AGP Executive Report

Pre-Budget Industry Input: DAIC is urging “meaningful concessions” for Dominicans importing hybrid vehicles, while also backing a US$25 household levy earmarked for solid waste management. Tourism & Wellness Push: The Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community engagement under “Be Well in Nature.” Destination Marketing Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (effective June 1) to drive global brand visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Tourism Momentum: TravelPulse highlights Dominica as the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination, citing 2025 stayover arrivals up 19% and cruise passengers at a decade high, with 2026 Q1 overnight arrivals up 10%. Climate Resilience Funding: Government launched the US$26M DOMCREP (EC$70.2M) to boost food security, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and support farmers in eight vulnerable communities. Agriculture Hit by Bushfire: A June 3 bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed about 2.5 acres of crops and damaged 2,500 gallons of water storage, with officials assessing next steps for affected farmers. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC restored power to most customers after an island-wide outage caused by a trip at the geothermal plant, with remaining areas expected back by early evening. Connectivity & Business Continuity: Flow says it invested over US$1M in network upgrades to eliminate mobile interference in northern Dominica, with equipment arriving mid-June. Regional Trade/Transport Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted by a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocking Pointe-à-Pitre port. Industry Risk & Preparedness: DAIC is calling for broader disaster planning beyond hurricanes, covering outages, supply chain interruptions, and other hazards.

Tourism Recognition: Dominica was named the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination by TravelPulse, with Discover Dominica Authority pointing to strong momentum—15% more arrivals in 2025 (496,635 total) and 10% overnight growth in early 2026. Wellness Push: The Ministry of Tourism and DDA launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July and tying wellness to geothermal, rivers, forests, farming traditions and culture. Climate Resilience Funding: Government launched DOMCREP, a US$26M (EC$70.2M) Green Climate Fund-backed project for eight vulnerable communities, targeting water security, disaster management upgrades, early warning systems, and support for farmers and agro-processors. Agriculture Hit by Fire: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed about 2.5 acres of crops and damaged 2,500 gallons of water storage, with the Ministry of Agriculture assessing losses and next steps. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC restored power to most customers after a geothermal plant trip collapsed the national grid, with remaining outages expected to clear by early evening. Business & Skills: DAIC urged broader disaster preparedness beyond hurricanes as Atlantic hurricane season begins, while the Ministry of Education invited the public to TVET Showcase 2026 highlighting agriculture, garment production and food/nutrition training. Connectivity & Trade: Flow invested over US$1M to address mobile interference in northern Dominica, and regional partners advanced KARULINK maritime connectivity planning with EU support.

Tourism Momentum: TravelPulse has named Dominica one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, citing rising visitor numbers and major infrastructure progress; Discover Dominica Authority says arrivals climbed 15% in 2025 to 496,635, with overnight arrivals up 19% to 99,846 and early 2026 growth continuing. Wellness Push: The Ministry of Tourism and the DDA launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community-led activities under “Be Well in Nature.” Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica officially launched the US$26M DOMCREP (EC$70.2M) in Marigot, backed by the Green Climate Fund and CCCCC, targeting eight vulnerable communities with upgrades to water storage, disaster management, early warning, and support for farmers and agro-processors. Farm Losses from Fire: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed about 2.5 acres of crops and damaged water storage tanks (2,500 gallons), prompting Agriculture Ministry follow-up assessments. Industry Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (effective June 1) to drive destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Power Reliability: DOMLEC restored electricity to most of the island after a geothermal plant trip caused a full grid shutdown, with remaining areas expected to come back by early evening. Regional Connectivity: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to advance EU-backed plans for new maritime routes and better tourism and commerce links across participating territories.

Wellness Tourism Push: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with the public engagement banner “Be Well in Nature,” aiming to lean on geothermal resources, rivers, forests, farming traditions and culture as visitor demand shifts toward nature-led rest and reconnection. Climate Resilience Funding: The US$25M DOMCREP (EC$70.2M) was officially launched in Marigot, backed by the Green Climate Fund and implemented with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, targeting eight vulnerable communities with upgrades to water security, disaster management infrastructure, early warning systems, and support for farmers and agro-processors. Agriculture Hit by Fire: A bushfire in Salisbury’s Grand Savanne destroyed crops and farm water infrastructure, damaging about 2.5 acres and wiping out watermelon, pumpkin, eggplant and bell pepper, while also destroying 2,500 gallons of storage capacity. Tourism Leadership Update: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (effective June 1) to drive destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Regional Connectivity: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to advance maritime connectivity across Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Guadeloupe, supported by EU INTERREG funding. Business Preparedness: DAIC urged firms to broaden disaster readiness beyond hurricanes as risks like flooding, heat, outages and supply disruptions increasingly affect operations.

Tourism & Branding: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community-led activities under “Be Well in Nature,” as officials link the push to Dominica’s geothermal, rivers, forests, agriculture and culture. Climate Resilience & Water Security: The US$25M DOMCREP (EC$70.2M) was officially launched in Marigot, funded mainly by the Green Climate Fund via UNFCCC’s Green Climate Fund and implemented with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, targeting eight vulnerable communities with upgrades to water storage (aiming for a 30% increase), early warning, disaster management and support for farmers and agro-processors. Agriculture Hit by Fire: A bushfire in Salisbury/Grand Savanne destroyed crops and farm infrastructure, affecting about 2.5 acres and wiping out watermelon, pumpkin, eggplant and bell pepper, plus water storage tanks totaling 2,500 gallons. Power & Infrastructure: DOMLEC restored electricity to most of the island after a geothermal plant trip shut down the national grid, with one remaining stretch expected back by early evening. Industry & Markets: The Agriculture Minister highlighted MSMEs as key to food security and agricultural exports, while DAIC urged businesses to broaden disaster preparedness beyond hurricanes as hurricane season begins. Regional Connectivity: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to advance maritime routes and inter-island mobility, supported by the EU INTERREG Caribbean programme. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, effective June 1.

US Visa Shock for Tourism Leadership: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says his US visa renewal was denied, linking it to Washington’s partial travel restrictions tied to Citizenship-by-Investment screening—raising worries for regional airlift, tourism talks, and business travel. Media Spotlight for the Region: CTO recognized Caribbean Week in New York media contributors, underlining how storytelling shapes international perceptions of Caribbean culture and tourism. Climate Resilience Push for Farmers: Dominica launched the US$26M DOMCREP (EC$70.2M) with the Green Climate Fund and CCCC to protect eight vulnerable communities, boosting food security, disaster management infrastructure, early warning systems, and support for farmers and agro-processors. Fire Safety Warning After Salisbury Blaze: A bushfire in Grand Savanne, Salisbury, damaged farmland and irrigation-linked production, with officials urging stronger fire preparedness. Power Restored After Grid Trip: DOMLEC restored electricity after a geothermal plant trip shut down the national grid, with remaining outages expected to clear by evening. Tourism Marketing Team Update: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to drive Nature Island visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Connectivity and Business Continuity: Flow invested over US$1M to tackle mobile interference in northern Dominica, while a Guadeloupe fishermen strike disrupted ferry services to Dominica. Agriculture and Exports Focus: Agriculture Minister Roland Royer highlighted MSMEs as key to food security and agricultural export growth. Regional Maritime Planning: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to advance EU-backed maritime connectivity between Dominica and other islands.

Climate Resilience Funding: Dominica has launched the US$26m (EC$70.2m) Dominica Community Resilience Enhancement Project (DOMCREP) with the Green Climate Fund and CCCCC, targeting food security, disaster preparedness, early warning upgrades, and support for farmers and agro-processors across eight vulnerable communities. Agriculture & Exports: Agriculture Minister Roland Royer used an IICA national seminar to stress that MSMEs are key to strengthening food security and expanding agricultural exports, alongside a push for accountability. Power & Operations: DOMLEC restored electricity to most customers after a geothermal plant trip collapsed the national grid, with remaining service expected to return to the Picard–Ti-Bay area by early evening. Tourism Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (effective June 1) to drive sustainable visitor growth and brand visibility. Connectivity & Business Risk: Flow says it invested over US$1m to address mobile network interference in northern Dominica, while the UPP questioned the long-term financial viability of the international airport project. Regional Shipping Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted by a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocking Pointe-à-Pitre port. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The STAR-Fish project is ramping up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including cold-chain improvements and low-carbon certification support, with Dominica among participating countries.

Power & Grid Reliability: DOMLEC restored electricity to most of Dominica after a nationwide outage triggered by a trip at the Geothermal Power Plant, with service expected to return last to the Picard–Ti-Bay stretch by 6:00 PM. Climate Resilience & Agriculture: Government and CCCCC launched the US$26m (EC$70.2m) DOMCREP for eight vulnerable communities, targeting disaster preparedness, early warning, food security, and support for farmers and agro-processors through 2031. Food Security via MSMEs: Agriculture Minister Roland Royer told stakeholders that MSMEs are essential to strengthening food security and expanding agricultural exports, alongside a push for accountability. Connectivity & Transport: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to advance regional maritime connectivity, including feasibility work for regular passenger routes and more seamless intermodal travel. Telecom & Business Continuity: Flow invested over US$1m in network upgrades to address mobile interference affecting northern communities, with equipment due to arrive June 5–15. Aviation & Tourism Risk: UPP urged transparency on the international airport project’s long-term financial viability, warning taxpayers could face subsidy needs if growth assumptions don’t hold. Industry Preparedness: DAIC called on businesses to broaden disaster planning beyond hurricanes to cover outages, supply chain shocks, flooding, heat, and other hazards. Regional Clean Energy for Fisheries: STAR-Fish (Canada-backed) ramps up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including cold-chain improvements and low-carbon certification support.

Climate Resilience & Agriculture: Dominica has launched the DOMCREP Community Resilience Enhancement Project, a US$26M (EC$70.2M) effort running March 2026–March 2031 with the Green Climate Fund and CCCCC, targeting disaster management upgrades, early warning systems, and support for farmers and agro-processors across eight vulnerable communities. Food Security via MSMEs: Agriculture Minister Roland Royer used an IICA National Accountability Seminar to stress that MSMEs are key to strengthening food security and expanding agricultural exports, alongside stronger accountability for sustainable outcomes. Connectivity & Cost Pressures: Flow says it has invested over US$1M in specialised network upgrades to tackle mobile interference in northern Dominica, blaming external interference from a Guadeloupe operator, with equipment due to arrive June 5–15. Infrastructure Scrutiny: The UPP is calling for more transparency on the long-term financial viability of the international airport project, warning taxpayers could face subsidy pressure if growth assumptions don’t hold. Skills & Jobs Pipeline: The Ministry of Education is inviting the public to TVET Showcase 2026 (June 5, 10am–2pm), highlighting hands-on training areas including agriculture and garment production. Business Preparedness: DAIC is urging firms to broaden disaster planning beyond hurricanes as the Atlantic season begins, citing risks like flooding, heat, outages, and supply chain disruption. Regional Fisheries Clean Energy: STAR-Fish is ramping up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including cold-chain improvements and low-carbon certification support, with Dominica among participating countries. Transport Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted by a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe that blocked Pointe-à-Pitre port, with arrangements being made for stranded passengers. Tourism & Community: EXIT Theatre announced its 2026 Short Play Festival (June 18–27) and Dominica’s Tourism Awareness Month 2026 highlights wellness tourism and upgrades amid rising arrivals.

Airport Finance Scrutiny: The United Progressive Party is urging the Government of Dominica to publish detailed information on the long-term financial viability of the international airport under construction, warning that inflation, rising aviation and operating costs, uncertain tourism trends, and small-island vulnerabilities could leave taxpayers covering future operating subsidies. Telecom Resilience: Flow says it has invested over US$1 million in specialised network upgrades to tackle mobile interference affecting northern communities, with equipment expected to arrive in Dominica between June 5 and June 15 and restore normal service after installation. Skills & Jobs Pipeline: The Ministry of Education is inviting the public to TVET Showcase 2026 on June 5, highlighting hands-on training across areas including Agriculture, Garment Production, Food and Nutrition, and Woodwork. Hurricane Season Readiness: DAIC is calling on businesses and institutions to broaden preparedness beyond hurricanes as risks now include flooding, landslides, heat, water scarcity, and supply chain disruptions. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The Canada-funded STAR-Fish project is stepping up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable energy for cold storage and support for low-carbon certification, with Dominica among participating countries. Maritime Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted after a fishermen’s strike in Guadeloupe blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, with arrangements being made to accommodate stranded passengers. Arbitration & Business Confidence: OHADAC and CARO will launch training programmes on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean on June 10, aiming to strengthen access to economic justice for businesses and investors. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a national accountability seminar in Dominica on June 3 focused on agricultural entrepreneurship, MSMEs, and food security through trade and stronger accountability.

Fisheries & Trade Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted after fishermen in Guadeloupe struck and blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, leaving passengers to be accommodated by shipping agents. Clean Energy for Fisheries: Canada-backed STAR-Fish is scaling clean energy interventions across Dominica and other CARICOM states, targeting renewable tech, better cold-chain storage, and pathways to low-carbon fish certification. Disaster Preparedness: DAIC is urging businesses and agencies to broaden hurricane-season readiness to cover flooding, heat, coastal erosion, landslides, water scarcity, outages, and supply-chain shocks. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a Dominica national accountability seminar on June 3, focusing on agricultural MSMEs, trade links, and strengthening food security. Electricity Reliability: DOMLEC said Tuesday’s load shedding came from a Fond Cole Power Plant generation shortfall tied to a unit fault, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and geothermal expected to return Thursday. Tourism Momentum: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing rising arrivals and major upgrades, with a push toward wellness tourism. Regional Justice Training: OHADAC–CARO will officially launch arbitration and ADR training in the Eastern Caribbean on June 10 to improve access to economic justice for businesses and investors.

Shipping Disruption: Ferry services to Dominica were disrupted after fishermen in Guadeloupe struck and blocked the port of Pointe-à-Pitre, leaving passengers to be accommodated by Whitchurch Shipping/FRS EXPRESS des Îles. Clean Energy for Fisheries: The Canada-funded STAR-Fish project is scaling clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture, including renewable tech for cold storage and support for low-carbon certification, with Dominica among participating countries. Hurricane Preparedness Push: DAIC is urging businesses and institutions to broaden disaster planning beyond hurricanes as the Atlantic season begins, warning of wider risks like flooding, heat, outages, and supply chain shocks. Arbitration & Business Justice: OHADAC and the CARO Centre will launch training on arbitration and ADR across the Eastern Caribbean on June 10, aiming to improve access to economic justice for investors and firms. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a national accountability seminar in Dominica on June 3 focused on agricultural MSMEs, trade, and strengthening food security. Tourism Momentum: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing rising arrivals and major upgrades to key sites. Electricity Reliability: DOMLEC said May 26 load shedding was caused by a generation shortfall linked to issues at Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs scheduled after peak hours.

Tourism & Connectivity: Dominica’s tourism push is getting a boost as the Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism launch Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing a 15% rise in 2025 visitor arrivals and continued growth into 2026 alongside major upgrades to key sites. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC says Tuesday’s load shedding was caused by a generation shortfall linked to a fault at the Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and a warning that more outages could follow if demand stays higher than supply. Legal & Business Access: The OHADAC–CARO training programmes for arbitration and ADR are set for an official launch on 10 June, aiming to strengthen dispute resolution capacity across the Eastern Caribbean, including Dominica, to support a more predictable business environment. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA will hold a National Accountability Seminar in Dominica on 3 June under the theme “From Local Fields to Regional Markets,” focusing on agricultural MSMEs, food security, and IICA’s 2025 results. Regional Environment: A SARSEA workshop in Dominica on 26 May advanced regional cooperation on sargassum management and coastal resilience, with OECS states and partners sharing practical solutions. Policy & Cost of Living: UWP leaders renewed calls for action on fuel costs, including urging CARICOM talks with Guyana to access cheaper gasoline, as Dominica faces higher regulated petroleum prices.

Agribusiness & Food Security: IICA will hold a National Accountability Seminar in Dominica on June 3 under the theme “From Local Fields to Regional Markets,” focusing on how agricultural MSMEs can strengthen food security, jobs, and rural growth, with the 2025 Annual Report to be handed to the agriculture minister. Energy Reliability: DOMLEC says Tuesday’s load shedding came from a generation shortfall tied to a fault at the Fond Cole Power Plant; repairs start after peak hours and geothermal is expected back Thursday. Regional Environment & Resilience: A SARSEA workshop in Dominica (May 26) brought OECS states and partners together to coordinate responses to sargassum impacts, linking biodiversity protection with coastal resilience. Fuel Cost Pressure: UWP leader Thomson Fontaine urged talks with Guyana for cheaper gasoline as Dominica’s fuel prices rose sharply; separately, St. Vincent rolled out short-term relief measures to cushion electricity and LPG costs. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority and the tourism ministry launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, highlighting wellness tourism and upgrades as arrivals keep climbing. Policy & Inclusion: The DCOA called for elderly-friendly building designs, pushing for consultation before development that leaves seniors facing steep stair access. Regional Connectivity Warning: A regional aviation commentary argues Dominica and the ECCU need a unified air-and-sea transport strategy as carriers restructure or exit key routes.

Energy & Utilities: DOMLEC says Tuesday’s May 26 load shedding came from a generation shortfall tied to issues at the Fond Cole Power Plant, with repairs scheduled after peak hours and geothermal expected back by May 28. Water Supply: DOWASCO apologized for an unscheduled water interruption in Roseau and Water Area 1 (Mero to Wall House and surrounding areas), saying service restoration is underway. Tourism & Services: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, highlighting wellness tourism and major upgrades as visitor arrivals keep rising (15% up in 2025; cruise up 21%). Elderly-Friendly Built Environment: DCOA president Nigel Lawrence urged developers to consult seniors and design for accessibility, calling out buildings with steep stair access and no support features. Politics & Fuel Costs: UWP leader Thomson Fontaine pushed for CARICOM talks with Guyana to secure cheaper gasoline as Dominica’s fuel prices rose in May. Regional Aviation Pressure: Caribbean Airlines will end service to Dominica and St. Kitts and cut frequencies to Martinique/Guadeloupe from June 1, citing route losses—fueling calls for a unified air-and-sea transport strategy. Macroeconomic Outlook: The IMF concluded Dominica’s 2026 Article IV, praising growth supported by tourism and infrastructure while warning fiscal and external imbalances remain high.

Regional Aviation Reshuffle: Caribbean Airlines is exiting Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor from June 1, cutting frequencies to Martinique and Guadeloupe, as LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes sign an interline deal starting the same day—another sign of a market rebuilding around new hubs. Fuel Cost Pressure: Dominica’s UWP is urging talks with Guyana for cheaper gasoline after regulated price hikes tied to the US–Israel–Iran conflict. Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism launch Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing rising arrivals and major upgrades, with a focus on wellness tourism. Elderly-Friendly Design: DCOA calls for seniors to be consulted in building projects, warning against step-heavy, multi-storey designs without proper access. Power Reliability: DOMLEC says May 26 load shedding came from a Fond Cole unit fault, with repairs scheduled and geothermal expected to return to boost capacity. Water Service Disruption: DOWASCO apologizes for an unscheduled Roseau and Water Area 1 interruption, promising restoration soon. Health Supply Planning: PAHO/WHO and OECS-PPS convene a workshop in Saint Lucia to strengthen access to medicines and health technologies across the Eastern Caribbean.