AGP Executive Report

Tropical Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center has upgraded a Gulf disturbance to Potential Tropical Cyclone Five, with tropical storm warnings posted for parts of the upper Texas and southwestern Louisiana coast and a forecast to potentially become Tropical Storm Edouard by Tuesday night. Caribbean & VI Rain Risk: Meanwhile, the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly are still pushing showers and thunderstorms across the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the northern Leeward Islands, with locally heavy rain and gusty winds possible even if redevelopment stays unlikely. Local Water Update (St. Croix): Christiansted’s wastewater overflow is over after emergency repairs, but WAPA has suspended reverse-osmosis production at Richmond pending water-quality testing, and a boil-water advisory remains in effect in Frederiksted after E. coli detections. Public Health Services: The Public Health Unit and Waste Management are relocating in Tortola, with phone lines staying the same. Community & Recognition: Former USVI Gov. Kenneth Mapp received the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor, and CMEx is set to celebrate Caribbean hospitality pioneer Ralph Taylor.

Water & Public Health: St. Croix’s Christiansted wastewater overflow is over after emergency repairs to the LBJ Pump Station force main, but officials say coastal public-health precautions remain; WAPA also suspended reverse-osmosis production at Richmond pending water-quality testing, while a Frederiksted boil-water advisory stays in place after E. coli detections. Tropical Weather Watch: The remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly are still producing showers and thunderstorms across the Virgin Islands and northern Leeward Islands, with locally heavy rain and gusty winds possible even as redevelopment is unlikely in the short term; meanwhile, the NHC is tracking Invest 97L in the northern Gulf with a 50% chance of forming into a tropical depression or storm within 48 hours, bringing a separate heavy-rain risk to Louisiana and Texas. Social Services: USVI agencies are warning that new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, worsening food insecurity and increasing pressure on housing, homelessness and local nonprofits. Local Operations: The Public Health Unit and Department of Waste Management are relocating effective Aug. 31/Sept. 1, with phone numbers and contact lines staying the same. Tourism: VI tourism leadership says participation in the ASTA Caribbean Showcase is aimed at strengthening the territory’s presence in key US travel markets.

Tropical Weather Watch: The remnants of former Tropical Storm Dolly are moving west across the Caribbean, with the National Hurricane Center saying redevelopment is unlikely in the next day or two, but the moisture is still expected to bring showers and thunderstorms to the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with locally heavy rain and gusty winds possible. Local Emergency Prep: With heavy rain risk tied to Dolly’s remnants, residents are being urged to stay weather-aware and watch for flash-flood conditions, especially in low-lying areas and spots with poor drainage. Public Services: In the British Virgin Islands, the Public Health Unit and Department of Waste Management are relocating effective Monday, Aug. 31, with PHU moving temporarily to the Social Development Department building on Station Avenue and Waste Management to Voronica’s House of Commerce in Long Bush; phone numbers and contact lines stay the same. Tourism Push: VI tourism gets a boost as Hon. Luce D. Hodge-Smith advances the territory’s presence in key travel markets after participating in the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase in St. Kitts. Public Safety Alert: The USVI Police Department warns residents about a traffic fine text scam, urging people not to click links or share personal or financial details.

Tropical Weather Watch: The remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly are still being tracked, and forecasters say the system could bring locally heavy rain and gusty winds to the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico over the next several days, with flash-flood risk a key concern. Local Safety Alert: The V.I. Police Department is warning residents about a traffic-fine text scam that urges people to pay online—VIPD says it’s not connected to the department and could lead to identity theft. Tourism Spotlight (USVI): A travel feature highlights the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas as a “most overlooked” luxury stay, while another piece spotlights St. John’s Trunk Bay as a top global beach and recommends Waterlemon Cay as a standout snorkeling spot. Community & People: A St. Croix resident is facing burglary and larceny charges after police say a woman was found inside a home following a report of her lying in the road. Sports (USVI connection): Phillies rookie Alex McFarlane, from the U.S. Virgin Islands, reflects on rebuilding after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Tropical Weather Watch: The remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly are moving west toward the Leeward Islands, and forecasters say the British Virgin Islands should brace for heavy rain starting Sunday, with 1 to 3 inches possible and locally higher bursts that could trigger flash flooding and dangerous road conditions. Hurricane Center Update: The National Hurricane Center is tracking two low-probability systems—Dolly’s remnants east of the Leeward Islands and a weak Gulf disturbance—each with about a 10% chance of development over the next week. Local Safety Scam Alert: VIPD is warning residents about fraudulent text messages demanding payment for “traffic fines” via links, saying the messages are not from any government agency and urging people to delete them and avoid sharing personal or financial details. Politics (BVI): The People’s Leadership Movement says Kevon S. Lettsome (District 7) and Clifton Forbes (District 3) have been confirmed to run with the party in the 2027 general elections. Community & Culture: A St. Croix resident helped police identify a burglary suspect after encountering her lying in the road, later leading to charges for burglary and larceny.

Tropical Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly has weakened into an “open tropical wave,” but the National Hurricane Center says its remnants could still bring locally heavy rain and gusty winds to the Leeward Islands, with wet weather expected to spread toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico over the weekend into early next week—flash flooding is the main concern, especially in low-lying areas and higher terrain. Local Safety Alert: VIPD is warning residents about a traffic fine text scam, urging people not to click links or share personal or financial details and to delete the messages. Territory Operations: British Virgin Islands Ports Authority says temporary port fee relief ends Aug. 31, with standard wharfage and container handling fees returning Sept. 1. Public Service Remembrance: The U.S. Virgin Islands marked four days of official observances for Eustace Charles, a VIPD lead dignitary security officer, following his death in July. Politics (BVI): PLM confirms Kevon S. Lettsome (D7) and Clifton Forbes (D3) will run with the party in the 2027 general elections.

PLM Candidate Confirmations: People’s Leadership Movement (PLM) officials say Kevon S. Lettsome will run for District Seven and Clifton Forbes for District Three in the 2027 general elections, following party confirmations at a meeting Thursday, Aug. 27. Tropical Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly has weakened into an open tropical wave, but Virgin Islands residents are still being told to watch for heavy rain and possible flash flooding late weekend into Monday as moisture moves west. Port Costs Update: The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority says temporary port fee reductions end Aug. 31, with wharfage and container handling fees returning to standard rates starting Sept. 1. Cruise Industry Milestone: Oceania Cruises floated out its new Oceania Sonata in Italy, moving it toward interiors work ahead of an Aug. 2027 debut that includes Caribbean sailings from Miami. Local Politics: The PLM confirmations add to the lead-up chatter as candidates line up for upcoming VI elections.

Hurricane Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly has formed in the central Atlantic and is moving west, with the Leeward Islands and the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola facing a risk of heavy rain and possible flash flooding late Saturday into Sunday and Sunday into Monday. Local Roads & Tourism: Long Bay Road on Virgin Gorda has reopened after flood damage in 2025, restoring a key bypass route to North Sound and giving taxi and tour operators another scenic option. St. Thomas Governance: The 36th Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee, with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. saying it effectively killed the deal; the Labour Day races on STT were then cancelled. Environment & Access: St. Croix’s Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge will reopen Sept. 5 with weekend-only access, timed to protect nesting and hatching leatherback sea turtles. Public Safety Recognition: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Financial Crime Unit won an ARIN-CARIB “Most Responsive Member Award” for international financial crime investigations. Territorial Politics: Independent At-Large candidate Sandra Phillip-Hodge renewed calls for answers over the long-delayed National Population Census, warning it leaves elections without clear demographics.

Tropical Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly has formed in the central Atlantic and is expected to bring heavy rain and possible flash flooding to the Leeward Islands late Saturday into Sunday, then spread rain to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola Sunday into Monday, with no coastal watches or warnings in effect for now. Local Infrastructure: Long Bay Road on Virgin Gorda has reopened after flooding damage in 2025, restoring a key bypass route to North Sound and giving residents and visitors a second way around. Legislative Update (USVI): The USVI Senate has sent the Southland Gaming racetrack bill back to committee, putting the St. Croix racetrack and VLT-related plans in limbo as lawmakers question exclusivity, revenue sharing and economic projections. Public Service & Governance (VI): Independent At-Large candidate Sandra Phillip-Hodge is pressing the VIP administration for answers on the long-delayed National Population Census, warning it leaves voters and electoral planning in the dark. Crime-Fighting Recognition: The RVIPF Financial Crime Unit earned an ARIN-CARIB “Most Responsive Member” award for timely, professional support to international financial crime investigations.

USVI Legislature Deadlock on Southland Gaming: A majority of USVI senators sent Bill 36-0313 back to committee, delaying final action on the Southland Gaming racetrack package for St. Croix and raising new questions about electronic-gaming exclusivity, revenue sharing, and the live racing deal. St. Croix Jobs Debate: Earlier, government projections claimed the plan could support 244 jobs and generate tens of millions, but senators challenged whether adding VLTs would truly grow the economy or mainly shift existing gambling spending. Local Roads & Access: Long Bay Road on Virgin Gorda reopened after flooding damage, restoring a key alternative route to North Sound and boosting options for residents and visitors. Public Service & Accountability: Independent At-Large candidate Sandra Phillip-Hodge renewed criticism of the long-delayed National Population Census, warning it leaves the territory “in the dark” ahead of elections. Territory Budget Pressure: The VI government is on pace to close fiscal year 2026 with a $58.997 million deficit, with revenue collections running behind forecast. Tourism Spotlight: Beach.com ranked Trunk Bay No. 1 in the world, with Sandy Point (St. Croix) No. 7 and Magens Bay (St. Thomas) No. 17.

Road Access & Tourism: Long Bay Road on Virgin Gorda has reopened, restoring a key bypass route to North Sound after major 2025 flooding, giving drivers and tour operators a second way in and out. Local Governance & Elections: Independent At-Large candidate Sandra Phillip-Hodge is calling out the VIP administration over the 15-year delay of the National Population Census, warning the territory is heading into elections without clear demographic and voter-eligibility data. Infrastructure (Road Town): The DeCastro Street Sidewalk Improvement Project is set to start on September 7, 2026, after an RDA contract signing and kickoff meeting aimed at making the area safer and more accessible for pedestrians. Finance & Budget Watch (USVI): USVI officials say the territory is on track to close fiscal year 2026 with a roughly $59 million deficit as revenues lag forecasts. Public Health (Regional): PAHO/WHO named Dr. Eva Jané Llopis as its representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with the portfolio including the British Virgin Islands. International Spotlight (BVI): Premier Natalio D. Wheatley met India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a VI-India trade mission focused on financial services, FinTech, and digital transformation. Global Travel Buzz: Beach.com’s 2026 Global Beach Index ranked Trunk Bay No. 1 worldwide, with Sandy Point (St. Croix) No. 7 and Magens Bay (St. Thomas) No. 17.

Tourism & Regional Travel: St. Kitts hosted the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase, bringing together travel advisors, tourism ministers, and industry partners, with British Virgin Islands Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith among the officials speaking on sustainable growth and regional travel priorities. Beach Spotlight: The U.S. Virgin Islands scored big in Beach.com’s 2026 Global Beach Index—Trunk Bay (No. 1), Sandy Point (No. 7), and Magens Bay (No. 17). Health Leadership: Dr. Eva Jané Llopis assumed her PAHO/WHO role for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, covering support that includes the British Virgin Islands. Local Governance & Education: VI Education Minister Sharie B. de Castro says the territory’s education system is on an upward trajectory, citing strong Grade 2 reading/math results and a 97% secondary graduation rate. Public Finance: VI officials project closing fiscal year 2026 with a $58.997 million deficit as revenue comes in below forecast. Infrastructure & Industry: The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry says marina and safe-harbour shortages are limiting growth in the commercial recreational marine sector. Drought Alert: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, enabling emergency support for farmers.

U.S. Virgin Islands Budget Crunch: The Bryan administration says it’s on track to close fiscal year 2026 with a $58.997 million deficit, with revenue running behind forecast and lawmakers now turning to the FY2027 spending plan. Drought Disaster: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, opening the door for emergency federal loans as St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix face extreme dry conditions. Ferry Funding Boost: The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded nearly $665 million for ferry projects, including support tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands, as part of broader upgrades across the region. Marine Industry Pressure: A VI shipping official says the commercial recreational marine sector is being held back by a shortage of safe, hurricane-resilient marina space, limited airlift and hotel capacity, and licensing rules that could crowd out local operators. British Virgin Islands Finance Links: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley met India’s finance minister to push a VI-India trade mission focused on financial services, FinTech, digital transformation and investment promotion. Tourism Spotlight: A new global beach ranking puts Trunk Bay (No. 1), Sandy Point (No. 7) and Magens Bay (No. 17) in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Education Update: VI Education Minister Sharie B. de Castro says the territory’s education system is on an upward trajectory, citing strong Grade 2 results and a 97% secondary graduation rate. Public Safety & Community: St. Croix held a rally against gun violence and launched a fundraiser and memorial softball tournament for a family affected by a recent shooting. Immigration Detention Procurement: A bidders’ conference moved the procurement process forward for the territory’s first purpose-built immigration detention centre, with bids due Oct. 5, 2026.

British Virgin Islands–India Ties: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley met India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi as part of the first VI-India Trade Mission, aiming to deepen cooperation in financial services, FinTech, digital transformation, trade, investment promotion and capacity building. U.S. Virgin Islands Budget Strain: USVI officials say sharply lower revenues are forcing tough choices, with a projected $59 million deficit and limited operating cash as the territory heads toward Sept. 30. Drought Disaster: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme dry conditions on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix and enabling emergency federal loans for farmers. Ferry Funding Boost: The U.S. DOT/FTA awarded about $664.8 million for 23 ferry projects across 14 states and the USVI, supporting vessel replacements, terminal upgrades and operating assistance. Marine Industry Pressure: VI Shipping Registry Director John M. Samuel warned that safe, hurricane-resilient marina space and limited airlift/hotel capacity are holding back the commercial recreational marine sector. Local Procurement Moving: A bidders’ conference advanced the procurement for the Virgin Islands’ first purpose-built Immigration Detention Centre, with bids due Oct. 5, 2026. Public Notices: Residents are urged to register to vote by Aug. 28 for the 2026 Preliminary Voters List.

Territorial Finance: USVI’s government is staring at a $59 million deficit as revenues come in 9.4% below forecast, with about $34.5 million in operating cash as of Aug. 7; officials say the Senate may need to approve use of Epstein and Leon Black settlement funds to cover near-term needs. Climate & Water: The US government has declared a drought disaster for the US Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix in extreme drought and farmers able to apply for emergency federal loans. Local Governance & Public Service: The Virgin Islands flag will fly at half-staff Aug. 24–27 for Eustace Charles, with an official observance proclaimed by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. Elections: Eligible residents are urged to register by Aug. 28 to be included on the 2026 Preliminary Voters List. Environment & Development: A proposed St. John superyacht marina faces a new legal fight after local environmentalists sued the US Army Corps of Engineers over environmental and aesthetic impacts. Tourism Industry: CMEx is rolling out 2026 honoree profiles, starting with “Carivangelist” Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon.

Territory Politics & Civic Life: Eligible Virgin Islands residents are being urged to register to vote before the Aug. 28 deadline to be included on the 2026 Preliminary Voters List, with required Belonger documents and registration forms available across the territory. Public Service & Governance: The public is also being asked to complete the Public Service Transformation Survey, with a separate survey for public officers as the next phase of government service improvements approaches. Immigration Detention Centre Procurement: A bidders’ conference has moved the procurement process forward for the territory’s first purpose-built Immigration Detention Centre, with bid submissions due Oct. 5, 2026. Budget Oversight: Senators grilled VIHFA officials at budget hearings after a suspension notice from HUD, while praising the Energy Office’s use of federal grant money. Community Safety: St. Croix held a rally against gun violence for the Eduardo brothers, with a fundraiser and memorial softball tournament planned to support their family. Environment & Access: Ninth District Rep. Vincent O. Wheatley reiterated that The Baths and Devil’s Bay must remain open to the public, pushing back on proposed reserved access during peak mornings. Disaster Preparedness: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, enabling emergency loans for farmers as extreme drought persists.