AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Film: The 284 Excellence Film Festival returns Oct. 29–Nov. 1 with 30 submissions from 10 countries and territories, plus screenings, workshops and industry events celebrating Caribbean stories. Food & Resilience: At World Food Day, Premier Wheatley urged residents and businesses to buy local as government backs farming and fisheries to reduce reliance on imports. More than 30 vendors took part in the food fair. Luxury Tourism: The BVI Tourist Board’s summit in Puerto Rico drew more than 40 travel agents to learn about the Territory’s resorts, charters and luxury travel options. Virgin Islands Heritage: Charlotte Amalie has been named one of 10 new U.S. World War II Heritage Cities, recognizing its place in the territory’s wartime story. Community Alert: Water service was interrupted between West End and Carrot Bay after chlorine supplies ran low; residents were asked not to drink the water until lines are flushed and standards restored. Local Services: BVIEC staff will receive customer-service training through a new partnership with the Deputy Governor’s Office.

Caribbean Cinema: The 2nd Annual 284 Excellence Film Festival returns to the BVI from October 29 to November 1, featuring 30 submissions from 10 countries and territories, including the USVI. Screenings, workshops and masterclasses will celebrate Caribbean stories and connect local filmmakers with industry professionals. Food Security: Premier Natalio Wheatley is urging residents and businesses to buy local as the government invests in agriculture and fisheries. More than 30 vendors took part in the World Food Day market, showcasing produce, seafood and locally made food. Tourism: More than 40 Puerto Rico travel agents attended the BVI Luxury Summit, where five resorts and service providers presented the Territory’s high-end travel options. Youth Sports: The BVI has named its U15 football squad for the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, giving 14 young players an international platform and experience.

Food & Community: More than 30 farmers, fishers, schools and food producers took part in the Virgin Islands’ World Food Day market and fair on Friday, celebrating local harvests and products. Youth Sport: The BVIFA named 14 players for the VI’s under-15 squad, which will compete at FIFA’s inaugural U15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan. Child Safety: Hon. Stacy Mather is urging the House of Assembly to advance a proposed sex offender registry, with public consultation underway on the draft bill. Resort News: Peter Island Resort is set to reopen on October 21 with Wilbert Mason returning as general manager. Island Life: A travel feature spotlights Anegada’s quiet beaches, local food and small-scale tourism as an alternative to the Caribbean’s resort hubs.

Food & Community: More than 30 farmers, fishers, schools and food producers took part in the BVI’s World Food Day market and fair, celebrating local food and calling for more investment in homegrown produce. Youth Football: The BVIFA has named 14 players for the Virgin Islands U15 squad heading to the inaugural FIFA World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, giving young athletes a chance to compete and connect with other cultures. Child Safety: Hon. Stacy Mather is urging lawmakers to advance a proposed sex offender registry, with safeguards focused on people convicted of serious offences and protecting children. Heritage & Culture: Possible plantation ruins found at Great Mountain have raised fresh interest in the Territory’s history, while the East End Public Library is set to be renamed in honour of H. Lynden Smith. Forty residents also learned to make guavaberry liqueur, keeping a local tradition alive.

Virgin Islands Art: La Vaughn Belle’s “For the Love of Fragile Things,” her first solo exhibition in New York, explores memory, history and life in a Black, colonised island space. Cost of Living: USVI inflation stood at 5.7% in July, above the U.S. rate of 3.4%; food prices rose 6.8% and transportation 16.2%. Citizenship: A U.S. lawmaker would not confirm whether his bill to restrict birthright citizenship in the territories has stalled, and said he has not read a Senate version. Education & Heritage: The East End Public Library will be renamed for educator H. Lynden Smith, founder of the BVI Reading Council and Reading Is Fun Week. Residents also learned to make guavaberry liqueur, while possible plantation ruins were reported at Great Mountain. Youth Sailing: BVI sailors gained regatta experience in St. Thomas, with Sean Stacey placing third overall in the beginner fleet. Tourism: Peter Island Resort is set to reopen October 21 with former general manager Wilbert Mason returning to lead the resort.

Water Advisory: Depleted chlorine supplies have interrupted service between West End and Carrot Bay. Residents are being told not to drink the water until the lines are flushed and safety standards are restored. Community Safety: After a spate of armed robberies at Tortola businesses, the RVIPF has increased targeted patrols and says investigations are ongoing. Culture & Heritage: The East End Public Library will be renamed for educator H. Lynden Smith, founder of the BVI Reading Council and Reading Is Fun Week. Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith says developing cultural and creative industries can strengthen Virgin Islands identity and the economy. Youth & Sport: BVI youth sailors gained regatta experience in St. Thomas, with Sean Stacey taking third overall in the beginner fleet. Island Life: Peter Island Resort plans to reopen for the 2026/27 season on October 21, with Wilbert Mason returning as general manager.

Resort News: Peter Island Resort has named Wilbert A. Mason general manager ahead of its October 21 reopening. Mason previously led the resort from 2008 to 2015. Literacy & Legacy: The East End Public Library will be renamed for educator H. Lynden Smith, founder of the BVI Reading Council and Reading Is Fun Week. Culture & Heritage: Officials say creative industries can strengthen Virgin Islands identity and the economy. Restoration work at Great Mountain has also uncovered what may be plantation or fort ruins; experts are researching the site’s history. Youth & Sport: BVI sailors earned promising results at St. Thomas’s Fall Regatta, including Sean Stacey’s third-place finish in the beginner fleet. Community Wellness: Health Minister Vincent Wheatley says diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some cancers are burdening residents, as the Territory prepares a wellness festival with screenings, health education and activities on November 7.

Youth Sailing: BVI Optimist sailors gained experience at St Thomas’s Fall Regatta, with Sean Stacey finishing third overall and Jervis Tucker-Davis fifth in the beginner fleet. Community Safety: After a string of armed business robberies, Governor Daniel Pruce vowed police would find those responsible and urged anyone with information to come forward. Reading Legacy: The East End Public Library will be renamed for educator H. Lynden Smith, founder of the BVI Reading Council and Reading Is Fun Week. Health & Wellness: Health Minister Vincent Wheatley says diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some cancers are burdening the community, and is urging prevention ahead of the November 7 Wellness Fest. Culture & Heritage: Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith says investing in creative industries can strengthen Virgin Islands identity and the economy. Historic Discovery: Restoration work at Great Mountain uncovered features that may point to a fort or plantation; experts are researching the site’s history.

Culture & Heritage: Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith says developing the Virgin Islands’ creative industries can strengthen national identity and the economy, with the territory’s culture policy highlighting arts, crafts, culinary traditions and heritage sites. Heritage Discovery: Restoration work at Great Mountain has uncovered features that may point to a former plantation or fort, including possible jail cells; experts are researching the site before its history is confirmed. Girls & Opportunity: On International Day of the Girl Child, Hon. Marlon Penn called for safe schools, protection from abuse and equal access to education, sports and technology. Community Traditions: About 40 residents have learned to make guavaberry liqueur, helping keep a cherished local craft alive. Tourism & Youth: Anguilla student Amarni Webster won the CTO’s regional Tourism Youth Congress, presenting ideas on skills and jobs for young people in Caribbean tourism. Island Recognition: Peter Island Resort placed fourth in Condé Nast Traveler’s Caribbean resort awards, while Rosewood Little Dix Bay ranked ninth.

Culture & Heritage: Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith says investing in the Virgin Islands’ creative industries can strengthen national identity and the economy. Keeping Traditions Alive: About 40 residents learned to make guavaberry liqueur at a workshop led by longtime maker Janice Nibbs Blyden, exploring the holiday drink’s history and preparation. History in the Making: Restoration work at Great Mountain uncovered features that may point to a fort or plantation; experts are researching the site before its history is confirmed. Girls’ Opportunities: On International Day of the Girl Child, Hon. Marlon Penn called for safe schools, protection from abuse and equal access to education, sports and technology. Youth Football: The BVI U15 girls lost 8-0 to Suriname in Aruba and were set to face Anguilla next. Tourism Recognition: Peter Island Resort placed fourth in Condé Nast Traveler’s Caribbean awards, while Rosewood Little Dix Bay ranked ninth.

Community Safety: Armed men robbed RiteWay in Road Reef on Sunday, following a robbery at a Manuel Reef supermarket the night before; no injuries were reported. Heritage: Restoration work at Great Mountain has uncovered features that may point to a fort or plantation, including what were described as jail cells. Experts are researching the site, and its history is not yet confirmed. Tourism: Peter Island Resort placed fourth in Condé Nast Traveler’s Caribbean awards, while Rosewood Little Dix Bay ranked ninth. Culture: About 40 residents learned to make traditional Guavaberry Liqueur at a workshop led by local maker Janice Nibbs Blyden. Youth Sports: The BVI U15 girls are in Aruba for international friendlies, gaining experience against regional teams. Environment: Residents are seeking relief from smoke that has reportedly persisted for more than three weeks at the Pockwood Pond landfill.

Heritage: Restoration at Great Mountain has uncovered features that may point to a former plantation, including possible jail cells. Experts are researching the site before its history is confirmed; it could eventually become a community attraction. Tourism: Peter Island Resort ranked fourth in Condé Nast Traveler’s Caribbean awards, with Rosewood Little Dix Bay at No. 9. Traditions: About 40 residents learned the history and craft of making guavaberry liqueur, a beloved holiday tradition. Youth Sports: The BVI U15 girls are in Aruba for international friendlies, gaining experience against regional teams. Education: Two VI educators, Zubida O’Neal-George and Alandell Williams, received CIBC Caribbean’s World Teachers’ Day awards. Community Safety: Armed robbers hit RiteWay in Road Reef, the second supermarket robbery in the area in two days; no injuries were reported.

Caribbean Tourism: BVI leaders joined regional ministers at SOTIC 2026 in calling for better air and sea connections to support tourism growth and bring more benefits to local communities. Youth Football: The BVI U15 girls are in Aruba for international friendlies, gaining experience against regional teams through October 17. Education: CIBC Caribbean recognised Ebenezer Thomas Primary’s acting principal Zubida O’Neal-George and Elmore Stoutt High maths teacher Alandell Williams for their work with students. Virgin Islands Heritage: About 40 residents took part in a workshop on making guavaberry liqueur, learning about the holiday tradition and trying their hand at the brew. Arts: HLSCC’s Jazz Noir returns October 24, featuring local performers, the college’s jazz ensembles and a tap-and-jazz collaboration at Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium.

Tourism & Connectivity: Caribbean tourism leaders, including the BVI, say stronger regional air and sea links are key to sustainable growth and ensuring communities benefit. Virgin Islands Culture: About 40 residents learned to make traditional guavaberry liqueur at a workshop led by longtime maker Janice Nibbs Blyden. Education: CIBC Caribbean honoured Ebenezer Thomas Primary’s acting principal Zubida O’Neal-George and Elmore Stoutt High mathematics teacher Alandell Williams for their work with students. Youth Sports: The BVI U15 girls’ football team is in Aruba for international friendlies against regional teams through October 16. Community Life: Paving is complete on 4,000 feet of West End Road, with sidewalk work expected to wrap up by month’s end; meanwhile, residents are seeking relief from persistent smoke at Pockwood Pond landfill. Arts: HLSCC’s Jazz Noir concert is set for October 24, featuring local performers and the college’s jazz ensembles.

Heritage & Accountability: A complaint has prompted Switzerland’s attorney general to investigate whether three cantons’ predecessors helped finance slavery. Virgin Islands activist Shelley Moorhead is among those behind the case. Citizenship: A new Senate bill would restrict birthright citizenship for some children born in the USVI; it remains before committee and has not become law. Community Health: BVI police recorded 266 domestic-related offences from January to August. The Education Department will hold parent workshops on student mental health and suicide warning signs across the territory Oct. 13–15. Environment: Tortola residents say smoke and small fires have persisted at Pockwood Pond landfill for more than three weeks, and are pressing officials for relief. Culture: HLSCC’s Jazz Noir brings local performers to the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium on Oct. 24. Tourism & Parks: The BVI National Parks Trust will raise entrance and mooring fees from Nov. 1, its first park-fee increase in 36 years, to support upkeep and conservation. Community Giving: Rotary Club of Central Tortola has relaunched its annual car raffle, with proceeds supporting charitable projects.

Community Health: Smoke and small fires have persisted at Pockwood Pond landfill for more than three weeks. First District Representative Karl Dawson says he is pressing officials for immediate relief and a lasting plan. Crown Land: Updated forms for residential grants, commercial leases and other applications are designed to reduce incomplete submissions and delays; electronic forms will be available. Community Giving: The Rotary Club of Central Tortola has brought back its annual car raffle, with $10 tickets supporting local service projects and a BAIC BJ40 PLUS as the grand prize. Arts & Culture: HLSCC’s Jazz Noir takes over the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium on October 24, featuring local performers, the college’s jazz groups and a tap-and-jazz collaboration. Domestic Violence: Police recorded 266 domestic-related offences from January through August, nearly level with the same period last year; officials say the figures likely do not capture every incident. Sustainable Tourism: At SOTIC 2026, Caribbean researchers and tourism practitioners highlighted how community knowledge, conservation and local storytelling can support tourism that benefits residents.