AGP Executive Report

Sports Awards: Dominica’s Thea LaFond-Gadson and CARIFTA gold medallist Addison James were named Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year 2025 at the 12th National Sports Awards, held June 13 at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort. Netball Buzz: The BVI Netball Club kicked off the friendly Tri-Series in Dominica with a 27-13 win over Celtic at Windsor Park, with Shaquille Rose leading the scoring. Theatre: The 2026 Short Play Festival opens Thursday, June 18 at EXIT Theatre, running two weeks with evening shows and a Saturday matinee shift, plus ticket info and a full Week One lineup. Tourism & Travel: A Caribbean travel guide urges visitors to “skip the crowds” by exploring under-the-radar islands and local-led experiences. Community & Care: Media entrepreneur Jael Joseph shared a heartbreaking Facebook Messenger appeal involving a 14-year-old girl who said she wanted to end her life, urging urgent support and connection to help. Cricket Spotlight: A former Cricket West Indies vice-president says Dominica should get more regional cricket matches after the Windsor Park lighting upgrade. Music & Culture: Pan in Harmony’s “Icons on Steel” concert raised funds for the Dominica Cancer Society, featuring Convent High Steel Pan and Pan in Harmony junior and senior bands.

Short Play Festival: EXIT Theatre is set to host the 2026 Short Play Festival opening Thursday, June 18, with two weeks of short plays and evening shows (7pm Thu/Fri, plus 4pm & 7pm Sat) and a Saturday 4pm move for Sunday matinees; tickets run $15–$25. Netball Buzz: BVI Netball Club kicked off Dominica’s friendly Tri-Series with a 27-13 win over Celtic at Windsor Park, led by Shaquille Rose’s 17 goals. Mental Health Appeal: Dominican media entrepreneur Jael Joseph shared a heartbreaking Facebook Messenger plea from a 14-year-old girl who said she wanted to end her life, urging urgent help and support. Tourism & Visas: Regional tourism circles are reacting to the U.S. visa denial/renewal issues involving CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief, with Dominica’s PM saying he can’t comment on the consular decision. Arts & Pride: Garvin LeBlanc graduated from UBCO with a BFA with Distinction in Visual Arts, picking up major awards including the Asper Graduating Award. Ocean Love: Beyond Green marks World Oceans Day by spotlighting coral reef conservation efforts across its member properties, including work tied to Dominica. Cricket Spotlight: A former CWI vice-president is calling for more international cricket in Dominica now that Windsor Park’s lighting project is complete.

Netball Spotlight: BVI Netball Club kicked off Dominica’s friendly Tri-Series with a 27-13 win over Celtic at Windsor Park Sports Stadium on June 12, as Team VI coach Mandi J. Atack said the result was a pleasant surprise and a sign of netball’s “rejuvenation” in the VI. World Cup Buzz: Forbes’ list of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s highest-paid stars puts Cristiano Ronaldo ($300M) and Lionel Messi ($140M) at the top, with Haaland, Mbappé and Kane also featuring. Local Cricket Talk: Former CWI vice-president Emmanuel Nanthan is urging more international cricket in Dominica, pointing to the new EC$13.8m lighting project at Windsor Park. Tourism & Travel: CHTA named Barbados as host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (May 18–21), while Dominica hotelier Gregor Nassief weighed in on how US visa issues and reduced airline links could hit regional travel. Hurricane Season Prep: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says shelters were inspected and supplies reviewed as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins. Arts & Culture: Garvin LeBlanc graduated from UBCO with a BFA with Distinction and picked up major awards, including the Asper Graduating Award. Music Fundraiser: Pan in Harmony’s “Icons on Steel” concert raised funds for the Dominica Cancer Society with performances from Convent High and Pan in Harmony bands.

Mental Health Appeal: Dominican media entrepreneur Jael Joseph is urging the public after a 14-year-old girl messaged her on Facebook saying she wanted to end her life, asking Jael to tell her mother—Jael says she offered help and contact with a psychiatrist but has not heard back. Netball Spotlight: BVI Netball Club kicked off the VI friendly Tri-Series in Dominica with a 27-13 win over Celtic at Windsor Park, with Shaquille Rose leading the scoring. World Cup Money Talk: Forbes ranks the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s top earners, led by Cristiano Ronaldo ($300M) and Lionel Messi ($140M), mixing on-field pay and off-field deals. Energy Policy Clarity: A Dominica-focused commentary pushes back on confusion around the IRC’s draft distributed renewable energy framework, stressing it’s not final. Hurricane Season Prep: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says shelters were inspected and supplies reviewed as the 2026 hurricane season begins. Arts & Culture: Pan in Harmony’s “Icons on Steel” concert raised funds for the Dominica Cancer Society, featuring Convent High steel pan and Pan in Harmony junior and senior bands. Sports Development: Dominica is set to host Soufriere Divefest 2026 on August 29-30, celebrating diving, music, food and marine education.

Sports: BVI Netball Club kicked off the friendly Tri-Series in Dominica with a 27-13 win over Celtic at Windsor Park Sports Stadium on Friday, June 12. Team VI’s Shaquille Rose led with 17 goals, while Clita Russel added 6 and Mandi J. Atak 4. Cricket: Former Cricket West Indies vice-president Emmanuel Nanthan says Dominica should be back on the regional cricket calendar now that Windsor Park’s EC$13.8 million lighting project is complete after Hurricane Maria damage in 2017. Tourism & Travel: Dominica’s tourism community is watching fallout from new U.S. visa restrictions tied to Citizenship by Investment, after CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief said his U.S. visa renewal was denied. Culture & Arts: Pan in Harmony’s “Icons on Steel” concert at St. Gerard’s Hall raised funds for the Dominica Cancer Society, featuring Convent High Steel Pan and Pan in Harmony junior and senior bands. Local Events: Dominica will host Soufriere Divefest 2026 on August 29–30, spotlighting Soufriere, Scotts Head and Gallion with diving, music nights and marine education.

Energy Policy Watch: A new IRC “Distributed Renewable Energy Generation Framework” is still only a draft, with officials pushing back on claims that final rules are already set. Graduation & Education: Monroe University marked its Class of 2026 at Radio City Music Hall, with 2,023 graduates receiving degrees and more students walking this summer. Cricket & Community: Former CWI vice-president Emmanuel Nanthan says Dominica should get more regional cricket on the calendar after Windsor Park’s EC$13.8m lighting upgrade. Visa & Tourism Fallout: Dominica hotelier Gregor Nassief says his US visa renewal was denied, sparking debate over broader US restrictions tied to CBI rules; PM Skerrit says he can’t comment on consular decisions. Sports Spotlight: Google’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2026 doodle kicks off the tournament, with England vs Sri Lanka opening in Birmingham. Local Culture: Pan in Harmony’s “Icons on Steel” concert raised funds for the Dominica Cancer Society, featuring Convent High and Pan in Harmony bands. Hurricane Readiness: Skerrit urges early preparedness as the 2026 hurricane season begins, citing shelter inspections and supply reviews. Arts & Travel: Dominica’s Garvin LeBlanc graduates from UBCO with a fine arts degree and awards, while Soufriere Divefest 2026 is set for Aug 29-30.

Hurricane Season Prep: Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit says emergency shelters were inspected and supplies reviewed as the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins, urging early public preparedness. Tourism & Travel: CHTA has named Barbados to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (May 18–21), after a successful 2026 event in Antigua—another big B2B boost for the region. Visa Drama in Tourism Circles: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says his US visa renewal was denied, with Dominica’s PM saying he can’t comment on the consular decision; the wider issue is linked to tighter US measures around Citizenship by Investment. Local Arts & Culture: Roseau-based artist Garvin LeBlanc graduated from UBCO with a BFA (Distinction) and picked up major awards, including an Asper Graduating Award. Sports & Community: Dominica’s Soufriere Divefest 2026 is set for August 29–30, promising scuba, snorkeling, marine education, music nights and food in the Soufriere/Scotts Head/Gallion area. Cricket Buzz: Google’s doodle marks the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2026 kick-off, with England vs Sri Lanka at Edgbaston leading the opening ceremony.

Tourism & Events: Dominica is getting set for Soufriere Divesfest 2026, running August 29–30, with free/discounted scuba, snorkeling, marine education, food and music built around the Soufriere–Scotts Head Marine Reserve. Sports & Culture: The Dominica Amateur Basketball Association has named a 21-man training squad for the July 8–12 FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in Georgetown, Guyana. Arts Spotlight: Roseau-based visual artist Garvin LeBlanc has graduated from UBC Okanagan with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction, picking up major awards including the Asper Graduating Award and a Young Black Creative Award. Community & Music: Pan in Harmony’s “Icons on Steel” concert at St. Gerard’s Hall raised funds for the Dominica Cancer Society, featuring Convent High Steel Pan and junior and senior Pan in Harmony bands. Local Preparedness: As the 2026 hurricane season begins, PM Roosevelt Skerrit says shelters were inspected and emergency supplies reviewed, urging early public preparation. Regional Tourism Buzz: CHTA has named Barbados to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (May 18–21).

Fine Arts Spotlight: Dominica’s Garvin LeBlanc has graduated from the University of British Columbia Okanagan with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Distinction), picking up the Asper Graduating Award for his digital media project work and the Young Black Creative Award. Dive Tourism: Soufriere Divesfest 2026 is set for August 29–30, celebrating the island’s underwater world with eco-focused diving, marine education, music nights and food fairs. Regional Music Buzz: The U.S. Virgin Islands’ St. John Celebration Village lineup drops big names like Ashanti, Kes the Band and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, with more soca and dancehall acts plus Dominica’s WCK. Sports Development: Dominica’s DABA has named a 21-man training squad for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in Guyana (July 8–12). Tourism Careers: Discover Dominica Authority appoints Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to boost international visibility and sustainable tourism growth. World Oceans Day: Beyond Green highlights coral reef conservation efforts across its portfolio, including work tied to Dominica’s ocean protection mission.

Dominica Tourism & Culture: Soufriere Divesfest 2026 is set for August 29–30 in Soufriere, spotlighting the Soufriere–Scotts Head Marine Reserve with free/discounted scuba, snorkeling, marine education, food fairs, and music nights aimed at eco-tourists and local/regional divers. Regional Music Buzz: The U.S. Virgin Islands’ St. John Celebration Village lineup drops big names for June 28–July 4, led by Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, with Tarrus Riley, Baby Cham, and Dominica’s WCK among performers. Sports & Community: Dominica’s basketball pathway is taking shape with DABA naming a 21-man training squad for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers (July 8–12 in Guyana). Local Spotlight: Discover Dominica Authority appoints Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to boost Dominica’s international visibility and sustainable tourism growth. Business & Accountability: Roseau Cooperative Credit Union reports NCCU delinquency hitting $86.4m, urging members to step up loan repayment and accountability. Travel Policy Watch: Prime Minister Skerrit says he can’t comment on the U.S. decision not to renew CHTA president Gregor Nassief’s visa, pointing to U.S. consular processes.

Citizenship Crackdown: Dominica says anyone trying to get citizenship through the CBI programme below the official minimum will have their status revoked, as the government tightens enforcement and keeps pushing for tougher vetting. Basketball Buzz: Dominica’s DABA has named a 21-man training squad for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers in Guyana (July 8–12), with Police Sports, PSC Falcons, D-Tread Blazers, BAA Sharks and 767 Dominators all represented. Pan Power: Pan in Harmony’s “Icons on Steel” concert at St. Gerard’s Hall brought Convent High Steel Pan students and the junior and senior bands together in a fundraiser for the Dominica Cancer Society. Tourism Talent: Discover Dominica Authority appoints Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with boosting Dominica’s international visibility and sustainable tourism growth. World Oceans Day: Beyond Green marks the day by highlighting coral reef conservation work across its member properties, including initiatives linked to Dominica.

Basketball Spotlight: Dominica’s Amateur Basketball Association has named a 21-man training squad for the senior men’s team ahead of the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers (July 8–12 in Georgetown, Guyana), with players pulled from local clubs including Police Sports, PSC Falcons, D-Tread Blazers, BAA Sharks, 767 Dominators and West Coast Ballers. Pan & Community Arts: Pan in Harmony’s annual “Icons on Steel” concert at St. Gerard’s Hall brought Convent High School Steel Pan Group and Pan in Harmony junior and senior bands together in a fundraiser for the Dominica Cancer Society, with President Sylvanie Burton and Mr. Burton in attendance. Tourism Careers: Discover Dominica Authority has appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with boosting Dominica’s international visibility and supporting sustainable tourism growth. Regional Sports Hosting: Guyana has officially backed its role as host for the AmeriCup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers, with Kashif and Shanghai named Local Organising Committee for the July 8–12 event. Wellness Travel Trend: A new travel feature says Caribbean wellness is shifting toward deeper experiences—nature, movement, food and reconnection—beyond just spa days.

Pan Music Fundraiser: St. Gerard’s Hall hosted the annual “Icons on Steel” Pan in Harmony concert, featuring Convent High School Steel Pan Group plus Pan in Harmony junior and senior bands, with proceeds going to the Dominica Cancer Society. Tourism Talent Move: Discover Dominica Authority has appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with boosting Dominica’s international visibility and driving trade partnerships. Caribbean Media Spotlight: Caribbean Tourism Organization wrapped Caribbean Week in New York with its 2026 Caribbean Media Awards, celebrating storytelling that highlights culture, communities, nature and tourism. Sports Viewing Buzz: Rush Sports says it’s gearing up for a big 2026 World Cup broadcast push across multiple Caribbean markets, aiming to make fans feel part of the action. Wellness Travel Trend: A new travel feature argues Caribbean wellness is evolving beyond spas—toward nature, movement, food and deeper reconnection. Community Safety: Dominica Red Cross marks the start of hurricane season with a push for early household preparedness and emergency planning.

UWP Unity Push: UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine is urging supporters to “turn the page” after internal tensions, calling for reconciliation, accountability, and a renewed focus on Dominica’s future. Dominica Tourism Boost: Discover Dominica Authority appoints Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with strengthening the island’s international visibility and trade partnerships. World Oceans Day Coral Work: Beyond Green highlights coral reef conservation efforts across its portfolio, spotlighting real on-the-ground action for healthier seas. Caribbean Week Media Buzz: CTO wraps Caribbean Week in New York with major tourism talks and awards, including Caribbean Media Awards celebrating storytelling that goes beyond beaches. CHTA US Visa Headache: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says he was denied a US visa renewal, linking it to current US travel restrictions tied to Citizenship-by-Investment programmes. Sports Viewing Plan: Rush Sports promises wide Caribbean World Cup coverage across 13 markets, aiming to make fans feel part of the action. Hurricane Season Prep: Dominica Red Cross marks the Atlantic season start with a strong call for family emergency plans and emergency kits. Regional Clean Energy for Fisheries: STAR-Fish ramps up clean energy interventions for Caribbean fisheries, including renewable cold storage and low-carbon certification support. Cycling Development Note: National cyclist Kohath Baron says Dominica needs more elite riders to improve results after finishing 4th at OECS championships.

World Oceans Day Spotlight: Beyond Green is celebrating World Oceans Day 2026 by highlighting coral reef restoration work across its portfolio, calling reefs the “rainforests of the sea” and pointing to on-the-ground conservation efforts from Dominica to French Polynesia. Caribbean Week Buzz: Caribbean Week in New York wrapped after four days of tourism talks, partnerships and awards under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” including the launch of the CTO Tourism Supply Side Committee and media awards that spotlight regional culture and natural beauty. Dominica Tourism Move: Discover Dominica Authority has appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with boosting Dominica’s international visibility and driving sustainable tourism growth. Local Arts Calendar: Two Dominican-artist exhibitions are set to open at Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay, including JeanClaude Elias Nassief’s “Diversity” at Old Oven Art Gallery (June 8–Oct 7). Sports Viewing Hype: Rush Sports says it’s gearing up a full regional World Cup broadcast experience across 13 Caribbean markets, including Dominica. Wellness Travel Trend: A new roundup spotlights how Caribbean wellness travel is shifting toward nature, movement, culture and reconnection—not just spa days.

World Cup Buzz: Rush Sports is gearing up a big 2026 FIFA World Cup viewing push across 13 Caribbean markets, aiming to make fans feel part of the action with full match coverage in most territories, including Dominica. Tourism & Media Spotlight: The Caribbean Tourism Organization handed out 2026 Caribbean Media Awards during Caribbean Week in New York, celebrating storytelling that puts culture and communities front and centre. Dominica Tourism Move: Discover Dominica Authority appoints Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to boost the island’s international visibility. Local Arts: Two new exhibitions are set to open—“Diversity” at Fort Young Hotel’s Old Oven Art Gallery (June 8–Oct 7) and fresh Dominican creativity at Secret Bay. Wellness Travel Trend: A roundup highlights how Caribbean wellness travel is shifting toward nature, movement, food, and deeper reconnection. Sports Rising Star: Dominican-run Pro Dev Unlimited standout MJ Postell earns an ESPN SportsCenter Next Top 25 national ranking. Satire & Culture: THE KWAK takes a playful jab at OECS chairmanship talk, using humour to spotlight bigger regional issues.