Dominica Budget 2026/27: Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre unveiled a major tax shift—an across-the-board 10% flat personal income tax rate starting Jan. 1, 2027—alongside an EC$1.125 billion budget, with relief measures said to continue. Education & jobs: The budget messaging also spotlights school construction progress funded with support from China, including Goodwill Secondary and several primary schools nearing completion, plus a big recurrent allocation for teachers, school operations, transport, uniforms and school feeding. Culture & community markets: Applications are open for the expanded GEMS Artisan Market, set for Oct. 28–29 at Fort Young Hotel, with hand-picked exhibitors and a push to draw returning nationals and visitors during the Creole Day period. Regional culture calendar: CARICOM representatives met Guyana’s culture team as preparations ramp up for CARIFESTA 2027, with planning focused on creative industries, logistics and marketing. Sports: The Virgin Islands will host the ECVA Senior Men and Women Volleyball Championships Aug. 12–16, bringing teams including Dominica into a five-day regional indoor showdown. Diaspora & heritage: Dominica SiFoCol Alumni Association announced White Sunset with a Hint of Creole 2026 for Oct. 21, a charity night tied to Independence season projects. Travel policy ripple: The U.S. made its visa bond programme permanent, with Dominica among the countries that could face refundable deposits up to US$20,000 for certain B1/B2 applicants.