AGP Executive Report

Business & Investment Climate: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the VI will remove visa requirements for work permit holders, aiming to make it easier for employers to bring in staff while broader reforms like an Investment Act and a trade-and-investment one-stop shop are pushed. Local Governance & Housing Finance: Lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homebuyer program, including $2 million toward the VI Economic Development Authority and changes that would convert parts of VIHFA funds into grants for eligible applicants. Public Safety & Justice: A federal judge sentenced former VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez to 10 years for his role in a bribery and fraud scheme tied to former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal. Community & Leadership: Rotary Club of Tortola installed Mitsy J. Ellis-Simpson as president for 2026/2027, with community Paul Harris Fellows also recognized. Youth Development: YEP’s new building on Virgin Gorda is set to open this summer, starting with about 50–70 children and expanding as it grows. Environment & Entrepreneurship: VI Fund increased 2026 Impact Challenge catalytic funding to up to $250,000 for ventures protecting ocean health, with applications due June 10.

State of the Territory Address: Premier Natalio Wheatley used Tuesday’s “Keep Moving Forward” speech to acknowledge VI struggles—climate, pandemic, political uncertainty, and cost-of-living pressures—while promising a “holistic, territory-wide” update on progress. Housing funding shift: On St. Croix, lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homeowner program, including new support for housing and LBJ Gardens compensation. Public safety and justice: Former VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez was sentenced to 10 years for bribery and fraud tied to former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal, with the judge citing overwhelming evidence. Youth services: Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) building on Virgin Gorda is set to open this summer, starting with about 50–70 children. Government appointments: Melissa K. Brewley was appointed Information Commissioner effective May 11, 2026. Business and trade: VI officials met customs brokers and retailers to improve import declaration accuracy for the Protected Basket of Goods initiative. Entrepreneur grants: The VI Impact Challenge funding was increased to up to $250,000 for ocean-health solutions, with the June 10 deadline tomorrow. Hurricane readiness: Works Minister Kye Rymer urged residents to review evacuation plans and emergency supplies as the 2026 season begins.

Insolvency Watch (BVI): A New York judge signaled he will grant recognition of the British Virgin Islands insolvency proceeding of Prince Global Holdings, tied to allegations of a major fraud and human trafficking ring. Business & Finance (BVI): Robseek Intelligence announced a merger deal with QuasarEdge, while Ming Shing Group said it has closed its $110 million acquisition of BVI-based PMA Nano Carbon Tech. Local Governance (VI): Premier Natalio Wheatley is set to deliver a “marvellous progress” State of the Territory Address, with airport expansion, schools, tourism planning, health sciences and sewerage among expected topics. Public Service (VI): Melissa K. Brewley was appointed Information Commissioner, effective May 11. Youth & Community (VI): The Youth Empowerment Project building on Virgin Gorda is expected to open this summer for 50–70 children at launch. Economy & Environment (BVI): The 2026 Impact Challenge funding for VI ocean-health innovators rises to $250,000, with applications due June 10. Hurricane Readiness (VI): Works Minister Kye Rymer urged residents to review evacuation plans and emergency supplies as the Atlantic season begins. Sports (VI): Tola (Tortola) won the 2026 King of the Courts Caribbean Championship, beating St Thomas 74–67.

BVI Constitutional Reform Push: Premier Natalio Wheatley and Deputy Premier Julian Fraser are pressing for more self-rule, including civil service and internal security powers, with talks aimed at giving the Virgin Islands authority similar to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Anegada District Talk: Fraser told Anegada residents a separate electoral district is “very near,” while a proposed local council could give more day-to-day control sooner. Bank of Asia Fallout: People’s Leadership Movement leader Mark Vanterpool declined to comment on the Bank of Asia saga, saying regulators should handle bank issues through the FSC. UN Decolonization Pressure: BVI Special Envoy Benito Wheatley urged the UN decolonization committee to use its “good offices” and visiting missions more aggressively for remaining non-self-governing territories. Local Education Spotlight: St. Croix teacher Joanie Phillip was named the 2027–2028 State Teacher of the Year. Community & Health: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th year, with organizers targeting a $300,000 goal. Sports: Tola and St Thomas set up the King of the Courts Caribbean Championship final after wins in Tortola. Food Safety Alert: Salmonella-related grocery recalls are prompting urgent checks for affected products.

BVI Politics & Governance: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser says Anegada will “in the very near future” become its own electoral district, but residents could see more local control sooner through a proposed council system as constitutional reform talks continue. Constitutional Reform Push: Premier Natalio Wheatley argues the Virgin Islands should gain powers similar to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man—aiming for authority over areas like the civil service, internal security and Cabinet leadership in negotiations with the UK. Election Watch: Political commentator Cindy Rosan warns new factions ahead of the next general election may split the vote, urging groups like VIIA, PLM and “All 13” to consider merging. Finance & Accountability: PLM leader Mark Vanterpool dodged questions on the Bank of Asia saga, saying regulators should handle bank failures through the FSC, not politics. Environment & Public Policy: Deputy Premier Fraser urges residents to tune in Tuesday for the State of the Territory Address, with climate change and the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund among key topics. Utilities Update (BVI): The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger has cleared the House and been assented, setting up a unified VIEWCo and a single public notification platform for service advisories. Regional Diplomacy: BVI Special Envoy Benito Wheatley urged the UN decolonization committee to use its “good offices” and visiting missions more actively for remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories. Business/Water Sector: Consolidated Water appointed water-industry veteran Sachin Chawla as senior vice president for strategy and growth. Storm Tracking: Maps tracked Tropical Storm Cristina and Tropical Storm Boris as they develop in the Eastern Pacific.

BVI Utility Overhaul: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger cleared the House of Assembly and was assented by Gov. Daniel Pruce, setting up a single Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo) and moving utility notices to one coordinated public platform. BVI Citizenship & Culture: Fifty-eight people were naturalised as British Overseas Territories citizens at Government House, while a poetry and critical essay competition launched for the Long Look Free People’s 250th anniversary commemoration. Regional Tourism Recognition: BVI Junior Minister of Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge-Smith won “Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year” at the CTO Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York. Sports Spotlight: The 2026 King of the Courts Caribbean Championship final is set for tonight after Tola edged Dominican Republic 92-91 and St Thomas beat St Eustatius 107-71. Food Safety Alert: Federal recalls flagged Salmonella-linked Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread and other grocery issues, urging shoppers to check labels and batches. Public Safety Scrutiny: A “Cabinet Connect” outreach in St. Croix drew nearly 200 residents, but observers are watching the role of the Virgin Islands Police Department amid ongoing concerns about street performance.

Sports Spotlight: The 2026 King of the Courts Caribbean Championship is down to two teams—Tola and St Thomas—meeting tonight at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex after Tola edged Dominican Republic 92-91 in last-second drama and St Thomas routed St Eustatius 107-71. Public Safety & Governance: On St. Croix, the Bryan administration held a “Cabinet Connect” community outreach at the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex, offering meals, screenings and grooming, while critics keep attention on public safety and the VIPD’s street performance. Utilities & Service Delivery: In the BVI, the House of Assembly approved and the governor assented to the BVIEC–W&SD merger, setting up VIEWCo and moving notices to a unified public notification platform. Community & Culture: Fifty-eight people were naturalised as BOT citizens, and a poetry/critical essay competition launched for the Long Look 250th Freedom commemoration. Environment Enforcement: The VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning fines up to $1,000 for illegal dumping or misuse. Tourism Innovation: The VI won the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase in New York with a “Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” pitch.

Public Safety & Governance: St. Croix Gov’t House rolled out a “Cabinet Connect” photo-op at the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex, serving nearly 200 residents with meals, screenings, and haircuts—while critics point to the VIPD’s ongoing street-level scrutiny as the backdrop. Food Safety: Federal and retailer recalls are hitting the territory’s imported supply chain, including Salmonella-linked Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread and other items tied to serious allergen/oversight problems—prompting urgent pantry checks. BVI Utilities Reform: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger cleared the House and was assented by the Governor, setting up a single VIEWCo for coordinated power, water, and sewerage notices. Public Service Training: The Virgin Islands Public Service launched a CXC customer service certification programme, with the first 15 officers completing training to raise service standards. Waste Enforcement: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000. Regional Tourism Innovation: VI students won the CTO Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept tying marine restoration to tourism revenue for conservation. Business/Finance (BVI-linked): Orca Energy Group filed Q1 2026 interim results, reporting revenue growth and ongoing dispute context tied to Tanzania.

BVI Utility Merger: The BVI’s House of Assembly approved and Gov. Daniel Pruce assented to the merger of BVIEC and W&SD, setting up a single Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo) and moving to one coordinated public notification platform for service interruptions and advisories. Public Service Upgrade: The Virgin Islands Public Service launched a new Excellence in Customer Service CXC Programme, with the first 15 officers completing training toward regional certification. Citizenship Ceremony: Fifty-eight people were naturalised as British Overseas Territories citizens at Government House, with Acting Gov. David D. Archer and Premier Natalio Wheatley urging them to embrace the Territory and its responsibilities. Waste Enforcement: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping and misuse can bring fines up to $1,000. Tourism Innovation Win: VI students won the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase in New York with a “Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept. Local Security: RVIPF charged Shakhoy Penn with possession of a prohibited firearm and explosives after a Road Town arrest tied to suspected gunfire.

Territorial Democracy Push: Guam advocates took the “consent of the governed” fight to Capitol Hill, arguing the Insular Cases still deny full democratic rights to 3.6 million Americans. Public Service Upgrade (BVI/VI): The British Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands both rolled out customer-service training efforts with CXC, aiming to tighten service delivery and professional standards. Tech, Sanctions, and BVI Links: A California tech CEO, Jamshid Ghomi, was arrested over a decade-long alleged scheme to route U.S. networking and encryption gear to Iran; the case highlights how complex procurement networks can involve offshore structures. Local Enforcement: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring up to $1,000 in fines. Regional Spotlight: The Virgin Islands won champions status at the CTO Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase in New York with a “Green & Blue Economy” tourism hub concept. Public Safety Training (VI): UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the eligible training provider list, enabling WIOA-funded EMT training and national certification pathways. Crime Update (Tortola): Shakhoy Penn was charged in Tortola after police recovered a Glock 17 and ammunition during a Road Town response to suspected gunfire.

Public Service Upgrade (BVI/VI): The Virgin Islands Public Service launched a new Excellence in Customer Service CXC programme, with the first 15 officers completing training and earning regional certification, as officials say the goal is to close service-delivery gaps across government. Immigration & Work Permits (BVI): Mark Vanterpool warned that a proposed “rollover” immigration policy could disrupt businesses that invest years training workers, while Labour Department cronyism allegations in the yachting sector continue to spark calls for fair access for Virgin Islanders. Waste Enforcement (VI): The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping and misuse can bring fines up to $1,000. Tourism Showcase (VI): VI students won the 2026 CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase in New York with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” pitch. Business/Finance (BVI): Alpha Compute Corp. reported $79.2M in assets and a projected $23M annual revenue run-rate, touting progress after its GAMEE acquisition. Crime & Safety (VI): Shakhoy Penn was charged after police recovered a Glock 17 and ammunition during a Road Town response to suspected gunfire. Regional Justice (ECSC): Margaret Price Findlay was appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9, 2026.

Public Service Training: The Virgin Islands and CXC officially launched the Excellence in Customer Service programme on June 3, aiming to upgrade how public officers serve residents through multi-level training with VIPSLI and Customer 1st Caribbean. Gun Crime in the BVI: Shakhoy Penn was charged in Tortola with possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of explosives after a Road Town response to suspected gunfire recovered a Glock 17 with an extended magazine and 21 rounds. Workforce Development in the USVI: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten graduates completed Cohort 2 with a 100% first-attempt national certification pass rate. Business & Governance Pressure: A BVI Chamber “Meet the Members” series is set for June 4, while local commentary alleges cronyism in Labour Department approvals affecting the yachting sector. Regional Tech & Security: A U.S.-Iran sanctions case dominated headlines with the arrest of Jamshid Ghomi, accused of supplying U.S. networking and encryption gear to Iran’s military and nuclear programs.

Gun Crime in Tortola: Shakhoy Penn, 29, was charged after RVIPF says officers found a Glock 17 with an extended magazine and 21 rounds of 9mm ammo during a Road Town response to suspected gunfire; Penn remains in custody awaiting Magistrate’s Court. Public Service Overhaul: CXC and the Virgin Islands Government launched the Excellence in Customer Service programme to train public officers and improve service recovery, professionalism, and accountability. Basketball Spotlight: VG Bayside Blazers bounced back in the 2026 King of the Courts, routing St Croix 100-79 on Night 2, with Nicholas D.J. Faust scoring 24. Local Governance & Work Permits: A BVI commentator alleges Labour Department officials are being pressured to fast-track work permits for the yachting sector, sidelining qualified locals. AI Policy Push: Hon. Lorna G. Smith says the VI needs a clear AI management policy as digital transformation accelerates. Regional Tourism: Caribbean Week in New York continues to draw tourism ministers, including BVI and USVI officials, under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences.” Hurricane Research: NOAA says uncrewed ocean robots were deployed off the USVI to study hurricanes and feed real-time data to forecasters.

BVI Governance & Digital Policy: Junior Minister Lorna G. Smith says the Virgin Islands must develop a policy to manage artificial intelligence as part of upcoming State of the Territory Address priorities, alongside business revitalisation and training efforts. BVI Public Service Pressure: The Police Welfare Association warns that delayed compensation, pay inequities, unpaid allowances, and long acting appointments are being tolerated too long and says the “continued exploitation” of officers will no longer be accepted. BVI Business Calendar: The BVI Chamber of Commerce’s “Meet the Members Series” is set for June 4 at the BVI Finance Conference Room in Cutlass Tower, aiming to connect businesses and highlight initiatives. VI Food Security & Shipping: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline says the VI is in a food insecurity crisis tied to import dependence and shipping disruptions, with some stores closing earlier or missing items. Regional Aviation & Travel: United announces a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026—an end to decades of needing connections for New York-area travelers. USVI Hurricane Watch: The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 with a below-normal outlook, but officials stress that even a quiet season can still bring a major storm.

Local Governance & Public Safety: The Police Welfare Association says “continued exploitation” of officers over delayed pay, unresolved salary gaps, acting appointments, and administrative failures “will no longer be tolerated,” calling for immediate action. Digital Policy: VI Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Hon. Lorna G. Smith says the territory must create an AI policy as digital transformation accelerates, alongside business revitalisation efforts. Business & Finance: BVI Finance has pushed its Latin America roadshow to July 13–16, 2026 (Lima, Bogota, Panama City), aiming to strengthen ties with the region’s financial services market. Tourism & Community: BVICC will host its “Meet the Members Series” June 4 at Cutlass Tower in Road Town. Sports: BVI Rugby hosts USVI Rugby’s Privateers in a 1st and 2nd team match June 6 at A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds. Regional Weather Preparedness: The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 with a below-normal outlook, but officials stress staying ready for a potentially impactful storm.

BVI Finance Roadshow: The BVI Finance 2026 Latin America roadshow has been pushed to July 13–16, with stops in Lima, Peru; Bogotá, Colombia; and Panama City, Panama—aimed at keeping the territory’s financial services front and centre for regional partners. Tourism Push: The Virgin Islands will host a two-day Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort to align stakeholders on sustainable growth, resilience, and investment direction, with regional and international leaders expected. Power Outages: WAPA CEO Karl Knight said a failure at the Randolph Harley Power Plant triggered the St. Thomas/St. John outages that disrupted government operations and businesses, with the Legislature closed until power was restored. Local Sports: BVI Rugby will host USVI Rugby’s Privateers on Saturday, June 6, marking the first time BVI Rugby fields a second squad in a 1st/2nd team match. Aviation Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop between St. Croix (STX) and Newark/New York (EWR) starting Oct. 31, 2026, expanding direct access for residents and visitors.