AGP Executive Report

Mental Health & Safety: Jael Joseph says a 14-year-old girl contacted her on Facebook Messenger claiming she wanted to end her life, and Joseph is urging the girl to seek help while still trying to reach her. Local Governance: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed a Roseau North by-election after MP Miriam Blanchard resigned on medical grounds; the vote is expected within the constitutional timeframe. Public Health & Climate: The Ministry of Health and the Dominica Meteorological Service released the June–August 2026 Health-Climatic Bulletin, warning of warmer-than-average days, flash-flood risks, and possible spikes in waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses, plus respiratory concerns from Saharan dust. Wellness & Community: Rotary Club of Dominica will install drinking fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary to encourage water over sugary drinks. Health Policy (Regional): PAHO reports health taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases. Citizenship by Investment (CBI): Dominica will require successful CBI applicants to visit in person and collect renewed passports in Dominica. Tourism & Wellness: Discover Dominica Authority launched a Tourism Awareness Program focused on wellness tourism, with a panel discussion planned under “Wellness by Nature.”

Roseau North Political Health Update: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed that Miriam Blanchard has resigned as MP on medical grounds, triggering a by-election in the Roseau North constituency within the constitutional timeframe. Weather & Respiratory Watch: Dominica Meteorological Service reports occasionally cloudy, breezy conditions with a few showers, plus Saharan dust easing today but rising again Sunday—people with asthma and allergies are urged to take precautions. Health System Milestone: The health ministry says Dominica has completed its first brain tumour surgery, marking a major step forward for local care. Public Health Policy: PAHO warns that health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases. Climate Resilience for Communities: DOMCREP is underway as a $70.2 million resilience push for over 8,000 people, including support for farmers, water security, and emergency preparedness. Wellness & Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Wellness by Nature,” highlighting wellness tourism as a growth driver. School Water Access: Rotary Club of Dominica will hand over drinking fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary to encourage healthier choices over sugary beverages.

Health & Policy: Dominica’s Roseau North MP Miriam Blanchard has resigned on medical grounds, with a by-election expected within 90 days; Governance & Health: PM Skerrit says the government is moving to strengthen Citizenship by Investment by requiring successful applicants to visit Dominica in person and collect renewed passports locally; Climate Resilience: DOMCREP was officially launched as a $70.2M Green Climate Fund-backed project to support more than 8,000 people across eight vulnerable communities, including climate-smart farming, water security, and emergency preparedness; Public Health: PAHO reports health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases; Healthcare Milestone: Dominica’s health system completed its first brain tumour surgery; Preparedness: As the 2026 hurricane season begins, NEPO shelters were inspected and emergency supplies reviewed; Wellness & Community: Rotary Club of Dominica will install drinking fountains at Roseau and Trafalgar primary schools to encourage healthier water choices; Wellness Tourism: Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program focused on wellness tourism, with a panel discussion planned at Jungle Bay.

Citizenship by Investment update: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says successful CBI applicants must now make an in-person visit to Dominica and spend time in the country, including travelling to collect renewed passports locally—aimed at strengthening the programme’s integrity and linking new citizens more closely with Dominica’s people and development goals. Public health policy: PAHO reports that health taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases, noting beer and spirits tax burdens below global medians and that many countries still apply little or no tax on sugary drinks. Dominica healthcare milestone: Dominica’s first brain tumour surgery has been successfully completed, with Health Minister Cassani Laville sharing the achievement during an update on services. Climate and health preparedness: As the Atlantic hurricane season begins, Dominica’s emergency shelters were inspected and supplies reviewed, while the Health-Climatic Bulletin warns of warmer-than-average conditions, flash-flood risk, and higher chances of waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses. Wellness tourism push: Discover Dominica Authority is rolling out a 2026 Tourism Awareness Program focused on wellness tourism, including community-facing activities and a panel discussion on how wellness travel can benefit residents and businesses.

Major Health Milestone: Dominica has completed its first brain tumour surgery, with Health Minister Cassani Laville calling it a significant step forward for local care. Regional Lab Readiness: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in IATA infectious substances transport, strengthening how specimens move safely for faster public health response. Public Health & Weather: The Ministry of Health released the June–August 2026 Health-Climatic Bulletin, warning of warmer-than-average days, flash flooding risks, and higher chances of waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and leptospirosis. Hurricane Season Preparedness: As the 2026 Atlantic season began, PM Skerrit said shelters were inspected, supplies reviewed, and agencies coordinated through NEPO to protect families and businesses. Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Wellness by Nature,” including a panel on wellness tourism’s community benefits and a wellness fair plus tourism service awards. Health Policy Watch: PAHO says taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas remain too low to curb consumption and prevent NCDs. Citizenship by Investment Change: PM Skerrit announced new CBI applicants must visit Dominica in person and spend time in the country to collect renewed passports. Governance & Access: CARPHA and tourism updates also come alongside wider travel and visa pressure stories affecting regional movement and investment.

Citizenship by Investment Update: Dominica’s Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit says successful CBI applicants will now face a mandatory in-person visit to receive (or renew) passports—aimed at strengthening the link between economic citizens and the country. Public Health Policy: PAHO warns that health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases, noting beer and spirits tax burdens below global medians and that many countries still apply no tax on sugary beverages. Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority is hosting a panel on wellness tourism’s benefits for communities and businesses, as Dominica’s 2026 Tourism Awareness Program rolls out under “Wellness by Nature.” Climate & Health Preparedness: The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services released the June–August 2026 Health-Climatic Bulletin, flagging hotter-than-average days, flash-flood risk, and higher chances of waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses. Regional Health & Aging: A new regional commentary highlights the Caribbean challenge of growing older before getting richer, with shrinking workforces and rising pressure on hospitals. Tourism Leadership & Access: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief reports a denied U.S. visa renewal, while he also urges reconsideration of cancelled Caribbean airline routes that affect travel—including medical and student movement.

Public Health Policy: PAHO says health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases, with beer and spirits taxed below global medians and about one-third of countries not taxing sugar-sweetened beverages at all. Local Health Preparedness: Dominica’s Ministry of Health released the June–August 2026 Health-Climatic Bulletin, warning of warmer-than-average days and flash-flood risk, which could raise waterborne and mosquito-borne illness threats like gastroenteritis, leptospirosis, and dengue. Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority is hosting a panel discussion on wellness tourism’s benefits for communities and businesses as part of the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, themed “Wellness by Nature.” Tourism Growth & Leadership: Dominica was named a Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination by TravelPulse, and the DDA appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to drive sustainable visitor growth. Community Safety & Environment: Police, waste and recovery partners removed derelict vehicles from several communities, citing mosquito/rodent breeding risks and public safety concerns.

Public Health Policy: PAHO says taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases, with many countries not taxing sweetened beverages at all. Wellness Tourism (Dominica): Discover Dominica Authority will host a panel on June 11 at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa on how wellness tourism can benefit communities, businesses, and residents under the “Wellness by Nature” theme. Tourism Push (Dominica): Dominica’s 2026 Tourism Awareness Program has been launched with “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with public engagement activities and wellness-focused service awards. Climate & Health Preparedness: The Ministry of Health released the June–August 2026 Health-Climatic Bulletin, warning of warmer-than-average conditions, flash-flood risks, and higher chances of waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and leptospirosis. Regional Health & Aging: A Caribbean analysis highlights the challenge of populations aging fast while workforces shrink—“growing older before growing rich”—with knock-on pressure on health systems. Governance & Safety (Local): Police and partners removed derelict vehicles from multiple communities to reduce mosquito/rodent breeding and public safety risks. Marine Health: Beyond Green marks World Oceans Day by spotlighting coral reef conservation efforts, including projects in Dominica and other destinations.

Wellness Tourism Push: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community activities under “Be Well in Nature,” aiming to grow the island’s wellness travel appeal. Health & Climate Preparedness: The Ministry of Health released the June–August 2026 Health-Climatic Bulletin, warning of warmer-than-average days, flash flooding risks, and higher chances of waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses like gastroenteritis, leptospirosis, and dengue. Public Health Policy on Alcohol & Sugar: PAHO reports alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes across the Americas are still too low to curb harmful consumption, including in the Caribbean. Community Safety & Health: Police, waste and recovery partners removed derelict vehicles from Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street, and Loubiere, citing mosquito/rodent breeding and public safety concerns. Medical Research Spotlight: A UWI researcher contributed to a Lancet series highlighting the global kidney disease crisis and the need for prevention, early detection, and treatment. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to drive sustainable visitor growth and strengthen Dominica’s global visibility.

Wellness & NCD Prevention: PAHO says alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases, with the region’s median tax burdens lagging global averages. Climate-Health Watch: Dominica’s Ministry of Health and the Meteorological Service released the June–August 2026 Health-Climatic Bulletin, warning of warmer-than-average temperatures, flash flooding risks, and higher chances of waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses like gastroenteritis, leptospirosis, and dengue. Community Safety: Police and partners removed derelict vehicles from Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street, and Loubiere, citing mosquito and rodent breeding, public safety hazards, and environmental concerns. Tourism for Health: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with a “Be Well in Nature” theme and wellness-focused activities. Regional Wellness Run: CARICOM athletes and community participants will gather for the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk in St Lucia on July 5, tied to regional NCD commitments. Water & Resilience Funding: The $25M DOMCREP climate resilience project was officially launched in Marigot to boost water security and community resilience through adaptation planning and upgrades. Health Research Spotlight: A UWI researcher contributed to a major Lancet series highlighting the global kidney disease crisis and the need for prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Health & Climate Preparedness: The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services released the second Dominica Health-Climatic Bulletin for June–August 2026, warning of warmer-than-average temperatures, more hot days, and ongoing flash-flood risk that could raise waterborne and mosquito-borne illness threats like gastroenteritis, leptospirosis and dengue. Public Safety & Environment: Police and partner agencies removed derelict vehicles from Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street and Loubiere, saying abandoned cars can breed mosquitoes and rodents, block traffic and create public safety risks. Wellness Tourism Push: Dominica officially launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community activities under “Be Well in Nature,” plus wellness fair and tourism service awards. Climate Resilience Funding: The $25M DOMCREP climate resilience project was launched in Marigot, targeting water security and community adaptation planning with support from UN Green Climate Fund channels. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, effective June 1, to drive sustainable visitor growth and strengthen Dominica’s global marketing. Hurricane Season Readiness: The Dominica Red Cross urged households to start early hurricane preparations as the Atlantic season begins, including family emergency plans and emergency kits.

Public Health & Climate: Dominica’s Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services released the second Health-Climatic Bulletin (June–August 2026), warning of warmer-than-average temperatures, more hot days, and ongoing flash flooding risks that could raise waterborne and vector-borne illnesses like gastroenteritis, leptospirosis, and dengue, plus possible respiratory impacts from Saharan dust. Community Safety: The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, with partners including the National Authorising Office and Solid Waste Management, removed abandoned derelict vehicles from Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street, and Loubiere—citing threats to public safety, mosquito/rodent breeding, and environmental health. Wellness Tourism: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with activities under “Be Well in Nature,” and featuring wellness-focused community engagement plus tourism service awards. Resilience Funding: Dominica officially launched the $25M DOMCREP climate resilience project in Marigot, backed by the Green Climate Fund, aiming to boost water security and strengthen community adaptation. Health Research: A UWI researcher contributed to a Lancet series highlighting the global kidney disease crisis and the need for prevention and early detection.

Wellness Tourism Push: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” with activities running through July and a “Be Well in Nature” public engagement push, as officials link the island’s geothermal, rivers, forests, agriculture and culture to a fast-growing global wellness market. Tourism Growth Numbers: TravelPulse named Dominica the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination, citing 15% visitor growth in 2025 to 496,635 arrivals and continued momentum into 2026. Health & Medicines Access: PAHO and OECS advanced joint work to improve access to essential medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states, focusing on barriers like affordability and supply systems. Stroke Support: The RayAsta Foundation donated stroke recovery and support equipment to four Dominica care facilities, aiming to boost daily living independence for stroke survivors and elderly residents. Disaster Readiness: The Dominica Red Cross urged households to prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season, sharing steps like family emergency plans and emergency kits. Regional Environment: A SARSEA mission and workshop in Dominica highlighted coordinated sargassum management to reduce public health and coastal impacts. Leadership Update: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to strengthen global visibility and sustainable visitor growth.

Wellness Tourism Push: Dominica has been named the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination by TravelPulse, with 2025 visitor arrivals up 15% to 496,635 and early 2026 overnight growth continuing the momentum. Tourism + Health Link: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community engagement under “Be Well in Nature.” Climate Resilience for Health: The $25M DOMCREP climate resilience project was officially launched in Marigot, aiming to strengthen water systems and boost communal water storage capacity by 30% in rural districts. Stroke Support: The RayAsta Foundation donated stroke recovery and support equipment to four care facilities, backing rehabilitation for stroke survivors and elderly residents. Medicines Access: PAHO and OECS partners advanced joint work to improve access to essential medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states. Disaster Readiness: The Dominica Red Cross urged households to prepare early for the Atlantic hurricane season, starting this week with family plans and emergency kits. Regional Environment + Public Health: SARSEA activities continued across the OECS to tackle sargassum impacts on coastal resilience, biodiversity, and public health. Health Research Spotlight: A UWI researcher contributed to a Lancet series highlighting the global kidney disease crisis and the need for prevention and early detection. Local Safety Update: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau after a man was taken to the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital and later pronounced dead.

Wellness Tourism Push: Dominica has launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under the theme “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with the public banner “Be Well in Nature,” aiming to grow visitor arrivals by leaning on the island’s geothermal resources, rivers, forests, agriculture, and cultural heritage. Climate Resilience & Water Security: The $25M DOMCREP (Dominica Community Resilience Enhancement Project) was officially launched in Marigot, with an initial EC$3.7M disbursement, targeting stronger community resilience and a planned 30% boost in rural communal water storage capacity. Stroke Care Support: The RayAsta Foundation donated stroke recovery and support equipment to four Dominica care facilities, including the Dominica Infirmary and three residential homes, to help residents with mobility limits and stroke-related disabilities. Regional Health Systems: PAHO and OECS partners advanced work to improve access to essential medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states, focusing on affordability and supply barriers. Disaster Readiness: As the Atlantic hurricane season begins, the Dominica Red Cross urged households to make emergency plans and prepare kits, while strengthening community response teams and relief supplies. Marine Health & Sargassum: A SARSEA workshop and regional mission in Martinique/Guadeloupe highlighted coordinated approaches to sargassum management, protecting coastal ecosystems and public health. Leadership in Tourism Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to drive sustainable visitor growth and strengthen Dominica’s international visibility. Local Safety Update: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau involving a man taken to the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital and later pronounced dead.

Wellness Tourism Push: Dominica has launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community engagement under “Be Well in Nature,” and linking the island’s geothermal resources, rivers, forests, agriculture, and culture to a booming global wellness market. Climate Resilience Funding: The $25M DOMCREP (Dominica Community Resilience Enhancement Project) was officially launched in Marigot, backed by the Green Climate Fund, with an initial EC$3.7M disbursement for climate adaptation planning and plans to boost rural water storage capacity by 30%. Health Research Spotlight: A UWI nephrology lecturer, Dr. Lori-Ann Fisher, contributed to a major Lancet series warning chronic kidney disease is one of the world’s fastest-growing health threats, affecting hundreds of millions and needing stronger prevention and early detection. Stroke Support for Care Homes: The RayAsta Foundation donated stroke recovery and support equipment to four Dominica facilities, aiming to improve independence and daily living for stroke survivors and older adults. Medicines Access Collaboration: PAHO and OECS partners advanced joint work to improve access to essential medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states. Disaster Readiness Reminder: The Dominica Red Cross urged households to start hurricane season preparation now, including family emergency plans and emergency kits. Tourism Leadership Update: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to strengthen destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth.