AGP Executive Report

Regional Health & Integration: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is in Antigua and Barbuda for the 78th OECS Authority meeting, where leaders will discuss priorities including health cooperation, digital transformation, climate resilience, and freedom of movement; Tourism With a Wellness Angle: Discover Dominica Authority has launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” an eight-itinerary summer collection (four multi-day trips and four full-day tours) designed to encourage longer stays and deeper community-based experiences, including adventure and wellness; Public Health Tech Boost: Dominica’s Ministry of Health received 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) from PAHO to strengthen disease surveillance, health data management, and primary care reporting; Sickle Cell Digital Care: Sickle Cell Cares Foundation, founded in Dominica, launched SickleConnect—Caribbean’s first digital platform for people living with sickle cell disease—offering tools for self-management, virtual support, and emergency alerts; Biodiversity & Disease Response: DNCTF reports US$93,000 for two biodiversity projects—supporting efforts to contain Lethal Yellowing disease in the coconut sub-sector and coral reef restoration in Soufriere; Climate Risk Updates: Dominica Meteorological Service warns of hazy skies and reduced air quality from Saharan dust, plus landslide and falling-rock caution in vulnerable areas.

Digital Health & Cancer Care: Sickle Cell Cares Foundation (founded in Dominica) launched SickleConnect, a Caribbean-first digital platform for people living with Sickle Cell Disease, offering AI-assisted 30-day clinical summaries, virtual consultations, emergency location alerts, and moderated community support. Health Systems: PAHO donated 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to Dominica’s Ministry of Health to strengthen disease surveillance, health data management, and primary care reporting. Noncommunicable Disease Policy: PAHO reports say alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent NCDs. Cancer Community: Dominica Cancer Society announced its AGM on June 27 at UWI Open Campus Dominica, with updates on programmes, finances, and priorities for cancer prevention and patient support. Climate & Health Risk: Dominica Meteorological Service warns of hazy skies and reduced air quality from Saharan dust, plus landslide risk in vulnerable areas. Biodiversity & Disease Threats: DNCTF and Caribbean Biodiversity Fund disbursed over US$93,000 for two projects, including Lethal Yellowing disease containment and coral reef restoration in Soufriere. Tourism Wellness (Indirect Health Link): Discover Dominica Authority rolled out “Summer the Nature Island Way” with eight curated itineraries focused on adventure, wellness, culture, and longer community-based stays.

Public Health & Safety: Dominica Meteorological Service warns of hazy skies and reduced air quality from rising Saharan dust, plus lingering moisture that may increase cloudiness tonight; people with asthma or allergies should take precautions, and communities prone to landslides and falling rocks should stay alert. Digital Health for Sickle Cell: Sickle Cell Cares Foundation (Dominica) launched SickleConnect, described as the Caribbean’s first digital health platform for people living with sickle cell disease, offering smartphone tools for managing care, virtual support, and an emergency alert feature. Health Systems Strengthening: PAHO donated 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to Dominica’s Ministry of Health to boost disease surveillance, health data management, and primary care reporting. Cancer Care Community: Dominica Cancer Society announced its AGM on June 27 at UWI Open Campus Dominica, focusing on programmes, support for patients and families, and prevention/early detection priorities. Biodiversity & Disease Control: DNCTF and the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund provided over US$93,000 for two projects—supporting efforts to contain lethal yellowing disease in the coconut sub-sector and restoring coral reefs in Soufriere. Climate Resilience: A US$5,000 contribution from the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund will fund drainage and slope stabilization work in Atkinson over three months. Tourism & Wellness (Local): Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” with eight curated itineraries blending adventure, wellness, culture and nature-based experiences.

Digital Health for Sickle Cell: Sickle Cell Cares Foundation (founded in Dominica) launched SickleConnect, a Caribbean-first platform for people living with Sickle Cell Disease, offering AI-assisted clinical summaries, virtual support, emergency location alerts, and moderated community access. Health Tech Support: PAHO donated 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to Dominica’s Ministry of Health to strengthen disease surveillance, health data management, and primary care reporting. Cancer Care Community: The Dominica Cancer Society announced its AGM on June 27 at UWI Open Campus Dominica, with updates on programmes supporting cancer patients and families. Neurosurgery Milestone: Dominica completed a first-ever brain tumour surgery, with the Health Minister citing expanded neurosurgical capacity and noting the return of the RCP–MMI eye surgery mission. Biodiversity & Disease Response: DNCTF and the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund disbursed over US$93,000 for two projects—Lethal Yellowing disease containment in the coconut sub-sector and coral reef restoration in Soufrière. Climate Resilience (Local): A US$5,000 grant from the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund will fund drainage and slope stabilization work in Atkinson over three months. Public Health Context: PAHO reports say health taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages across the Americas remain too low to curb noncommunicable diseases. Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer: The Nature Island Way” with eight curated itineraries blending adventure, wellness, culture, and community experiences.

Digital Health for Sickle Cell: Dominica’s Sickle Cell Cares Foundation launched SickleConnect, a Caribbean-first digital platform for people living with sickle cell disease, offering smartphone tools, AI-generated 30-day clinical summaries for doctors, virtual consultations, emergency location alerts, and moderated community support. Health Tech for Surveillance: PAHO donated 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to Dominica’s Ministry of Health to strengthen disease surveillance, health data management, and primary care reporting. Cancer Community Update: The Dominica Cancer Society announced its AGM for June 27 at UWI Open Campus Dominica, with updates on programmes, finances, and priorities for cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support. Brain Surgery Milestone: Dominica completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, with the Health Minister citing expanded neurosurgical capacity and noting a return of the RCP–MMI eye surgery medical mission. Coconut Disease Watch: Officials say Lethal Yellowing disease remains a threat to the coconut sub-sector, with over 12,000 coconut trees destroyed to contain spread, alongside new biodiversity funding for response and coral reef restoration. Climate Resilience for Health: A US$5,000 grant supports drainage and slope stabilization in Atkinson to reduce flood and landslide risks that can disrupt community health and safety.

Digital Health & Sickle Cell: Dominica-based Sickle Cell Cares Foundation has launched SickleConnect, described as the Caribbean’s first digital health platform for people living with Sickle Cell Disease, offering an AI-powered 30-day clinical summary, virtual consultations, emergency location alerts, and moderated community support. Biodiversity Funding: Dominica received US$93,000 for two biodiversity projects via the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund—supporting the fight against Lethal Yellowing disease in the coconut sub-sector and coral reef restoration in Soufrière. Health Systems Support: PAHO donated 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to strengthen Dominica’s disease surveillance, health data management, and primary health care reporting. Agriculture & Plant Health: The Ministry of Agriculture reiterated its ongoing response to Lethal Yellowing Disease, noting thousands of coconut trees have been destroyed to contain spread, especially around Woodford Hill. Local Health Community: The Dominica Cancer Society announced its AGM for June 27 at UWI Open Campus Dominica, focusing on programme updates, finances, and priorities for the year ahead. Climate Voice: Health Minister Michael Joseph urged stronger Caribbean representation in global climate talks, warning that small islands face disproportionate hurricane and displacement impacts despite low emissions.

Roseau North By-Election Watch: The UWP unveiled “Team Dominica,” naming Danny Lugay for Roseau North and adding Juliet Schillingford (Roseau Central) and Delbert Paris (Marigot), as the race follows Miriam Blanchard’s resignation on medical grounds and is expected within 90 days. Health Systems Support: PAHO donated 20 computers (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to Dominica’s Ministry of Health to strengthen disease surveillance, data management, and primary care reporting. Cancer Community Update: The Dominica Cancer Society set its AGM for June 27 at UWI Open Campus Dominica, with members reviewing programmes, finances, and next-year priorities. Public Health Policy: PAHO reports health taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases. Disease & Environment: The Ministry of Agriculture received Caribbean Biodiversity Fund support to fight Lethal Yellowing in the coconut sub-sector, while DNCTF awarded over US$100,000 for biodiversity and ecosystem protection projects. Tourism & Wellness: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer the Nature Island Way” with eight curated itineraries built around adventure, wellness, culture, and nature.

Tourism & Wellness: Discover Dominica Authority has launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” with eight curated itineraries built for adventure, wellness, romance and culture—four multi-day trips plus four full-day tours meant to encourage longer stays and deeper community visits. Coconut Health & Biosecurity: The Ministry of Agriculture says it remains focused on containing Lethal Yellowing in the coconut sub-sector, after receiving grant support tied to surveillance and rapid response efforts in the Woodfordhill area. Digital Health Boost: PAHO has donated 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to strengthen Dominica’s disease surveillance, health data management and primary care reporting. Cancer Care Community: The Dominica Cancer Society will hold its AGM on June 27 at the UWI Open Campus Dominica, with updates on programmes, finances and support for cancer patients and families. Public Health Policy: PAHO reports health taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases. Health System Milestone: Dominica has completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, with the Health Minister citing progress in expanding neurosurgical capacity. Water Over Sugary Drinks: Rotary Club of Dominica is installing drinking water fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary to promote healthier choices for students.

Health Tech Boost: PAHO donated 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to strengthen Dominica’s disease surveillance, data management, and primary health care reporting. Cancer Care & Community: The Dominica Cancer Society set its AGM for June 27 at UWI Open Campus, with updates on programmes, finances, and support for patients and families. NCD Prevention Policy: PAHO reports health taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption, urging stronger tax measures to reduce NCD risk. Clinical Milestone: Dominica completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, highlighting expanding neurosurgical capacity. Public Health & Safety: Police identified a foreign national found with gunshot wounds in a vehicle in Ti-Bay, Portsmouth; the investigation is ongoing. Mental Health Alert: A 14-year-old’s suicide threat shared via Facebook Messenger prompted urgent calls for professional help and follow-up efforts. Environment & Health Link: Lethal Yellowing Disease remains a threat to coconut palms, with over 12,000 trees destroyed to contain spread. Climate Resilience: DOMCREP (Green Climate Fund-backed) will support over 8,000 people across eight communities with climate-smart agriculture, water security, and emergency preparedness. Local Wellness & Lifestyle: Rotary installed drinking water fountains at two primary schools to encourage healthier choices over sugary drinks. Community Events: Dominica announced seven major summer festivals from June to August, mixing culture, music, food, and outdoor activities.

Health Policy: PAHO says health taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent noncommunicable diseases, with many countries taxing beer, spirits, and sugary beverages below global averages. Budget & Governance: PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the 2026–2027 budget will balance compassion for the vulnerable with fiscal prudence after broad national consultations. Maternal Health (Regional): CARICOM and PAHO are pushing to end mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B by strengthening testing, treatment, labs, and surveillance. Digital Health: PAHO donated 20 computers to Dominica’s Ministry of Health to boost disease surveillance, data management, and primary care reporting. Health Milestone: Dominica completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, highlighting expanding neurosurgical capacity. Environment & Food Security: DNCTF awarded over US$100,000 for biodiversity and ecosystem protection, including a rapid response to lethal yellowing disease threatening coconut palms. Local Politics: Roseau North by-election follows Miriam Blanchard’s resignation for medical reasons; DLP names Ashma McDougall as candidate. Public Safety: Police identified a foreign national found dead with gunshot wounds in the Ti-Bay area; investigation continues.

Roseau North By-Election: The Dominica Labour Party has named Ashma McDougall as its candidate for the upcoming Roseau North by-election after MP Miriam Blanchard resigned on medical grounds, with McDougall described as a native of the constituency and pledging to listen and work alongside residents. HIV, Syphilis & Hepatitis B Prevention: CARICOM and PAHO met to push progress on eliminating mother-to-child transmission, focusing on scaling up prevention and treatment, strengthening detection of HIV-positive pregnant women and exposed infants, and improving lab and surveillance systems. Digital Health Boost: PAHO donated 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to strengthen Dominica’s disease surveillance, health data management, and primary health care reporting. Biodiversity Funding: DNCTF awarded over US$100,000 for ecosystem protection projects, including a rapid response plan to tackle Lethal Yellowing Disease threatening coconut palms. Health Milestone: Dominica completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, signaling expanding neurosurgical capacity. Public Health Policy: PAHO reports health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases. Tourism & Wellness: Discover Dominica launched “Summer the Nature Island Way” with eight curated itineraries blending adventure, wellness, culture and nature experiences.

Health System Milestone: Dominica has completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, with Health Minister Cassanni Laville saying it shows expanding neurosurgical capacity. Digital Health Boost: PAHO donated 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to strengthen Dominica’s disease surveillance, health data management, and primary care reporting. Biodiversity & Coconut Protection: DNCTF awarded US$103,000 for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience projects under the CRAB Pro-Nature Grant Facility, including a rapid response initiative to tackle Lethal Yellowing Disease threatening coconut palms. Tourism With a Wellness Angle: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer the Nature Island Way,” offering eight curated itineraries across adventure, wellness, culture and nature experiences, and named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager. Public Health & Prevention: Rotary installed drinking water fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary to encourage healthier choices over sugary drinks. Crime Update: Police identified 45-year-old Joshwin Carlice Morgan, found unresponsive with gunshot wounds in a vehicle in Ti-Bay, Portsmouth; an autopsy is pending. By-Election Politics (Roseau North): Miriam Blanchard resigned for medical reasons; DLP selected Ashma McDougall as its candidate for the upcoming Roseau North by-election.

Health Tech & Surveillance: PAHO donated 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) to Dominica’s Ministry of Health to strengthen disease monitoring, data management, and primary health care reporting. Cancer Care Milestone: Dominica completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, with the Health Minister citing broader progress in expanding neurosurgical services. Mental Health & Youth Risk: A 14-year-old girl contacted media entrepreneur Jael Joseph via Facebook Messenger, saying she wanted to end her life; Joseph urged the teen to seek help and is still trying to reach her. Public Health Policy: PAHO reports health taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened drinks across the Americas are too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases. Climate & Health Preparedness: As hurricane season begins, PM Skerrit urged early preparedness; weather updates also warned of hazy conditions from Saharan dust that can worsen asthma and allergies. Food & Agriculture Threat: Plant Protection warned lethal yellowing disease is still damaging coconut trees, with over 12,000 destroyed to contain spread. Community Wellness: Rotary installed drinking water fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary to encourage healthier choices over sugary drinks. Tourism With a Wellness Angle: Discover Dominica launched “Summer the Nature Island Way” and plans a panel on wellness tourism’s benefits for communities and local businesses.

PAHO Support for Health Systems: The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services received 20 computer units (15 laptops, 5 desktops) from PAHO to boost disease surveillance, data management, and primary health care reporting. Cancer Care Milestone: Dominica completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, with the Health Minister citing progress in expanding neurosurgical services. Coconut Crop Threat: The Plant Protection and Quarantine unit says Lethal Yellowing Disease remains a serious danger to the coconut sub-sector, with over 12,000 trees destroyed to contain spread, while new funding supports containment and coral reef work. Tourism with a Wellness Angle: Discover Dominica Authority launched “Summer the Nature Island Way” with nature, adventure and wellness itineraries, and named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager to strengthen global positioning. Climate Resilience Funding: DOMCREP was highlighted as a major $70.2 million investment to support vulnerable communities, farmers, water security and emergency preparedness. Public Health Promotion: Rotary installed drinking water fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary to encourage healthier choices over sugary drinks. Weather & Air Quality: A weak trough and breezy conditions continue, with Saharan dust expected to worsen later—especially concerning for people with asthma and allergies.

Neurosurgery milestone: Dominica has completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, with Health Minister Cassanni Laville praising the expansion of neurosurgical services and noting earlier spinal surgery progress. Eye-care mission returns: The RCP–MMI Eye Surgery Medical Mission is back for a two-week run, targeting about 60 eye surgeries after last year’s success. Mental health alert: Jael Joseph shared a distressing account of a 14-year-old who contacted her via Facebook Messenger saying she wanted to end her life, prompting calls for urgent support and psychiatric care. Public health + climate: The Ministry of Health and the Meteorological Service released the Health-Climatic Bulletin (June–August 2026), warning of hotter-than-average days, flash-flood risks, and possible spikes in waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses, plus respiratory issues from Saharan dust. Wellness tourism push: Discover Dominica Authority plans a panel on wellness tourism’s benefits, alongside a tourism awareness program featuring a wellness fair and tourism service awards. Local governance: Miriam Blanchard resigned as Roseau North MP on medical grounds, triggering a by-election within the constitutional timeframe. Health policy region-wide: PAHO says alcohol and sugary drink taxes across the Americas remain too low to curb consumption and prevent NCDs. CBI rule change: PM Skerrit says successful Citizenship by Investment applicants must now visit Dominica in person and collect renewed passports locally. Weather: A weak trough may bring morning moisture and breezy conditions, with Saharan dust later worsening air quality—especially for people with asthma or allergies.

Breakthrough Surgery: Dominica has completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, with Health Minister Cassani Laville hailing progress in neurosurgical capacity and noting earlier spinal surgery success. Eye Care Mission: The RCP–MMI Eye Surgery Medical Mission is back for a two-week run aiming for about 60 eye surgeries, building on last year’s 80 sight-restoring procedures. Mental Health & Youth Risk: A 14-year-old girl contacted media entrepreneur Jael Joseph via Facebook Messenger saying she wanted to end her life; Joseph urged her to seek help and is still trying to reach the teen. Public Health Policy: PAHO says health taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases. Community Wellness: Rotary Club of Dominica will install drinking fountains at Roseau Primary and Trafalgar Primary to encourage water over sugary beverages. Climate & Health Prep: The Dominica Health-Climatic Bulletin warns of hotter-than-average days, flash-flood risks, and higher chances of waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses, plus respiratory effects from Saharan dust. Weather Watch: A weak trough and breezy conditions continue, with Saharan dust expected to worsen later today, affecting people with asthma and allergies. Local Governance: Roseau North MP Miriam Blanchard resigned on medical grounds, triggering a by-election within the constitutional timeframe.