AGP Executive Report

Constitution Talks: The Virgin Islands will begin the first round of formal constitutional negotiations with the UK on July 14–15, exploring revisions to the 2007 Constitution Order, with Premier Natalio Wheatley leading the VI side and a four-person UK delegation led by Nicholas Wareham. Local Politics: In USVI, a Democratic gubernatorial debate turned into a fight over who’s responsible for stalled progress, with Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach defending the Bryan-Roach record, Delegate Stacey Plaskett citing gaps despite federal help, and Donna Frett-Gregory pitching local management experience. Public Safety: A St. Thomas woman was arrested after surveillance allegedly showed she used her car to strike her ex-boyfriend after calling 911 about a broken windshield. Sports Spotlight: Saint Lucian sprinter Julien Alfred won the Monaco Diamond League women’s 200m in 21.51 seconds, while Adaejah Hodge (BVI) finished second. Business & Tech: VI Motors says it’s now the authorized dealer for OMODA & JAECOO in the British Virgin Islands. Regional Governance: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting wrapped in Saint Lucia, with BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley among attendees.

Territorial Politics: The UK and the Virgin Islands are set to begin the first round of formal constitutional negotiations July 14–15, exploring possible revisions to the 2007 Constitution Order, with Premier Natalio Wheatley leading the VI side. Public Safety: A St. Thomas woman was arrested after 911 claims about a broken windshield unraveled, with surveillance and statements alleging she used her car to run down her ex-boyfriend. Crime & Courts: A St. Thomas man faces multiple charges after surveillance linked him and two minors to a stolen work truck found wedged against a Sugar Estate business’s doors. Water Crisis: BVI Works Minister Kye Rymer blamed decades of ageing, neglected infrastructure for the territory’s ongoing water shortages, while the opposition continues to press for accountability. Culture & History: BVI Culture Minister Luce Hodge-Smith urged a plan to recover Virgin Islands historical records held overseas, citing collections at King’s College in the UK. Regional Governance: CARICOM’s 51st Heads of Government meeting wrapped in Saint Lucia, with BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley among the associate members attending. Business & Tech: VI Motors named authorised dealer for OMODA & JAECOO, rolling out new models for the local market. Sports: Julien Alfred made history in Monaco, and Adaejah Hodge (BVI) finished second in the 200m.

Local Crime: A St. Thomas woman, Laysha Pegan, was arrested after surveillance footage allegedly showed she used her car to strike her ex-boyfriend in the Bellows International parking lot, after initially calling 911 about a “broken windshield.” Local Crime: A St. Thomas man, Delron Lake, was arrested after a violent retail rampage at a Walgreens—reportedly assaulting staff and disrupting customers while wearing only undergarments. VI Water & Power: BVI Works Minister Kye Rymer blamed decades of ageing, neglected infrastructure for the territory’s water crisis, while the opposition continues to press for accountability. VI Politics: The VI and UK will begin the first round of formal constitutional negotiations July 14–15, exploring possible revisions to the 2007 Constitution Order. Public Safety & Health: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is setting up a Financial Solutions Task Force to tackle WAPA debt and health care finances, with OMB Director Julio Rhymer expected to lead. BVI Health Recognition: BVIHSA won a top APIC Film Festival prize for its infection-prevention short film “A Symphony of Guardians.” Business & Tech: VI Motors named authorised dealer for Omoda & Jaecoo in the British Virgin Islands, rolling out an initial lineup of four models. International Watch: US officials are pressing Iran to publicly confirm Strait of Hormuz ship traffic is fully restored and to stop attacks as talks continue.

Water Crisis Fallout: BVI Works Minister Kye Rymer says the territory’s water shortages stem from decades of ageing, neglected infrastructure and underinvestment, not recent decisions, while Opposition Leader Marlon Penn and Rymer trade blame over how families are being hit. Local Governance & Utilities: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, WAPA has scheduled back-to-back overnight blackouts for St. Thomas–St. John (and noted ongoing St. Croix feeder instability), with major feeder outages planned for July 13 and 14. Culture & Heritage: BVI Culture Minister Luce Hodge-Smith urged a coordinated push to retrieve Virgin Islands history stored overseas, pointing to records she found at King’s College in the UK. Public Health Recognition: BVI Health Services Authority won top honours at the APIC Film Festival for its infection-prevention short film “A Symphony of Guardians.” Regional Business/Finance: The U.S. Virgin Islands government is setting up a Financial Solutions Task Force to help reduce WAPA debt and address hospital and health care finances. Community & Safety: A St. Thomas Walgreens incident led to arrests after a violent retail rampage. Sports & Culture Calendar: BVI hosted the 2026 Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards, celebrating leaders across multiple territories.

Water Crisis Clash: In the VI, Opposition Leader Marlon Penn and Communications & Works Minister Kye Rymer traded sharp criticism over the ongoing water shortage, with Penn saying families are already squeezed and the government is failing to manage and deliver a basic necessity. Grid Strain: WAPA says back-to-back overnight blackouts are planned for St. Thomas-St. John next week, while St. Croix continues to face multi-day feeder fluctuations. Debt-Reduction Push: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is moving to form a Financial Solutions Task Force aimed at cutting WAPA debt and improving hospital and health care finances, with OMB Director Julio Rhymer expected to co-lead. BVI Independence Debate: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley rejected claims the territory must fix social and infrastructure problems before pursuing independence, arguing those issues exist regardless of status. BVI Finance & Tech: British Virgin Islands-based RYKI says it launched same-day settlement rails for online gaming firms, using stablecoin/crypto payments through a regulated BVI pathway. Regional Spotlight: Caribbean POSH’s 10th anniversary awards in the BVI recognized 15 women across seven territories, including VI chef Shanda Webster-Glasgow and BVI-based honorees. Sports/Community: VI and regional sports coverage included VI-related water and grid issues alongside Caribbean athletic and squash junior competition updates.

Power & Infrastructure: WAPA says back-to-back overnight blackouts are coming for St. Thomas–St. John (STT–STJ) as St. Croix’s Feeder 8B continues multi-day fluctuations, with planned outages set for July 13 and 14 from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Ocean Science: UVI’s VICAR is partnering with NOAA to deploy the first-ever biogeochemical Argo ocean float in offshore U.S. Virgin Islands waters near Grammanik Bank, collecting multi-year water-column data. Local Business/Finance: EY leadership shifts across the Bahamas, Bermuda, BVI and Cayman, with Bill Bailey taking over as regional managing partner effective Oct. 1. BVI Tourism Push: The BVI Tourist Board promoted the territory at St. Kitts Music Fest, touting LIAT flights and driving sign-ups for future updates. Sports & Youth: Bermuda’s junior squash team is in the BVI for the Caribbean Area Squash Association Junior Championships, while regional athletic attention also turns to upcoming Caribbean competitions. Regional Governance: CARICOM welcomed Martinique as an associate member, expanding ties across the bloc.

Power Disruptions in the USVI: WAPA says back-to-back overnight blackouts are planned for St. Thomas-St. John starting Monday, July 13, and Tuesday, July 14, with multi-feeder outages that could leave thousands in Rock City and other areas without power from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Ocean Science in the USVI: UVI’s VICAR program partnered with NOAA and the University of Miami to deploy the first biogeochemical-Argo ocean float in USVI waters near Grammanik Bank, collecting data for years. BVI Fintech Push: British Virgin Islands VASP RYKI says it launched same-day cross-border settlement rails for online gaming, using stablecoin and crypto payments under BVI regulation. Tariff Cost Pass-Through Watch: New York Fed research finds many firms in its district—including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands—still plan price hikes to recover tariff costs. Local Politics and Succession Talk: USVI social commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline says he’s “no longer in favour of recycling politicians,” calling for real succession planning. Regional Culture Spotlight: Caribbean POSH ICON awards in the BVI recognized VI culinary leader Shanda Webster-Glasgow and filmmaker Latrell Lewis-King. BVI Tourism Marketing: The BVI Tourist Board promoted the territory at St. Kitts Music Fest, touting LIAT flights and the upcoming Emancipation Festival. BVI Fishing Depot Call: BVI opposition leader Marlon Penn renewed calls for a fishing depot in the Eighth District after the David “Tiger” Smith tournament.

Citizenship Fight: Theo Wold, who helped draft Trump’s birthright citizenship order, says the Supreme Court’s strike-down won’t end the push to redefine U.S. citizenship—Trump and allies are likely to keep pressing the issue. BVI Tourism Push: The BVI Tourist Board used St. Kitts Music Festival to market Tortola and the wider territory to regional travellers, with a booth, LIAT flight promotion, and sign-ups for updates; officials say 300+ people registered for destination info. DOJ Gun-Law Strategy: The U.S. Justice Department filed lawsuits against California and Virginia over gun restrictions, framing it as an effort to expand Second Amendment rights nationwide, including mention of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Airport Complaints: U.S. Virgin Islands talk-show host Claude Skelton Cline criticized Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport screening rules and delays, saying tourists are being treated unfairly. Epstein Files Fallout: New reporting says DOJ Epstein-related records included bank fraud alerts tied to a Virgin Islands company that were later removed and re-released blank, renewing scrutiny of Southern Country International. BVI Finance Tech: BVI Finance and partners hailed “Fintech on the Seas 2026” on Necker Island as a sold-out success, positioning the territory as a serious digital finance hub.

CARICOM Diplomacy: BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley is in Saint Lucia for the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, where leaders are focusing on climate finance, regional security, Haiti, Cuba, and economic resilience. BVI Politics: Wheatley pushed back on claims that elected officials are driven by self-interest, calling it a “political talking point” that doesn’t match reality. Airport Frustrations: Claude Skelton Cline says Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport is putting residents and visitors through unnecessary hassles, including strict carry-on rules and long security delays tied to equipment issues. Digital Finance Spotlight: Necker Island hosted Fintech on the Seas 2026, which BVI officials called a sold-out success and a boost for the Territory’s role in digital finance. Local Culture & Tourism: Xmas in July 2026 in Virgin Gorda is set for July 25, headlined by Puerto Rican singer Pedro Capó, with additional acts and BVI-Puerto Rico friendship themes. Public Safety: A holiday weekend surge in VI crime and enforcement included fugitive extraditions back to St. Croix from Florida. Justice Department/VI Links: New reporting alleges DOJ Epstein files were altered after bank fraud alerts tied to a Virgin Islands-linked company were briefly posted and then re-released blank.

DOJ/Epstein Files: Fresh DOJ records and newly shared interior photos keep spotlighting how Jeffrey Epstein moved millions through a U.S. Virgin Islands bank before his 2019 arrest, with online speculation reignited by the “Epstein island” imagery. Public Safety: The long holiday weekend brought a surge in VI crime and enforcement, including extraditions from Florida back to St. Croix and continued pressure on local policing. Territory Politics: A submitted opinion argues the VI Delegate’s lack of a House floor vote means voters should prioritize leadership that can work within Congress to protect major federal recovery funding. Finance & Business: BVI’s “Fintech on the Seas” wrapped up as a sold-out success, with officials calling it a flagship push for the Territory’s role in digital finance. Local Procurement: WWTS LLC says it will buy goods and services locally in the U.S. Virgin Islands “to the maximum extent practicable,” inviting VI suppliers to respond. Regional Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley is in Saint Lucia for CARICOM’s Heads meeting, pushing unity and regional renewal themes. Sports (BVI/VI ties): At the Prefontaine Classic, Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands took third in the women’s 100m.

Epstein Files Fallout: New DOJ-linked interior photos and renewed online searches are keeping “Epstein Island” in the spotlight, with fresh chatter focused on what’s shown in the images and how the releases are timed. Local Governance & Unity: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley urged residents to “become one Virgin Islands,” using Long Look’s Freedom Day commemoration to push a renewed social compact and heritage tourism plans. Constitutional Reform Push: The BVI launched a public information campaign, “Our Constitution,” with a website and community outreach ahead of the first formal UK negotiation round later this month. Regional Diplomacy: Premier Wheatley is in Saint Lucia for CARICOM’s Heads of Government meeting, where the agenda centers on resilience and renewal. Public Safety: The U.S. Virgin Islands saw a holiday weekend crime surge, including extraditions back to St. Croix and ongoing police work across both districts. Community Support: St. Thomas’ Family Resource Center set its Peace Maker Gala for July 11 despite federal funding delays. Business & Finance: AM Best placed Topa Insurance Group’s ratings under review, including a U.S. Virgin Islands subsidiary, tied to a proposed acquisition. Sports: Adaejah Hodge (BVI) placed third at the Prefontaine Classic, while regional athletics results also highlighted BVI’s participation in ANOCES championships.

CARICOM Diplomacy: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley is in Saint Lucia for the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, pushing a regional agenda of resilience and renewal as the chairmanship shifts to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Constitutional Reform (BVI): The BVI launched “Our Constitution,” a public information campaign explaining 27 proposed amendments ahead of the first formal negotiation round with the UK later this month, with updates via Facebook, WhatsApp, radio, and a dedicated website. Community Safety (St. Thomas): The Family Resource Center’s Peace Maker Gala is set for July 11 at Victor’s Hideout, but organizers say federal funding delays are straining services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Finance & Insurance (VI): AM Best placed Topa Insurance Company’s ratings under review, including Dorchester Insurance Company Ltd. in the U.S. Virgin Islands, tied to a proposed acquisition involving Topa. Sports Spotlight (BVI): At the Prefontaine Classic, Adaejah Hodge (BVI) took third in the women’s 100m, while Jamaica’s Dejanea Oakley won the women’s 400 in a pro debut. Weather Alert (USVI): A Saharan Air Layer is blanketing the U.S. Virgin Islands with hazy skies, reduced visibility, and poor air quality—especially for sensitive groups.

BVI Politics & Constitutional Reform: Premier Natalio Wheatley urged unity in Long Look during the 250th Freedom commemoration, saying the territory’s future can’t be built on division. He also launched the public information campaign “Our Constitution” to explain the constitutional reform process and the 27 proposed amendments ahead of the first formal UK negotiation round. Community Safety & Funding: On St. Thomas, the Family Resource Center will hold its Peace Maker Gala July 11 at Victor’s Hideout, but organizers say federal funding delays are straining nonprofit services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Education & Finance: Keon Reece of HLSCC won the 2026 GraceKennedy Money Services (BVI) scholarship, highlighting support for future business and financial leaders in the territory. Sports (BVI in the spotlight): At the Prefontaine Classic, Adaejah Hodge (BVI) took third in the women’s 100m, while Jamaica’s Dejanea Oakley won the 400m and other regional athletes posted strong results. Environment: The U.S. Virgin Islands is under a Saharan Air Layer (SAL) plume, bringing hazy skies, reduced visibility, and poor air quality through the holiday weekend.

BVI Constitutional Push: The Premier’s Office says the Virgin Islands hosted Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister Frederick A Mitchell Jr for talks on constitutional development, democratic governance, and CARICOM cooperation, including possible new collaboration and a memorandum of understanding. Public Engagement: Premier Natalio Wheatley launched “Our Constitution,” a territory-wide information campaign on 27 proposed constitutional amendments ahead of formal UK negotiations later this month. Nonprofit Funding Pressure: In St. Thomas, the Family Resource Center will hold its Peace Maker Gala July 11 at Victor’s Hideout, citing federal funding delays that have strained services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Local Finance Spotlight: GraceKennedy Money Services (BVI) Limited named H. Lavity Stoutt Community College finance major Keon Reece as its 2026 scholarship recipient. Weather Watch: The U.S. Virgin Islands is under Saharan Air Layer conditions, bringing hazy skies, poor air quality, and heightened fire risk for the holiday weekend. Sports (BVI on the Track): At the Prefontaine Classic, Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands placed third in the women’s 100m.

Public Safety & Health: A Saharan Air Layer is blanketing the U.S. Virgin Islands with hazy skies, reduced visibility, and poor air quality over the July 4 weekend, with warnings for sensitive groups and heightened fire risk. Community & Nonprofits: In St. Thomas, the Family Resource Center says federal funding delays have strained nonprofits, but it’s still set to host its Peace Maker Gala July 11 to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. BVI Governance & Constitutional Reform: The Premier’s Office says a public information campaign, “Our Constitution,” is now live to explain the constitutional reform process and 27 proposed amendments ahead of formal talks with the UK later this month. BVI Politics & Accountability: Political commentator Cindy Rosan challenged Premier Natalio Wheatley’s frequent overseas travel, saying residents need measurable outcomes, not just claims of meetings and “success.” Regional Diplomacy: The VI hosted Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister Frederick A Mitchell Jr for talks on constitutional development and closer cooperation, including possible memorandums on shared priorities. Local Crime: St. Croix homicide detectives are investigating a daylight shooting at Croixville Apartments in Frederiksted that left a 34-year-old man dead. Sports (VI): At the Prefontaine Classic, British Virgin Islands’ Adaejah Hodge finished third in the women’s 100m. Education & Finance (BVI): Keon Reece of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College received the GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) (BVI) scholarship for final-year finance studies.

BVI Constitutional Push: Premier Natalio Wheatley launched the public information campaign “Our Constitution” to explain the 27 proposed amendments and the upcoming formal talks with the UK, with updates running through July across Facebook, WhatsApp, radio and the campaign website. Regional Diplomacy: The BVI hosted Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister Frederick A. Mitchell Jr. for meetings on constitutional development, democratic governance, and CARICOM-linked cooperation, including possible future collaboration via a memorandum of understanding. Local Accountability Debate: Political commentator Cindy Rosan challenged the Premier’s defence of frequent overseas travel, saying residents are told trips are “successful” without clear, measurable outcomes. Crime & Safety: In St. Croix, a daylight shooting at Croixville Apartments in Frederiksted left a 34-year-old man dead, with investigators treating it as part of a sharp rise in homicides this year. Community & Youth: Willard Wheatley Primary School won the Virgin Islands Anti-Crime Summit 2025 video competition, taking home a $1,000 prize delivered by NSC members, the Governor, the Premier and the Attorney General. Sports Spotlight: British Virgin Islands athletes are among the teams set for the ANOCES Athletics Championship in St. Kitts and Nevis this weekend.