AGP Executive Report

Legal Tender Guidance: The VI Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs says pennies still count as legal tender in the U.S. Virgin Islands and businesses can’t use the one-cent coin shortage to justify routinely rounding up, refusing cash, or dropping required payment options. Consumer Safety Recall: Clorox is recalling about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the USVI after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned some products may contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a risk mainly for people with weakened immune systems or external medical devices. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a breach tied to its C-Track court case management platform, with unauthorized access to certain files reported across multiple U.S. states, the USVI, and Ontario; affected records may include sensitive personal data, and courts say there’s no sign of operational disruption. Local Business/Trade: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties and create new business opportunities. Youth Agriculture Grant: Johnson Bayou High School FFA received a $4,650 Tractor Supply “Grants for Growing” award to build a small hydroponic lab for hands-on plant science and sustainable food projects.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track case management platform, discovered June 30, affecting appellate courts in 11 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario; some records may include names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license data, medical info, dates of birth and health insurance, with no operational disruption reported. Consumer Safety: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after possible contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa; DLCA urged residents to stop using affected products, especially immunocompromised people or those with external medical devices. Local Business & Compliance: DLCA reminded Virgin Islands businesses that pennies remain legal tender and they can’t use penny shortages to justify refusing cash, eliminating payment options, or routinely rounding up without a fair, consistent, clearly disclosed method. Trade & Investment: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to strengthen trade and investment ties and expand market access. Education & Agriculture: Johnson Bayou High School FFA received a $4,650 Tractor Supply “Grants for Growing” award to build a small hydroponic lab for hands-on plant science and sustainable food production. Finance & Public Interest: New filings and estate records continue to narrow the public “Epstein net worth” debate, with probate documents placing assets around the high hundreds of millions rather than the viral billionaire claims.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track case management platform, discovered June 30, affecting appellate courts in 11 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario; some records may include names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license data, medical and health insurance info, with sealed/redacted material potentially impacted, and the company says there’s no confirmed misuse yet. Consumer Compliance: The U.S. Virgin Islands DLCA reminded businesses that pennies remain legal tender even after the U.S. Mint stopped producing them in 2025, warning against routine rounding up or refusing cash when change is scarce. Product Safety: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with heightened risk for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Trade & Investment: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties and expand market access. Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard Southeast District urged travelers in the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, to avoid illegal passenger-for-hire charters by checking credentials and inspection certificates.

U.S. Virgin Islands Cash Rules: The DLCA says pennies remain legal tender in the U.S. Virgin Islands even after the U.S. Mint stopped producing them, warning businesses not to routinely round up or refuse cash; any rounding must be fair, consistent, symmetrical, and clearly disclosed, and retailers must still offer cash and card options as required by territorial law. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track court case management platform, discovered June 30, affecting appellate courts in 11 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario; the company says some records may include names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license data, medical and health insurance information, with no operational disruption reported. Consumer Safety Recall: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after possible bacterial contamination (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), urging extra caution for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Digital Rights: A Massachusetts federal court ruling says copyright takedowns tied to YouTube journalism can avoid liability if the sender claims a fair-use viewing belief, a decision advocates say could chill election-related reporting. Trade/Partnerships: Ghana’s Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties and expand market access for businesses. Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard Southeast District is warning residents across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to verify charter operators’ credentials and safety compliance before boarding, especially ahead of Labor Day.

U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties and open new market access for businesses on both sides. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a breach of its C-Track court case management platform that exposed sensitive court records and personal information across 11 U.S. states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada; officials say there was no operational disruption, but some sealed or confidential materials may have been affected. Public Health & Consumer Safety: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with higher risk flagged for people with weakened immune systems or certain medical devices. Household Costs: USDA set higher SNAP maximum benefits starting Oct. 1, with most states seeing nearly a 3% increase, though individual households will vary by income and expenses. Local Business/Travel: Club Med broke ground on a new Exclusive Collection resort in Thailand and also highlighted its upcoming Club Med St. Croix opening in the U.S. Virgin Islands next year.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters says an unauthorized party accessed files tied to its C-Track case management platform, affecting appellate courts in 11 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario, Canada; the breach was discovered June 30 but the access occurred in March, and some records may include names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license data, medical information, dates of birth, and health insurance details, with Thomson Reuters offering 12 months of identity monitoring for potentially affected people. Consumer Safety: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of 6.3 million bottles of Clorox Mistolin Dilutable Cleaners and Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible bacterial contamination, warning people with weakened immune systems or medical devices to avoid use. Local Business/Trade Watch: A new U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report covers July 2026, offering a fresh snapshot of import and export flows that can inform VI business planning. Maritime Compliance: The Coast Guard Southeast District is warning travelers across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands about risks from illegal passenger-for-hire charter operations ahead of Labor Day, urging passengers to verify credentials and inspection certificates before boarding. Finance/Policy: A coalition of state attorneys general challenged an OCC rule on mortgage escrow accounts and interest-on-escrow preemption, arguing it unlawfully overrides state consumer protections—an issue with potential ripple effects for lenders operating in the region.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters confirmed a breach of its C-Track court case-management system, with unauthorized access dating to March and discovered June 30, potentially exposing sealed or confidential court records and personal data across at least 12 U.S. jurisdictions plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Consumer Safety: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of 6.3 million bottles of Clorox Mistolin Dilutable Cleaners and Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible bacterial contamination. Maritime Compliance: The Coast Guard Southeast District warned residents and visitors ahead of Labor Day about illegal passenger-for-hire charter operations, urging checks for proper credentials and vessel inspection certificates. Trade & Economy: A new U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services snapshot for July 2026 was published, offering updated context for regional business planning. Local Business/Workforce: USVI agencies warned of rising hunger and homelessness, a reminder of the growing pressure on local social services and household budgets.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters says a breach of its C-Track case management platform affected court files in 11 U.S. states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada, with some records potentially containing personal information; Kentucky’s courts say they weren’t functionally impaired but are still assessing scope. Local Social Safety Net: USVI agencies warn that new SNAP work and volunteer requirements starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, raising fears of deeper food insecurity and added pressure on housing and homelessness services. Maritime Compliance: The Coast Guard is warning travelers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and elsewhere about illegal passenger-for-hire charter operations, urging checks for credentials and vessel inspection before boarding. Business & Finance Tech: Sun West Mortgage and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents” to deploy enterprise AI quickly while keeping user data private—aimed at expanding access to financial services. Tourism Development: Club Med broke ground on a new Thailand resort and flagged a return to U.S. soil with a St. Croix Exclusive Collection property opening next year. Air Travel Perks: Delta’s limited-time American Express welcome offer includes guaranteed extra-legroom Comfort certificates for new cardholders through Nov. 4.

USVI Hunger & Homelessness Watch: USVI agencies say new SNAP work and volunteer requirements starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, with officials warning that even partial benefit losses may drive more people toward food pantries, unstable housing and homelessness, straining already limited government and nonprofit capacity. Local Law Enforcement Scam Alert: The V.I. Police Department is warning residents about fraudulent text messages claiming outstanding traffic violations and urging people to pay online—police say the messages are not from any legitimate agency and urge recipients to delete them and avoid clicking links or sharing personal or financial information. Tourism & Development: Club Med broke ground on Club Med Koh Samui in Thailand and also highlighted its return to US soil with Club Med St. Croix, an Exclusive Collection resort opening next year in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Business, Finance & Tech: Sun West Mortgage Company and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents,” aiming to make enterprise AI deployment cheaper and faster for large user groups while keeping individual data private. Sports With a VI Connection: Phillies reliever Alex McFarlane, from the U.S. Virgin Islands, is featured on how Hurricane Irma and Maria shaped his path to the majors.

Local 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 straining housing and homelessness services. Public Safety/Consumer Fraud: The VI Police Department is alerting residents to a scam text about “outstanding traffic violations” that urges people to pay online, warning against clicking links or sharing personal information. Territorial Governance: The USVI Senate has sent the Southland Bill back to committee, leaving the St. Croix racetrack plan in limbo. Business & Tourism Development: Club Med broke ground on Club Med Koh Samui in Thailand and also highlighted its return to US soil with Club Med St. Croix, opening next year. Finance & Tech: Sun West Mortgage and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents” to deploy enterprise AI quickly and securely, aiming to lower barriers for personalized AI use. Sports & Local Talent: Phillies reliever Alex McFarlane, a U.S. Virgin Islands native, is carrying his “VI STRONG” message as he makes an MLB impact. Education/Workforce Pipeline: SEB Middle FFA earned a national “Two-Star” ranking, with plans to be recognized at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Legal/Regulatory Watch: A Ninth Circuit ruling said sports event prediction market contracts aren’t “swaps” under the Commodity Exchange Act, keeping state regulators in the driver’s seat.

Food Security & Housing: USVI agencies are warning that new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, worsening hunger and homelessness and straining local housing and social-service providers. Public Safety & Fraud: VIPD says residents are being targeted by fake text messages about traffic violations and online fine payments; officials urge people not to click links or share personal or financial info. Territorial Business & Policy: The USVI Senate sent the Southland Bill back to committee, leaving the St. Croix racetrack plan in limbo. Local Economy & Workforce: Governor announces SBA disaster loans for small businesses and nonprofits in municipalities covered by a federal drought disaster declaration. AI & Financial Access: Sun West Mortgage and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents” to deploy enterprise AI quickly while keeping user data private—positioning it as a tool to expand access to services. Tech & Youth Safety (Regional Impact): Oklahoma announced a major Meta settlement over claims Facebook/Instagram were designed to be addictive to minors; the deal also includes Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands among the states covered. Caribbean Tourism: CMEx will honor hospitality pioneer Ralph Taylor at its 2026 Leadership Awards fundraiser, spotlighting Caribbean tourism leadership. Sports (USVI connection): Phillies rookie Alex McFarlane, from the U.S. Virgin Islands, credits his community’s rebuilding after Hurricanes Irma and Maria as he makes his MLB debut.

Food Security Watch: USVI agencies are warning residents that new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 people, raising fears of more hunger, homelessness, and added pressure on housing and social-service providers. Public Safety Scam Alert: VIPD says residents are being targeted by fraudulent text messages about “outstanding traffic violations” that push people to pay online—police urge residents not to click links or share personal or financial info. Local Governance: The USVI Legislature sent a horse racing and gaming bill back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says effectively kills the Southland Gaming plan—Labour Day races on St. Thomas were then cancelled. Territorial Business & Policy: The USVI Senate sent the Southland Bill back to committee, leaving the St. Croix racetrack future in limbo. Tech & Finance (Global, but relevant): Sun West Mortgage and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents,” aiming to deploy enterprise AI for thousands of users with private data handling—an approach tied to broader efforts to expand access to financial services.

Food Security Shock: USVI agencies say new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, worsening food insecurity and straining housing and homelessness services. Public Safety Scam Alert: VIPD warns residents about fraudulent text messages demanding payment for “traffic violations,” urging people not to click links or share personal or financial info. Territorial Politics & Jobs: The USVI Senate sent the Southland Gaming racetrack package back to committee, leaving the Sept. 6 Labour Day races canceled and the gaming plan in limbo. Youth Tech Settlement: A multistate deal with Meta over alleged addictive design for minors includes claims involving the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new child-safety requirements and potential payouts. Tourism & Hospitality Leadership: Caribbean Media Exchange spotlights hospitality pioneer Ralph Taylor, credited with expanding the all-inclusive model across Barbados and St. Lucia. Cruise Market Signals: Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings, including calls at St. Thomas, pointing to continued demand for Caribbean itineraries.

Food Security Crunch: USVI agencies are warning that new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, likely driving more people toward food pantries, unstable housing and homelessness as government and nonprofits brace for added demand. Public Safety Scam Alert: VIPD says residents are being targeted by fraudulent text messages about “outstanding traffic violations” that direct people to pay online; police urge residents not to click links or share personal or financial info and to delete the texts. Local Governance & Jobs: The USVI Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing package back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says effectively kills the deal—prompting the cancellation of the Labour Day races on St. Thomas. Territorial Policy Watch: A CNMI delegate urged USPS to pause new duty-collection requirements for mail from US territories, arguing the implementation raises legal and administrative concerns for territorial residents. Tech & Consumer Protection: Multi-state settlements with Meta over alleged addictive design for Instagram and Facebook include claims involving the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new child-safety requirements tied to the deals.

Territorial Fraud Alert: The V.I. Police Department is warning residents about a text scam claiming they have unpaid traffic violations and must pay fines online, urging people not to click links or share personal or financial info and to delete the messages. Local Governance & Racing: On St. Thomas, the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming racetrack and gaming bill back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says effectively kills the deal—leading to the cancellation of the Labour Day races. Youth Safety & Tech Settlements: The U.S. Virgin Islands is among jurisdictions included in a sweeping $17.1 billion Meta settlement over alleged addictive design and misleading safety claims for Facebook and Instagram, with new child-safety requirements expected. Business & Workforce: Borton & Sons filed a WARN notice for 928 seasonal farmworker layoffs in Washington in November as the harvest winds down, highlighting how agricultural staffing swings can quickly reshape local labor needs. Tourism & Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for its Summer 2028 season, including Caribbean calls that could matter to regional travel demand. Media & Regulation: Broadcasters are watching September FCC deadlines, including the annual regulatory fee payment window and the Auction 114 short-form application filing period for new FM station permits.

Territorial Consumer Protection: The V.I. Police Department is warning residents about a traffic fine text scam, saying the messages are fake and urging people not to click links or share personal or financial information. Local Governance & Gaming: The 36th Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said effectively killed the planned Sept. 6 races on St. Thomas, leaving the project in limbo. Tech & Youth Safety: A sweeping multistate Meta settlement announced this week includes claims brought by Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Meta required to add child-safety changes for Facebook and Instagram. Disaster Finance: Puerto Rico’s governor says SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans are now available for drought-affected small businesses and nonprofits, following a federal drought disaster declaration. Tourism & Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for its Summer 2028 season, including calls at St. Thomas and other Caribbean ports, while Oceania Cruises marked a major construction milestone for Oceania Sonata ahead of its 2027 debut with Caribbean sailings from Miami. Community & Resilience: Phillies reliever Alex McFarlane, a St. Thomas native, is carrying a “VI STRONG” message tied to his community’s rebuilding after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.