AGP Executive Report

Dominica Tourism Buzz: Travel + Leisure is putting Dominica on the map again, naming it the No. 1 Caribbean nature island (and No. 9 worldwide), spotlighting its waterfalls, hot springs and eco-adventure appeal. Sports & Youth: Dominica is sending a 74-member team to the Windward Islands School Games in St. Lucia, with athletes competing in track and field, basketball, volleyball, football and netball. Local Sports Loss: The Dominica Cricket Association mourns two respected figures, former National Youth Captain Benton Thomas and coach John Fabien. Community Culture: Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau’s St. Ann Parish Feast runs July 23–26 with gospel performances, dance nights, village expo events and a grand Mass. Air Travel Upgrade: Contour Airlines announces nonstop service between Dominica (DOM) and Trinidad (POS) starting Oct. 5, plus one-stop same-plane links via Dominica. Maritime Fun: This weekend features a Sport Fishing Tournament in Toucari (Sat) and Poker Run Dominica 2026 (Sun) to boost coastal communities.

Commonwealth Games Buzz: Dominica’s 74-member team is set for the Windward Islands School Games in St. Lucia, with 62 student-athletes and coaches across athletics, swimming, basketball, volleyball, football and netball. Local Sports & Community: Poker Run Dominica 2026 returns this weekend, pairing a scenic boat route with card-based competition and extra spending for coastal villages. Air Travel for Islanders: Contour Airlines announces nonstop service between Dominica (DOM) and Trinidad (POS) starting Oct. 5, plus one-stop same-plane options via Dominica to San Juan and St. Thomas. Hospitality Spotlight: Mileo is building a hospitality brand around destination-specific experiences and consistent service standards, with Dominica flagged for a future development. Arts & Culture: Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau kick off St. Ann parish feast celebrations with Gospel Fest performances, Oldie Goldie dance, Jouvé, MAHAUT EXPO and a grand Mass. Entertainment & Lifestyle: A Glasgow festival photo feature highlights Commonwealth-themed puppets inspired by Caribbean textile links. Food News: St Helens’ Bella Roma restaurant is closing after just over a year, with locals sharing heartfelt tributes online.

Dominica Sports & Youth: Dominica is sending a 74-member team to the 2026 Windward Islands School Games in St. Lucia, with 62 student-athletes (34 boys, 28 girls) competing across track and field, basketball, volleyball, football and netball. Regional Travel & Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service between Dominica (DOM) and Trinidad (POS) starting Oct 5, 2026, plus one-stop same-plane links via Dominica to San Juan and St. Thomas. Maritime Fun on the West Coast: This weekend brings a Sport Fishing Tournament in Toucari (Sat) and Poker Run Dominica 2026 (Sun), a scenic boat trip with checkpoints and an EC$10,000 poker-hand prize. Local Culture & Community: Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau kick off St. Ann Parish Feast celebrations July 23–26 with a Gospel Fest, Fish Night, Oldie Goldie Dance, Jouvé, MAHAUT EXPO and a grand Mass. Entertainment & Lifestyle: A Travel + Leisure spotlight ranks Dominica as the top Caribbean nature island for 2026, praising its eco-tourism, waterfalls and geothermal sights. Arts & Fashion Buzz: SI Swimsuit star Kamie Crawford shares an all-white beachside bridal bachelorette look, complete with where to find the pieces. Sports Spotlight: Dominica’s Commonwealth Games plans continue as athletes head to Glasgow 2026, including Thea LaFond-Gadson and Jasmine Schofield.

Dominica in the spotlight: Dominica is being celebrated as a top Caribbean nature pick, with Travel + Leisure naming it No. 1 in the region for 2026—fueling more buzz around the Nature Isle’s eco-adventures and fewer-crowd vibe. Maritime fun on the west coast: This weekend brings a Sport Fishing Tournament in Toucari (Sat) and Poker Run Dominica 2026 (Sun), a scenic card-collecting boat trip with an EC$10,000 prize and community stops. Air travel boost: Contour Airlines announced nonstop Dominica–Trinidad service starting Oct 5, 2026, plus one-stop same-plane connections via Dominica to San Juan and St. Thomas. Commonwealth Games build-up: Dominica will send a 74-member team to the Windward Islands School Games in St. Lucia, while Commonwealth Sport Dominica also confirmed a six-member Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games delegation. Local culture & entertainment: Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau’s St. Ann Parish Feast runs July 23–26 with Gospel Fest, Fish Night, Oldie Goldie Dance, Jouvé, MAHAUT EXPO and a grand Mass. Community loss: St. Helens’ Bella Roma restaurant is closing its doors after just over a year, with locals sharing heartfelt tributes online.

Glasgow Festival Buzz: Dominica’s Commonwealth links got a spotlight at the Merchant City Festival, with Glasgow artist Noel Bridgeman creating five-metre puppets in replicas of Dominican national dress, using Madras fabric inspired by Caribbean–Scottish textile history. Regional Sports: Dominica is sending a 74-member team to the 2026 Windward Islands School Games in St. Lucia, with 62 student-athletes competing in athletics, basketball, volleyball, football and netball. Maritime Fun: This weekend on Dominica’s west coast, Sport Fishing Tournament in Toucari kicks off Saturday, followed by Poker Run Dominica 2026 on Sunday—scenic boat stops, card collecting, and an EC$10,000 prize. Air Travel Upgrade: Contour Airlines announced nonstop service between Dominica (DOM) and Trinidad (POS) starting Oct. 5, 2026, plus one-stop same-plane connections via Dominica. Local Cricket Loss: The Dominica Cricket Association mourns two respected figures—former National Youth Captain Benton Thomas and coach John Fabien. Community Culture: Mahaut–Jimmit–Tarreau Parish Feast of St. Ann runs July 23–26 with Gospel Fest, dance events, local expo, and a grand Mass.

Hospitality Strategy: Mileo’s Yasam Ayavefe is building a hospitality brand that stays consistent through service and operations—not identical décor—so each destination (including a planned Dominica property) tells its own story. Maritime Fun & Tourism: This weekend on Dominica’s west coast, a Sport Fishing Tournament in Toucari (Sat) and Poker Run Dominica 2026 (Sun) will spotlight coastal communities, with teams cruising checkpoints for an EC$10,000 prize. Cricket Loss: The Dominica Cricket Association mourns Benton Thomas and coach John Fabien, praising both for mentorship and lasting impact on local cricket. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines announces nonstop service between Dominica (DOM) and Trinidad (POS) starting Oct 5, plus one-stop same-plane links via Dominica to San Juan and St. Thomas. Dominica on the Global Map: Travel + Leisure readers voted Dominica the No. 1 Caribbean island for 2026, calling it the “friendliest” and celebrating its nature-driven appeal. Local Sports Spotlight: Dominica names a 74-member team for the 2026 Windward Islands School Games in St. Lucia, competing across five sports. Electoral Update: The Electoral Office rejects social media claims about people being confirmed without being physically present, while the Roseau North by-election remains politically charged. Esports for Youth: Bombers FC and NSE Night Club team up for an outdoor EA SPORTS FC 26 EGame Challenge in Portsmouth on Aug 22, mixing gaming, music and community entertainment.

Travel Buzz: Travel + Leisure readers have crowned Dominica the No. 1 island in the Caribbean (and No. 9 worldwide) for its nature-first adventures, from rivers and waterfalls to geothermal spots like Boiling Lake. Cricket Community: The Dominica Cricket Association mourns the loss of Benton Thomas and John Fabien, praising both for mentorship and lasting contributions to local cricket. Sports & Youth: Dominica is sending a 74-member team to the 2026 Windward Islands School Games in St. Lucia, with students competing in track and field, basketball, volleyball, football and netball. Commonwealth Games Watch: Commonwealth Sport Dominica names a six-member Glasgow 2026 delegation, including Thea LaFond-Gadson (triple jump) and Dennick Luke (400m hurdles), plus swimmer Jasmine Schofield. Air Travel: Contour Airlines announces nonstop Dominica–Trinidad service starting Oct 5, 2026, plus one-stop same-plane connections via Dominica to San Juan and St. Thomas. Esports Meets Football: Portsmouth Bombers FC and NSE Night Club team up for the Bombers FC EGame Challenge 2026 on Aug 22 at Benjamin Park, blending EA SPORTS FC 26 with music and entertainment. Culture Calendar: Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau kick off St. Ann parish feast celebrations July 23–26 with gospel performances, dance nights, local expo events and a grand Mass.

Dominica Sports: Commonwealth Sport Dominica has named a six-member team for Glasgow 2026, featuring triple-jump star Thea LaFond-Gadson and 400m hurdler Dennick Luke, plus swimmer Jasmine Schofield—LaFond-Gadson also set to be Dominica’s flagbearer. Regional Football: T&T will learn their 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League opponents on July 23, with the draw live on Concacaf’s YouTube. Air Travel & Lifestyle: Contour Airlines announced nonstop service between Dominica (DOM) and Trinidad (POS) starting Oct. 5, plus one-stop same-plane connections via Dominica to San Juan and St. Thomas. Culture & Arts: Goûté Domnik, Dominica’s national culinary festival, runs July 19–26, celebrating Kwéyòl food and local menus islandwide. Community Entertainment: Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau kick off St. Ann parish feast celebrations July 23–26 with gospel, dance nights, Jouvé, expo and a grand Mass. Youth Performance: Funtopia Youth Initiative Foundation introduced Saba’s youth to living statues through a hands-on mini presentation. Esports: Bombers FC and NSE Night Club team up for the Bombers FC EGame Challenge 2026 on Aug. 22 in Portsmouth.

Women’s Football: FIFA Women’s World Cup dream stays alive for Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz as a key advisor points to the need for stronger, consistent support ahead of the Concacaf W Championship quarter-finals in Texas. Youth Culture: Saba’s young performers got hands-on training in living statues through the Funtopia Youth Initiative Foundation’s 2026 Summer Cultural Exchange. Flights & Tourism: Contour Airlines announces nonstop Dominica–Trinidad service from October 5, 2026, plus one-stop same-plane links via Dominica to San Juan and St. Thomas. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Dominica names a six-member Glasgow 2026 delegation with athletes Thea LaFond-Gadson, Dennick Luke and Jasmine Schofield, plus officials Aaron Gadson, Shaminey Walsh-Dupuis and Chef de Mission Chester Letang. Creole & Community Events: Goûté Domnik runs July 19–26, celebrating Kwéyòl food across the island, while Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau gear up for St. Ann parish feast celebrations July 23–26. Esports Meets Football: Portsmouth Bombers FC teams up with NSE Night Club for an outdoor EA SPORTS FC 26 EGame Challenge on August 22 at Benjamin Park. Regional Recognition: Dominica is ranked No. 1 in the Caribbean for friendliness in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 readers’ awards.

Women’s Football: FIFA consultant Jose Andres Portabella says Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz need stronger, lasting support to reach a third straight FIFA Women’s World Cup after their Concacaf W Championship quarter-final vs Costa Rica in Texas. Youth Performing Arts: Funtopia Youth Initiative Foundation brought Saba children into living-statue training at Child Focus Foundation, teaching character work, silent audience engagement, and costume-making. Air Travel & Tourism: Contour Airlines announces nonstop Douglas-Charles (Dominica) to Piarco (Trinidad) starting Oct 5, 2026, plus one-stop same-plane links via Dominica to San Juan and St Thomas. Money & Identity: ECCB unveiled redesigned Eastern Caribbean banknotes honoring national heroes and regional icons, with Queen Elizabeth II no longer featured. Sports Spotlight: Commonwealth Games delegation for Glasgow 2026 includes Thea LaFond-Gadson (triple jump), Dennick Luke (400m hurdles), and Jasmine Schofield (swimming). Creole Culture: World Creole Music Festival lineup drops for Oct 23–25, 2026, with Capleton, Alkaline, Machel Montano and more. Community Events: Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau gear up for St. Ann parish feast (July 23–26) with Gospel Fest, Fish Night, Oldie Goldie dance and MAHAUT EXPO. Esports + Football: Bombers FC and NSE Night Club host the Bombers FC EGame Challenge 2026 (EA SPORTS FC 26) in Portsmouth on Aug 22.

Dominica–Trinidad Flights: Contour Airlines is set to launch nonstop service between POS and DOM from October 5, with twice-weekly flights and one-stop connections via Dominica—good news for travel and tourism ties. Commonwealth Games Watch: Commonwealth Sport Dominica names a six-member team for Glasgow 2026, including Thea LaFond-Gadson (triple jump), Dennick Luke (400m hurdles) and Jasmine Schofield (swimming), plus officials and Chef de Mission Chester Letang. Money & Culture: ECCB unveils redesigned Eastern Caribbean banknotes featuring national heroes and regional icons, with the Queen Elizabeth II likeness retired. Music Festival Buzz: World Creole Music Festival returns for its 26th edition with a star-studded lineup across three nights in October, and Dominica’s Tourism Minister says last year’s event drew 10,500+ visitors. Local Festivities: Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau gear up for St. Ann parish feast celebrations (July 23–26) with Gospel Fest, dance nights, expo and Mass. Esports Meets Football: Portsmouth Bombers FC and NSE Night Club host the Bombers FC EGame Challenge 2026 (Aug 22) blending EA SPORTS FC 26, live music and community entertainment. Culinary Countdown: Dominica’s first-ever Goûté Domnik kicks off July 19–26, spotlighting Kwéyòl food with Restaurant Week and a One Pot competition.

Commonwealth Games Pride Display: Glasgow 2026 is set to host “Zero Flags Commonwealth,” a free exhibition in Candleriggs highlighting Commonwealth countries where homosexuality remains criminalised, with black mourning ribbons on 28 flags including Dominica. Commonwealth Clean Oceans Milestone: A Commonwealth-wide clean-up campaign hit a major target by preventing more than one million pieces of plastic from entering waterways, with the one-millionth item collected along Scotland’s River Clyde. Roseau North By-Election Claims: UWP candidate Danny Lugay alleges irregularities in voter confirmation, including electors listed without valid addresses and claims that applications were handled without applicants present; the Electoral Office says the “false claims” are categorically untrue. Hospitality & Trust: A guest piece argues trust is now built long before check-in, driven by accurate online info, consistent communication, and whether operations match what marketing promises. Portsmouth Esports + Football: Bombers FC teams up with NSE Night Club for the Bombers FC EGame Challenge 2026 on Aug 22 at Benjamin Park, mixing EA SPORTS FC 26 competition with music, food, and a giant LED screen. St. Ann Parish Feast (Mahaut/Tarreau): Mahaut Jimmit Tarreau Village Council maps out July 23–26 celebrations with Gospel Fest, Fish Night, Oldie Goldie Dance, Jouvé, MAHAUT EXPO, Band Splash, and a closing Mass. Goûté Domnik Launch + Festival Dates: Dominica’s inaugural national culinary festival kicks off with a public launch in Roseau, running July 19–26 with Restaurant Week and a Friendly One Pot Challenge. WCMF Lineup Revealed: The 26th World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium with major acts across three nights, including Capleton, Alkaline, and Machel Montano. Merchant City Culture Link: Glasgow’s Merchant City Festival will debut giant puppets inspired by Dominica’s Wob Dwiyet, created by Noel Bridgeman, celebrating Caribbean-Scottish textile history.

Local Politics & Community: Roseau North by-election drama is heating up as UWP candidate Danny Lugay challenges the electoral confirmation process, citing electors listed without valid addresses and claims that applications were handled without applicants present—while the Electoral Office insists those social media allegations are false and says every confirmation requires the elector’s physical presence, photo capture, and electronic signature. Hospitality & Local Culture: St Helens locals are mourning the closure of “Bella Roma,” with dozens praising the restaurant’s authentic food and staff after the eatery announced it will shut on Saturday, July 25, citing ill health and other reasons. Parish Feast Entertainment: Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau are gearing up for St. Ann parish feast celebrations (July 23–26) with a Gospel Fest, Fish Night, Oldie Goldie Dance, Jouvé, MAHAUT EXPO, Band Splash, and a grand Mass. Sports Meets Tech: Portsmouth’s Bombers FC is teaming with NSE Night Club for an outdoor EA SPORTS FC 26 esports event on Aug 22 at Benjamin Park, mixing gaming with music and a big LED screen. Dominica on the Global Map: Dominica has been voted No. 1 in the Caribbean for friendliness in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards, with readers also praising its nature and people. Music Festival Buzz: The World Creole Music Festival returns for its 26th edition with a star-studded lineup across Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park, including Capleton, Alkaline, Machel Montano and more. Foodie Spotlight: Goûté Domnik kicks off July 19–26, celebrating Kwéyòl cuisine with Restaurant Week and a One Pot competition.

St. Ann Parish Feast: Mahaut, Jimmit and Tarreau Village Council are gearing up for St. Ann celebrations July 23–26 with a Gospel Fest featuring local artistes like Janet Azzouz, Mikael Ferrol and others, plus Fish Night, an Oldie Goldie Dance with DJs Dr. Miguel Labaddie and Flip the Boss, early morning Jouvé, “MAHAUT EXPO,” Band Splash at Zaaman Park and a Kool Down event, ending with a grand Mass at Massacre Parish Church. Esports x Football: Portsmouth Bombers FC is teaming with NSE Night Club for the Bombers FC EGame Challenge 2026 on Aug 22 at Benjamin Park, mixing EA SPORTS FC 26 competition with live music, food, entertainment and a giant LED screen. Electoral Office Pushback: Dominica’s Electoral Office says viral claims about confirming voters without their physical presence are false, stressing safeguards like photo capture and electronic signatures. Culinary Spotlight: Goûté Domnik runs July 19–26, celebrating Kwéyòl food with Restaurant Week and a Friendly One Pot Challenge, from local plates to fine-dining menus. Regional Music Buzz: WCMF returns for its 26th edition with a star-studded lineup across Oct 23–25, including Capleton, Alkaline, Machel Montano and more.

Portsmouth Football + Esports: Bombers FC is teaming up with NSE Night Club for the Bombers FC EGame Challenge 2026, an outdoor EA SPORTS FC 26 event on Aug 22 at Benjamin Park, mixing gaming with live music, food, prizes and a giant LED screen. Regional Cricket Party: Antigua and Barbuda is set for six days of CPL action and festivities from Aug 20–25 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, with four home matches for the Falcons and a “Biggest Party in Sport” vibe. Dominica Food Festival: Goûté Domnik (Taste of Dominica) kicks off with a Roseau public launch today, running July 19–26, featuring Restaurant Week and a Friendly One Pot Challenge celebrating Kwéyòl cuisine. Music Festival Lineup: The 26th World Creole Music Festival is officially launched for Oct 23–25 at Windsor Park, with major names like Capleton, Skillibeng, Alkaline, Machel Montano and more across three nights. Sporting Loss + Show Must Go On: FACE OFF promoters say the show continues despite Sir Oungku Edwards’ health concerns, with Tian Winter stepping in to battle Triple K. Library Art Spotlight: Lakeview Public Library’s “America 250” exhibit runs this month, blending American and Caribbean history through artist David G. Wilson’s layered works. Caribbean Recognition: Dominica has been voted No. 1 in the Caribbean for friendliness in a Travel + Leisure readers’ poll. Travel Connectivity: LIAT launches a Guadeloupe–Montego Bay service, aiming to strengthen Caribbean travel and business links.

Caribbean Travel Boost: LIAT launched its first-ever Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) to Montego Bay route, starting with 33 passengers and running twice weekly to open up easier island-hopping for tourism, business and culture. AI Governance Buzz: International WAIC attendees praised President Xi Jinping’s keynote for pushing a “just and equitable” global approach to AI safety, openness and cooperation, with Dominica’s Vince Henderson among those weighing in. Dominica on the Map: Travel + Leisure readers crowned Dominica No. 1 in the Caribbean for 2026, praising the island’s nature, hiking and friendliness. Roseau Jobs Plan: UWP by-election candidate Danny Lugay says he’ll turn the former Public Works site into a mixed-use tourism hub to tackle unemployment in Roseau North. Creole Culture Countdown: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival is officially launched with a star-studded lineup, while Goûté Domnik (July 19–26) gears up to spotlight local food through Restaurant Week and a One Pot competition. Sports Loss: Cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers has died at 89, remembered for the record-breaking 365* and a defining West Indies career. Art & Community: Lakeview Public Library’s “America 250” exhibit spotlights hidden layers of American and Caribbean history through artist David G. Wilson’s work. Festival Energy: FACE OFF promoters say the show will go on despite Sir Oungku Edwards’ health concerns, with Tian Winter stepping in for Team Antigua.