AGP Executive Report

Citizenship by Investment scrutiny: A new peer-reviewed study warns that Caribbean CBI background checks may miss money-laundering red flags that banks only spot after passports are already granted, raising fresh questions about how due diligence works in practice. Marine conservation: Dominica’s newly appointed Sperm Whale Reserve Board has started consultations with watersports operators to build partnerships and support sustainable whale-reserve tourism. Cancer burden: Dr. Velda Wade says Dominica has about 300 people living with cancer, calling it an “epidemic” for a small population and urging stronger prevention and action. AI in customer service: Yasam Ayavefe discusses how AI chatbots can help with routine tasks, but argues they can’t replace human empathy and trust. Earthquake updates: UWI’s Seismic Research Centre reported a 4.2 quake east of Antigua and Barbuda, while also urging regional preparedness after major Venezuela events. Digital resilience: Grenada’s participation in a regional cell broadcast emergency warning system shows how telecom tech is being used to strengthen disaster alerts across the OECS. STEM pipeline: ECCB plans a free 2026 STEM Camp (including AI skills with Python) for youth across ECCU territories, with Dominica included. Health education links: OECS-Morocco scholarship success continues as Saint Lucia’s Camille Andrew earns an MD with highest honors, highlighting research into pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and biotherapies.

Citizenship by Investment Scrutiny: A new peer-reviewed study warns that Caribbean CBI programmes may miss red flags that banks later face, raising fresh questions about how vetting works in practice. Marine Conservation: Dominica’s Sperm Whale Reserve Board has started consultations with watersports operators to protect sperm whales while supporting sustainable marine tourism. Public Health Alarm: Dr. Velda Wade says Dominica has about 300 people living with cancer, calling it an “epidemic” for a small population and urging prevention action. AI in Customer Service: Yasam Ayavefe shares how AI chatbots can improve interactions, but stresses they can’t replace human empathy and trust. US Rights Ruling: The US Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, blocking efforts to restrict it under the 14th Amendment. Digital Resilience: Grenada is moving ahead with a regional cell broadcast emergency warning system, with Dominica among participating countries. STEM & Skills: ECCB plans a free 2026 STEM Camp across ECCU territories, including Dominica, focused on tech and leadership. Earthquake Monitoring: UWI seismic updates continue after regional quakes, urging preparedness while noting complex tectonic causes.

AI & Customer Service: Yasam Ayavefe says AI chatbots can handle routine tasks, but businesses still need human empathy to build trust in customer interactions. US Citizenship Tech/Policy Impact: The US Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, blocking efforts to restrict “jus soli,” a major shift for immigration policy and identity planning. Mobility & Passports: The Global Passport Index 2026 reports a widening gap between the strongest and weakest passports, with the US dropping sharply and Caribbean CBI programs still outperforming. Dominica Telecom Resilience: Regulators say Flow’s outage in Dominica and Saint Lucia was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, with plans for alternative connectivity and more fibre paths. Earthquake Preparedness: UWI Seismic Research Centre urged calm but readiness after major Venezuela quakes, noting regional stress effects and ongoing monitoring. STEM for Youth: ECCB’s free 2026 STEM Camp (starting July 6) targets ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including Dominica, with AI-focused Python and design thinking. Digital Infrastructure Skills: UWI’s Resilient Global Digital Infrastructure Fellowship selected dozens of Caribbean participants, including UWI students and alumni, to strengthen future digital governance. Climate-Smart Farming: IICA training in St Vincent and the Grenadines supported 49 farmers and officers with soil health tools for climate-resilient agriculture. Research in Dominica: Five Arkansas State University students completed a first-of-its-kind environmental management field research trip in Dominica.

Global Mobility & Passports: The Global Passport Index 2026 says the gap between the strongest and weakest passports is at its widest since 2021, with the US dropping sharply while the UAE climbs fast. Disaster Preparedness Tech: Grenada is expanding digital resilience through the Regional Cell Broadcast Emergency Warning System, with Dominica and other OECS states validating the system. Earthquake Readiness: UWI’s Seismic Research Centre urged calm but preparedness after major Venezuela quakes, while a separate M4.2 tremor was felt across islands including Dominica. Public Health Lab Upgrade: Dominica’s National Laboratory has added PCR testing for leptospirosis, cutting turnaround and reducing the need to send samples overseas. Digital Skills Pipeline: UWI is placing nearly three dozen people into the Resilient Global Digital Infrastructure Fellowship, boosting regional expertise in resilient digital systems. STEM for Youth: ECCB plans a free 2026 STEM Camp (including AI and Python) for ECCU students starting July 6. Local Connectivity Disruption: Regulators are reviewing a Flow fibre fault that knocked out services in Dominica and Saint Lucia in late June. Research & Training Links: Five Arkansas State University students completed a Dominica field research trip in environmental management.

Cycling Development: A COPACI Track and Road Cycling Development Camp (June 29–July 11) is underway in Balmain, Couva, bringing young riders and coaches from across the Caribbean for elite coaching, sports science, and competitive training. Space & Wildlife Curiosity: A new Dominica-focused feature shares what it’s like to swim with sperm whales offshore, with researchers’ local knowledge guiding the encounter. Earthquake Preparedness: UWI Seismic Research Centre urged calm but preparedness after major Venezuela quakes, noting regional stress shifts can affect the wider Caribbean plate. Seismic Update: A separate magnitude 4.2 quake east of Antigua and Barbuda was reported at 7:19 a.m., felt in places including Roseau and Dominica. Public Health Tech: Dominica has introduced PCR testing for leptospirosis at the National Laboratory, cutting turnaround time and reducing the need to send samples overseas. Digital Resilience: Grenada co-hosted a Regional Cell Broadcast Emergency Warning System validation workshop, part of a wider push for faster, phone-based disaster alerts across the OECS. STEM & Skills: ECCB’s free 2026 STEM Camp is set for July 6, aiming to build youth capability in areas like AI, design thinking, and collaboration. Connectivity Disruption: Regulators are reviewing a Flow outage in Dominica and Saint Lucia caused by a fibre transmission fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua.

Telecom Disruption: Flow restored mobile and internet services in Dominica and Saint Lucia after a major outage (Sun Jun 21–Mon Jun 22), with regulators saying the fault was on a fibre path between Guadeloupe and Antigua and pushing for stronger network resilience. Earthquake Watch: UWI Seismic Research Centre reported a magnitude 4.2 quake east of Antigua and Barbuda felt across the region, while also noting the broader context of recent Venezuela shocks and urging preparedness without panic. Public Health Tech: Dominica’s National Laboratory introduced PCR testing for leptospirosis, cutting turnaround by enabling local, real-time results instead of sending samples overseas. Digital Skills: ECCB’s free 2026 STEM Camp (July 6) will train 14–18 year-olds across ECCU territories, with a focus on tech and leadership for digital transformation. Regional Research & Education: Five Arkansas State University students completed a first-of-its-kind environmental management research trip in Dominica. Local Politics: PM Roosevelt Skerrit backed Ashma McDougall for the Roseau North by-election, highlighting youth empowerment and “bread-and-butter” priorities.

Earthquake Preparedness: UWI Seismic Research Centre urged the public not to panic after major quakes near Venezuela, saying the region’s active plate boundary can trigger stress changes and that there’s no clear direct link between separate events—just stay alert. New Quake Report: A magnitude 4.2 quake was recorded east of Antigua and Barbuda at 7:19 a.m., felt across parts of the Eastern Caribbean with no immediate damage reports. Digital Resilience: Grenada is strengthening disaster readiness through the Regional Cell Broadcast Emergency Warning System, validated in a June workshop with ITU and World Bank support. Connectivity Crisis: Flow’s outage in Dominica and Saint Lucia traced to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, with regulators pushing for resilience upgrades. Public Health Tech: Dominica rolled out PCR testing for leptospirosis at the national lab, cutting reliance on overseas samples and speeding diagnosis. STEM & Skills: ECCB announced its 2026 STEM Camp for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aiming to build AI and design-thinking skills. Research & Education: Five Arkansas State students completed a first-of-its-kind environmental management research trip in Dominica. Scholarships & Learning: Dominica awarded 124 scholarships and 122 bursaries after Grade 6 results, while an ECCB–Thomas De La Rue scholarship went to a student pursuing environmental data science and machine learning. Regional Diplomacy: Canada and CARICOM renewed a strategic partnership action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Medical Milestone: Saint Lucia’s Camille Andrew became the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco with highest honours, highlighting the OECS–Morocco scholarship pathway.

Telecom Resilience: Flow’s major outage hit Dominica and Saint Lucia from June 21 evening to June 22 midday, with regulators saying a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua triggered the disruption; Flow is now reviewing route resilience and adding alternative connectivity. Public Health Tech: Dominica’s National Laboratory rolled out PCR testing for leptospirosis, cutting reliance on overseas samples and speeding up real-time diagnosis for faster treatment and control. Digital Infrastructure & Disaster Alerts: Grenada is validating a regional Cell Broadcast Emergency Warning System with Dominica and other OECS states, part of an ITU/World Bank push for stronger multi-hazard early warnings. STEM & Skills Pipeline: The ECCB announced its free 2026 STEM Camp (July 6 start) for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aiming to build AI and creator skills. Research & Learning Abroad: Five Arkansas State University students visited Dominica for hands-on environmental management research, with plans to expand the field-study programme. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 4.2 quake was recorded east of Antigua and felt in Dominica and nearby islands, with no immediate damage reported. Education & Medicine: Saint Lucia’s Camille Andrew became the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco with highest honors, highlighting the OECS–Morocco scholarship pathway. Climate-Smart Farming: An IICA soil-health project trained 49 farmers and agricultural officers in St Vincent and the Grenadines to improve climate-resilient agriculture. STEM Scholarship: Phillip John (SVG) won the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholarship to study Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London.

Canada–CARICOM Diplomacy: Canada’s FM Anita Anand and Barbados’ Christopher Sinckler (for CARICOM) backed a new results-focused action plan at the Canada–CARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Group meeting in Panama, with pillars on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Medical Breakthrough: Saint Lucia’s Camille Andrew became the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco, graduating with highest honors after research on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and the role of biotherapies. Disaster & Safety Tech: Grenada co-hosted a Cell Broadcast Emergency Warning System validation workshop with Dominica and other OECS states, supporting multi-hazard early warnings via ITU and World Bank work. Dominica Health Lab Upgrade: Dominica introduced PCR testing for leptospirosis at the national lab, cutting turnaround by keeping samples local and enabling faster treatment decisions. Digital Skills Pipeline: ECCB’s first Resilient Global Digital Infrastructure Fellowship selected UWI-linked Caribbean participants, building expertise in how digital infrastructure should be designed and governed. STEM for Youth: ECCB announced its 2026 STEM Camp (July 6) for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including AI-focused Python and design thinking. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 4.2 quake east of Antigua and Barbuda was felt across several islands, with no immediate damage reported. Connectivity Disruption: Regulators said Flow’s outage in Dominica and Saint Lucia was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’re pushing for resilience upgrades. Climate-Smart Farming: IICA trained 49 farmers and ag officers in St Vincent and the Grenadines under an ADOPT soil health project, using soil testing to guide future climate-resilient practices. Scholarship Spotlight: ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholarship went to St Vincent’s Phillip John for MSc Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London.

Digital Resilience & Telecom Safety: Grenada is strengthening disaster readiness through the Regional Cell Broadcast Emergency Warning System, with a validation workshop involving Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent—implemented with ITU and World Bank support. STEM & Skills: The ECCB is set to launch a free 2026 STEM Camp (July 6) for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, aiming to build youth capability in areas like AI, design thinking, and collaboration. Public Health Tech: Dominica’s National Laboratory has introduced PCR testing for leptospirosis, cutting reliance on overseas samples and speeding up diagnosis for faster response. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 4.2 quake was recorded east of Antigua and Barbuda, felt across parts of the Eastern Caribbean including Dominica, with no immediate damage reports. Regional Policy & Partnerships: Canada and CARICOM foreign ministers met in Panama to refresh a results-focused action plan on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security. Local Infrastructure Upgrade: Dominica has begun the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project, kicking off works to modernize key streets and improve climate resilience. Education & Research: UWI’s first Resilient Global Digital Infrastructure Fellowship has placed nearly three dozen people, including multiple UWI students and alumni, to build expertise in resilient digital systems.

Medical Education Milestone: Saint Lucia’s Camille Andrew became the first female from the OECS to earn an MD in Morocco, graduating with highest honors after seven years of pediatric training and a thesis on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Disaster Monitoring: A magnitude 4.2 earthquake was recorded east of Antigua and Barbuda, felt across parts of the region including Dominica, with no immediate damage reported. Digital Resilience & Warnings: Grenada is advancing a regional Cell Broadcast Emergency Warning System, with a validation workshop involving Dominica and other ECCU states, supported by the ITU and World Bank. STEM & Skills: The UWI is placing nearly three dozen people in the inaugural Resilient Global Digital Infrastructure Fellowship, aiming to build Caribbean-ready expertise in digital infrastructure governance and innovation. Public Health Tech Upgrade: Dominica introduced PCR testing for leptospirosis at the national lab, cutting reliance on overseas samples and speeding up diagnosis for faster response. Connectivity Disruption: Regulators are seeking details from Flow after a major fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua triggered an outage affecting Dominica and Saint Lucia. Climate-Smart Farming: IICA trained 49 farmers and agricultural officers in St Vincent and the Grenadines under a soil-health project to boost climate-resilient agriculture. Regional Research Funding: The UWI Seismic Research Centre warned that some countries are failing to honour payments to the regional research agency. Regional Finance for Resilience: The IFC will invest up to US$15M in the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, targeting resilience and sustainability projects across 13 countries including Dominica.

Digital Resilience: Grenada is co-hosting an Eastern Caribbean Cell Broadcast Emergency Warning System validation workshop with Dominica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, as the ITU and World Bank push multi-hazard early warnings. Public Health Tech: Dominica has rolled out PCR testing for leptospirosis at the National Laboratory, cutting reliance on overseas samples and speeding up real-time diagnosis. STEM for Youth: The ECCB announced its 2026 STEM Camp (July 6 start), offering free tech and leadership training for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, including Dominica. Connectivity Disruption: Regulators say a Flow fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua triggered a major outage affecting Dominica and St Lucia, and they’re pressing for resilience upgrades. Climate-Smart Agriculture: IICA trained 49 farmers and agricultural officers in St Vincent and the Grenadines under an ADOPT soil health project, combining soil sampling with field learning. Research & Skills: Five Arkansas State University students visited Dominica for environmental management field research. Urban Infrastructure: Dominica begins implementation of the Roseau Enhancement Project, with road rehabilitation design review and supervision consultancy now underway.

Leptospirosis PCR Testing: Dominica’s National Laboratory has introduced PCR testing for leptospirosis, cutting reliance on overseas samples and speeding up real-time diagnosis to support faster treatment and containment. STEM for Youth: The ECCB announced its 2026 STEM Camp (July 6 start), a free four-week push for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, training youth in AI skills with Python plus design thinking and collaboration. Telecom Resilience: Regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia say Flow’s outage (June 21–22) was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’re pressing for a detailed report and resilience upgrades. Roseau Upgrade Moves Ahead: Dominica has begun the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project, following a kickoff meeting and a US$2.24M consultancy contract for design review and supervision of key road rehabilitation works. Regional Climate & Finance: The IFC will invest up to US$15M into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund, aiming to expand financing for resilience and sustainability projects across 13 countries. Scholarship Spotlight: The ECCB named Phillip John (SVG) as the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholarship winner for Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London.

Public Health Tech: Dominica’s National Laboratory has started PCR testing for leptospirosis, cutting turnaround time and reducing the need to send samples overseas—an upgrade aimed at faster diagnosis and quicker treatment. Connectivity & Regulation: Flow restored service in Dominica and Saint Lucia after a major outage, with regulators asking for a full report; Flow says the fault was on a fibre path between Guadeloupe and Antigua and plans added resilience measures. Digital Skills for Youth: The ECCB will run a free 2026 STEM Camp (July 6–four weeks) for ages 14–18 across ECCU territories, using AI-focused Python and design thinking to turn students into tech creators. Research & Field Learning: Five Arkansas State University students visited Dominica for environmental management research, working on field mapping and ecology projects. Climate & Data Policy: ECCB also announced the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholarship winner, Phillip John, pursuing environmental data science and machine learning at Imperial College London. Urban Infrastructure: Dominica has begun the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project, with road rehabilitation and safer, more pedestrian-friendly streets moving into works planning.

Public Health Tech: Dominica’s National Laboratory has started PCR testing for leptospirosis, cutting the need to send samples overseas and speeding up real-time results for faster treatment and containment. Telecom Resilience: Regulators in Dominica and Saint Lucia say Flow’s outage (Guadeloupe–Antigua fibre fault) triggered emergency response, and they’re pushing for a detailed incident report plus stronger network resilience measures. Research & Skills: Five Arkansas State University students visited Dominica for hands-on environmental management research, working on field mapping and ecology projects. Science Funding: The ECCB named Phillip John (SVG) the 2026 ECCB–Thomas De La Rue Scholar for Environmental Data Science and Machine Learning at Imperial College London, with up to US$25,000 support. Local Development Tech: Dominica has begun the implementation phase of the Roseau Enhancement Project, with road rehabilitation and design supervision consultancy work underway. Energy & Policy: A commentary argues wildlife should be built into climate policy because animals shape carbon storage, nutrient movement, and ecosystem recovery. Education Support: Dominica awarded 124 scholarships and 122 bursaries to Grade 6 students after the National Assessment results.

Telecom Resilience: Dominica and Saint Lucia regulators say Flow’s outage (June 21–22) was linked to a fibre fault between Guadeloupe and Antigua, and they’ve asked for a full incident report while Flow plans backup routes, alternative connectivity, and extra fibre paths. Public Health Tech: Dominica’s National Laboratory has started leptospirosis PCR testing, cutting reliance on overseas samples and speeding up real-time diagnosis for faster treatment and control. Science Funding & Governance: UWI Seismic Research Centre warns some countries aren’t honouring payments to the regional research agency, raising concerns about capacity and continuity. Education & Learning: Achievement Learning Centre highlights 12-year-old Jahmielle Cadette’s Grade 6 National Assessment win, while Dominica also awarded 124 scholarships and 122 bursaries to top performers. Climate Policy & Wildlife: A new scientific consensus urges climate negotiators to include wildlife’s role in ecosystem carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and recovery in policy planning. Energy Costs: A regional explainer asks why the Caribbean still imports energy despite major renewable potential and targets. Regional Research Investment: IFC will invest up to US$15M into the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund debt sub-fund to expand financing for resilience projects across 13 countries.