AGP Executive Report

Geothermal & Energy: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant in Laudat has started commercial operations, making it the first CARICOM member to generate electricity from geothermal resources; officials say geothermal already contributed about 43% of the island’s power in June and could reach around 60% of gross production by 2027. Population Policy: Dominica will introduce citizenship through a Dominican grandparent starting 1 January 2027, tied to a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme aimed at growing the resident population to 100,000 by 2040. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor is pushing a full programme to rehabilitate and maintain Salisbury farm access roads with proper engineering, drainage, durable surfacing and climate-ready design to protect perishable crops. Digital Finance Watch: The US Treasury’s OFAC sanctioned Iran-linked crypto exchanges and firms, including Shelbit, after tracing billions in transactions tied to IRGC-linked activity. Health Education: The REACH project launched a new adolescent health webinar series across the region, starting with mental health and stigma reduction sessions. Regional Tech/Science Capacity: Eastern Caribbean lab professionals trained on molecular diagnostics to strengthen rapid detection and response to emerging infectious diseases.

Dominica’s Farm Access Push: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor is demanding a full programme to rehabilitate and maintain Salisbury farm access roads, saying poor, rain-prone routes trap farmers for months, driving lost income, wasted labour and missed export chances; she wants proper engineering, drainage, slope stabilisation, durable surfacing and routine maintenance with climate resilience built in. Citizenship by Grandparent: Dominica will start “grandparent” citizenship applications on 1 January 2027 under the National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme, aiming to grow the resident population to 100,000 by 2040 and bring back skills, investment and talent. Crypto Sanctions Watch: The US Treasury/OFAC sanctioned Iran-linked crypto exchanges and networks it says launder billions for the IRGC, including Shelbit Exchange; Dominica’s name also appears via an operator described as holding Dominica citizenship. Geothermal Milestone: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant at Laudat has begun commercial operations, strengthening the island’s push for renewable power. Adolescent Health Online: REACH launched a new webinar series on adolescent health and well-being, starting 11 August with a session on mental health stigma. MarineLab Training: Educators across the Caribbean wrapped up a MarineLab teacher workshop focused on marine ecology and field-based action projects.

US Crypto Sanctions: OFAC sanctioned Iran-linked digital asset exchanges and a network operator, saying crypto was used to launder billions and support the IRGC; one named figure, Siavash Kayvanpour, is reported to hold Dominica citizenship and to have run Shelbit Exchange via a Georgia firm. Local Finance Watch: Georgia’s National Bank says the OFAC-sanctioned Shelbit entity isn’t registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider there, with its registration reportedly cancelled. Dominica Energy Milestone: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant at Laudat has started commercial operations, with geothermal contributing about 43% of electricity supply in June 2026 and expected to keep rising. Population Policy: Dominica plans a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme aimed at reaching 100,000 residents by 2040. Health Tech & Training: REACH launched a new adolescent health webinar series across Dominica and the region, focused on mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction, and parent-teen communication. Tech in the Region: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including geothermal, solar, wind, clean transport, and green hydrogen.

Crypto & Sanctions: The U.S. Treasury (OFAC) sanctioned Iran-linked digital asset exchanges and a multinational front network, saying crypto was used to launder billions and support the IRGC. The centerpiece operator, Siavash Kayvanpour, is described as Iran-born with Dominica citizenship, operating Shelbit Exchange via a Georgia firm, with funds reportedly moving between IRGC-linked wallets and sanctioned platforms. Regional Health Tech: REACH launched a Dominica-focused webinar series on adolescent mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction, and parent-teen communication, aiming to spread evidence-based sexual and reproductive health info across the Eastern Caribbean. Renewables in Practice: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant has started commercial operations, boosting the island’s push toward cleaner power and making it the first CARICOM member to generate electricity from geothermal resources. Fintech in the Caribbean: Finovate Global Caribbean highlighted Belize Bank’s digital modernization partnership with Backbase, bringing AI-powered onboarding and a unified digital banking platform. Energy Funding Call: IRENA opened a proposal call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including geothermal and clean transport, with deadlines before Sept. 1.

US Crypto Sanctions: The U.S. Treasury (OFAC) sanctioned Iran-linked digital asset exchanges and a multinational front-company network, alleging billions in laundering and covert support for the IRGC, with named operator Siavash Kayvanpour tied to Shelbit Exchange. Dominica Energy & Jobs: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant in Laudat has started commercial operations, boosting renewable electricity supply and reinforcing the island’s push toward more stable, locally generated power. Local Health Tech & Youth Support: Dominica’s REACH project launched a regional adolescent health webinar series, with sessions on mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction, and parent-teen communication. Fintech in the Caribbean: Finovate Global Caribbean highlights Belize Bank’s digital modernization partnership with Backbase, aiming to speed onboarding and unify business cash-flow visibility. Population Strategy: Dominica plans a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme to grow the resident population toward 100,000 by 2040. Marine Science Training: Eastern Caribbean lab and molecular diagnostics capacity got a boost through a PAHO/WHO workshop using a One Health approach. Tourism Tech & Infrastructure: The Dominica Cable Car is framed as an economy builder, supporting hundreds of jobs and ongoing roles beyond construction. Real Estate Watch: A regional estimate says Eastern Caribbean property values are down about 10% over five years, with risks of further declines.

US Crypto Sanctions: The U.S. Treasury (OFAC) sanctioned two crypto exchanges and a multi-country network it says helped Iran launder billions for the IRGC, including Shelbit Exchange, after alleged crypto flows between Iran-linked wallets and the platforms. Dominica Energy Milestone: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant in Laudat has started commercial operations, boosting the island’s renewable power share and making it the first CARICOM member to generate electricity from geothermal resources. Local Tech & Jobs: The Dominica Cable Car is framed as more than tourism—hundreds of local jobs during construction, local suppliers, and ongoing roles after opening. Health Education Online: Dominica’s REACH project launched a regional adolescent health webinar series with sessions on mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction, and parent-teen communication. Regional Lab Strengthening: Eastern Caribbean lab professionals trained on molecular diagnostics for diseases like measles, leptospirosis, and hantavirus, using a One Health approach. Policy & Economy Debate: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor argued government alone can’t build a dynamic economy, calling for stronger private-sector conditions as AI and digital commerce reshape opportunities. Population Push: Dominica plans a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme to grow the resident population toward 100,000 by 2040. Tourism Investment: Secret Bay Resort announced new cliffside villas, extra spas, and a family pool pavilion as it moves into its final residential phase.

Geothermal Power Milestone: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant in Laudat has started commercial operations, making the island the first CARICOM member to generate electricity from geothermal resources; geothermal already supplied about 43% of Dominica’s electricity in June. Energy & Finance Tech: Ormat Technologies reported strong Q2 results, with energy storage revenues nearly tripling year-over-year and continued progress on its EGS strategy. Public Health Tech: Saint Lucia strengthened integrated health surveillance capacity through a PAHO/WHO-supported workshop, improving how labs and health teams detect and respond to priority outbreaks. Adolescent Health Online Learning: Dominica’s REACH project launched a new webinar series on adolescent health, starting Aug. 11 with a session on breaking stigma around mental health. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a proposal call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, prioritizing submissions before Sept. 1. Digital Finance & Security: The US sanctioned crypto exchanges and a network tied to Iran’s IRGC, citing digital assets used to launder funds and evade sanctions. Citizenship Rules Watch: A global review highlights “birthright citizenship” (jus soli) in several Caribbean countries, including Dominica, amid renewed debate in the US. Local Economy & Jobs: The Dominica Cable Car project is framed as more than tourism—supporting local suppliers and creating ongoing roles beyond construction. Sports Tech Spotlight: Ashish Yadav won silver in the men’s javelin at the 2026 World U20 Championships, with Dominica’s Addison James taking bronze.

Fintech & Digital Banking: Belize Bank signed a six-year partnership with Backbase to roll out an AI-native digital banking stack for retail and business customers, aiming to streamline onboarding and unify business cash-flow views. Adolescent Health Tech: Dominica’s REACH project launched a regional webinar series on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction, and parent-teen communication, with interactive Q&As starting Aug. 11. Renewables in Dominica: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant in Laudat has begun commercial operations, boosting geothermal’s role in the island’s power supply and marking a major CARICOM milestone. Energy Investment Signals: Ormat Technologies reported strong Q2 results, with energy storage revenues nearly tripling and continued progress on its geothermal strategy. Tourism & Local Economy: The Dominica Cable Car project is framed as more than tourism—creating hundreds of jobs and supporting local suppliers, with ongoing roles expected after construction. Public Policy & Growth: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor argued government alone can’t build a dynamic economy, stressing stable policies, infrastructure, energy affordability, and private-sector investment. Maritime Security: A reported tanker attack in the Gulf of Aden is linked by analysts to a Dominica-flagged vessel, with investigations underway.

Eastern Caribbean Housing Watch: A new CLVRI estimate says property values across five Eastern Caribbean markets, including Dominica, have slipped about 10% over the past five years, with analysts warning declines could reach 20% over the next decade. Population & Skills Push: Dominica plans a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme aimed at growing the resident population to 100,000 by 2040, targeting returning migrants, investors, retirees, remote workers, and skilled professionals. Geothermal Milestone: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant at Laudat has entered commercial operations, with geothermal contributing about 43% of electricity supply in June and projected to cover roughly half of demand in 2026. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including geothermal and clean transport, with proposals prioritized before Sept. 1. Public Health Lab Boost: Eastern Caribbean lab professionals trained in molecular diagnostics for diseases like measles, leptospirosis, and hantavirus, using a One Health approach to strengthen outbreak readiness. Energy Sector Debate: Former ministers Carlos James and Melissa Peters criticized the administration’s handling of electricity costs and geothermal governance, arguing cabinet-level misunderstanding is driving problems. Maritime Security: UKMTO reported an attempted tanker attack in the Gulf of Aden; open-source analysts tentatively linked it to a Dominica-flagged tanker, Daisy. Tech & Science (Sport Physiology): A new study video explains how oxygen and carbon dioxide shift in elite freedivers at depths up to 80 meters, highlighting major pressure-related changes around 40 meters.

Population Policy: Dominica’s government says it will launch a National Population Renewal and a Global Dominican Engagement Programme, aiming to grow the resident population to 100,000 by 2040 by encouraging returnees, investors, retirees, remote workers and skilled professionals. Tourism & Real Estate: Secret Bay Resort & Residences is moving into its final residential phase, unveiling six new cliffside villas, two more spas and a family pool pavilion, with sales set to begin this fall. Energy Governance: Former ministers Carlos James and Melissa Peters are attacking the administration’s handling of the energy sector, arguing the state misunderstands utility ownership and lacks technical grasp of the geothermal project. Health Lab Capacity: Eastern Caribbean countries, including Dominica, boosted molecular diagnostic skills for faster detection of epidemic-prone diseases through a PAHO/WHO and CARPHA workshop using a One Health approach. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including geothermal and clean transport, with a September 1 priority deadline. Maritime Security: A tanker was reportedly targeted in the Gulf of Aden; open-source analysts and security firms point to a Dominica-flagged vessel, with an investigation underway. Deep-Dive Physiology: A new video explains how oxygen and carbon dioxide shift in elite freedivers at depths up to 80 meters, highlighting major pressure-related changes around 40 meters. National Budget: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is set to present the 2026–27 national budget, with priorities expected to include tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and education.

Maritime Security: Iran and Oman are set to unveil a new Strait of Hormuz traffic arrangement, with proposed routes and possible cargo fees that could reshape shipping lanes and how vessels are charged. Regional Safety: The UKMTO reported an attempted attack on a tanker in the Gulf of Aden; open-source and security analysts say the Dominica-flagged product tanker Daisy may have been targeted, with an investigation ongoing. Renewable Power & Storage: Ormat Technologies posted strong Q2 results, driven by near-tripled energy storage revenue and continued geothermal expansion, including its EGS strategy and new generation unit. Public Health Tech: Eastern Caribbean lab teams boosted molecular diagnostic capacity for emerging infectious diseases through PAHO/WHO and CARPHA training, using standardized One Health approaches. Dominica Development: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is expected to outline Dominica’s 2026-27 national budget priorities, including tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Tourism & Digital Innovation: Dominica’s cable car project is expected to support jobs and growth, while officials stress that AI and digital innovation are now central to staying competitive.

Maritime Security: The UKMTO says an attempted attack was reported on a tanker in the Gulf of Aden; a blast was heard near a Dominica-flagged vessel, with no injuries or environmental impact reported as investigators look into what happened. Renewable Energy & Storage: Ormat Technologies posted strong Q2 results, with energy storage revenues nearly tripling and guidance raised, highlighting momentum in geothermal and grid-scale storage. Diving Science: A new study video tracks how oxygen and carbon dioxide shift in elite freedivers at 20–80 meters, finding the biggest pressure-related changes around 40 meters—useful for understanding deep-breath physiology. Public Health Lab Capacity: Eastern Caribbean labs boosted skills in molecular diagnostics for threats like measles, leptospirosis and hantavirus, using a One Health approach that links human and animal health. Dominica Budget Watch: Dominica is set to present its 2026–27 national budget, with priorities expected to include tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and education. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, with proposals prioritized before Sept. 1. Tourism Tech & Jobs: Dominica’s cable car project is expected to reshape tourism and create local employment, with officials also pointing to the growing role of AI and digital innovation in destination marketing.

Dominica Budget Watch: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is set to present the 2026–2027 national budget today, with relief measures, tourism incentives, agriculture and agro-processing, and infrastructure upgrades expected to be front and center. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, prioritizing proposals before Sept. 1 and covering solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, clean transport, green hydrogen and even sargassum-based energy. Tourism Tech Push: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car (due later this year) will boost tourism and create jobs, while also stressing that AI and digital innovation are now key to staying competitive. Regional Policy Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley is urging a longer transition (five years) away from Citizenship by Investment programmes, warning the EU’s proposed two-year end date could hit Eastern Caribbean economies hard. Legal & Health Rights: Two letters highlight the High Court’s abortion ruling and the need to shift how health services deliver care for rape, incest, severe foetal anomaly, and protecting a woman’s health and life. Science & Climate Resilience: A CARICOM-focused update says leaders are building resilience systems around food and energy security, transport, healthcare, AI and regional trade as climate shocks intensify.

Dominica Budget Watch: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is set to present the 2026–27 national budget, with relief measures, tourism incentives, agriculture and agro-processing, plus infrastructure and social services expected to be front and center. Renewables Funding: IRENA has opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, clean transport and green hydrogen, with Dominica among eligible countries. AI for the Region: China’s Ambassador to Dominica, Chu Maoming, says Dominica can benefit from a “just and equitable” global AI governance system after the 2026 World AI Conference. Tourism Tech Push: Dominica’s Cable Car project is expected to boost tourism and create local jobs, while the tourism ministry highlights the growing role of AI and digital innovation in destination readiness. Regional Connectivity: A researcher argues intraregional travel is declining due to high costs, aviation taxes and weak connectivity—calling for structural fixes to keep money circulating within the Caribbean. Local Business Forum: Roseau North by-election hopeful Daniel Lugay outlined plans including relocating the Fond Cole landfill and improving waste management, alongside a proposed mall and commercial hub. Caribbean Justice & Tech: Two Americans were found guilty in Dominica of murdering a Quebec couple, a case that also drew attention for its long investigation timeline.

Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, prioritizing proposals before Sept. 1 and covering solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, bioenergy, green hydrogen, electric mobility, and even sargassum-based energy. Tourism Tech & Jobs: Dominica’s Cable Car project is on track for completion later this year, with Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton saying it will boost tourism and create immediate local employment, alongside upgrades to key ecotourism sites and roads. AI for Policy: CARICOM’s tax chief Dr. Carla Barnett urged “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax systems at a regional conference, pushing for future-ready revenue as external aid becomes less certain. Local Skills for Digital Futures: A Dominican entrepreneur launched two skills development books for children and youth, explicitly targeting digital literacy, IT, finance, and safety awareness. Energy Resilience Focus: CARICOM leaders at a Saint Lucia summit emphasized strengthening systems they can influence—food and energy security, transport, healthcare, AI, and regional trade—to handle climate shocks. Health & Law Debate: Letters to the editor continue reacting to the High Court’s abortion ruling and what happens if government timelines aren’t met.

Reproductive Rights & Courts: A letter to the editor says the High Court’s abortion ruling gives government a six-month window to expand legal grounds beyond the life-of-the-woman exception, warning that delays would repeat past non-compliance with international obligations. CARICOM Tax Tech: CARICOM’s Dr. Carla Barnett urged Caribbean tax administrations to become “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” at a regional conference in Guyana, pushing for stronger home-grown financing as aid becomes less certain. Dominica Tourism Tech: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car (due later this year) and upgrades to key ecotourism sites will boost visitor readiness, while stressing that AI and digital innovation now matter for competitiveness. AI Governance Link: China’s Ambassador Chu Maoming published an op-ed tying Dominica’s participation in global AI governance discussions to a “just and equitable” framework. Local Skills & Digital Literacy: Dominican entrepreneur Marilyn A. Cuffy-Morris launched two skills development books for children and youth, explicitly including digital literacy and information technology. Regional Connectivity Research: Dr. Dennis McCall argues intraregional travel is declining due to high costs and weak connectivity, calling for structural fixes to make regional movement more affordable. Coral Reef Science: Coral reef experts met in Auckland to tackle climate-driven reef decline, including new mapping and a research center, with the next symposium set for 2030 in Rio. Health & Food Policy: A “health tax” push targets foods high in fat, sugar and salt, alongside calls for clearer nutrition labelling. Crime & Forensics: Separate reports highlight how genetic genealogy helped solve a decades-old murder case in Canada, underscoring the growing role of advanced forensics. Dominica By-election Tech/Infrastructure: Roseau North hopeful Daniel Lugay outlined plans to relocate the Fond Cole landfill and improve waste management, alongside a proposed mall and commercial hub.