AGP Executive Report

Heritage Revival: SHAPE has won Caribbean Culture Fund support to restore an 1850s wooden ti kai in Roseau. The plans include a museum, cultural space and café offering young people business experience. Tourism Spotlight: Dominica placed 11th among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, earning recognition for its natural and cultural attractions. Digital Inclusion: Disability advocate and educator Beverly Leblanc represented Dominica at an international advocacy workshop in Brussels, promoting accessible internet services. Art & Identity: Roseau’s “The Anatomy of Self” exhibition opens October 17, while shows at Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay explore water, nature and creative diversity. Kwéyòl Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl returns to the Botanic Gardens October 19–22, with more than 90 entrepreneurs showcasing food, crafts, music and traditions. Youth & Opportunity: A new 20-week farmers field school aims to build young people’s skills and participation in agriculture.

Tourism: Dominica placed 11th among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, earning recognition for its natural attractions and cultural heritage. Arts: New exhibitions are bringing Dominican creativity to the fore: WAA and Prevo Cinemall’s The Anatomy of Self opens October 17, while Fort Young and Secret Bay are showcasing works inspired by water, nature and diversity. Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl returns to the Botanic Gardens October 19–22, with more than 90 entrepreneurs expected to showcase food, crafts and local traditions. National Identity: National Emblems Week is taking patriotism into schools and communities, with activities celebrating the flag and Dominica’s heritage. Representation: Disability inclusion advocate Beverly Leblanc represented Dominica at an international digital advocacy workshop in Brussels, sharing her work to make internet access more accessible. Achievement: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson has received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UWI, adding to recognition of her historic sporting success.

Art & Identity: The Waitukubuli Artist Association and Prevo Cinemall open “The Anatomy of Self” in Roseau on October 17, bringing together works on heritage, memory and identity. Fort Young’s “Waters We Become” and Secret Bay’s “Diversity” are also on view, exploring nature and artistic expression. Kweyòl & Community: Ti Vilaj Kweyòl returns to the Botanic Gardens October 19–22, with more than 90 entrepreneurs showcasing local food, crafts and culture. National Heritage: Flag Day launched National Emblems Week, with community activities promoting pride in Dominica’s symbols and history ahead of the 48th Independence anniversary. Sport & Inspiration: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson received an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI, adding to recognition of her historic achievement and advocacy for women in sport. Food & Farming: World Food Day activities run through October 16, highlighting youth, innovation and more resilient food systems.

Arts & Identity: The Waitukubuli Artist Association and Prevo Cinemall open “The Anatomy of Self” in Roseau on October 17. The group show brings together painting, photography, sculpture and more to explore identity, heritage and lived experience. Nature in Art: Fort Young’s “Waters We Become” considers people’s ties to rivers and sea, while Secret Bay’s “Diversity” showcases Dominican artist JeanClaude Elias Nassief; both exhibitions run into 2027. Youth Health: Psychiatrist Dr Nadia Wallace urges Dominica to consider raising the legal age for alcohol and marijuana use, saying young people’s brains need time to develop. National Culture: Flag Day launched National Emblems Week, with community activities promoting the meaning of Dominica’s flag and national pride. Coming Up: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl returns to the Botanic Gardens October 19–22, with more than 90 entrepreneurs, local food, crafts, music and cultural performances. Recognition: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson has received an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI, recognising her sporting achievements and advocacy for women in sport. Women’s Voices: Dominican women are invited to submit poetry, prose or spoken word to “One Last Thread,” a Commonwealth-wide creative call focused on gender equality.

National Heritage: Dominica’s National Flag Day on October 12 opened National Emblems Week, with cultural officials taking activities into schools and communities to build pride in the country’s symbols and heritage. Community & Sport: Kalinago Blasters thrashed Gladiators by 157 runs in the DCA Intermediate League, while KFC Summits beat Starlites by 67. Police are also seeking information on missing 14-year-old Kenan Peters; call 1-800-4357 (HELP). Coming Up: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl returns to the Botanic Gardens October 19–22, featuring more than 90 entrepreneurs, Dominican food, crafts, music and cultural performances, with a focus on the blue economy. Inspiration: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UWI, recognising her sporting achievements and advocacy for women in sport. Women’s Voices: Dominican women are invited to submit poetry, prose or spoken word for the “One Last Thread” creative call ahead of the Commonwealth Women’s Forum.

National Pride: Dominica opened National Emblems Week with Flag Day on October 12, celebrating the flag as a symbol of heritage and unity. School and community activities are planned as the country marks its 48th Independence anniversary. Kwéyòl Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl returns to the Botanic Gardens from October 19–22, with more than 90 entrepreneurs showcasing local food, crafts and culture. This year’s fifth edition spotlights the blue economy, with live music and folk performances. A Champion Honoured: Olympic gold medallist Thea LaFond-Gadson received an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI on October 11. The university recognised her sporting achievements and her impact as a role model for young people and women in sport. Independence Season: Community festivals and Hard Kwéyòl Dress Friday are among activities celebrating Dominica’s traditions and community spirit. Women’s Voices: Dominican women are invited to submit poetry, prose or spoken word to “One Last Thread,” a Commonwealth creative call focused on gender equality ahead of the November Commonwealth summit in Antigua.

National Identity: Dominica marked Flag Day on October 11, while National Emblems Week brings community and school activities to promote understanding of the flag and other symbols. Sport & Education: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson received an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI, adding to recognition of her historic gold medal and advocacy for women in sport. Creole Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl returns to the Botanic Gardens October 19–22, with more than 90 entrepreneurs showcasing local food, crafts, music and traditions. Food & Farming: World Food Day activities run through October 16, highlighting youth, innovation and resilient food systems. Women & Creativity: Dominican women are invited to submit poetry, prose or spoken word for a Commonwealth-wide creative campaign ahead of the November forum. Community Alert: Police are seeking information about missing 14-year-old Kenan Peters of Eggleston. Heritage: A Black History Month feature traces how Belfast Charitable Society members profited from a sugar plantation on Dominica, while others campaigned against slavery.

Sport & Achievement: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson received an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI, with the university praising her perseverance and impact as a role model for young people. National Identity: Dominica marked Flag Day on October 11, while National Emblems Week brings flag displays and community visits aimed at deepening appreciation of the country’s symbols and heritage. Creole Culture: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl returns to the Botanic Gardens October 19–22 for its fifth year, featuring more than 90 entrepreneurs, local food, crafts, music and cultural performances. Women’s Voices: Dominican women are invited to submit poetry, prose or spoken word to “One Last Thread,” a Commonwealth-wide creative call on gender equality ahead of November’s CHOGM. Youth & Agriculture: Wesley farmer and police officer Dywany St. John, named CARICOM’s 2026 Young Farmer of the Year, is encouraging young people to see farming as a viable livelihood.

Culture & Independence: Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl returns to the Botanic Gardens October 19–22, with more than 90 entrepreneurs showcasing Dominican food, crafts and entertainment. The fifth-anniversary event will spotlight the blue economy as part of Independence celebrations. Women’s Voices: Dominican women are invited to submit poetry, prose or spoken-word recordings for “One Last Thread,” a Commonwealth creative campaign on gender equality ahead of November’s CHOGM in Antigua. National Pride: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson has received an honorary UWI doctorate for her contribution to sport, adding to recognition of Dominica’s first Olympic medallist. Food & Farming: World Food Day activities run through October 16 under the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” with youth agriculture showcases, school outreach and creative activities. Young farmer Dywany St. John, named CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year, is also drawing attention to farming as a career for Dominica’s next generation.

Women’s Voices: Dominican women are invited to submit poetry, short prose or spoken-word recordings for “One Last Thread,” a Commonwealth-wide creative call on women’s lived experiences and gender equality ahead of the November 2026 leaders’ meeting in Antigua. A National Honour: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson has received an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI Five Islands Campus, recognising her contribution to sport and her historic first Olympic medal for Dominica. Independence Celebrations: District festivals, Hard Kweyol Dress Friday and Mahaut’s Market Day with a Difference are among the activities marking Dominica’s 48th anniversary of independence. Food and Farming: World Food Day activities run through October 16, with school outreach, youth showcases and a focus on innovation and resilient food systems. Football Spotlight: Visit Nature has launched GAME DAY Magazine, covering national and domestic football, women’s and youth programmes, and Dominican players abroad.

Sport and Recognition: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson has received an honorary UWI doctorate, adding to the honours she earned after winning Dominica’s first Olympic medal. A new digital magazine, GAME DAY, will cover Dominican football, from youth development and women’s football to the national team. Food and Farming: Dominica’s World Food Day programme runs through October 16, with school activities, youth showcases and a focus on innovative, sustainable food production. Independence Celebrations: District festivals, Hard Kweyol Dress Friday and Mahaut’s Market Day with a Difference are among the events marking the country’s 48th anniversary. Opportunity for Young Women: The Vision to Velocity initiative is connecting Caribbean women aged 17 to 25 with business leaders, skills and opportunities to build their futures at home. Nature and Wellbeing: Dominica placed 11th among 20 Caribbean and Atlantic islands in Condé Nast Traveler’s readers’ awards, while 83 hikers recently took on the Boeri Lake Trail for World Heart Day.

Sport & Recognition: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson has received an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI, adding to the recognition she earned for winning Dominica’s first Olympic medal. Football: Visit Nature has launched GAME DAY Magazine, a digital publication covering Dominican football, from the national team and domestic competitions to women’s and youth development. Food & Farming: Dominica’s World Food Day activities run through October 16 under the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” with school outreach and a youth-focused agriculture and food innovation showcase. Culture Abroad: Dominica’s ambassador to China, Martin Charles, joined the first Latin American and Caribbean Day in Beijing, featuring regional performances, food and crafts to encourage cultural exchange. Independence Season: Community festivals, Hard Kweyol Dress Friday and a Market Day with a Difference are among activities marking Dominica’s 48th anniversary. Young Women: The Vision to Velocity initiative is connecting Caribbean women aged 17–25 with business and leadership guidance, promoting opportunities to build careers at home. Regional Travel: Contour Airlines’ new twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica service adds a travel option ahead of the World Creole Music Festival.

Young Women: The Vision to Velocity initiative is urging greater investment in Caribbean women aged 17–25, helping them build careers and businesses without feeling they must leave the region. Independence Celebrations: Dominica’s 48th-anniversary programme continues with district festivals in Pointe Michel on Saturday and Woodford Hill on Sunday, alongside Mahaut’s Market Day with a Difference and National Emblems Week from Monday. Creole Music Festival: The Oct. 23–25 lineup pairs local acts including WCK, Exile One and Midnight Groovers with international performers such as Ne-Yo, Machel Montano and Capleton. Youth and Heritage: Wesley farmer and police officer Dywany St. John, named CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year, is encouraging young people to see agriculture as a viable business. Nature Island Appeal: Dominica placed 11th among 20 Caribbean and Atlantic islands in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, recognised for its rainforests, rivers and waterfalls.

Independence Season: Dominica’s 48th anniversary celebrations continue with Hard Kweyol Dress Friday, district festivals in Pointe Michel and Woodford Hill, and Market Day with a Difference in Mahaut. National Emblems Week begins Monday with Flag Day. Women’s Opportunities: The Vision to Velocity initiative is urging greater investment in young Caribbean women, pairing participants with business leaders and networks to help them build careers and businesses at home. Faith and Books: Community leader McDonald L. Thomas has released the first volume of a planned series on Christian growth, spiritual formation and discipleship. Youth and Agriculture: Wesley farmer and police officer Dywany St. John, named CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year, is encouraging young people to see farming as a business and a source of opportunity. Festival and Heritage: The World Creole Music Festival returns October 23–25, with Dominica’s Midnight Groovers, Exile One and WCK among the performers; traditional crafts will also feature at the 13th E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture. Health and Outdoors: Eighty-three hikers took on the Boeri Lake Trail for Dominica’s World Heart Day event, promoting exercise and heart health.

Nature Island: Dominica placed 11th among 20 Caribbean and Atlantic islands in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, praised for its rainforests, rivers and hot springs. Health & Wellness: Eighty-three hikers took on the Boeri Lake Trail for a World Heart Day event promoting activity and heart health. Access for All: An opinion piece warns that moving government services online can leave people with disabilities shut out when websites are not accessible. Creole Culture: The 2026 World Creole Music Festival runs October 23–25, with WCK, Exile One and Midnight Groovers among the acts on a lineup spanning bouyon, reggae, soca and more. Traditional crafts will also take the spotlight at the E.O. LeBlanc Memorial Lecture, while a new wellness space is planned for Ti Vilaj Kwéyòl. Youth & Community: Wesley High School is celebrating 100 years of educating young women, and Tropipulp Dominica has provided school supplies to Newtown Primary students for a sixth year. Farming: Wesley farmer and police officer Dywany St. John, 29, was named CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year, bringing fresh attention to agriculture as a path for young people.

Nature & Travel: Dominica ranked 11th among 20 Caribbean and Atlantic islands in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, praised for its rainforests, rivers and waterfalls. Wellness: Eighty-three hikers tackled the Boeri Lake Trail for a World Heart Day event promoting active living and heart health. Creole Culture: The World Creole Music Festival returns to Roseau October 23–25, with WCK, Exile One and Midnight Groovers among the acts on a lineup spanning bouyon, reggae, soca and more. New twice-weekly Contour flights from Trinidad also offer another route for festival-goers. Traditional Arts: A UWI and Division of Culture lecture on October 8 will explore Dominican crafts and the natural materials behind them. Youth & Agriculture: Wesley farmer Dywany St. John, 29, has been named CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year, highlighting opportunities for young people in farming.