AGP Executive Report

Airport & Infrastructure: Crews are steadily building Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal, with steelwork, masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing, and lightning protection all progressing as the island moves toward a modern air gateway. Festivals & Culture: The World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25, 2026 at Windsor Park, Roseau, with major regional and international names including Machel Montano, Tabou Combo, Skillibeng, Alkaline, Uncle Waffles, and Ne-Yo. Tourism & Travel Trends: New research says Americans are increasingly choosing “skillcations” (learning a new skill on holiday), and Dominica is also being positioned for cultural immersion and outdoor wellness travel. Marine Life Tourism: Dominica’s sperm whale reserve rules are now clearer for visitors and operators, with certified tours, site passes, and limits on swim encounters. Safety & Weather: A tropical wave is still affecting Dominica with strong winds and rough seas; residents are urged to secure loose items and avoid beaches and breaking-wave areas. Local Updates: DOWASCO will excavate on Kennedy Avenue (Upper Lane to Independence Street) Aug 16, 8am–4pm, with traffic diverted to Upper Lane. Regional Policy for Tourism: OECS wrapped up a project with UNCTAD/ECLAC to improve services-trade data, aiming to help governments plan stronger tourism and other services export strategies.

Airport Upgrade: Construction on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal is progressing across multiple sections, with steelwork, masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing, and lightning protection systems all underway. Festival Buzz: The World Creole Music Festival returns to Roseau at Windsor Park Sports Stadium from Oct 23–25, 2026, with major regional and international acts including Machel Montano, Tabou Combo, Skillibeng, Alkaline, Uncle Waffles, and Ne-Yo—plus a promise of strong economic spillover for hotels, restaurants, vendors, transport and creatives. Travel Demand Shift: New research says travellers are increasingly choosing cultural immersion over adventure or luxury, with food and culinary experiences leading what people spend on—good news for Dominica’s food-and-culture positioning. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is bringing strong winds, rough seas, scattered showers and thunderstorms; mariners are advised to stay in port and the public to avoid beaches and breaking waves, with earlier flash-flood alerts now eased but caution still urged. Tourism Safety & Rules: Dominica’s sperm whale reserve framework is now in focus for whale-watching operators, with certified tourism rules and site/permit requirements shaping how swim encounters are run. Local Disruption: DOWASCO excavation on Kennedy Avenue (Aug 16, 8am–4pm) will divert vehicles via Upper Lane. Community Spotlight: Dominica’s Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete marks its 10th anniversary in Grand Bay, celebrating Dominican bouyon and a lineup of music across the weekend.

Airport Build-Out: Construction on Dominica’s international airport passenger terminal is progressing across multiple sections, with steelwork, masonry, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing and lightning protection all underway as the island moves toward a modern gateway. Festivals & Culture: The World Creole Music Festival returns to Roseau’s Windsor Park Sports Stadium for three nights, Oct 23–25, 2026, with big-name regional and international acts including Machel Montano, Tabou Combo, Skillibeng, Alkaline, Uncle Waffles and Ne-Yo. Tourism Demand Shift: New research says travellers are leaning toward cultural immersion over adventure and luxury, with food and culinary experiences topping spend intentions—good news for Dominica’s “Nature Island” identity. Weather Watch: A tropical wave continues to affect Dominica with strong winds, rough seas, showers and thunderstorms; authorities advise securing loose items and avoiding beaches and breaking-wave areas. CBI Scrutiny: Calls for a commission of inquiry into Dominica’s Citizenship-by-Investment programme grow, with allegations of heavy discounting and eroding public trust. Whale Tourism Rules: Dominica’s sperm whale reserve is now governed by a dedicated legal framework, setting out certified operators, vessel rules and swim encounter limits. Local Updates: DOWASCO schedules sewer-connection excavation on Kennedy Avenue (Aug 16, 8am–4pm) with a vehicle diversion via Upper Lane.

Caribbean Culture & Film: CSIFF26 announced its 2026 official selection: 47 films from 14 countries (including Dominica) will screen in New York City Oct 9–11, with screenings, industry talks, and early-bird passes now on sale. Tourism Growth: Dominica’s Tourism Minister says visitor arrivals rose 18% to 527,728 in the last fiscal year, with stayover arrivals up 20% and cruise arrivals up 20%, driven by the U.S., France/Caribbean markets, the UK, and Canada. Travel Safety (Weather): The Met Office reports a vigorous tropical wave bringing strong winds, rough seas, showers and thunderstorms; Flash Flood Watch has been discontinued in one update, but people are still urged to stay alert, secure loose items, and avoid beaches and breaking waves. Whale Tourism Rules: Dominica’s Sperm Whale Reserve Act sets a dedicated system for certified operators, permits, vessel rules, and limits on swim encounters—aimed at keeping whale watching legitimate and well-managed. Local Updates: DOWASCO will excavate along Kennedy Avenue (Upper Lane to Independence Street) Sunday Aug 16, 8am–4pm, with vehicle diversions to Upper Lane. Destination Marketing: The Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad Aug 12–18 for its annual destination sales mission, timed with new direct flights from Oct 5 and promotion of the World Creole Music Festival and Carnival.

Travel & Tourism Growth: Tourism Minister Denise-Charles-Pemberton says Dominica logged 527,728 visitor arrivals in the last fiscal year—up 18%—with stayovers at 102,659 (+20%) and cruise passengers rising 20%. Weather & Safety: The Met Office reports a vigorous tropical wave bringing strong winds, rough seas, showers and thunderstorms; the Flash Flood Watch has been discontinued, but people in flood- and landslide-prone areas are urged to stay alert, and mariners and beachgoers should avoid breaking-wave areas. Whale Tourism Rules: Dominica’s Sperm Whale Reserve is now governed by its own tourism system under the 2025 Sperm Whale Reserve Act, including certified operators, vessel rules, site passes, and limits on swim encounters. Infrastructure for Visitors: DOWASCO will excavate along Kennedy Avenue (Upper Lane to Independence Street) on Sunday Aug. 16, 8am–4pm, with vehicle diversions to Upper Lane. CBI Debate: Opposition and CBI critics continue to question revenue trends and alleged discounting, while a separate CBI-focused commentary highlights how the EU crackdown could reshape wealthy travelers’ plans. Culture Spotlight: Ne-Yo has been added to Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival lineup, boosting international draw for Oct. 23–27.

Solo Travel Spotlight: Travel And Tour World’s 2026 index names Dominica among the Americas & Caribbean’s top 30 solo destinations, praising the island’s mix of adventure, culture, and visitor infrastructure. Weather & Safety: A vigorous tropical wave is still affecting Dominica with strong gusts, rough seas, scattered showers and thunderstorms; the Flash Flood Watch has been discontinued, but residents are urged to stay alert for flooding, landslides and falling rocks, and mariners to remain in port as waves peak around 8ft west and 12ft east. Tourism Growth: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reports an 18% rise in visitor arrivals to 527,728, with stayover arrivals up 20% and cruise arrivals up 20%. Whale Tourism Rules: Dominica’s Sperm Whale Reserve Act is now the framework for certified operators, permits, vessel rules and swim encounter limits—aimed at keeping whale-watching legitimate. Crime Investigation: A Canadian forensic pathologist is expected early next week to support the investigation into the suspected murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul. Local Updates: DOWASCO will divert traffic on Kennedy Avenue (Upper Lane to Independence Street) on Sunday Aug. 16 for sewer connection excavation. Cultural Calendar: Ne-Yo is confirmed for Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026, with the festival set for Oct. 23–27.

Weather & Safety: Dominica is still under a tropical wave with strong, gusty winds, rough seas and scattered showers/thunderstorms; the Flash Flood Watch has been discontinued, but residents in flood/landslide rockfall areas are told to stay alert, secure loose items, and avoid beaches and breaking waves as waves peak around 8 ft west and 12 ft east. Tourism Spotlight: Dominica is listed among Travel And Tour World’s Top 30 solo travel destinations in the Americas & Caribbean for 2026, alongside major regional names. Whale Tourism Rules: Dominica’s Sperm Whale Reserve is now governed by a dedicated framework with certified operators, vessel rules and swim encounter limits—readers are urged to check permits and site passes before booking. Local Updates: DOWASCO will divert traffic on Kennedy Avenue (Upper Lane to Independence Street) for sewer connection excavation on Sunday Aug. 16, 8am–4pm. Culture & Events: Dominica’s 10-year Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete in Grand Bay wrapped up, with a red-themed “People’s Fete” and major Caribbean acts. Crime/Court: A Canadian forensic pathologist is expected early next week to assist in the Jerbiah Paul murder investigation. Tourism Numbers: The tourism minister reports an 18% rise in visitor arrivals to 527,728 for the last fiscal year.

Weather & Safety: Dominica’s Met Service says a vigorous tropical wave will bring strong, gusty winds, rough seas, and showers/thunderstorms over the next 24 hours, with a Flash Flood Watch from midnight to noon Saturday; waves may peak near 8 ft west and 13 ft east, and the public is urged to stay off beaches and watch for flooding, landslides, and falling rocks. Marine/Travel Disruption: A Small Craft Warning remains in effect until Sunday morning, and mariners are told to finalize preparations as conditions worsen. Tourism Rules (Whales): Dominica’s new Sperm Whale Reserve framework is now in place, setting out certified operator requirements, vessel rules, and swim encounter limits—aimed at making “legit” whale tours easier to spot. Local Tourism Push: The Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad for its annual destination sales mission (Aug 12–18), promoting nature, wellness, culture and the World Creole Music Festival. Visitor Growth: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reports an 18% rise in visitor arrivals to 527,728 for the last fiscal year. Infrastructure Notice: DOWASCO will excavate on Kennedy Avenue (Aug 16, 8am–4pm), diverting vehicles via Upper Lane. Crime Update: A Canadian forensic pathologist is expected early next week to assist in the Jerbiah Paul murder investigation. CBI Scrutiny: Calls for inquiry into Dominica’s CBI programme continue amid allegations of illegal discounting and EU pressure over reforms. Culture & Entertainment: Ne-Yo is set to headline Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026 (Oct 23, 24 and 27).

Weather & Safety: Dominica Meteorological Service is warning of stronger winds, rough seas and Saharan dust over the weekend, with reduced visibility at sea and advice to secure loose items and watch for fallen branches. Infrastructure Update: DOWASCO says excavation for a sewer connection will take place along Kennedy Avenue (between Upper Lane and Independence Street) on Sunday Aug. 16, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., with vehicles diverted to Upper Lane. Tourism & Travel Legitimacy: A new look at Dominica’s sperm whale tourism explains how the Sperm Whale Reserve Act sets rules for certified operators, permits, vessel requirements and limits on swim encounters. Crime Investigation: A Canadian forensic pathologist is expected to arrive early next week to support the investigation into the suspected murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, after remains were found in the Cana area of Capuchin. Local Culture & Events: Ne-Yo has been unveiled as a headliner for Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026, running Oct. 23, 24 and 27 at Windsor Park. Tourism Growth: The tourism minister reports an 18% rise in visitor arrivals to 527,728 for the last fiscal year.

CBI & Infrastructure: Financial crime consultant Kenneth Rijock, long a critic of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, says he has to admit major CBI-financed projects for the people—raising fresh questions about whether the EU’s push to end CBI by June 2028 is in Dominica’s best interests. Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reports an 18% jump in visitor arrivals to 527,728 for the last fiscal year, with stayovers up 20% and cruise arrivals up 20%. Regional Sales Push: The Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad and Tobago for its annual destination sales mission (Aug 12–18), promoting nature, wellness and culture ahead of new Contour Airlines direct flights from Oct 5, 2026. Culture & Music: Dominica’s Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete marks 10 years in Grand Bay, while Ne-Yo is unveiled for the World Creole Music Festival 2026 (Oct 23–27). CBI Scrutiny: Businessman Gregor Nassief renews calls for a formal inquiry into alleged illegal discounting in Dominica’s CBI programme, saying it’s eroding public trust and draining lawful revenue. Safety Focus: Minister of State Cassandra Williams issues a statement on the tragic death of Jerbiah Paul, stressing the urgent need to protect girls and young women.

Dominica Tourism & Culture: Dominica marked the 10th anniversary of its Summer Daybreak Breakfast Fete in Grand Bay (Aug 7–10), with “The People’s Fete” red-theme celebrations, a lighting parade, and a lineup spanning Bouyon, soca, dancehall and reggae, including Asa Bantan and artists from across the region. Adventure & “Beyond the Tourist Trail”: Discover Dominica Authority’s Monelle Alexis joined Trinidad and Tobago Today to spotlight “Summer the Nature Island Way,” featuring eight curated itineraries built around adventure, wellness and culture, plus where to find certified local providers. Visitor Growth: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reported an 18% rise in visitor arrivals to 527,728 for the last fiscal year, with stayover arrivals up to 102,659 and cruise passenger arrivals up 20%. Regional Sales Push: The DDA heads to Trinidad for its annual destination sales mission Aug 12–18, with mall activations, media interviews and B2B meetings, and it also promotes upcoming direct flights from Oct 5, 2026 and the World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25). CBI Pressure: Businessman Gregor Nassief renewed calls for a formal inquiry into Dominica’s Citizenship-by-Investment programme, alleging widespread illegal discounting and warning it’s eroding trust and draining lawful revenue. Global Travel Policy Watch: The U.S. made its visa bond programme permanent, affecting Dominica along with Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba and Grenada, while EU CBI crackdowns could reshape Schengen access for Caribbean passport holders. What’s Next Locally: A Roseau North by-election is set for Sept 7, with nomination day on Aug 21. Wellness Spotlight: A wellness-travel feature highlights Dominica’s nature-led recovery experiences, including mud rituals and botanicals at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa.

U.S. Travel Policy: The United States has made its visa bond program permanent, meaning consular officers can require certain B-1/B-2 business and tourism applicants to post a financial bond; Dominica is among the four Caribbean countries currently affected. Tourism Push: The Discover Dominica Authority is heading to Trinidad for its annual destination sales mission (Aug 12–18), with mall activations, media interviews, and business meetings—timed alongside new direct flights from Trinidad to Dominica on Oct 5 and major events like WCMF (Oct 23–25). Visitor Growth: Tourism Minister Denise-Charles-Pemberton reports an 18% rise in visitor arrivals to 527,728 for the last fiscal year, with stayover arrivals up to 102,659 and cruise arrivals up 20%. CBI Under Scrutiny: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor flags declining CBI revenue, while businessman Gregor Nassief calls for a formal inquiry, alleging heavy discounting is eroding trust and draining the treasury. Culture & Entertainment: Ne-Yo is set to headline Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026, adding extra international pull for the Oct 23–27 run.

U.S. Visa Bond Program: The U.S. has made its visa bond requirement permanent for certain B-1/B-2 applicants, with Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica and Grenada currently on the list—aimed at encouraging visitors to comply with stay rules. Dominica Tourism Push: The Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad for its annual destination sales mission (Aug 12–18), with mall activations, media interviews and B2B meetings, timed to promote new direct flights from Trinidad starting Oct 5 and the World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25). Visitor Growth: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reports an 18% rise in visitor arrivals to 527,728, with stayover arrivals up 20% and cruise arrivals up 20%. CBI Under Scrutiny: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor flags declining CBI revenue and warns of knock-on effects, while businessman Gregor Nassief calls for a formal inquiry into alleged unlawful discounting—amid EU pressure that could reshape Schengen access for CBI passports by June 2028. Culture & Entertainment: Ne-Yo is unveiled as a headliner for Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026 (Oct 23, 24 and 27). Local Spotlight: The Waitukubuli Artist Association wraps a three-week Dominica–Martinique residency with a new mural and school workshops. Sports Tourism: Dominica’s Roseau North by-election is set for Sept 7, with nomination day Aug 21.

Tourism Push: Dominica’s Discover Dominica Authority heads to Trinidad & Tobago for its annual destination sales mission (Aug 12–18), with mall activations, B2B meetings and media outreach—timed to boost arrivals ahead of new Contour Airlines direct flights from Oct 5 and to spotlight WCMF (Oct 23–25) and Carnival (Feb 8–9). Visitor Numbers: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says last fiscal year delivered an 18% jump in visitor arrivals to 527,728, including 102,659 stayovers and 416,719 cruise passengers. CBI Pressure: Opposition Leader Jesma Paul-Victor warns declining CBI revenue could hit schools, hospitals and other projects, while businessman Gregor Nassief calls for a formal inquiry into alleged illegal discounting that he says is draining the treasury. EU Visa Shockwave: The EU has warned five Caribbean CBI countries—including Dominica—that they must reform or phase out by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access, raising fresh concerns for wealthy travelers using “golden passports.” Culture & Travel Calendar: Ne-Yo is set to headline Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026 (Oct 23, 24 and 27), expected to draw regional and international visitors. Wellness Tourism: Dominica is being highlighted for nature-led wellness experiences, including rainforest-rooted spa and mud rituals at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits. Local Travel Economy: The Dominica Cable Car is framed as a jobs and local-business driver, with ongoing employment and wider spending expected beyond construction. Sports Tourism: Dominica is listed among teams for the upcoming Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in Jamaica (Nov 18–22), a major regional sports tourism moment.

Indigenous Peoples Day: Dominica’s Kalinago upliftment minister Cozier Frederick marked UN International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, spotlighting Kalinago resilience and the theme “Honouring Indigenous Midwives.” Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister Denise-Charles-Pemberton reported an 18% jump in visitor arrivals to 527,728 for the last fiscal year, with stayover arrivals up to 102,659 and cruise arrivals rising 20%. CBI Scrutiny: Businessman Gregor Nassief is pushing for a formal inquiry into Dominica’s Citizenship-by-Investment programme, alleging illegal discounting and revenue loss; opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor also warned CBI income is trending down and could disrupt CBI-funded development. EU Passport Pressure: The EU has warned five Caribbean CBI states, including Dominica, to reform or phase out by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access. Culture & Travel Buzz: Ne-Yo was unveiled as a headliner for Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026, running Oct. 23, 24 and 27. Marine Tourism: Dominica’s Poker Run 2026 wrapped with Team Solistic Marine taking the US$10,000 grand prize. Population Plan: Government says it will launch a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement programme aiming for 100,000 residents by 2040.

EU CBI Crackdown: The EU has warned Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis to reform or phase out citizenship-by-investment by June 1, 2028 or risk losing Schengen visa-free access—an issue that could reshape wealthy Nigerians’ “second passport” plans. Opposition & CBI Revenue: Dominica’s opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor says CBI receipts are falling (about $605m last year to a projected $514.9m this year) and warns over-dependence could derail schools, hospitals, roads and climate resilience. Tourism & Culture: Ne-Yo is set to headline Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival 2026 (Oct 23, 24 and 27), while the Waitukubuli Artist Association wrapped a three-week Dominica–Martinique residency with murals, school workshops and driftwood sculptures. Local Governance: Roseau North by-election is scheduled for September 7, with nominations set for August 21. Business for Visitors: Government says it will add EC$19m in concessionary financing for MSMEs via AID Bank, building on support already reaching 500+ businesses. Marine Fun: Dominica Poker Run 2026 concluded with Team Solstic Marine winning the US$10,000 grand prize.