AGP Executive Report

US Visa Talks: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit welcomed renewed US engagement with CARICOM but urged Washington to address visa restrictions affecting Dominicans, saying officials agreed to discuss the issue. Creole Music Festival: The World Creole Music Festival opened Friday at Windsor Park Stadium and runs through Sunday, bringing Dominican and regional performers together across bouyon, cadence-lypso, soca, reggae, dancehall and more. Local acts Colton T and Triple K joined Martinique’s Maurane Voyer on opening night; Ne-Yo, Machel Montano and other international stars are also on the bill. Wob Dwiyèt: Wesley’s Samantha Bazil won the 2026 national pageant, where four contestants showcased Dominica’s traditional dress and heritage. Books & Traditions: Educator and community advocate Jacinta “Jess” Bannis launched her first novel at her 70th-birthday celebration in Castle Bruce. Drawing on 1960s village life, it explores family, folklore and koudmen, the tradition of neighbours helping one another. Bouyon Bridges: Dominican artist Reo’s collaboration with Martinique singer Maurane Voyer has passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week, building musical ties across the Creole-speaking islands. Festival Safety: Environmental health officials reminded vendors and patrons to prioritize clean food handling during the busy festival season.

World Creole Music Festival: The 26th festival opened Friday at Windsor Park Sports Stadium, with Dominican and French Caribbean acts launching three nights of music. Colton T, Maurane Voyer, Midnight Groovers, Klass, Triple Kay and Capleton were among Night One’s performers. Wob Dwiyet: Samantha Bazil of Wesley won the 2026 national pageant, celebrating Dominica’s traditional dress and heritage. Deniscia Laurent was first runner-up. Books & Heritage: Educator and community advocate Jacinta “Jess” Bannis launched her first novel at her 70th-birthday celebration in Castle Bruce. Of Islets, Folklore and Second Chances draws on village life in 1960s Dominica and aims to introduce younger readers to local history and traditions. Bouyon Connection: Dominican artist Reo’s “Jolie BB,” featuring Martinique’s Maurane Voyer, passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week, building a musical link between the islands. Festival Safety: Environmental health officer Calma Louis urged vendors and patrons to make food safety a shared priority during festival events.

Creole Festival: The 26th World Creole Music Festival opened Friday at Windsor Park, with Dominican singer Colton T and Martinique’s Maurane Voyer bringing local energy and French Caribbean sounds to night one. The three-night event runs through Sunday; health officials are urging vendors and patrons to keep food safety front of mind. Wob Dwiyèt: Samantha Bazil of Wesley won the 2026 national pageant, celebrating Dominica’s traditional dress and heritage. Deniscia Laurent was first runner-up among four contestants. Local Stories: Educator and community advocate Jacinta “Jess” Bannis launched her first novel, Of Islets, Folklore and Second Chances, at her 70th-birthday celebration in Castle Bruce. Drawing on rural life in 1960s Dominica, the book aims to connect younger readers with the village’s history and traditions. Bouyon Bridges: Dominican artist Reo’s collaboration with Martinique’s Maurane Voyer, “Jolie BB,” passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week, building musical ties across the French Caribbean.

Creole Festival: Ti Vilaj Kweyol 2026 reached its final day, with performances by Asa Bantan, Trilla G and Reo celebrating Dominican music and culture. Books & Heritage: Educator and community advocate Jacinta “Jess” Bannis launched her first book, Of Islets, Folklore and Second Chances, at her 70th-birthday celebration in Castle Bruce. Drawing on rural life in 1960s Dominica, the novel explores family, tradition and koudmen. Wob Dwiyèt: Samantha Bazil of Wesley won the 2026 national pageant, showcasing Dominica’s traditional dress and heritage alongside three other contestants. Festival Safety: Ahead of the World Creole Music Festival, environmental health officer Calma Louis urged vendors and patrons to make food safety a shared priority, while police advised motorists to plan ahead and follow traffic directions. Bouyon Goes Regional: Dominican artist Reo’s “Jolie BB,” featuring Martinican singer Maurane Voyer, passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week, building a musical link between Dominica and Martinique.

U.S. Visa Restrictions: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Washington has agreed to discuss Dominica’s visa restrictions with senior officials after he raised the issue in bilateral talks. Creole Festival: The World Creole Music Festival runs October 23–25 in Roseau, with regional and international performers including Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, Asa Bantan and Reo. Police urge motorists to follow traffic directions, while health officials remind vendors to keep food clean, protected and at safe temperatures. Wob Dwiyèt: Samantha Bazil of Wesley won the national 2026 pageant, celebrating Dominica’s traditional dress and heritage. Deniscia Laurent was first runner-up. Creole Music: Dominican artist Reo’s collaboration with Martinican singer Maurane Voyer has passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week, bringing bouyon to new French-speaking audiences. Kalinago Heritage: A feature highlights the Kalinago Territory as a living Indigenous community with communal land and its own elected chief.

World Creole Music Festival: With the three-night festival opening Friday, police are urging motorists to follow traffic directions and plan their journeys. Environmental health officer Calma Louis has also reminded vendors and patrons to prioritize safe food handling, with inspections planned throughout the events. Wob Dwiyèt: Samantha Bazil of Wesley won the 2026 national pageant, held as part of Independence celebrations. The four contestants showcased traditional dress, talent and Dominican heritage. Bouyon on the rise: Dominican artist Reo’s “Jolie BB,” a collaboration with Martinican singer Maurane Voyer, passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week, building musical ties across the French-speaking Caribbean. Festival spotlight: The World Creole Music Festival runs October 23–25 in Roseau, with performers including Midnight Groovers, Reo, Asa Bantan, Machel Montano and Ne-Yo.

Diaspora Heritage: A 1960s Dominican front-room exhibition in Bristol has drawn strong interest, and organisers are seeking a permanent home before the city’s 2027 Windrush Festival. Wob Dwiyet: Four contestants brought Dominica’s traditional dress and heritage into focus at Wednesday’s national pageant in Massacre. Creole Music: The World Creole Music Festival returns to Roseau October 23–25, with Bouyon, soca, reggae, zouk and more as the finale to Creole Heritage Month and Independence season. Kalinago Culture: A new feature highlights the Kalinago Territory’s communal land, elected leadership and enduring Indigenous community. Bouyon Across Borders: Dominican artist Reo’s collaboration with Martinican singer Maurane Voyer has passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week, building a musical link between the neighbouring islands.

Wob Dwiyet Pageant: Four contestants from Roseau, Petite Soufrière, Wesley and Portsmouth take the stage tonight at Massacre Indoor Sporting Facility, celebrating Dominica’s traditional dress and heritage. Creole Festival: The World Creole Music Festival returns to Roseau October 23–25, with performances spanning bouyon, soca, reggae, zouk and more, including acts such as Machel Montano, Ne-Yo and the Midnight Groovers. Music Across the Creole Region: Dominican artist Reo’s bouyon collaboration with Martinican singer Maurane Voyer has passed 100,000 YouTube views in a week, building a musical bridge between the islands. Culture and Community: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl runs through October 22, showcasing more than 90 entrepreneurs and local talent as part of Dominica’s Creole Heritage season. Kalinago Heritage: A feature spotlights the Kalinago Territory’s living Indigenous community, communal land and elected leadership— traditions that remain central to Dominica’s identity.

Calypso Legacy: A 1979 essay on calypso as social commentary is being revisited following the death of Mighty Sparrow, highlighting the genre’s power beyond entertainment. Bouyon Bridge: Dominican artist Reo’s “Jolie BB,” with Martinican singer Maurane Voyer, topped 100,000 YouTube views in a week, building musical ties across the French-speaking Caribbean. Cultural Recognition: Former culture minister Roslyn Paul was honoured as a cultural elder at Paix Bouche’s Heritage Day celebrations; Minister Fidel Grant hopes her example will inspire young people. Festival Season: The World Creole Music Festival runs October 23–25 in Roseau, with regional and international acts including Reo, Ne-Yo and Machel Montano. Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl, showcasing more than 90 entrepreneurs, continues through October 22. Living Heritage: A feature on the Kalinago Territory spotlights the community’s elected leadership, communal land and enduring Indigenous presence. Heritage Preservation: SHAPE won a Caribbean Culture Fund grant to restore a Roseau wooden house dating to at least the 1850s, creating a hub for cultural activities, learning and youth business experience. Tourism: Fort Young Hotel earned 13 Scuba Diving Magazine awards, while Dominica placed 11th in Condé Nast Traveler’s Caribbean and Atlantic island rankings.

Tourism & Diving: Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort earned 13 Scuba Diving Magazine Readers’ Choice awards, up from five last year, including recognition for its rooms, restaurant and dive services. Cultural Recognition: Former culture minister Roslyn Paul was honored as a cultural elder during Heritage Day in Paix Bouche; Public Works Minister Fidel Grant hopes her example will inspire young people to help preserve Dominica’s traditions. Creole Season: Creole in the Streets brought local entrepreneurs to Roseau on Oct. 17, linking cultural celebration with small-business growth. Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl, featuring more than 90 entrepreneurs, is underway through Oct. 22, ahead of the World Creole Music Festival, set for Oct. 23–25 in Roseau. Heritage Preservation: SHAPE secured a Caribbean Culture Fund grant to restore a historic Roseau ti kai dating to at least the 1850s, with plans for a museum, café and cultural activities. Kalinago Heritage: A new feature spotlights the Kalinago Territory as a living Indigenous community with communal land, elected leadership and traditions rooted in Dominica’s history.

Creole Season: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival takes over Roseau October 23–25, with bouyon, zouk, reggae and kompa alongside regional and international performers. Creole in the Streets brought vendors and entrepreneurs to Roseau to celebrate culture and local business, while Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl runs through October 22, featuring more than 90 entrepreneurs despite cancellation rumours. Heritage & Arts: SHAPE won Caribbean Culture Fund support to restore a Roseau wooden “ti kai” dating to at least the 1850s, with plans for a museum, café and bookshop. Two Independence-season exhibitions invite visitors to explore identity, water and Dominica’s environment. Cultural Legacy: A tribute celebrates Creole music icon Leroy “Prince Wadix” Charles and his role in preserving the island’s musical traditions.

Creole Music: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns to Roseau October 23–25, closing the island’s Creole Heritage Month and Independence season. Headliners include Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, Capleton and Uncle Waffles, alongside local bands and artists. Culture and Enterprise: Creole in the Streets brought local businesses to Roseau on October 17, celebrating Dominican culture and entrepreneurship. Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is also underway, with more than 90 entrepreneurs set to showcase their talents through October 22. Arts and Heritage: Two exhibitions invite visitors to explore identity, nature and culture: “The Anatomy of Self” runs in Roseau through December 11, while “Waters We Become” and “Diversity” are on view at Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay. SHAPE has also secured funding to restore a wooden ti kai dating to at least the 1850s, with plans for a museum, café and cultural centre. Island Appeal: Dominica placed 11th among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Creole Music: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival brings three nights of Bouyon, soca, reggae, zouk and more to Roseau from October 23–25. Ne-Yo, Machel Montano, Capleton and the Midnight Groovers are among the performers. Culture and Enterprise: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl runs October 19–22, with more than 90 entrepreneurs showcasing local talent and Creole heritage. The October 17 Creole in the Streets event also put local businesses in the spotlight, linking cultural preservation with economic opportunity. Heritage: SHAPE has secured funding to restore a historic wooden ti kai in Roseau, turning the 1850s building into a centre for cultural activities, education and community engagement. Arts: Two exhibitions offer different views of Dominican life: WAA’s Waters We Become explores people’s ties to water, while The Anatomy of Self examines identity through local artists’ work. Achievement: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UWI.

Creole Culture: Creole in the Streets brought Roseau entrepreneurs together on October 17, linking local business with cultural celebration. Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is also set for October 19–22, with officials promising more than 90 entrepreneurs and a showcase of Dominican identity. Music Heritage: A tribute to Leroy “Prince Wadix” Charles celebrates the Creole music titan’s role in preserving the island’s cultural traditions. Historic Roseau: SHAPE has secured Caribbean Culture Fund support to restore an 1850s wooden ti kai on Hillsborough Street as a centre for cultural activities, learning and community engagement. Arts: New exhibitions at Prevo Cinemall, Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay invite audiences to explore identity, water, nature and diversity through Dominican art. Nature and Lifestyle: Dominica’s growing farm-tourism scene offers visitors a closer look at regenerative agriculture and local produce, adding a community-rooted experience to the island’s rainforest and river attractions.

Creole Culture: Roseau’s Creole in the Streets brought local entrepreneurs together on October 17, linking Creole heritage with small-business growth. Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is also on, officials say, despite cancellation rumours. The festival runs October 19–22, with more than 90 entrepreneurs expected. Arts and Heritage: “The Anatomy of Self,” a group exhibition by the Waitukubuli Artist Association and Prevo Cinemall, opened October 17 and runs through December 11. Fort Young and Secret Bay are also hosting exhibitions inspired by water, nature and diversity. Meanwhile, SHAPE has secured funding to restore a wooden ti kai in Roseau dating to at least the 1850s, with plans for a museum, café and cultural centre. Island Pride: Dominica marked National Flag Day as part of its Independence celebrations, honouring a symbol of national identity and heritage. Olympic champion Thea LaFond also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UWI. Tourism and Food: Dominica placed 11th among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. A new profile of Free Up Farm highlights the island’s growing potential for farm visits and locally rooted food experiences.

Creole Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl is on from October 19–22 at the Botanic Gardens, officials say, dismissing cancellation rumours. More than 90 entrepreneurs are expected to showcase their work at the festival celebrating Dominican identity and heritage. Arts & Heritage: A new exhibition, The Anatomy of Self, opens in Roseau today, bringing together Dominican artists exploring identity and cultural heritage. SHAPE has also secured a Caribbean Culture Fund grant to restore a wooden ti kai in Roseau dating to at least the 1850s, with plans for a museum, café and community activities. Education: Six China-funded schools are on track for completion by year-end, with furniture expected to arrive in November. Dominicans are working at the sites, and materials and equipment are being sourced locally. Tourism & Food: Dominica placed 11th among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. A feature on the island’s emerging farm-to-table appeal spotlights Free Up Farm and growing interest in tours and hands-on experiences. Youth & Agriculture: IOM Dominica and local partners have launched a 20-week field school to give young people practical farming experience and support a more resilient agricultural sector.