AGP Executive Report

Fintech & Digital Banking: Belize Bank signed a six-year partnership with Backbase to roll out an AI-native digital banking stack for retail and business customers, aiming to streamline onboarding and unify business cash-flow views. Adolescent Health Tech: Dominica’s REACH project launched a regional webinar series on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, mental health, nutrition, stigma reduction, and parent-teen communication, with interactive Q&As starting Aug. 11. Renewables in Dominica: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant in Laudat has begun commercial operations, boosting geothermal’s role in the island’s power supply and marking a major CARICOM milestone. Energy Investment Signals: Ormat Technologies reported strong Q2 results, with energy storage revenues nearly tripling and continued progress on its geothermal strategy. Tourism & Local Economy: The Dominica Cable Car project is framed as more than tourism—creating hundreds of jobs and supporting local suppliers, with ongoing roles expected after construction. Public Policy & Growth: Opposition leader Jesma Paul-Victor argued government alone can’t build a dynamic economy, stressing stable policies, infrastructure, energy affordability, and private-sector investment. Maritime Security: A reported tanker attack in the Gulf of Aden is linked by analysts to a Dominica-flagged vessel, with investigations underway.

Eastern Caribbean Housing Watch: A new CLVRI estimate says property values across five Eastern Caribbean markets, including Dominica, have slipped about 10% over the past five years, with analysts warning declines could reach 20% over the next decade. Population & Skills Push: Dominica plans a National Population Renewal and Global Dominican Engagement Programme aimed at growing the resident population to 100,000 by 2040, targeting returning migrants, investors, retirees, remote workers, and skilled professionals. Geothermal Milestone: Dominica’s 10-MW geothermal plant at Laudat has entered commercial operations, with geothermal contributing about 43% of electricity supply in June and projected to cover roughly half of demand in 2026. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including geothermal and clean transport, with proposals prioritized before Sept. 1. Public Health Lab Boost: Eastern Caribbean lab professionals trained in molecular diagnostics for diseases like measles, leptospirosis, and hantavirus, using a One Health approach to strengthen outbreak readiness. Energy Sector Debate: Former ministers Carlos James and Melissa Peters criticized the administration’s handling of electricity costs and geothermal governance, arguing cabinet-level misunderstanding is driving problems. Maritime Security: UKMTO reported an attempted tanker attack in the Gulf of Aden; open-source analysts tentatively linked it to a Dominica-flagged tanker, Daisy. Tech & Science (Sport Physiology): A new study video explains how oxygen and carbon dioxide shift in elite freedivers at depths up to 80 meters, highlighting major pressure-related changes around 40 meters.

Population Policy: Dominica’s government says it will launch a National Population Renewal and a Global Dominican Engagement Programme, aiming to grow the resident population to 100,000 by 2040 by encouraging returnees, investors, retirees, remote workers and skilled professionals. Tourism & Real Estate: Secret Bay Resort & Residences is moving into its final residential phase, unveiling six new cliffside villas, two more spas and a family pool pavilion, with sales set to begin this fall. Energy Governance: Former ministers Carlos James and Melissa Peters are attacking the administration’s handling of the energy sector, arguing the state misunderstands utility ownership and lacks technical grasp of the geothermal project. Health Lab Capacity: Eastern Caribbean countries, including Dominica, boosted molecular diagnostic skills for faster detection of epidemic-prone diseases through a PAHO/WHO and CARPHA workshop using a One Health approach. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including geothermal and clean transport, with a September 1 priority deadline. Maritime Security: A tanker was reportedly targeted in the Gulf of Aden; open-source analysts and security firms point to a Dominica-flagged vessel, with an investigation underway. Deep-Dive Physiology: A new video explains how oxygen and carbon dioxide shift in elite freedivers at depths up to 80 meters, highlighting major pressure-related changes around 40 meters. National Budget: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is set to present the 2026–27 national budget, with priorities expected to include tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and education.

Maritime Security: Iran and Oman are set to unveil a new Strait of Hormuz traffic arrangement, with proposed routes and possible cargo fees that could reshape shipping lanes and how vessels are charged. Regional Safety: The UKMTO reported an attempted attack on a tanker in the Gulf of Aden; open-source and security analysts say the Dominica-flagged product tanker Daisy may have been targeted, with an investigation ongoing. Renewable Power & Storage: Ormat Technologies posted strong Q2 results, driven by near-tripled energy storage revenue and continued geothermal expansion, including its EGS strategy and new generation unit. Public Health Tech: Eastern Caribbean lab teams boosted molecular diagnostic capacity for emerging infectious diseases through PAHO/WHO and CARPHA training, using standardized One Health approaches. Dominica Development: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is expected to outline Dominica’s 2026-27 national budget priorities, including tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Tourism & Digital Innovation: Dominica’s cable car project is expected to support jobs and growth, while officials stress that AI and digital innovation are now central to staying competitive.

Maritime Security: The UKMTO says an attempted attack was reported on a tanker in the Gulf of Aden; a blast was heard near a Dominica-flagged vessel, with no injuries or environmental impact reported as investigators look into what happened. Renewable Energy & Storage: Ormat Technologies posted strong Q2 results, with energy storage revenues nearly tripling and guidance raised, highlighting momentum in geothermal and grid-scale storage. Diving Science: A new study video tracks how oxygen and carbon dioxide shift in elite freedivers at 20–80 meters, finding the biggest pressure-related changes around 40 meters—useful for understanding deep-breath physiology. Public Health Lab Capacity: Eastern Caribbean labs boosted skills in molecular diagnostics for threats like measles, leptospirosis and hantavirus, using a One Health approach that links human and animal health. Dominica Budget Watch: Dominica is set to present its 2026–27 national budget, with priorities expected to include tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and education. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, with proposals prioritized before Sept. 1. Tourism Tech & Jobs: Dominica’s cable car project is expected to reshape tourism and create local employment, with officials also pointing to the growing role of AI and digital innovation in destination marketing.

Dominica Budget Watch: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is set to present the 2026–2027 national budget today, with relief measures, tourism incentives, agriculture and agro-processing, and infrastructure upgrades expected to be front and center. Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, prioritizing proposals before Sept. 1 and covering solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, clean transport, green hydrogen and even sargassum-based energy. Tourism Tech Push: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car (due later this year) will boost tourism and create jobs, while also stressing that AI and digital innovation are now key to staying competitive. Regional Policy Pressure: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley is urging a longer transition (five years) away from Citizenship by Investment programmes, warning the EU’s proposed two-year end date could hit Eastern Caribbean economies hard. Legal & Health Rights: Two letters highlight the High Court’s abortion ruling and the need to shift how health services deliver care for rape, incest, severe foetal anomaly, and protecting a woman’s health and life. Science & Climate Resilience: A CARICOM-focused update says leaders are building resilience systems around food and energy security, transport, healthcare, AI and regional trade as climate shocks intensify.

Dominica Budget Watch: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is set to present the 2026–27 national budget, with relief measures, tourism incentives, agriculture and agro-processing, plus infrastructure and social services expected to be front and center. Renewables Funding: IRENA has opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, clean transport and green hydrogen, with Dominica among eligible countries. AI for the Region: China’s Ambassador to Dominica, Chu Maoming, says Dominica can benefit from a “just and equitable” global AI governance system after the 2026 World AI Conference. Tourism Tech Push: Dominica’s Cable Car project is expected to boost tourism and create local jobs, while the tourism ministry highlights the growing role of AI and digital innovation in destination readiness. Regional Connectivity: A researcher argues intraregional travel is declining due to high costs, aviation taxes and weak connectivity—calling for structural fixes to keep money circulating within the Caribbean. Local Business Forum: Roseau North by-election hopeful Daniel Lugay outlined plans including relocating the Fond Cole landfill and improving waste management, alongside a proposed mall and commercial hub. Caribbean Justice & Tech: Two Americans were found guilty in Dominica of murdering a Quebec couple, a case that also drew attention for its long investigation timeline.

Renewables Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Dominica, prioritizing proposals before Sept. 1 and covering solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, bioenergy, green hydrogen, electric mobility, and even sargassum-based energy. Tourism Tech & Jobs: Dominica’s Cable Car project is on track for completion later this year, with Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton saying it will boost tourism and create immediate local employment, alongside upgrades to key ecotourism sites and roads. AI for Policy: CARICOM’s tax chief Dr. Carla Barnett urged “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax systems at a regional conference, pushing for future-ready revenue as external aid becomes less certain. Local Skills for Digital Futures: A Dominican entrepreneur launched two skills development books for children and youth, explicitly targeting digital literacy, IT, finance, and safety awareness. Energy Resilience Focus: CARICOM leaders at a Saint Lucia summit emphasized strengthening systems they can influence—food and energy security, transport, healthcare, AI, and regional trade—to handle climate shocks. Health & Law Debate: Letters to the editor continue reacting to the High Court’s abortion ruling and what happens if government timelines aren’t met.

Reproductive Rights & Courts: A letter to the editor says the High Court’s abortion ruling gives government a six-month window to expand legal grounds beyond the life-of-the-woman exception, warning that delays would repeat past non-compliance with international obligations. CARICOM Tax Tech: CARICOM’s Dr. Carla Barnett urged Caribbean tax administrations to become “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” at a regional conference in Guyana, pushing for stronger home-grown financing as aid becomes less certain. Dominica Tourism Tech: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car (due later this year) and upgrades to key ecotourism sites will boost visitor readiness, while stressing that AI and digital innovation now matter for competitiveness. AI Governance Link: China’s Ambassador Chu Maoming published an op-ed tying Dominica’s participation in global AI governance discussions to a “just and equitable” framework. Local Skills & Digital Literacy: Dominican entrepreneur Marilyn A. Cuffy-Morris launched two skills development books for children and youth, explicitly including digital literacy and information technology. Regional Connectivity Research: Dr. Dennis McCall argues intraregional travel is declining due to high costs and weak connectivity, calling for structural fixes to make regional movement more affordable. Coral Reef Science: Coral reef experts met in Auckland to tackle climate-driven reef decline, including new mapping and a research center, with the next symposium set for 2030 in Rio. Health & Food Policy: A “health tax” push targets foods high in fat, sugar and salt, alongside calls for clearer nutrition labelling. Crime & Forensics: Separate reports highlight how genetic genealogy helped solve a decades-old murder case in Canada, underscoring the growing role of advanced forensics. Dominica By-election Tech/Infrastructure: Roseau North hopeful Daniel Lugay outlined plans to relocate the Fond Cole landfill and improve waste management, alongside a proposed mall and commercial hub.

CARICOM Resilience Push: Caribbean leaders say wars, fuel prices, supply shocks, inflation and climate disasters are mostly out of their control, so they’re doubling down on systems they can influence—food and energy security, transport, healthcare, artificial intelligence and regional trade. Dominica Tourism Tech & Jobs: Dominica’s Cable Car project is set to finish later this year, with Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton saying it will boost tourism and create immediate local work, while upgrades to key sites and roads aim to improve “destination readiness” in a more connected, tech-driven market. CARICOM Tax Tech: CARICOM’s Dr. Carla Barnett urged smarter, data-driven and AI-enabled tax systems at a regional conference, arguing the region needs stronger home-grown financing as international aid becomes less certain. Global AI Governance: China’s Ambassador Chu Maoming highlighted Dominica’s role in global AI governance discussions tied to the 2026 World AI Conference and a push for a “just and equitable” framework. Visa Rules Watch: Finland confirmed updated visa-free entry rules, with only Mauritius and Seychelles among African nations on the list, while the U.S. made its visa bond programme permanent for certain B1/B2 applicants, with bonds up to $20,000. Coral Reef Science: Coral reef experts met in Auckland to tackle climate-driven reef decline, including new research launches and mapping efforts for the Pacific.

Dominica Tourism & Tech: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car, plus upgrades to key ecotourism sites and new facilities like Champagne Beach, Ti Tou Gorge and Emerald Pool, are set to boost visitor readiness and create local jobs—while stressing that AI and digital innovation now matter for staying competitive. Regional Policy & Business: Roseau North by-election hopeful Daniel Lugay outlined plans for relocating the hazardous Fond Cole Landfill (“Labass”), improving garbage collection, and building a new mall and commercial hub to drive employment. AI & Governance: Chinese Ambassador to Dominica Chu Maoming published an article linking Dominica’s role to global AI governance discussions following the 2026 World AI Conference. Health Systems & Safety Tech: St Jude’s Hospital in St Lucia reopened with a new networked fire and life-safety system, highlighting how modern safety tech supports rebuilt healthcare facilities. Science & Climate: Coral reef experts met in Auckland to push climate-focused action, mapping and research, and stronger Indigenous-led approaches as reefs face mounting pressure. Crime & Justice: Two Americans were found guilty in Dominica in the murders of a Quebec couple, underscoring how investigations can take years to reach court outcomes.

U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. has made its visa bond programme permanent, letting consular officers require some B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries to post refundable bonds up to USD 20,000 before travel—aimed at improving compliance with visa conditions. Regional Business & Finance: General Accident is moving to merge its Trinidad subsidiary with Beacon Insurance, with Beacon as the surviving company, as the group reshapes its local footprint. Dominica Tourism & Tech: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car (due later this year) will boost tourism and create jobs, while also stressing that digital innovation and AI are now central to destination competitiveness. Coral & Climate Science: Coral reef experts from 90+ countries met in Auckland, launching new research initiatives including high-resolution mapping for the Pacific and pushing climate-focused reef protection. CARICOM Tax & AI: CARICOM’s Dr. Carla Barnett urged tax systems that are smart, data-driven and AI-enabled to secure sustainable revenue for the region. Local Skills for the Future: A Dominican entrepreneur launched youth skills development books that include digital literacy and IT alongside life and safety skills. Health & Food Policy: India is considering front-of-pack nutrition labelling and a health tax on high fat, sugar and salt foods as obesity and diet-related illness rise. Crime & Forensics: Two Americans were found guilty in Dominica for the 2023 murder of a Quebec couple, while Canada’s Toronto police used forensic genetic genealogy to charge a suspect in a decades-old case.

Dominica Tourism & Digital Readiness: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says the Dominica Cable Car (due later this year) will boost tourism and create immediate jobs, while also stressing that tech and AI are now central to staying competitive, alongside upgrades to sites like Champagne Beach, Ti Tou Gorge, Emerald Pool and key ecotourism areas. Caribbean Policy & Mobility: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley urges a five-year transition away from Citizenship by Investment, warning the EU’s faster timeline could be an “existential threat” unless replacement industries are built. AI Governance for Small States: Chinese Ambassador Chu Maoming highlights how Dominica can benefit from a “just and equitable” global AI governance system, pointing to the World AI Conference and new cooperation structures. Health & Local Innovation: UHAS marks its International Day with a push for stronger global partnerships in higher education, while Roots Herbal promotes local medicinal plants as Dominica tackles NCDs through community wellness. Environment & Science: Coral reef experts met in Auckland to push climate-focused action, mapping and Indigenous-led approaches as reefs face mounting pressure. Justice in Dominica: Two Americans, Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Snyder Jr, were found guilty in the 2023 murders of Canadian entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand.

US Visa Bonds: The U.S. State Department made its visa bond programme permanent, letting consular officers require some B-1/B-2 applicants to post bonds up to USD 20,000 before a visa is issued, after a year-long pilot. Tourism & Tech: Dominica’s Cable Car project is set to finish later this year, with the minister saying it will boost jobs and that AI and digital tools are now essential for destination readiness. Coral Reefs Under Pressure: Coral reef experts from 90+ countries met in Auckland to tackle climate-driven reef decline, including new mapping and a research centre launch. CARICOM Tax Modernisation: CARICOM’s tax chiefs gathered in Guyana under a theme of “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax systems, as the region looks for resilient, home-grown revenue. Local Skills for the Future: A Dominican entrepreneur launched youth skills development books covering digital literacy, IT, finance, and safety. Dominica Volcano Awareness: ODM and the UWI Seismic Research Centre will hold community meetings in Galleon, Soufrière and Scotts Head to share updates and strengthen preparedness. Health & Food Policy: India is pushing front-of-pack nutrition labels and health taxes on high sugar, fat and salt foods as obesity and diet-related illness rise.

Nutrition Policy: India pushes mandatory front-of-pack labels and a health tax on high fat, sugar and salt foods, aiming to curb unhealthy diets from school meals to baby foods. Climate & Oceans: Coral reef experts from 90+ countries met in Auckland to tackle climate-driven reef decline, with new mapping and a research center spotlighting what’s next for Pacific conservation. Dominica Tourism Tech: Roseau North by-election candidate Daniel Lugay and Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton both point to practical upgrades—safer waste plans and a cable car plus digital-ready tourism marketing—to create jobs and modernize visitor experiences. AI Governance: China’s ambassador to Dominica highlights the new World AI Cooperation Organisation and “just and equitable” global AI governance, linking it to Dominica’s future partnerships. Energy Update (Local): Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing month-end commissioning, with Energy Minister Vince Henderson saying sign-off steps are in place. Regional Tech for Revenue: CARICOM tax leaders meet on “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration to strengthen sustainable funding. Health & Community: UWI Seismic Research Centre and ODM plan volcano awareness meetings in southern communities.

Dominica Justice: Two American men, Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Snyder Jr., were found guilty in Roseau of murdering Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his partner Dominique Marchand in Dominica in late 2023; sentencing is set for later. Forensic Tech in Crime Solving: Toronto police laid a first-degree murder charge in a 2006 cold case using forensic genetic genealogy, showing how DNA-linked methods are reshaping investigations. Tourism Tech & Jobs: Dominica’s Cable Car project is expected to be completed later this year, with Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton saying it will boost tourism and create immediate local employment, alongside broader upgrades and a stronger digital/AI focus for destination readiness. AI Governance Diplomacy: China’s ambassador to Dominica, Chu Maoming, published an article tying Dominica’s AI governance interests to the 2026 World AI Conference and a new global AI cooperation framework. Public Safety & Science: Dominica’s Office of Disaster Management will hold volcano awareness meetings with the UWI Seismic Research Centre in Gallion, Soufrière and Scotts Head to improve preparedness and hazard understanding. Health Systems & Regional Labs: CARPHA opened an Antimicrobial Resistance regional reference laboratory in Jamaica to expand specialized testing across 26 member states. Skills for the Future: A Dominican author launched two skills development books for children and youth, including digital literacy and IT, aimed at preparing young people for future work. Energy Progress: Dominica’s geothermal project is nearing commissioning, with the target moved to July 31 as the plant prepares to start operating under the power purchase agreement.