AGP Executive Report

Road Safety for Families: The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force is rolling out new traffic measures for the start of the academic term, with speed humps, School Zone and Slow Down signs, and a marked pedestrian crossing near the Dominica Grammar School and the new Goodwill Secondary School entrance on River Street. Tourism & Local Business: A US$75 million cruise village is moving toward a formal agreement for Roseau North, expected to boost cruise tourism spillover for vendors, taxi operators, tour guides and other local services. Protected Areas & Nature Tourism: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks over about nine months, with stakeholder consultations aimed at balancing conservation, watershed protection, and tourism potential. Hotel Leadership: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO, overseeing Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, with founder Gregor Nassief shifting to Group Executive Director. Regional Travel Context: CARICOM marks the fifth Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties, including trade, connectivity, health and youth-focused benefits.

Tourism Investment: Dominica is moving ahead with a US$75 million cruise village plan in the Roseau North constituency, with a formal agreement expected soon—aimed at bringing more cruise passengers and boosting spending for vendors, taxi operators, tour guides and other local tourism businesses. Hotel & Dive Sector: GEMS Holdings named Marvlyn James as Acting CEO (effective Sept. 1), with oversight of Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, while founder Gregor Nassief shifts to Group Executive Director. Protected Areas & Hiking: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks over about nine months, with consultations to balance conservation, watershed protection and tourism potential. CBI & Recovery Debate: Local businessman Kenny Green defended Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme, saying it helped restart economic activity after Hurricane Maria and continues to fund national projects. Regional Travel Context: Antigua and Barbuda’s passport slipped to 49th globally, while Dominica ranks just behind several OECS neighbours in mobility access.

Tourism Investment: Dominica’s Roseau North is set to get a US$75 million cruise village, with a formal agreement expected soon—promising more cruise passenger spending and extra business for vendors, taxi operators, and tour guides. Protected Areas & Nature Tourism: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks over about nine months, with national consultations focused on keeping conservation strong while developing tourism potential. CBI Programme Debate: Local businessman Kenny Green says Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment programme was key to recovery after Hurricane Maria and continues to fund major national projects. Hotel Leadership: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO, overseeing Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, with founder Gregor Nassief moving to Group Executive Director. Marine & Adventure Events: Soufriere Dive Fest wrapped up Aug. 30 after two days of kayaking, scuba, snorkelling, hiking, and community activities—continuing the long-running 1994 tradition. Regional Context: CARICOM marks the fifth CARICOM-Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties, highlighting progress in trade, connectivity, health, and reparatory justice.

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Defense: Local businessman Kenny Green says Dominica’s CBI programme helped the country recover after Hurricane Maria by keeping salaries flowing and reviving private-sector activity, while continuing to fund major national projects. Protected Areas & Tourism Planning: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks over about nine months, with consultations aimed at balancing conservation, watershed protection, and tourism potential. Cruise Tourism Boost: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says plans are advancing for a US$75 million cruise village in Roseau North, expected to expand cruise tourism benefits for vendors, taxi operators, tour guides and other local businesses. Hotel Leadership Change: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO, overseeing Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, with founder Gregor Nassief shifting to Group Executive Director. Roseau North By-Election Watch: Campaigning continues ahead of the Sept. 7 vote, including an online survey showing Ashma McDougall leading, plus renewed debate over tourism and youth employment plans. Adventure Travel Spotlight: Soufriere Dive Fest wrapped up Aug. 30 with kayaking, scuba, snorkelling and community activities, reinforcing Dominica’s reputation for watersports and nature-led tourism.

Citizenship by Investment: Kenny Green says Dominica’s CBI programme helped restart the private sector after Hurricane Maria and is still funding major national projects, arguing salaries kept families buying essentials while businesses rebuilt. CARICOM-Caribbean-Africa: CARICOM marks the fifth CARICOM-Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties, pointing to progress in trade, connectivity, health and reparatory justice. Cruise Tourism Boost: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says a US$75 million cruise village for Roseau North is moving toward a formal agreement, expected to deepen cruise tourism spending for vendors, taxi operators, tour guides and other local businesses. Protected Areas & Tourism: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks over about nine months, aiming to align conservation with tourism potential through stakeholder consultation. GEMS Leadership: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO, with oversight of Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, while founder Gregor Nassief shifts to Group Executive Director. Roseau North Politics: By-election coverage continues as UWP candidate Danny Lugay pushes youth-focused tourism initiatives and DLP candidate Ashma McDougall leads an online survey. Dominica Adventure Tourism: Soufriere Dive Fest wrapped up with kayaking and scuba events, including a Kayaking Champions win for Coulibri Ridge.

Tourism Investment: Dominica’s Roseau North is set for a major boost as a US$75 million cruise village is expected to be formalized soon, with knock-on benefits for vendors, taxi operators, tour guides and other tourism businesses. Protected Areas & Nature Tourism: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks over about nine months, aiming to align conservation priorities with watershed protection and tourism development. Hotel Leadership: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO, overseeing Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, with founder Gregor Nassief shifting to Group Executive Director. Adventure & Community Events: Soufriere Dive Fest wrapped up Aug. 30, highlighting kayaking, scuba, snorkelling and hikes, with Coulibri Ridge winning the corporate kayak race. Regional Travel Context: Caribbean Airlines says it’s pushing a transformation programme and is rolling out new onboard and duty-free options, while Thailand tightens visa-free entry rules from Sept. 15, 2026.

Tourism Investment: Dominica’s Roseau North is set for a US$75 million privately funded cruise village, with a formal agreement expected soon—promising more cruise passengers and extra demand for local vendors, taxi operators, and tour guides. Protected Areas & Nature Tourism: Government is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks over about nine months, aiming to balance conservation with updated tourism development. Hospitality Leadership: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO, overseeing Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, with founder Gregor Nassief shifting to Group Executive Director. Adventure & Events: Soufriere Dive Fest wrapped up Aug. 30 with kayaking, diving, snorkelling, hiking, and community activities—plus Coulibri Ridge winning the Kayaking Champions title. Regional Health Security: St Vincent and the Grenadines becomes the first OECS state to adopt a regional early warning surveillance system (RIEWSS), strengthening public health readiness ahead of major gatherings. Politics (Local): Roseau North by-election campaigning continues as DLP’s Ashma McDougall leads an online survey while UWP’s Danny Lugay pushes youth-focused tourism initiatives. Caribbean Travel Context: Thailand’s visa-free rules tighten from Sept. 15, 2026, and the Caribbean Music Awards announces Billboard as global media partner with Dominica spotlighted for Bouyon.

Health & Leadership: St Kitts and Nevis PM Dr Terrance Drew reassured the region he’s in “good spirits” and stable after medical treatment in Martinique and further evaluations in South Florida, saying doctors are continuing investigations following nausea, vomiting, neck pain, dizziness and balance issues. Tourism & Infrastructure: Dominica’s Roseau North is set for a US$75 million cruise village, with a formal agreement expected soon, promising more cruise passenger spending and extra demand for local vendors, taxis and tour guides. Protected Areas & Nature Tourism: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks over about nine months, with consultations aimed at balancing conservation, watershed protection and tourism development. Hospitality Leadership: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO, overseeing Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, with founder Gregor Nassief shifting to Group Executive Director. Local Culture & Adventure: Soufriere Dive Fest wrapped up after two days of kayaking, diving, snorkelling and hiking, with Coulibri Ridge winning the Kayaking Champions title.

Tourism & Culture: Dominica’s Soufriere Dive Fest wrapped up Aug. 30 with two days of kayaking, scuba, snorkelling, hiking and community events, including the Corporate Kayak Race won by Coulibri Ridge. Protected Areas & Eco-Tourism: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks, a process expected to take about nine months, with a national consultation to balance conservation, watershed protection and tourism potential. Cruise Economy: Roseau North is set to benefit from a US$75 million cruise village, with a formal agreement expected soon—aimed at boosting cruise tourism spending and creating more work for vendors, taxi operators and tour guides. Hospitality Leadership: GEMS Holdings appointed Marvlyn James as Acting CEO, overseeing Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, with founder Gregor Nassief shifting to Group Executive Director. Local Politics (Roseau North By-Election): Campaigning continues ahead of Sept. 7 voting, including an online survey showing Ashma McDougall leading and renewed debate over tourism and youth employment plans. Regional Context: St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew said he remains in good spirits and stable while medical evaluations continue in South Florida.

Tourism Investment: Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says a US$75 million cruise village for Roseau North is moving toward signing, promising more cruise passenger spending and extra work for vendors, taxi operators and tour guides. Protected Areas & Nature Tourism: Government is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks, with a nine-month process aimed at protecting watersheds and biodiversity while keeping tourism potential on track. Hotel Sector Leadership: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO, taking the lead for Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, with founder Gregor Nassief shifting to Group Executive Director. By-Election Watch (Roseau North): Campaigning heats up ahead of Sept. 7 as DLP’s Ashma McDougall leads an online survey and UWP’s Danny Lugay pushes youth-focused tourism initiatives. Regional Culture Spotlight: The Caribbean Music Awards names Billboard as Official Global Media Partner and announces its first Trinidad & Tobago performer wave, with Dominica highlighted as the birthplace of bouyon. Visa Rules for Travellers: Thailand confirms visa-free access cuts for 21 nationalities starting Sept. 15, 2026, with affected travellers directed to e-Visa options.

Tourism & Conservation: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks, with a nine-month process and a national consultation to balance conservation, watershed protection, and tourism development. Cruise Economy: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says a US$75 million privately funded cruise village for Roseau North is moving toward a formal agreement, expected to boost local vendors, taxi operators, tour guides, and other tourism services. Hotel Leadership: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO, effective Sept. 1, with oversight of Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, while founder Gregor Nassief shifts to Group Executive Director. Roseau North By-Election: Campaign heat rises as DLP’s Ashma McDougall leads an online Only Polls survey ahead of Sept. 7 voting, while UWP candidate Danny Lugay pushes youth-focused tourism initiatives; separate political commentary also centers on alleged monitoring of a private meeting involving Gregor Nassief. Food & Safety Training: CARPHA delivers ServSafe Train-the-Trainer Advanced Food Safety Certification to 35 Nutrition and Dietetics interns in the region, strengthening practical food safety skills. Adventure Tourism: Soufrière Dive Fest 2026 wraps up after two days of kayaking, scuba, snorkelling, hiking, and community events, with Coulibri Ridge winning the kayaking champions title. Regional Travel Policy Watch: Thailand confirms visa-free changes starting Sept. 15, 2026, cutting visa-free eligibility and shortening stays for many nationalities.

Cruise & Tourism Investment: Dominica’s Roseau North is set for a major boost with a US$75 million cruise village planned, with a formal agreement expected soon—aimed at bringing more passengers ashore and lifting local spending for vendors, taxi operators, tour guides and other tourism businesses. Hotel & Dive Industry Leadership: GEMS Holdings has named Marvlyn James as Acting CEO from September 1, 2026, with oversight of Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, while founder Gregor Nassief shifts to Group Executive Director. Dominica Adventure & Events: Soufrière Dive Fest 2026 wrapped up August 30 after two days of kayaking, scuba, snorkelling, hiking and community activities, with Coulibri Ridge taking the Kayaking Champions title. Regional Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s regional digital early warning system (RIEWSS), strengthening public health readiness ahead of big gatherings like Carnival and the CPL. Royal Travel Watch: King Charles and Queen Camilla announced a nine-day Caribbean tour this fall, including stops in The Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda—another reminder of the region’s high-profile tourism pull.

Cruise & Local Economy: Dominica’s Roseau North is set for a major boost with a privately funded US$75 million cruise village, with a formal agreement expected soon—promising more cruise passenger spending for vendors, taxi operators, tour guides and other tourism businesses. Hotel Leadership: GEMS Holdings has named Marvlyn James as Acting CEO from September 1, bringing her experience from Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort to lead day-to-day operations. Festival & Diving Tourism: Soufrière Dive Fest wrapped up after two days of kayaking, scuba, snorkelling, hiking and community events; Coulibri Ridge won the Kayaking Champions title, and the festival ran Aug. 29–30 with activities like guided hikes, hot-springs soaks and kids’ sessions. Air Access for Visitors: Winair is offering 65% off eligible fares to Dominica for the World Creole Music Festival (promo code WM65YRS), with travel Aug. 28–Oct. 31 and bookings due by Aug. 27. Regional Health Tech: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt a regional digital early warning system (RIEWSS), strengthening public health readiness ahead of big gatherings.

Tourism Investment: Dominica’s Prime Minister has announced a multi-million dollar tourism investment, signaling fresh push to upgrade visitor experiences. Adventure & Events: Soufrière Dive Fest wrapped up after two days of kayaking, scuba, snorkelling, hiking and community activities; Coulibri Ridge took the Kayaking Champions title, and the festival continues to build Dominica’s “Nature Island” reputation. Air Access & Festival Deals: Winair is offering 65% off eligible fares to Dominica for the World Creole Music Festival (promo code WM65YRS), with travel running Aug 28–Oct 31 and bookings due by Aug 27. Education & Testing: Dominica successfully hosted its six-week CXC examination programme across 17 centres, with e-testing used where devices and internet allowed, and two breaches leading to cancelled results. Regional Health Security: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s regional early warning surveillance and response system (RIEWSS), strengthening outbreak detection ahead of major gatherings. People & Work Inclusion: A UN campaign launched across the Caribbean to break barriers for workers with disabilities, backed by employers signing a disability-inclusive hiring pledge.

Tourism Investment: Dominica PM announced a multi-million dollar tourism investment, a fresh boost for the island’s visitor economy. Soufrière Dive Fest: The Soufrière Dive Fest wrapped up Aug. 29–30 with kayaking, scuba, snorkelling, hikes and community events; Coulibri Ridge won the Kayaking Champions title and the fest continues as a long-running marine adventure tradition. Air Access Deal: Winair launched a 65% fare cut to Dominica for the World Creole Music Festival (promo code WM65YRS; travel Aug. 28–Oct. 31, bookings by Aug. 27). Education & Tech: Dominica’s June 2026 CXC exams ran across 17 centres over six weeks, with e-testing at 12 centres for Paper One and limited e-testing elsewhere due to device and internet gaps; two breaches led to cancelled results. Road Safety Works: New speed humps are planned in Coulibistrie and Tarreau from Aug. 31–Sept. 5, with temporary disruptions expected. Regional Inclusion: UN’s HireAbility Campaign launched across the Caribbean to expand disability-inclusive employment, backed by governments and businesses.

Soufrière Dive Fest: Dominica’s Soufrière Dive Fest wrapped up August 30 after two days of kayaking, scuba, snorkelling, hiking and community events, with Coulibri Ridge taking the Kayaking Champions title and a $2,500 corporate kayak race among the highlights. World Creole Music Festival travel deals: 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). Education & exams: Dominica successfully completed its six-week CXC programme across 17 centres, with electronic testing at 12 locations and limited e-testing at five due to devices and internet issues; two exam breaches led to result cancellations. Disability-inclusive jobs push: The UN launched the HireAbility Campaign across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, urging employers to break workplace barriers and expand decent work for people with disabilities. Local infrastructure: Speed humps are set for Coulibistrie and Tarreau from Aug 31–Sep 5 to improve road safety, with drivers warned of temporary disruptions.