AGP Executive Report

Earthquake & Tsunami Risk: Back-to-back strong quakes struck Venezuela near Caracas, collapsing buildings and prompting a tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands, with scientists warning of potentially high casualties. BVI Finance & Digital Assets: New research says the Virgin Islands is a global leader in digital assets and tokenised finance, including major shares of US tokenised treasuries and stablecoin activity. BVI Business Licensing: Payward (Kraken parent) secured British Virgin Islands VASP registrations, expanding regulated digital asset services under the BVI’s Virtual Assets Service Providers Act. BVI Aviation Safety: BVIAA certified 13 new firefighter recruits as Fire Officers after training in Dallas, strengthening emergency response capacity. Local Governance (BVI): Premier Wheatley says UK protocol changes will relax BVI financial management rules, lowering the liquid assets ratio and freeing tens of millions for priorities. Economic Development (VI): VIEDA posted a public notice for June 30 governing board decision meetings. Insurance Update (VI): VI’s Insurance Guaranty Fund funding level increased under Act No. 9100, raising the maximum payout limit for future insolvency claims. Small Business Grants (USVI): Verizon and LISC are offering $10,000 grants for small businesses across 2026, including USVI applicants. Tourism/Travel: Aman at Sea opened Caribbean reservations for Amangati’s 2027 season, with calls including Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda.

BVI Digital Assets Licensing: Payward (parent of Kraken) says it has secured VASP registrations from the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission, allowing regulated digital asset services for clients operating from or through the territory. OECS Economic Resilience: OECS Heads of Government met in Antigua to focus on trade, connectivity, and economic resilience, with Antigua’s Gaston Browne taking over the OECS Authority chairmanship. US Sanctions Hit Prince Group Network: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned nine individuals and 26 entities tied to Cambodia’s Prince Group, with targets including companies linked to the British Virgin Islands and other financial hubs. Local Justice—Medicaid Fraud Lawsuit: The Virgin Islands Department of Justice filed a multi-million-dollar Medicaid fraud civil case against RTS Services Unlimited 11 and three individuals, alleging unlicensed behavioral health services billed as psychotherapy and related care. St. Croix Contractor Arrest: VIPD says an unlicensed St. Croix contractor was arrested after allegedly pocketing $181,000 in a renovation scam involving dozens of checks. Fintech on the Seas: Fintech on the Seas 2026 kicked off at Oil Nut Bay in Virgin Gorda, with BVI Finance calling it sold out and highlighting practical policy talks on stablecoins and supervision. Cruise Growth in St. Thomas: St. Thomas is projecting 1.25 million cruise passengers next season with 359 ship calls, including first-time vessels at the WICO dock.

USVI Medicaid Fraud: The Virgin Islands Department of Justice filed a multi-million-dollar civil lawsuit under the Virgin Islands False Claims Act against RTS Services Unlimited 11, LLC and three individuals, alleging years of fraudulent billing of Medicaid for unlicensed behavioral health services to children, with claims totaling about $3.9 million and payments of about $408,410. BVI Digital Assets: Kraken’s parent, Payward, received approval for a virtual asset service provider (VASP) licence in the British Virgin Islands, positioning the BVI as a growing hub for regulated digital asset services. BVI Fintech Conference: Fintech on the Seas 2026 kicked off at Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda, with BVI Finance highlighting responsible growth, trusted regulation, and practical adoption as digital finance expands. BVI/US Sanctions Spillover: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Prince Group-linked people and entities tied to Southeast Asia scam operations, while Singapore police opened investigations into two men linked to the network and reported more than $600 million seized or restricted. Local Politics: Former House Speaker Julian Willock confirmed he plans to contest the Third District seat in the 2027 general election, focusing on infrastructure, jobs, housing, and restoring the Ellis Thomas Downs. Tourism/Jobs: Club Med announced it will acquire and renovate the Carambola Beach Resort in St. Croix, reopening as Club Med St. Croix with 150 rooms and projecting about 200 direct and 200 indirect jobs.

Election Watch (BVI): Former Speaker Julian Willock says he will contest the upcoming general election for District Three, stressing he won’t run against Deputy Premier Julian Fraser while urging voters to see him as a “servant leader.” Housing & Water Resilience (USVI): A new measure filed by Rep. José “Che” Pérez Cordero would study residential rainwater collection to prepare for drought and reduce pressure on aqueducts. Corrections Budget (USVI): Senators grilled the V.I. Bureau of Corrections over its $36.5 million FY2027 budget, including the high local cost of housing inmates versus off-island facilities. Marine Development (BVI): Nanny Cay’s $30 million expansion hit the halfway mark on the south marina breakwater, with 34,209 tons of rock placed toward a 112-slip megayacht-capable project. Local Governance (BVI): Premier Natalio Wheatley says investor confidence remains high despite the 2022 COI, pointing to continued tourism and marina investments. Transport Rules (BVI): The DMV faced backlash after requiring a “Driver’s Licence Report” for people converting foreign licences, with residents questioning how they can obtain it. Finance & Compliance (Global): FATF kept Nepal on its grey list over gaps in anti-money laundering enforcement, including hawala controls and risk-based supervision.

BVI Marine Development: Nanny Cay Marina’s $30 million expansion is halfway done, with 34,209 tons of rock placed on the new 112-slip south marina breakwater (715 feet of a 1,430-foot run), aimed at bigger catamarans and megayachts. BVI Housing & Land: Premier Natalio Wheatley says an affordable housing initiative is coming “in the coming weeks,” using Crown Lands Partnerships and other solutions to boost home ownership. BVI Economy & Tourism Confidence: Wheatley argues investor confidence is “extremely high” despite the 2022 COI, pointing to continued big projects like Nanny Cay, Biras Creek, and Bitter End. BVI Driver’s License Rules: The DMV faced backlash after requiring applicants to submit a Driver’s Licence Report from the issuing authority when converting foreign licenses. USVI Education & Jobs: New KIDS COUNT data shows USVI gains in graduation and employment, but flags weaker math scores, wages, dropout numbers, and housing pressure. Scholarship Win (St. Croix): Adaina Smith becomes the first Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship recipient to attend NC State, covering full tuition, fees, housing, and mentorship. Public Safety Budget (St. Thomas/St. Croix): The V.I. Bureau of Corrections defended its FY2027 budget as senators questioned the high cost of housing inmates locally versus off-island. Regional Politics: Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed support for BVI’s push for greater self-determination at a UN decolonisation seminar. Finance/Innovation: Psalion launched Psalion Lend, a multi-token digital asset-backed lending product with a self-custody option.

BVI Marine Development: Nanny Cay Resort & Marina says its $30 million expansion is moving fast, with the new South Marina breakwater now halfway complete and 34,000+ tonnes of rock placed for a 112-slip marina aimed at today’s larger catamarans and megayachts. Housing & Land Access: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says an affordable housing initiative will be unveiled in the coming weeks, using Crown Lands Partnerships and other solutions to improve pathways to home ownership. Investment Climate: Wheatley also pushed back on reputational worries tied to the 2022 Commission of Inquiry, arguing investor confidence remains “extremely high,” pointing to continued big tourism projects like Nanny Cay’s expansion and other resort investments. DMV Backlash: The BVI DMV is facing criticism after requiring applicants converting foreign driver’s licences to submit a “Driver’s Licence Report” from the issuing authority, with residents questioning how they can get the document and whether it replaces existing testing. Regional Support for Self-Determination: Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed support for the BVI’s push for political self-determination, citing UN decolonization work and a recent regional seminar update from BVI envoy Benito Wheatley. Public Health Recognition: The VI Epidemiology Team won national honors at a major CSTE conference in Boston, with Dr Hannah Cranford taking a Rising Leader Award. Finance Services Outreach: Wheatley says the BVI is advancing plans to establish a representative presence in Panama to strengthen access to a key Latin American financial and business gateway. Culture & Media: Kittitian creative entrepreneur Tasha Hendrickson was named a finalist for a Caribbean POSH Film ICON Award, ahead of the Caribbean POSH Weekend program.

BVI Telecom Costs: A new global pricing roundup says the British Virgin Islands has one of the world’s priciest fixed broadband plans, with average monthly costs around $155—highlighting how island geography and limited competition can drive up prices. BVI Politics & Finance: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the Government is moving toward establishing a representative presence in Panama to strengthen access to a key Latin American business and financial gateway, alongside efforts to operationalize the Financial Services Directorate and push compliance through its “Business Done RIGHT” campaign. Fathers Day Message: Wheatley also used Father’s Day to urge fathers across the Territory to keep showing up for their children—through daily support, integrity, and example. Regional Solidarity: Antigua and Barbuda reiterated support for the BVI’s push for greater self-determination, citing work through a UN decolonization committee and a recent regional seminar where BVI constitutional talks were discussed. VI/USVI Court & Epstein Fallout: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, a probate judge denied an Epstein estate bid to keep victim-compensation administrator reports sealed, meaning more of the compensation process stays public. Epstein/Maxwell Records Watch: Separate coverage continues to track how Ghislaine Maxwell-related filings and unsealed materials are feeding ongoing questions about the Little St. James investigation. Local Crime & Community: A VI Free Press piece reflects on community fractures after the “Romeo” Encarnacion killing, pointing to how online reactions can diverge from the official record. Culture & Sports: A Caribbean Heritage Month reading list spotlights Caribbean novels, while a separate music item notes dancehall producer Week.day’s Aidonia collaboration climbing charts across several Caribbean islands.

USVI Courts & Epstein Records: The Epstein estate tried to keep monthly victim-compensation reports sealed in US Virgin Islands probate court, but Judge Carolyn P. Hermon-Percell denied the request, saying existing safeguards are enough; the compensation program ran from June 2020 to August 2021, paying out more than $121 million to about 150 survivors. Local Governance: On Virgin Gorda, Ninth District Rep and Health Minister Vincent O. Wheatley says his Father’s Day community event at Bay 6 was a success and will become annual, with support from other ministers and strong turnout. BVI Business & Finance: BVI Finance and HLSCC are set to bring practical digital finance insights to the local community. Sports (Regional Interest): Shericka Jackson won Jamaica’s national women’s 100m title in 10.81 seconds, while Week.day’s Aidonia collaboration “Like How Yuh Feel” hit top chart spots across several Caribbean islands including the BVI. Crime & Courts (USVI): Former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal’s attorney asked for an eight-week delay before she surrenders to begin her prison sentence.

USVI Court: Former Office of Management & Budget director Jenifer O’Neal is asking a federal judge to reconsider an order that she surrender to custody Tuesday, seeking an eight-week delay so she can keep counsel for her appeal after dismissing her trial lawyer. VI Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the government will discuss creating district councils to boost representation for Anegada and Jost van Dyke, arguing equity and access to services matter even with small populations. BVI Finance & Tech: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and BVI Finance are partnering on “BVI NextWave: Digital Assets Discovery Day” (June 25) to bring practical digital finance insights to the public. Public Health & Community: BVIHSA has relaunched Books for Babies and Hampers for Mothers, aiming to get children back into books and support mothers in need. Local Safety: A St. Croix man, Osei Edwards, is wanted in an active manhunt tied to domestic-violence charges, with records showing a prior home-invasion sexual assault case. Justice & Accountability (Epstein): New federal document releases keep spotlighting Epstein-linked flight logs and the ongoing legal fight over records tied to the Virgin Islands.

Epstein Files & VI Fallout: New document releases keep spotlighting Jeffrey Epstein’s network, including nearly 100 Naples-linked phone calls in DOJ “Epstein Library” material and fresh pressure on major banks; JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank faced sustained legal claims over alleged red flags, while Bank of America later moved toward a $72.5 million settlement. Little St. James Updates: Court materials and newly released images continue to fuel scrutiny of Epstein’s U.S. Virgin Islands island operations, even as ownership shifted in 2023 and development plans remain unbuilt. Local Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the VI government will discuss district councils to improve representation for Anegada and Jost van Dyke, arguing for “equity” in services despite small populations. Digital Finance for Locals: HLSCC and BVI Finance team up for BVI NextWave: Digital Assets Discovery Day on June 25 in Tortola, aimed at practical insight for students and the public. Health Outreach: BVIHSA relaunches Books for Babies and Hampers for Mothers at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. Public Safety/Justice: A St. Croix man, Osei Edwards, is on an active wanted poster tied to domestic violence charges, with records showing a prior 2025 home-invasion sexual assault investigation. Economy/Politics: Mark Vanterpool floats the idea of a BVI transhipment port as a future revenue driver, while warning against locating it in Road Town due to congestion risks.

Epstein Probe Fallout: The U.S. Virgin Islands’ civil fight tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s estate is still generating new document releases and subpoenas, including fresh questions about how his fortune was built and who stayed connected after his 2019 death. Leon Black Scrutiny: New reporting keeps spotlighting Leon Black’s long financial relationship with Epstein, including foundation ties and large payments that are now under renewed review. Truth Commission Push: New Mexico’s Epstein “Truth Commission” has subpoenaed U.S. prosecutors in multiple states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, seeking answers on why charges weren’t pursued after earlier investigations. Local Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley says discussions will move forward on district councils for Anegada and Jost van Dyke to improve representation and push for “equity” in services. Digital Finance for BVI: BVI Finance and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College will host a free “Digital Assets Discovery Day” on June 25 at HLSCC. BVIHSA Community Health: BVIHSA has relaunched Books for Babies and Hampers for Mothers, aiming to get children back into books and support mothers in need. Budget/Spending Debate: Pastor Claude Skelton-Cline calls for a hard stop on further government vehicle purchases, citing costs like fuel, maintenance, and lack of insurance. Politics: Pamela Evette released a list of potential running mates ahead of her June 23 runoff.

BVI Politics & Economy: Former Communications and Works Minister Mark Vanterpool says the British Virgin Islands could one day earn major revenue by developing a transhipment port, pointing to successful hubs in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Panama—while arguing it shouldn’t be placed in Road Town due to congestion concerns. BVI Community & Culture: Summer Sizzle BVI returns for its 16th edition July 15–20, 2026, spotlighting luxury fashion and Caribbean culture with celebrity host Crystle Stewart. VI Public Safety: Royal Virgin Islands Police Force reports an East End operation that recovered a Glock pistol and 9mm ammo, leading to two arrests and charges including keeping an unlicensed firearm. VI Government: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says all Government of the Virgin Islands offices will close Friday for Juneteenth. Education: The Ministry of Education names Tarina Kenya Kenessa Roberts as top secondary graduating student for 2026, with a 97% graduation rate and growing dual-enrollment at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Sports: LISOT Black wins the TOTE Team Racing Championships in St. Thomas Yacht Club events. Justice Watch: New Mexico’s Epstein Truth Commission approves subpoenas seeking information from U.S. Attorneys’ offices, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, about whether prosecutors chose not to pursue charges.

Juneteenth Closure in the VI: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. ordered all Government of the Virgin Islands offices closed Friday, June 19, to mark Juneteenth, with normal operations resuming the next business day. Youth Violence Focus: V.I. National Guard leader Maj. Gen. Kodjo Knox-Limbacker told lawmakers youth violence needs early intervention, stronger home support, and better emotional control, pointing to the Youth About Face Program’s role and limits amid recent killings. BVI Budget/ARPA Scrutiny: Calypso Inc. defended its $272,170 ARPA award, saying the funds were released over three years and weren’t tied to campaign songs or double-dipping—after public controversy during an OMB hearing. Gun Seizure in East End: Royal Virgin Islands Police arrested two men after recovering a Glock and 9mm ammo during an East End operation, charging them with unlicensed firearm and related offenses. BVI Food Security Talks: Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley said Cabinet approved formal negotiations with the Dominican Republic to strengthen food security, trade, and economic cooperation. Club Med Returns to St. Croix: Club Med and VICI Properties announced a redevelopment of the Carambola Beach Resort, with Club Med to operate the future 150-key all-inclusive property. Epstein Probe Ripples to the VI: A New Mexico “Truth Commission” subpoenaed U.S. Attorneys’ offices, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, seeking internal communications on whether prosecutors chose not to pursue charges in the Epstein case.

BVI Tourism Planning: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the government has selected a company to draft the territory’s first National Tourism Plan, aiming to guide sustainable growth and competitiveness as visitor arrivals rise (from just under 1 million three years ago to over 1.2 million in 2025). Local Accountability: Aspiring Third District candidate Aaron Parillon argues ministers often respond to community issues only after they’re raised publicly, calling for stronger accountability ahead of the next general election. Marine Research in the Classroom: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s CAMS shared results of a marine plastic tracking study using “smart bottles,” with students and partner schools across the Virgin Islands, supported through a UK Future Fund project. Government Budgeting & Health Gaps: Senators reviewed FY2027 budgets for major agencies, with staffing shortages and federal delays flagged, while health officials told lawmakers mental and behavioral health needs are worsening amid delayed or partially used appropriations. Offshore Legal/Finance: Offshore firm Mourant hired Xia Li from Carey Olsen to strengthen its Asia litigation bench for cross-border disputes involving China-linked matters. Tourism/Resort Development: Club Med is moving into St. Croix with a redevelopment of the Carambola Beach Resort, partnering with VICI Properties under a long-term lease structure. Justice Department Coordination: Acting AG Todd Blanche appointed Alessandra Serano as DOJ national coordinator for human trafficking and child exploitation cases, including work with victim services funding. Epstein Fallout (USVI-linked): New reporting and court-related coverage continues to revisit Little St. James and the broader Epstein estate fight, including renewed focus on compensation claims and how assets may be structured.

BVI Tourism Planning: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the government has selected a company to prepare the territory’s first National Tourism Plan, aiming to guide sustainable growth as visitor numbers rise. VI Health Funding Gaps: Lawmakers heard that mental and behavioral health projects are stalled by delayed or missing appropriations, including $18M and $3.5M earmarked for facilities on St. Croix, with officials exploring a smaller modular housing model at Anna’s Hope. Budget Pressure: The Senate Budget Committee reviewed FY2027 agency requests, with staffing shortages and federal funding delays highlighted, including Broadband program implementation waiting on updated guidance. Yacht Economy Boost: Premier Wheatley reports more than 90 charter yachts relocated to the VI ahead of the 2025/26 season, generating an estimated $13.99M in direct seasonal activity after fee changes. Marine Tech in Schools: HLSCC CAMS shared results of a marine plastic tracking study using “smart bottles” with schools across the Virgin Islands, supported through a UK-funded pilot. USVI Tourism Deal: Club Med and VICI Properties announced plans to redevelop the Carambola Beach Resort into a Club Med St. Croix, bringing the all-inclusive brand back to US shores. Epstein Fallout (USVI context): New reporting continues to spotlight Little St. James and the broader Epstein case, while DOJ leadership moves to coordinate federal human trafficking and child exploitation prosecutions.

Tourism & Hospitality Deal: Club Med is returning to U.S. shores with a planned redevelopment of St. Croix’s Carambola Beach Resort, after VICI Properties acquired the property and will fund upgrades under a long-term triple-net lease, aiming for Club Med’s Exclusive Collection standards. BVI Economy & Travel: Premier Natalio Wheatley says more than 90 charter yachts relocated to the Virgin Islands ahead of the 2025/2026 season, generating an estimated $13.99 million in direct seasonal activity, tied to new licensing fee rules. Local Governance: Jost Van Dyke has a new one-way traffic system on Great Harbour Road after residents petitioned for safer, smoother operations for businesses and drivers. Public Safety & Law: A study on “red flag” laws finds people subject to extreme risk protection orders were less likely to be arrested for violent and firearm-related offenses while orders were active. Politics & Rights: Wheatley says the territory will pursue legal recognition for same-sex couples via “civil partnerships,” while keeping opposition to same-sex marriage. Culture: The Department of Culture and the Virgin Islands Studies Institute host a “Fungi Music 101” workshop June 17 to teach the genre’s history and fundamentals. Corruption Case: U.S. prosecutors report former VIPD Commissioner Ray Martinez was sentenced to 10 years for bribery and related public corruption charges.