AGP Executive Report

Youth Wellness Push: CARICOM’s Dr Carla Barnett marks Caribbean Wellness Day (Sept 12) by urging action on youth mental, physical and social well-being, warning that NCDs are already hitting young people—overweight and high blood pressure are rising, alcohol use is high, and inactivity remains common. Diabetes & Youth Engagement: DOMDA announces “Sip & Chat” for ages 16–35 on Sept 30 at The Realm, focusing on blood sugar awareness, mental health, relationships and “knowing your numbers,” with limited tickets at EC$25. Suspicious Death Investigation: Police are investigating the suspicious death of 23-year-old Aliyah Joseph of Delices, who died Sept 8 at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital; the cause is not yet established. Roseau North Health-Linked Community Priorities: In the run-up to the Roseau North by-election, Ashma McDougall’s platform highlights drainage, sanitation, waste collection and safer access routes—issues tied to everyday health. Health System Capacity: Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre highlights upgrades to community health services, including the renamed Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, aimed at better maternal/child care, immunisation and chronic disease management.

Health Policy & Rights: A letter to the editor argues that Dominica’s High Court decision on abortion should be seen as a cautious step away from criminalising abortion, saying the law hasn’t prevented abortions and that legalisation reduces them. Diabetes Awareness for Youth: The Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) will host “Sip & Chat” on Sept. 30 at The Realm in Roseau, with talks on blood sugar awareness, mental health, sexuality and relationships, and “knowing your numbers,” plus a chance to join its Young Ambassadors Club. Hospital Investigation: Police are investigating the suspicious death of 23-year-old Aliyah Joseph of Delices, who died at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital on Sept. 8; the cause of death is not yet established. Primary Healthcare Access: Government says primary healthcare remains a key pillar, highlighting upgrades to community health centres, including the renamed Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre. Disability Services: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is welcomed, but advocates are asking how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

Roseau North Politics & Health Priorities: PM Roosevelt Skerrit congratulated newly elected Ashma McDougall and said the UWP’s Roseau North vote “collapsed” compared with 2019, promising the DLP will review immediate community needs and deliver within available resources. Diabetes & Youth Wellness: DOMDA is hosting “Sip & Chat” for ages 16–35 on Sept. 30 at The Realm in Roseau, with talks on blood sugar awareness, mental health, relationships, and “knowing your numbers,” plus sign-ups for its Young Ambassadors Club. Hospital Investigation: Police are investigating the suspicious death of 23-year-old Aliyah Joseph of Delices, who died at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital on Sept. 8 after being in care since Aug. 30. Primary Healthcare Focus: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre highlighted continued investment in primary healthcare, commissioning/renaming the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre to strengthen community-based care. Housing for Health & Resilience: Government announced the handover of 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities, including 11 new homes in Canefield East, aimed at safer living after disasters.

Suspicious death investigation: Police are probing the death of 23-year-old Aliyah Joseph of Delices, who was receiving care at the Dawbiney Ward of the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital; the cause of death is not yet established. Primary healthcare push: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre commissioned and renamed the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, highlighting upgrades to improve maternal and child health, immunisation, chronic disease management, and access to community-based care. Disability services question: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is welcomed, but advocates are asking how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and whether the revised disability action plan will guide the new unit’s work. Housing for resilience: Government says it will hand over 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities, including 11 new homes in Canefield East, as part of its hurricane recovery and “world’s first climate resilient nation” agenda. Education and health workforce pipeline: Dominica State College reports strong 2026 enrolment growth across programmes, including record numbers in Psychology and rising cohorts in science and engineering—supporting the long-term skills base for health and wellness services.

Education & Training: Dominica State College reports strong 2026 intake growth, with record numbers in programmes like Biology (38), Psychology (21), Business Administration (102), and new/returning interest such as Physics returning after 2022. Housing & Resilience: Government says 11 newly built homes were handed over in Canefield East, as part of a wider plan to deliver 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities. Elections & Community Priorities: Roseau North by-election results point to Ashma McDougall (DLP) winning over Daniel Lugay (UWP) in a race focused on footpaths, drainage, sanitation, housing, and health services. Disability Services: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is welcomed, but stakeholders are asking how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Primary Healthcare: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre highlights continued investment in primary healthcare, including the commissioning/renaming of the Savanne Paile Health Centre to the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre. Wellness Spotlight: Dominica Dementia Foundation marks 10 years supporting people living with dementia and their caregivers, with plans to expand dementia-friendly community work. Climate & Health Risk: Commentary warns the world has broken the 1.5°C promise, arguing small states should not pay more debt for climate damage they did not cause.

Health Infrastructure & Primary Care: Dominica’s government says it’s strengthening primary healthcare by commissioning and renaming the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, with upgrades aimed at better consultations, maternal and child health, immunisation, chronic disease management, and safer working conditions for staff. Disability Services: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is welcomed, but questions are raised about how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and whether the revised disability action plan will guide the new unit’s work. Housing for Climate Resilience: PM Skerrit says 215 climate-resilient homes will be handed over across nine communities, including 11 homes in Canefield East—part of a wider push to protect families after hurricanes and natural disasters. Community Health & Wellness: Eco Balance secured a grant for its “Greening Farms” project in central Dominica, focusing on safer, more resilient farming through soil/runoff assessments, training, composting systems, and support for women farmers. Dementia Support: The Dominica Dementia Foundation marks 10 years of advocacy and care for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Local Politics (Health-linked): In Roseau North by-elections, DLP’s Ashma McDougall is projected to win, campaigning on issues including health, sanitation, drainage, waste management, and housing. Regional Health Note: St Kitts and Nevis PM Dr Terrance Drew says he is in stable condition after illness and ongoing medical evaluations overseas.

Roseau North By-Election: Ashma McDougall (DLP) has been projected and preliminarily reported as the winner of Dominica’s Roseau North parliamentary by-election, polling 1,506 votes to Daniel “Danny” Lugay’s 983, with independent Sherman Boston trailing at 50; the seat opened after former MP Miriam Blanchard resigned due to ill-health. Primary Healthcare Push: Dominica’s government says it’s strengthening primary healthcare through upgrades and commissioning of community health centres, including the renamed Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, with services spanning maternal and child health, immunisation, chronic disease management and health education. Housing for Resilience: PM Skerrit announced the handover of 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities, with 11 keys delivered in Canefield East as part of a wider “housing revolution” aimed at safer, modern living after hurricanes and natural disasters. Disability Services Questioned: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is being welcomed, but advocates are asking how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and whether the revised disability action plan will guide the new unit’s work. Dementia Support Milestone: The Dominica Dementia Foundation marks 10 years of advocacy and support for people living with dementia, families and caregivers, highlighting a decade of community-focused services and partnerships. Seniors’ Month Activities: The Dominica Council on Ageing’s 2026 Month of the Elderly is underway, themed around empowering elder voices for an inclusive future, with events planned from Grandparents Week through health and wellness activities.

Roseau North By-Election: Ashma McDougall (DLP) is projected to win the Roseau North by-election after polling 1,506 votes to Daniel “Danny” Lugay’s 983, with independent Sherman Boston trailing at 50; turnout was 2,595 of 7,489 registered, and the seat opened after former MP Miriam Blanchard resigned due to ill-health. Primary Healthcare Push: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre commissioned and renamed the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, saying Dominica is upgrading facilities to expand maternal and child health, immunisation, chronic disease care, and better working conditions for staff. Housing for Health and Resilience: Government handed over 11 new homes in Canefield East as part of a wider plan to deliver 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities, aiming to reduce disaster-related displacement and improve safety. Disability Services Question: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is welcomed, but advocates are asking how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and whether the updated disability action plan will guide the new unit’s work. Dementia Support Milestone: The Dominica Dementia Foundation marked 10 years of advocacy and care for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Community Farming Sustainability: Eco Balance secured a grant to launch its “Greening Farms” project in central Dominica, including soil/runoff assessments, safer equipment training, composting systems, and support focused on women farmers.

Primary Healthcare Push: Dominica’s government says primary care remains a key pillar, highlighting the commissioning and renaming of the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, with upgrades aimed at maternal/child health, immunisation, chronic disease care, and better working conditions for staff. Housing & Climate Resilience: PM Skerrit announced the handover of 11 newly built homes in Canefield East, as part of a wider plan to deliver 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities—framed as disaster-proofing for families. Disability Services Clarity: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is welcomed, but advocates are asking how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and whether the updated National Action Plan will guide the new unit’s work. Roseau North Health & Waste Concerns: Ahead of the Sept. 7 by-election, candidates are tying local priorities to health—Lugay flags Fond Cole landfill smoke and hospital-related issues, while McDougall focuses on drainage, sanitation, and safer access for elderly residents and children. Road Safety Alarm (Canefield Cliff): Police are investigating a fatal scooter crash at Canefield, adding to calls for stronger prevention measures where serious accidents keep happening. Dementia Support Milestone: The Dominica Dementia Foundation marks 10 years of advocacy and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Elderly Care Calendar: The Council on Ageing launched the Month of the Elderly 2026, with activities aimed at empowering seniors and promoting holistic health and wellness.

Roseau North By-Election (Sept 7): Voters in Roseau North head to the polls on Monday, September 7, 2026 after Miriam Blanchard’s resignation for health reasons. Three candidates are contesting: DLP’s Ashma McDougall, UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay, and independent Sherman Boston. Campaign priorities include healthcare, waste management and environmental concerns, with Lugay also calling the Fond Cole landfill a major health issue and promising relocation, while McDougall highlights community needs like footpaths, drainage, sanitation and safer access for elderly residents and children. Housing & Climate Resilience: The government says it will hand over 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities, with 11 keys already delivered in Canefield East as part of a wider post-hurricane housing push. Primary Healthcare Upgrade: Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre commissioned and renamed the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, pointing to expanded community-based care for maternal and child health, immunisation, chronic disease management and better working conditions for staff. Elder Support Spotlight: Dominica Council on Ageing’s Month of the Elderly 2026 kicks off with activities aimed at empowering seniors’ voices, including Grandparents Week, a Senior Lunch initiative and wellness-focused events. Dementia Foundation Turns 10: The Dominica Dementia Foundation marks a decade of advocacy and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Road Safety Call: A fatal crash at Canefield is under investigation, adding to renewed calls for stronger safety measures around Canefield Cliff. Regional Health Security: SVG becomes the first OECS member to adopt a regional digital early warning and response system, strengthening public health threat detection ahead of major gatherings.

Climate & Health Policy: A new letter warns the world has already broken its 1.5°C promise, arguing small states like Dominica shouldn’t take on more debt for damage they didn’t cause. Housing & Community Resilience: Dominica’s government says it will hand over 215 climate-resilient homes across nine communities, including 11 keys delivered in Canefield East, as part of recovery from hurricanes and a push toward a “climate resilient nation.” Primary Healthcare Upgrade: Finance Minister Irving McIntyre commissioned and renamed the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, highlighting improved access for maternal and child health, immunisation, chronic disease care, and health education. Elder Care Focus: The Dominica Council on Ageing launched its Month of the Elderly 2026, themed “Empowering Elder Voices for an Inclusive Future,” with events from Grandparents Week to a Health Fair and Centenarians Day. Workforce & Mental Health: The Dominica Nurses Association reaffirmed support for nurses through training, mentorship, safer workplaces, and stronger mental health support. Local Safety & Health Risks: Police are investigating a fatal scooter crash at Canefield, while a letter urges action at Canefield Cliff to prevent repeat tragedies. Regional Health Security: SVG becomes the first OECS member to adopt a regional digital early warning surveillance system (RIEWSS), strengthening public health threat detection ahead of major gatherings.

Primary Healthcare Focus: Dominica’s government says it’s strengthening primary healthcare by commissioning and renaming the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, with upgrades aimed at maternal and child health, immunisation, chronic disease care, and better working conditions for staff. Elderly Support: The Dominica Council on Ageing is rolling out Month of the Elderly 2026 under “Empowering Elder Voices for an Inclusive Future,” with events like Grandparents Week, a Senior Lunch Initiative, and a Health Fair. Dementia Care Milestone: The Dominica Dementia Foundation marks 10 years of advocacy and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Community Health & Safety: Farmers and residents in Grand Bay are being invited to a Lethal Yellowing Disease awareness meeting, after the disease was confirmed in Dominica earlier this year. Regional Health Security: St Vincent and the Grenadines becomes the first OECS member to adopt a regional digital early warning surveillance and response system, aimed at faster detection and response to public health threats. Local Housing With Health Links: The government hands over 11 new homes in Canefield East as part of a wider 215-home delivery plan, improving living conditions for families.

Housing & Safety: Dominica’s government handed over the keys to 11 newly built homes in Canefield East, with 215 families nationwide set to benefit from the wider rollout. Primary Healthcare: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre commissioned and renamed the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, highlighting upgrades for maternal/child care, immunisation, chronic disease management and better working conditions for staff. Elder Care: The Dominica Council on Ageing launched its Month of the Elderly 2026 programme, themed “Empowering Elder Voices for an Inclusive Future,” with events from radio openings to senior sports days and a health fair. Dementia Support: The Dominica Dementia Foundation marks 10 years of advocacy and services for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Nursing Workforce: The Dominica Nurses Association renewed its push for training, mentorship, safer workplaces and stronger mental health support for nurses. Public Health Security (OECS): St Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt a regional digital early warning surveillance system to strengthen outbreak detection and response. Road Safety: Police are investigating a fatal Canefield crash involving a scooter rider and a trailer truck, with calls for better prevention measures. Sexual Violence (Regional): An alleged gang rape case in Antigua is raising concerns about reporting, stigma and the response to survivors. Climate & Health Equity: A commentary warns the world has broken the 1.5°C promise, arguing small states should not take on more debt for climate damage they did not cause. Community & Culture: A historic “Ancestral Echoes” commemoration marked the 400th anniversary of the Kalinago Massacre and related arrivals of enslaved Africans, with healing and truth-telling at the centre.

Roseau North By-Election (Health & Community): Businessman Gregor Nassief urged Dominicans to back “the right people” in the Sept. 7 vote, framing it as a chance to demand transparency and better opportunities for all. Local Campaign Focus: Ashma McDougall says her Roseau North priorities include safer footpaths and access, drainage and runoff control (including water from the hospital area), improved sanitation and waste collection, and strengthening community facilities—especially for elderly residents and children. Primary Healthcare Upgrade: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre commissioned and renamed the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, highlighting expanded maternal/child care, immunisation, chronic disease management, and community-based services. Dementia Support: The Dominica Dementia Foundation marked 10 years of advocacy and care for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Elderly Care Push: Government reiterated support for seniors through programmes like Yes We Care, the 65-and-over Non-Contributory Pension, and centenarian support. Workforce Wellbeing: The Dominica Nurses Association renewed calls for nurses’ professional development, safer workplaces, and stronger mental health support. Public Health Security (Regional): SVG became the first OECS member to adopt a regional early warning surveillance and response system, strengthening detection and response to health threats. Road Safety (Injury Risk): Police are investigating a fatal Canefield crash involving a scooter rider and a trailer truck.

Primary Healthcare Push: Dominica’s Government says primary healthcare remains a key pillar, pointing to the commissioning and renaming of the Savanne Paile Health Centre as the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre, with upgrades aimed at maternal and child health, immunisation, chronic disease management, and better working conditions for staff. Elder Support Spotlight: The Dominica Council on Ageing’s Month of the Elderly is underway under the theme “Empowering Elder Voices for an Inclusive Future,” with events starting September 1 and a focus on seniors’ wellbeing and access to care. Dementia Care Milestone: The Dominica Dementia Foundation marks 10 years of advocacy and support for people living with dementia and their caregivers, highlighting its growth since 2016. Nursing Workforce Focus: The Dominica Nurses Association renews calls for stronger support for nurses, including training, mentorship, safer workplaces, and mental health support—framing it as essential to better patient care. Regional Health Security: SVG becomes the first OECS member to adopt a regional digital health warning system (RIEWSS), strengthening early detection and response to public health threats ahead of major gatherings. Health-Related Tragedy: Police are investigating a fatal Canefield traffic collision that left a 59-year-old scooter rider dead after a crash at the Imperial Road junction. Community Health & Safety (Election Context): Roseau North by-election candidate Ashma McDougall outlines plans for Gutter residents including drainage, sanitation, waste collection, and safer access for elderly people and children. Sexual Violence Concern: An alleged gang rape case in Antigua has raised questions from the victim’s family about the response to the reported assault and the stigma faced by male survivors.

Regional Health Update: St Kitts and Nevis PM Dr Terrance Drew says he is in “good spirits” and stable as doctors continue medical evaluations after an illness that reports linked to a stroke, with treatment first in Martinique and follow-up in South Florida. Community Health & Care for Seniors: Dominica’s government reaffirmed its commitment to older citizens, pointing to the Yes We Care Programme, the 65-and-over Non-Contributory Pension, the Centenarian Programme, and support for senior-care organizations. Dementia Support: The Dominica Dementia Foundation marks 10 years of advocacy and support for people living with dementia, families, and caregivers. Nursing Workforce: The Dominica Nurses Association highlighted ongoing advocacy for nurses’ professional growth, safer workplaces, and stronger mental health support. Public Health Systems: SVG became the first OECS member to adopt a regional digital health warning system (RIEWSS) to strengthen early detection and response to public health threats. Local Safety: CDPF is investigating another fatal traffic collision at Canefield, where a scooter rider died after a crash at the Imperial Road junction. Food Safety Training: UWI students received advanced food safety certification training through CARPHA to strengthen practical skills in hygiene and safe food handling. Health & Wellness Events: The Dominica Council on Ageing launched its Month of the Elderly 2026 programme, themed around empowering elder voices, with activities including health and wellness features and senior-focused events.