AGP Executive Report

BVI Governance Probe: British Virgin Islands authorities have launched an investigation into how public funds were invested in Jamaica’s Delta Capital Partners, with Premier Natalio Wheatley saying the deal violated the territory’s Public Finance Management Act and that he only learned of it after the fact. USVI Development Clash: In the Virgin Islands, senators approved a 99-year lease for Water Island that clears the way for a luxury resort, marina and private villas, despite resident opposition. Public Safety: Police are investigating a shooting during an altercation at Long Bay Beach on Beef Island; details on injuries are not yet clear. Environment & Tourism Pressure: Sargassum is smothering beaches across the Caribbean and Gulf, with new figures pointing to record-level seaweed that threatens tourism. Local Business/Finance: Aura Minerals, based in the BVI, announced a US$0.72 per share dividend and reported record first-half results. Education Spotlight: Maples Group recognized 12 top Grade 6 English students across the BVI ahead of secondary school. International Business: Quantes launched a managed compute platform aimed at letting eligible users invest in AI infrastructure without owning hardware. Sports/Community: A BVI-linked tourism discussion highlights calls for Caribbean destinations to cooperate more and compete less.

Water Island Development: USVI senators voted 11-3 to approve a 99-year lease for Water Island, clearing the way for a luxury resort, marina, and private villas despite resident opposition. Local Crime: A gun was fired during an altercation at Long Bay Beach on Beef Island; police have not yet said whether anyone was injured. BVI Finance & Trade: BVI Finance says a four-city Financial Services Trade Mission to India runs Aug. 24-31, with Premier Natalio Wheatley leading meetings with investors, fund managers, fintech and more. Tech & Investment: Quantes launched a managed compute AI platform that lets eligible users participate without owning or maintaining hardware. Education Spotlight: Maples Group recognized 12 top Grade 6 English students across the BVI ahead of secondary school. Business Travel: Audley Travel is expanding Caribbean coverage by adding Dominica and the British Virgin Islands. Weather & Safety: St. Croix faces a heat advisory as Saharan dust clears, with very high fire danger due to dry conditions. Epstein Media Fight: Sen. Ron Wyden renewed claims that CBS News suppressed a “60 Minutes” Epstein-related interview; CBS denies it.

Power and Utilities: WAPA says a planned overnight grid shutdown will plunge parts of St. Thomas and all of St. John into darkness Wednesday night, citing the FEMA-funded Feeder 13 Bypass Project. Local Crime: VIPD Burglary Unit arrested three men tied to separate St. Croix commercial break-ins, including a restaurant and a service station. Politics: Dwight Hill announced he intends to run in the 2027 Virgin Islands general elections, pitching unity and “fresh solutions.” Weather & Safety: St. Croix faces a heat advisory as Saharan dust clears, with very high fire danger due to dry conditions. Business & Jobs: Ocean Point Terminals welcomed 15 students for its summer internship program, including a new placement via a V.I. Legislature initiative. Law & Finance: A U.S. Senate report alleges major banks missed red flags in Jeffrey Epstein-related transactions, while a separate BVI-linked offshore legal firm Mourant took minority private equity investment. Sports: USVI women’s softball won silver at the CAC Games after the gold-medal match was cancelled due to severe weather.

Banking Accountability: Sen. Ron Wyden says JPMorganChase, Deutsche Bank and Bank of America ignored red flags tied to Jeffrey Epstein, alleging they failed to do proper due diligence on more than US$170 million in suspicious payments and calling for federal action and tougher bank rules. Hemp Policy Push: USVI-linked AG Tim Griffin led a bipartisan letter urging Congress to preserve 2025 federal hemp reforms and block a return of intoxicating hemp products. Local Weather & Fire Risk: St. Croix saw Saharan dust clear but a Heat Advisory hit with heat index readings above 105°F, plus elevated fire danger from dry conditions. St. Croix Crime Crackdown: VIPD Burglary Unit arrested three men in separate commercial break-ins, including cases tied to Cheeseburger in Paradise and a service station. Power & Utilities: WAPA warned of a major overnight grid shutdown affecting parts of St. Thomas and all of St. John as crews work on the FEMA-funded Feeder 13 Bypass Project. Politics: Dwight Hill announced he intends to run in the 2027 general elections. BVI Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley ordered investigations into an unauthorised Delta Capital Partners investment, citing violations of the Public Finance Management Act.

Territorial Politics: Stacey Plaskett advanced in the U.S. Virgin Islands Democratic primary for governor, with Milton Potter as her running mate, while Guam Del. James C. Moylan won his GOP primary for a nonvoting House seat—setting up November races. Municipal/Local Governance: In the BVI, Premier Natalio Wheatley ordered multiple investigations into an unauthorised Delta Capital Partners investment, citing a breach of the Public Finance Management Act and directing criminal and internal audit probes. Power & Infrastructure: WAPA says major overnight grid shutdowns will plunge parts of St. Thomas and all of St. John into darkness Aug. 5 into Aug. 6 to complete the FEMA-funded Feeder 13 Bypass Project. Public Safety/Crime: A St. Croix man, David Jakubens, was arrested and charged after an alleged break-in at the Estate Castle Coakley gas station. Health/Consumer Impact: Attorney General Jeff Jackson and other AGs reached a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Environment: Scientists report sargassum is now growing in the Caribbean and Gulf in a self-sustaining cycle, worsening beach and marine impacts. Business/Development: The BVI Department of Trade opened a Virgin Gorda satellite office to bring licensing and consumer services closer to the sister islands. Youth/Workforce: Ocean Point Terminals welcomed 15 students for a summer internship, including a new placement via a V.I. Legislature partnership.

USVI Politics: Unofficial results show Congresswoman Stacy E. Plaskett leading the Democratic primary for governor with Milton E. Potter as running mate, while Janelle Sarauw won the Delegate to Congress race—setting up major November contests. BVI Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley ordered multiple investigations into an unauthorised Delta Capital Partners investment, citing a breach of the Public Finance Management Act and directing criminal and internal audit probes. Power & Infrastructure: WAPA says a planned overnight grid shutdown will plunge all of St. John and parts of St. Thomas into darkness as crews work on the FEMA-funded Feeder 13 Bypass project. Cost of Living: USVI pensioners will see a 2.57% COLA plus a $460.44 monthly Minimum Expenditure Basket allowance, with arrears from January 2026. Environment & Tourism: Scientists report sargassum is now growing in the Caribbean and Gulf in a self-sustaining cycle, with beaches smothered and marine life affected. Business & Jobs: Ocean Point Terminals welcomed 15 students for its summer internship, adding a partnership with the V.I. Legislature. Regional Spotlight: The Commonwealth Games’ future remains uncertain after Glasgow’s scaled-down model, even as athletes from across the region continue to medal. Legal/Finance: Attorney General William Tong announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition.

Unauthorized Investment Probe: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley has ordered multiple investigations into an unauthorized Delta Capital Partners investment, saying it violated the Public Finance Management Act and was made without his approval; the Financial Investigation Agency is looking at possible criminal wrongdoing and the Internal Audit Department is also investigating. Finance Update: Wheatley also told residents government investment portfolios still grew overall from 2021 to 2026, despite losses tied to the Delta Capital matter. Local Business Access: The Department of Trade opened a Virgin Gorda Satellite Office under the Sister Island Outreach Programme to bring trade licence processing and consumer support closer to residents and businesses. Ports Relief Ends: BVIPA’s temporary port fee reductions ended July 31, with standard wharfage and container handling fees returning on Aug. 1. Marine Jobs Pipeline: Navigare Yachting urged career pathways into the charter and wider marine sector to start in high school, highlighting a one-day marine workshop in Tortola. Pensions: VI pensioners retired in 2023 or earlier will see a 2.57% COLA plus a $460.44 monthly Minimum Expenditure Basket allowance, with new payments starting Aug. 31. Regional Environment Watch: A new report says sargassum is growing in large quantities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with 27 million metric tons recorded in July—bad news for beaches and tourism.

Sister-Island Services: The BVI Department of Trade opened a Virgin Gorda Satellite Office under the Sister Island Outreach Programme, aiming to cut the need to travel to Tortola by offering trade licence processing, National Business Bureau support, and consumer affairs help. Public Finance Probe: Premier Natalio Wheatley ordered multiple investigations into an unauthorized Delta Capital Partners investment, saying it breached the Public Finance Management Act and was done without his approval; the FIA is also looking into possible wrongdoing. Port Costs Reset: The BVI Ports Authority ended temporary reductions in select port fees on July 31, with standard wharfage and container handling charges back in effect from Aug. 1. Cost-of-Living for Pensioners: VI pensioners retired in 2023 or earlier will see a 2.57% COLA plus a $460.44 monthly Minimum Expenditure Basket allowance, with arrears from January to June and new payments starting Aug. 31. Marine Jobs Push: A marine workshop in Tortola urged career pathways into yachting and the wider marine sector to start in high school, not after graduation. Regional Environment Watch: A new report says sargassum is growing in large quantities across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico—described as “none of this is normal”—with major tourism and marine-life impacts. Cruise Momentum: New CTO data ranks the USVI as the fastest-growing cruise destination in the Caribbean, with strong gains also reported for Puerto Rico and the BVI. Politics Across the Water: USVI Democratic Primary results put Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett and Milton Potter in front in unofficial tallies, raising the prospect of a first woman governor.

USVI Politics: Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett and Tortola-born Milton E. Potter won the Democratic primary for USVI governor and running mate, with unofficial vote totals showing Plaskett/Potter leading in the gubernatorial race and Janelle K. Sarauw ahead in the Delegate to Congress contest. BVI Finance Oversight: Premier Natalio Wheatley ordered multiple investigations into an unauthorized $2.4 million Delta Capital Partners investment, saying it breached the Public Finance Management Act and was made without his required approval, with recovery efforts and internal and financial probes underway. Pensions Relief (BVI): Government pensioners retired in 2023 or earlier will see a 2.57% COLA plus a $460.44 monthly Minimum Expenditure Basket allowance starting with the end-of-August pay period, with arrears planned from January–June 2026. Marine & Tourism Threat: A new report says sargassum is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning this year’s growth pattern is “not normal,” threatening beaches and marine life. Marine Jobs Pipeline: A Tortola marine workshop urged career pathways into yachting and the wider marine sector to start in high school, not after graduation. Port Fees (BVI): Temporary reductions in select port fees ended July 31, with standard wharfage and container handling charges reinstated Aug. 1. Sports (BVI link): Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands won Commonwealth Games women’s 200m amid renewed doping debate, drawing public comments from competitors.

Public Finance Accountability: Premier Natalio Wheatley told the Territory that government’s $2.4 million Delta Capital Partners investment in 2025 was made without the proper approvals under the Public Finance Management Act, and he ordered investigations by the Financial Investigation Agency and Internal Audit while recovery efforts are considered. Pension Relief: VI pensioners who retired in 2023 or earlier will see a 2.57% COLA plus a $460.44 monthly Minimum Expenditure Basket allowance, with the first new-rate payment set for Aug. 31 and arrears covering January–June 2026. Port Costs Reset: BVIPA’s temporary port fee reductions end July 31; standard rates return Aug. 1, including wharfage rising from 1% to 2% and container handling from $150 to $300 per TEU. Marine Jobs Pipeline: A marine industry leader urged youth training to start in high school—beginning as early as second form—so students build real experience before entering the workforce. Environment & Tourism Pressure: A new report says sargassum is smothering Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico beaches, with scientists noting this year’s growth patterns are “not normal,” raising fresh concerns for tourism-dependent communities. Election Watch: Levor A.H. Lettsome has entered the VI general election as an at-large candidate under the Virgin Islands Innovative Association banner.

BVI Politics & Accountability: Premier Natalio Wheatley ordered investigations after saying $2.4 million was invested in Delta Capital Partners in 2025 without his required approval, citing a breach of the Public Finance Management Act and directing the Financial Investigation Agency and Internal Audit to look into what happened and whether funds can be recovered. BVI Ports & Cost of Living: The BVI Ports Authority says temporary port fee reductions tied to its 35th anniversary end July 31, with wharfage and container handling fees set to return to standard rates from Aug. 1. BVI Elections: Levor A.H. Lettsome has entered the general election as an at-large candidate under the Virgin Islands Innovative Association, framing his run around accountability and transparency. Regional Economy & Water Worries: A developing drought in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands could raise costs for water systems and hit tourism and sales tax collections, with analysts flagging it as a factor for bond management. Tourism Growth: Cruise data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization shows the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands are among the fastest-growing cruise destinations in the region. Environment & Tourism Threat: Seaweed “sargassum” is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning it’s suffocating shorelines and marine life and could keep returning. Community Spotlight: Rotary Club of Central Tortola installed Nelcia St Jean as president for 2026–2027, with Premier Wheatley praising service groups’ role in development.

BVI Politics & Accountability: Premier Natalio Wheatley says $2.4 million in public funds was invested in Delta Capital Partners in 2025 without the required approval, adding that investigations are ongoing and the violation must not repeat. BVI Governance & Development: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn accuses the government of neglecting the East End, pointing to long-running road works at Little Dix Hill and questioning why crews aren’t focused on his district. BVI Public Safety: The BVI Chamber of Commerce and the NDP condemned the daylight killing of businessman Kai de Castro, urging unity against gun violence as police pursue leads. BVI Housing: The Ministry of Health and Social Development signed a contract for a new social home for the Leonard family in Virgin Gorda, with officials calling it a long-awaited project. Regional Finance: BVI officials seek greater access to concessional CDB financing, including possible support for airport runway extension and more participation in the Special Development Fund. Business & Markets: ATIF Holdings announced a definitive deal to acquire GoldCoin Labs, while Soulpower and SWB Holdings reported BVI court approval tied to the Bank of Asia (BVI) transaction. USVI Infrastructure & Energy: After Irma, the US Virgin Islands is expanding a “virtual power plant” approach that links home solar and batteries to help stabilize the grid. Caribbean Community: A Point Udall prayer gathering is set for Aug. 8 in the USVI, aiming to unite residents and faith leaders for peace and restoration.

BVI Housing: The Virgin Islands government has signed a contract for a new social home for the Leonard family in Virgin Gorda, with Health and Social Development Minister Vincent O. Wheatley calling it a long-awaited project tied to the late Oliver Leonard. BVI Public Safety/Crime: The BVI Chamber of Commerce and the National Democratic Party condemned the July 28 daylight killing of businessman Kai de Castro, urging the community to unite against gun violence as police pursue leads. BVI Development Finance: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the territory is seeking greater access to concessional Caribbean Development Bank financing, including talks on airport runway extension funding and increased participation in the CDB’s Special Development Fund. USVI Community/Unity: A free public prayer gathering, “Pray Over the U.S. Virgin Islands,” is set for Aug. 8 at Point Udall, with shuttles from Cramer’s Park. USVI Energy Resilience: After Hurricane Irma, the territory is moving toward a “virtual power plant” model that links home solar and battery systems to help stabilize the grid. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Virgin Islands athletes Jaleel N. Croal and Beyoncé A. Defreitas advanced to women’s 200m semis in Glasgow.

Social Housing in Virgin Gorda: The VI Ministry of Health and Social Development signed a contract for a new social home for the Leonard family, with Minister Vincent O. Wheatley calling it a long-awaited project tied to the late Oliver Leonard’s legacy. BVI Business Community Mourns: The BVI Chamber of Commerce extended condolences after the July 28 daylight murder of entrepreneur Kai de Castro, urging the community to stand in solidarity as RVIPF pursues leads. St. Thomas Cruise Upgrade: WICO says it expects 362 vessel calls and 1.2 million passengers in FY2027, but needs dredging to fix channel depth limits that currently restrict the largest ships. Energy Resilience After Irma: A new “virtual power plant” effort links home solar and batteries to help stabilize the grid, aiming to reduce outages and keep critical services running. Robocall Crackdown Push: Attorneys general, including New York’s Letitia James and others, are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to stop illegal robocalls. Sports Spotlight: VI sprinters Jaleel N. Croal and Beyoncé A. Defreitas advanced to the women’s 200m semis at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Cruise Infrastructure: St. Thomas’ WICO says its depth limits are the real bottleneck for bigger ships, and it’s moving ahead with dredging—starting September 2026 and targeting mid-2027 completion—to safely handle more of the industry’s largest vessels at Havensight. Business Relief Push (BVI): The BVI Chamber of Commerce wants the government to extend temporary business and cost-of-living relief measures past July 31, arguing higher oil prices, shipping disruptions, and landed-cost jumps of 30% to 40% are still squeezing local firms. Public Safety & Crime (USVI): A V.I. Free Press editorial revisits the community reaction after the ambush killing of VIPD Executive Security Officer Eustace Charles Sr., highlighting distrust and frustration alongside the rapid arrests that followed. Regional Travel Link: Fly the Whale will add a new daily San Juan–St. Thomas flight starting Aug. 3, cutting the trip to about 35 minutes. Sports (Commonwealth Games): Virgin Islands sprinters Jaleel N. Croal and Beyoncé A. Defreitas advanced to the women’s 200m semifinals in Glasgow. Local Business Loss (BVI): The BVI Chamber of Commerce mourned the “senseless” killing of entrepreneur Kai de Castro.

Robocall Crackdown: U.S. and state attorneys general, including New York AG Letitia James and VI AGs Rayfield/Tong/Bird, are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to stop scammers from using phone networks to push illegal robocalls. Local Justice & Community Trust: A V.I. editorial analysis says the VIPD ambush of Executive Security Officer Eustace Charles Sr. sparked arrests fast, but also deep public anger online over why similar tracking isn’t used in other unsolved cases. Beach Health Threat: A new report warns sargassum is becoming a self-sustaining, recurring disaster across the Caribbean and South Florida, clogging harbors and raising public health and environmental concerns as it decomposes. BVI Business Relief: The BVI Chamber of Commerce wants the government to extend temporary business and cost-of-living relief measures beyond July 31, citing higher shipping, insurance, and landed-cost pressures. BVI Finance: Black Banx Group posted Q2 and first-half 2026 results, reporting USD 5.8B revenue and USD 2.3B net income. Regional Travel: Fly the Whale is launching a new daily San Juan–St. Thomas flight starting Aug. 3, cutting the trip to about 35 minutes. Fashion Meets Territory Pride: CFDA’s “United Flags of Fashion” display at Rockefeller Center includes reimagined flags for U.S. Virgin Islands and other territories through Sept. 4.