AGP Executive Report

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Debate: Local businessman Kenny Green says Dominica’s CBI programme helped restart the economy after Hurricane Maria, keeping public salaries flowing and pulling private business back to life, while also warning that the European Commission’s push to end CBI by 2028 could force CBI countries to make hard choices. Aviation & Tourism Infrastructure: Dominica’s planned international airport is moving into route-building mode, with reports that American Airlines may add capacity from December, United Airlines plans to resume New York service in October, and other carriers have shown interest. Housing & Climate Resilience: PM Roosevelt Skerrit marked the handover of climate-resilient homes for 11 Canefield East families, alongside a wider push for more resilient housing units across multiple communities. Agriculture Skills & Food Security: Eco Balance secured a grant for its “Greening Farms” project in central Dominica, pairing soil/runoff work with farmer training, composting systems, and bilingual best-practices support. Regional Agriculture Policy: OECS Director General Didacus Jules urged governments to open crown lands to young farmers on transparent, bank-collateral-friendly terms. Local Governance Watch: Roseau North by-election campaigning continues ahead of the Sept. 7 vote, with candidates pitching jobs, housing, healthcare, waste management and development priorities.

CBI & Investment Politics: Local businessman Kenny Green says Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme helped restart the private sector after Hurricane Maria and continues to fund major national projects, while also noting the wider Caribbean CBI challenge after the European Commission’s push to end programmes by 2028. Housing & Construction: PM Roosevelt Skerrit announced a $10M housing loan facility for public officers earning $45,000 or less at 5% interest, and separately handed over keys to 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East as more units roll out. Agriculture & Farm Safety: Eco Balance secured a DNCTF grant for its “Greening Farms” project in Central Dominica, backing soil mapping, composting systems, and safer equipment use—while southeast banana and plantain farmers received practical training on chemical handling and mist-blower operations. Aviation & Tourism Links: Dominica’s planned international airport push is already drawing airline interest, with reports of American Airlines capacity increases and United resuming New York service, alongside talks with other major carriers. Local Governance Watch: Residents of Roseau North head to a by-election on Sept. 7, with candidates pitching economic development, healthcare, waste management, and infrastructure priorities. Climate Resilience Debate: Commentary argues the world has broken the 1.5°C promise and that small states shouldn’t take on more debt for damage they didn’t cause.

Sustainable Farming Push: Eco Balance Inc. secured a DNCTF grant of XCD 33,918.17 for its “Greening Farms” 12-month project in Dominica’s Central Agricultural Region, including soil mapping, runoff risk checks, safer use of ergonomic weeders/brush cutters, composting systems, peer learning, and a bilingual best-practices manual for farmers—especially women. Housing & Construction Delivery: PM Roosevelt Skerrit’s government handed over keys to 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, while residents are also questioning delays on the long-stalled Castle Bruce Police Station project, now left incomplete for years. Agriculture Skills & Recognition: More than 20 southeast banana and plantain farmers received hands-on training on chemical safety and mist-blower use, and two young Dominican farmers—Ephraim Elijah Roberts and Dywany St. John—won regional honours for diversified, resilience-focused farming. Air Connectivity Watch: Dominica’s planned international airport is moving into route development mode, with reports of American Airlines adding capacity and United resuming New York service, alongside talks with other major carriers. Finance Innovation: Asprofin Bank expands into embedded finance via an API-driven Banking-as-a-Service partnership with Digital TRVST, targeting major transaction volume growth. Civic & Political Stakes: The Roseau North by-election is set for Sept. 7, with candidates pitching jobs, housing, healthcare, waste management, and governance themes.

Roseau North By-Election: Voters head to the polls Monday, Sept. 7, 2026 after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation, choosing between UWP’s Daniel Lugay, DLP’s Ashma McDougall and independent Sherman Boston; campaigns are centered on jobs, healthcare, waste management and local infrastructure, with Lugay proposing a commercial hub and a plan to relocate the Fond Cole landfill. Housing & Public Finance: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says 11 Canefield East families received keys to climate-resilient homes, while a new $10M housing loan facility will help public officers earning $45,000 or less buy homes at 5% interest. Air Connectivity Push: Dominica’s planned international airport is drawing airline interest, with reports of American Airlines adding capacity from December and United resuming seasonal New York service in October. Banking & Fintech: Asprofin Bank expands into embedded finance via a partnership with Digital TRVST, targeting about US$5B in annualized transaction volume through API-enabled Banking-as-a-Service. Agriculture Skills & Awards: Southeast banana/plantain farmers get chemical-safety and equipment training, and young farmer Ephraim Elijah Roberts wins an OECS Young Farmer Award for diversified, resilient farming. CBI Debate: Businessman Kenny Green backs Dominica’s CBI but warns Caribbean programs face pressure after the European Commission’s call to end them by 2028; meanwhile, questions continue around Gregor Nassief’s political alignment amid reported CBI disputes.

Climate & Finance: A new op-ed says the world has broken the 1.5°C promise and argues small states like Dominica shouldn’t take on more debt to repair damage they didn’t cause. Housing & Construction: PM Roosevelt Skerrit announced a $10M housing loan facility for public officers earning $45,000 or less at 5% interest, while 11 Canefield East families received keys to climate-resilient homes and more handovers are planned across multiple communities. Aviation & Tourism Infrastructure: Dominica’s international airport push is moving into route-building mode, with reports of airline interest and capacity increases on Douglas-Charles services. Banking & Digital Services: Asprofin Bank is expanding embedded finance via API-driven Banking-as-a-Service partnerships, targeting major transaction volumes. Agriculture & Food Security: Two young Dominican farmers won regional honours, and southeast banana/plantain producers received practical safety training; meanwhile, the Ministry flagged lethal yellowing disease risks for coconut and palm growers. Politics & Governance: Ahead of the Roseau North by-election, businessman Gregor Nassief and DLP campaign meetings are fueling fresh debate over governance and CBI-linked questions. Regional Industry & Markets: OECS urged transparent crown-land access for young farmers, and SVG adopted a regional digital health warning system to strengthen port and event readiness.

Housing Finance Boost: PM Dr Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will extend a new $10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers earning $45,000 or less, with 5% interest, to help more families move toward home ownership. Climate-Resilient Homes Handover: 11 Canefield East families received keys to hurricane-resilient homes, with more units set to begin construction soon as the government pushes “promises kept” on safer housing. Air Access for the Airport Build: International Airport Development Company officials report major airlines are showing interest, including expected capacity increases from American Airlines and renewed seasonal service from United Airlines, as route planning ramps up alongside construction. CBI Industry Debate: Businessman Kenny Green backs Dominica’s CBI as post–Hurricane Maria relief, but warns the European Commission’s push to end CBI by 2028 could force major changes across the region. Agriculture Skills & Safety: More than 20 southeast banana and plantain farmers trained at La Plaine on safer chemical handling and mist-blower use, with tools and follow-up support from the Banana and Plantain Unit. Young Farmers Recognised: Ephraim Elijah Roberts won the OECS Young Farmer Award for diversified, resilience-focused farming, while regional youth agriculture leaders also urged better access to crown lands on transparent terms. Regional Climate Justice Grants: Six Caribbean civil society groups received small grants to strengthen grassroots climate justice work, including support for women in agriculture and fisheries and practical resilience tools.

Climate Finance Pressure: Sir Ronald Sanders says the world has broken its 1.5°C promise, warning small states like Dominica—already hit by rising risks—shouldn’t be forced into more debt to pay for damage they didn’t cause. Housing & Construction: PM Roosevelt Skerrit handed over keys to 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, with 6 more homes set to start soon, as government pushes “promises kept” on hurricane resilience. Public Officers Home Loans: Skerrit also announced a new $10M housing loan facility for public officers earning $45,000 or less, offering 5% interest to help more families move toward home ownership. Roseau North Politics: Ahead of the Sept. 7 by-election, businessman Gregor Nassief’s reported UWP alignment is drawing questions, while DLP candidate Ashma McDougall’s campaign rallies in Fond Cole and Yampiece focus on governance and housing records. Air Service Push: As Dominica’s international airport takes shape, major airlines are reportedly showing interest, including expected capacity increases from American Airlines and renewed New York service by United Airlines. Agriculture Skills & Awards: Banana and plantain farmers in the southeast received practical safety training, and two young Dominicans won regional honours—Ephraim Elijah Roberts (OECS Young Farmer) and Dywany St. John (CARICOM Young Farmer). Banking & Digital Growth: Asprofin Bank expands embedded finance via API-driven Banking-as-a-Service partnership with Digital TRVST, targeting large transaction volumes. Climate Justice Grants: Six Caribbean civil society groups received small grants to boost grassroots climate justice work, including tools and advocacy tied to resilience and agriculture. Health Security Tech: SVG became the first OECS state to adopt the regional early warning surveillance and response system, strengthening port and event monitoring. Energy & Industry: IRENA is inviting renewable project proposals across the region, including Dominica, for potential financing support through its climate and transition platforms.

Housing Finance: PM Roosevelt Skerrit announced a new $10M housing loan facility for lower-income public officers (earning $45,000 or less), offering financing at 5% interest via the Government Housing Board, as the government continues rolling out climate-resilient homes in Canefield East and other communities. Roseau North Politics: Businessman Gregor Nassief urged voters to back “the right people” in the Roseau North by-election, framing the race as a test of good governance, transparency, and accountability. CBI Debate: Nassief’s reported political move is being questioned amid claims tied to Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme, including allegations and public controversy around Secret Bay and demands for further CBI-related benefits. Aviation & Tourism Links: Dominica’s planned international airport is moving toward route development, with reports that American Airlines and United Airlines are expected to expand or resume services, while talks continue with other major carriers. Banking & Fintech: Asprofin Bank says it’s expanding embedded finance through an API-driven Banking-as-a-Service partnership with Digital TRVST, targeting major transaction volumes and new digital banking integrations. Agriculture Recognition: Two young Dominican farmers won regional honours—Ephraim Elijah Roberts took the OECS Young Farmer Award and Dywany St. John was named CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year—highlighting diversification and resilience. Farm Safety Training: Southeast banana and plantain producers received hands-on training on safer chemical handling and mist-blower use, with tools provided to support better farm operations. Climate Justice Grants: Six Caribbean groups received small grants to advance grassroots climate justice advocacy, including work on climate litigation, women in agriculture, and hurricane impacts.

Air Connectivity Watch: Major airlines are reportedly eyeing Dominica’s developing international airport, with American Airlines expected to boost Douglas-Charles capacity from December, United set to resume seasonal New York service in October, and talks ongoing with JetBlue, Delta, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Banking & Fintech: Dominica-headquartered Asprofin Bank is expanding into embedded finance via an API-driven Banking-as-a-Service partnership with Digital TRVST, targeting about US$5 billion in annualized transaction volume. Agriculture Awards: Ephraim Elijah Roberts (Castle Bruce) won the OECS Young Farmer Award, while Dywany St. John was named CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year 2026, both highlighting diversification and resilience. Climate-Resilient Housing: Canefield East families are set to receive new hurricane-resilient homes as part of a wider handover of 215 units across nine communities. Regional Farming Support: Southeast banana and plantain producers gained hands-on training on farm safety, chemical handling and mist-blower use. Policy & Land Access: OECS governments were urged to provide crown lands to farmers on transparent, bank-collateral-friendly terms to help youth scale agribusiness. CBI Debate: Businessman Kenny Green endorsed Dominica’s CBI program but warned Caribbean CBI schemes face pressure after the European Commission’s call to end them by 2028.

Housing & Resilience: Dominica is set to hand over climate-resilient homes to about 11 Canefield East families on Sept. 4, with keys and ceremonies tied to a wider push for 215 hurricane-resilient units across nine communities. CBI & Investment Climate: Businessman Kenny Green backs Dominica’s CBI programme, while warning the wider Caribbean CBI model faces pressure after the European Commission’s call to end it by 2028—though he says major Dominica-funded projects are nearing completion. Agriculture Skills & Safety: More than 20 southeast banana and plantain farmers received hands-on training at La Plaine on safer chemical handling and correct mist-blower use, plus tools and supplies to support production. Food & Plant Health Threats: The Ministry of Agriculture is holding an LYD awareness meeting for Grand Bay and nearby communities, after lethal yellowing disease was confirmed in Dominica in March 2026. Regional Climate Justice Grants: Six Caribbean civil society groups received small grants to boost grassroots climate justice advocacy, including work on climate litigation, women in agriculture and fisheries, and documenting hurricane impacts. Embedded Finance Push: Asprofin Bank says it’s expanding Banking-as-a-Service and embedded finance capabilities via an API-enabled platform partnership, aiming to serve fintech and cross-border transaction demand.

Housing & Resilience: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced a “Welcome Home” handover for 11 Canefield East families on Sept 4, with keys to hurricane-resilient homes as part of a wider plan to deliver 215 climate-ready units across nine communities. CBI & Investment Debate: Businessman Kenny Green endorsed Dominica’s CBI programme but warned the European Commission is pushing an end by 2028, while insisting major Dominica CBI projects are nearing completion. Agriculture Skills: More than 20 Southeast banana and plantain farmers trained at La Plaine on safer handling of agricultural chemicals and correct use of mist-blower equipment, with tools and supplies provided. Food & Plant Health: The Ministry of Agriculture held a Grand Bay awareness meeting on Lethal Yellowing Disease, urging communities to spot and respond to the palm-killing threat after confirmed cases in March 2026. Regional Climate Justice: Six Caribbean civil society groups received small grants to boost grassroots climate justice work, including projects on climate litigation, women in agriculture and fisheries, and documenting major hurricanes’ impacts. Renewables Finance: IRENA invited renewable energy developers across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, to submit projects for potential support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Business & Tech Finance: Asprofin Bank (Dominica) is expanding embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service through an API-enabled partnership aimed at boosting cross-border transaction capabilities.

Climate & Advocacy Grants: Six Caribbean civil society groups received small grants to push grassroots climate justice, including work on climate litigation, women in agriculture and fisheries, and documenting impacts of Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa. Farm Safety Training: More than 20 southeast banana and plantain farmers in Dominica trained at La Plaine on safer chemical handling and correct mist-blower use, plus received tools and supplies. Agriculture Policy & Land Access: OECS Director General Didacus Jules urged governments to provide crown lands to young farmers on transparent terms that banks can recognize as collateral, stressing inclusion beyond “ceremonial” support. Food & Agrifood Recognition: Dominica’s Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste was named among FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in agrifood systems, while the Plant Protection and Quarantine Division invited Grand Bay residents to a Lethal Yellowing Disease awareness meeting. Fisheries Value-Add: A Scotts Head fish processing plant is set for tendering, aiming to expand livelihoods through drying, smoking and freezing. Renewables Financing Push: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, with Dominica included. Digital Finance Expansion: Dominica-headquartered Asprofin Bank is expanding embedded finance via an API-enabled banking platform.

Banana & Plantain Sector: More than 20 Southeast farmers got hands-on training at the La Plaine Agricultural Training Centre on safer chemical handling and correct mist-blower use, plus tools and supplies to support production. Agribusiness Land Access: OECS governments were urged to provide crown lands to young farmers on transparent terms they can use as bank-collateral under 10-year arrangements, with inclusion for people with disabilities built into training and finance. Food & Farming Risk: Farmers and residents in Grand Bay were invited to a Lethal Yellowing Disease awareness meeting after Dominica confirmed LYD in March 2026, with guidance on identifying and responding to threats to coconut and ornamental palms. Fishing Value-Add: A Scotts Head village fish processing plant is set for tendering, aiming to help fishermen in Soufriere and Scotts Head with drying, smoking and frozen fish options. Digital Health & Ports: SVG became the first OECS state to adopt the regional digital early warning system (RIEWSS), training officials and piloting vessel surveillance to strengthen health security ahead of major gatherings. Finance & Industry Tech: Asprofin Bank announced expansion of API-enabled banking-as-a-service and embedded finance, targeting fintech and cross-border transaction growth. Politics & Business Scrutiny: Questions are rising over Gregor Nassief’s reported shift toward the UWP amid claims about CBI-related benefits and pressure on government. Elderly Spotlight: Dominica’s Month of the Elderly 2026 programme was launched with events from Grandparents Week to health fairs and senior sports days.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party campaign heat rises as PM Roosevelt Skerrit backs Ashma McDougall at a Yampiece public meeting ahead of the Sept 7, 2026 vote, arguing the DLP’s housing, education and disaster response record—and McDougall’s door-to-door listening—make the seat worth returning. Agriculture & Biosecurity: The Ministry of Agriculture is holding an LYD awareness meeting for Grand Bay and nearby communities after Lethal Yellowing Disease was confirmed in March 2026, urging farmers to spot and respond to the fast-killing threat to coconut and ornamental palms. Food Systems Recognition: Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste has been named among FAO’s inaugural “100 Women Heroes” in agrifood systems, with her 40+ years of sustainable, mixed farming and local market supply highlighted. Agri-Tech Capacity: Dominica’s Tissue Culture Laboratory in Portsmouth is boosting production of 500,000+ high-quality plants yearly, supporting healthier planting material and disaster recovery seed storage. Fisheries Processing Push: A Scotts Head village fish processing plant is set for tendering, aiming to expand livelihoods through drying, smoking and frozen fish options for Soufriere and Scotts Head fishermen. Creative Industry Growth: Discover Dominica Authority signs with Stage 32 to open international training and certification pathways for local filmmakers and audiovisual professionals. Regional Land Access for Farmers: OECS Director General Didacus Jules urges member governments to provide crown lands to young farmers on transparent, bank-collateral-friendly terms to strengthen regional agriculture. Aging Community Calendar: Dominica Council on Ageing launches Month of the Elderly 2026 programming, themed around empowering elder voices, with events running from Sept 1 through late September.

Fuel & Transport Disruption: Most gas stations in Antigua shut pumps amid an industrial action dispute over fuel profit margins, leaving motorists scrambling and forming long lines at the few stations still operating. Public Health & Ports: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS state to adopt the regional digital early warning system RIEWSS, with added port surveillance pilots under CARPHA’s World Bank-backed OECS health project. Geothermal Power Build-Out: Nevis inspected the Tyr drilling rig ahead of geothermal drilling for a planned 30MW project, with NEVLEC leading execution and major regional financiers backing the rollout. Agriculture Biosecurity: Dominica’s Plant Protection and Quarantine Division held a Grand Bay awareness meeting on Lethal Yellowing Disease, confirming the threat since March 2026 and urging community detection and response. Agri-Food Recognition: Dominica farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste was named among FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in agrifood systems, spotlighting sustainable practices and local market supply. Agri-Industry Capacity: Portsmouth’s Tissue Culture Laboratory is expanding plant production to support healthier planting material and faster recovery after disasters. Fisheries Value-Add: A new fish processing plant is planned for the Soufriere-Scotts Head area to help fishermen diversify into drying, smoking and frozen products. Energy Transition Funding: IRENA is calling for renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, with potential support via its financing platforms. Business & Finance Innovation: Asprofin Bank is expanding embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service via an API-enabled partnership aimed at boosting transaction volumes across the region. Creative Sector Loss: Dominica mourns graphic designer Travis Bannis after a Canefield Cliff accident.

UN Diplomacy Watch: UNGA 2026 kicks off in New York with leaders facing wars, political tension and funding cuts, with US President Donald Trump expected to shape the week’s Iran-focused agenda and UN relations. Health Security & Ports: SVG becomes the first OECS state to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), including a Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System pilot to strengthen detection and reporting at ports. Agriculture Biosecurity: Dominica invites Grand Bay farmers and residents to a Lethal Yellowing Disease awareness meeting after the disease was confirmed in March 2026, warning coconut and ornamental palms can die within months. Energy & Power Projects: Nevis inspects its geothermal drilling rig ahead of mobilization for a planned 30MW development, while IRENA calls for renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean. Fisheries & Jobs: Dominica’s Scotts Head-Soufriere-Scotts Head village fish processing plant moves toward tendering for design and construction to expand processing options like drying, smoking and freezing. Agrifood Recognition: Capuchin farmer Gilles Carbon-Jno Baptiste is named among FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in agrifood systems, highlighting sustainable, long-running farm work. Creative Industry Skills: Dominica’s DDA signs with Stage 32 to open international training and certification pathways for local filmmakers and audiovisual professionals. Sports Infrastructure: Pointe Ronde’s new multi-purpose complex is on track for World Athletics Class One certification, boosting Dominica’s ability to host sanctioned meets. Business & Finance: Asprofin Bank expands embedded finance via an API-enabled Banking-as-a-Service partnership aimed at fintech and cross-border transaction growth.