AGP Executive Report

Cancer Watch: Dr. Velda Wade says Dominica has about 300 people living with cancer, calling it an “epidemic” for a small population and urging action on prevention. Eye Care: The Rotary Club of Portsmouth and Medical Ministry International wrapped up a 2026 Eye Mission in Dominica, completing over 60 cataract surgeries with a focus on training and capacity building. Health & Politics (Roseau North): Prime Minister Skerrit backed Ashma McDougall for the Roseau North by-election, framing the race around youth empowerment and “bread-and-butter” issues, while UWP campaign coverage in Wesley points to low public turnout and ongoing complaints about basic services. Civic Health & Safety: Police are investigating deaths tied to local incidents, including an apparent drowning in Concord and an unidentified man found in a Canefield manhole. Regional Health & Learning: A CARICOM youth capacity programme is underway across the Caribbean, and Dominica is also part of wider efforts like a regional push against unhealthy ultra-processed food marketing near schools.

Cancer Care Alert: Dr. Velda Wade says Dominica has about 300 people living with cancer, calling it an “epidemic” for a small population and urging stronger prevention and action. Eye Health Support: The Rotary Club of Portsmouth and Medical Ministry International completed over 60 cataract surgeries in Dominica, with a focus on training and capacity-building for local healthcare professionals. One Health & Zoonotic Planning: A PAHO/WHO-supported workshop helped Dominica develop a prioritized list of zoonotic diseases using a One Health approach, bringing together health, agriculture, and other stakeholders. Regional Food & Health Messaging: A CARICOM-backed push aims to remove unhealthy, ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools across multiple Caribbean countries, including Dominica. Wellness Events: Discover Dominica Authority plans an inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4, bringing together wellness providers and community groups. Community Health & Safety: Police investigations continue after an apparent drowning death in Concord and after an unidentified man was found in a Canefield manhole. Local Health Context: Political coverage also touched on concerns about the Roseau hospital and basic services, with debate around water and power reliability.

Eye Care Access: The Rotary Club of Portsmouth, with Medical Ministry International, wrapped up its 2026 Eye Mission in Dominica, completing over 60 cataract surgeries and focusing on training and capacity building for local healthcare professionals. Cancer Awareness: Dr. Velda Wade told the Dominica Cancer Society’s AGM that Dominica is facing a serious rise in cancer cases and urged people not to treat the trend lightly. Health Policy Debate: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit pushed back on UWP leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine’s comments about the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, while Fontaine also reiterated plans for a national health insurance programme. Cancer & Community Health: A PAHO/WHO-supported workshop helped Dominica develop a prioritized list of zoonotic diseases using a One Health approach, bringing together health and agriculture stakeholders. Wellness in Tourism: Discover Dominica Authority is set to host its inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4, bringing together wellness professionals and community groups. Local Safety & Health: Police are investigating two deaths—an apparent drowning in Concord and an unidentified man found in a Canefield manhole—both pending further medical review.

Citizenship by Investment debate: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit pushed back on UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine’s call to phase out Dominica’s CBI, arguing the programme helped the country recover after Hurricane Maria and warning the remarks are ill-advised. Cancer awareness: Dr Velda Wade told the Dominica Cancer Society AGM that Dominica is facing an alarming rise in cancers and urged people not to take the trend lightly. Roseau North by-election politics: Independent candidate Sherman Boston officially entered the race for Roseau North, saying he was approached to rejoin the DLP but declined, while DLP continues to rally behind Ashma McDougall. Health system upgrades: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital is set for major renovations, including moving administrative and cashier offices for easier access, fixing leaks, and upgrading patient room bathroom facilities. Lab capacity for disease detection: Dominica has expanded disease detection with PCR testing for leptospirosis at the National Laboratory, aiming for faster, more accurate diagnosis. One Health and zoonotic planning: Stakeholders backed a One Health approach to strengthen zoonotic disease preparedness in Dominica, including work to prioritize zoonotic diseases nationally. Wellness push: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism plan an inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4, promoting preventive health, nutrition, physical activity, and nature-based wellness. Community health for kids: The Rotary Club installed water fountains at Roseau and Trafalgar Primary Schools as part of a Childhood Obesity Programme to encourage water over sugary drinks. Regional health education: PAHO/WHO-supported training in Dominica strengthened clerical staff data analysis skills, improving how health information is organized and used.

Roseau North By-Election Politics: PM Dr Roosevelt Skerrit backed Labour candidate Ashma McDougall at the campaign lift-off, stressing youth empowerment and “bread-and-butter” issues ahead of the expected by-election before mid-September. Police Investigations (Deaths): Police are probing the apparent drowning death of 61-year-old Joseph “Joe Black” Anatole in Concord, while also investigating an unidentified man found dead inside a manhole in Canefield; both cases are pending further medical review. Public Health & Lab Capacity: Dominica expanded disease detection with new leptospirosis PCR testing at the National Laboratory, cutting turnaround by avoiding overseas sample sends. Wellness & Community Health: The Discover Dominica Authority and Ministry of Tourism are set to host an inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4, and the Rotary Club installed water fountains at two primary schools to support healthier hydration habits and help tackle childhood obesity. Healthcare Infrastructure: Plans are underway to renovate the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, including moving offices for better access and repairing leaks and room bathroom drainage. Regional Youth Development: CARICOM launched a two-year youth capacity programme covering areas like leadership, mental health first aid, and project planning.

Roseau North Politics & Youth: PM Dr Roosevelt Skerrit backed DLP candidate Ashma McDougall at the Roseau North campaign lift-off, framing the race around “bread-and-butter” issues like youth empowerment and support for entrepreneurs. Public Health & Lab Capacity: Dominica is expanding disease detection with new leptospirosis PCR testing at the National Laboratory, cutting turnaround time and reducing the need to send samples overseas. Hospital Upgrades: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital is set for major renovations, including moving administrative and cashier offices for easier access, fixing leaks after heavy rain, and improving patient-room bathroom drainage and hygiene. Wellness in the Community: The Discover Dominica Authority and Tourism partners are preparing an inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4, with free screenings, consultations, fitness demos and wellness education. Childhood Obesity Prevention: Rotary installed water fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary to help students choose water over sugary drinks, supporting healthier habits. Deaths Under Investigation: Police are investigating the apparent drowning death of 61-year-old Joseph “Joe Black” Anatole in Concord, and also probing the discovery of an unidentified man found dead in a Canefield manhole, with a post-mortem pending.

Public Health Lab Upgrade: Dominica has expanded disease detection with the introduction of Leptospirosis PCR testing at the National Laboratory, cutting turnaround time and reducing the need to send samples overseas. Health System Improvements: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital is set for major renovations, including relocating key offices for easier access, fixing leaks after heavy rainfall, and upgrading room bathroom drainage and hygiene. School Nutrition & Hydration: The Rotary Club of Dominica installed water fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary as part of its Childhood Obesity Programme, encouraging students to choose water over sugary drinks. Wellness Push: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism/DDA will host an inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4 at UWI Global Campus, with free screenings, consultations, fitness demos, and wellness education. Youth Capacity Building (Regional): CARICOM launched a two-year online training programme to strengthen youth directors, officers and leaders, including mental health first aid and project/monitoring skills. Road Safety Tragedy: Police are investigating a fatal crash in Concord on June 25; a 95-year-old woman died and three others were injured. Community & Research Links: Five Arkansas State University students returned after a first-of-its-kind environmental management research trip in Dominica, with plans to make it recurring.

Medical Education Milestone: Saint Lucia’s Camille Andrew became the first OECS woman to earn an MD in Morocco, defending a thesis on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis) with highest honors—an achievement tied to the OECS–Morocco scholarship partnership. Youth Sports & Health: Dominica’s DFA Academy Football Festival runs today for ages 6–15, with scouting for the national academy; the Olympic Day event also includes a Run/Walk, sports demos, and health checks for all ages. Lab Upgrade for Disease Detection: Dominica’s National Laboratory has introduced PCR testing for leptospirosis, cutting turnaround time and reducing the need to send samples overseas. School Nutrition Support: The Rotary Club installed water fountains at Roseau and Trafalgar Primary Schools to boost hydration and reduce sugary drink intake as part of its Childhood Obesity Programme. Hospital Access & Safety Works: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital is set for major renovations, including moving key offices closer to entrances, fixing leaks, and upgrading room bathroom drainage and hygiene. Regional Wellness Push: Dominica’s first Wellness Fair is scheduled for July 4 at UWI Global Campus, offering free screenings, consultations, and wellness activities. Fatal Crash Update: Police continue investigating a Concord traffic collision that killed 95-year-old Maria Alfred; three other occupants were injured and taken for further assessment.

Hospital upgrades in Roseau: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital is set for major renovations, including moving administrative and cashier offices closer to the entrance, fixing leak issues after heavy rain, and upgrading in-room bathroom drainage and hygiene to improve access and patient care. Faster disease detection: Dominica has expanded lab capacity with PCR testing for leptospirosis at the National Laboratory, cutting turnaround time and reducing the need to send samples overseas. Health data skills for staff: MOHWSS and PAHO trained clerical staff to strengthen data analysis using Excel, digital forms, and AI tools to improve accuracy and usefulness of health information. Healthy schools push: Rotary installed water fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary as part of a Childhood Obesity Programme, encouraging students to choose water over sugary drinks with reusable bottles to support hydration. Wellness Fair coming to Dominica: The Discover Dominica Authority and Ministry of Tourism will host a free Wellness Fair on July 4 at UWI Global Campus with screenings, consultations, fitness and wellness education. Regional youth capacity building: CARICOM launched a two-year online programme to train youth directors, officers and leaders across the region, including mental health first aid and project/monitoring skills. Fatal crash in Concord: Police are investigating a traffic collision on June 25 that left a 95-year-old woman dead and three others injured. Regional health note: A CARICOM-wide push is also underway to reduce ultra-processed food and drink marketing around schools. Sports and community: DFA Academy Football Festival and Olympic Day activities included health checks and youth engagement. Venezuela earthquake update: Earthquakes have killed dozens and injured hundreds, with public health facilities operating at maximum capacity and shelters opened for displaced residents.

Sports & Health Promotion: The Dominica Football Association (DFA) hosts its Academy Football Festival today (June 27) at 8 a.m. at the DFA Technical Centre in Stockfarm, Roseau, for ages 6–15, with scouting for the DFA National Academy and a day built around confidence, fun, and competition. Community Wellness: The Dominica Olympic Committee is also preparing for Olympic Day (June 28, 2:30–6 p.m. at Bath Estate Playing Field), featuring a Run/Walk, sports demos, aerobics, and free health checks for all ages. Public Health Capacity: Dominica’s National Laboratory has expanded disease detection with PCR testing for leptospirosis, cutting the need to send samples overseas and speeding up diagnosis for better patient outcomes. Childhood Obesity Prevention: Rotary Club of Dominica installed water fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary as part of its Childhood Obesity Programme, encouraging students to choose water over sugary drinks. Hospital Upgrades: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital is set for major renovations, including moving key offices for easier access, repairing leaks, and improving room bathroom drainage and hygiene. Regional Youth Development: CARICOM launched a two-year online capacity-building programme for youth directors and leaders, including training on mental health first aid and youth-focused project management.

Youth & Mental Wellness Skills: CARICOM launched a two-year online capacity programme to train about 180 youth directors, officers and leaders across the region, covering project design, grant writing, monitoring, leadership, mental health first aid, and using social media to engage young people. Public Health Lab Upgrade: Dominica’s National Laboratory has added Leptospirosis PCR testing, cutting turnaround by enabling results locally instead of sending samples overseas. Hospital Access & Hygiene Improvements: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital is set for renovations, including moving admin and cashier offices closer to the entrance, fixing leaks after heavy rain, and upgrading in-room bathroom drainage and hygiene. Healthy Schools Hydration Push: Rotary installed water fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary to support the Childhood Obesity Programme, encouraging students to choose water over sugary drinks. Wellness Fair (July 4): Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism will host the inaugural Wellness Fair at UWI Global Campus with free screenings, consultations, fitness demos and wellness sessions. Safety Watch: Police are investigating a fatal Concord crash that killed a 95-year-old woman; three others were injured and sent for further assessment.

Medical Lab Upgrade: Dominica has expanded disease detection with new Leptospirosis PCR testing at the National Laboratory, cutting turnaround time and reducing the need to send samples overseas. Public Health Capacity: MOHWSS and PAHO trained clerical staff to strengthen data analysis skills, including practical Excel use and digital forms for better reporting. Healthy Schools: The Rotary Club installed water fountains at Roseau and Trafalgar primary schools to support a Childhood Obesity Programme, encouraging students to choose water over sugary drinks. Hospital Renovations: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital is set for major upgrades—moving offices for easier access, fixing leaks, and improving room bathroom drainage and hygiene. Wellness Push: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism plan an inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4 at UWI Global Campus, with free screenings, consultations, and wellness activities. Marine Conservation: Fisheries Division marked SSMR Day 2026 with school presentations, radio programmes, and an inter-school debate focused on protecting marine protected areas. Regional Health Cooperation: OECS leaders met in Antigua to prioritize trade, connectivity, climate resilience, and cooperation areas including health and digital transformation. Politics (Local): DLP launches Roseau North campaign this Sunday with Ashma McDougall, while UWP prepares a Roseau North public meeting for Daniel Lugay ahead of a by-election.

Disaster Response (Venezuela): Two back-to-back earthquakes (7.2 and 7.5) have killed at least 164 people, with hundreds injured, as Venezuela declares a state of emergency and intensifies rescue efforts amid collapsed buildings and damaged infrastructure. Health Systems (Dominica): Dominica is expanding disease detection with new leptospirosis PCR testing at the National Laboratory, cutting the need to send samples overseas and speeding up diagnosis and treatment. Hospital Upgrades (Dominica): The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital is set for major renovations, including moving key offices for easier access, repairing leaks, and improving patient-room drainage and hygiene. Wellness & Prevention (Dominica): The Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism/DDA will host an inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4, while the Rotary Club installed water fountains at two primary schools to support healthier hydration habits and help tackle childhood obesity. Regional Health Capacity (OECS/PAHO): MOHWSS and PAHO trained clerical staff to strengthen data analysis skills, improving how health information is organized and used. Tourism-Wellness (Dominica): Discover Dominica launched “Summer: The Nature Island Way,” featuring wellness-focused itineraries designed to encourage longer, deeper stays.

Laboratory & Infectious Disease: Dominica has expanded disease detection with the introduction of Leptospirosis PCR testing at the National Laboratory, cutting the need to send samples overseas and speeding up real-time results for faster treatment and public health action. Hospital Upgrades: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital is set for major renovations, including moving administrative and cashier offices for easier access, fixing leaks after heavy rainfall, and improving patient-room bathroom drainage and hygiene. Wellness in the Community: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism/DDA will host the island’s inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4 at UWI Global Campus, offering free screenings, consultations, fitness and nature-linked wellness activities. Prevention for Kids: The Rotary Club of Dominica installed water fountains at Roseau and Trafalgar primary schools as part of its Childhood Obesity Programme, encouraging students to choose water over sugary drinks. Regional Health Capacity: MOHWSS and PAHO trained clerical staff in data analysis skills, including Excel and digital data tools, to strengthen health information use. Sickle Cell Support: Sickle Cell Cares Foundation launched SickleConnect, a Caribbean-first digital platform to help people manage sickle cell disease via tools, virtual support, and emergency features. Marine Conservation: Fisheries Division marked SSMR Day 2026 with school presentations, radio programmes and an inter-school debate focused on protecting marine protected areas. Health & Education Spotlight: An OECS-Morocco scholarship success story highlights a St Lucian student earning an MD in Morocco with top honors for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease research. Disaster Response (Regional): Venezuela confirmed 32 deaths and over 700 injuries after twin earthquakes, with public health facilities operating at maximum capacity and shelters opened for displaced families.

School Food Reform: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launched “Make it Make Sense,” a regional push to remove ultra-processed food and drink marketing from schools, with Dominica among the target countries. Public Health Capacity: Dominica’s Ministry of Health and PAHO trained clerical staff to strengthen data analysis skills, including practical Excel tools and digital forms. Faster Disease Detection: Dominica expanded lab testing with PCR for leptospirosis at the National Laboratory, cutting turnaround by avoiding overseas sample sending. Childhood Obesity Support: Rotary installed water fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary to encourage water over sugary drinks, with reusable bottles and nutrition talks. Hospital Upgrades: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital will undergo renovations to improve access, reduce leaks, and upgrade room bathroom facilities. Wellness in Tourism: Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism plan a Wellness Fair on July 4 at UWI Global Campus, plus a new “Summer: The Nature Island Way” itinerary collection aimed at longer, community-based stays. Regional Health & Integration: Dominica’s PM Skerrit is in Antigua for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, where leaders set priorities including health cooperation and digital transformation. Sickle Cell Digital Care: Sickle Cell Cares Foundation launched SickleConnect, a Caribbean-first digital platform for people living with sickle cell disease, offering tools, support, and easier access to care.

PCR for Leptospirosis: Dominica’s National Laboratory has started leptospirosis PCR testing, cutting turnaround time and reducing the need to send samples overseas—boosting faster diagnosis and better outbreak response. Childhood Obesity Support: The Rotary Club installed water fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary to encourage students to drink more water and cut sugary drinks, with reusable bottles and nutritionist-led guidance. Hospital Upgrades: The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital is set for major renovations, including moving admin and cashier services closer to the entrance and fixing leaks and room drainage to improve safety and care access. Wellness Fair (July 4): Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism will host the inaugural Wellness Fair at UWI Global Campus, offering free screenings, consultations, and nature-based wellness activities. Sickle Cell Digital Platform: Sickle Cell Cares Foundation launched SickleConnect, a Caribbean-first app for SCD self-management, virtual support, and emergency alerts. Climate & Health Capacity: MOHWSS and PAHO trained clerical staff in data analysis to strengthen health information handling. Climate Resilience Funding: US$5,000 supports drainage and slope stabilization in Atkinson to reduce flood and landslide risks. OECS Health & Integration: OECS leaders met in Antigua for priorities including health cooperation and regional resilience.