AGP Executive Report

Roseau North By-Election Fallout: UPP leader Joshua Francis rejected PM Roosevelt Skerrit’s claim that the Sept. 7 DLP win is a “vote of confidence,” pointing to turnout of about 34.6% (2,595 ballots of 7,489 registered) and saying the result reflects disengagement, not a national mandate. Electoral Process Scrutiny: UWP candidate Daniel Lugay raised concerns about voter confirmation, alleging hundreds who applied were missing from confirmed lists and that applicants faced late document demands. Official Results: The Electoral Office reported Ashma McDougall (DLP) won with 1,473 votes (58.45%) over Lugay (998; 39.60%) and independent Sherman Boston (49; 1.95%), with 32.5% turnout. Government Response: Skerrit congratulated McDougall and said Roseau North “spoke for the whole country,” while also citing a sharp UWP vote decline since 2019. Migration Update: Dominica confirmed it accepted a small quota of third-country nationals from the United States under the programme, with five Colombians already repatriated; Dominica says it has no remaining third-country nationals under the deal and is using IOM to manage future arrangements. Public Service & Education: PSU and Dominica State College management met over longstanding staff issues, including appointments; the State College also reported growth in new intakes. Culture: Kalinago Week 2026 will run Sept. 11–19, spotlighting indigenous heritage.

Roseau North By-Election: The Dominica Electoral Office says DLP newcomer Ashma C. McDougall has won the Sept. 7 Roseau North by-election, leading by 1,506 votes across N01 and N10. Preliminary figures put McDougall on 1,506, UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay on 983, and independent Sherman Boston on 50, from 2,595 ballots cast out of 7,489 registered electors; 15 were spoilt and 41 rejected. Ruling Party Message: PM Roosevelt Skerrit told supporters the result “spoke for the whole country,” framing it as an end to the debate over whether Dominica is on the right track. Housing Push: In parallel, government handed over 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, as part of a wider plan to deliver 215 homes and apartment units across nine communities. Disability Governance: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is welcomed, but questions remain about how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Regional Watch: CARICOM marked Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties and continued push for reparatory justice.

Roseau North By-election: Dominica Labour Party (DLP) candidate Ashma McDougall won the Roseau North seat, with preliminary figures showing 1,506 votes to UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay’s 983, and independent Sherman Boston on 50; the official recount began after polling concerns were raised by some voters. PM Skerrit on Result: Roosevelt Skerrit told supporters the constituency “spoke for the whole country,” framing the win as a verdict on Dominica being on the right track. Electoral Process: The Electoral Office suspended voter ID card distribution on by-election day and added a polling station, while turnout reports described a generally smooth vote. Housing Push: Government handed over 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East and reiterated plans to deliver 215 homes across nine communities, alongside a proposed EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers at 3.5%. Disability Affairs: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is welcomed by advocates, but questions remain about how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Regional/International: CARICOM marked CARICOM-Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties and reparations momentum.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall has been projected and reported as the winner of the Roseau North by-election, taking the seat from the UWP after polling strong numbers against Danny Lugay and independent Sherman Boston; the contest followed Miriam Blanchard’s resignation and saw turnout figures and polling logistics closely watched. Housing & Resilience: PM Roosevelt Skerrit continued the government’s housing push, handing over climate-resilient homes in Canefield East and reiterating plans to deliver 215 homes across nine communities, alongside a new EC$10M housing loan for eligible public officers at 3.5%. Electoral Office Updates: Ahead of polling day, the Electoral Office adjusted polling stations in Roseau North and suspended voter ID card distribution on by-election day, with collection resuming immediately after. Governance & Disability Policy: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is drawing questions about how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Regional & International Watch: CARICOM marked CARICOM-Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties, while U.S. President Donald Trump posted a map suggesting an expanded U.S. footprint across North America and parts of the Caribbean.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall has been projected and reported as the winner of the Sept. 7 Roseau North by-election, taking the seat with 1,407 votes over UWP’s Daniel “Danny” Lugay’s 974, after a three-way race that also included independent Sherman Boston; the Chief Elections Officer’s preliminary figures were cited, with the formal declaration still pending in early reporting. Election Process: The Electoral Office increased polling stations in District N09 (Goodwill Primary School) to ease congestion and also suspended voter ID card distribution at the Roseau office on by-election day, resuming the next day. Housing & Resilience: The government handed over keys to 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, as part of a wider plan to deliver 215 homes and apartment units across nine communities, alongside a new EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers. Governance & Accountability: Commentary and debate continued around a proposed National Disability Affairs Unit and how it would interact with the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Regional & Global Watch: CARICOM marked the fifth Africa Day with renewed calls for stronger Caribbean-Africa ties, while a separate report warned the world has broken the 1.5°C climate promise—an issue small states say they can’t afford.

Roseau North By-election: With Monday’s vote set for Sept. 7, the Electoral Office says there will be no voter ID card distribution at its Jewel Street office on election day, and polling logistics are being tightened, including adding a polling station in District N09 (Goodwill Primary School) to reduce congestion. Campaign Focus: Candidates are pitching different priorities: independent Sherman Boston is stressing unity and jobs; DLP’s Ashma McDougall is pushing local infrastructure and drainage/sanitation fixes in Gutter; and UWP’s Danny Lugay is tying his bid to economic and tourism initiatives for youth employment. Housing Delivery: PM Skerrit continues the “housing revolution,” approving a EC$10M loan facility at 3.5% for eligible public officers earning EC$45,000 or less, and handing over climate-resilient homes—11 keys in Canefield East with a wider 215-home rollout across nine communities. Governance & Rights: Electoral Reform Coalition backs Gregor Nassief after remarks by PM Skerrit, while the Dominica Business Forum raises concerns about alleged monitoring of a private meeting. Regional Watch: The U.S. says it’s grateful to Guyana for receiving vetted non-criminal deportees under a new one-year migration framework.

Roseau North By-election: Dominicans head to the polls on Monday, Sept. 7, to replace Miriam Blanchard, with candidates Daniel “Danny” Lugay (UWP), Ashma McDougall (DLP) and independent Sherman Boston. A DNO poll ahead of voting put Lugay on 51.42% (271 votes), McDougall on 41.37% (218) and Boston on 7.21% (38). Electoral Office Updates: Voter ID card distribution is paused at the Jewel Street office on election day, and resumes Tuesday; the office also added a polling station in District N09 (Goodwill Primary School) to reduce congestion. Housing & Public Finance: PM Skerrit announced a housing push—11 climate-resilient homes handed over in Canefield East, with 215 homes across nine communities to follow—and a new EC$10M housing loan facility for eligible public officers earning EC$45,000 or less. Campaign Themes: Lugay’s pitch centers on economic development and waste management, while McDougall highlights footpaths, drainage, sanitation and community facilities; Boston stresses unity, local employment and practical community development. Regional & Global Watch: A CARICOM update says its Eminent Persons Group is stepping up engagement with Haiti ahead of elections, while a letter warns small states are being hit hardest as the world breaks the 1.5°C climate promise.

Housing Delivery: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will hand over 215 climate-resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities, with 11 already being delivered in Canefield East as part of a wider “housing revolution.” Roseau North By-Election Logistics: The Electoral Office will not distribute voter ID cards on Monday, Sept. 7, and has added a polling station in Roseau North’s N09 district (now five stations at Goodwill Primary School) to reduce congestion. Campaign Focus: DLP’s Ashma McDougall is pushing community upgrades in Gutter—footpaths, drainage, sanitation and facilities—while PM Skerrit urges voters to turn out and back McDougall, arguing the UWP has disappointed. Three-Way Race: Independent Sherman Boston is campaigning on unity and jobs, and UWP’s Danny Lugay is pitching tourism-linked youth employment; the DFP also backs Lugay. Climate & Governance: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks over about nine months, with stakeholder consultation. Regional Politics: CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group is in Haiti engaging political actors ahead of the Dec. 13 elections.

Roseau North By-Election Logistics: The Electoral Office says voter ID card distribution at its Jewel Street office will pause on Monday, Sept. 7, then resume Tuesday, Sept. 8 (9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.), while it also adds a fifth polling station in District N09 (Goodwill Primary School) to ease congestion. Campaign Focus: Independent candidate Sherman Boston is pitching unity, jobs and practical community development, while DLP’s Ashma McDougall highlights footpaths, drainage, sanitation and community facilities in Gutter, and UWP’s Danny Lugay pushes tourism-linked youth employment. Political Pressure & Endorsements: Opposition groups are lining up behind Lugay (UPP and Dominica Freedom Party), while the Electoral Reform Coalition and Dominica Business Forum raise concerns over alleged state monitoring tied to Gregor Nassief’s calls for electoral reform. Housing & Health: Government handed over keys for 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East and announced a $10M housing loan facility for public officers earning $45,000 or less at 5% interest; finance minister also commissioned the renamed Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre. Environment & Governance: Dominica is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks over about nine months, and CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group is stepping up Haiti engagement ahead of elections.

Housing Delivery: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit handed over keys to 11 climate-resilient homes in Canefield East, with officials saying the first phase is part of a wider 215-home rollout across nine communities. Housing Finance: Skerrit also announced a new $10M housing loan facility for public officers earning $45,000 or less, offering financing at 5% interest. Roseau North By-Election: The campaign heats up ahead of Sept. 7 as DLP’s Ashma McDougall pushes “delivery” in Gutter, while UWP’s Danny Lugay promotes youth-focused tourism initiatives; meanwhile, the Electoral Office says it is ready and voting will start at 7 a.m. Political Tensions: Businessman Gregor Nassief says he is seeking legal advice after CCTV footage allegedly showed members of the PM’s security detail at a private meeting, while the Electoral Reform Coalition and Dominica Business Forum have raised concerns about alleged monitoring. Protected Areas: Government is revising management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin National Parks, with a nine-month process and stakeholder consultation underway.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica’s Roseau North race heats up as PM Roosevelt Skerrit urges voters to back DLP candidate Ashma McDougall, while UWP’s Danny Lugay pushes tourism-led youth jobs and the DFP throws its support behind Lugay. Campaign Focus: McDougall outlines delivery priorities for Gutter—footpaths, drainage, sanitation, community facilities and housing—while Skerrit and party supporters frame the vote as a choice on governance and accountability. Polling & Logistics: An Only Polls online survey shows McDougall leading among respondents, and the Chief Elections Officer says the electoral office is ready, with voting set for 7am across 27 polling stations. Electoral Integrity Row: Businessman Gregor Nassief escalates his dispute over alleged monitoring of a private meeting, seeking legal advice, as the Electoral Reform Coalition and Dominica Business Forum raise concerns. Governance Beyond Politics: Government updates protected-area management plans for Morne Trois Pitons and Morne Diablotin, and announces the commissioning/renaming of the Nurses’ Parillon and Peter Health Centre. Local Economy & Security: A US$75m cruise village deal is advancing for Roseau North, while police report nine homicides so far this year and a record cocaine seizure.

Roseau North By-Election: Dominica’s electoral office says it’s ready for the Sept. 7 Roseau North by-election, with voting set for 7 a.m. across 27 polling stations. Campaign Trail: DLP candidate Ashma McDougall is pushing “delivery” themes in online and on-the-ground campaigning, while UWP candidate Danny Lugay is pitching tourism initiatives aimed at youth jobs. Polling Buzz: An Only Polls online survey puts McDougall ahead with 67.6% (96 of 142) versus Lugay’s 32.4% (46), in a race that also includes independent Sherman “Donty” Boston. Opposition Moves: The UPP has endorsed Lugay, calling for opposition cooperation and tactical voting. Governance & Housing: The government is moving ahead with “Welcome Home” handovers for 215 climate-resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities, starting this September. Public Safety: Acting Police Chief Davidson Valerie reports nine homicides so far this year and a record cocaine seizure worth over EC$67 million, with arrests and charges underway. Political Tension: Businessman Gregor Nassief says he’s seeking legal advice after CCTV footage allegedly showed members of the PM’s security detail at a private civic meeting, raising monitoring concerns. Leadership in Tourism: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO, with founder Gregor Nassief shifting to Group Executive Director.

Roseau North By-Election: The UPP has endorsed UWP candidate Daniel “Danny” Lugay for the Sept. 7 vote, urging opposition cooperation in the three-way race against DLP’s Ashma McDougall and independent Sherman Boston. Housing & Resilience: Government says “Welcome Home” ceremonies will begin Sept. 4 for the first 11 families in Canefield East, with keys soon to follow for 215 climate-resilient homes and apartment units across nine communities. Crime & Drugs: Acting Police Chief Davidson Valerie reports nine homicides so far this year and a record cocaine seizure in four months, with EC$67 million-plus street value and multiple arrests. Political Tensions: Hotelier Gregor Nassief says CCTV allegedly showed PM Roosevelt Skerrit’s security personnel at a private Fort Young civic meeting, and he’s also seeking legal advice; questions are rising about his reported move toward the UWP. Business Leadership: GEMS Holdings appoints Marvlyn James as Acting CEO, with founder Gregor Nassief shifting to Group Executive Director. Regional Watch: St Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew says he is in “good spirits” and stable after medical evaluations in South Florida, while Nevis continues regional parliamentary work in Jamaica.

Housing Handover: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica will begin “Welcome Home” ceremonies this Friday, Sept. 4, inviting 11 Canefield East families to receive keys to climate-resilient homes, with a wider rollout of 215 new homes and apartment units across nine communities (Canefield East, Trafalgar, Vieille Case, Paix Bouche, Pointe Michel, Grand Bay, Penville, Wesley and Woodford Hill). Elderly Support: Government reaffirmed its commitment to seniors during the launch of the Council on Ageing’s 2026 Month of the Elderly, citing programmes like Yes We Care, the 65-and-over non-contributory pension and the centenarian programme. Roseau North By-Election: With the Sept. 7 vote ahead, DLP leaders including Skerrit campaigned in Yampiece for Ashma McDougall, while UWP leader Dr Thomson Fontaine backs Danny Lugay; the race is framed as “about delivery” and tied to housing and public service claims. Electoral Reform Scrutiny: Commentary highlights concerns around the Roseau North registration saga as Dominica’s electoral reform rollout continues. Education & Assessment: CXC tightened School-Based Assessment rules for June 2026, adding originality checks and declarations as AI use grows. GEMS Leadership Change: GEMS Holdings appointed Marvlyn James as Acting CEO effective Sept. 1, with founder Gregor Nassief shifting to Group Executive Director.

Roseau North By-Election: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and DLP candidate Ashma McDougall cranked up campaigning in Yampiece ahead of the Sept. 7 vote, arguing the contest is about “delivery” and warning that opposition plans to shrink the public service could threaten housing and senior support. Housing & Social Protection: The government says it will hand over 215 newly built resilient homes across nine communities starting this Friday, while also reaffirming its commitment to older citizens through programmes including Yes We Care, the 65-and-over pension and centenarian support. Education & Governance: UWI Five Islands LLB classes are drawing political heat after UPP senator Jonathan Wehner condemned the decision to hold law classes at the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party headquarters. Electoral Integrity Debate: Commentary continues to swirl around the Roseau North registration saga as the by-election approaches. Climate & Inclusion: Six Caribbean groups received small grants to advance grassroots climate justice advocacy, and the UN launched its HireAbility campaign pushing disability-inclusive employment across the region. Public Safety/Justice: Another police officer was arrested in the Jerbiah Paul murder investigation, with multiple officers now on remand.

Roseau North By-Election: With polling set for Sept. 7, the DLP is pushing Ashma McDougall hard in Yampiece, while PM Roosevelt Skerrit argues the seat matters and says opposition has been absent since 2019. UWP Challenge: Questions are also swirling around businessman Gregor Nassief, who is reportedly lining up with the UWP and appearing alongside UWP figures—critics say the timing looks like pressure on the government after CBI-related disputes. Electoral Reform Tension: A commentary highlights a “registration saga” tied to the Roseau North by-election and Dominica’s wider voter list confirmation reforms. Education & AI: CXC has tightened School-Based Assessment rules for June 2026, adding originality checks and signed declarations as AI use grows. Health & Disability: Government plans a dedicated National Disability Affairs Unit, while the UN launches a regional HireAbility campaign urging Caribbean employers to hire people with disabilities on fair, inclusive terms. Public Safety: A letter to the editor calls for action at Canefield Cliff after repeated crashes.