AGP Executive Report

BVI–USVI Cruising Fees: The Sir Francis Drake Channel dispute is reportedly headed for federal attention, after the USVI escalated its fight over BVI’s steep charter and day-trip fee hikes for vessels using the cruising zone. USVI Budget Push: On St. Thomas, the Rules and Judiciary Committee advanced the FY 2027 budget, sending 28 appropriation bills to the full Legislature under a closed rule, while senators pressed the executive on revenue collection. Hotel Financing Warning: Public Finance Authority officials are seeking a fresh bond-market look after the Fed rate increase, with a PFA leader warning that some hotel projects may not be able to issue bonds if cash flow can’t meet debt service at higher yields. Public Health Survey Call: The VI Department of Health is urging residents to answer a 340-area-code call tied to the BRFSS health and chronic-disease survey, funded with CDC support. Housing Funding (USVI): The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York announced a $10.3 million Housing Impact Grant round that includes projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands to create or preserve affordable homes. School Lunches (Tortola): PLM launched a free lunch programme for eligible children at Francis Lettsome and Willard Wheatley primary schools in East End. Constitution Talks (UK/VI): VI and the UK entered the second round of constitutional negotiations for a new territory constitution. Energy Pilot (Bermuda, regional): A “virtual power plant” research pilot is recruiting early adopters for linked rooftop solar and battery storage—an idea that could resonate across the region.

BVI–UK Constitutional Talks: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley says the Virgin Islands’ constitution negotiations with the UK have entered a crucial second round, calling the process “positive, constructive and respectful” as the Territory seeks a new framework for self-determination. BVI Budget Pressure: The BVI Financial Secretary Jeremiah Frett got a public endorsement from Wheatley after questions about financial decisions and alleged errors, with the Premier pointing to major budget work and an investment-grade credit rating. BVI School Support: The People’s Leadership Movement launched a free school lunch programme in District 7, targeting Francis Lettsome and Willard Wheatley primary schools. USVI Health Survey Call: The V.I. Department of Health says residents may receive calls from 340-693-1021 for a territorywide BRFSS health survey funded with CDC support. USVI Budget Bills Advance: The USVI Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee approved nearly 30 bills forming the proposed FY2027 budget, citing a conservative approach amid revenue uncertainty. BVI Finance Training: The FSC awarded the first Robert A. Mathavious Scholarship Grant recipients for AML and governance, risk and compliance studies at HLSCC’s Robert Mathavious Institute. St. Croix Mall Insurance Win: A federal appellate decision upheld Travelers’ position in an insurance dispute tied to shareholder allegations involving the Mall of St. Croix.

VI–UK Constitutional Talks: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley says negotiations on a new Virgin Islands constitution have entered the crucial second round in London, after a first round in Tortola in July and follow-ups in September. Government Finance Scrutiny: Wheatley publicly backed Financial Secretary Jeremiah Frett amid questions over investments, deposits and a reported budget error, while also declining to say whether Cabinet approved Social Security Board funds for the National Bank, calling it “sensitive.” School Feeding Push (BVI): The People’s Leadership Movement launched a free school lunch programme in two Tortola schools in District 7, saying hungry children struggle to focus and participate. FSC Scholarships (BVI): The BVI Financial Services Commission named the first Robert A. Mathavious Scholarship Grant recipients, covering AML and governance, risk and compliance courses at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Robert Mathavious Institute. Maritime Dispute (USVI/BVI): The USVI says it wants a response by Sept. 25 on a proposed high-level summit in mid-October to address the escalating charter-vessel licensing fee dispute with the BVI. FEMA Oversight (VI): FEMA has begun an enhanced compliance review of federally funded disaster recovery work across the Virgin Islands, focusing on delays, reimbursements, contractor payments and documentation.

USVI–BVI Maritime Clash: The USVI says it wants high-level talks with the BVI over a widening charter-vessel dispute, with a response deadline of Sept. 25 and a proposed summit week of Oct. 12 involving both governments and U.S. federal agencies. BVI Governance & Finance: Premier Natalio Wheatley declined to say whether Cabinet approved Social Security Board funds for the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, calling it “sensitive information” not ready for release. BVI Infrastructure Loan: Wheatley also defended the government’s $100 million loan, saying it’s fully committed but paid out progressively as projects hit milestones—pushing back on claims it’s being held as an “elections war chest.” FEMA Scrutiny: FEMA has launched an enhanced compliance review of federally funded disaster recovery work across the Virgin Islands, focusing on delays, reimbursements, contractor payments, documentation, and possible overlap with HUD projects. BVI Politics: Political commentator Claude Skelton Cline attacked NDP leadership, saying it would rather lose than allow reunification that could help the territory. Marine Science: UMass Amherst researchers reported the first-known seasonal nurse shark breeding ground in the Virgin Islands and surveyed anglers affected by shark depredation to guide conservation.

USVI–BVI Maritime Tensions: The USVI says it wants a written work plan and firm deadlines as it pushes BVI toward high-level talks over a charter-vessel licensing fee dispute, with a response due Sept. 25 and a proposed summit week of Oct. 12. BVI Governance & Finance: Premier Natalio Wheatley declined to say whether Cabinet approved Social Security Board funds for the National Bank, calling it “sensitive information,” while also denying he’s holding back a promised $100M loan, saying payments are released as projects hit milestones. BVI Health Appointments: Wheatley promised more due diligence on Bevis Sylvester’s BVIHSA chair appointment after questions about a prior conviction and “fit and proper” requirements. Disaster Recovery Scrutiny: FEMA has launched an enhanced compliance review of federally funded disaster recovery work across the Virgin Islands, focusing on delays, reimbursements, contractor payments, and possible overlap with HUD projects. Consumer Drug Settlement: AG William Tong urged eligible consumers in US states and territories to file claims tied to multistate settlements over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Local Business/Tech: Clichmont opened a public sale of its $CLAI token and announced GPU supply expansion, while Alpha Compute announced a Pennsylvania real estate and oil-and-gas rights acquisition.

BVI Politics & Governance: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley is sending a delegation to London for constitutional negotiations, with Hon Vincent O. Wheatley stepping in as Acting Premier for Sept. 21–24 and other acting ministerial cover in place through Sept. 26. BVI Health Services Authority: Cabinet has approved Bevis A. Sylvester as BVIHSA board chair, but the Premier says he will do further due diligence after questions about his conviction and whether the appointment meets the “fit and proper” rules. BVI Transparency & Spending: Wheatley declined to disclose the total public cost of the BVI’s India financial services and trade mission, saying he won’t provide a “running commentary” and pointing to upcoming Freedom of Information clarifications. Local Media Scrutiny: Wheatley accused a VI media house of “manipulation & misleading the public” over a headline about “black water tanks,” saying his comments were about cistern storage. USVI Health & Economy: A new underwater research habitat, Vanguard, was anchored near the Florida Keys, noting regional expertise that previously supported Aquarius Reef Base near the USVI. Marine Science: UMass Amherst researchers reported a first-known seasonal nurse shark breeding ground in the Virgin Islands and surveyed angler depredation to guide conservation. Coral Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1 million to projects including the U.S. Virgin Islands to boost heat-resilient coral restoration. Epstein Island Fallout: Epstein-related legal fights and new document releases keep “Little St. James” in the spotlight, while survivors describe ongoing financial strain tied to pursuing accountability.

BVI Health Services Authority: Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says he will do “further due diligence” on Cabinet’s Sept. 9 approval of Bevis Sylvester as BVIHSA board chair after questions about his conviction and whether the BVIHSA Act’s “fit and proper” rules were met. Government spending transparency: Wheatley also declined to disclose the total public cost of the BVI’s India financial services and trade mission, saying the government won’t provide a “running commentary” on investment expenditure. Local media dispute: Wheatley accused a VI media house of “manipulation & misleading the public” after a July headline implied he told residents to buy “black water tanks,” clarifying he only discussed cistern storage as a smart and planning-required option. Coral reef funding: The U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded $2.1 million to projects supporting heat-resilient coral restoration, including work in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Finance and property: Celtic Bank filed a federal lawsuit seeking to foreclose on St. Thomas properties tied to Hotel 1829 and “At Home in the Tropics,” alleging default on a $3.24 million SBA-backed loan. Public health: A dengue “breakbone fever” warning highlights the virus’ spread in the U.S., with Florida reporting dozens of cases since July. Sustainable procurement: Minister Claret Connor promoted sustainable procurement at the UN Global Compact High-Level Forum during UNGA 81.

BVI–India Finance Talks: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says a recent trade mission to India, including discussions around GIFT City, shows the BVI’s cross-border finance expertise can complement India’s international financial services push—adding that the ambition is “not a threat.” Health Services Leadership: Cabinet approved Bevis A. Sylvester as the new BVI Health Services Authority chair, with House of Assembly approval still required. Governance & Devolution: Premier Wheatley says he was not consulted on Governor Daniel Pruce’s one-year extension, but insists the real goal is shifting more authority to elected government. Regional Equality Initiative: The Virgin Islands reaffirmed support for Brazil’s voluntary SDG 18 push on ethnic and racial equality, with a VI envoy joining a technical meeting. USVI Charter Yacht Fee Fight: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. pressed the U.S. Department of the Interior and set a Sept. 25 written-commitment deadline for Premier Wheatley ahead of an Oct. 2 meeting. Business & Capital Markets: Aura Minerals announced a $200 million syndicated loan facility to strengthen its capital structure and fund supplier payments and production-related costs. Trusts & Estates Recognition: VI trusts and estates lawyer Christopher J. McKenzie received STEP’s Lifetime Achievement Award in London.

BVI–VI Finance Talks: Premier Natalio Wheatley says a recent trade mission to India—especially discussions around GIFT City—shows India’s financial-services push is “not a threat” to the BVI, but an opportunity to work alongside it. Health Services Leadership: Cabinet has approved Bevis A. Sylvester as the new chair of the BVI Health Services Authority, pending House of Assembly approval. Water & Sewerage Overhaul: Newly appointed Water and Sewerage Director Lyndon Hodge pledges stronger leadership and service delivery as the government moves toward a single statutory corporation for water and electricity. Climate Funding Push: The VICCTF is urging sister-island communities to apply for grants up to $100K, aiming for fair, successful projects that could help the BVI access larger global climate financing. Regional Equality Agenda: The Virgin Islands reaffirmed support for Brazil’s voluntary SDG 18 initiative on ethnic and racial equality. USVI Charter Yacht Fee Fight: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. pressed the U.S. Interior Department and set a Sept. 25 written-commitment deadline for Premier Wheatley amid rising charter yacht fees. Trusts & Estates Spotlight: STEP honoured Virgin Islands trusts and estates lawyer Christopher J. McKenzie with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

USVI–BVI Charter Yacht Fee Fight: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met the U.S. Interior Department and pushed for an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington, while demanding Premier Natalio Wheatley respond in writing by Sept. 25 over escalating charter yacht fees and maritime policy impacts. BVI Governance: Premier Wheatley said he wasn’t consulted before Governor Daniel Pruce’s one-year extension to January 2028, arguing the bigger goal is shifting more authority to elected government. BVI Health Leadership: Cabinet approved Bevis A. Sylvester as the new BVI Health Services Authority chair, pending House of Assembly approval. Climate Funding Push: The VICCTF is urging sister-island communities to submit projects so the fund can prove fair, successful delivery and pursue larger international climate financing. Regional Equality Diplomacy: The VI and BVI reaffirmed support for Brazil’s voluntary SDG 18 initiative on ethnic and racial equality. Business & Finance: Aura Minerals announced a $200m syndicated loan facility, and the BVI’s trust-and-estates sector marked STEP’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Christopher J. McKenzie. Public Notices/Community: Volunteers are being sought for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

USVI Charter Yacht Fees: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington over the ongoing dispute on Virgin Islands charter yacht fees, proposing an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in the capital during the week of Oct. 12 and demanding Premier Natalio Wheatley provide a written commitment by Sept. 25. BVI Governance & Health: Cabinet approved Bevis A. Sylvester as the new BVI Health Services Authority chair, pending House of Assembly approval, while Water and Sewerage’s new director Lyndon Hodge pledged stronger services ahead of plans to consolidate utilities under a single corporation. Climate Funding Push: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund is urging sister-island communities to submit projects beyond Tortola to build credibility and unlock larger global climate financing. Regional Diplomacy: BVI leaders reaffirmed support for Brazil’s SDG 18 initiative on ethnic and racial equality, with BVI Special Envoy Benito Wheatley backing the effort. House Updates: The House of Assembly released Issue 2 of “House Matters,” its newsletter aimed at keeping residents informed on legislative work and regional engagement. Money & Travel: October Supplemental Security Income payments worth up to $994 are set to go out in 12 days, and American Airlines says it’s adding more Caribbean flights, including to Tortola and St. Thomas.

Earthquake Update (Puerto Rico/VI): A magnitude 4.8 quake struck just outside Guanica, Puerto Rico, and the Tsunami Warning Center said there’s no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the British Virgin Islands. BVI Health Services Authority: Cabinet approved Bevis A. Sylvester as the new BVIHSA Chair, pending House of Assembly approval, for a three-year term. Governance & Devolution (BVI): Premier Natalio Wheatley said he wasn’t consulted about Governor Daniel Pruce’s one-year term extension, but he’s focused on shifting more authority to elected government. Climate Funding Push (BVI): The VICCTF is urging sister islands to submit projects so the fund can prove fair, transparent delivery and build toward accreditation for bigger international climate money. Water & Sewerage Leadership (BVI): Newly appointed Water and Sewerage Director Lyndon Hodge pledged stronger operations ahead of plans to consolidate services under a statutory corporation. Regional Diplomacy: Montserrat’s Premier Reuben Meade joined Overseas Territories leaders in Bermuda to press for issues like UK pension uprating, health access, and climate resilience. Finance & Business (BVI): Aura Minerals announced a $200 million syndicated loan facility, and Rhino.fi launched native Bitcoin deposits for businesses. USVI/BVI in the spotlight: A US congressional panel and court filings continue to keep Jeffrey Epstein-related matters in the news.

BVI Health Services Authority: Cabinet has approved Bevis A. Sylvester as the new BVIHSA Chair, with House of Assembly approval next and a three-year term starting Sept. 7, 2026. Climate finance push: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund is urging sister-island communities to submit projects beyond Tortola, arguing success and transparency could help the BVI qualify for larger international climate funding. Water services leadership: Newly appointed Water and Sewerage Department Director Lyndon Hodge says he’ll focus on stronger leadership, accountability, innovation and investment as the government moves toward a single statutory corporation for water and electricity. Governance and devolution: Premier Natalio Wheatley says he wasn’t consulted before Governor Daniel Pruce’s one-year extension to January 2028, but he’s “not too concerned,” stressing the need to shift more power to the elected government. Trusts sector recognition: VI trusts and estates lawyer Christopher J. McKenzie received the STEP Lifetime Achievement Award in London for decades of work shaping the Territory’s trusts framework and education. Business and finance: Aura Minerals announced a $200 million syndicated loan facility, and the BVI’s Ducat said it’s integrated with TRON to expand stablecoin settlement options.

Epstein Island and Leon Black: New court filings and fresh lawsuits are keeping “Epstein Island” in the headlines, with readers being pushed to sort verified record from viral claims, while the U.S. House moves to hold billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt for defying subpoenas tied to the Epstein review. BVI business and finance: Ducat says it has integrated with the TRON network to expand use of its Bitcoin-backed dollar (UNIT) and USDT settlement on-chain, signaling more options for faster, lower-cost crypto payments. Crypto payments in the BVI orbit: Rhino.fi launched “native Bitcoin deposits” for businesses, aiming to let companies receive BTC-linked value without holding Bitcoin directly. VI politics and elections: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline warns that people trying to “buy” political influence could threaten democracy in the Virgin Islands, pointing to U.S. election-style tactics. Local governance and community: Anegada land issues remain a flashpoint, with Daryl A. Ruan Jr saying generations have died waiting for ancestral land resolution. Public health: Dengue is expanding in the region, with mosquito-borne “breakbone fever” concerns rising as cases spread into new territories. Travel and access: A reminder for VI visitors: U.S. phone service doesn’t always work smoothly in the territory, and Wi‑Fi calling should be set up before travel.

BVI Politics Watch: Social commentator Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline warned that “Trump-ish” influence could threaten democracy in the Virgin Islands, alleging prospective candidates are being “bought” with financial promises to join political teams. Election Integrity: Former HoA Speaker Julian Willock said he won’t “play any dirty politics” in his District 3 bid, urging voters to judge him on plans and humility. Local Land Struggles: Anegada land issues remain unresolved for generations, with Daryl A. Ruan Jr saying many Anegadians have died waiting for titles and that following rules hasn’t moved things forward. Access to Capital: The RTPark Community Impact Fund is urging Virgin Islands small businesses to take part in the 2026 Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey, aiming to better reflect local financing realities in national data. Territory Economy & Tech: Ducat announced integration with TRON to expand Bitcoin-backed stablecoin settlement and liquidity options for users. Crypto Payments: Rhino.fi launched native Bitcoin deposits for businesses, letting firms receive BTC-linked value via stablecoin settlement across multiple chains. Community & Public Safety: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries renewed calls for responsible dog ownership after reports of roaming dogs chasing, injuring, and killing livestock. Obituaries: Centenarian Esmie E. Turnbull-Stoutt, 101, died Sept. 15.

Crypto & Business Finance: Rhino.fi says it has launched native Bitcoin deposits for businesses, letting firms receive BTC via stablecoin settlement across 30+ chains (or a wrapped BTC option) after KYT/AML screening and one confirmation. Local Economy & Access to Capital: The RTPark Community Impact Fund is partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to push Virgin Islands small businesses to respond to the 2026 Small Business Credit Survey by Nov. 13, aiming to better reflect local financing needs. BVI Politics: Coy W. Levons says he has left the National Democratic Party, raising questions about whether he’ll still seek the Ninth District seat and under what banner. Governance & Integrity Concerns: Claude Skelton Cline warns that prospective candidates may be offered financial inducements to join political groups ahead of the next general election, urging scrutiny of campaign-financing rules. Community & Public Health: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries renews its call for responsible dog ownership after reports of roaming dogs chasing, injuring and killing livestock. Regional Lab Capacity: CARPHA wrapped up its CariPHLN workshop in Barbados, bringing together lab directors across the Caribbean (including the British Virgin Islands) to strengthen preparedness and diagnostics. Obituaries: Centenarian Esmie E. Turnbull-Stoutt, “Muddy,” died at 101.