AGP Executive Report

World Creole Music Festival 2026: The official WCMF 2026 guide is out, with the festival confirmed for Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, running nightly from 7pm to late—featuring major names including Ne-Yo and Machel Montano, plus a full verified lineup by night. Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl: The 5th edition (Oct 19–22) is adding a dedicated wellness space, aiming to blend Dominican “nature island” wellness with culture, food, and local practitioners. Local Arts & Culture: The 13th E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture puts traditional crafts in the spotlight, exploring natural materials, pigments, jewellery-making, and craft beyond limits. Dominica in the Spotlight: AFAR has highlighted Dominica as a top pick for solo travellers, spotlighting secluded beaches and volcanic landscapes. Food & Fun: Flavours of the World Festival lands Oct 4 at Windsor Park, bringing global cuisine to the island with a big Dominican Creole menu. Sports: Dominica’s men’s team took a tough 5-1 loss to Guyana in CONCACAF Nations League action. Music Legacy: The Caribbean mourns the passing of calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow at 91.

Traditional Arts Spotlight: UWI Global Campus Dominica and the Division of Culture host the 13th E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture on Oct 8 at the Alwin Bully Auditorium, exploring “Traditional Crafts: Traces of Our Terrain” with panellists on nature, pigments, jewellery-making and craft beyond limits. Streaming Picks: A new “what to watch tonight” guide rounds up 46 fresh shows and movies added to Netflix, Paramount+, Hulu and more on Oct 5, including horror pick “The Boogeyman.” Solo Travel Buzz: AFAR spotlights Dominica as “Nature Island” for solo travellers, naming Batibou, Champagne and Mero beaches. Tourism Leadership: CMEx will honour Caribbean hotelier Josef Forstmayr with a 2026 leadership laureate award on Dec 6 in Miami. Football Update: Dominica’s Golden Jaguars clash continues in CONCACAF Nations League after a tough Guyana run, with another meeting on Oct 4. Wellness at Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl: Organisers add a dedicated wellness space for Oct 19–22, pairing local practitioners and products with cultural programming. Music & Culture Loss: The Caribbean mourns the death of calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow at 91. Language & Identity: A Guadeloupe Creole-vs-French feud sparks outrage online, reigniting debates about colonialism and respect for Creole. Dominica in Film/Story: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine wins the CCCCC youth short story contest with “Weathering Us.”

Bouyon on the pitch: Dominica’s senior men were hammered 5-1 by Guyana in the CONCACAF Nations League, leaving the Bouyon Boyz chasing momentum ahead of their next meeting. Caribbean culture spotlight: The Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival’s 20th anniversary saw DANM dominate with double wins, while Dominica’s Christelle Powell earned an Honourable Mention for From Fortune. Creole village returns: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl—Tout Biten Domnik is set for Oct 19–22 at the Botanic Gardens, with a new dedicated wellness space added to the lineup. Local food & heritage: Chef Dixie Fingal-Rock Innes shares her “refreshing” Dominican shrimp souse recipe as part of Metro’s Black History Month Diaspora Dish series. Music legend mourned: The Mighty Sparrow, calypso’s famed storyteller, has died at 91, prompting tributes across the region. Sports & community events: Wesley High School marks 100 years of educating young women, and DABA is gearing up to launch a Women’s Basketball League with a Nov 7 3×3 “Ladies Night.” Wellness at Ti Vilaj: Organisers say the wellness space will bring practitioners and products for visitors to pause, recharge, and reconnect with the Dominican way of life.

CONCACAF Nations League: Dominica’s Bouyon Boyz face Guyana again today after a tough 5-1 loss in Puerto Rico, with Guyana sitting top of Group A and Dominica looking to bounce back fast. Caribbean Culture & Music: The Mighty Sparrow has died at 91, with leaders across the region mourning the calypso legend who helped shape Caribbean music and storytelling. Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl-‘Tout Biten Domnik is set for Oct 19–22, and organisers say a new dedicated wellness space will add health and relaxation alongside the food, music and crafts. Food & Community: Chef Dixie Fingal-Rock Innes shares her “refreshing” Dominican shrimp souse recipe as part of Metro’s Black History Month food series. Film Spotlight: Dominica’s Christelle Powell earned an Honourable Mention at the Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival for From Fortune, as DANM swept major awards. Education Milestone: Wesley High School marks 100 years of educating young women, with a full centennial programme starting Oct 12.

Caribbean Music & Culture: The Dennery Segment debate is back in the spotlight after Saint Lucians reacted strongly to Klassik winning Dennery Segment Song of the Year for “Dansa,” with commentary questioning why awards don’t map genres to birthplace or ethnicity. Dominica Events: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl—“Tout Biten Domnik” is set for Oct 19–22, with the Botanic Gardens turning into a Creole village of food, music, crafts and local products. Wellness at the Festival: Organisers also announced a new dedicated wellness space at Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl 2026, bringing practitioners and products for relaxation and “Dominican way of life” self-care. Food & Entertainment: Chef Dixie Fingal-Rock Innes shares her “light and refreshing” Dominican shrimp souse recipe as part of Metro’s Black History Month food-and-culture series. Regional Film Buzz: Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival’s 20th anniversary saw Dominica’s Christelle Powell earn an Honourable Mention for “From Fortune,” as DANM dominated with double wins. Sports (Bouyon Boyz): Dominica suffered a heavy 5-1 loss to Guyana in CONCACAF Nations League, with a quick rematch scheduled for Oct 4. Music Legend: Calypso icon The Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) has died at 91, prompting tributes across the Caribbean.

Caribbean Music Awards Backlash: A Dennery Segment Song of the Year winner sparked predictable outrage in St Lucia after non-Saint Lucian artist Klassik took the prize for “Dansa,” with debate over how awards match genre and origin. Food & Culture: Chef Dixie Fingal-Rock Innes shares her “light and refreshing” Dominican shrimp souse recipe for Metro’s Black History Month series, swapping traditional souse meats for shrimp or chickpeas. Cinema Spotlight: Dominica’s Christelle Powell earned an Honourable Mention at the Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival for “From Fortune,” as DANM dominated TTFF/26 with major wins. Dominica Celebrates 100 Years: Wesley High School marks its centennial this October with a full programme of events, including Cardio Jam, Founder’s Day service and parade. Creole Village Returns: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl—“Tout Biten Domnik” is set for Oct 19–22 at the Botanic Gardens, adding a dedicated wellness space plus food, music, crafts and local products. Music Loss: The Mighty Sparrow, calypso’s “Artful Dodger,” died at 91, prompting tributes across the region. Sports & Entertainment Mix: Dominica’s Bouyon Boyz take on Guyana again in the Nations League after a heavy defeat to Guyana.

Food & Culture: Chef Dixie Fingal-Rock Innes kicks off Metro’s Black History Month “Diaspora Dish” series with her “light and refreshing” Dominican shrimp souse recipe, swapping traditional pork parts for shrimp or chickpeas. Cinema Spotlight: Dominica’s Christelle Powell earns an Honourable Mention at the 20th Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival for “From Fortune,” as DANM takes top honours and Caribbean filmmakers across the region collect awards. Dominica Events: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl—“Tout Biten Domnik” is set for Oct 19–22, with a new dedicated wellness space planned for the festival, plus food, music, crafts and Dominican-made products. Music Legacy: The Caribbean mourns calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91 in New York, with leaders hailing him as a storyteller who gave the region a voice. Education & Youth: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine wins the 2026 CARICOM Youth Short Story Competition with “Weathering Us,” while Wesley High School marks 100 years of educating young women. Sports: Dominica’s Bouyon Boyz take a heavy Nations League defeat to Guyana (5-1), despite a late response.

Caribbean Cinema Spotlight: Dominica’s Christelle Powell earned an Honourable Mention at the 20th Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival for From Fortune, as DANM swept Best Film Made in Trinidad and Tobago and the People’s Choice Award. Creole Culture Countdown: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl—Tout Biten Domnik is set for October 19–22 at the Dominica Botanic Gardens, with food, music, crafts and performances, plus a new dedicated wellness space for 2026. Music & Heritage Loss: Calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) has died at 91, prompting tributes across the Caribbean for a career that shaped the region’s voice. Local Education Milestone: Wesley High School marks 100 years of educating young women, with centennial events running from October 12–16. Sports Update: Dominica’s senior men suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Guyana in the CONCACAF Nations League, despite a late response goal from Troy Jules. Wellness in Focus: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl organizers say the wellness zone will feature local practitioners and products, blending Dominican nature and traditional care.

Caribbean Culture Spotlight: Dominica’s Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl-‘Tout Biten Domnik is set for Oct 19–22 at the Botanic Gardens, promising a Creole village with Dominican food, live music, performances, artisan markets and local crafts ahead of the World Creole Music Festival. Regional Arts & Film: Trinidad + Tobago Film Festival’s 20th anniversary wrapped with Dominica’s Christelle Powell’s From Fortune earning an honourable mention, alongside major wins across the Caribbean. Music Loss: The Mighty Sparrow, calypso’s “Artful Dodger” and a global Caribbean icon, has died at 91, with leaders across the region mourning the storyteller behind decades of hits. Dominica Music & Identity: Rudy Ru$h’s new single “Here for You” blends techno textures into Bouyon, aiming to keep the dance-floor energy while adding deeper meaning. Writing & Climate Creativity: Dominica’s Sherdina Antoine won the CARICOM Youth Short Story Competition with “Weathering Us,” beating 172 other entries, while Trinidad’s Priya Ramdeo placed second. Food Festival: Flavours of the World lands Oct 4 at Windsor Park with global cuisine, including a big Creole Dominican menu plus Caribbean favourites. Sports & Community: DABA is launching a Women’s Basketball League with a Nov 7 Ladies Night 3×3 tournament. Tech & Connectivity: EllaLink’s Caribbean Gateway initiative officially launched, targeting service by end of 2029 for Martinique, Guadeloupe and more.

Mas Domnik 2027: Dominica’s Carnival calendar is out, with the season running Jan 9–Feb 10, 2027, kicking off with the National Parade and Official Opening on Jan 9, then Bouyon Day (Feb 2), Sunrise (Feb 5), Calypso Monarch (Feb 6), Carnival Monday (Feb 8) and Tuesday (Feb 9), ending with Teway Vaval. Chess Milestone: Shermel Timothy made history as Dominica’s first woman to earn the Woman Candidate Master title at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Women’s Basketball: DABA will launch a Women’s Basketball League with a Nov 7 Ladies Night 3×3 tournament at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex. Food & Culture: Flavours of the World Festival hits Windsor Park Sports Stadium Forecourt on Oct 4 (2pm–9pm) with global cuisine plus a big Creole Dominican menu. Music Spotlight: Dominica’s Rudy Ru$h drops “Here for You,” blending techno textures into bouyon and teaming up with Chioneso. Regional Entertainment: The Caribbean mourns calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91, with leaders including CARICOM’s Phillip J. Pierre praising his voice for the region. Tech & Connectivity: EllaLink officially launches the EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, aiming for service by end of 2029.

Mas Domnik 2027: Dominica’s Carnival calendar is out, with the season running Jan 9–Feb 10, 2027—opening and National Parade on Jan 9, Bouyon Day Feb 2, Sunrise Feb 5, Calypso Monarch Feb 6, Carnival Monday Feb 8 and Tuesday Feb 9, ending with Teway Vaval. Women’s Basketball: DABA launches its Women’s Basketball League with a 3×3 “Ladies Night” on Nov 7 at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex, aiming to grow pathways from grassroots to national representation. Chess Milestone: Shermel Timothy becomes Dominica’s first Woman Candidate Master after scoring 5.5/10 at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Music Loss: The Caribbean mourns calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91—Dominica’s PM Skerrit and CARICOM leaders paid tribute to his storytelling and impact. Food & Fun: Flavours of the World Festival hits Windsor Park on Oct 4 (2pm–9pm) with global cuisine and entertainment, including Dominica, Caribbean and international menus. Tech & Connectivity: EllaLink officially launches the Caribbean Gateway initiative, pushing a new submarine cable route linking French Caribbean territories, targeting service by end of 2029.

Women’s Basketball: DABA is set to launch Dominica’s Women’s Basketball League with a “Ladies Night” 3×3 tournament on Saturday, Nov 7 at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex, kicking off a renewed national women’s programme aimed at building pathways from school and grassroots to clubs and national team dreams. Carnival Buzz: Mas Domnik 2027 is officially mapped out, running Jan 9–Feb 10, with the National Parade and Opening on Jan 9, Bouyon Day Feb 2, Sunrise Feb 5, Calypso Monarch Feb 6, and Carnival Monday/Tuesday Feb 8–9 before Teway Vaval closes it. Chess Milestone: Shermel Timothy made history as Dominica’s first Woman Candidate Master after scoring 5.5/10 at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Music Loss: The Caribbean mourns calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91, with regional leaders praising his wit and storytelling. Bouyon & Festivals: Rudy Ru$h drops “Here for You” ahead of a bigger Bouyon project, while WCMF 2026 VIP/VVIP hospitality is curated by Rize & Whine and Tipsy Music Festival. Travel & Tourism: Discover Dominica launched a new online destination training course for UK travel advisers, and LIAT is offering 10% off eligible flights to Dominica during WCMF week (Oct 19–26).

Women’s Sports: DABA is set to launch Dominica’s Women’s Basketball League with a “Ladies Night” 3×3 tournament at the Massacre Indoor Sports Complex on Saturday, November 7, kicking off a renewed national women’s programme and a pathway from grassroots to national-team level. Carnival Buzz: The Mas Domnik 2027 calendar is officially out, with the season running January 9 to February 10, featuring the National Parade and Opening, Bouyon Day (Feb 2), Sunrise (Feb 5) and Calypso Monarch (Feb 6), plus Carnival Monday and Tuesday (Feb 8-9) and Teway Vaval to close. Chess Milestone: Shermel Timothy made history as Dominica’s first Woman Candidate Master after scoring 5.5/10 at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Music Loss: The Caribbean mourns calypso legend Mighty Sparrow, who died at 91, with regional leaders praising his sharp storytelling and unmistakable voice. Tech & Travel: EllaLink launched its EllaLink Caribbean Gateway initiative, aiming for service by end of 2029, while Discover Dominica rolled out a new online destination training course for UK travel advisers. Entertainment & Culture: Love Link Caribbean debuts September 30 on YouTube, and Dominica’s WCMF VIP/VVIP experience is set to be curated by Rize & Whine and Tipsy Music Festival teams.

Dominica Music Loss: Calypso legend Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) has died at 91, with PM Roosevelt Skerrit mourning the “greatest storytellers” whose wit and music shaped Caribbean culture. Bouyon Spotlight: Dominica’s Rudy Ru$h drops “Here for You” featuring Chioneso, blending techno textures with Bouyon and teasing a bigger project in early 2027. Local Arts & Culture: La Cour Des Arts De La Dominique brings Dorbrene O’Marde’s satirical play “Fly On The Wall” to St. Gerard’s Hall tonight and Saturday. Festival Buzz: Rize & Whine and Tipsy Music Festival teams will run VIP/VVIP hospitality for WCMF 2026 in Roseau, with rum-herb shot stations, live chef service, and spa add-ons. Sport (Dominica): The Bouyon Boyz fell 2-0 to Puerto Rico in the Nations League, despite a stronger second half. Travel & Entertainment: LIAT launches a 10% discount to Dominica for World Creole Music Festival week (Oct 19–26).

Caribbean Music Loss: Dominica and the wider region are mourning calypso legend Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco), who died at 91 in New York, leaving behind decades of storytelling, wit and hits that shaped Caribbean music worldwide. Bouyon & Local Pride: Bouyon artist Rudy Ru$h drops “Here for You” featuring Chioneso, blending techno textures with Bouyon and teasing a bigger project in early 2027. WCMF Buzz: Rize & Whine and Tipsy Music Festival teams will run VIP and VVIP hospitality for WCMF 2026 (Oct 23–25), with live chef stations, rum-shot activations, spa services and premium viewing. Teachers Week: The Dominica Association of Teachers kicks off Teachers Week 2026 with island-wide activities, wellness events and appreciation plans. Sports (Dominica): The Bouyon Boyz fell 2-0 to Puerto Rico in the CONCACAF Nations League, despite a stronger second-half showing. Reality TV Tourism: Love Link Caribbean debuts Sept 30 on YouTube, bringing ten singles from across the region to Antigua for a destination-filled romance series. Travel Deals: LIAT offers a 10% discount on eligible flights to Dominica from Oct 19–26 ahead of WCMF, using promo code “DISCOVER.” Education Inclusion: Project INSPIRE launches in St. Maarten to strengthen inclusive education support for students with special educational needs.

Caribbean Music & Culture: Dominica’s Creole season is gearing up for a big stretch from Oct 3 to Nov 4, with the World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25) at Windsor Park as the peak, plus events like Belles Combo Benefit Concert, Flavours of the World, NDFD Creole in the Streets, Ti-Vilaj Kweyol and Bwè Dominik Fest. WCMF VIP Buzz: Rize & Whine and Tipsy Music Festival teams will run the VIP/VVIP experience, promising dedicated entrances and viewing, premium bars, rum-herb shot station, live chef stations, spa and grooming services, and extra photo and hospitality perks. Local Arts Night Out: La Cour Des Arts De La Dominique brings the satirical play “Fly on the Wall” (Aug 25–26, 8pm) to St. Gerard’s Hall, diving into the hidden side of political power. Dominica Music Spotlight: Bouyon artist Rudy Ru$h drops “Here for You” featuring Chioneso, blending techno textures with Bouyon and teasing a full project for early 2027. International Calypso Loss: Calypsonian legend Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) has died at 91. Travel Deals for Festival Fans: LIAT is offering 10% off eligible flights to Dominica from Oct 19–26 with promo code “DISCOVER,” timed for WCMF 2026. Community & Youth: AABL and DABA host a youth basketball camp (Sept 26, 11am–1pm) at Massacre Indoor Sports Complex.