AGP Executive Report

Disaster Preparedness: ABRCS is joining a regional Early Action Protocol workshop in Guadeloupe to pre-plan and automatically trigger pre-funded hurricane response before forecasts turn into crises, with Dominica’s Red Cross among the participants. Digital Economy: The CDB and Barbados Small Business Association launched a digital transformation push for at least 150 MSMEs across Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Vincent—aiming to boost digital maturity and global competitiveness, with inclusion for women-led and underserved firms. Education Tech Reform: Prime Minister Skerrit is calling for a digital overhaul of Dominica’s education system to cut textbook costs and reduce the daily burden of carrying heavy supplies. WISTLE Project: Dominica will launch the four-year WISTLE Education Reform Project on Aug 21, using technology-supported lower-secondary curriculum changes across four Windward Islands, with about 3,000 students expected to benefit each year. Cybersecurity Watch: The UWI says it’s investigating a report of possible ransomware activity, stressing there’s no confirmed breach so far and urging users to avoid suspicious links. Power Reliability: DOMLEC apologized for multiple outages between Aug 14–15 and says it’s reviewing how it communicates with customers during prolonged disruptions. Regional Health Procurement: OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service marks 40 years of pooled buying to improve access to medicines, quality assurance and supply chains, with reported annual savings.

Credit Union Spotlight: NCCU’s growth from 68 members pooling $600 in 1951 to serving 54,000+ members across Dominica shows how cooperative finance can fund homes, farms, fishing, education, and small businesses. Regional Health Supply Chain: OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service marks 40 years since 1986, now managing about 1,100 medicines and commodities with pooled buying aimed at better prices, quality assurance, and supply reliability. Digital Commerce Gap: Minister Kerrie Symmonds says Caribbean businesses lag North America in digital transactions (4–5% vs 18–19% in the US), urging faster digital transformation for MSMEs. Education Tech Push: Prime Minister Skerrit backs a digital shift in schooling to cut textbook costs and reduce heavy daily book loads. WISTLE Education Reform: Dominica is set to launch the four-year WISTLE project on Aug. 21, using technology-supported lower-secondary curriculum updates across OECS countries with a World Bank-backed grant. Cybersecurity Watch: The UWI is investigating a possible ransomware alert, saying there’s no confirmed breach but urging users to avoid suspicious links and report unusual activity. Power Reliability: DOMLEC apologizes for outages from Aug. 14–15, citing geothermal disconnects and weather/vegetation impacts, and says it’s reviewing how it communicates during long disruptions.

Education & Tech: Dominica is set to launch the four-year WISTLE Education Reform Project on Aug. 21, aiming to modernise lower-secondary learning with an inclusive, technology-supported curriculum that blends life skills, TVET, arts and resilience across Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent. Cybersecurity: The UWI is investigating a reported ransomware threat but says there’s no confirmed breach; it has activated incident response and is urging users to avoid suspicious links and report unusual activity. Power Reliability: DOMLEC has apologized for outages between Aug. 14–15, citing geothermal disconnects and weather/vegetation impacts, and says it’s reviewing how it communicates during long outages. Public Health Education: The REACH project has launched a webinar series for adolescents and parents, covering mental health, nutrition, teen brain topics, communication and stigma reduction. Security & Forensics: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says Dominica is upgrading investigations with an Integrated Ballistic Identification System and additional US-trained firearm and background-check training. Infrastructure: Construction on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal continues, with steelwork, masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing and lightning protection systems underway. Data for Trade: OECS wrapped up a services-trade initiative with UN partners, using TiSSTAT to improve data and help governments build stronger export strategies.

Education & Tech Upgrade: Dominica is set to launch the four-year WISTLE Education Reform Project on Aug. 21, aiming to modernise lower-secondary learning with an inclusive, technology-supported curriculum that blends life skills, TVET, arts and resilience across Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Cybersecurity Watch: The UWI is investigating a report of possible ransomware activity, saying there’s no confirmed breach or leaked information so far, while it activates incident response and urges users to avoid suspicious links. Public Health Outreach: The REACH project has started a webinar series on adolescent health and wellbeing, covering mental health, nutrition, teen brain topics, parent-teen communication and stigma reduction. Power Reliability: DOMLEC has apologized for widespread outages between Aug. 14–15, citing geothermal disconnects and weather/vegetation impacts, and says it’s reviewing how it communicates during long outages. Security Modernisation: Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says Dominica is strengthening national security with international support, including an Integrated Ballistic Identification System now operational and more forensic training for police. Infrastructure Progress: Construction on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal continues with steelwork, masonry, concrete, roofing and safety systems like lightning protection. Climate & Trade Data: OECS wrapped up a services-trade initiative with UN partners, using TiSSTAT to improve data for evidence-based policymaking and stronger export strategies. Tourism Regulation: Dominica’s sperm whale reserve framework is now in place, setting rules for certified operators, permits and swim encounter limits.

Power Reliability: DOMLEC has apologized for widespread, sometimes prolonged outages between Aug. 14–15, citing geothermal disconnects and weather/vegetation damage, and says it’s improving how it communicates with customers during long blackouts. Airport Infrastructure: Crews are steadily advancing Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal, with steelwork, masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing, and lightning protection systems all progressing. Services Trade Data: The OECS wrapped up a UN-backed push to strengthen evidence-based services trade policymaking, using UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT to close data gaps and help governments plan stronger export strategies. Forensics & Security Tech: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says Dominica is upgrading investigations with an Integrated Ballistic Identification System, US firearm tracing training, and upcoming specialised forensic training for officers. Child Protection Network: Circle of Friends is calling for a stronger, coordinated child protection approach after the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Kaysia Paul, urging better safety reporting and tighter cross-agency support. AI & Youth Governance: The UN marked International Youth Day with young people discussing AI for the SDGs and presenting a youth-led declaration on AI policy and governance. Sperm Whale Reserve Rules: A new reserve framework is shaping whale tourism in Dominica, with operator certification, vessel rules, and swim encounter limits under the Sperm Whale Reserve Act. Travel Tech Trends: Research highlights “cultural immersion” as a top travel priority in 2026, with food experiences leading spend, and more travellers using AI tools for planning.

Education & Governance: A new commentary argues cronyism in education is a normalized, systemic problem that distorts promotions and opportunities, eroding trust and harming students. Security Tech & Training: National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says Dominica is strengthening law enforcement with an Integrated Ballistic Identification System now operational, plus US-led training for firearm tracing and background checks, and upcoming forensic training for officers in chemistry, math and physics. Trade Data for Growth: The OECS wrapped up a UN-backed push to improve services trade policymaking, tackling the lack of reliable data by rolling out UNCTAD’s TiSSTAT system to help governments build export strategies and connect to global value chains. Airport Infrastructure: Construction on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal continues across steelwork, masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing and fireproofing, with lightning protection and climate-resilient design features. Child Protection Network: Circle of Friends is calling for a stronger, coordinated child protection system after the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Kaysia Paul, urging better safety reporting and tighter cross-agency support. Regional Court Literacy: Commentary pieces explain the Caribbean Court of Justice and respond to recent CCJ-related controversy, focusing on what the court does and why it matters to CARICOM. Youth & AI Standards: The UN hosted young people to discuss how AI can support the Sustainable Development Goals, with a youth-led declaration aimed at shaping future AI policy and governance. Medicinal Cannabis (Regional): St. Kitts and Nevis opened registration for a Traditional Cultivator Programme orientation, positioning it as a bridge from informal cultivation to regulated medicinal cannabis. Whale Tourism Rules: A report explains how Dominica’s new Sperm Whale Reserve Act sets separate rules for whale tourism, including certified operators, vessel requirements and swim encounter limits.

Airport Build-Out: Construction on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal is pushing ahead across multiple sections, with steelwork, masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing, and lightning protection systems all being installed as the island moves toward a modern, climate-ready air travel gateway. Child Safety Push: Circle of Friends is urging a stronger, coordinated child protection network after the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Kaysia Paul, calling on organisations to check whether programmes keep youth safe, improve reporting of threats or exploitation, and better reach the most vulnerable. Regional Tech & Law Literacy: Two CCJ-focused pieces are circulating—one explains what the Caribbean Court of Justice does for CARICOM states, while another warns that leaked internal correspondence could damage the court’s legitimacy and affect ongoing cases. Youth + AI Standards: The UN marked International Youth Day with young people discussing AI policy and governance, including a youth-led declaration aimed at shaping future global AI rules. Tourism Rules for Whales: Dominica’s sperm whale reserve framework is clarified, including how swim encounters are regulated with certified operators, permits, vessel rules, and limits on encounters. Medicinal Cannabis Training: St. Kitts and Nevis opened registration for a Traditional Cultivator Programme orientation, offering three days of education and hands-on training to connect traditional growers with the regulated medicinal cannabis industry.

Airport Build-Out: Crews are advancing construction on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal, with steelwork, masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing and fireproofing underway, plus lightning protection systems—contractor MMC Development says the design will use cutting-edge techniques to handle a changing climate. Regional Courts Explained: With CCJ headlines swirling after leaked internal correspondence, commentary pieces break down what the Caribbean Court of Justice actually does for CARICOM states, including its role in interpreting the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and serving as a final appellate court for select countries. Child Protection Push: Circle of Friends is calling for a stronger, coordinated child protection network after the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Kaysia Paul, urging organisations to check whether programmes keep children safe and whether services reach the most vulnerable. Youth + AI Standards: The UN marked International Youth Day with young people discussing AI policy and governance, aiming to feed youth-led recommendations into future global AI decision-making. Medicinal Cannabis Training: St. Kitts and Nevis opened registration for a Traditional Cultivator Programme orientation (Aug 20–22) to prepare participants for the regulated medicinal cannabis sector. Whale Tourism Rules: A new sperm whale reserve framework is clarifying how whale-watching permits, certified operators, vessel rules and swim encounter limits work inside Dominica’s reserve.

Travel Tech & AI: Skift’s State of Travel 2026 report says travellers are choosing cultural immersion over adventure and luxury, with food and culinary experiences leading spend—and it flags the “year of intelligence” as more travellers use AI planning tools. Caribbean Film & Creative Economy: CSIFF26 (47 films, 14 countries) is set to bring Caribbean and diaspora stories to New York Oct 9–11, with screenings, industry talks, and training. Dominica Whale Tourism Rules: Dominica’s sperm whale reserve is now governed by a dedicated legal framework, with certified operators, permits, vessel rules, and limits on swim encounters. Youth, Skills & AI Standards: The UN marked International Youth Day with a youth-led push for AI policy and governance, while Dominica’s youth programmes also emphasize digital citizenship and responsible tech use. Local Governance & Tech-Enabled Scrutiny: A Roseau North by-election candidate alleges voter list irregularities, saying volunteers found duplicate and triplicate entries. Citizenship Policy: Dominica plans to start citizenship through a grandparent on Jan 1, 2027, aiming to grow the resident population and bring back global Dominican talent. Public Health Policy (Global): Louisiana’s new surgeon general vision is tied to a long-running fight over school vaccine policy and public health messaging.

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Explained: A fresh explainer is trying to steady public reaction after leaked private CCJ correspondence, reminding readers the CCJ is CARICOM’s final court for five member states (including Dominica) and that it has both appellate and original jurisdiction. Medicinal Cannabis Training: St. Kitts and Nevis opened registration for a Traditional Cultivator Programme orientation (Aug. 20–22), aiming to move long-time growers into the regulated medicinal cannabis sector. Sperm Whale Reserve Rules: Dominica’s new sperm whale reserve is now shaping how whale-watching works, with certified operators, permits, vessel rules, and limits on swim encounters. Youth + AI Governance: The UN brought together 600+ young people to push youth-led AI policy and governance ideas tied to the Sustainable Development Goals. NCCU Loan Collections Upgrade: Dominica’s National Co-operative Credit Union says it’s tightening loan management with new collections tools and a plan to name chronic defaulters only after contact efforts fail. Dominica Citizenship by Grandparent: Dominica will start citizenship through a Dominican grandparent on Jan. 1, 2027, with proof of ancestry, identity, and good character.

CCJ Explained Amid Leaks: A fresh explainer breaks down how the Caribbean Court of Justice works for five CARICOM states, and why leaked internal correspondence could hit the court’s legitimacy. Medicinal Cannabis Training: St. Kitts and Nevis opens registration for a Traditional Cultivator Programme orientation (Aug 20–22) to help growers transition into the regulated medicinal cannabis sector. Sperm Whale Reserve Rules: Dominica’s sperm whale reserve is now governed by a dedicated legal framework for tourism and research, with permits, vessel rules, and limits on swim encounters. Loan Collections Tech Upgrade: Dominica’s NCCU rolls out new measures to improve repayment, including upgraded collections technology and a plan to name persistent loan defaulters only after failed contact efforts. Youth + AI Standards: The UN hosts young people to shape AI policy and governance, pushing for meaningful youth participation in how AI is governed. Crypto Sanctions Ripple: US OFAC sanctions Shelbit over Iran-linked crypto flows, while Georgia’s regulator says the sanctioned Shelbit entity isn’t registered as a virtual asset service provider there. Travel Partnerships + Creators: Expedia’s partnership with livestream star IShowSpeed spotlights how tech platforms are shaping modern travel discovery.

Solo Travel Rankings: Travel And Tour World put Dominica on its 2026 list of top solo destinations across the Americas and Caribbean, highlighting safety, transit, affordability and culture. Whale Tourism Rules: Dominica’s sperm whale reserve is now governed by a dedicated legal framework, with certified operators, vessel rules and swim-permit limits aimed at keeping in-water encounters properly regulated. Local Justice Update: A special prosecutor says an international investigation helped secure convictions in the murder of Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and partner Dominique Marchand, with prosecutors citing dozens of witnesses plus ballistics, DNA and phone records. Credit Union Tech & Policy: NCCU is rolling out new loan-management steps, including upgraded collections technology and a plan to publicly name repeat loan defaulters only after contact and failed repayment efforts. Youth + AI Governance: The UN brought together young people on International Youth Day to shape AI policy and governance for the Sustainable Development Goals. Elections Scrutiny: A UWP candidate alleges irregularities on the Roseau North voters’ list, including duplicate entries, and says volunteers used digital tools to flag issues. Citizenship Pathway: Dominica plans citizenship through a Dominican grandparent starting 1 January 2027, with proof of ancestry, identity and good character. Crypto Sanctions Watch: US OFAC sanctions Shelbit and related entities over Iran-linked crypto flows, while Georgia’s National Bank says the sanctioned firm isn’t registered as a regulated virtual asset service provider.

Medicinal Cannabis Training: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Medicinal Cannabis Authority opened registration for a Traditional Cultivator Programme orientation (Aug 20–22, EC$200) to help residents move from informal growing into the regulated sector. Whale Tourism Rules: Dominica’s new Sperm Whale Reserve framework spells out certified operators, permits, vessel rules, and swim limits—aimed at making whale encounters safer and more accountable. Loan Repayment Tech: NCCU in Dominica is upgrading collections tech and reorganizing its collections team, plus plans a Patronage Refund Programme and a process to publicly name chronic loan defaulters only after failed contact. Youth + AI Standards: The UN brought together 600+ young people in New York to shape AI policy and governance, pushing for meaningful youth participation. Crypto Sanctions Watch: The US sanctioned Shelbit and related entities tied to Iran-linked crypto flows; Dominica’s links appear in reporting about the operator’s citizenship, while Georgia’s regulator says Shelbit wasn’t registered there. Local Governance + Waste: Salisbury MP Jesma Paul-Victor calls for better garbage collection capacity and future-focused skills, warning about public health impacts from inconsistent service.

Medicinal Cannabis Training: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Medicinal Cannabis Authority opened registration for a 3-day Traditional Cultivator Programme orientation (Aug 20–22, EC$200) to help residents move from informal growing into the regulated sector. Marine Conservation & Tourism Rules: Dominica’s new Sperm Whale Reserve law created a dedicated marine reserve system for whale tourism, with certified operators, vessel rules, swim permits, and limits on encounters. Toxic Weedkiller Watch: Agricultural authorities across the region are reviewing whether to ban or tighten controls on paraquat (Gramoxone) as more countries phase it out over health concerns. Youth & AI Governance: The UN brought together 600+ young people to shape AI policy and governance for the Sustainable Development Goals, pushing for meaningful youth participation. Local Tech for Finance: NCCU rolled out new loan-delinquency strategies, including upgraded collections technology and a plan to name repeat defaulters only after contact efforts fail. Crypto Sanctions Ripple: US OFAC sanctioned Iran-linked crypto exchanges and networks, including Shelbit, raising compliance alarms for digital-asset activity tied to sanctioned groups. Citizenship Policy Update: Dominica plans citizenship through a grandparent starting Jan 1, 2027, aiming to grow the resident population and reconnect the wider Dominican family.

Geothermal Power Milestone: Dominica’s 10-MW Laudat geothermal plant has begun commercial operations, making the island the first CARICOM member to generate electricity from geothermal resources; officials say geothermal already supplied about 43% of power in June and could reach around 60% of gross production by 2027. Digital Finance & Sanctions: The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC sanctioned crypto exchanges Shelbit and Aban Tether, alleging Iran-linked laundering tied to the IRGC, with the Shelbit operator named as Siavash Kayvanpour. Youth, AI Standards: The UN brought together 600 young people in New York on International Youth Day to shape youth-led AI policy and governance guidance for future global digital rules. Local Tech & Governance: NCCU says it’s upgrading loan collections and introducing member-focused measures, including a plan to publish names of persistent loan defaulters only after contact efforts fail. Elections & Data Concerns: UWP candidate Danny Lugay alleges Roseau North voter-list irregularities, including duplicate and triplicate entries, and says his team used tech skills to flag issues. Travel Trend: A new “skillcation” wave is growing among Americans, mixing trips with learning, and pushing interest in digital detox while traveling. Public Health Education: The REACH project launched a webinar series on adolescent health, covering mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction, and parent-teen communication.

Geothermal Breakthrough: Dominica’s 10-MW Laudat geothermal plant has started commercial operations, making the island the first CARICOM member to generate electricity from geothermal resources; geothermal already supplied about 43% of power in June and is projected to cover roughly half of demand in 2026. Cyber/Finance Watch: The U.S. Treasury (OFAC) sanctioned Iran-linked crypto exchanges and networks, including Shelbit, alleging billions moved to support the IRGC—Dominica’s connection appears via the operator’s Dominica citizenship. Local Credit Tech: NCCU rolled out new loan-delinquency measures, including upgraded collections tech and a plan to publicly name repeat defaulters only after contact and failed repayment negotiations. Youth + AI Governance: The UN hosted youth on International Youth Day to shape AI policy and governance, pushing for meaningful youth participation in global digital rules. Community Health Online: Dominica and partners launched REACH webinar series on adolescent health, covering mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction, and parent-teen communication. Elections + Data Integrity: UWP candidate Danny Lugay alleged duplicate and triplicate entries on the Roseau North voters’ list, with tech-savvy volunteers helping review the register. Sports Spotlight: Dominica’s Addison James won bronze at the World U20 javelin championships, while Ashish Yadav took silver.