AGP Executive Report

BVI Electricity Rates Debate: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn warned that BVI’s move to remove the fuel subsidy for high-usage electricity could hit supermarkets and push up food prices, even if only a small share of customers are directly affected. Water Transfer Fallout: The government denied promises of amnesty on disputed water bills as water and sewerage services shift to VIEWCO, while Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley signalled water rates may rise to keep the new utility viable. Education Leadership: Mrs Zubida K. H. O’Neal-George is set to replace Ms Ashkisha N. Maduro as principal of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, starting duties Sept. 1, 2026. MSME Support: The VI government and CDB launched a three-part MSME capacity-building series for business continuity, digital marketing, and financial management with virtual and hybrid options. Regional Child Policy: OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled the Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032, built on a whole-of-the-child approach. Sports: Bermuda’s men and women beat BVI in ECVA volleyball, with both teams set to face Anguilla. Community Wellness: A 24-hour fitness and wellness gym, Mind & Body by Living Fit, opens in Virgin Gorda today.

BVI Electricity Rates Debate: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn warned that BVI’s electricity tariff change for high-usage customers will hit supermarkets and push up food prices, arguing businesses can’t absorb the added costs. Water Transfer Fallout: The BVI government denied promises of amnesty on disputed water bills as services shift to VIEWCO, while Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley signalled water rates may rise to keep the new utility viable. BVI Electricity Corporation Sustainability: House of Assembly approved amendments to reduce the government’s BVIEC subsidy by half, with ministers saying it’s about financial survival, not profit. Education Leadership in the VI: Mrs Zubida K. H. O’Neal-George is set to replace Ms Ashkisha N. Maduro as principal of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, starting Sept. 1, 2026. OECS Child Policy: OECS and UNICEF launched a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032, built on a whole-of-the-child approach. Regional Weather Watch: Tropical wave and Tropical Storm Lala coverage includes flood alerts across the Lesser Antilles and hurricane warnings for parts of Hawaii. MSME Support in the VI: VI government and CDB launched a training series for micro, small and medium businesses on business continuity, digital marketing and financial management.

Electricity and water costs under debate: In the BVI House of Assembly, Opposition Leader Marlon Penn warned that higher electricity charges for high-usage customers will hit supermarkets and push up food prices, while Hon Ronnie Skelton said the electricity “lifeblood” issue could worsen costs for small businesses. Water transfer fallout: The government also denied promising an amnesty on disputed water bills as services move to VIEWCO, and Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley signalled water rates may rise to keep the new utility financially viable. MSME support in the BVI: The VI government and Caribbean Development Bank launched a three-part MSME capacity-building series for entrepreneurs, covering business continuity, digital marketing, and financial management. Undersea industry leadership: UTIC named Donald McCormack board chair after Debbie Proffitt’s retirement. Regional child policy: OECS unveiled a 2026–2032 regional child policy and strategic plan with UNICEF support. Sports in the BVI: ECVA volleyball action continued in Road Town, with Bermuda beating BVI in the men’s opener and both Bermuda teams winning on day two.

Electricity and food prices: BVI opposition leader Marlon Penn warned that BVIEC’s new electricity tariff for high-usage customers will hit supermarkets and push up food costs, even as the government argues the change is needed to protect supply and reduce subsidies. Water rates and arrears: Premier Natalio Wheatley signalled water rates could rise after water and sewerage shifts to VIEWCO, while the government denied promises of an amnesty for disputed water bills. Utility governance: The House of Assembly approved amendments to the Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges Act to cut the government’s BVIEC subsidy by half, aiming to restore BVIEC’s solvency. Undersea innovation leadership: UTIC named Donald McCormack board chair as founding chair Debbie Proffitt retires. Sports (ECVA): Bermuda beat BVI in men’s volleyball and topped Dominica in women’s action; VI men also opened with a loss to Anguilla. Anegada tourism identity: A feature highlights how lobster, beaches and small stays make Anegada a standout BVI trip. Business/finance: Osiris Group secured Guernsey fiduciary licences, expanding trustee and private wealth services.

BVI Skills Gap: BVI political hopeful Dr Arlene Smith Thompson says young Virgin Islanders are being sidelined as employers lean on expatriate workers, blaming long-running gaps in TVET that leave graduates with certifications that don’t match job needs. Marine Careers: Marine industry veteran Compton Wintz adds that charter companies want practical skills and experience, urging training to start while students are still in school so they can enter the sector ready for roles beyond low-paying entry jobs. USVI Funding Boost: 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. Sports—ECVA Volleyball: The VI senior men opened the 2026 ECVA championship with a five-set loss to Anguilla in Road Town, while the tournament continues. Air Travel: Southwest announced a new nonstop route from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027, adding another option for USVI visitors. BVI Athletics Eligibility: BVIAA President Steve Augustine clarified that Commonwealth Games 200m gold medalist Adaejah T. Hodge can’t accept cash awards under current NCAA-linked prize rules.

BVI Jobs & Skills Gap: BVI political hopeful Dr. Arlene Smith Thompson says young Virgin Islanders are being sidelined as employers lean on expatriate technical workers, blaming long-running gaps in TVET training that don’t match what the job market needs. Marine Careers Push: Marine industry veteran Compton Wintz warns that charter companies often can’t find applicants with the practical skills and experience they require, calling for hands-on training to start while students are still in school. Health Facility Repair: In the VI, a $562,100 contract was signed to modernize and fix the roof of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda, after roof problems disrupted services and forced a temporary field clinic. Sports (BVI): The VI senior men’s volleyball team opened the ECVA Senior Men’s Championship with a 2-3 loss to Anguilla, while the tournament continues in Tortola. Storm Watch (Broader Region): Forecasters are tracking new tropical development in the Atlantic and a separate system forming near Hawaii, with preparations urged for possible impacts. Business/Finance (BVI): Orca Energy Group declared a quarterly dividend and filed its Q2 2026 interim results, including updates on revenue and gas deliveries in Tanzania.

Powerball Fever: The jackpot is back at $1 billion for tonight’s drawing, with the cash option estimated around $433.1 million before taxes, as no winner pushed the prize higher and even UK players can now join the same big pot. Clean Water Act Case: U.S. prosecutors unsealed charges against a Puerto Rico slaughterhouse operator and employees, alleging illegal wastewater discharges tied to a creek and public beach—another reminder that environmental enforcement is reaching the islands. VI Health Facility Fix: The Government of the Virgin Islands signed a $562,100 contract to repair and modernize the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre roof on Virgin Gorda, aiming to restore safer, reliable services. Local Education Win: UVI received a national Student Journey Award from EAB for efforts to improve student success and the overall student experience. BVI Business: Orca Energy Group declared a quarterly dividend and filed Q2 2026 interim reports, giving a fresh look at its Tanzania natural gas operations. Sports & Community: A St. Thomas Powerball player missed a $375M jackpot by one number but still won $100,000, while the Ted Hood Regatta returns this weekend.

Health Infrastructure: The Government of the Virgin Islands signed a $562,100 contract to repair and modernize the roof of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda, aiming to restore safe, reliable services after roof leaks and earlier clinic disruptions. Local Business & Tourism: Preferred Hotels & Resorts welcomed 10 new independent luxury properties, including The Botany in Saint Thomas, adding more villa-style and wellness-focused options for travelers. Tech & Investment (BVI-linked): Alpha Compute, incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, signed a binding term sheet to secure Pennsylvania land and Marcellus gas rights for a planned 200 MW data center campus, with potential expansion to 1 GW. Community Health: The Virgin Islands State Nurses Association is seeking support for its nurse-led public health education initiative, “Teaching Moments with VISNA’s President,” offering free guidance on topics like asthma, fracture care, senior health, and prevention. Sports (USVI): A St. Thomas Powerball player missed a $375 million jackpot by one number but still won $100,000 after adding the Power Play option.

BVI Business Deal: Alpha Compute, a British Virgin Islands-incorporated AI infrastructure firm, signed a binding term sheet to buy northern Pennsylvania land and Marcellus gas rights for $55 million to power a planned 200 MW data center campus, with potential expansion to 1 GW. USVI Lottery Buzz: A St. Thomas Powerball player missed the $375 million jackpot by one number but still won $100,000 cash after adding Power Play to a $50,000 ticket. Local Health Outreach: The Virgin Islands State Nurses Association is seeking community and business support to keep its free nurse-led health education programme running across the territory. St. Croix Port Upgrade: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4 million design-phase upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal, including structural repairs and yard pavement reconstruction, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14. Housing Affordability Debate (BVI): A BVI housing project failure at Joe’s Hill Manor is being cited as proof of a wider affordability crisis for first-time buyers. Public Safety/Justice (St. Croix): A double homicide outside La Terraza Bar has reignited anger online after a recent court dismissal, with residents debating whether “street justice” is filling gaps. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied with July 2024 as the hottest month on record, according to NOAA and NASA.

VI Sports & Youth: The VI men’s 4x100m quartet set a new National Record at the World U20 Championships in Eugene, Ore., clocking 40.70 seconds and earning a spot in the final. Local Health & Community: The Virgin Islands State Nurses Association is asking residents, businesses, and community groups to support its free, nurse-led public health education initiative, “Teaching Moments with VISNA’s President,” covering topics like asthma, fracture care, senior health, and preventive care. St. Croix Infrastructure: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving forward with a $22.4 million design-phase upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal, including structural repairs, new mooring and fendering equipment, and container yard pavement reconstruction. Public Safety & Justice: A St. Croix double homicide outside La Terraza Bar and Restaurant has sparked renewed anger online after earlier court dismissals, with residents debating whether “street justice” is filling gaps. Church Leadership: Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard, born in the Virgin Islands, was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, taking office Sept. 1, 2026.

USVI Port Upgrade: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4 million design-phase upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal on St. Croix, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14 and plans for structural repairs, new mooring/fendering, and container-yard pavement reconstruction. St. Croix Violence & Courts: A double homicide outside La Terraza Bar has sparked renewed anger online after felony charges were dismissed with prejudice just weeks earlier, with residents debating whether repeat offenders and court outcomes are fueling “street justice.” Frederiksted Waterfront Disruption: VIPD arrested a St. Croix woman after repeated trespassing and alleged harassment at a Strand Street beachfront eatery, following multiple prior warnings and police contact. Medicare Part D Change: A Medicare Part D subsidy is ending early, raising concerns about 2027 premium impacts for beneficiaries, even as officials stress coverage continues. Powerball Fever: The jackpot climbed to an estimated $905 million for Monday’s drawing, with cash option figures and near-miss winners reported as the streak continues. VI Sports Spotlight: The VI men’s U20 4x100 relay set a new national record at the World U20 Championships in Eugene, reaching the final. BVI/Regional Football: Vin Blaine was appointed director of football for Belize’s federation, with a stated mission that includes development work he previously did in the US Virgin Islands. Coral Reef Research: WHOI researchers in the USVI say seawater sampling can flag reef stress earlier than visual signs, using chemical and microbial “signatures” tied to local currents.

VI Port Upgrade: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4 million design-phase upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal on St. Croix, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14 and plans for structural repairs, new mooring and fendering, and container-yard pavement reconstruction. USVI Cannabis Rollout: Office of Cannabis Regulation Executive Director Joanne Moorehead told senators licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries possibly opening before year-end, while commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected “by October.” St. Croix Courts Backlash: A double homicide outside Castle Coakley Bar has sparked renewed anger after residents pointed to a recent court dismissal of felony charges against one of the victims, fueling calls that “street justice” is filling gaps. Sports Spotlight: The VI men’s U20 4x100m relay team set a new national record at the World U20 Championships in Eugene, and Jessica Oji won world U20 shot put gold. Marine Science: A WHOI-led study in the USVI says seawater sampling can detect early reef stress signals, using chemistry and microbes tied to ocean movement.

Daylight Saving Time Fight: With the Senate in recess until Sept. 14, lawmakers are casting doubt on whether the Sunshine Protection Act can pass before the Nov. 1 “fall back,” leaving Americans stuck in another clock-change cycle. USVI Cannabis Rollout: The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries possibly opening before year-end, but commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected “by October.” Reef Monitoring Breakthrough: WHOI researchers tested a non-invasive way to gauge coral reef health using seawater chemical and microbial signals, with a study conducted in the U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Croix Cultural Loss: Tributes are pouring in for Bradley Christian, a longtime St. Croix culture guardian who preserved quadrille, helped develop the official madras, and served for decades in public service. Waste Services Update (St. Croix): VIWMA will temporarily relocate the Concordia Bin Site starting Aug. 10 to build a new convenience center, with strict rules on what residents can dispose of. DLCA Scam Warning: The licensing agency says people are allegedly posing as DLCA reps to collect fees in the field—residents and businesses are told not to pay outside official channels. Sports (VI at CAC Games): Beyonce A. Defreitas won the territory’s first-ever CAC medal in the women’s 200m, taking silver in Santo Domingo.

USVI Cannabis Rollout: The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cannabis cultivation in the Virgin Islands could start “within weeks,” with at least two dispensaries potentially opening before the end of 2026—though commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab that stakeholders expect could be ready “by October.” Waste & Public Works: VIWMA will temporarily relocate the Concordia Bin Site on St. Croix starting Aug. 10 to make way for a new Convenience Center, moving disposal next door to the Department of Public Works property with set hours and strict rules on what residents can drop off. Birthright Citizenship Fight: A new Trump executive order targeting birthright citizenship in U.S. territories is drawing pushback from local advocates, who warn it could escalate efforts to narrow citizenship rights after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling. DLCA Scam Warning: The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs is warning businesses not to pay anyone claiming to be a DLCA representative in the field, saying legitimate payments must go through official channels. St. Croix Courtroom Tensions: A local legal explainer tackles public frustration over bail and repeat offenders, breaking down how pre-trial release works under the territory’s legal framework. St. Croix Culture Loss: Tributes are pouring in for Bradley Christian, a St. Croix cultural guardian who preserved quadrille and helped develop the territory’s official madras. Lottery Buzz: Powerball keeps climbing, with the next drawing Monday Aug. 10 and the jackpot now estimated at $905 million.

USVI Cannabis Rollout: The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation in the Virgin Islands could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries possibly opening before year-end—though commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected to be ready by October. Waste Services Update (St. Croix): VIWMA will temporarily relocate the Concordia Bin Site starting Aug. 10 to make way for a new Convenience Center, moving disposal operations to the adjacent Department of Public Works property with set daily hours and strict rules on what residents can drop off. Birthright Citizenship Fight: Right to Democracy calls President Trump’s new executive order “troubling” for U.S. territories, arguing it escalates efforts to limit citizenship for people born in territories where citizenship is not conferred by federal statute. BVI Economy & Competition: In the British Virgin Islands, talk show host Claude Skelton Cline accuses RiteWay and its parent of “cannibalising” the BVI market, saying the lack of antitrust protections lets dominant firms squeeze out smaller businesses. DLCA Scam Warning: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs warns businesses not to pay anyone claiming to be a DLCA representative in the field, stressing payments must go through authorized channels. Local Safety/Community: The Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta committee says it canceled Friday’s activities after an incident, but the fiesta continues through Saturday with increased police presence.

Cannabis rollout: USVI’s Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries possibly opening before year-end—though commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab that stakeholders expect could be ready by October. Food safety and local risk: A Cyclospora surge tied to recalled mainland produce raises fresh questions about USVI’s import-heavy supply chain and how quickly recalls reach local shelves. Jobs and the island economy: New reporting on the latest US jobs picture and USVI employment dynamics points to continued volatility—small shifts can hit the territory harder than the mainland. Waste services update: VIWMA will temporarily relocate the Concordia Bin Site starting Aug. 10 to make way for a new Convenience Center, with strict rules on what residents can dump at the temporary location. Local governance and public safety: DLCA warns businesses about scammers posing as department reps to collect licensing fees in the field. Community events: The Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta will proceed through Saturday but with increased police presence after a violence incident led to Friday’s cancellation. Citizenship fight: Right to Democracy and other voices are reacting to Trump executive orders targeting birthright citizenship in US territories, a move likely to face legal challenges. BVI constitutional talks: VI welcomed a draft UN resolution backing constitutional negotiations with the UK and monitoring of the territory’s review process. Business disruption: Omar’s VG Restaurant in Virgin Gorda says a fire that destroyed the business did not start there, blaming a neighboring building.