AGP Executive Report

BVI Police Pressure: The Police Welfare Association says “continued exploitation” of officers over pay inequities, unpaid allowances, acting-rank delays, and administrative inaction “will no longer be tolerated,” calling for immediate action. BVI Business Networking: The BVI Chamber of Commerce’s “Meet the Members Series” is set for June 4 at the BVI Finance Conference Room (Cutlass Tower). VI Football (International Friendlies): The Virgin Islands men’s national team plays Gibraltar today in Europe, then faces Europa FC on June 6 in Spain as part of its overseas camp. St. Croix Court Dockets: A packed Kingshill Superior Court schedule includes felony cases tied to domestic violence violations, firearms, and burglary. VI Premier Mourns Builder: Premier Natalio Wheatley marks the death of Collingston George, praising his business leadership and agriculture work. Public Safety Alert: RVIPF is offering $50,000 for tips leading to the capture of escaped fugitives Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos, described as armed and extremely dangerous. Food Supply Worries: Commentator Claude Skelton-Cline says the territory’s import dependence is hitting hard, with merchants reporting delays and empty shelves. US-Iran Tech Case: Federal agents raided a $35m Southern California mansion after Jamshid Ghomi’s arrest over alleged smuggling of US encryption and networking gear to Iran’s military and nuclear programs.

Power Outages in USVI: WAPA CEO Karl Knight says a failure at the Randolph Harley Power Plant—Unit 27 tripping offline to a fuel valve error—triggered cascading technical problems, leaving thousands without power across St. Thomas and St. John and disrupting government operations and hearings. BVI Tourism Push: The Virgin Islands will host a two-day Tourism Summit June 10-11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing together stakeholders to shape the future of tourism under a “Partnership, Investment & Direction” theme. BVI Finance Roadshow: BVI Finance moved its Latin America Roadshow to July 13-16, with stops in Lima, Bogota and Panama City, aiming to strengthen ties with regional partners. Regional Sports: BVI Rugby will host USVI Rugby’s Privateers on Saturday, June 6, at A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, marking the first time BVI Rugby fields a second squad. Caribbean Travel Demand: A new Caribbean Travel Trends report says the Cayman Islands led family travel growth (+9%), with the USVI also among the top three destinations for families. Local Business/Training: 26 entrepreneurs graduated from the government’s Entrepreneurial Education Programme, with Junior Minister Lorna Smith urging them to keep learning and embrace new tech like AI. SMART 2026 Update: St. Maarten’s SMART 2026 trade show is 79% booked, with only a few booths still available for June 22-26.

Epstein Files Update: New DOJ releases tied to Jeffrey Epstein continue to spark fresh scrutiny, including a report that his cryobank-held sperm sample is now missing and new details about bankers and advisers named in the documents. Eastern Caribbean Justice: Her Ladyship Madam Margaret Price Findlay was appointed the 14th Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026. BVI Tourism & Finance: The VI will host a two-day Tourism Summit June 10-11 at Peter Island Resort, while BVI Finance’s Latin America roadshow has been pushed to July 13-16 across Lima, Bogotá and Panama City. BVI Business Development: 26 entrepreneurs graduated from the government’s Entrepreneurial Education Programme, with a push to adopt emerging tech like AI. VI/USVI Sports: BVI Rugby hosts USVI Rugby’s Privateers on June 6 at A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds. USVI Power Disruption: WAPA CEO Karl Knight said a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure triggered cascading technical issues behind weekend blackouts on St. Thomas and St. John. Air Access: United announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix service starting Oct. 31, 2026.

Cruise & Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line says its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay will open Sept. 4, 2026, with advance day-pass sales and private cabanas for up to six guests. Local Governance: Deputy Gov. David D. Archer Jr. urged young Virgin Islanders to gain overseas experience, then return to strengthen the public service. Financial Services: Junior Minister Lorna G. Smith told industry and students that BVI’s growth depends on strong compliance, innovation, and investing in local talent. Infrastructure: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer called delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment a major setback after bids came in far above budget. Public Safety Tech: Residents in Tortola are questioning newly placed mobile surveillance camera units, including whether facial recognition is involved. Constitutional Talks: Premier Natalio Wheatley said the UK is not interested in free association, leaving internal self-government as the main path. Regional Aviation: ICAO directors met in Antigua for a North America–Central America–Caribbean civil aviation session. USVI Energy: St. Thomas and St. John saw weekend blackouts tied to power-plant instability.

Entrepreneurship & Skills: In Tortola, 26 entrepreneurs finished the Department of Trade’s Entrepreneurial Education Programme with support from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, covering business planning, marketing, finance and operations; Junior Minister Lorna Smith urged graduates to keep learning and “embrace AI.” Financial Services: Smith also told industry and students that BVI’s financial services growth hinges on strong compliance, innovation and building local talent, while continuing work tied to FATF actions. Constitutional Talks: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley defended constitutional engagement and said the UK is “not interested” in free association, making independence the main path if status changes. Public Safety Questions: Residents in Tortola are debating newly spotted mobile surveillance camera units, including possible facial recognition-style tech, with RVIPF offering limited clarification. Local Governance & Costs: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment is delayed after bids came in far above budget, forcing redesigns. Regional Aviation: ICAO’s top civil aviation directors met in Antigua for the 14th NACC regional meeting, with leaders stressing aviation’s role for small island economies. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA predicts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, with 8–14 named storms and 3–6 hurricanes, citing El Niño and other factors. Crime Update: Police reported a machete allegedly brandished during a RiteWay customer brawl in Pasea Estate, with no injuries reported.

Trade Commission Fight: Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley defended scaling back the proposed Trade Commission’s powers during debate on the Consumer Protection Amendment Bill 2026, saying government can’t hand constitutional responsibilities to outside entities and praising Junior Trade Minister Lorna Smith’s “due diligence.” Power Crisis in the USVI: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts again this weekend, with WAPA citing operational instability and a mechanical fault; reports said nearly 60% of St. Thomas was without power at one point. Campaign Spotlight: In St. Thomas, Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach and Sen. Novelle Francis Jr. launched their Democratic ticket, but power outages during the event sparked immediate criticism from rivals. Local Crime Update: Police said a machete was allegedly brandished during a customer brawl at RiteWay Food Market in Pasea Estate; no injuries were reported and investigations continue. Tourism in New York: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 with CTO events at InterContinental New York Times Square, with BVI Premier Wheatley and USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. leading regional delegations. Sports: Bermuda’s Hamilton and Sousa beat the USVI team in beach volleyball in El Salvador, finishing 11th/12th.

Power Outages: A total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John early Sunday, the second in days, after loss of generation at a power plant; crews restored power overnight but another outage followed, adding to growing frustration over frequent service failures. Public Safety: Police say a machete was allegedly brandished during a customer brawl at RiteWay Food Market in Pasea Estate; one weapon was recovered and investigations are ongoing. Community & Culture: Take Over Tent (TOT) is marking its 45th anniversary with a message that calypso is “not for a season,” alongside celebrations for long-serving member Herb Black’s 40 years in calypso. Local Spotlight: Vanterpool’s Pharmacy 55th anniversary raffle drew a $5,500 top prize for Keje Hendrickson, with Premier Natalio Wheatley presenting cheques to local charities. Tourism & Youth: The BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission will host the Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism competition June 4, with the winner representing the Territory at a regional youth congress in Guyana. Regional Events: Caribbean Week returns to New York June 1, with VI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley leading a tourism delegation.

Supreme Court Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court could soon rule on two election-related cases that may favor Republicans—one targeting late-arriving mail ballots in Mississippi and another pushing to loosen limits on coordinated political spending. Caribbean Tourism: Caribbean Week returns to New York on June 1, with BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. leading regional tourism ministers for a week of meetings and strategy sessions. BVI Community & Culture: Miss BVI 2026 contestants were officially revealed, with the pageant set for August 2 and a reinstated $80,000 four-year scholarship as the top prize. Youth Tourism: Ten students will compete for Junior Ambassador of Tourism on June 4 at Maria’s by the Sea, with the winner representing the VI at a Caribbean youth congress in Guyana. Public Safety: Police are holding a suspect after shots were fired near Road Town’s Mill Mall area; no injuries were reported. Disaster Watch: CDEMA warned Caribbean territories face severe flash-flood risks despite a below-average hurricane outlook. Sports: Eight games are scheduled for the Winston Bolus National Basketball League weekend at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town.

Caribbean Week in New York: The CTO says Caribbean Week returns June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. leading a regional tourism delegation for meetings on airlift, marketing, sustainability and next-gen tourism. Road Town gun incident: Police are holding a suspect after shots were fired near Mill Mall in Road Town late Friday night; no injuries were reported and an off-duty officer helped identify the man. Miss BVI update: Three contestants were unveiled for Miss BVI 2026, with the full lineup set to be revealed tonight at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park; the winner gets an $80,000 four-year scholarship plus a new 2027 Haval Jolion. Youth tourism contest: Ten secondary students will compete for Junior Ambassador of Tourism on June 4 at Maria’s by the Sea, with the winner representing the VI at a Caribbean tourism youth congress in Guyana. Sports: The Winston Bolus National Basketball League’s third weekend runs May 29–31 at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town.

Disaster Preparedness: CDEMA is warning Caribbean territories to brace for extreme flash-flood risks even with a predicted below-average 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, citing intense localized rainfall and heat stress. Hurricane Readiness: NOAA’s updated “cone of uncertainty” graphics are rolling out this season, with changes meant to help people understand forecast uncertainty and impacts beyond the storm track. Local Governance: In constitutional talks, Deputy Premier Julian Fraser rejected claims lawmakers are seeking more power, saying the process is about strengthening the people’s position ahead of UK discussions. House of Assembly Politics: “Bunchie” Kirton-Wheatley says he won’t run for the Ninth District in 2027 and argues Anegada and Virgin Gorda should each have their own representative. Public Safety: A police officer was interdicted after a firearm-related domestic incident is investigated by the RVIPF. Community & Culture: Miss BVI 2026 contestants will be revealed tonight, with a reinstated $80,000 four-year scholarship as the top prize. Sports: Eight games are set for the Winston Bolus National Basketball League weekend at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town. International Spotlight: Former TCI Premier Michael Misick was sentenced after a corruption conviction.

Scripps National Spelling Bee: Shrey Parikh, 14, won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in a dramatic Spell-Off, nailing 32 words to take the $50,000 top prize and the Scripps Cup. BVI Politics: “Bunchie” Lawrence A. Kirton-Wheatley says he will not run for the Ninth District seat in 2027 and argues Anegada and Virgin Gorda should each have their own House of Assembly representation. Constitutional Review: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser pushed back on claims lawmakers want more power, saying the review is meant to empower the people ahead of UK talks. Law & Order: A police officer was interdicted after a firearm-related domestic incident under investigation by the RVIPF. Sports: The Winston Bolus National Basketball League returns with eight games scheduled this weekend at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town. Pageantry: Miss British Virgin Islands 2026 contestants will be revealed tonight, with a reinstated $80,000 four-year scholarship as the top prize. Maritime Security: U.S. Coast Guard and partners apprehended eight stowaways in San Juan Harbor, transferring them to Customs and Border Protection for processing. Cruise News: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed two cruise ships bringing more than 14,000 passengers and crew during the off-season surge.

Green Waste Overhaul: The US Virgin Islands Senate approved a bill to manage green waste through controlled incineration, but only as a last resort—after lawmakers added requirements to prioritize shredding, mulching, composting and reuse, plus stronger fire-safety and smoke/particulate limits. BVI Airports: Despite UK pushback and local complaints about delays, the BVI Airports Authority has moved ahead with a tender for the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport west runway extension, with bids due Aug. 31 and a pre-tender site visit set for June 17. Constitution Talks: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley called the territory’s current governance “abnormal,” arguing elected leaders should chair Cabinet and take more responsibility for public service and security during UK constitutional reform negotiations. Local Business & Governance: In the BVI, a customer brawl at RiteWay in Pasea led to police response, while former BVIAA managing director Kurt A.G. Menal said his resignation was for personal and professional well-being. Tourism Youth Showcase: The CTO’s Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase finals are set for June 4 in New York, with BVI students among the finalists. Regional Finance: Carey Olsen advised Butterfield on its landmark US$1.8bn acquisition of CIBC Caribbean.

Airport Expansion Watch: The BVI Airports Authority has moved ahead with a tender for the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport west runway extension, with bids due Aug. 31 and a pre-tender site visit set for June 17. Constitution Talks: Premier Natalio Wheatley called the territory’s current governance “abnormal,” arguing elected leaders should chair Cabinet and take on responsibility for public service and security as constitutional negotiations with the UK begin. Local Governance Debate: Commentator Claude Skelton Cline criticized what he says is rising pay and power for statutory board members, saying boards should not “run the organisation.” BVIAA Leadership Shake-up: Former BVIAA Managing Director Kurt A.G. Menal said he resigned for “personal and professional wellbeing,” insisting he gave three months’ notice though the board paid in lieu. Education Spotlight: St George’s Secondary won the 2026 Mental Math Champions Competition (Secondary Division). Public Safety: Police responded after a customer brawl at RiteWay in Pasea; the RTW Group says no injuries were reported. Business & Grants: Trade officials clarified that small businesses with approved payment plans may still qualify for the small business grant programme, but debt write-offs aren’t on the table. Regional Youth Tourism: Students from the BVI, St Lucia and Turks and Caicos advanced to the CTO’s 2026 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase finals in New York on June 4.

Elections Watch: The Virgin Islands Elections System disqualified Jed JohnHope for missing the 100-signature threshold in both St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John, and also ruled former Senator Stephen “Smokey” Frett’s gubernatorial bid ineligible after his running mate wasn’t a registered voter, as officials continue reviewing independent petitions ahead of the June 2 certification deadline. Tourism & Youth: BVI students advanced to the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2026 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase finals, with the live finals set for June 4 during Caribbean Week in New York. Marine Development: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, asked to extend its Economic Development Commission tax benefits, but the request was paused pending clarification on the extension length while the operator outlined major upgrades. Public Safety & Training: Two VI inspectors completed a 12-week police course in Jamaica focused on leadership and command skills. Community & Education: Ebenezer Thomas Primary School won the first Mental Math Champions Competition Primary Division, as the Education Ministry pushes its Mathivated Project across schools. Financial Integrity: The Financial Investigation Agency issued new guidance urging donors to support non-profits responsibly, verify registration, and report suspicious activity.

Constitution Talks in Virgin Gorda: Premier Natalio Wheatley and Deputy Premier Julian Fraser used a public engagement to argue the territory needs more control over security and to push back on claims the UK is holding back airport expansion, with Fraser calling it a “chokehold” over the Terrance B Lettsome runway project. Opposition Pushback: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn hit back at government process, blasting the scrapping of the long-discussed Trade Commission as “disingenuous,” and also criticized the length of the House sitting. Local Safety & Training: A St. Thomas man, D’Quan Rogers, was charged after police say he punched his partner, leaving her unconscious and bleeding. Separately, two VI inspectors completed a 12-week police command course in Jamaica. Financial Services: CariCRIS reaffirmed the VI’s investment-grade credit ratings with a stable outlook. Community & Education: Ebenezer Thomas Primary School won the first Mental Math Champions Competition Primary Division. Culture & Tourism: The USVI announced dates for the 2026 St. John Celebration (June 14–July 4). Donor Watch: The BVI Financial Investigation Agency issued new guidance urging donors to verify NPOs and report suspicious activity.

Local Loss: Arthur “Jimo” Jamison, longtime CAHS athletic director and tackle football coach, died Sunday at 91, remembered as a strict but giving mentor who shaped generations on St. Thomas. Culture & Media: Virgin Islands sex experts say they want gay men included in Channel 4’s “Virgin Island” for a potential third series, with therapists ready to support participants. Finance Watch: SCOR announced a cash tender offer for its 2015/2016 fixed-to-reset subordinated notes and plans to issue new subordinated notes, signaling a major capital move. Community & Heritage: St. Croix’s Estate Grove Baobab Tree site was restored through a community stewardship project, adding protection work, an interpretive sign, and benches. Regional Spotlight: The VI was named a finalist for the CTO’s Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase in New York, with three student pitches set for June 4. Elsewhere: Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95, and SNAP enrollment fell in every state after federal changes.