AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Culture: UWI Global Campus Dominica and the Division of Culture will host the 13th E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture, spotlighting Traditional Crafts and how nature and Indigenous knowledge shape Dominica’s arts, with a civil and environmental engineer moderating. Clean Energy for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region to turn clean energy ideas into market-ready solutions. Agriculture Trade & Labour: Jamaica’s Floyd Green urged CARICOM to tackle food barriers by harmonising standards and improving maritime logistics, while also calling for a regional framework to move agricultural workers across borders—pointing to Dominica’s migrant-worker model. Connectivity & Infrastructure: EllaLink officially advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development phase, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral fibre corridor linking the Eastern Caribbean to Europe. Regional Food Security Model: Rodwell Ferguson floated a “One country, one product” approach to specialise commodities and boost intra-regional trade, including root crops for St Vincent and Dominica. Procurement (Dominica): Euroclima/GIZ issued an EOI/REOI for design-and-build steel-framed installation works at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau.

CARICOM Free Movement: Regional leaders say small island states face real hurdles in fully implementing freedom of movement, citing “islandness” politics, limited administrative capacity, and demographic fears about being overwhelmed by larger neighbours. Digital Infrastructure: EllaLink officially launched its Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a carrier-neutral fibre corridor linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Agriculture Labour & Food Security: Jamaica’s Floyd Green urged a regional framework to move agricultural workers across borders, pointing to Dominica’s migrant-worker model that brought about 200 workers to support roughly 80 farmers. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: CDB launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) with Canada support, offering technical help and funding for women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region to commercialise clean energy innovations. Public Sector Skills: Dominica’s DPSU awarded 12 scholarships for professional development with Cipriani College, covering industrial relations, HR, project management and emergency management. Procurement & Waste Infrastructure: EU-backed Euroclima/GIZ issued an EOI for design-and-build services for industrial installation at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau. Tourism Jobs & Informality: An ILO study warns that informality and weak labour protections are limiting tourism’s ability to deliver decent work and productive growth across several Eastern Caribbean states, including Dominica.

Agriculture Policy Push: Jamaica’s Floyd Green urged ministers to turn Caribbean Week of Agriculture talks into action, with COTED tracking commitments so farmers and fishers feel the impact. Farm Labour Mobility: Green also called for a regional framework to move agricultural workers across borders, pointing to Dominica’s migrant-worker setup bringing about 200 workers to roughly 80 farmers and boosting productivity. Clean Energy Support for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region to commercialise clean energy innovations. Skills for Public Service: Dominica’s DPSU awarded 12 scholarships with Cipriani College for training in industrial relations, HR, project management and emergency management. Agriculture Safety: Dominica marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling and Integrated Pest Management to reduce reliance on highly hazardous pesticides. Infrastructure Procurement: EU-backed Euroclima/GIZ issued an EOI for design-and-build services for steel-framed installation at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau.

Agriculture Labour Mobility: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green renewed calls for a regional framework to let farm workers move across Caribbean countries, pointing to Dominica’s existing migrant-worker setup that brought about 200 workers to support roughly 80 farmers and lift productivity. Clean Energy for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$550,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region to turn clean energy ideas into commercial products and services. Regional Food Security Model: Rodwell Ferguson pushed a “One Country, One Product” approach to strengthen Caribbean food security by specializing production and boosting intra-regional trade, backed by infrastructure investment. Fisheries Trade Linkages: Eastern Caribbean fishers visited Belize to study lobster industry operations and fisheries management, with CRFM and fisherfolk partners coordinating meetings on processing, compliance, and trade requirements. Waste & Infrastructure Procurement: Euroclima/GIZ issued an EOI for design-and-build services for installing steel-framed structures and related works at Dominica’s Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau. Tourism Jobs & Labour Protections: An ILO study says tourism remains a major driver in Dominica and other Eastern Caribbean states, but informality and weak labour protections limit decent work and sustainable growth.

Seafood Trade: Eastern Caribbean fishers and seafood businesses toured Belize’s lobster industry and fisheries management in a CRFM/CNFO exchange, visiting cooperatives and fisheries agencies to learn processing, compliance and trade pathways. Clean Energy for Women: The CDB launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region to commercialise clean energy innovations. Agriculture Labour Policy: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green urged a regional framework to move farm workers across borders, pointing to Dominica’s migrant-worker model that brought about 200 workers to support roughly 80 farmers. Food Security Strategy: Rodwell Ferguson floated a “One Country, One Product” model to specialise by commodity strengths and boost intra-regional trade, backed by infrastructure and market access. Public Sector Skills: The DPSU awarded 12 scholarships for professional development with Cipriani College, covering industrial relations, HR, project management and emergency management. Infrastructure Procurement: Dominica issued REOI/contract opportunities for design and build services at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill, Roseau, under the Euroclima/GIZ programme. Tourism Work Conditions: An ILO study says tourism’s big economic role in Dominica and the OECS is held back by informality, weak labour protections and limited access to finance. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway proposal into development, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine corridor linking multiple islands.

Clean Energy for Women-Led Firms: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028) to back women-led businesses in Dominica and across the region to commercialise clean energy innovations. Agriculture Labour Push: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green urged a regional framework to let farm workers move across borders, citing Dominica’s migrant-worker setup that brought about 200 workers to support roughly 80 farmers. Food Security Model: Rodwell Ferguson floated a “One Country, One Product” approach to specialise by commodity and strengthen regional trade to boost Caribbean food security. Regional Connectivity: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, targeting service by end-2029 with an open-access submarine corridor linking Cayenne to Martinique/Guadeloupe and a western leg to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Waste & Infrastructure Tender: Euroclima/GIZ issued an EOI for design-and-build services for steel-framed industrial installation at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau. Skills & Public Service Training: The DPSU awarded 12 scholarships for professional development with Cipriani College in Trinidad and Tobago, covering industrial relations, HR, project management and emergency management. Tourism Jobs & Informality: An ILO study says tourism is vital to Eastern Caribbean economies but informality and weak labour protections limit decent work and productivity. Agriculture Recognition: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John received CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026 recognition.

Public Service Training: The Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) awarded 12 scholarships with Cipriani College (Trinidad and Tobago) for courses in Industrial Relations, Human Resource Management, Project Management and Emergency Management, starting Sept. 1 and aimed at strengthening public administration and trade-union succession planning. Agriculture Labour & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green pushed for a regional framework to let farm workers move across borders as Caribbean governments struggle to attract young people to agriculture, noting Dominica’s migrant-worker framework has brought about 200 workers to support roughly 80 farmers. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: A US$550,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (CDB, with Canada’s SuRGE support) will back women-led businesses across the region with technical help and financing to commercialise clean energy solutions (2026–2028). Agribusiness Recognition: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John was named CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026. EU Pressure on Passports: The EU told Eastern Caribbean states to stop selling golden passports by 2028 or risk losing visa-free access. Connectivity & Logistics: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into development, targeting service by end-2029 with a carrier-neutral submarine corridor linking islands to Europe. Procurement: Dominica’s Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill is set for design-and-build services for an industrial steel-framed installation under an EU-backed Euroclima/GIZ programme.

Citizenship by Investment Pressure: The EU has told Eastern Caribbean governments to stop selling “golden passports” by 2028 or risk losing visa-free travel access, saying islands can’t properly screen applicants even after security upgrades. Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: Dominica women-led businesses can apply for a US$550,000 CDB initiative (2026–2028) to turn clean energy ideas into market-ready products, with technical help, financing access, and value-chain links. Agriculture Workforce Plan: At Caribbean Week of Agriculture, Jamaica’s Floyd Green urged a regional farmworker framework, pointing to Dominica’s migrant-worker model that brought about 200 workers to support roughly 80 farmers and boost output. Food Security Strategy: Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson pushed a “One country, one product” approach to specialize by commodity and strengthen regional trade. Green Infrastructure Procurement: GIZ/EU Euroclima is seeking bids for design-and-build services for steel-framed installation work at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau. Road Resilience Update: PM Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced stabilization work plus upgrades to the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Tourism Jobs & Labour: An ILO study warns tourism’s big GDP role across the Eastern Caribbean is held back by informality, weak labour protections, skills gaps, and limited financing. Regional Trade Skills: OECS is running EU-funded training in Dominica and other islands to strengthen trade-in-services negotiating capacity. Sports (Local Impact): Guyana opened its Nations League campaign in Roseau with a 1–0 win over Puerto Rico via a late penalty.

Clean Energy for Women Entrepreneurs: Dominica women-led businesses are set to benefit from a new US$550,000 SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility (2026–2028), offering technical help and financing to turn clean energy ideas into market-ready products and services. Agriculture Workforce & Food Security: Floyd Green urged a regional farmworker framework, pointing to Dominica’s migrant-worker model that has brought about 200 workers to support roughly 80 farmers and boost productivity. CARICOM Farmer Recognition: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John (Wesley) was named CARICOM Minister of Agriculture Farmer of the Year 2026, with the Ministry citing his role in strengthening regional food security. Waste & Construction Tender: Euroclima/GIZ issued an EOI for design-and-build services for steel-framed installation work at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau, covering structural, electrical, CCTV, fire alarm, drainage and plumbing. Connectivity & Telecom Infrastructure: EllaLink advanced its Caribbean Gateway into the development stage, moving from letters of intent to committed investment, targeting service by end-2029. Energy Transition at the UN: Dominica’s President said the geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, lifting renewable electricity to about 84% and aiming for 100% by 2030. Tourism Jobs & Informality: An ILO study warns that informal work and weak labour protections are limiting sustainable growth in Eastern Caribbean tourism. Digital/Internet Skills: Dominica State College launched a Youth Internet Governance Lab with a US$20,000 ARIN grant to tackle campus connectivity issues and build student-led policy and research. Sports: Guyana opened its Concacaf Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico in Roseau, with Osaze De Rosario scoring a late penalty.

Education & Credentials: Ghana’s GTEC published a list of 110 unrecognised institutions as of end-September 2026, warning the public to do due diligence on certificates. Agriculture Workforce: At Caribbean Week of Agriculture, Belize’s minister backed a regional farmworker framework, pointing to Dominica’s migrant-worker setup that has brought about 200 workers to support roughly 80 farmers. Food Security Strategy: Belize’s agriculture minister also pushed a “One country, one product” model to specialize commodities and boost intra-Caribbean trade. Agriculture Recognition: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John won CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026, with the Ministry citing his role in strengthening food security. Tourism Jobs: An ILO study says tourism drives about 39% of GDP and 11% of employment across several Eastern Caribbean states, but informality and weak protections limit decent work. Pesticide Safety: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling and Integrated Pest Management. Energy Transition: Dominica’s President told the UN the geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, lifting renewables to about 84% of electricity and targeting 100% by 2030. Connectivity & Digital Skills: Dominica State College launched a student-led Internet Governance Lab to study campus connectivity issues and policy questions. Infrastructure Tender: GIZ/EU Euroclima issued an EOI for design-and-build services for steel-framed industrial installation at the Fond Cole Sanitary Landfill in Roseau. Regional Trade Skills: OECS training supported services-sector negotiators across Protocol states, funded by the EU’s RIGHT programme. Haiti Security: OAS member states, including Dominica, urged the UN to renew and fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force with personnel, funding, equipment and logistics.

Food Security Strategy: Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson is pushing a “One Country, One Product” model for the Caribbean, urging countries to specialize in what they produce best and coordinate through regional trade, backed by infrastructure investment. Regional Farming Recognition: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John (Wesley) received the CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026 award in Jamaica, with the Ministry citing his role in strengthening food security and sustainable agriculture. Safer Agriculture Practices: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling of highly hazardous pesticides and promoting Integrated Pest Management to protect consumers and the environment. Tourism Jobs & Labour: An ILO study warns that Eastern Caribbean tourism’s heavy reliance on informal work and weak protections is limiting decent work and sustainable growth, even as tourism remains a major GDP and employment driver. Digital Connectivity Skills: Dominica State College launched a Youth Internet Governance Lab to help students map campus connectivity issues and explore policy and legal questions around internet access. Energy Transition: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, with renewables at about 84% of electricity and a push for 100% by 2030. Transport Infrastructure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced plans to stabilize the damaged O’Delices Road section and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Regional Trade Capacity: OECS, with EU funding, is training services-sector stakeholders across Protocol member states to strengthen trade policy development and negotiating skills. Caribbean Connectivity: EllaLink launched the Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a submarine cable route serving multiple islands, targeting service by end-2029. Music & Culture: Bouyon artist Rudy Ru$h released “Here for You,” blending techno textures with Bouyon, as he prepares more releases ahead of Dominica Creole Festival.

Caribbean Agriculture Week: Dominica’s Dywany St. John (Wesley) was named CARICOM Farmer of the Year 2026 at the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture opening in Jamaica, with the Ministry of Agriculture praising his role in strengthening food security and sustainable production. Trade & Services Skills: OECS, with EU funding, rolled out specialised training for trade in services practitioners across OECS Protocol member states, including sessions held in Dominica, to boost negotiating and policymaking capacity. Pesticide Safety: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day by urging safer handling of highly hazardous pesticides and promoting Integrated Pest Management, plus residue testing with the Bureau of Standards. Energy & Climate Resilience: President Sylvanie Burton told the UNGA Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, pushing renewables to about 84% of electricity and calling for financing to build resilience before disasters. Digital Skills for Youth: Dominica State College launched a student-led Internet Governance Lab to map campus connectivity issues and connect technical problems to policy and legal questions. Infrastructure Update: PM Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced stabilisation work and upgrades to the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Tourism Training: Discover Dominica launched a new Online Travel Training course for UK travel advisers to help sell Dominica’s nature and tourism pillars. Regional Diplomacy: India and CARICOM foreign ministers met on UNGA sidelines, with Dominica among attendees, discussing deeper cooperation on trade, agriculture, digital governance, climate resilience and energy.

Caribbean Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure: EllaLink officially launched the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, moving from design to committed investment for a fibre optic submarine cable linking Cayenne to Martinique and Guadeloupe, with western branches serving Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, targeting service by end-2029. Agriculture Recognition: Dominica farmer Dywany St. John (Wesley) received the CARICOM Minister of Agriculture Farmer of the Year 2026 award in Jamaica, with the Ministry citing his role in food security and sustainable farming. Trade in Services Capacity: OECS, with EU funding, delivered specialised training for trade in services stakeholders across Protocol states, building negotiating and policymaking capacity for the revised Treaty of Basseterre. Tourism Jobs & Informality: An ILO study warns that informal work and weak labour protections are holding back Eastern Caribbean tourism’s push for decent work, productivity and social protection. Pesticide Safety Push: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling of highly hazardous pesticides and promoting Integrated Pest Management plus residue testing. Energy & Resilience: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton told the UN geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, supporting a shift to ~84% renewable electricity and a 100% target by 2030, while calling for resilience financing. Local Infrastructure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced stabilisation steps and upgrades to the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Digital Skills for Students: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to map campus connectivity issues and explore governance, policy and accessibility. Dominica in Regional/Global Networks: Dominica’s Chief of Protocol Remilia White joined a US State Department IVLP on advancing economic prosperity, while Dominica also invited partners to use the island as a “living laboratory” for climate resilience. Finance & Banking Risk (Dominica-linked): Reports on Tether’s limited exposure to Dominica-licensed EQIBank followed a US seizure tied to payment processor Capstone, raising counterparty-risk questions even as Tether says the impact is small.

Crypto & Banking Shock: U.S. prosecutors seized about $84.2M tied to a Montana payments firm (Capstone) allegedly linked to Tether, after Capstone allegedly misrepresented itself to banks including Wells Fargo and JPMorgan; Tether says its EQIBank exposure is below 0.034% of total assets and had “no knowledge” of the alleged conduct. Regional Trade Skills: OECS launched EU-funded training for trade in services negotiators across OECS Protocol states, with sessions held in Dominica and other islands. Agriculture & Food Safety: Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board marked Pesticide Awareness Day, urging safer handling of highly hazardous pesticides and promoting Integrated Pest Management, plus residue testing with the Bureau of Standards. Livestock Production Push: A national seminar focused on strengthening poultry and pig output, highlighting the upgraded Layou abattoir and local “produce local, consume local” goals. Energy & Industry Transition: Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, with the President telling the UN it supports about 84% renewable electricity and aims for 100% by 2030. Infrastructure & Transport: PM Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide area and announced steps to stabilize the O’Delices Road and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Digital Governance for Youth: Dominica State College launched a student-led Internet Governance Lab to study campus connectivity issues and policy impacts. Tourism Training: Discover Dominica Authority rolled out a new OTT destination course for UK travel advisers to sell Dominica’s tourism pillars. Governance & Climate Resilience: President Sylvanie Burton urged global partners to fund resilience before disasters, pitching Dominica as a “living laboratory” for climate-smart development.

Geothermal & Climate Resilience: Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly the country’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation, lifting renewable electricity to about 84% and aiming for 100% by 2030, framing clean power as a driver for new industries and jobs. Roads & Infrastructure: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced steps to stabilize the damaged O’Delices Road stretch and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Agriculture & Food Safety: On Pesticide Awareness Day, Dominica’s Pesticide Control Board urged safer handling of highly hazardous pesticides and promoted Integrated Pest Management, while noting residue testing with the Bureau of Standards. Tourism & Labour: An ILO study warns informality and weak labour protections are limiting Eastern Caribbean tourism’s ability to deliver sustainable growth, despite tourism’s large GDP and employment share. Digital Skills: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to map campus connectivity issues and explore policy and legal questions around access. Finance & Consumer Protection: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen ECCB oversight of banks’ customer treatment, complaints handling, and fee monitoring. Regional Security: OAS member states, including Dominica, urged the UN to renew and fully deploy Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate with personnel and funding. Culture & Entertainment: Dominica’s Discover Dominica Authority rolled out a new OTT destination training course for UK travel advisers, and Bouyon artist Rudy Ru$h released “Here for You” ahead of upcoming performances.

Haiti Security: OAS member states, including Dominica, have urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and fully deploy it with personnel, financing, equipment and logistics, after an OAS mission flagged security and elections as tightly linked. Climate Resilience & Energy: Dominica President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly that Dominica’s geothermal plant is now in commercial operation and that resilience must be financed before disasters strike, with renewable energy and resilient infrastructure driving economic transformation. Road & Public Works: PM Roosevelt Skerrit visited the Aux Delices landslide site and announced steps to stabilise the damaged O’Delices Road stretch and upgrade the Delices–Petite Savanne alternative route. Digital & Skills: Dominica State College launched a student-led Youth Internet Governance Lab to tackle campus connectivity issues, supported by a US$20,000 ARIN grant. Finance & Consumer Protection: Parliament passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2026 to strengthen ECCB oversight, require fair treatment and complaint procedures, and create a financial market conduct and inclusion office. Livestock & Food Systems: A national seminar focused on strengthening poultry and pig production, highlighting the upgraded Layou abattoir and efforts to boost local output. Tourism Training: Discover Dominica rolled out a new OTT destination training course for UK travel advisers to sell Dominica’s nature, culture and agro tourism. Geopolitics & Trade: India and CARICOM foreign ministers met on UNGA sidelines, discussing deeper cooperation across trade, agriculture, digital governance, climate resilience and energy. Local Sports: Guyana opened its CONCACAF Nations League campaign in Roseau with a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico, with Osaze De Rosario scoring a late penalty. Business/Tech Finance: International reporting says stablecoin issuer Tether has limited exposure to Dominica-licensed EQIBank after a major US asset seizure tied to Capstone, while EQIBank contests the action.