AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: Southwest Airlines says it will add two Caribbean routes from Nashville—new weekly service to St. Thomas (STT) and Aruba (AUA)—as part of seven total route launches planned through March 2027, a move that could boost USVI travel demand. Energy & Local Business: In the BVI, opposition lawmaker Ronnie Skelton warned proposed electricity rate changes could raise costs for small businesses, arguing electricity is the “lifeblood of the economy” and higher bills could hit food prices. Health Tech & Consumer Access: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a $99 per-session live tele-audiology option for OTC hearing device owners, aiming to close the gap between buying devices and getting professional fitting support. Food Safety: Federal health authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without required federal import reinspection, with Caribbean distributors urged to audit affected stock. Public Safety & Security: WRAP Technologies and XINSURANCE announced a partnership to roll out the WRAP Safe Response Program, a certified standard for training and preparedness for private security personnel. Local Justice: A St. Thomas man faces felony assault charges after a violent multi-person brawl following the St. John Festival left a woman hospitalized with severe facial fractures and head trauma.

Telehealth & Hearing Care: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live tele-audiology for OTC hearing device owners—45-minute remote sessions with licensed professionals, device optimization, and follow-up, priced at $99 per session. Weather & Risk: The NHC says no Atlantic or Caribbean cyclone development is expected, but a tropical wave is moving through the Puerto Rico–USVI area with limited shower impacts, while breezy conditions ease later. Local Energy Policy: In the BVI, opposition member Hon. Ronnie Skelton warned proposed electricity rate amendments could raise costs for small businesses, calling electricity “the lifeblood of the economy.” Ferry Rates: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on a St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate report after operators alleged a hearing examiner conflict and urged commissioners to discard findings; the report recommended about a 21% rate-base cut. Food Safety: Federal health authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without mandatory import reinspection—urging Caribbean distributors to audit affected stock. Cruise & Tourism: VI is highlighted as a top-fastest-growing Caribbean cruise destination, while Norwegian Cruise Line outlined a broader 2028 Caribbean deployment that includes St. Thomas. Public Finance & Infrastructure: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Security Industry: WRAP Technologies and XINSURANCE partnered to launch the WRAP Safe Response Program, aiming to standardize training and readiness for private security personnel. Business Leadership: UTIC named Donald McCormack board chair after Debbie Proffitt’s retirement, as the undersea innovation consortium looks ahead to its next decade.

Ferry Rates: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred its decision on a St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate report after operators challenged the hearing examiner’s findings, including a proposed ~21% cut to the rate base tied to how the Red Hook–Cruz Bay route is separated from the Charlotte Amalie–Cruz Bay route. Electricity Costs (BVI): BVI opposition member Hon. Ronnie Skelton warned that amendments to BVIEC electricity rates could raise bills for smaller businesses, arguing most customers use far more than the 1,500 kWh threshold and that electricity is “the lifeblood of the economy.” Food Safety (PR/VI supply chain): Federal authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without required reinspection; Caribbean distributors serving Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were urged to audit freezer stock. Maritime Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Cruise Economy: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026, up 29.3%, as cruise activity continues to center on Tortola’s pier park. Aviation Expansion (USVI): Southwest announced new nonstop Caribbean routes, including St. Thomas (STT), as part of its broader network growth. Business Leadership (UTIC): UTIC named Donald McCormack board chair following Debbie Proffitt’s retirement, keeping focus on undersea innovation and Navy-linked collaboration. Weather Watch: Tropical disturbances that had been monitored through the week have faded from the NHC outlook, but a Puerto Rico–USVI tropical wave and another moisture-bearing wave could bring limited rain later in the week.

Energy & Cost Pressure: In the BVI, Opposition Member Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton warned that amendments to BV Electricity Corporation’s statutory rates could drive up bills for small businesses, arguing most customers use far more than the 1,500 kWh threshold cited in the debate and that electricity is “the lifeblood of the economy.” Local Regulation & Transit Rates: The VI Public Services Commission deferred action on a final report on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators alleged a conflict of interest and asked commissioners to discard the examiner’s findings; the report recommended cutting the rate base about 21%. Maritime & Industry Funding: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program, targeting equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Undersea Tech Leadership: UTIC named Donald McCormack board chair after Debbie Proffitt retired; Proffitt is moving to St. John and focused on sea turtle conservation. Cruise Economy: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026 up 29.3%, as cruise activity centered on the Tortola pier park. Food Safety Alert: A Class I recall was issued for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without mandatory import reinspection; Caribbean distributors and kitchens were urged to audit affected stock.

Ferry Rates Under Review: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on its final St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate report after operators alleged a conflict of interest and urged commissioners to discard the examiner’s findings; the proposed rate-base cut was about 21%. Cruise Momentum: New data cited by Caribbean Tourism Organization shows the VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in Jan–March 2026—up 29.3% year over year. Electricity Cost Debate: In the BVI, Opposition Member Ronnie W. Skelton warned proposed electricity rate changes could raise bills for small businesses, arguing electricity is “the lifeblood of the economy.” Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program. Food Safety Alert: Federal health authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina, urging Caribbean distributors to audit affected stock. Local Public Safety: A St. Thomas man faces felony assault charges after a violent multi-person brawl following St. John Festival left a woman hospitalized with severe facial fractures and head trauma. Aviation Expansion: Southwest announced new nonstop routes from Nashville, including service to St. Thomas (STT) and Aruba (AUA). Education Recognition: UVI received a national Student Journey Award from EAB for improving the student experience and support from enrollment through graduation.

Ferry Rates Under Fire: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred its decision on a final report on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators alleged a conflict of interest and urged commissioners to discard the findings; the examiner’s recommendation would cut the rate base about 21% (from roughly $7.3 million to $5.7 million), tied to separating the Red Hook–Cruz Bay route from the Charlotte Amalie–Cruz Bay route. Cruise Momentum: New data highlighted the Virgin Islands as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, ranking third among the 10 fastest growers, with 493,397 cruise passenger arrivals in Jan–March 2026—up 29.3% year over year. Electricity Costs Debate (BVI): BVI opposition member Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton warned proposed electricity rate changes could raise bills for smaller businesses, arguing many customers use far more than the threshold cited in the formula and that higher power costs could hit everyday food prices. Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program, supporting equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Food Safety Watch (Puerto Rico): Federal authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without mandatory reinspection, prompting Caribbean distributors and kitchens to audit affected stock. Aviation Expansion (VI): Southwest announced new nonstop routes from Nashville, including Caribbean service to St. Thomas (STT) launching in March 2027.

Local Energy Costs: BVI opposition member Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton warned that proposed amendments to the Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges Act could raise electricity bills for small businesses, arguing most customers use enough power (often around 2,500 kilowatt-hours) that the new formula would “carry up their bill,” while noting electricity is the “lifeblood of the economy.” Territorial Shipping Rates: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred its decision on a final report on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators alleged a conflict of interest, with the report recommending about a 21% reduction to the rate base. Cruise Momentum: New data highlighted the Virgin Islands as the third-fastest-growing cruise destination in the Caribbean, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026—up 29.3% year over year. Food Safety Alert: Federal health authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef from Argentina after it entered commerce without required reinspection, urging Caribbean distributors to audit affected stock. Public Safety & Justice: A St. Thomas man faces felony assault charges after a violent post–St. John Festival terminal brawl left a woman hospitalized with severe facial fractures and head trauma. Undersea Industry Leadership: UTIC named Donald McCormack board chair after founding chair Debbie Proffitt retired, as the consortium continues prototype projects and undersea workforce support.

Electricity Costs Debate in BVI: Opposition Hon. Ronnie Skelton says proposed changes to BVI Electricity Corporation’s rates could raise bills for smaller businesses, warning that higher power costs can ripple into food prices and the broader economy. Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program, targeting equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. VI Ferry Rates: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on a St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate report after operators alleged a conflict of interest and urged commissioners to discard the examiner’s findings. Cruise Demand Signal: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026—up 29.3% year over year—highlighting the role of Tortola’s cruise port activity. Food Safety Alert: A Class I recall flagged nearly 29,628 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef after it entered commerce without required reinspection, prompting Caribbean distributors to audit affected stock. Local Public Safety Tech: UTIC elected Donald McCormack as board chair as Debbie Proffitt retired, while WRAP Technologies and XINSURANCE announced a WRAP Safe Response Program aimed at standardizing training and readiness for private security. Business Leadership Watch: Home Depot announced CEO Ted Decker is taking temporary medical leave, with Ann-Marie Campbell and Richard McPhail stepping in for day-to-day and financial oversight.

Maritime & Local Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards in 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program, backing equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce training to boost productivity and hiring. St. Croix Dining in DC: Donohoe Hospitality will open Croix, a Caribbean restaurant and Botanic Bar in Washington, D.C., Friday, Aug. 14, built around Crucian culinary heritage and ingredients like breadfruit, callaloo, sorrel, and cassava. Home Improvement Retail: Home Depot CEO Ted Decker is taking a temporary medical leave, with Ann-Marie Campbell overseeing day-to-day operations and Richard McPhail running finance and Pro subsidiaries. Food Safety: A Class I recall was issued for about 29,628 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef after it entered commerce without mandatory reinspection, with Caribbean distributors urged to check affected stock. Ferry Rates: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred a decision on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators alleged a conflict of interest tied to the hearing examiner’s recommended ~21% rate-base cut. Cruise Momentum: The VI ranked among the fastest-growing cruise destinations in the Caribbean, with 493,397 passenger arrivals (Jan–Mar 2026) up 29.3% year over year. Public Safety: A St. Thomas man faces felony assault charges after a violent post-festival terminal brawl left a woman hospitalized with serious facial fractures and head trauma.

Local Transportation: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred its decision on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators challenged the hearing examiner’s report, which recommended about a 21% rate-base cut. Tourism & Travel: The territory ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 cruise passenger arrivals in early 2026—up 29.3% year over year—highlighting the role of Tortola’s cruise pier. Business & Jobs: Norwegian Cruise Line outlined a bigger 2028 Caribbean deployment, including new itineraries calling at St. Thomas. Retail & Corporate Moves: Home Depot announced CEO Ted Decker will take a temporary medical leave, with Ann-Marie Campbell and Richard McPhail stepping in for day-to-day and financial oversight. Public Health & Food Safety: Federal health authorities issued a Class I recall for nearly 30,000 pounds of imported beef after it entered commerce without required reinspection—urging Caribbean distributors to check freezer stock. Education: UVI received national recognition for student success efforts, winning an EAB Student Journey Award.

Lottery Fever: Powerball has climbed to a $1 billion jackpot for tonight’s drawing, with the latest set of numbers reported as 4, 26, 66, 67, 69 and Powerball 9 (Power Play 2x), and a cash option estimated around $433.1 million before taxes—while the game expands to the U.K., letting players there compete for the same shared jackpot. Local Justice: A St. Thomas man, T-Kori Deshatlo, faces felony assault charges after a violent post–St. John Festival terminal brawl left a woman hospitalized with severe facial fractures and head trauma. Ferry Rates & Governance: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred a decision on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators alleged a conflict of interest, with a report recommending about a 21% rate-base cut. Cruise Momentum: The territory ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, posting 29.3% growth in cruise passenger arrivals (Jan–Mar 2026). Business & Operations: Home Depot announced CEO Ted Decker will take a temporary medical leave, with Ann-Marie Campbell and Richard McPhail stepping in for day-to-day and financial oversight. Education Recognition: UVI received national recognition for student success, earning an EAB Student Journey Award.

Ferry Rates & Governance: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred its final decision on St. Thomas-St. John ferry rates after operators alleged a conflict of interest involving hearing examiner Jed JonHope; the report he issued would cut the rate base about 21% (from roughly $7.3 million to $5.7 million), tied to separating the Red Hook-Cruz Bay route from the Charlotte Amalie-Cruz Bay route. Inter-Island Transport Disruption: Aquatic Rentals Ferry Service says it will suspend all VI–USVI ferry operations indefinitely effective Aug. 31, 2026, without giving a reason. Cruise Momentum: The territory ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 cruise passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026—up 29.3% year over year—boosted by activity around the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. Retail Corporate Update: Home Depot announced CEO Ted Decker will take temporary medical leave, with Ann-Marie Campbell and Richard McPhail stepping in to oversee day-to-day operations and financial management. Business & Innovation: IBEX named judges for its 2026 Innovation Awards, highlighting the marine industry’s push for new products. Lottery Watch (Local Interest): A St. Thomas Powerball player missed the $375 million jackpot by one number but won $100,000 after adding Power Play to a $50,000 match.

Mortgage & Banking Regulation: Oregon and New York attorneys general, joined by other states, sued the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to block an OCC rule that would limit states’ ability to require banks to pay interest on mortgage escrow accounts—arguing it lets big banks profit from money that belongs to borrowers. VI Economy & Jobs: A new look at U.S. Virgin Islands employment shows a swing in 2025: private-sector job gains earlier gave way to net losses in Q3, underscoring the territory’s ongoing business volatility. Cannabis Oversight: The VI Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start within weeks and at least two dispensaries may be ready by year-end, but commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected to be operational by October. Inter-Island Transportation: Aquatic Rentals announced it will suspend ferry service between the VI and USVI indefinitely, effective Aug. 31, with no reason given. Powerball & Local Impact: A St. Thomas player missed the $375 million jackpot by one number but won $100,000 after adding Power Play. Consumer/Health Policy: A coalition of states reached a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-conspiracy conduct, while Medicare Part D subsidy changes are set to affect premiums for millions.

Lottery & Consumer Watch: Powerball keeps climbing after Monday’s $905M jackpot drew no winner; Wednesday’s estimated prize is $975M (cash $422.3M), with numbers 6-37-54-55-64 and Powerball 10 (Power Play 3x), and only Match 5 tickets in California, Maryland, Tennessee (plus Power Play) cashing in. Local Economy & Jobs: A VI Free Press look at U.S. Virgin Islands employment shows volatility: Q3 2025 had gross private-sector job losses of 1,982 versus gains of 1,658, for a net -324 jobs (-1.3%). Cannabis Regulation: The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start “within weeks,” with at least two dispensaries potentially opening before year-end 2026, but commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected by October. Weather & Risk: The Virgin Islands faces extreme heat and Saharan dust—heat indices 110–114°F, reduced visibility, and heightened fire danger—while tropical disturbances remain at bay. Pharma Pricing Enforcement: Multi-state attorneys general, including AG Ford, announced a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition (total payments about $469M to state enforcers if approved). Hospitality & Tourism: Historic Hotels of America named 2026 nominee finalists for its Annual Awards of Excellence, highlighting preservation and sustainability in the U.S. hotel sector.

Antitrust & Health Costs: U.S. Attorney General Ford says a coalition settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price conspiracies would total about $469 million to state enforcers if approved, with Nevada’s share to be set later. Medicare Policy: A Medicare Part D subsidy that helped lower plan costs is ending early, raising concerns about 2027 premiums and out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries. USVI Cannabis Rollout: The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially opening by year-end 2026, but commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected by October. Local Economy & Jobs: USVI employment data shows Q3 2025 private-sector job losses outpaced gains, snapping a brief uptick and highlighting ongoing volatility. Banking & Finance: A national ranking of top-performing banks points to funding mix and preserved profitability as key differentiators as interest rates fell. Business & Hospitality: Preferred Hotels & Resorts adds 10 new member properties, including The Botany in St. Thomas, signaling continued investment in USVI tourism. Weather & Risk: The Virgin Islands faces extreme heat and Saharan dust, with a heat advisory and elevated fire danger as tropical disturbances remain offshore. Legal System Watch: A USVI legal explainer breaks down why judges can’t impose blanket “no bail” rules for non-capital charges like burglary and vehicle theft. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbs to $905M for Monday, driving fresh advice on protecting winners’ privacy and managing payouts.

USVI Cannabis Rollout: The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation in the Virgin Islands could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries aiming to open before year-end 2026, but commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected to be ready “by October.” USVI Economy Watch: New data shows the territory’s private-sector job gains in Q2 2025 were followed by a Q3 2025 reset, with gross job losses outpacing gains and net employment down 324 positions (-1.3%). Hospitality & Tourism Signals: Historic Hotels of America named 2026 nominee finalists for its Awards of Excellence, highlighting preservation and sustainability as travel differentiators. Banking & Finance: A national ranking of top-performing banks (assets $10B–$50B) points to profitability resilience tied to low-cost funding and net interest margin strength. Surety Industry Tech: Surety One launched ERISA4204Bonds.com, pitching faster underwriting for ERISA §4204 sale-of-assets bonds via automated calculations and pre-analysis. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to an estimated $905 million for Monday’s draw after no jackpot winner, with cash option figures drawing attention from financial-advice outlets. Weather & Risk: The Virgin Islands faced a heat advisory with extreme heat indices and Saharan dust limiting shower activity and raising fire danger.