AGP Executive Report

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.

Citizenship Fight: A nonprofit says President Donald Trump’s Aug. 6 executive order on birthright citizenship is “troubling” for U.S. territories, arguing it draws a sharp line between “the United States” and territories and could set up new congressional moves affecting places including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Safety & Community: The Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta in the BVI will continue through Saturday after a violent incident, with organizers citing an “increased police presence” plan. Business Fraud Warning: The VI Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs warns businesses that scammers are allegedly posing as DLCA staff to collect licensing fees in person—DLCA says employees do not collect payments in the field. Public Frustration Over Repeat Offenders: A St. Croix legal explainer tackles why judges can’t simply deny bail for non-capital charges like burglary and vehicle theft, amid social media anger over repeat offenders. Sports: Beyonce A. Defreitas made VI history at the CAC Games, winning the territory’s first-ever 200m medal with a silver. Environment & Tourism: White Bay in Jost van Dyke is dealing with a thick Sargassum buildup that’s fouling boat propellers and could disrupt the usual visitor experience.

BVI Governance & Accountability: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation backed draft constitutional talks between the Virgin Islands and the UK, urging continued monitoring of the constitutional review process and praising the territory’s governance reform work. BVI Politics: Educator Dr Arlene Smith-Thompson urged voters to move away from “hand-out politics,” arguing leaders should build self-sufficiency and generational wealth. BVI Business & Competition: Radio host Claude Skelton Cline accused RiteWay and its parent, The North West Company, of “cannibalising” the BVI economy by dominating wholesale and retail grocery and squeezing out smaller shops. VI Public Safety & Consumer Protection: DLCA warned businesses that imposters are allegedly collecting licensing fees in the field, stressing DLCA staff do not solicit or accept payments outside official channels. VI Local News: A fire destroyed Omar’s VG and “Game Over” on Virgin Gorda; Omar’s VG says the blaze did not start at the restaurant and that it spread from a neighbouring building. Sports: Beyonce A. Defreitas made VI history at the CAC Games, winning the territory’s first-ever medal in the women’s 200m with a silver. Environment & Tourism: White Bay on Jost van Dyke is dealing with a sargassum influx that’s fouling boat propellers and worrying tourism-dependent businesses.

BVI Constitutional Talks: The UN’s decolonisation committee backed British Virgin Islands constitutional negotiations with the UK, calling for close monitoring of the territory’s constitutional review and self-determination education support. BVI Governance & Finance: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn is pressing for accountability over alleged BVI investment losses, including a US$2.5 million Delta Capital Partners deal in Jamaica, after Premier Natalio Wheatley said he learned of it only after the fact and that required approvals may have been missed. BVI Policing: Interim Acting Police Commissioner Richard Ullger vowed investigators will pursue every lead as the RVIPF continues probing two July murders. BVI Aviation Leadership: Kurt Menal, former BVI Airports Authority managing director, was appointed CEO of Antigua and Barbuda’s VC Bird International Airport. VI Local Disruption: White Bay in Jost van Dyke is dealing with a fresh Sargassum seaweed influx that’s already fouling boat propellers and worrying tourism-linked businesses. VI Fire Damage: A major fire destroyed Omar’s VG and Game Over on Virgin Gorda early Thursday. Regional Human Rights Warning: UN experts warned that intensified U.S. sanctions and economic pressure on Cuba could trigger a “silent Gaza” in the Caribbean, threatening access to food and energy.

BVI Government Accountability: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn is demanding answers after he says the BVI suffered about US$7.5 million in investment losses, including a US$2.5 million Delta Capital Partners deal in Jamaica and an earlier US$5 million Bank of Asia (BVI) deposit flagged for liquidation—while the Premier says he only learned of the Delta investment in April and that required procedures were not followed. Local Governance Probe: The BVI Financial Investigation Agency and the Internal Audit Department are investigating the Delta Capital investment, with questions focused on who authorized it under the Public Finance Management Act. Crime & Public Safety: Interim Acting Police Commissioner Richard Ullger vowed investigators will pursue every lead after two murders were recorded in July, urging accountability and promising detectives are working with all lawful tools. Fire on Virgin Gorda: A major early-morning blaze destroyed Omar’s VG and Game Over on Virgin Gorda; reports say the fire may have started at Game Over. Tourism & Environment: White Bay in Jost van Dyke is dealing with a thick Sargassum seaweed influx, creating navigation problems for boaters and raising concerns for local businesses. Corporate/Finance Watch: WISeKey announced an Extraordinary General Meeting on Sept. 9 to approve its proposed redomiciliation to the British Virgin Islands.

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.