AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Connections: Eight Indigenous women entrepreneurs from Dominica, Belize and Jamaica begin a trade mission to Winnipeg and Toronto, exploring Canadian markets for beauty, agriculture, artisan goods, fashion and cultural tourism. Creole Festival: Dominica’s 26th World Creole Music Festival wrapped after three nights at Windsor Park. Night Two brought Ne-Yo, Tabou Combo, Extasy Band and Full Blown to the stage, while opening-night performers included Capleton, Skillibeng and local favourite Colton T. Island Flavours: Dominica bakers are among those represented at the Rum Cake & Caribbean Black Cake Festival in Florida on Nov. 15, showcasing cakes from more than 20 Caribbean countries and territories. Books & Heritage: Educator and community advocate Jacinta “Jess” Bannis launched her first book, Of Islets, Folklore and Second Chances, at her 70th-birthday celebration in Castle Bruce. The novel draws on rural Dominican life in the 1960s. Music Rights: The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal reinstated ECCO’s copyright infringement claim, ruling the dispute over its right to sue should proceed to trial. Youth Sport: Dominica’s Under-15 team opened its FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival campaign with a 3-1 loss to Malaysia in Baku.

World Creole Music Festival: Night Two brought Dominica’s Extasy Band, Haitian legends Tabou Combo, Ne-Yo and Full Blown to Windsor Park, with guest appearances adding to the night’s highlights. Dominica U-15s: Malaysia opened the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival with a 3-1 win over Dominica, then followed with victories over Syria and Ethiopia. Festival Opening Night: Capleton and Skillibeng led a bill that also featured Dominican performer Colton T, Martinique’s Maurane Voyer and the Midnight Groovers. New Book: Educator and community advocate Jacinta “Jess” Bannis launched her first novel, Of Islets, Folklore and Second Chances, during her 70th-birthday celebration in Castle Bruce. The book draws on rural Dominican life in the 1960s and aims to share local history and traditions with younger readers. Bouyon Link-Up: Dominican artist Reo’s “Jolie BB,” featuring Maurane Voyer, passed 100,000 YouTube views in its first week, building a musical bridge between Dominica and Martinique.

World Creole Music Festival: Night Two brought kompa and konpa to Windsor Park, with Dominica’s Extasy Band joined by Tabou Combo, Full Blown and international star Ne-Yo. Photo and video highlights capture the performances as the three-night festival heads to its finale tonight. Dominican Music: Reo’s bouyon collaboration “Jolie BB” with Martinican singer Maurane Voyer has topped 100,000 YouTube views in a week, building a musical bridge between Dominica and Martinique. Books & Culture: Educator and community advocate Jacinta “Jess” Bannis launched her first book, Of Islets, Folklore and Second Chances, at her 70th birthday celebration in Castle Bruce. The novel revisits rural Dominica in the 1960s and traditions such as koudmen. Music Rights: The Court of Appeal has reinstated ECCO’s copyright infringement claim, ruling that its standing must be resolved at trial.

World Creole Music Festival: Dominica’s 26th WCMF opened Friday at Windsor Park, with Colton T, Maurane Voyer, Midnight Groovers and other acts bringing local and French Caribbean sounds to the stage. Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, Uncle Waffles and more are among the festival’s regional and international stars. Dominican Literature: Educator and community advocate Jacinta “Jess” Bannis launched her first book, Of Islets, Folklore and Second Chances, at her 70th birthday celebration in Castle Bruce. The novel draws on village life in 1960s Dominica and the tradition of koudmen. Music Rights: The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal restored ECCO’s copyright infringement claim in Dominica, ruling that its standing must be resolved at trial rather than dismissed at this stage. Bouyon Link-Up: Dominican artist Reo’s collaboration with Martinique’s Maurane Voyer, “Jolie BB,” has passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week, building a musical bridge between Dominica and Martinique.

World Creole Music Festival: Dominica’s 26th festival opened at Windsor Park on Friday, with Colton T and Martinique’s Maurane Voyer among the first-night performers. The three-night celebration brings bouyon, soca, reggae, dancehall and Creole sounds to Roseau through Sunday. Local Literature: Educator and community advocate Jacinta “Jess” Bannis launched her first novel, Of Islets, Folklore and Second Chances, at her 70th birthday celebration in Castle Bruce. Drawing on rural life in 1960s Dominica, the book explores family, tradition and the spirit of koudmen. Bouyon Across Borders: Dominican artist Reo’s “Jolie BB,” featuring Maurane Voyer, has passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week. The collaboration aims to connect Dominica and Martinique and bring bouyon to more French-speaking listeners. Music Rights: The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal has reinstated ECCO’s copyright infringement claim, ruling that its right to sue must be resolved at trial. The case concerns alleged infringement and music creators’ protections.

Dominican Storytelling: Educator and community advocate Jacinta “Jess” Bannis launched her first book, Of Islets, Folklore and Second Chances, at her 70th-birthday celebration in Castle Bruce. The novel revisits rural Dominica in the 1960s and celebrates traditions such as koudmen. World Creole Music Festival: The 26th festival is underway at Windsor Park, with Ne-Yo, Tabou Combo, Asa Bantan, Reo and other artists set for Saturday’s show, followed by Machel Montano and Uncle Waffles on Sunday. Caribbean Music: Saint Lucian Dennery star Umpa earned a Billboard feature, while Dominican artist Reo’s collaboration with Martinique’s Maurane Voyer has passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week, building a musical bridge between the islands. Music Rights: The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal reinstated ECCO’s copyright infringement claim, ruling that its right to sue must be resolved at trial. Dominica on Screen: Actor Austin Abrams visited Dominica to observe sperm whales before filming Whalefall, now in theatres.

World Creole Music Festival: Dominica’s three-night festival opens today at Windsor Park, with Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, Capleton, Uncle Waffles and regional stars on the bill. Police have urged motorists to plan ahead, while health officials are reminding vendors and patrons to follow food-safety practices. Music Rights: The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal has reinstated ECCO’s copyright infringement claim, ruling that its right to sue must be decided at trial after the relevant agreements are examined. Bouyon Spotlight: Dominican artist Reo’s “Jolie BB,” featuring Martinique’s Maurane Voyer, has passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week, building a musical bridge between the islands. Saint Lucian Dennery star Umpa has also earned a Billboard feature, bringing wider attention to the region’s sounds.

World Creole Music Festival: Three nights of music begin today at Windsor Park, with Machel Montano, Ne-Yo, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Tabou Combo among the regional and international stars joining Dominican performers. Police are urging motorists to plan ahead, while health officials remind vendors and festivalgoers to follow food-safety practices. Dominican Music: Reo’s “Jolie BB,” a Bouyon collaboration with Martinican singer Maurane Voyer, has passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week. The artists hope it will bring Dominica and Martinique closer through music. Regional Spotlight: Saint Lucian Dennery segment star Umpa has been featured by Billboard, a major boost for the genre and Caribbean music’s growing global profile.

Bouyon Breakthrough: Dominican artist Reo’s “Jolie BB,” featuring Martinican singer Maurane Voyer, has passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week. The collaboration aims to build musical ties between Dominica and Martinique and carry bouyon to more French-speaking audiences. World Creole Music Festival: Roseau’s three-night festival runs Oct. 23–25 at Windsor Park, with Machel Montano, Ne-Yo, Uncle Waffles, Tabou Combo and Capleton among the headliners. Dominican bouyon acts, including Asa Bantan, Reo and Shemmy J, will also take the stage. Creole Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl continues through today, Oct. 22, showcasing Dominican identity and the work of more than 90 entrepreneurs. Officials have dismissed cancellation rumors and urged the public to attend. Caribbean Music Awards: The 2026 ceremony gets its global premiere on YouTube and TRACE+ on Oct. 25, with TV broadcasts confirmed in eight Caribbean markets.

Bouyon Breakthrough: Dominican artist Reo’s “Jolie BB,” featuring Martinique’s Maurane Voyer, has topped 100,000 YouTube views in a week. The collaboration aims to connect the islands’ music scenes and carry Bouyon to more French-speaking audiences. World Creole Music Festival: Roseau’s three-night festival opens Friday, Oct. 23, with Machel Montano, Ne-Yo, Uncle Waffles, Capleton, Tabou Combo and a strong lineup of Dominican performers. Creole Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl wraps up today after officials dismissed cancellation rumors; more than 90 entrepreneurs are showcasing their work as part of the event’s celebration of Dominican identity. Heritage Preservation: SHAPE has secured Caribbean Culture Fund support to restore a wooden ti kai in Roseau, turning the 1850s building into a hub for cultural activities, education and community use. Calypso Tribute: A reprinted 1979 essay revisits calypso as social and political commentary, honoring the legacy of Mighty Sparrow, who died last month.

Calypso’s Legacy: A 1979 essay by scholar Gordon Rohlehr, republished to mark Mighty Sparrow’s passing, revisits calypso as a powerful vehicle for social and political commentary. Bouyon Breakthrough: Dominican artist Reo’s “Jolie BB,” featuring Martinique’s Maurane Voyer, has passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week. The collaboration aims to build musical ties with French-speaking audiences and spread bouyon. Festival Countdown: The World Creole Music Festival brings three nights of music to Roseau from October 23–25, with Machel Montano, Ne-Yo, Uncle Waffles, Capleton, Tabou Combo and Dominican performers on the lineup. Creole Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is running through October 22, showcasing more than 90 entrepreneurs and Dominican culture ahead of the festival. Art in Roseau: “The Anatomy of Self,” featuring work by Dominican artists, is open at Prevo Cinemall through December 11; exhibitions at Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay also spotlight nature, identity and local creativity.

World Creole Music Festival: Roseau’s three-night festival runs October 23–25, bringing Machel Montano, Ne-Yo, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and regional stars to Windsor Park alongside Dominica’s bouyon acts. Creole Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is on through October 22, with more than 90 entrepreneurs showcasing their work as part of the island’s heritage celebrations. Caribbean Music: The 2026 Caribbean Music Awards ceremony will premiere globally on YouTube and TRACE+ on October 25, with broadcasts also planned across eight Caribbean markets. Dominican Art: “The Anatomy of Self,” a group exhibition by the Waitukubuli Artist Association and Prevo Cinemall, is showing in Roseau through December 11. On Screen: Actor Austin Abrams visited Dominica to observe sperm whales before filming the thriller Whalefall, now in theatres.

Festival Season: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival takes over Windsor Park Stadium October 23–25, with Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, Capleton, Uncle Waffles and regional acts on the lineup. Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is also underway through October 22; officials say the showcase of Creole culture and local entrepreneurs has not been cancelled. Arts: “The Anatomy of Self,” a group exhibition by Dominican artists, is open in Roseau through December 11. Fort Young and Secret Bay are also hosting shows inspired by nature and diversity. Bouyon: Guadeloupean artist TIITII NBA says Dominica’s jump-up sound helped shape his music, connecting the island’s legacy to a new wave of bouyon. On Screen: “Whalefall” star Austin Abrams visited Dominica to see sperm whales before filming the survival thriller, now in cinemas.

Festival Season: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns to Roseau October 23–25, with Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, Capleton, Skillibeng and a strong lineup of local and regional acts. Creole Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is on from October 19–22, showcasing more than 90 entrepreneurs and celebrating Dominican heritage ahead of festival weekend. Bouyon Beat: A tribute to Creole music icon Prince Wadix highlights his role in preserving the sound, while Guadeloupe’s TIITII NBA is drawing on Dominica’s bouyon legacy to shape a new wave. Art Scene: New exhibitions in Roseau and at Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay explore identity, water, nature and Dominican creativity. On Screen: Whalefall star Austin Abrams visited Dominica to see sperm whales before filming the survival thriller.

World Creole Music Festival: Roseau’s three-night festival runs October 23–25, with Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, Capleton, Uncle Waffles and regional Creole acts among the performers. Creole Heritage: Officials say Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is on from October 19–22, dismissing cancellation rumors; the event will feature more than 90 entrepreneurs and celebrate Dominican culture. Arts & Exhibitions: WAA and Prevo Cinemall’s “The Anatomy of Self” opens in Roseau and runs through December 11, while exhibitions at Fort Young and Secret Bay explore nature, culture and artistic diversity. Bouyon & Film: Guadeloupean artist TIITII NBA says Dominica’s bouyon legacy shaped his music. Meanwhile, “Whalefall” star Austin Abrams recalled visiting Dominica to see sperm whales up close while preparing for the film.

Creole Music: A new commentary celebrates Ambassador Leroy “Prince Wadix” Charles as a giant of Creole music and cultural preservation, tracing how Pottersville’s community and traditions shaped his story. Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl: Officials say the festival is on from October 19–22 at the Botanic Gardens, with more than 90 entrepreneurs set to showcase Dominican food, crafts and culture ahead of World Creole Music Festival weekend. Dominica on Screen: Actor Austin Abrams visited the island to see sperm whales up close before starring in Whalefall, giving Dominica a striking connection to the new film. Bouyon’s Next Wave: Guadeloupean artist TIITII NBA credits Dominica’s jump-up music and collaborations with Dominican artists as influences on his growing bouyon sound. Arts and Heritage: Roseau’s “The Anatomy of Self” exhibition opened October 17, while a Caribbean Culture Fund grant will help restore a historic ti kai as a cultural and community hub.