AGP Executive Report

USVI School Readiness: Senators grilled Education and Maintenance Bureau officials on whether campuses will be ready for the Aug. 10 school reopening, with St. Croix’s new Arthur A. Richards Pre-K-8 slated to open then. St. Croix Crime: Two separate Home Depot grand larceny incidents led to a vehicle chase and arrests of two men after high-end air conditioners were stolen. WAPA Blackout Fallout: After a district-wide blackout, WAPA blamed diesel delivery delays and generator trips, but critics say the real issue is payment and fuel logistics. Tourism Development: Club Med broke ground on Club Med St. Croix, targeting a 2027 opening and positioning the resort as its first USVI property. Regional Policy: CARICOM pushed decolonisation and reparations proposals that include calls for Britain to give up territories. Finance & Compliance: FATF updated its high-risk and monitored lists, removing Algeria and Namibia while adding Bosnia and Iraq. Business/Legal: A Glenmark generic drug price-fixing settlement worth $29.6 million was announced by AGs, with residents potentially eligible if they bought certain drugs between 2009 and 2019. Community Health: Rotary Club of Central Tortola kicked off its 2026-2027 year with a focus on maternal and child health.

Local Governance & Taxes: Former legislator Archibald C. Christian says the Virgin Islands shouldn’t need new taxes if government manages spending better, arguing derelict vehicles and other public-asset problems persist due to weak enforcement and poor management. Education Readiness: On St. Thomas, senators grilled Education and Maintenance Bureau officials on whether schools will be ready for students’ Aug. 10 return, including security and construction progress tied to FEMA-funded reconstruction. Tourism & Investment: Club Med broke ground on Club Med St. Croix, its first U.S. Virgin Islands property opening in 2027, with officials touting the resort’s role in bringing more visitors and jobs. Power & Reliability: A St. Croix editorial blasts WAPA’s explanation for recent blackouts and rotational outage chaos, accusing the utility of blaming “transportation delays” and generator issues while residents point to deeper financial and operational problems. Caribbean Politics: CARICOM renewed calls for decolonisation and reparations, including a push for Britain to relinquish territories such as the British Virgin Islands. Justice & Epstein Files: The U.S. DOJ says it can’t provide unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files requested by New Mexico, escalating a dispute with state investigators. Health & Consumer Costs: Multiple U.S. states and territories announced a $29.6 million Glenmark settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing, with consumers potentially eligible for compensation. Weather Watch: NOAA/NHC briefings warn of Saharan dust, extreme heat risk, and early tropical activity affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands forecast.

USVI Weather Watch: A new forecast for the U.S. Virgin Islands warns of Saharan dust, extreme heat, and the first tropical waves of the season, with hazy skies and elevated fire danger risk on St. Croix. Constitutional Talks (VI): PLM leader Mark H. Vanterpool says Anegada and Jost van Dyke don’t need a boundaries commission to gain House of Assembly representation, arguing instead for one district representative for each island community during VI–UK constitutional negotiations. Local Governance: Vanterpool’s push challenges Premier Natalio Wheatley’s position and frames the change as strengthening democracy and diversifying the economy beyond Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Public Safety: On St. Croix, a trash-dumping dispute turned violent, with a woman arrested after allegedly fracturing a neighbor’s nose during the confrontation. Regional Politics/Reparations: CARICOM leaders renewed calls for Britain to return British Virgin Islands and other territories and to back reparations, citing ongoing colonial constraints. Travel/Connectivity: Breeze Airways plans a new winter nonstop route from Tampa to St. Thomas starting Dec. 16, offering twice-weekly service. Health/Consumer Protection: Multiple U.S. attorneys general announced a $29.6 million Glenmark settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing, with residents potentially eligible to claim compensation.

Caribbean Reparations Push: A Caricom delegation in the UK is demanding Britain return the British Virgin Islands and other overseas territories, alongside reparations and a decolonisation commitment from King Charles. Local Justice Scrutiny: In the BVI, “witch-hunt” claims continue as a High Court mistrial was reported in a case involving UK police charges tied to the Elmore Stoutt High School wall. USVI Health Alert: Health advocates are warning residents to be cautious with imported fresh produce amid a growing Cyclospora outbreak in the U.S., with the territory’s heavy reliance on imports raising concern. Regional Aviation Pressure: Antigua and Barbuda’s PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing long delays and missed connections that disrupt travel across the region, including to the BVI. St. Croix Crime: A Home Depot air-conditioner theft led to a high-speed St. Croix chase and the arrest of a local man on grand larceny charges. Sports Spotlight: The U.S. Virgin Islands was named in regional tournament coverage, including a volleyball result where Belize’s Nisaan Martinez beat the USVI in the Pan American Cup.

Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions climbed to $637 million ahead of Tuesday’s drawing, with a cash value of $278 million and no jackpot winner reported from July 10. Local Justice Concerns: A BVI “witch-hunt” case involving local businessman Kelvin Thomas ended in a mistrial and dismissal after High Court Judge Angelica Teelucksingh ruled against the prosecution. Health Alert: USVI residents are being urged to use extra caution with imported fresh produce as a Cyclospora outbreak expands across the U.S., with thousands of cases reported in multiple states. Regional Politics/Reparations: CARICOM leaders are pushing Britain to return territories including the British Virgin Islands as part of slavery reparations and a broader decolonisation push. Court Watch (USVI): Two men face serious felony charges in separate St. Thomas cases, including assault with a deadly weapon and first-degree unlawful sexual contact. Community & Culture: The VI’s Krystle J. Maduro collected multiple awards at the Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen pageant in Tortola. Energy/Travel Policy: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne renewed calls for an OECS airline, citing frequent flight delays and cancellations affecting regional travel.

Commonwealth Games Team: Commonwealth Sport BVI named 11 athletes and officials for Glasgow 2026, with Adaejah T. Hodge as flag bearer and Jaleel Croal as baton bearer; the squad includes track stars like Beyoncé Defreitas, Rikkoi Brathwaite, Wanyaé Belle, Kaelyaah Liburd and Deya Erickson, plus field athletes Khybah Dawson, Djimon Gumbs, Chantel Malone and Kimberly A. Smith. Pageant Spotlight: Krystle J. Maduro brought home multiple awards at the Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen pageant in Tortola, while Milove Fontaine (Antigua & Barbuda) won the overall crown. Youth Athletics Medals: Team VI returned from the NACAC U18 & U23 Championships in Mexico with 1 gold and 2 silvers, including T’Keiya Smith’s U18 high jump gold and silver medals from Andre Smikle and Jah’kyla Morton. Sports Results at Home: VI squash players secured 3 golds and a bronze at the CASA Junior Championships in Tortola. Public Health Campaign: The Ministry of Health launched its “Wrap It Up” festival safety push (July 13–Aug. 7) urging safer sex, hydration, and “don’t drink and drive.” Local Governance & Water Crisis: Second District Rep. Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull says Jost Van Dyke residents have been without reliable potable water for more than four months, with families bathing in seawater. Court Watch: Two felony cases were filed in St. Thomas Superior Court, including weapons assault and first-degree unlawful sexual contact charges.

BVI Education & Health: PHSU BVI student Lucianne Rivera placed second in the Quality Improvement category at Puerto Rico’s San Lucas Summer Research Programme, and the school also flagged its ECFMG Sponsor Note milestone that helps eligible students pursue ECFMG Certification. Festival Safety: The Ministry of Health and Social Development launched its “Wrap It Up Before You Wuk It Up” campaign (July 13–Aug. 7) urging safer sex, no drink-driving, hydration, and not mixing medicines with alcohol. Local Recognition: The 2026 Virgin Islands Icon Awards at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex handed out major honours including Alton A. Bertie as Man of the Year. Sports (VI): The Virgin Islands squash team brought home 3 golds and a bronze at the CASA Championships in Tortola. Renewable Energy: Road Town Wholesale commissioned a 1-megawatt rooftop solar system at Pasea Estate—expected to cover about 30% of its annual electricity needs. Water Crisis (Jost Van Dyke): Second District Rep. Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull told the House residents have been without reliable potable water for more than four months in any 12-month period, with businesses forced to shut down. Regional Spotlight: Milove Fontaine, representing Antigua & Barbuda, won Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen 2026 in Tortola. Crime & Courts (St. Thomas): A St. Thomas man tied to a “hooded heist” is facing a second set of charges after court documents alleged his SUV helped coordinate another theft involving minors.

VI Sports: The Virgin Islands junior squash team made a splash at the CASA Championships in Tortola, winning 3 golds and a bronze—Leela Mellor (bronze U11), Jakob Noblett-Diaz (gold U15), Delilah Pease (gold U15), and Danny Henderson (gold U19). Local Sports: The VI also featured in ECVA U20 beach volleyball action in St. Kitts, with BVI pairs advancing and matches shaping the semifinals. Community & Health: A pediatric health reminder highlights how indoor air pollution can hit children hard, with tips focused on cutting sources, improving ventilation, and being mindful of where kids spend time. Public Access & Environment: DPNR in the VI acquired 4.77 acres at Mt. Welcome to expand public access to Altona Lagoon, funded through NOAA’s Climate and Resilience program. Energy & Business: Road Town Wholesale Trading (RTW) marked completion of a 1-megawatt rooftop solar installation at Pasea Estate, expected to supply about 30% of annual electricity demand. Crime Update: Police in St. Thomas say a workplace assault at Bovoni CC1 Distributor led to the arrest of Shaquani Milliner, charged with third-degree assault.

Sports—VI Tennis: Trinidad & Tobago beat the U.S. Virgin Islands to win promotion in Davis Cup Americas Group III, with Kamran McIntosh-Ross and Dillon Beckles sealing the win. Sports—Beach Volleyball: ECVA U20 Beach Volleyball action in St. Kitts saw local teams advance, including BVI pairs playing in the men’s draw. Sports—Taekwondo: The Virgin Islands Taekwondo team made history with a 14-medal haul at the World Championships in Gimcheon, South Korea. Local Crime—St. Thomas Theft Case: A St. Thomas man tied to a Havensight dirt bike heist faces a second wave of charges, with court documents alleging the same weekend involved a wider theft ring with minors. Environment & Land Access—St. Croix: DPNR acquired 4.77 acres at Mt. Welcome to expand public access to Altona Lagoon. Energy—Tortola Solar: RTW completed a 1-megawatt rooftop solar installation at Pasea Estate, a $1.9M investment aimed at cutting electricity demand. Regional—CARICOM: Martinique officially joined CARICOM as an associate member after a decade-long process. Sports—Basketball: VG Bayside Blazers are set for St. Maarten’s “Bring Ya Best” tournament with a revamped roster.

Local Politics & Accountability: In the US Virgin Islands, the Democratic gubernatorial debate turned into a fight over who’s responsible for the Territory’s stalled progress, with Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach defending the Bryan-Roach record, Delegate Stacey Plaskett pushing for execution over announcements, and Donna Frett-Gregory pitching her local management experience. Public Safety: The RVIPF is appealing for information in the July 6 murder of K’moi Walters, urging anyone with details (even “insignificant” ones) to contact the Intelligence Unit or Crime Stoppers. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting wrapped in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, with leaders including BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley and Prime Minister Philip Davis discussing climate finance, regional security, Haiti, Cuba, and CARICOM’s direction. Sports (BVI in the spotlight): Adaejah Hodge made a strong Diamond League 200m debut in Monaco, finishing second behind Julien Alfred, while Hodge’s BVI teammate spotlighted the wider Caribbean sprint surge. Sports (Basketball): The FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifier starts July 12 in Managua with the Virgin Islands in Group B, chasing three qualification spots. Business & Travel: Windstar Cruises launched a “More Reasons to Say Yes” limited-time offer for new 2026 bookings, including an all-inclusive upgrade and reduced deposits. Community & Youth: Rami Garcia was selected for consideration for a BVI Asia Study Abroad Scholarship after the BVI Film Commission Summer Film Academy.

USVI Politics: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach, Delegate Stacey Plaskett and former Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory sparred in a St. Croix debate over who’s responsible for the Territory’s stalled progress, from hospitals and schools to utilities, disaster recovery, crime and tourism. BVI/VI Security: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is appealing for public help in the July 6 murder of K’moi Walters, asking anyone with information to contact the Intelligence Unit or Crime Stoppers. Regional Maritime: A BVI Ports Authority delegation attended the PMAC AGM in Suriname, discussing port electrification, maritime security and infrastructure resilience. Sports (VI ties): Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred set a national record and won the Monaco Diamond League 200m in 21.51, with British Virgin Islands’ Adaejah Hodge taking second; Emmanuel Wanyonyi also broke the 1,000m world record. Business/Community: SBA opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards, with USVI included among eligible jurisdictions. Culture/Youth: Rami Garcia was selected for consideration for a BVI Asia Study Abroad Scholarship after the BVI Film Commission Summer Film Academy.

BVI/VI Constitutional Talks: The Virgin Islands and the UK will kick off the first formal round of constitutional negotiations on July 14–15, exploring possible revisions to the 2007 Constitution Order, with Premier Natalio Wheatley leading the VI side. Local Policing Update: The East End Police Station on Tortola will stay closed “until further notice” as renovations continue, with officers temporarily based at the East End/Long Look Community Centre starting July 13. Waste Management: Virgin Gorda’s dumpsite has reopened after a July 3 fire, though officials say residual smoke may linger and residents should limit time there. Diamond League Spotlight (BVI connection): Adaejah Hodge (BVI) finished second in the Monaco 200m debut with 21.76, behind Julien Alfred’s 21.51 world lead; Alfred also won the 200m and Emmanuel Wanyonyi set a 1,000m world record. Public Safety/Crime: A St. Thomas man, Ra’Jahni Hendrickson, was arrested after surveillance linked him and two minors to a stolen work truck found wedged against a Sugar Estate business. Sports (Region): T&T’s Davis Cup men beat Cuba 2-1 and moved within a game of promotion, potentially setting up a playoff against the USVI. Business/Tech: Windstar launched a “More Reasons to Say Yes” cruise promotion, while VI Motors announced it’s now the authorised dealer for OMODA & JAECOO in the territory.

Monaco Diamond League: St. Lucian sprinter Julien Alfred roared to a 21.51 world lead to win the women’s 200m, while British Virgin Islands’ Adaejah T. Hodge finished second in her 200m debut (21.76), with Gabby Thomas third (21.84). World record moment: Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi smashed the men’s 1,000m world record in Monaco, clocking 2:11.83. Local policing update: The East End Police Station in Tortola will stay closed “until further notice” for renovations, with officers temporarily based at the East End/Long Look Community Centre starting July 13. Constitution talks: The Virgin Islands and the UK will begin the first round of formal constitutional negotiations July 14–15, with Premier Natalio Wheatley leading the VI side. Waste management: Virgin Gorda’s dumpsite reopened after a July 3 fire, though officials warned residual smoke may linger. Cyber/military policy: The U.S. Army ordered tighter social media controls, limiting official accounts and including one for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Business/tech: VI Motors says it’s now the authorised dealer for Omoda & Jaecoo in the British Virgin Islands.

Water Crisis: Works Minister Kye Rymer says the BVI’s ongoing water shortages stem from decades of ageing, neglected infrastructure—not recent decisions—pointing to old distribution lines, deteriorating reservoirs, and shutdowns of key plants. Local Policing: The East End Police Station will temporarily move to the East End/Long Look Community Centre starting Monday, July 13, while renovations continue, with residents urged to use 311 or 368-9415 for help. Constitution Talks: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the government has done “everything” ahead of formal constitutional negotiations with the UK on July 14–15, following public consultations and House work. Culture & History: Culture Minister Luce Hodge-Smith calls for a coordinated push to retrieve Virgin Islands records held overseas, citing collections she learned about at King’s College in the UK. Marine Protection: The Center for Biological Diversity sues NOAA Fisheries over queen conch protections, arguing critical habitat still hasn’t been designated. Health Recognition: BVIHSA wins a top APIC Film Festival prize for its infection-prevention short film, “A Symphony of Guardians.” Sports: Adaejah T. Hodge headlines BVI athletics at Friday’s Monaco Diamond League 200m, facing Julien Alfred and Gabby Thomas.

BVI Water Crisis Clash: Road Town’s Honourable Kye Rymer and Opposition Leader Marlon Penn traded sharp accusations over the territory’s ongoing water shortage, with Penn saying families are being hit twice—through taxes and repeated water purchases—while Rymer’s side argues the issues aren’t tied to independence status. Huntums Ghut Homicide Probe: Police say they’re pursuing multiple leads in the July 6 fatal shooting of 26-year-old K’Moi Walters, the first homicide recorded in the BVI this year, and are urging anyone with information to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit. Virgin Gorda Dumpsite Reopens: The Health Ministry says the Virgin Gorda dumpsite is back to normal after crews contained a fire that shut it down July 3; officials warned residual smoke may still affect nearby areas. Sports—BVI Athletes Head to Mexico: Nine athletes from the British Virgin Islands will compete at the NACAC U18 & U23 Athletic Championships in Tlaxcala, Mexico, July 10–12. Regional Spotlight—Caribbean POSH Awards: The 10th annual Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards were held in the BVI, honoring 15 women across seven territories, including BVI’s Shanda Webster-Glasgow (Culinary ICON Award). Global Watch—Epstein Files: New Mexico’s AG says the U.S. DOJ is refusing to turn over unredacted Epstein records tied to a revived criminal investigation.

BVI Athletics Spotlight: Adaejah T. Hodge, fresh off a podium in the 100m at the Monaco Diamond League, will debut in the women’s 200m on Friday, July 10, lining up against Olympic champions Gabby Thomas and Julien Alfred. Junior Sports in the Territory: Bermuda’s junior squash team has arrived in the BVI for the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships, while Guyana’s junior squad has also departed to defend its CASA Junior title in Tortola (July 10–16). Tourism & Marketing: The BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission promoted the territory at St Kitts Music Fest, using LIAT flights and local partners to drive sign-ups and destination interest. Local Infrastructure: Asphalt paving for the Sea Cows Bay road is set to begin Friday, July 10, with an initial layer aimed at reducing dust and uneven surfaces. Regional Recognition: Two Virgin Islands culinary and cultural leaders—Shanda Webster-Glasgow (Culinary ICON Award) and others honored at Caribbean POSH—were recognized during the BVI-hosted 10th anniversary event. USVI Environment/Science: UVI’s VICAR partnered with NOAA to deploy the first-ever biogeochemical Argo ocean float in offshore USVI waters. Lottery: Powerball numbers for Wednesday, July 8, 2026 were 12, 29, 37, 43, 55; Powerball 18; Power Play 4x.