AGP Executive Report

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.

Kidney health research: 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 an estimated 844 million people and needing stronger prevention, early detection, and treatment. Hurricane readiness: The Dominica Red Cross urged households to start planning now as the Atlantic hurricane season begins (June 1–Nov 30), recommending family emergency plans and emergency kits, while also noting community response teams and relief supplies are being reinforced. Stroke support in 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 elderly residents. Essential medicines access: PAHO and OECS-PPS opened a joint workshop focused on improving access to safe, effective, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states. Local health safety incident: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau; a man was taken to the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, later pronounced dead, and one person is in custody. Tourism leadership (health-adjacent): Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to boost sustainable visitor growth.

Hurricane Season Prep: The Dominica Red Cross marks the start of the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1–Nov 30) with a push for household emergency plans and emergency kits, while also restocking supplies and strengthening community response teams. Healthy Food Policy: A regional webinar took stock of slow progress on NCD prevention and healthy food policy across the Caribbean, highlighting how trade, food insecurity, and climate vulnerability make diet-related disease harder to tackle. Medicines Access: PAHO and OECS-PPS opened a joint workshop calling for sustained access to safe, effective, quality-assured medicines and health technologies for Eastern Caribbean Small Island Developing States. Stroke Support: The RayAsta Foundation donated stroke recovery and support equipment to four care facilities, aiming to improve independence for stroke survivors and vulnerable older adults. Sargassum Management: A SARSEA mission and workshop in Dominica and a study visit to Martinique and Guadeloupe focus on coordinated sargassum collection, risk management, and turning seaweed into useful products. Local Governance & Tourism: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (effective June 1, 2026) to boost Dominica’s global visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Public Safety: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau after a man was injured on Hanover Street and later died in hospital; one suspect is in custody. Community & Skills: The Ministry of Education invites the public to TVET Showcase 2026 (June 5, 10am–2pm), featuring hands-on displays in areas like Food and Nutrition and Agriculture.

Hurricane Season Preparedness: With the Atlantic hurricane season officially starting June 1, the Dominica Red Cross is urging households to act now—make a family emergency plan, prepare a three-day emergency kit, and strengthen community readiness as forecasters warn of an active period. Stroke Care Support: The RayAsta Foundation donated stroke-support equipment to four Dominica care facilities, aiming to boost rehabilitation and daily living support for stroke survivors and elderly residents. Essential Medicines Collaboration: PAHO and OECS-PPS opened a joint planning workshop calling for sustained access to safe, effective, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states. Regional Sargassum Response: A SARSEA project workshop and a study mission in Martinique and Guadeloupe are pushing coordinated, practical approaches to sargassum management—linking environmental protection with public health and new value-added uses. Local Health & Safety Incident: Police are investigating a suspected homicide in Roseau after a man was injured in an altercation on Hanover Street, treated at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, and later pronounced dead; one suspect is in custody. Tourism Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with strengthening Dominica’s international visibility and supporting sustainable visitor growth. Education & Skills: The Ministry of Education is inviting the public to TVET Showcase 2026 on June 5, highlighting hands-on vocational training in areas like agriculture, food and nutrition, woodwork, and garment production. Community Health Lens: A local commentary piece highlights concerns about higher male suicide rates and calls for more attention to women’s issues in mental health conversations.

Homicide Investigation: Police are investigating a suspected murder in Roseau after Trevor Viville, 56, was injured in an altercation on Hanover Street on June 1, taken to the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, and later pronounced dead; one man is in custody and the body is being held for an autopsy. Hurricane Preparedness: As the Atlantic hurricane season begins, the Dominica Red Cross is urging households to make a family emergency plan and assemble an emergency kit, while noting the society is already strengthening community response teams and restocking relief supplies. Medicines Access (Regional): PAHO and OECS-PPS advanced joint work to improve access to essential medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states, focusing on affordability and supply chain barriers. Stroke Support (Local): The RayAsta Foundation donated stroke recovery and support equipment to four care facilities, aiming to boost independence for stroke survivors and elderly residents. Sargassum Management (Regional): An OECS delegation is visiting Martinique and Guadeloupe to study sargassum handling and value-added uses, linking environmental action with public health and coastal resilience. Senior-Friendly Buildings: The Dominica Council on Aging is calling for seniors to be consulted in building design, warning against multi-storey construction without accessibility features like railings or elevators. TVET Showcase 2026: The Ministry of Education invites the public to attend TVET Showcase 2026 on June 5, highlighting hands-on skills in areas including food and nutrition, agriculture, and woodwork.