AGP Executive Report

St. Croix Community Health: Relay for Life on St. Croix marked its 25th anniversary June 6 at the St. Croix Educational Complex, with 35 teams, more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal, and organizers citing a promised $100,000 government contribution; survivor stories highlighted hope and continued support for cancer patients. USVI Public Safety: A man faces federal charges after U.S. Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami, with the guns allegedly not declared. Workforce & Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, enabling residents to use WIOA funding for EMT training; UVI MSC also reported 10 EMT graduates completing Cohort 2 and moving toward NREMT certification. Territorial Governance: A bipartisan congressional briefing renewed focus on “consent of the governed,” arguing that the 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories still lack full democratic rights—an issue directly tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands’ political status. Aviation Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route between Newark and St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday service—an upgrade for business and tourism travel.

Territorial Democracy Push: A bipartisan congressional briefing at the U.S. Senate on June 4 examined what “consent of the governed” means for the 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories, with U.S. Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) joining via video and advocates pointing to the Insular Cases and lack of full constitutional rights. Privacy & Compliance for Local Businesses: The 3rd Circuit issued guidance tied to website “replay code” tracking litigation, stressing that businesses should review how they handle user data and whether claims can be dismissed for lack of injury or standing. Public Safety/Justice in the VI: In St. Thomas, a man faces federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving from Miami. Workforce Development: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, enabling residents to use WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with graduates on track for national certification. Air Service & Tourism: United Airlines announced new nonstop service from Newark to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026, a major connectivity boost for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Consumer Protection: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights rising scam losses and urges beneficiaries to review notices, watch for phone scams, and report suspicious activity.

U.S. Virgin Islands Federal Case: A man facing federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami, with the bags linked to the same record locator and seized after a secondary inspection. USVI Workforce & EMS Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; UVI MSC also reported 10 EMT graduates completing Cohort 2 and preparing for NREMT certification. USVI Business & Travel Links: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route between St. Croix and Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026, a major connectivity boost for the territory’s tourism and business travel. Territorial Governance & Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing highlighted that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories—including USVI—lack voting representation in Congress, renewing pressure to address the “consent of the governed” gap. Hurricane Outlook & Preparedness: NOAA forecast a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but local preparedness reminders emphasized that even a lighter season can still bring disruptive storms. Local Legal/Property Watch: A long-running dispute involving Google cofounder Larry Page’s USVI island holdings (Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik) hit another snag after mediation failed, setting up further court action.

Aviation & Tourism: United Airlines announced a new nonstop between St. Croix and Newark, starting Oct. 31, 2026, giving the island a direct link to the New York region for the first time in decades. Local Business & Workforce: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; the center also reported 10 EMT graduates completing Cohort 2 and moving toward national certification. Public Safety & Federal Courts: A man is facing federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Policy & Governance: A bipartisan congressional briefing renewed debate over “consent of the governed,” highlighting that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories—including USVI residents—lack full voting representation. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8 to 14 named storms and 3 to 6 hurricanes, but officials urged residents to keep preparing. Consumer Protection: The FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education over a major student-data breach, underscoring stricter federal expectations for companies handling sensitive information.

USVI Aviation & Tourism: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route linking St. Croix (STX) with Newark (EWR), starting Oct. 31, 2026, with Saturday-only service—an overdue boost for business travel and visitor access to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Workforce Development: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; UVI MSC also reported 10 EMT graduates completing Cohort 2 with strong progress toward national certification. Public Safety & Risk: NOAA and the National Weather Service are forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but local guidance still stresses preparedness for businesses and residents across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Security Case: A man faces federal charges after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Policy & Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing highlighted that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories—including USVI residents—have representation without voting power in Congress, renewing pressure to address “consent of the governed.” Business/Privacy Enforcement: The FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education Inc. over alleged failures to secure sensitive student data, a reminder for any VI companies handling consumer or student information. Hurricane Research: NOAA and partners deployed uncrewed surface vehicles off the U.S. Virgin Islands to improve hurricane forecasting, including plans to study how real-world measurements affect intensity predictions.

Air Travel & USVI Connectivity: United Airlines announced new nonstop service from Newark Liberty to St. Croix, starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday flights—an overdue boost for the New York–USVI market. Workforce Development: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed the program with 10 graduates on track for national certification. Local Security: A man faces federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Hurricane Outlook & Preparedness: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season (8–14 named storms; 3–6 hurricanes), while the Coast Guard and local emergency guidance urged residents and businesses to review plans and supplies now. Privacy & Consumer Data: The FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education over a breach affecting 10.1 million students, underscoring stricter federal expectations for companies handling sensitive data.

Territorial democracy push: A coalition including Guam advocates briefed Congress on why U.S. territories—home to about 3.6 million Americans, including the U.S. Virgin Islands—still lack full voting power, tying the fight to the Insular Cases and the “consent of the governed” principle. Air travel for St. Croix: United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix (STX)–Newark (EWR) route starting Oct. 31, 2026, a major connectivity upgrade for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Workforce training boost: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with 10 graduates on track for national certification. Hurricane planning: NOAA and the National Weather Service forecast a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, but local and Coast Guard guidance urged residents and businesses in the region—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—to keep emergency and continuity plans ready. Coastal energy durability: A new corrosion-focused design framework for coastal solar-plus-storage projects highlights how salt air and humidity can shorten equipment life, pushing developers to plan beyond standard code assumptions. Business & compliance: A Federal Trade Commission order against Illuminate Education underscores that privacy promises won’t protect companies when security practices fall short—especially when sensitive data is involved.

Air Connectivity: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–area route to St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday flights between Newark (EWR) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX), a move St. Croix officials say could boost tourism and local business. Workforce Development: The UVI Medical Simulation Center has been added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, enabling EMT trainees to use WIOA funding; ten residents completed Cohort 2 and are now positioned for NREMT certification. Hurricane Readiness & Research: Coast Guard and NOAA updates keep the focus on preparation for the 2026 Atlantic season, while NOAA-backed uncrewed ocean robots deployed off the U.S. Virgin Islands are advancing hurricane eyewall data collection. Caribbean Tourism Economy: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is drawing tourism ministers and industry leaders, with the U.S. Virgin Islands among participants as regional travel demand shifts toward more authentic, cultural experiences. Local Business Spotlight: Bobby’s Jewelers in Charlotte Amalie highlights its long-running, family-owned fine jewelry business and personalized service for visitors. Fraud Warning: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week coverage flags a fast-growing 2026 phone scam using AI voice cloning to impersonate family members and push victims for Medicare information. Legal/Finance Watch: A long-running U.S. Virgin Islands court fight involving Google cofounder Larry Page’s island holdings continues after mediation failed, keeping high-value local property disputes in the headlines.

Air Connectivity for St. Croix: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–area route to St. Croix, starting Oct. 31, 2026 with weekly Saturday flights from Newark (Boeing 737-700). Workforce & EMS Training: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, enabling WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with 10 graduates on track for national certification. Tourism Industry Pulse: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is drawing regional ministers and tourism leaders, including USVI officials, as the sector pushes “one Caribbean” branding and connectivity amid shifting traveler preferences. Hurricane Readiness: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, while the Coast Guard and local emergency messaging urge residents and businesses to review plans and supplies now. Broadband Funding Match: A new analysis of BEAD spending shows internet providers are putting up more than 37% in private match for approved territory proposals, highlighting how funding rules shape rollout. Local Business Climate: The Virgin Islands’ workforce and training pipeline is getting a boost, but the week’s broader policy signals—from disaster prep to federal funding mechanics—underscore how quickly external decisions can affect local operations.

U.S. Virgin Islands Air Access: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–St. Croix route, starting Oct. 31, 2026 with weekly Saturday flights from Newark to Henry E. Rohlsen (Boeing 737-700, 126 seats). Tourism & Regional Business: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened June 1 with CTO leaders and ministers, including USVI officials, pushing “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” to strengthen connectivity and market share. Hurricane Preparedness & Risk Planning: NOAA forecasts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season (55% chance), while Coast Guard and local guidance urge residents and businesses to review plans, supplies, and continuity steps now. Infrastructure & Broadband: A new analysis says broadband expansion under BEAD is drawing heavy private matching funds, with the report noting USVI had no eligible locations due to other commitments. Local Governance (BVI): Premier Wheatley’s team is consulting on constitutional talks with the UK, including a push for transferring security responsibilities to the territory for more democratic accountability. Finance/Markets (SCOR): SCOR reported results from its cash tender offer for subordinated notes, signaling ongoing capital management activity. Legal/Wealth (Epstein spillover): Fresh Epstein-related document releases and related scrutiny continue to drive major online attention, with ripple effects for financial institutions and high-profile figures.

Airlift & Tourism: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–St. Croix route, starting Oct. 31, 2026 with weekly Saturday flights between Newark (EWR) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX), a long-awaited upgrade that could boost visitor access for St. Croix businesses and the tourism economy. Regional Tourism Strategy: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, bringing CTO ministers and industry leaders—including the U.S. Virgin Islands’ governor and tourism officials—to focus on connectivity, marketing, sustainability, and airlift development. Local Governance (BVI): BVI Premier/Finance Minister Natalio Wheatley calls for transferring security responsibilities from the UK to local democratic control, while Mark Vanterpool argues for moving key BVI ministries to sister islands to reduce Tortola-centric development. Infrastructure & Risk: NOAA forecasts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, and the Coast Guard urges mariners and residents in the U.S. Virgin Islands to prepare now. Broadband (Regional): A BEAD spending analysis says private matching funds are exceeding program minimums in many places, though the U.S. Virgin Islands had no eligible locations under the reviewed commitments.

Air Access Boost: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York-area route from St. Croix, starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday service from Newark to STX—an expansion U.S. Virgin Islands tourism officials say could directly lift local business and visitor demand. Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1 with ministers and industry leaders from across the region, including the USVI, focusing on marketing, connectivity, sustainability, and airlift—key topics for the territory’s tourism economy. Regional Policy Debate: BVI Premier Mark Vanterpool is calling for decentralizing government services by moving major ministries to sister islands, arguing it would reduce Tortola-centric development and spread economic activity. Hurricane Readiness: The Coast Guard Southeast District reminded residents and mariners across the USVI and nearby states to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season as NOAA forecasts a below-normal year. Local Governance Watch: A federal judge denied new trials for former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case.

Air Connectivity Boost: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop service between St. Croix (STX) and Newark/New York (EWR) on Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday flights—an upgrade local tourism and business leaders say strengthens the island’s New York market ties. Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opens June 1 with ministers and industry leaders from across the region, including the USVI, aiming to protect market share and improve airlift and connectivity. Broadband Funding Math: A new analysis says internet providers are lining up to put up about $11.4 billion in matching funds for BEAD broadband projects—more than 37% of total costs—while noting USVI locations were excluded from eligibility. Hurricane Readiness: The Coast Guard is urging USVI residents and mariners to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic season as NOAA forecasts a below-normal year. Local Governance & Security Talks: VI Premier Natalio Wheatley is calling for transferring security responsibilities from the UK to the VI government, arguing for democratic accountability. Business & Finance: Onity Group received regulatory approval for its reverse mortgage servicing portfolio sale and announced a share repurchase program.

Air Access & Tourism: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–St. Croix service starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday flights from Newark, a major connectivity boost for the U.S. Virgin Islands tourism economy. Caribbean Tourism Strategy: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1 with CTO-led talks on resilience, connectivity and marketing, drawing ministers and commissioners including the USVI’s delegation. Infrastructure & Public Works: Virgin Islands officials say delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are a major setback after bids came in far above budget, with the project being redesigned while funded through a CDB loan. Broadband Matching Funds: A new analysis of BEAD broadband plans says internet providers are putting up about $11.4 billion in private cash for projects, but notes the USVI had no eligible locations due to other deployment commitments. Local Governance: The VI Senate advanced a green waste disposal bill allowing controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching and composting aren’t available, adding safeguards to limit smoke and particulate impacts. Business & Finance: Onity Group reported regulatory approval for its reverse mortgage servicing portfolio sale to Finance of America Reverse and outlined a share repurchase plan.

Cruise & Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line says its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay will open Sept. 4, 2026, with advance day-pass sales starting now and private cabanas for up to six guests, plus new food trucks and the Tidal Tower slides. Air Connectivity: United Airlines will add the only nonstop New York–St. Croix service this fall, starting Oct. 31 with weekly Saturday flights from Newark, giving travelers a second direct gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Infrastructure: VI 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, with the ministry redesigning the project funded by a Caribbean Development Bank loan. Governance & Security Talks: Premier Natalio Wheatley urged transferring security responsibilities from the UK to the VI government during constitutional negotiations, arguing for democratic accountability over who runs security. Politics: Sydney Gruters’ CD 16 bid gained an endorsement from New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran, citing foundation financial gains during her leadership. Business & Finance: A federal judge denied new trials for Ray Martinez and Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case, keeping their convictions in place.

Air Connectivity: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–St. Croix service this fall, starting Oct. 31 with weekly Saturday flights from Newark, a sign airlines are racing to capture Caribbean demand. Tourism & Business: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 with U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and CTO leaders, spotlighting airlift, marketing, sustainability, and tourism entrepreneurship. Local Infrastructure: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer says delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are a major setback after bids came in far above the approved budget, forcing redesigns under a CDB-funded loan. Governance & Policy: Premier Natalio Wheatley is calling for transfer of security power from the UK to the Virgin Islands government, arguing for democratic accountability. Energy & Weather Risk: NOAA forecasts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8–14 named storms and 3–6 hurricanes, citing El Niño and other factors. Finance & Compliance: The U.S. Virgin Islands Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure allowing controlled incineration only when safer options aren’t available, with added safeguards and limits.