AGP Executive Report

Smart Tax & AI: CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett urged more technology-driven, data-led tax systems at the COTA conference in Guyana, framing “AI-enabled” revenue as key for a future-ready region. Volcano Preparedness: Dominica’s Office of Disaster Management will hold volcano awareness meetings with the UWI Seismic Research Centre in Gallion (July 27) and Soufrière/Scotts Head (July 29) to boost hazard readiness. Green Skills for Jobs: Dominica’s Business Training Centre launched an eight-month green skills programme for 85 people, including solar/thermal installation, HVAC, surveying, construction administration, green vehicle tech, and digital green skills like cybersecurity. Climate-Energy Update: Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says Dominica’s geothermal plant is nearing commissioning, targeting sign-off by month end. Health Tech Lab: CARPHA opened an Antimicrobial Resistance regional reference lab in Jamaica to strengthen surveillance across 26 member states. Digital Finance: Asprofin Bank and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance for multi-currency accounts, payments, and digital asset settlement. Marine Science: New research says sperm whales off Dominica change click patterns when ships are nearby, helping predict vessel presence. Youth Learning: Dominican author Marilyn A. Cuffy-Morris launched skills development books for children and youth covering digital literacy, IT, finance, and safety. Regional Tech Events: CANTO’s annual telecom and tech conference is set for August 9–12 in Punta Cana.

Geothermal Power Update: Dominica’s Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says the Roseau Valley geothermal plant is nearing sign-off, with commissioning targeted for July 31 so DOMLEC can start operating under the power purchase agreement. Volcano Preparedness: The Office of Disaster Management and the UWI Seismic Research Centre will hold community meetings in Gallion (July 27) and Soufrière/Scotts Head (July 29) to share updates on recent seismic activity and boost hazard awareness. Public Health Lab Upgrade: CARPHA has opened an Antimicrobial Resistance Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica to expand specialized testing across 26 member states and strengthen the region’s fight against drug-resistant infections. Regional Tech & Innovation Links: Dominica’s Ambassador to China, Martin Charles, joined a Hainan visit where diplomats toured seed and agricultural tech sites, medical innovation zones, and discussed bringing advanced practices to Dominica. Green Skills for Jobs: Dominica’s Business Training Centre launched an eight-month “Green Skills” programme for 85 people, training in areas like solar/thermal installation, HVAC, construction administration, green vehicle mechanics, and digital green skills including cybersecurity. Health & Community Wellness: Roots Herbal promoted local medicinal plants and healthier living at a community wellness event, urging more use of herbs and fresh foods to reduce NCD risk. Finance Tech in Dominica: Asprofin Bank announced a Banking-as-a-Service partnership with Digital TRVST, aiming to expand multi-currency accounts, payments, and digital asset settlement using regulated banking infrastructure. Fire Safety Tech (Regional): Hochiki’s life safety system has helped protect St Jude’s Hospital in St Lucia after its rebuild following the 2009 fire.

Geothermal Power Push: Dominica’s Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says the Roseau Valley geothermal project is nearing sign-off, targeting commissioning by July 31 so DOMLEC can start operating under the power purchase agreement. Volcano Preparedness: The Office of Disaster Management and the UWI Seismic Research Centre will hold volcano awareness meetings in Gallion (July 27) and in Soufrière/Scotts Head (July 29), with residents invited to ask questions and share concerns. Public Health Lab Upgrade: CARPHA has opened an Antimicrobial Resistance Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica to expand specialized testing across 26 member states, aiming to strengthen surveillance and the Caribbean response to drug-resistant infections. Green Workforce Training: Dominica’s Business Training Centre launched an eight-month “Green Skills” programme for 85 people, training in areas like solar/thermal installation, HVAC, digital green skills (including cybersecurity), and green vehicle mechanics. Tourism Tech & Infrastructure: ABL Holdings says the Dominica Cable Car idea began with a family trip to the Boiling Lake, and the project is moving through feasibility and environmental reviews. Finance Innovation: Asprofin Bank (Dominica-licensed) announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance with Digital TRVST to support multi-currency accounts, payments, and digital asset services. Wildlife Science: Researchers with Project CETI report sperm whales off Dominica change their click patterns when ships are nearby, using the calls to predict when vessels are around.

Higher Education & Global Health: UHAS marked its 4th International Day at Sokode-Lokoe, celebrating cultural diversity with performances, international cuisine, and a push for stronger global academic partnerships in health education. Hospital Safety Tech: Hochiki’s networked fire-life safety system has helped reopen St Jude’s Hospital in St Lucia after a 2009 fire, using a full-coverage control setup across specialist wings and public areas. Volcano Preparedness: Dominica’s Office of Disaster Management will hold volcano awareness meetings with the UWI Seismic Research Centre in Gallion (July 27) and in Soufrière/Scotts Head (July 29) to boost community readiness. Energy Update: Dominica’s geothermal project in the Roseau Valley is nearing commissioning, with Energy Minister Dr Vince Henderson saying sign-off is expected by month end and operations can begin under the power purchase agreement. Public Health Lab: CARPHA opened an Antimicrobial Resistance regional reference laboratory in Jamaica to expand specialized testing across 26 member states. Green Skills Training: BTC launched an eight-month, free programme training 85 Dominicans for climate-resilient jobs, including solar/thermal installation and digital green skills like cybersecurity. Tech & Finance: Asprofin Bank and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance to support multi-currency accounts, payments, and digital asset settlement via regulated banking infrastructure. Science at Sea: New research from Project CETI says sperm whales off Dominica change their click patterns when ships are nearby—work that could help predict vessel presence.

Dominica Energy Update: Dominica’s geothermal project in the Roseau Valley is nearing commissioning, with Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson saying the plant is on track for a July 31 start of operations under the DOMLEC power purchase agreement. Volcano Preparedness: The Office of Disaster Management and the UWI Seismic Research Centre will hold volcano awareness meetings in Gallion (July 27) and in Soufrière/Scotts Head (July 29), with residents invited to ask questions and strengthen local readiness. Public Health Lab Boost: CARPHA has opened an Antimicrobial Resistance Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica to expand specialized testing and improve surveillance across 26 member states. Green Skills Training: Dominica’s Business Training Centre launched an eight-month, free training push for 85 people to build climate-resilient skills, including solar/thermal installation and digital green skills like cybersecurity. Tech & Finance: Asprofin Bank (Dominica-licensed) announced a Banking-as-a-Service partnership with Digital TRVST to support multi-currency accounts, payments, and digital asset settlement. AI Diplomacy: Dominica’s Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai to discuss expanding AI cooperation and avoiding an “intelligence divide.”

Volcano Preparedness: Dominica’s Office of Disaster Management (ODM) and the UWI Seismic Research Centre will hold volcano awareness meetings in Gallion (Mon, July 27, 6:00 p.m.), plus Soufrière and Scotts Head (Wed, July 29, 6:00 p.m.), urging residents to share concerns and get direct guidance from experts. Geothermal Power Update: Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says Dominica’s Roseau Valley geothermal project is nearing sign-off, with commissioning targeted for July 31 so DOMLEC can start operating under the power purchase agreement. Public Health Lab Boost: CARPHA has opened an Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica to expand specialized testing and strengthen Caribbean surveillance across 26 member states. Digital Finance in Dominica: Asprofin Bank (Dominica-licensed) and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance for multi-currency accounts, global payments, and digital asset settlement using regulated banking infrastructure. Green Skills Training: Dominica’s Business Training Centre launched an eight-month, free programme for 85 people to build climate-resilient workforce skills, including solar/thermal installation, HVAC, surveying, green vehicle mechanics, and digital green skills with cybersecurity. AI Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai to discuss expanding AI cooperation and ensuring AI benefits developing countries.

Volcano Preparedness: Dominica’s Office of Disaster Management will team up with the UWI Seismic Research Centre for volcano awareness meetings in Gallion (Mon, July 27, 6:00 p.m.), Soufrière and Scotts Head (Wed, July 29, 6:00 p.m.), with residents encouraged to ask questions and share concerns. Geothermal Power Timeline: Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says Dominica’s Roseau Valley geothermal project is nearing sign-off, targeting commissioning by July 31 so DOMLEC can begin operating under the power purchase agreement. Reproductive Rights Court Update: Local advocacy groups Women’s Choice, MiRiDom and ASPIRE welcomed Dominica’s High Court ruling on abortion, saying the decision requires legal availability in specific cases and giving the government six months to make changes. AMR Lab Boost: CARPHA opened an Antimicrobial Resistance regional reference laboratory in Jamaica to expand specialized testing and strengthen surveillance across 26 member states. Green Skills Training: Dominica’s Business Training Centre launched an eight-month, free programme for 85 people to build climate-resilient workforce skills, including solar/thermal installation, HVAC, surveying, construction administration, green motorbike tech, and digital green skills. Digital Finance in Dominica: Asprofin Bank announced a Banking-as-a-Service partnership with Digital TRVST, aiming to expand multi-currency banking, payments, custody, and embedded financial services. Tech & Youth Events: Portsmouth Bombers FC will host an outdoor esports event—Bombers FC EGame Challenge 2026—on Aug. 22 at Benjamin Park, blending EA SPORTS FC 26 with music and a giant LED screen.

Geothermal Power Update: Dominica’s Energy Minister Dr. Vince Henderson says the Roseau Valley geothermal plant is on track for commissioning by month end, with sign-off steps underway and a target of July 31. Volcano Preparedness: ODM and the UWI Seismic Research Centre are holding community meetings in Gallion (July 27) and Soufrière/Scotts Head (July 29) to share updates on volcanic activity and boost hazard readiness. Public Health Lab Boost: CARPHA has opened an Antimicrobial Resistance Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica to strengthen surveillance and testing across 26 member states. Regional Tech & Skills: BTC launched an eight-month free green skills training for 85 Dominicans, covering solar/thermal installation, HVAC, surveying, construction administration, green vehicle mechanics, and digital green skills including cybersecurity. Finance & Fintech: Asprofin Bank and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance to expand regulated multi-currency banking, payments, and digital asset settlement. Marine Science: New research reports sperm whales off Dominica change their clicking “codas” when ships are nearby, helping predict when vessels are in the area. Esports in Portsmouth: Bombers FC will host an outdoor EA SPORTS FC 26 EGame Challenge on Aug 22 at Benjamin Park, mixing gaming with football and live entertainment.

Volcano Preparedness: Residents in Gallion, Soufrière and Scotts Head are invited to community meetings led by Dominica’s Office of Disaster Management with the UWI Seismic Research Centre, starting July 27, to get updates on volcanic activity and practical hazard-safety guidance. Public Health Lab Boost: CARPHA has opened an Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica to strengthen surveillance and specialized testing across 26 member states, tackling antibiotic misuse and limited lab capacity. Disaster & Emergency Tech Links: PM Roosevelt Skerrit met U.S. Charge d’Affaires Karine Sullivan, highlighting U.S.-funded disaster management facilities and announcing more support for a new fire and ambulance station in La Plaine. Green Jobs Training: Dominica’s Business Training Centre launched an eight-month “Green Skills” programme for 85 people, offering free CPD-accredited training in areas like solar/thermal installation, HVAC, construction administration, and digital green skills including cybersecurity. Tourism Infrastructure: The Dominica Cable Car project’s origins were traced to a 2019 investor trip, with feasibility and environmental studies clearing the way for a major tourism upgrade. Fintech & Banking: Asprofin Bank and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance aimed at multi-currency accounts, global payments, and digital asset settlement using regulated banking infrastructure. AI Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai to discuss expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence and development, including inclusive global AI governance.

Cable Car Project: ABL Holdings says Dominica’s ambitious cable car idea began with a 2019 investor trip to the Boiling Lake, then moved through feasibility and environmental studies with Swiss engineering support—aiming to make the attraction accessible while protecting the island’s environment. Banking-as-a-Service: Asprofin Bank and Digital TRVST announced a multi-year BaaS alliance to bring regulated banking infrastructure, multi-currency accounts, global payments, fiat on/off-ramps, and digital asset custody via API-driven compliance. Green Skills Training: BTC launched an eight-month, free program for 85 Dominicans to build climate-resilient job skills, including solar/thermal installation, HVAC, surveying, construction administration, green motorbike mechanics, and digital green skills like cybersecurity. Telecom & Data Policy: CANTO’s 41st annual conference is set for August 9–12 in Punta Cana, while CARICOM tax administrators meet in Guyana July 27–31 to discuss smart, data-driven, AI-enabled tax administration. Marine Science: Researchers report sperm whales off Dominica change click patterns and “vowel” sounds when ships are nearby, potentially helping predict when vessels are in the area. Health Security: CARPHA completed a Turks and Caicos visit to strengthen antimicrobial resistance lab systems and surveillance, supporting regional health security. Volcano Watch: Dominica’s met and disaster teams continue monitoring small earthquakes and reports of light tremors, with the alert level staying YELLOW.

Cable Car Project: ABL Holdings says Dominica’s ambitious cable car idea began with a family trip to the Boiling Lake in 2019, then moved through feasibility and environmental studies with Swiss engineering support—aimed at making the attraction accessible while protecting the environment. Green Skills Training: BTC launched an eight-month, free, CPD-accredited programme for 85 Dominicans to build climate-resilient job skills, including solar/thermal installation, HVAC, land surveying, construction administration, green motorbike mechanics, and digital green skills like cybersecurity and data entry. Telecom & Policy Forum: CANTO’s 41st Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition is set for Aug 9–12 in Punta Cana under “Elevate the Caribbean,” bringing together telecom and digital tech leaders across the region. Tax Tech for the Region: CARICOM’s COTA General Assembly and Technical Conference runs July 27–31 in Guyana, focusing on smart, data-driven, AI-enabled tax administration and better compliance and taxpayer services. Marine Mammal Research: New work from Project CETI reports sperm whales off Dominica change click patterns and even “vowel” sounds when ships are nearby—raising fresh questions for marine policy. Volcano & Seismic Watch: Dominica’s met and disaster teams continue monitoring elevated small earthquakes and reports of rumbling in Gallion, with the alert level still YELLOW. Food Tech & Tourism: Goute Domnik (Taste of Dominica) launches July 19–26 with Restaurant Week fixed-price menus and an official food guide to help visitors explore Creole cuisine across the island.

AI Governance: China’s President Xi used the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai to push an inclusive, risk-aware global AI governance plan, with Dominica’s Foreign Minister Vince Henderson calling it a clear direction for international collaboration. Marine Science: Researchers with Project Ceti say sperm whales off Dominica shift their clicking “codas” and even vowel sounds when ships are nearby—work that could help translate whale communication and inform policy. Digital Finance: Asprofin Bank (Dominica-licensed) and Digital TRVST announced a Banking-as-a-Service alliance aimed at multi-currency accounts, payments, and digital asset settlement via regulated infrastructure. Public Health Tech: CARPHA completed a five-day technical visit to Turks and Caicos to strengthen antimicrobial resistance lab systems, surveillance, and health security. Disaster & Safety: Dominica’s disaster management is investigating reports of light tremors and rumbling sounds in Gallion, while a separate magnitude 3.2 quake was recorded near the island. Inclusion Policy: PM Skerrit met the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities and outlined plans for a dedicated disability department/unit in the public service. Local Tech & Culture: Portsmouth Bombers FC and NSE Night Club plan an August 22 esports “EGame Challenge 2026” blending football, gaming, music, and a giant LED screen. Agritech Innovation: Grenada’s C-SAC was named a top global finalist for the 2026 Global AgriInno Challenge, spotlighting blockchain-linked climate-smart farmer incentives. Earth & Climate: CRFM and the Caribbean Climate Change Centre are strengthening ties to tackle climate impacts on fisheries and coastal communities, including ongoing sargassum pressure.

Marine Science: Researchers say sperm whales off Dominica shift their “coda” click patterns and even vowel sounds when ships are nearby, with the team using recordings from 15 whales and vessel reports to show communication changes that could inform future shipping rules. Health & Tech Readiness: CARPHA completed a five-day technical visit to Turks and Caicos to strengthen antimicrobial resistance detection, focusing on lab systems, surveillance, biosafety, and data management—work that supports regional health security. AI Diplomacy: Dominica’s Foreign Minister Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai during the World AI Conference, with both sides pushing inclusive AI governance through WAICO and warning against a widening “intelligence divide.” Local Innovation & Youth: Portsmouth Bombers FC and NSE Night Club announced the Bombers FC EGame Challenge 2026, an August 22 esports event blending EA SPORTS FC 26 with music and a giant LED screen at Benjamin Park. Earth & Volcanic Monitoring: Dominica’s disaster management is investigating reports of light tremors and rumbling sounds in Gallion, while the met office continues tracking elevated small earthquakes south of the island. Travel Tech Angle: A Henley Passport Index update puts Dominica among visa-free options for Nigerian passport holders, highlighting how mobility rules intersect with digital-era planning.

AI Diplomacy: Dominica’s Foreign Minister Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai during the 2026 World AI Conference, with both sides pushing inclusive AI cooperation via WAICO and warning against a widening “intelligence divide.” Public Health Tech: CARPHA completed a five-day technical visit to Turks and Caicos to strengthen antimicrobial resistance lab systems, surveillance, biosafety, and data handling—key for regional health security. Local Esports & Youth Tech: Portsmouth Bombers FC teams up with NSE Night Club for the Bombers FC EGame Challenge 2026 (EA SPORTS FC 26) on Aug 22 at Benjamin Park, mixing gaming, music, and a giant LED match screen. Earth & Volcano Monitoring: Small earthquakes and rumbling reports keep attention on Dominica’s south; the met office maintains a YELLOW alert as seismic activity remains elevated. Disaster Readiness: ODM is investigating light tremors in Gallion and urges residents to rely on official updates. Inclusion Policy: PM Skerrit met the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities and backed plans for a dedicated disability unit/department to coordinate advocacy and services. Agritech Innovation: Grenada’s C-SAC climate-smart agriculture compliant tool was named a top global finalist for the FAO AgriInno Challenge, highlighting blockchain-backed incentives for smallholders. Food Tech Tourism: Dominica’s first Gouté Domnik culinary festival launches July 19–26 with Restaurant Week and a food guide to drive culinary tourism.

Election & Youth Politics: Team Unity Dominica (TUD) says it will unveil its candidates and formally launch its election campaign, with a “Clean Slate” slogan. AI Diplomacy: Dominica’s Foreign Minister Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai to discuss expanding AI cooperation and development, including work through WAICO to avoid an “intelligence divide.” Public Health Labs: CARPHA completed a five-day technical visit to Turks and Caicos to strengthen antimicrobial resistance detection, lab systems, surveillance, and regional health security. Esports in Dominica: Portsmouth Bombers FC partners with NSE Night Club for the Bombers FC EGame Challenge 2026 (EA SPORTS FC 26) on Aug 22 at Benjamin Park, mixing gaming with live music and a giant LED screen. Volcano & Earth Activity: ODM is investigating reports of light tremors and rumbling sounds in Gallion, while small earthquakes continue south of Dominica and the alert level remains YELLOW. Disability Inclusion: PM Skerrit met the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities, backing plans for a dedicated government unit/department to improve inclusion and policy coordination. Regional Tech & Food: CRFM and the Caribbean Climate Change Centre strengthen collaboration on climate impacts to oceans and fisheries, while Dominica prepares for the inaugural Gouté Domnik culinary festival (July 19–26).

AI Diplomacy: Dominica’s Foreign Minister Vince Henderson met China’s Wang Yi in Shanghai during the 2026 World AI Conference, with both sides pushing inclusive AI governance and cooperation through WAICO. Public Health Tech: CARPHA completed a five-day technical visit to Turks and Caicos to strengthen antimicrobial resistance detection, lab systems, surveillance, and regional health security. Esports & Youth Tech: Portsmouth Bombers FC teams up with NSE Night Club for an outdoor Bombers FC EGame Challenge 2026 in August, mixing EA SPORTS FC 26 with live music and a giant LED screen. Volcano Monitoring: Dominica’s disaster management is investigating reports of light tremors and rumbling in Gallion, while seismic updates show elevated small earthquakes south of the island. Regional Policy & Data: CARICOM tax administrators meet in July to discuss “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” tax administration, aiming to modernize compliance and services. Disability Inclusion: PM Skerrit met the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities, backing plans for a dedicated disability department/unit in the public service. Food Tech & Tourism: Dominica launched Gouté Domnik, a week-long Creole culinary festival with Restaurant Week fixed-price menus and an official food guide.