AGP Executive Report

Memorial & Community: The Daniel/Samuel family invites the BVI community to a memorial service for Mr. John Julio Daniel Samuel on Saturday, July 25 at Jesus Christ Heaven’s Gate Church in Purcell Estate, sharing stories and gratitude for a life well lived. BVI Culture & Heritage: Sea Cows Bay’s Heritage Group brings back a Cultural Emancipation Celebration on Tuesday, August 4 (Ebenezer Thomas Primary School grounds), with traditional food, mango tastings, straw crafts, plait pole demos, and donkey carriage rides. Entrepreneurship (Women): The U.S. SBA launched a $6M Women’s Business Center Modernization Initiative, including support for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with proposals due Aug. 10. Youth Sports: The inaugural BFA U15 Girls Goombay Cup kicks off July 24–26 in Nassau, featuring teams including the USVI. BVI Lifestyle Spotlight: The BVI Tourist Board promotes the “Unrushed Season” (July–early November) for slower travel, festivals, and seasonal savings. Public Safety: A man was charged in Fat Hogs Bay after a 9mm pistol and ammunition were found during an overnight patrol. Global Pop Culture (BVI Tie-In): MrBeast married Thea Booysen in a private Caribbean ceremony on Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the BVI.

St. Croix Community Safety: A masked crew hit La Grande Princesse in a 24-hour burglary spree, smashing storefronts and homes and prompting a major V.I. Police investigation. Local Business & Arts: La Vaughn Belle’s installation, “The House That Freedoms Built,” is bringing St. Croix history to Rollins College, with her message that “history refuses to be buried.” Women’s Entrepreneurship: The U.S. SBA announced a $6M competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with proposals due Aug. 10. BVI Tourism & Culture: The BVI Tourist Board is inviting visitors to “Unrushed Season” (July–early November) for calmer travel and more time with local culture. Sports & Youth: The Goombay Cup Under-15 girls tournament kicks off in Nassau with teams including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Community Care: The VI Ministry of Education is urging adults and vendors to keep alcohol away from students during Emancipation Festival. Regional Travel: Contour Airlines will launch new nonstop St. Thomas–St. Maarten service starting Oct. 5. Global Pop Culture (BVI connection): YouTube megastar MrBeast married Thea Booysen on Richard Branson’s Necker Island, spotlighting the territory in viral wedding coverage.

RDA Permanence Debate: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn backs the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (Amendment) Bill to make the RDA permanent—while warning it must not be run “on the whims and fancies” of any administration. Tourism & Culture: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board is urging visitors to embrace the “Unrushed Season” (July to early November) with slower travel, seasonal packages, and more time to connect with local culture. Global Pop Culture in BVI: YouTube megastar MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) married Thea Booysen in a ceremony on Richard Branson’s Necker Island, putting the BVI spotlight on a worldwide wedding story. New Regional Air Link: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service between St. Thomas and St. Maarten starting Oct. 5, boosting multi-island travel options. Emancipation Festival Safety: The Ministry of Education is calling on the community to protect students by not selling or serving alcohol during Emancipation Festival events. Ports Update: BVI Ports Authority shared Port Purcell operating hours for the Emancipation holiday period. Health Policy: VI is moving forward on a National Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy after a stakeholder consultation with PAHO. Citizenship Fight Echoes Locally: Opposition to the U.S. “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act” is growing across territories, with VI voices joining the backlash.

USVI Housing Crisis: HUD has suspended federal disaster recovery funding to the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing “widespread financial mismanagement” and freezing the remaining $1.9B after only $570,000 was spent—an action tied to hurricanes Irma and Maria. Local Health & Prevention: The VI is moving to strengthen cervical cancer prevention through National Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy consultations with PAHO, focusing on HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, and patient follow-up. Citizenship Debate: The “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act” is drawing pushback across U.S. territories, with leaders warning it could undermine long-standing guarantees and set a dangerous precedent. Community Safety: St. Croix is reeling after the fatal gunshot death of 4-year-old Jeziah Richardson, with grief and sharp questions about safety and response. Business Support: SBA announced a $6 million competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, including eligibility for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with proposals due Aug. 10. Culture & Lifestyle: MrBeast married Thea Booysen in a private island ceremony on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, sharing intimate photos from the week-long celebration. Public Service & Governance: VI Climate Change Trust Fund CEO says the trust operates independently under statute, rejecting claims of government interference in day-to-day decisions. Ongoing Investigation: Police are investigating the death of a 36-year-old woman found unresponsive at a McNamara residence, with reports suggesting suicide as a possible cause.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: Rep. Morgan Griffith’s bill to end automatic U.S. citizenship for babies born in Guam, CNMI, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands starting Jan. 1, 2027 is drawing sharp pushback from territorial leaders, including Delegate James Moylan, who calls it a dangerous precedent. Housing & Accountability: HUD has suspended $1.3B in disaster recovery funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing mismanagement, weak fraud controls, and improper payments—while recovery from 2017 hurricanes still lags. Climate Governance: The VICCTF CEO says the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund operates independently under statute, rejecting claims of government interference in day-to-day decisions. Public Health: VI health officials held consultations to strengthen a National Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy, focusing on HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, and follow-up. Community Safety: Police are investigating the death of a 36-year-old Filipino woman found unresponsive at a McNamara residence; authorities say they’re not seeking anyone in connection for now. Culture & Lifestyle: Expedia’s 2026 island “hot list” highlights St. Lucia as a top luxury pick, reflecting rising travel interest in island getaways.

Housing & Accountability: The U.S. government suspended funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands’ housing authority, citing widespread corruption and leaving residents still waiting after major hurricane recovery funds were largely unspent. Reparations & Decolonisation: CARICOM’s Reparations Commission is pressing the UK and the UN with a revised reparations manifesto that explicitly includes British Overseas Territories, with fresh talks underway. Citizenship & Birth Tourism: A new U.S. bill would end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands starting in 2027—fueling renewed debate across the territories. Public Safety & Community Grief: St. Croix is in mourning after the fatal shooting of 4-year-old Jeziah Richardson, as VIPD investigates and families and officials respond. Local Governance & Services: The VI’s cervical cancer elimination strategy moves forward after stakeholder consultations, focusing on HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, and follow-up. Culture & Youth: BVI’s Miss British Virgin Islands contestants share personal stories of growth and purpose ahead of the pageant. Travel & Lifestyle: Southwest announces new direct Nashville–Aruba flights in 2027, and travel coverage continues to spotlight Caribbean-friendly getaways. Sports & Regional Pride: Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are featured in Centrobasket qualifiers coverage, with standout performances highlighted.

Tragic Loss on St. Croix: The territory is mourning 4-year-old Jeziah Richardson after a fatal gunshot at Juanita Gardine Pre-K to 8; VIDE and Delegate Stacey Plaskett offered condolences as VIPD continues its Major Crime Unit investigation. Public Safety & Justice Questions: Community members are also pressing for clearer communication and accountability as grief turns into frustration. Health Strategy for Cervical Cancer: VI held a National Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy stakeholder consultation with PAHO, focusing on HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, and patient follow-up. Local Governance & Data Needs: Ex-legislator Archibald C. Christian renewed calls for a national household survey to guide targeted development. Constitutional Talks: UK constitutional review lead Nicholas Wareham says the VI and UK teams left with a clear understanding of VI priorities after July 14–15 negotiations. Birthright Citizenship Fight: A new U.S. bill would end automatic citizenship for children born in U.S. territories starting Jan. 1, 2027, drawing sharp condemnation ahead of Liberation Day. VI Elections Prep: The NDP ratified Aaron Parillon (D3) and Perline Scatliffe-Leonard (D7) as 2027 candidates. Community Reminders: Residents are urged to follow Queen Elizabeth II Park rules to protect wildlife and facilities. Infrastructure Update: BVIEC says Virgin Gorda power outages stem from Transmission and Distribution system issues, with live-line maintenance planned.

Public Safety & Justice: USVI lawmakers heard VIPD is operating at about half the staffing it needs, with 25 homicides recorded for 2026 but only one arrest so far. Tragic Community Loss: On St. Croix, police are investigating the death of a 4-year-old boy, Jeziah Richardson, after a gunshot wound; the case is active and the public is urged to call 911 or Crime Stoppers. Local Governance & Civic Life: Residents are reminded to follow Queen Elizabeth II Park rules—no lawn parking, no major events without permission, no tying ropes to gazebo roofs, and no feeding feral fowls. Disaster Watch: Tropical Depression Two is being tracked by the National Hurricane Center, with heavy rain and rip-current risks highlighted. Politics Ahead of 2027: The NDP ratified Aaron F. Parillon and Perline R. Scatliffe-Leonard as 2027 election candidates for the Third and Seventh Districts. Culture & Sports: Miss BVI contestants share personal stories of courage and purpose, while VI’s women’s basketball continues in the AmeriCup/ Centrobasket qualifiers with standout performances.

Public Safety & Policing: USVI lawmakers heard VIPD is operating at about half staffing needs, with 25 homicides recorded for 2026 and only one arrest so far, raising concerns about coverage and community engagement. Tragedy in St. Croix: A four-year-old boy died after a gunshot wound on St. Croix; VIPD Major Crime Unit is investigating and is urging anyone with information to call 911 or 1-800-222-TIPS. Education & Community Grief: The VI Department of Education mourns Jeziah Richardson, a 4-year-old Pre-K student, following the fatal shooting, and extends condolences to the Richardson family and the Juanita Gardine school community. Digital Payments Alert: Due to technical issues with the Labour Management System, the public is urged not to make online payments until service is restored. Environment & Local Stewardship: Residents and visitors are reminded to follow QE II Park rules—no lawn parking, no major events without permission, no tying ropes to gazebo roofs, and no feeding feral fowls—to protect wildlife and reduce rats. Politics & Representation: The NDP ratified Aaron F. Parillon and Perline R. Scatliffe-Leonard as 2027 election candidates for the Third and Seventh Districts. Culture & Sport: Miss BVI contestants shared stories of courage and purpose, while VI’s Anisha George earned a spot on the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifiers All-Star Five after the tournament.

BVI Pageantry: Miss BVI contestants Kala Penn, Angelique Beyoncé Lettsome and Asha Hyndman share why they’re stepping beyond comfort zones, from Penn’s holistic wellness platform to Lettsome’s push past shyness. Power & Infrastructure: BVIEC says Virgin Gorda’s frequent outages trace to maintenance needs on the Transmission and Distribution system, with live-line work planned in the coming weeks. Local Politics: The NDP ratified Aaron F. Parillon (District 3) and Perline R. Scatliffe-Leonard (District 7) as 2027 election candidates, framing it as a push to strengthen services and the economy. Airport Updates: TB Lettsome International Airport’s passenger drop-off canopy is now in use, with more improvements planned to ease traffic and parking payments. Sports & Community: The VI’s women’s basketball run continues in Centrobasket qualifiers, while the U.S. Virgin Islands’ win over the Bahamas was sparked by a key injury to Lashann Higgs. Culture & Travel: Seabourn launches its 40th-anniversary “Ruby Collection” for 2028, and Oceania Cruises promotes Caribbean itineraries built around local culture and shore excursions. USVI News: Police are investigating the death of a four-year-old boy after a gunshot wound on St. Croix.

Local Business & Mobility: Tortola Auto Group says Chinese automaker GAC has hit 30 million vehicle owners worldwide, and that the brand’s VI launch is already driving strong interest in models like the EMZOOM, EMKOO, S7 and electric HYPTEC HT. Parliament & Governance: The Speaker and Clerk of the Virgin Islands House of Assembly attended the 5th Commons & Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference in the Cayman Islands, focusing on keeping legislatures transparent and citizen-focused as tech and society change. Power & Community Impact: BVIEC General Manager Dr Neil M. Smith says Virgin Gorda’s frequent outages trace back to Transmission and Distribution system issues, with high-voltage line maintenance planned in the coming weeks. Politics Ahead of 2027: The National Democratic Party ratified Aaron F. Parillon and Perline R. Scatliffe-Leonard as 2027 election candidates for the Third and Seventh Districts. Sports & Regional Pride: The U.S. Virgin Islands advanced in FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 qualifiers after Mexico and Puerto Rico secured berths, setting up a VI vs Dominican Republic bronze-medal battle. Public Safety: VI Police are investigating the death of a four-year-old boy in St Croix after a reported gunshot wound. Culture & Travel: Oceania Cruises is promoting a refreshed Caribbean season with adults-only itineraries and shore excursions spotlighting local culture.

Basketball & Identity: The U.S. Virgin Islands’ women’s team advanced in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2027 Centrobasket Qualifiers after Mexico and Puerto Rico clinched their berths—setting up a final between Mexico and Puerto Rico, while the VI and the Dominican Republic will play for the last spot. Public Safety: On St. Croix, police are investigating the death of a 4-year-old boy after a gunshot wound on Thursday evening; the Major Crime Unit is still determining what happened. Travel & Local Infrastructure: At Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, the passenger drop-off/pick-up canopy is now in use, with the BVI Airports Authority urging drivers not to park in the drop-off-only zone. Culture & Craft: Emerald Cruises is launching a Caribbean rum voyage from St. Thomas to San Juan, hosted by award-winning rum sommelier Alejandro Ferris, blending tastings with Caribbean rum history. Community Resilience: The 10.27 Healing Partnership is preparing the public for the next phase of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter case with an educational workshop on how legal appeals work. Arts Recognition: Bahamian filmmaker Latrell Lewis-King won a Film ICON Award at the 2026 Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards, highlighting Caribbean storytelling and women in creative industries.

VI Community & Culture: Long Look 250th celebration sparks backlash as Rosan blasts organisers, while Skelton-Cline urges VI’s corporate community to stop “cowards” and step up. Local Governance: Labour Commissioner calls it “frustrating” that VIslanders aren’t applying—or are unqualified—for “simple jobs,” and Rosan also announces an independent bid for office. Justice & Health Policy: Attorney General Jeff Jackson announces a $29.6 million Glenmark settlement tied to drug price-fixing, echoing similar state AG actions. Faith & Heritage: “Monea gives life to Christ” lands amid festival controversy, with a note that it’s excluded from the 2026 VI Emancipation Festival lineup. Tourism & Development: Work begins on a new Club Med resort in St Croix, adding momentum to the territory’s hospitality push. Sports & Youth: Joy Adams’ Centrobasket qualifier run ends in defeat for Guyana against the USVI, while VI athletes keep stacking regional momentum.

Public Safety & Community Impact: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed “Bentley and Mason’s Law,” named for a 2021 Byrnes Mill crash, tightening penalties for fatal drunk driving and requiring certain convicted drivers to pay child support to the deceased’s surviving children. Health & Local Economy: VI Consortium says cannabis license applications are open territory-wide, with deadlines set for Sept. 15, 2026, covering cultivation, manufacturing, dispensary, micro-cultivation, and research and development. Education Spotlight (BVI/VI): The Virgin Islands topped the OECS PEARL Grade 2 Reading and Math assessments, scoring 86% in reading and 70% in math—an early win for literacy and numeracy. Tourism & Lifestyle: Club Med broke ground on Club Med St. Croix, targeting a 2027 opening and positioning the resort as a new U.S. Virgin Islands draw. Culture, Faith & Debate: A U.S. House vote advanced year-round daylight saving time, but Orthodox Jewish groups are pushing back over prayer times and school schedules. Sports & Youth: Rotary Club of Central Tortola kicked off its 2026-2027 year with a Maternal and Child Health focus, featuring nutrition education for the first 1,000 days. Governance & Representation: PLM leader Mark Vanterpool argues Anegada and Jost van Dyke don’t need a boundaries commission—preferring district representation instead. Crime Watch (VI): Court coverage includes a St. Croix bartender arrested after a bloody parking-lot singing dispute.

Education Wins: The Virgin Islands topped the OECS PEARL Grade 2 Reading and Math assessments, scoring 86% in reading (above the OECS average of 73%) and 70% in math (above 65%), with students leading across reading genres. School Readiness Oversight: Senators grilled Education and Maintenance Bureau officials on whether campuses will be ready for students returning Aug. 10, including security concerns around the new Arthur A. Richards Pre-K-8 opening. Resort Development: Club Med broke ground on Club Med St. Croix, signaling a major tourism push for 2027 and a return to the U.S. market. Constitution Talks: VI and the UK began the first round of constitutional negotiations, with local leaders and commissioners mapping out how representation and governance should look next. Community & Safety: A St. Thomas parking-lot “singing dispute” turned into a violent arrest for a bartender facing felony assault and weapons charges. Public Policy Debate: Fuel and anti-trust concerns resurfaced as commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline argued the territory lacks real competition. Regional Politics/Reparations: CARICOM advanced a decolonisation and reparations push urging Britain to relinquish territories, explicitly naming places including the British Virgin Islands. Legal/US Spotlight: DOJ refused New Mexico’s request for unredacted Epstein files, keeping the standoff in the headlines.

Constitution Talks: The UK Constitution Negotiating Team has arrived for the first round of talks with the Virgin Islands’ team, with the goal of updating the 2007 Constitution Order and reflecting people’s views. Climate Funding: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) will hold territory-wide stakeholder consultations July 20–24 ahead of its first Call for Proposals, with grants focused on community resilience and climate-smart education. Maritime Trade Tech: His Majesty’s Customs in the VI has launched an upgraded SailClear electronic customs declaration system for yachts and pleasure craft. Local Governance Debate: PLM leader Mark H. Vanterpool argues Anegada and Jost van Dyke should get district representation through constitutional negotiations, not a boundaries commission. Public Safety & Community: A St. Croix trash dispute allegedly turned violent, leading to charges after a woman was assaulted near Little Princess Hill. Time Change Watch: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, a move that’s already sparking debate over prayer schedules and daily life. Culture & Memory: Obituary coverage remembers Lois Thetford, a St. Croix-born activist and longtime Seattle organizer in the LGBTQ+ community. Sports & Youth: VI athletes and regional youth chess and athletics coverage keep the spotlight on Caribbean talent.