AGP Executive Report

Reproductive Health: A letter to the editor says the government should act on the High Court ruling that found Dominica’s life-saving-only abortion law unconstitutional, by drafting legislation and guidelines to expand legal access. Heart Health: Eighty-three people hiked the Boeri Lake Trail for Dominica’s World Heart Day event, which paired exercise with awareness of cardiovascular health and prevention. Health Training: Physician Rachel Andrew has endorsed Cuba’s scholarship programme, which offers Dominicans opportunities to study medicine and health sciences. Community Wellness: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl 2026 will feature a wellness space for local practitioners, products and services, highlighting traditional knowledge and natural approaches to well-being.

Medical Education: Dominican physician Rachel Andrew has endorsed Cuba’s scholarship programme, which offers students from Dominica opportunities to study medicine and other health sciences. She says the programme has changed lives around the world. Community Wellness: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl 2026 will feature a dedicated wellness space, with local practitioners, health and wellness businesses, and products highlighting traditional knowledge, local foods and plants.

Hospital Update: A man is being treated at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital after a shooting in Bath Estate on October 6 left him with a gunshot wound to the groin. Police are investigating. Regional Health: CARICOM health ministers have agreed to develop a digital health strategy, with support from PAHO, the IDB and World Bank. It aims to improve healthcare delivery, public health surveillance and workforce management. Community Wellness: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl 2026 will feature a dedicated wellness space showcasing local practitioners, products and services. Medical Training: Dominican doctor Rachel Andrew has endorsed Cuba’s scholarship programme, which offers students opportunities to study medicine and health sciences.

Global Health & Diplomacy: World leaders, including Japan’s Sanae Takaichi and Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu, congratulated Dominica PM Roosevelt Skerrit’s friend Narendra Modi on 25 years as India’s head of government, praising leadership and stronger international partnerships. Dominica–China Cooperation: Skerrit says Dominica and the People’s Republic of China should keep deepening ties through knowledge exchange, training, and practical investment, reaffirming the One-China principle. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines has started twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica service, a boost for regional travel and tourism access. Youth Wellness: Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) hosts “Sip N Chat” today (ages 16–35) to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle choices. Digital Health (CARICOM): CARICOM, with PAHO, IDB and the World Bank, is pushing a regional digital health strategy to strengthen healthcare delivery and public health systems. Neonatal Care Milestone: Caring for Miracles Foundation marks five years supporting premature and critically ill newborns via UHWI NICU partnerships. Tourism & Marine Health: Dominica earned 11 recognitions in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting underwater experiences and marine health. Wellness at Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl: Organizers announce a dedicated wellness space for the 2026 event, featuring local practitioners and health-focused services.

Health Policy & Education: A U.S. health policy course at Lehigh’s College of Health is drawing attention after interim dean Michael K. Gusmano highlighted guest-speaker Susan Wild’s experience across law, healthcare and government—aimed at helping students understand how policy shapes real-world care. Bilateral Cooperation: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica and China should deepen cooperation, citing exchanges, training and practical investment, while reaffirming respect for the One-China principle. Youth Wellness: The Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) hosts “Sip N Chat” today for ages 16–35, encouraging healthier eating and lifestyle choices through guided conversation at The Realm in Roseau. Neonatal Care Milestone: The Caring for Miracles Foundation marks five years supporting premature and critically ill newborns, including ongoing neonatal care support at UHWI’s NICU in Jamaica. Regional Digital Health: CARICOM health ministers move to advance a regional digital health strategy with PAHO, the IDB and World Bank, focused on strengthening healthcare delivery and public health systems. Wellness Tourism: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl adds a dedicated wellness space this year, with opportunities to meet local practitioners and explore health-focused products and services. Legal Aid Vacancy: A vacancy announcement calls for a State Attorney (Legal Aid Clinic) under the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs. Health & Culture Exchange: Dominica State College’s Confucius Classroom marks Mid-Autumn Festival, continuing Mandarin education and cultural exchange, including past health fair activities with Chinese medical specialists.

Government Accountability & Public Services: St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ National Security Minister St Clair Leacock said the government is “broke,” pointing to deteriorating facilities like police stations and public offices and urging frank communication with the public. Health Education & Scholarships: Dominica’s Dr Rachel Andrew endorsed Cuba’s scholarship programme for medicine and health sciences, while the Dominica Public Service Union announced 12 scholarships with Cipriani College for training in areas like human resource management and emergency management. Wellness in the Community: DOMDA is hosting “Sip N Chat” for ages 16–35 to encourage healthier lifestyle choices, and Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl will add a dedicated wellness space featuring local practitioners and wellness products. Regional Health Planning: CARICOM ministers advanced a regional digital health strategy with support from PAHO, the IDB and World Bank, aiming to strengthen healthcare delivery and public health systems. Neonatal Care Support: The Caring for Miracles Foundation marked five years supporting premature and critically ill newborns through UHWI NICU partnerships and equipment, training, and family support. Legal Aid Staffing: A vacancy was announced for a State Attorney (Legal Aid Clinic) role in Dominica’s Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs. Sports (Local Interest): Guyana beat Dominica 5–1 in the Nations League, keeping its perfect run in League B.

Cardiology Milestone: Dominica Hospitals Authority says four permanent pacemaker implantations were successfully done at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital on Sept. 25—meaning patients who previously had to travel abroad can now get permanent procedures at home, supervised by local cardiologist Dr. Rachel Andrew. Health Workforce & Training: Dr. Rachel Andrew also endorsed the Cuban scholarship programme for medicine and health sciences, while the Dominica Public Service Union announced 12 scholarships for professional development with Cipriani College in areas like HR, industrial relations, project management and emergency management. Youth Wellness: DOMDA hosted its “Sip N Chat” event to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle choices among ages 16–35, with parents invited to support attendance. Regional Digital Health: CARICOM, with PAHO, IDB and World Bank support, moved to advance a regional digital health strategy aimed at strengthening primary care, surveillance, health financing and workforce management. Community Health & Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl will add a dedicated wellness space featuring local practitioners and wellness products, aligning with Dominica’s “nature island” approach to care. Legal/Access to Services: A vacancy notice was published for a State Attorney (Legal Aid Clinic) role, covering court appearances and legal advice duties.

Regional Health Tech: CARICOM health ministers, with PAHO, IDB and the World Bank, moved to advance a CARICOM Digital Health Strategy aimed at strengthening primary care, workforce management, public health surveillance and health financing. Cardiac Care at Home: Dominica Hospitals Authority reports four successful permanent pacemaker implantations at Dominica China Friendship Hospital on Sept. 25—meaning patients who previously had to travel can now receive permanent procedures locally. Youth Wellness: Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) hosts “Sip N Chat” today (4:30–7:00 PM at The Realm) to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle choices for ages 16–35, with parents invited to support. Community Wellness at Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl: Organisers say a dedicated wellness space will be added to the 2026 festival, featuring local practitioners and wellness products as part of Dominica’s “nature island” wellness story. Education & Health Workforce: DPSU awarded 12 scholarships for professional development with Cipriani College (Industrial Relations, HR, Project Management, Emergency Management), building skills for public administration and trade union work. Health Systems Capacity: Dominica’s first permanent pacemaker implantations follow earlier temporary procedures, marking a broader push to expand local specialist services.

Pacemaker milestone at DCFH: Dominica Hospitals Authority reports four successful permanent pacemaker implantations at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital on Sept. 25, meaning patients who previously had to travel overseas can now receive permanent procedures at home. Youth wellness push: Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) hosts “Sip N Chat” today (4:30–7:00 PM at The Realm) to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle choices among youth aged 16–35, with admission EC$25. Regional digital health drive: CARICOM, with PAHO, IDB and World Bank support, is moving to advance a regional digital health strategy aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, public health surveillance and workforce management. Training for public service staff: DPSU awards 12 scholarships for professional development with Cipriani College (Trinidad & Tobago), covering areas like industrial relations, HR management, project management and emergency management. Health and culture at Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl: Organisers announce a dedicated wellness space for the 2026 event, featuring wellness products and services and opportunities to engage local practitioners. Community health education: Dominica State College’s Confucius Classroom marked the Mid-Autumn Festival, highlighting Chinese-language education and cultural exchange, including past health fair activities with Chinese medical specialists. Sports note: Guyana beat Dominica 5–1 in the CONCACAF Nations League to stay perfect in League B Group A.

Cardiac Care at Home: Dominica has completed four successful permanent pacemaker implantations at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, meaning patients who previously had to travel overseas can now receive permanent procedures locally. Youth Wellness: The Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) is hosting “Sip N Chat” for ages 16–35 to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle choices, with wellness-focused activities and family support. Regional Digital Health: CARICOM is moving to advance a regional digital health strategy with support from PAHO, the IDB and the World Bank, aiming to strengthen primary care, health surveillance and workforce planning. Health Education & Skills: The Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) awarded 12 scholarships for professional development in areas like industrial relations, HR, project management and emergency management. Community Health Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl 2026 will add a dedicated wellness space to connect visitors and locals with health and wellness practitioners and products. Safety & Access: Police are investigating a shooting in Pointe Michel that left a 37-year-old St. Lucian man with multiple gunshot wounds.

Cardiovascular Care at Home: Dominica China Friendship Hospital has completed four successful permanent pacemaker implantations, meaning patients no longer need to travel abroad for what was previously only temporary care. Youth Wellness in Focus: Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) is hosting “Sip N Chat” for ages 16–35 to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle choices, with a dedicated event space at The Realm in Roseau. Regional Digital Health Push: CARICOM, with PAHO, the IDB and World Bank, is moving to advance a regional digital health strategy aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, surveillance and workforce planning. Neonatal Support Milestone: The Dominican-founded Caring for Miracles Foundation marks five years of neonatal care support at UHWI NICU in Jamaica, including equipment donations and training. Health & Culture at Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl: Organisers say a new dedicated wellness space will feature local practitioners and wellness products during the 2026 Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl festival. Public Health Context: PAHO’s director calls for faster action on emerging health challenges across the Americas, highlighting priorities like primary care, vaccination and emergency preparedness.

Wellness & Youth: Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) is hosting “Sip N Chat” today at The Realm in Roseau (4:30–7:00 PM) to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle choices among youth aged 16–35, with admission EC$25 and opportunities to meet practitioners and learn more about wellness. Healthcare Access: Dominica Hospitals Authority reports four successful permanent pacemaker implantations at Dominica China Friendship Hospital on Sept. 25—meaning patients who previously had to travel abroad can now receive permanent procedures at home. Regional Health Strategy: CARICOM is moving to advance a regional digital health strategy with support from PAHO, IDB and the World Bank, aiming to strengthen primary care, workforce management, surveillance and health financing across member states. Local Health Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl’s 2026 launch includes a new dedicated wellness space, highlighting Dominica’s nature, local foods, herbs and traditional knowledge as part of the island’s wellness tourism story. Education & Skills: DPSU awarded 12 scholarships for professional development with Cipriani College in Trinidad, covering industrial relations, HR, project management and emergency management. Health & Safety in the News: Police are investigating a Pointe Michel shooting that left a 37-year-old St. Lucian man with multiple gunshot wounds.

Citizenship-by-investment: The EU has ordered five Caribbean countries, including Dominica, to scrap citizenship-by-investment programmes by 2028, putting “golden passport” holders—especially Nigerians using the route amid high Schengen refusals—into uncertainty. Cardiac care at home: Dominica has completed its first permanent pacemaker implantations at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, with four successful procedures on Sept. 25, reducing the need for patients to travel overseas. Neonatal and child health: The Ministry of Health says it’s pushing stronger newborn and pediatric services, including a Castle Bruce Health Centre visit by the World Pediatric Project and plans for a dedicated neonatal/pediatric corner plus ongoing Helping Babies Breathe refresher training. Regional health tech: CARICOM health ministers, with PAHO, IDB and the World Bank, moved to advance a CARICOM digital health strategy to strengthen care delivery, surveillance and workforce planning. Youth wellness: Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) hosts “Sip N Chat” to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle choices among ages 16–35. Wellness tourism: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl adds a dedicated wellness space for locals and visitors, featuring practitioners and wellness products alongside cultural experiences. Sports: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars beat Dominica 5–1 in the Nations League to stay perfect. Regional mourning: CARICOM mourns the death of French Guiana President Gabriel Serville, who helped drive French Guiana’s move toward CARICOM associate membership.

Healthcare Tech & Policy: CARICOM ministers, with PAHO, IDB and World Bank support, moved to advance a regional digital health strategy aimed at strengthening primary care, public health surveillance, health financing and workforce planning. Maternal & Child Health: Dominica’s Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanded neonatal and pediatric care, including a possible dedicated neonatal/pediatric corner and refresher training like Helping Babies Breathe. Cardiac Care at Home: Dominica China Friendship Hospital completed four successful permanent pacemaker implantations—ending the need for patients to travel abroad for permanent procedures. Youth Wellness: DOMDA’s “Sip N Chat” event encourages ages 16–35 to make healthier lifestyle choices through guided conversations on nutrition and wellbeing. Community Neonatal Support: The Caring for Miracles Foundation marked five years supporting premature and critically ill newborns at UHWI NICU in Jamaica, including equipment, training and family support. Health Systems Focus: PAHO’s Director called for faster action on emerging health challenges while highlighting gains in primary care, vaccination and digital health. Local Health Promotion: Dominica’s Teachers Week 2026 includes “Wellness Wednesday” with screenings and wellness checks for educators. Health & Wellness Education: A calm, judgment-free childhood vaccines conversation features Dr. Nawab, tackling common myths and what parents can expect.

Regional Health Policy: CARICOM is moving to advance a regional digital health strategy, with health ministers backing a plan led by CARICOM and driven by Member States, supported by PAHO, the IDB and the World Bank. Neonatal Care Milestone: The Dominican-founded Caring for Miracles Foundation marked five years supporting premature and critically ill newborns at the UHWI NICU in Jamaica, including equipment donations, training and family support. Local Cardiac Upgrade: Dominica Hospitals Authority says four permanent pacemaker implantations were successfully done at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, meaning patients who previously had to travel can now get the procedure at home. Youth Wellness Push: DOMDA’s “Sip N Chat” event is set to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle choices among youth aged 16–35, with admission details and a Roseau venue listed for today. Maternal & Child Health at Community Level: Castle Bruce Health Centre is exploring expanded neonatal and pediatric care, including plans for a dedicated neonatal/pediatric corner and refresher training like Helping Babies Breathe. Health Outreach for Drivers: During Caribbean Wellness Month, the Roseau Health Team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks to bus operators at Mahaut Bus Stop, with referrals for follow-up care. Climate Resilience & Health Facilities: President Sylvanie Burton urged UN action to finance resilience before disasters, stressing protection for roads, water systems and health facilities. Education & Skills for Health Systems: OECS training for services trade stakeholders continues across member states, aiming to strengthen policy and negotiating capacity. International Health Context: PAHO’s Director called for faster action on emerging health challenges while highlighting progress in primary care, vaccination and digital health across the Americas. Health-Related Travel Training: Discover Dominica Authority launched a new destination training course for UK travel advisers focused on Dominica’s health and wellness experiences.

Cardiac Care at Home: Dominica has completed its first permanent pacemaker implantations at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, with four procedures successfully done on Sept. 25 under local cardiologist Dr. Rachel Andrew, trained by a specialist from Georgia—meaning patients no longer need to travel overseas for permanent devices. Neonatal Support & Training: The Caring for Miracles Foundation, founded by Dominican-born doctors, marked five years of neonatal care support at UHWI’s NICU in Jamaica, focusing on equipment donations, staff education, and family support. Youth Wellness Push: DOMDA’s “Sip N Chat” returns today (4:30–7:00 PM at The Realm) to encourage ages 16–35 to make healthier food and lifestyle choices through guided conversation. Primary Health Outreach: Roseau Health Team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks to bus operators at Mahaut bus stop, offering screenings and referrals as part of Caribbean Wellness Month. Regional Digital Health: CARICOM health ministers moved to advance a regional digital health strategy with PAHO, IDB and World Bank support, aiming to strengthen care delivery, surveillance, workforce management and health financing. Climate Resilience: President Sylvanie Burton urged UNGA action to finance resilience before disasters, citing Hurricane Maria and calling for investment in roads, water systems and health facilities. Health Policy Debate: Commentary and letters continue to spotlight contraception access and safe abortion rights, including World Contraception Day messaging and calls to decriminalize abortion. Education & Health Skills: Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanded neonatal and pediatric care, including refresher training in Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) for frontline staff.