AGP Executive Report

Soufrière Dive Fest: Dominica’s Soufrière community is gearing up for the Soufrière Dive Fest 2026 (Aug 29–30), with a Hike & Soak, Discover Scuba/Freediving/Kayaking, coral presentations, bayfront family fun and a $2,500 corporate kayak race. World Creole Music Festival travel boost: Winair is offering 65% off eligible fares to Dominica for WCMF (Oct 23–25), using promo code WM65YRS for travel Aug 28–Oct 31 (book by Aug 27; taxes/fees extra). Festival star power: The World Creole Music Festival lineup is led by Grammy winner Ne-Yo, with Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline and Skillibeng among other acts at Windsor Park Sports Stadium. Local tourism & infrastructure: Speed humps are set for Coulibistrie and Tarreau (Aug 31–Sep 5) to improve road safety. Cruise interest: A Star Clippers tall-ship cruise is highlighted as a great first-timer Caribbean intro, calling at Dominica among other islands. Climate watch: CIMH and UWI are urging Dominica and the wider region to prepare for intensifying El Niño heat and drought.

Winair Festival Flights: Winair is offering a 65% discount on fares to Dominica for the 2026 World Creole Music Festival, using promo code WM65YRS for travel Aug 28–Oct 31 (book by Aug 27); the three-day festival runs Oct 23–25 in Roseau. Caribbean Airlines Route Cuts: Caribbean Airlines says it will discontinue its Trinidad/Tobago–Barbados direct return flights (BW212/BW213) from Sept 2, with passengers re-accommodated on other same-day services. Dominica Infrastructure: The Public Works Ministry will install new speed humps in Coulibistrie and Tarreau from Aug 31–Sept 5, with temporary disruptions and warning signs. Dominica Tourism Landmark: Dominica’s cable car project plans a world-tallest Sisserou Parrot brass statue at the summit, aiming to boost visitor draw and highlight local biodiversity. US Travel Pause: The Trump administration has suspended new US visa issuance worldwide, putting many travel plans on hold while appointments are adjusted. Canada Visa Scrutiny: Canada is tightening identity and document checks for travellers from several Caribbean countries, including Dominica, stressing consistent, accurate paperwork. Climate Alert: CIMH and UWI are urging the region to prepare for worsening heat and drought as El Niño strengthens.

Festival Travel Deal: Winair is offering a 65% discount to Dominica for the 2026 World Creole Music Festival, using promo code WM65YRS for travel Aug 28–Oct 31 (book by Aug 27; taxes/fees extra). Local Tourism & Infrastructure: Dominica’s cable car project is set to feature a 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot at the top station, aiming to become the world’s tallest parrot statue and a major visitor landmark. Airline Network Updates: Caribbean Airlines says it will discontinue its Trinidad/Tobago–Barbados direct flights from Sept 2, re-accommodating booked passengers on same-day alternatives. Road Safety Works: Speed humps will be installed in Coulibistrie and Tarreau from Aug 31–Sept 5, with temporary disruptions expected. Community Progress: Soufriere Parl Rep Denise Charles-Pemberton highlights housing, sea wall completion, and livelihood support projects in Scotts Head. US Travel Disruption: The Trump administration has suspended new US visa issuance worldwide, pausing plans for would-be travellers.

US Visa Pause: The Trump administration has suspended issuing new US visas worldwide, with applicants reportedly emailed about cancelled interviews while embassies and consulates undergo a global training initiative. Regional Air Access: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue its Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights from Sept. 2, though it says connectivity will continue via other services. Dominica Road Safety: Speed humps are set for Coulibistrie and Tarreau from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5, with temporary disruptions expected. Dominica Tourism Landmark: Dominica’s cable car project plans a giant 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot statue at the summit, aiming for a world-record-style attraction. Dominica Policy & Travel Mood: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says personal income tax could be eliminated by 2028 if revenue measures succeed. Cruise Buzz: Disney Cruise Line is bringing Disney Wish back to New York in late September 2027, with Caribbean sailings including Dominica. Climate Watch: CIMH and UWI warn El Niño could intensify heat and drought across the Caribbean, raising water-shortage and wildfire risks.

Dominica Cable Car Tourism Boost: Dominica’s cable car project is set to feature the world’s tallest parrot statue—an approximately 30-foot, 4.7-ton brass Sisserou Parrot at the top station—plus a Golden Love Bird landmark with a couple’s ring tribute. Road Safety for Visitors & Locals: Speed humps are planned for Coulibistrie and Tarreau from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5, with temporary disruptions and drivers asked to slow down. Caribbean Travel Demand Signals: Disney Cruise Line is returning to New York with 7 Disney Wish voyages (late Sept. 2027), including five Bermuda sailings and a New York-to-San Juan route that continues deeper into the Southern Caribbean with a Dominica stop. Regional Connectivity: Contour Airlines says it will launch flights between Trinidad and Dominica on Oct. 5, 2026 (twice weekly), enabling one-stop connections onward to San Juan and St. Thomas. Climate Watch for Tourism Planning: CIMH and UWI are urging the Caribbean to prepare for intensifying El Niño heat and drought, with dry conditions expected to worsen into 2027. Visa & Entry Updates: Canada is tightening identity checks and document verification for travellers from Dominica and four other Caribbean CBI countries, while a US court has struck down Trump’s indefinite immigrant visa processing suspension for 75 countries (including some Caribbean nations).

Cable Car Tourism Landmark: Dominica’s cable car project is moving ahead with plans for a 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot statue (about 30 feet total with pedestal) at the top station, aiming to become the world’s tallest parrot sculpture and a major visitor draw. Wildlife & Climate Travel Context: The Caribbean is being urged to brace for worsening heat and drought as El Niño strengthens, with CIMH and UWI warning of drier conditions, water shortages, and higher wildfire risk into 2027. Local Media & Music Tourism: Black Island Girl Multimedia has launched a Caribbean-wide “red carpet” video contest to send an emerging correspondent to the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad and Tobago. Regional Air Access: Contour Airlines says it will launch flights between Trinidad and Dominica on October 5, 2026, adding a new one-stop connection onward to San Juan and St Thomas. US Travel Policy Impact: Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a US court ruling striking down Trump’s indefinite immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries, including Dominica. Road Safety: Police confirmed a fatal Canefield Cliff crash involving two pickup trucks, with one driver later pronounced dead.

Cruise & Tourism: Dominica is moving ahead with a new Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay, with construction expected to start in October after two years of prep, funded through foreign direct investment and designed to give local vendors, farmers, fishers, artisans, musicians and tour operators more direct cruise-spending opportunities. Cable Car Landmark: Work on Dominica’s cable car continues, with a planned 23-foot brass Sisserou Parrot statue (plus a 7-foot pedestal) at the summit—aiming to become the world’s tallest parrot statue and a major visitor draw. Festivals: The World Creole Music Festival returns to Windsor Park Sports Stadium Oct. 23–25, 2026, with NE-YO headlining alongside Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles and more, plus a strong lineup of Dominican acts. Regional Travel Links: Contour Airlines says it will launch flights between Trinidad and Dominica on Oct. 5, 2026 (twice weekly), enabling one-stop connections onward to San Juan and St Thomas. Weather Watch: CIMH is urging the Caribbean to prepare for intensifying heat and drought as El Niño strengthens, with August–October flagged as the peak Heat Season. Road Safety: A fatal crash beneath Canefield Cliff killed 56-year-old Jean Zacharie Honore; police say the other driver was treated and discharged.

Road Safety Update: Canefield Cliff crash details keep coming in after a major two-pickup collision caused heavy congestion; police say one man was treated and discharged, while 56-year-old Jean Zacharie Honore later died from injuries. Visa Scrutiny for Travellers: Canada is tightening document accuracy and identity checks for Caribbean applicants in 2026, with Dominica among the CBI-linked countries getting extra attention—though officials stress there’s no new country-specific ban. Cable Car Landmark: Dominica’s Sisserou Parrot statue for the cable car top station is set to become the world’s tallest parrot sculpture once the project is completed. Cruise Growth: Work is set to begin in October on Dominica’s Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay, with the waterfront development aimed at creating new opportunities for local vendors and tour operators. Music Tourism: World Creole Music Festival 2026 is building momentum with NE-YO and other major regional and international acts confirmed for Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park. New Air Link: Contour Airlines plans flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct 5, adding onward one-stop connections to San Juan and St Thomas. US Immigration Court Ruling: A US judge struck down a Trump policy that paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Dominica, reopening case-by-case processing.

Visa & Mobility Watch: Canada is tightening visa screening for Dominica and four other OECS nations, with extra focus on document accuracy, identity checks, and whether travel plans make sense—no new ban, but higher scrutiny for applicants. Cable Car Tourism Milestone: Dominica’s cable car project is set to crown the top station with the Sisserou Parrot statue, expected to become the world’s tallest parrot sculpture once construction finishes. Cruise Growth: The Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay is moving toward construction in October, backed by foreign direct investment and designed to create direct opportunities for local vendors, artisans, tour operators, and more. Music Festival Buzz: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25, 2026 at Windsor Park, with NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles and major regional acts plus local talent. Regional Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority is promoting WCMF and Mas Domnik in St. Kitts and Nevis this week through ASTA events, pop-ups, and media interviews. New Air Link: Contour Airlines plans flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct 5, adding one-stop connections onward to San Juan and St. Thomas. US Immigration Update: A US judge struck down a Trump policy that paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries including Dominica, though other restrictions may still apply.

Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority is in St. Kitts and Nevis this week (Aug 21–26) with ASTA activations, pop-ups, and a Destination Cocktail to spotlight Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25) and Mas Domnik (Feb 8–9, 2027). Festival Spotlight: WCMF 2026 is set for Windsor Park with big names like NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton, and Fridayy, plus a strong Dominican lineup. Cruise Growth: Dominica is moving ahead with a Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay—construction expected to start in October, funded by foreign direct investment and designed to benefit local vendors, artisans, tour operators, and more. New Air Link: Contour Airlines plans flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct 5, 2026, adding one-stop connections onward to San Juan and St Thomas. Infrastructure for Visitors: Work continues on Dominica’s cable car project (aimed at easier access to Boiling Lake and Valley of Desolation) with completion targeted for late 2026. Tourism Targets: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica is on track toward a $1 billion tourism sector, citing $405m revenue for 2024–2025.

Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines says it will launch flights between Trinidad and Dominica on October 5, 2026, with two weekly services using a 30-seat Embraer ERJ-135—arriving Mondays and returning Tuesdays and Fridays—opening one-stop onward links to San Juan (Puerto Rico) and St Thomas (US Virgin Islands). Tourism Promotion: Discover Dominica Authority is in St. Kitts and Nevis this week (Aug 21–26) pushing the “Nature Island” and key dates, including World Creole Music Festival Oct 23–25, plus Mas Domnik (Feb 8–9, 2027), with ASTA activities, pop-ups, and radio/TV interviews. Music Festival: WCMF 2026 at Windsor Park (Oct 23–25) is set with big names like NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy, alongside Dominican acts. Cruise Development: Dominica is moving ahead with the Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay, with construction expected to start in October via foreign direct investment and public-private partnership, aiming to create new opportunities for local vendors and tour operators. Tourism Targets: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton told residents the sector is building toward a $1 billion goal, citing about $405 million in revenue for 2024–2025 and pointing to the international airport and marina as major boosts.

World Creole Music Festival: Dominica’s WCMF returns to Windsor Park Sports Stadium Oct 23–25, 2026, with tickets on sale and accommodations still available—headliners include NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy, plus a strong Creole and Dominican lineup. Tourism Push in the Region: The Discover Dominica Authority is promoting the “Nature Island” and WCMF across St. Kitts and Nevis Aug 21–26, with ASTA activities, pop-ups, a Destination Cocktail and radio/TV interviews. Cruise Growth at Woodbridge Bay: Government says construction of a new Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay is set to start in October, funded by foreign direct investment, with plans to create opportunities for local vendors, artisans, tour operators and more. Tourism Targets: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton told residents the sector is moving toward a $1 billion goal after about EC$405 million in revenue in 2024–2025, citing the international airport project and marina construction as key boosts. Infrastructure for Visitors: Work continues on Dominica’s cable car project, including tower assembly and bottom/top station finishing, aiming to improve access to Boiling Lake and Valley of Desolation by late 2026. US Immigration Update (Travel Impact): A US judge struck down a Trump-era immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries including Dominica, reopening paths for affected applicants.

Cruise Growth & Local Business: Dominica is moving ahead with the Cruise Village at Woodbridge Bay, with construction expected to start in October after public-private talks. The waterfront project will be funded by foreign direct investment and is designed to create more direct opportunities for vendors, farmers, fishers, artisans, musicians, tour operators and other local businesses. World Creole Music Festival Buzz: The World Creole Music Festival returns to Windsor Park Sports Stadium Oct 23–25, 2026, with major international names including NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy, plus a strong Dominican lineup. Regional Festival Promotion: Discover Dominica Authority teams are in St. Kitts and Nevis Aug 21–26 to push WCMF and Mas Domnik, using ASTA events, pop-ups, interviews and ticket giveaways. Tourism Targets: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica is on track toward a $1B tourism sector, citing $405M in revenue for 2024–2025 and pointing to the airport and marina as key boosts. Infrastructure for Visitors: Work continues on the passenger terminal at the international airport, while the cable car project advances toward late-2026 completion—aimed at improving access to major natural attractions. US Visa Update (Travel Impact): A US judge struck down a Trump-era immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries including Dominica, reopening a path for affected applicants.

World Creole Music Festival (WCMF): Dominica’s WCMF returns Oct 23–25, 2026 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium, with tickets on sale now and accommodation still available. Star lineup: NE-Yo, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy headline, alongside major Caribbean and Creole acts plus a strong homegrown roster. Tourism push: The Discover Dominica Authority is taking the festival and Mas Domnik promotion to St. Kitts and Nevis Aug 21–26, featuring ASTA activities, pop-ups, a Destination Cocktail and radio/TV interviews. Infrastructure for visitors: Work continues on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal, while the cable car project advances toward a late-2026 completion. Tourism targets: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says the sector is moving toward a $1 billion goal, citing $405m in revenue for 2024–2025. Education shift: Prime Minister Skerrit calls for digital transformation to cut textbook costs and reduce heavy daily school bags. Population plan: Government targets 100,000 people by 2040, up from 71,946, via diaspora engagement and citizenship pathways.

Tourism Push in the Region: Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) is taking Dominica’s festival and destination promotion to St. Kitts and Nevis from Aug 21–26, spotlighting WCMF Oct 23–25, 2026 and Mas Domnik Feb 8–9, 2027, with pop-ups, an ASTA event, a Destination Cocktail, giveaways, and performances by Benji and DJ Tero. Big-Name Festival Lineup: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival at Windsor Park (Oct 23–25) is set to feature NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton, Fridayy, plus major regional and homegrown acts; tickets are on sale. Tourism Targets: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica is moving toward a $1 billion tourism sector, citing $405m revenue for 2024–2025 and pointing to the international airport and marina as key boosts. Infrastructure Watch: Work continues on Dominica’s cable car project (6.6 km, seven waystations) with the aim of improving access to the Boiling Lake and Valley of Desolation by late 2026. Airport Progress: The international airport passenger terminal is taking shape with ongoing steelwork, masonry, roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing, and lightning protection.

Caribbean Music Awards Media Hunt: Dominican media personality Jael Joseph has launched a Caribbean-wide search for an emerging media correspondent, offering flights and accommodation to cover the Sept. 19, 2026 Caribbean Music Awards red carpet in Trinidad & Tobago. Tourism Push in the Region: Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) is taking WCMF and Mas Domnik promotion to St. Kitts and Nevis Aug. 21–26, with pop-ups, radio/TV interviews, and ticket giveaways. WCMF 2026 Lineup: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct. 23–25 at Windsor Park with NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles and more, plus a strong homegrown roster. Tourism Targets: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica is building toward a $1 billion tourism sector, citing $405m revenue in 2024–2025 and pointing to the airport and marina as key boosts. Education Digital Shift: PM Roosevelt Skerrit argues for a more digital education model to cut textbook costs and reduce the daily burden of carrying heavy supplies. Airport & Cable Car Progress: Construction continues on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal, while the cable car project advances toward a late-2026 completion. Safety Watch: Meteorological updates warn of tropical wave impacts—strong winds, rough seas, and heavy rain risks—urging caution around flooding and coastal areas.