports from October 1 to reduce import costs. CBI Scrutiny: Dominica defended its Citizenship by Investment programme in the face of growing EU pressure to phase out such schemes. Tourism Awards & Training: CMEx named its first seven honorees for 2026 leadership awards spanning tourism, media, sustainability and community development.

Budget Participation: The Dominica Business Forum is hosting a virtual post-budget forum on the 2026–2027 National Budget tonight (Aug 8) to widen input from business and civil society, with economist Kent Vidal leading a review and Q&A. Health & Climate Resilience: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor urged the government to modernize and expand the Salisbury Health Centre into a climate-resilient, accessible primary care and wellness hub with backup power and stronger maternal, child and mental health services. Water & Drought Watch: Across the region, Puerto Rico is rolling out 48-hour water outages in San Juan amid severe drought—an early warning for Caribbean tourism and utilities planning. Marine Tourism Push: President Sylvanie Burton says Dominica is moving to grow marine tourism, including plans for a modern Portsmouth marina to support yacht and luxury visitors while protecting the blue economy. Waste Management Pressure: A Bellevue Chopin resident is appealing for urgent removal of months-old household garbage, saying delays are attracting rats and raising health risks. Agriculture Risk Shield: Government announced EC$1.5 million crop insurance for farmers, fully funded by the state, to help livelihoods recover after hurricanes and other climate-related disasters. Tax & Import Costs: Customs reforms will end “tax on tax” from Oct 1 by calculating excise tax and VAT on imports using only CIF value, aiming to cut clearance costs and simplify trade. Regional Cooperation: President Burton called for stronger CARICOM and OECS cooperation on climate action, disaster preparedness, food security and health security.