AGP Executive Report

BVI Electricity: BVIEC says electricity rates won’t rise after a fuel-subsidy tweak, keeping the full subsidy for the first 1,500 kWh and charging unsubsidised fuel costs only on usage above that level. BVI Governance & Finance: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn is pushing for a full independent Auditor General probe into what he says is over US$7.5 million of public money invested without full public briefing, pointing to controversies involving Delta Capital Partners and a Bank of Asia deposit. BVI Marine & Tourism Access: Grandeur Charters’ Ramon George wants the finger pier at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park restored for more efficient cruise visitor pickup/drop-off, arguing current rules are costly and cause delays. BVI Policy Planning: Emery C. Pemberton says the National Sustainable Development Plan explicitly supports public-private collaboration for managing the marine space—key for the territory’s blue economy and marine tourism. USVI/BVI Politics: Sandra Phillip-Hodge declares as an Independent candidate for the 2027 Virgin Islands General Elections. Sports (Regional): St. Lucia’s senior volleyball teams won medals at the ECVA tournament in Tortola, with the women taking bronze and the men finishing with silver.

BVI Electricity Rates: BVIEC says electricity rates won’t increase after a fuel-subsidy tweak—customers get the full subsidy on the first 1,500 kWh, while usage above that threshold pays the unsubsidised fuel cost. BVI Governance & Spending: Premier Natalio Wheatley says he’s hopeful the government’s accounts will be made “current” soon, as the House approved $2.8 million in excess spending for 2017 tied to reconciliations. BVI Opposition Scrutiny: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn is calling for a full, independent Auditor General probe into more than US$7.5 million he says left the Consolidated Fund without full public briefing, pointing to past Delta Capital and Bank of Asia controversies. BVI Elections Prep: The BVI Supervisor of Elections has started recruiting election officers ahead of the next general election due in 2027. BVI Climate Funding: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund completed territory-wide consultations and is preparing its first Call for Proposals. Tortola Pier Access: Grandeur Charters’ Ramon George wants the finger pier at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park restored for paid cruise pickup/drop-off to cut delays and costs. USVI/BVI Sports: USVI U14s fell 7-0 to Saint Lucia in the CFU Boys U14 Challenge Series. Business/Finance: Orca Energy Group announced a special cash dividend of C$0.50 per share payable Sept. 15, 2026.

BVI Politics & Governance: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn is pushing for a full, independent Auditor General probe into what he says is over US$7.5 million in public funds invested without proper public briefing, adding to his broader criticism of how government money is being handled. Local Governance & Cost of Living: Penn also renewed complaints that road spending is being funneled into VIP districts, pointing to the Ridge Road’s poor condition and saying there’s no territory-wide repair plan. BVI Public Finance Scrutiny: A Senate committee grilled Magens Bay Authority and West Indian Co. Ltd. over reserves, service shortfalls, and projected losses. Elections Prep (BVI): The BVI Supervisor of Elections has started recruiting election officers ahead of the next general election due in 2027. Climate Funding (BVI): The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund completed territory-wide consultations and is preparing its first Call for Proposals. USVI Economic Development: VIEDA announced a public hearing on Aug. 27 on applications including SkyCity VI Airport Company and Tropical Behavioral Services. Sports (USVI/BVI region): USVI U14 boys fell into a tough group situation after a 7-0 loss to Saint Lucia, while regional volleyball results saw Saint Lucia win medals at ECVA.

BVI Electricity Rates Debate: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser hit back at critics during House debate on amendments to the Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges Act, saying some residents and politicians are “speaking from both sides of their mouths” as BVIEC seeks rate flexibility. Budget Scrutiny at Magens Bay: Senators grilled Magens Bay Authority and WICO officials over reserves, service gaps, and projected losses, including questions about why some areas lack electricity or food while reserves sit above $10 million. Road Funding Fight: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn accused the government of funnelling road money into VIP districts, pointing to the Ridge Road’s hazardous conditions and calling for a territory-wide repair plan. Water Bill Amnesty Denied: Government officials rejected claims it promised an amnesty on disputed water bills amid the transition to VIEWCO. Climate Finance Moves Forward: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund completed consultations and is preparing its first call for proposals. Elections Staffing in BVI: The Supervisor of Elections began recruiting election officers ahead of the next general election due in 2027. CFU U14 Football: Saint Lucia beat USVI 7-0 in the CFU U14 Challenge Series, leaving the USVI still searching for goals. Cruise Access Controversy: Public debate continues over a proposal to restrict access to The Baths and Devil’s Bay for an international cruise operator on select mornings.

Emancipation Debate in the BVI: Businessman Troy E. Christopher says the territory should separate “music-festival-style” events from the core Emancipation celebrations so the historical and educational message is clearer, and he argues for more space for local bands and youth performers. Cost of Living & Electricity Rates: BVI opposition lawmaker Myron V. Walwyn warned that higher wages won’t protect residents from rising essentials, as lawmakers debate targeted electricity rate adjustments for customers using over 1,500 kWh monthly. Water Bills Row in the BVI: Government officials denied agreeing to an amnesty for disputed or outstanding water bills as the territory transitions water services to VIEWCO, rejecting claims from the opposition. Tourism Access Controversy: The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands is facing public pushback over a proposal to reserve limited morning access to The Baths and Devil’s Bay for an international luxury cruise operator, raising concerns about beach access principles. VI Economic Development Notice: VIEDA scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 27 on applications for new businesses tied to airport and facilities/tourism development in St. Thomas/St. Croix and St. Croix. Education Leadership Change: ETPS in the VI is set to get a new principal, with Mrs. Zubida K. H. O’Neal-George expected to start Sept. 1, 2026.

BVI Cost of Living Debate: BVI Opposition MP Myron Walwyn says “rising wages alone” won’t fix the territory’s cost pressures, as lawmakers weigh electricity-rate changes tied to BVIEC usage above 1,500 kWh. He warned higher salaries don’t automatically protect people from rent, food, insurance, and fuel. Water Bills Row: The BVI government denied it agreed to an amnesty for disputed or outstanding water bills during the transition to VIEWCO, rejecting Opposition claims that relief was promised when the transfer legislation was approved. National Parks Access Fight: Public outcry is growing over a proposal to reserve parts of The Baths and Devil’s Bay for an international cruise operator on select mornings, limiting public access and raising constitutional and “open beach” concerns. Education Leadership: Mrs. Zubida K. H. O’Neal-George is tipped to become principal of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, expected to start Sept. 1, 2026. Local Business Support: The VI government and CDB are rolling out an MSME capacity-building series for entrepreneurs, focused on business continuity, digital marketing, and financial management. Health Facility Update: Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Tortola received updated signage through a Building Cleaning and Signage project. Regional Policy: OECS and UNICEF launched a new regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032, built around a “whole-of-the-child” approach.

Water Bills Row: The BVI government has denied agreeing to an amnesty for outstanding or disputed water bills as the territory transitions water and sewerage services to VIEWCO, with Opposition Leader Marlon Penn pressing for relief while Deputy Premier Julian Fraser and Minister Kye Rymer say no forgiveness commitment was made. Electricity Costs & Food Prices: In the House of Assembly, opposition warned that amendments to BVIEC electricity rates for higher-usage customers could raise supermarket operating costs and push up food prices, as Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and works minister Kye Rymer argued the changes are needed to keep BVIEC financially viable. Tourism Access Debate: Public pushback is growing over a proposal to reserve parts of The Baths and Devil’s Bay for an international luxury cruise operator on selected mornings, with critics saying it conflicts with open beach access even if the National Parks Trust says it’s tied to carrying-capacity and conservation funding. Education Leadership: Mrs Zubida K. H. O’Neal-George is set to replace Ashkisha N. Maduro as principal of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, expected to begin duties Sept. 1, 2026. Regional Policy: OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 aimed at protecting and empowering children across the Eastern Caribbean. SEC Sanctions Ripple Effects: Separate from local BVI politics, the SEC in Nigeria ordered capital market firms to cut correspondent banking and restrict dealings tied to North Korea and Iran, reflecting wider anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing pressure.

BVI Healthcare: Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Tortola has received updated signage under a Building Cleaning and Signage Project led by the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) and the BVI Health Services Authority. Cruise Access Row: The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands is in advanced talks with an unnamed luxury cruise operator to reserve access to The Baths and Devil’s Bay on nine peak-season mornings, triggering public debate over conservation funding versus the long-held principle of open beach access. Electricity & Food Prices: In the BVI House of Assembly, opposition members warned that BVIEC electricity tariff changes for higher-usage customers could raise operating costs for supermarkets and push up food prices. Water Transfer Fallout: The government denied promises of amnesty on disputed water bills as water and sewerage services move to VIEWCO, while the Premier signalled water rates may rise to keep the model viable. Education Leadership: Mrs Zubida K. H. O’Neal-George is tipped to become principal of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School (ETPS) starting Sept. 1, 2026. Regional Policy: OECS and UNICEF unveiled the OECS Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032. SEC Sanctions: The SEC ordered capital market operators to cut correspondent banking and restrict dealings tied to North Korea and Iran, citing updated FATF risk statements.

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.