AGP Executive Report

Telecom Resilience: Dominica and Saint Lucia regulators say Flow’s outage (June 21–22) was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’ve asked for a full incident report while Flow plans backup routes, alternative connectivity, and extra fibre paths. Public Health Tech: Dominica’s National Laboratory has started leptospirosis PCR testing, cutting reliance on overseas samples and speeding up real-time diagnosis for faster treatment and control. Science Funding & Governance: UWI Seismic Research Centre warns some countries aren’t honouring payments to the regional research agency, raising concerns about capacity and continuity. Education & Learning: Achievement Learning Centre highlights 12-year-old Jahmielle Cadette’s Grade 6 National Assessment win, while Dominica also awarded 124 scholarships and 122 bursaries to top performers. Climate Policy & Wildlife: A new scientific consensus urges climate negotiators to include wildlife’s role in ecosystem carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and recovery in policy planning. Energy Costs: A regional explainer asks why the Caribbean still imports energy despite major renewable potential and targets. Regional Research Investment: IFC will invest up to US$15M into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund to expand financing for resilience projects across 13 countries.

Public Health Tech: Dominica’s National Laboratory has started leptospirosis PCR testing, letting clinicians get faster, real-time results and reducing the need to send samples overseas. Diplomacy & Energy Cooperation: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit welcomed New Zealand’s new High Commissioner, Linda Charlotte Te Puni, with talks highlighting geothermal exploration and climate-smart development links. Urban Infrastructure Modernization: Dominica has moved into the Roseau Enhancement Project implementation phase, kicking off work planning for road upgrades across key streets, supported by a US$2.24M design review and supervision contract. Regional Climate Finance: The World Bank’s IFC says it will invest up to US$15M into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to expand financing for resilience and sustainability projects across 13 countries. STEM Scholarship Boost: ECCB named Phillip John (SVG) the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar for Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London. Connectivity Disruption: A major telecom outage hit parts of Saint Lucia and Dominica, disrupting mobile service and internet for thousands as emergency teams worked to restore communications. Education Support: Dominica awarded 124 scholarships and 122 bursaries to Grade 6 students based on national assessment scores.

Education & Skills: Dominica awarded 124 scholarships and 122 bursaries to Grade 6 students after the June 19 results, with scholarships for 18–20 points and bursaries for 16–17, plus textbook and stationery support and coverage of CXC fees for scholarship holders. Tech & Data Training: SVG’s Phillip John won the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholarship to study Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London, funded up to US$25,000 for up to two years. Urban Infrastructure: Dominica has started the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project after a June 17 kickoff, with a US$2.24 million consultancy contract for design review and supervision of road rehabilitation across key Roseau streets. Climate Finance: The IFC will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund’s debt sub-fund, targeting resilience and sustainability projects across 13 Caribbean countries including Dominica. Connectivity Disruption: A major telecom outage hit parts of Saint Lucia and Dominica, knocking out mobile service and internet and triggering an emergency response from Flow. Agriculture & Food Security: CARICOM opened nominations for the 2026 CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Ministers of Agriculture Young Farmer of the Year awards, spotlighting leadership and innovation in the agri-food sector.

Education & Youth Support: Dominica has awarded 124 scholarships and 122 bursaries to Grade 6 students after the June 19 National Assessment results, with scholarships for 18–20 points and bursaries for 16–17, plus support for textbooks, stationery, and CXC exam fees; the Ministry says this year used a standards-based grading approach to give students a fairer shot. Urban Infrastructure: The Roseau Enhancement Project has moved into its implementation phase after a June 17 kickoff with consultants, government departments, utility companies, and stakeholders, following a US$2.24M consultancy contract for design review and supervision; road upgrades will cover key streets including Independence, Bath, Cork, Great George, Virgin Lane, River Street, and King George V. Climate, Data & Tech Skills: The ECCB named Phillip John (SVG) as the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar, backing a Master’s in Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London—aimed at strengthening regional data, climate resilience, and digital transformation capacity. Health & Lab Systems: CARICOM and PAHO are pushing to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, focusing on scaling prevention and treatment, improving detection and monitoring, and strengthening laboratory and surveillance systems. Environment & Eco-Tourism: Dominica has started work to better protect Morne Diablotin National Park under the LETBP project, including defining boundaries and creating a buffer zone to safeguard natural resources while supporting sustainable community development. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA’s annual accountability seminar in Dominica highlighted support for farmers and agribusinesses, with emphasis on agriculture’s role in food security and trade, and the growth of agri-food MSMEs. Climate Advocacy: Minister Michael Joseph says Caribbean voices are underrepresented in global climate mobility talks, despite the region’s high vulnerability to hurricanes, sea-level rise, and displacement. Digital Inclusion (Regional): The Telecom Operators’ Association and GSMA marked the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2026, pointing to Pakistan’s sharp gains in closing the mobile internet gender gap. Science in Nature: A reflective piece on Dominica’s rainforest hike and waterfall experience adds a human, science-meets-nature angle for readers.

Tourism Leadership: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority named Shafia T.T. London as its new CEO, effective July 1, tasking her with modernising and sustainably growing the tourism sector. Urban Infrastructure: Dominica has moved into the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project after a June 17 kickoff, with consultants and utility stakeholders preparing road rehabilitation for Independence Street, Bath Road, Cork Street, Great George Street, Virgin Lane, River Street and King George V Street. Climate Finance for Resilience: The IFC confirmed up to US$15M for the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund (CCRF) Debt Sub-Fund, aiming to expand financing for medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries, including Dominica. Protected Areas & Eco-Tech: Dominica has started work to strengthen long-term protection of Morne Diablotin National Park, including boundary definition and a buffer zone under the GEF/World Bank LETBP project, led by a local environmental and geospatial consulting team. STEM in Schools: Thirty Dominica secondary educators completed the ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2 programme, supported by UWI Mona and the Commonwealth of Learning, using a blended learning approach to boost tech-enabled math teaching. Digital Inclusion Benchmark: The Telecom Operators’ Association and GSMA launched the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2026, highlighting major progress in narrowing mobile internet gender gaps in Pakistan. Agriculture Innovation: IICA’s Dominica accountability seminar spotlighted support for agriculture and food security, including sweet potato projects focused on improved planting materials, climate-resilient varieties, and farmer training. Regional Health Tech: CARICOM and PAHO discussed scaling up mother-to-child transmission prevention for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, with emphasis on detection, monitoring and stronger lab and surveillance systems. Maritime Strategy: Commentary on China’s Blue Silk Road argues Caribbean ports, shipping and the blue economy could benefit—if partnerships align with local development goals. Science & Learning Scholarships: ECCB named Phillip John as the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar, funding a Master’s in Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London. Community & Civic Debate: An open letter urges Dominicans to focus on responsible leadership, public trust and unity ahead of a by-election.

Roseau Upgrade Kickoff: Dominica has started the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project after a June 17 kickoff with consultants, government departments, utility companies and other stakeholders, setting up works to modernize key roads (Independence Street, Bath Road, Cork Street, Great George Street, Virgin Lane, River Street and King George V Street) with safer, more pedestrian-friendly design and drainage and underground utility upgrades. Climate-Resilience Finance: The IFC says it will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund (CCRF) Debt sub-fund, with up to US$5M senior and up to US$10M mezzanine, aiming to expand financing for medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries including Dominica, alongside resilience and sustainability projects. Climate Voice for SIDS: Health Minister Michael Joseph argues Caribbean nations must have a stronger seat at global climate talks, saying the region is underrepresented despite facing hurricane risk and climate-driven displacement. Tech & Skills Boost: The ECCB named Phillip John (SVG) the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar to study Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London, highlighting a push toward data-driven policy and digital transformation. Education With Tech: Thirty Dominica secondary educators completed the ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2 programme, supported by UWI Mona and the Commonwealth of Learning, using tools like Moodle, Zoom and WhatsApp to strengthen math teaching and classroom technology use. Nature Protection Project: Dominica began work to improve long-term protection of Morne Diablotin National Park, including defining boundaries and creating a buffer zone under the LETBP project financed by the GEF and implemented with the World Bank.

Urban Infrastructure: Dominica has started the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project after a June 17 kickoff meeting with consultants, government departments, utility companies, and other stakeholders. The decade-long plan targets road and streetscape upgrades across Independence Street, Bath Road, Cork Street, Great George Street, Virgin Lane, River Street, and King George V Street, aiming for a safer, more pedestrian-friendly, climate-resilient Roseau. The works follow a US$2.24 million consultancy contract for design review and supervision. Regional Finance for Resilience: The IFC confirmed up to US$15 million for the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund (CCRF) Debt Sub-Fund, with financing aimed at medium-sized enterprises and resilience projects across 13 countries including Dominica. Climate Voice & Mobility: Minister Michael Joseph says SIDS need a stronger seat at global climate talks, warning that Caribbean nations are underrepresented despite facing severe hurricane impacts and climate-driven displacement. Education & Tech in Schools: Thirty Dominica secondary educators completed the ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2 programme, using a mix of in-person training and online learning platforms to strengthen math teaching and classroom technology use. Health Tech & Systems: CARICOM and PAHO discussed scaling up mother-to-child transmission prevention for HIV and Hepatitis B, including strengthening lab and surveillance systems. Environment & GIS: Dominica has begun work to improve long-term protection of Morne Diablotin National Park, including boundary definition and a buffer zone under a GEF/World Bank-supported eco-tourism biodiversity project. Digital Inclusion: Telecom Operators’ Association and GSMA highlighted progress from the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2026, pointing to major reductions in Pakistan’s mobile internet gender gap. Agriculture Innovation: IICA’s Dominica accountability seminar showcased support for agriculture and food security, including sweet potato projects focused on improved planting materials, climate-resilient varieties, and pest management. Science Talent: ECCB named Phillip John as the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar, studying Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London.

Roseau Upgrade Kicks Off: Dominica has entered the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project after a June 17 kickoff with consultants, government departments, utility companies, and other stakeholders. The decade-long urban redevelopment targets road and public-space upgrades across Independence Street, Bath Road, Cork Street, Great George Street, Virgin Lane, River Street, and King George V Street, aiming for a safer, more pedestrian-friendly, climate-resilient Roseau. Regional Finance for Resilience: The IFC confirmed up to US$15M for the CARICOM Community Resilience Fund (CCRF) Debt sub-fund, with financing planned across 13 countries to support medium-sized enterprises and resilience projects, including critical infrastructure. Climate Voice for SIDS: A Caribbean minister is calling for stronger representation for small island states in global climate mobility talks, warning that underrepresentation affects who gets impacted and who gets funding. Tech & Skills Boost: ECCB named Phillip John (St Vincent and the Grenadines) as the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar, pursuing Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London. Education with Tech: Thirty Dominica secondary educators completed ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2, using a blended approach that included online learning platforms like Moodle, Zoom, WhatsApp, and COL Commons. Nature Protection Plan: Dominica has started work to strengthen long-term protection of Morne Diablotin National Park, including boundary definition and a buffer zone under the LETBP project. Tourism Marketing Move: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to expand global promotion for nature, wellness, and adventure travel.

World Bank/IFC Funding: IFC confirmed it will invest up to US$15M in the CARICOM Community Resilience Fund (CCRF) Debt sub-fund, with up to US$5M in a senior tranche and up to US$10M in a mezzanine tranche, targeting medium-sized enterprises across 13 countries including Dominica, plus resilience and sustainability projects. Climate Voice & Mobility: Dominica’s Michael Joseph says SIDS need a stronger seat at the table in global climate talks, warning that Caribbean nations are underrepresented despite being hit hardest by hurricanes, sea-level rise, and displacement. Smart Roads in Roseau: The Roseau Enhancement Project has moved into implementation, with a US$2.24M consultancy contract for design review and supervision of road rehabilitation on key streets to make the capital safer and more pedestrian-friendly. Park Protection: Dominica has started work to improve long-term management of Morne Diablotin National Park, including boundary definition and a buffer zone under a GEF/World Bank-backed eco-tourism and biodiversity project. Education + Tech in Schools: Thirty Dominica secondary teachers completed ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2, supported by UWI and the Commonwealth of Learning, using a blended approach that included online learning platforms. Digital Inclusion Spotlight: The Telecom Operators’ Association and GSMA launched the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2026, highlighting Pakistan’s rapid progress in narrowing the mobile internet gender gap. Agriculture Innovation Awards: Nominations are open for CARICOM’s Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year awards, with a required short bio and a two-minute video showing production and technology use. AI Buildathon Call: Applications are open for the Future Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Buildathon, closing July 3, aiming to grow Caribbean AI solutions for regional challenges.

Climate Diplomacy: Dominica’s Michael Joseph says SIDS like Antigua and Barbuda are being sidelined in global climate mobility talks, even as hurricanes and sea-level rise hit hardest—so Caribbean leaders must have a stronger seat at the table for climate financing and resilience. Dominica Infrastructure: The Roseau Enhancement Project has moved into its implementation phase, with a US$2.24m consultancy contract for design review and supervision of road rehabilitation on key streets to make the capital safer and more pedestrian-friendly. Park Protection: Dominica has started a GEF/World Bank-backed push to better protect Morne Diablotin National Park, including boundary work and a buffer zone under the LETBP project. Education + Tech in Schools: Thirty secondary teachers in Dominica completed ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2, supported by UWI Mona and the Commonwealth of Learning, using a blended learning approach to strengthen math teaching and classroom technology use. Regional Health Tech: CARICOM and PAHO are driving progress to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, focusing on prevention, detection, monitoring and lab/surveillance systems. AI for the Caribbean: Future Caribbean opened applications for a regional AI Buildathon, aiming to grow AI-driven solutions and innovation talent across the region (deadline July 3). Tourism Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to expand global reach for nature, wellness and adventure travel. Food Security Awards: Nominations are open for CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year awards, with a requirement to include a short bio and a two-minute tech-focused farm video. Regional Finance: IFC confirmed a US$15m investment in a CARICOM resilience debt sub-fund targeting SME financing across 13 countries.

Climate Diplomacy: Dominica’s Michael Joseph says Caribbean SIDS are sidelined in global climate mobility talks, even as hurricanes and sea-level rise hit hardest, calling for a stronger regional voice at the table for climate financing and resilience. Local Infrastructure: Dominica’s Roseau Enhancement Project has moved into its implementation phase after a US$2.24m consultancy contract for design review and supervision, targeting road rehabilitation across key Roseau streets to make the capital safer and more pedestrian-friendly. Education & Tech in Schools: Thirty Dominica secondary teachers completed ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2, supported by UWI Mona and the Commonwealth of Learning, blending in-person training with online learning tools to boost math instruction and classroom technology use. Renewable Energy Grid Upgrade: Dominica’s geothermal plant is in commissioning, with testing and integration work behind recent outages; officials say full operation will bring lower rates and less reliance on imported fuel. Biodiversity Protection: Work has begun on long-term protection for Morne Diablotin National Park under the GEF/World Bank LETBP project, including boundary definition and a new buffer zone. Agriculture & Food Security: IICA highlighted ongoing support in Dominica for farmers and agribusinesses, while CARICOM opened nominations for the 2026 Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer awards, requiring bios and a short tech-focused video. AI Innovation: Future Caribbean launched a regional AI Buildathon with applications open until July 3, aiming to grow Caribbean-led AI solutions for regional challenges. Regional Health Goals: CARICOM and PAHO discussed scaling up mother-to-child transmission prevention for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, focusing on detection, treatment, and stronger lab and surveillance systems.

Renewable Energy Update: Dominica’s geothermal plant is still in commissioning, with testing and system integration causing recent outages, but officials say the payoff will be lower electricity rates and less dependence on imported fuel. Climate Resilience Funding: The $70.2 million DOMCREP project (Green Climate Fund, World Bank) will support over 8,000 people across eight communities, including 520+ farmers with climate-smart technologies, irrigation, and greenhouses. Education & Tech in Schools: 30 secondary-school teachers completed ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2, using a regional mix of in-person training and online learning tools to boost math instruction. Health & Lab Systems: CARICOM and PAHO pushed efforts to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, focusing on prevention, monitoring, and stronger laboratory and surveillance capacity. Tourism Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to strengthen brand, trade partnerships, and promotions for nature, wellness, and adventure travel. AI Innovation Call: Future Caribbean launched a regional AI Buildathon with applications open until July 3. Agriculture Awards: Nominations are open for the 2026 CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer awards, with a short bio and a 2-minute tech-focused farm video required. Regional Finance for SMEs: IFC confirmed a US$15 million investment in the CARICOM Resilience Fund debt sub-fund to back medium-sized enterprise financing across 13 countries.

Education & EdTech: 30 secondary-school teachers from all 14 schools in Dominica (plus partners from Barbados and Grenada) have finished the regional Advancing Caribbean Teachers (ACT) in Mathematics Cohort 2 programme, supported by UWI Mona and the Commonwealth of Learning, using a blended model that included in-person training and online learning tools. Public Health & Labs: CARICOM and PAHO met to push up scaling of mother-to-child transmission prevention for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, with a focus on better detection, monitoring, and lab and surveillance systems to reach and sustain validation status. Climate Resilience: Prime Minister Skerrit says the $70.2m DOMCREP project (Green Climate Fund, via CARICOM Climate Change Centre) will support over 8,000 people in eight vulnerable communities, including 520 farmers and agro-processors with climate-smart technologies, irrigation, and emergency preparedness. Energy Tech: Dominica is commissioning a geothermal plant to bring geothermal power onto the national grid, with testing and integration work still underway before full commercial operation. Tourism Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with brand, trade partnerships and campaigns for nature and wellness travel. AI for the Region: Future Caribbean opened applications for a regional AI Buildathon, closing July 3, aiming to grow Caribbean innovation and tech-driven solutions. Agriculture Awards: CARICOM opened nominations for the 2026 CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Ministers’ Young Farmer awards, with a two-minute video and a tech-use component required.

Education & Tech: 30 secondary-school teachers from Dominica, Barbados and Grenada finished the ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2 programme, supported by UWI Mona and the Commonwealth of Learning, using a mix of in-person training and online Communities of Practice. Public Health: CARICOM and PAHO’s Regional Validation Committee met in Georgetown to push scaling up mother-to-child transmission prevention and treatment for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, with stronger lab and surveillance systems. Climate Resilience: PM Skerrit announced the DOMCREP project—$70.2 million from the Green Climate Fund—backing over 520 farmers and agro-processors with climate-smart technologies, irrigation and emergency preparedness across eight communities. Energy: Dominica says its geothermal plant is still in commissioning, with testing and integration work behind recent outages, but aiming for lower rates and less dependence on imported fuel. Tourism & Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to drive brand, trade partnerships and campaigns. Agriculture Awards: Nominations are open for the CARICOM Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer awards, with a tech-focused video required. Regional Innovation: Future Caribbean launched a regional AI Buildathon; applications are open until July 3.

Education & EdTech: 30 secondary-school teachers from all 14 schools in Dominica (plus peers from Barbados and Grenada) have wrapped up the ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2 programme, supported by UWI Mona and the Commonwealth of Learning, using a mix of in-person training and online learning tools like Moodle, Zoom and WhatsApp. Public Health & Labs: CARICOM and PAHO’s regional validation team met in Georgetown to push scaling up mother-to-child transmission prevention and treatment for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, with a focus on stronger detection, monitoring and lab/surveillance systems. Climate Resilience: Prime Minister Skerrit says Dominica’s DOMCREP project (Green Climate Fund, via the World Bank) is a $70.2m push to support over 8,000 people, including 520+ farmers with climate-smart tech, irrigation and greenhouses. Energy Tech: Dominica is commissioning its geothermal plant and says it’s the first in the Caribbean to reach the national grid, with outages linked to testing and integration. Tourism Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to lead brand, trade partnerships and campaigns. Agriculture Innovation: Dominica is set to invest nearly $700,000 in an animal feed mill, with cassava trials already showing promising growth results for livestock. Regional AI: Future Caribbean opened applications for a regional AI Buildathon, closing July 3.

Education & Tech Skills: 30 secondary-school teachers from Dominica, Barbados and Grenada finished the ACT in Mathematics Cohort 2 programme, supported by UWI Mona and the Commonwealth of Learning, using a blended mix of workshops and online learning tools like Moodle, Zoom and WhatsApp. HIV & Lab Systems: CARICOM and PAHO met to push scaling up mother-to-child transmission elimination for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, with focus on detection, monitoring and stronger laboratory and surveillance capacity. Climate Resilience (DOMCREP): The Green Climate Fund-backed DOMCREP will reach 8,000 people across eight communities, supporting 520 farmers and agro-processors with climate-smart technologies, irrigation, greenhouses, and better emergency preparedness. Renewable Energy: Dominica is in geothermal commissioning to connect to the national grid—the PM says teething issues are being fixed, with promises of lower rates and less dependence on imported fuel. Tourism Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to lead brand, partnerships and campaigns for nature and wellness travel. Agriculture Innovation: CARICOM opened nominations for the 2026 Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year awards, requiring a short bio plus a two-minute video showing production and use of technology. AI for the Region: Future Caribbean launched a regional AI Buildathon with applications open until July 3.