Democracy Under Fire: Claude Skelton Cline says reports of people being “bought” with money and promises to join political teams ahead of the next general election are putting the Virgin Islands on a “dangerous path,” urging scrutiny of campaign-financing rules. Water Woes: Julian Willock says VI water problems have been worsened by the NDP, arguing earlier plans were “killed” and calling for more desalination plants. Land Crisis on Anegada: Daryl A. Ruan Jr tells “Honestly Speaking” that generations have died waiting for ancestral land titles, saying following existing rules has “not gotten anywhere.” Climate Funding: The VICCTF is inviting VI organisations to apply for grants up to $100,000 for resilient buildings, clean energy, water security, ecosystem restoration, food security and sargassum response. Public Safety: Acting Commissioner Richard Ullger warns gun crime is “rife,” citing 18 illegal firearms seized since the start of the year and linking the problem to drugs and easier access from nearby U.S. Virgin Islands. Animal Welfare: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries renews its call for responsible dog ownership after reports of roaming dogs chasing, injuring and killing livestock. Health & Education: PAHO and UWI mark the completion of a health policy and systems postgraduate programme, training participants including from the British Virgin Islands.
AGP Executive Report
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BVI Politics: Acting Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger warned gun crime is “rife,” saying RVIPF has seized 18 illegal firearms since the start of the year, linking the problem to drugs and easier access from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Elections & Accountability: Businesswoman and educator Dr Arlene L. Smith-Thompson launched an independent At-Large bid, arguing party politics has failed and putting crime, government accountability, water woes, education weaknesses, and unresolved murders at the center of her platform. Water & Governance: Former Speaker Julian Willock said the territory’s water problems were worsened under the NDP, arguing a prior plan was “killed” in 2011 and calling for more desalination plants. Community Support: Willock also backed a “No Student in District 3 Should Go to School Hungry” initiative, donating $1,000 to each of three schools for student meals from September to December. Climate Funding: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund opened its inaugural call for proposals, offering grants up to $100,000 for resilient buildings, clean energy, water security, ecosystem restoration, food security, and sargassum response. Regional Finance: BVI Finance is sponsoring the STEP Latin America Conference in São Paulo to promote the VI as a private wealth and trust planning hub for Latin American clients. International Context: A new wave of Epstein-related online searches follows fresh DOJ releases and renewed debate over what flight logs and estate filings do—and don’t—show.
Climate Grants: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) opened its inaugural call for proposals, offering grants up to $100,000 for projects on resilient buildings, clean energy, water security, ecosystem restoration, food security and sargassum response, plus capacity-building grants up to $10,000 for eligible VI organisations. Local Politics & Accountability: Dr. Arlene L. Smith-Thompson launched an independent At-Large bid, saying party politics has failed residents and pledging focus on crime, accountability, water, education and basic services. Water Woes: Former Speaker Julian Willock blamed the National Democratic Party for worsening water problems and urged more desalination plants. Public Safety: Acting Police Commissioner Richard Ullger warned gun crime is “rife,” citing 18 illegal firearms seized since the start of the year. Elections & Economy: VIP candidate Aaron Parillon claimed horse-racing absence at Ellis Thomas Downs has cost the territory more than $20 million in lost revenue. Business & Finance: BVI Finance is sponsoring the STEP LATAM conference in São Paulo, aiming to boost the VI’s role in private wealth, trust and estate planning for Latin American clients. Health Leadership: PAHO and UWI marked completion of the third cohort of a regional health policy and systems postgraduate programme, including participants from the British Virgin Islands. Community Support: Julian Willock’s District 3 initiative “No Student in District 3 Should Go to School Hungry” donated $3,000 to three schools for meals.
BVI Finance & Wealth Planning: BVI Finance is sponsoring the STEP LATAM Conference in São Paulo (Sept. 16–18) and hosting a BVI Connect cocktail reception to promote the Virgin Islands as a private wealth, trust and estate planning hub for Latin American clients. Local Governance & Accountability: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, a Senate committee voted to hold in committee Sen. Kenneth Gittens’ Public Corruption Act that would allow courts to strip retirement benefits from government officials convicted of corruption, while also advancing other bills including protections for seniors from financial exploitation and rules for cellphones in prisons. Food Security Push: Commentator Claude Skelton Cline urged the VI government to create emergency food reserves with warehouses and silos in elevated areas, plus a territory-wide distribution plan through the Department of Disaster Management. BVI Politics & Community Support: Tortola’s District 3 candidate Julian Willock donated $3,000 total—$1,000 each—to three schools to help ensure students aren’t going to school hungry. Health & Licensing Enforcement: In St. Croix, Prosperity Farm’s bar, food-service and events were shut down indefinitely after regulators said it lacked required health and Fire/EMS approvals and operated outside its farming license. Sports: BVIFA named a 23-man BVI senior squad for the CONCACAF Nations League 2026, with first-round matches in Turks & Caicos starting Sept. 26.
BVI Finance & Wealth Sector: BVI Finance is sponsoring the STEP LATAM Conference in São Paulo (Sept. 16–18) to promote the Virgin Islands as a top private wealth and trust jurisdiction, with a BVI Connect cocktail reception aimed at networking with Latin American-focused professionals. Regional Diplomacy: Premier André Ebanks joined Caribbean Overseas Territories leaders in Bermuda for the 2026 OT Caucus, where they agreed to push shared positions on self-determination, climate impacts, health and social care, and financial services. Local Governance & Oversight: A Senate committee deferred a vote on Sen. Kenneth Gittens’ public corruption bill that would allow courts to strip retirement benefits from convicted officials and employees, sending other measures on seniors’ protections, prison cellphone rules, and naming public parks to the full Senate. Public Safety & Health: In St. Croix, Prosperity Farm’s bar, food service and events were shut down indefinitely after regulators said it lacked required health and Fire/EMS approvals and operated beyond its farming license. Infrastructure: Work has started on the Anegada Road Rehabilitation Project, with concrete paving planned in four phases toward Cow Wreck. Sports: BVIFA named a 23-man BVI senior squad for the CONCACAF Nations League 2026, with first-round matches in Turks & Caicos starting Sept. 26.
Local Government & Infrastructure: Demolition has started for the Major Peebles Wing Clinics’ lobby renovation in Road Town, with RDA saying work runs Mon–Fri (3 p.m.–10 p.m.) and Sundays (7 a.m.–7 p.m.), but no demolition on Saturdays, under a $463,087 contract. Public Health & Compliance: Prosperity Farm’s bar, food-service and events on St. Croix were shut down indefinitely after regulators said the venue lacked a health permit, needed Fire/EMS approval, and operated outside its farming license. Business & Community Development: Keys were handed to the first entrepreneurs moving into the Entrepreneurial Zone in Huntums Ghut, with eight businesses receiving unit keys and a two-to-four-year incubator timeline. Sports: BVIFA named a 23-man BVI squad for the CONCACAF Nations League 2026, with early matches played in Turks & Caicos starting Sept. 26. Culture & Recognition: Lemonade BVI founder Simone Foster was named CIBC Caribbean’s 2026 Unsung Hero for the Virgin Islands. Regional/World News: USGS reported multiple earthquakes across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in the past 24 hours, with no tsunami threat.
Road Works in Road Town: Demolition has started for the Major Peebles Wing Clinics’ lobby renovation, with RDA-approved hours Monday to Friday (3 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and Sundays (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), and no work on Saturdays or Sundays for demolition; the $463,087.20 contract was awarded to Supreme Construction Engineering Management Services. Anegada Infrastructure: The Anegada Road Rehabilitation Project is underway toward Cow Wreck, with about 4,800 linear feet set for concrete paving in four phases, each expected to take roughly a month. BVI Sports: BVIFA named a 23-man senior squad for the CONCACAF Nations League 2026; matches begin in Turks & Caicos on Sept. 26 vs Montserrat. Community & Business: CIBC Caribbean named Lemonade BVI founder Simone Foster its 2026 Unsung Hero for the Virgin Islands, and keys were handed to the first entrepreneurs moving into the Entrepreneurial Zone in Huntums Ghut. Culture: The 284 Excellence Film Festival extended its submission deadline for National/Local entries to Oct. 3, 2026. Health Reminder: Public Health Officer Renee Leonard urged Caribbean residents to “start small” with daily wellness habits, including reducing long periods of sitting. Local Spotlight: A Tortola landlord is calling for government action after a reported attack by a man described as severely mentally ill left a senior tenant hospitalised. Seuffer & Lindsay Win: Fredrik Seuffer won the Carrot Bay 10K, with Katrina Lindsay taking the women’s title.
Local Infrastructure: Work has started on Anegada’s Road Rehabilitation Project, with about 4,800 linear feet set for concrete paving toward Cow Wreck, in four phases expected to take roughly a month each. Community & Business: Lemonade BVI founder Simone Foster was named CIBC Caribbean’s 2026 Unsung Hero for the Virgin Islands, recognized for community impact and support for neurodivergent individuals. Entrepreneurship: Eight business owners received keys to units at the Entrepreneurial Zone in Huntums Ghut, the first BVI incubator, with the selected tenants set to operate for two to four years while building their businesses. Public Safety: A Tortola landlord says a young man with severe mental illness allegedly attacked two tenants, injuring an elderly woman who needed stitches, and the suspect reportedly remains free. International Links: VISMA appointed Georgios Bazos as its first Business Development Manager in London to expand the BVI maritime administration’s global reach. Earthquakes: USGS reports 13 quakes in and around Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands over 24 hours, with no tsunami threat.
Family Court Drama: A dad is pleading for the return of his two young sons after his heiress ex-wife, Nishika Samaratunga, fled following a custody battle and an international manhunt. Community Recognition: Lemonade BVI founder Simone Foster was named CIBC Caribbean’s 2026 Unsung Hero for work supporting neurodivergent people. Film & Culture: The British Virgin Islands Film Commission extended the deadline for the 284 Excellence Film Festival, giving BVI filmmakers until Oct. 3 to submit. Infrastructure in Anegada: Road rehabilitation has started on Anegada, with about 4,800 linear feet of concrete paving planned in four phases. Entrepreneurship: Eight business owners received keys to units at the Entrepreneurial Zone in Huntums Ghut, the territory’s new start-up incubator. Maritime Business Link: The Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority appointed Georgios Bazos as its first Business Development Manager in London to expand merchant shipping ties. Public Safety Concern: A Tortola landlord says a mentally ill tenant allegedly attacked two women, leaving an elderly victim hospitalised, and is calling for government action. STEM for Youth: Five students from Elmore Stoutt High School will represent the Virgin Islands at the FIRST Global Challenge in Korea. Health Policy Training: PAHO and UWI marked the graduation of the third cohort of a regional health policy and systems programme that included BVI participants.
Entrepreneurship in the BVI: Eight business owners received keys to units at the Entrepreneurial Zone in Huntums Ghut, the first incubator of its kind in the Virgin Islands, with the programme set to support start-ups for two to four years. Maritime business push: The Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority named Georgios Bazos as its first Business Development Manager in London to expand the BVI’s merchant shipping network and boost international outreach. Public safety and policing: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force charged a 14-year-old in the murder of airport fire officer Eric Alexis Albert, while the acting interim commissioner urged early intervention to tackle the social drivers of serious youth crime. Prison security upgrade: A new mobile CCTV unit is now guarding the perimeter of HM Prison in Balsam Ghut as RVIPF and the Prison Service work to deter contraband and unlawful activity. Regional diplomacy: Caribbean Overseas Territories leaders, including BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley, are meeting in Bermuda ahead of the UKOT Joint Ministerial Council, focusing on economic resilience and climate preparedness. Health policy training: PAHO and the University of the West Indies marked graduation of the third cohort of a health policy and systems programme that trained professionals from eight Caribbean territories, including the British Virgin Islands.
BVI Politics & Governance: Territorial At-Large candidate Levor Lettsome says the government is “wasting millions” on rented offices while the Ralph T O’Neal Administration Complex sits unused, citing House of Assembly disclosures and calling for alternatives like temporary container offices. Public Safety & Community: A Tortola landlord alleges a mentally ill tenant attacked two women, injuring an elderly resident who needed stitches, and says the suspect—reportedly not arrested—may have struck before; police also say a 14-year-old has been charged in the murder of airport fire officer Eric Alexis Albert, with Acting Interim Commissioner Richard Ullger warning of a “rupture” in the social fabric. Prison Security: RVIPF and HM Prison deployed a mobile CCTV unit around the Balsam Ghut perimeter to deter unlawful activity and contraband. Youth & STEM: Five ESHS students will represent the Virgin Islands at the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge in Incheon, Korea, focused on “Igniting Innovation.” Regional Diplomacy: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley is in Bermuda for the Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus, discussing economic resilience, climate preparedness, and ties to the UK. Financial Services Spotlight: Premier Wheatley told an India business publication the BVI positions itself as a “super connector” for financial services and international business. Business/Real Estate: A rare 18+ acre beachfront compound on Virgin Gorda—two neighboring properties—has been listed for auction via Concierge Auctions in cooperation with Christie’s.
BVI Financial Services Push to India: The BVI Hong Kong Office says the inaugural Virgin Islands–India Trade Mission and Road Show was a success, with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley leading talks across four Indian cities (Aug. 24–31) to expand the territory’s financial services footprint. Local Governance & Youth Safety: In Tortola, political candidate Sandra Phillip-Hodge accuses the government of acting like a “bully government,” while police leadership says a charged murder case involving a 14-year-old shows a “rupture” in the social fabric—calling for early intervention and mentoring. Prison Security Upgrade: RVIPF and HM Prison rolled out a mobile CCTV unit to deter contraband and unlawful activity at the Balsam Ghut facility. Corporate/Finance Watch: WISeKey shareholders approved redomiciliation to the British Virgin Islands, and ATIF Holdings completed its acquisition of BVI gold-backed digital asset infrastructure firm GoldCoin Labs. Tech & Business: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro is eSIM-only in 12 markets including the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a new “AngelAi” mortgage AI pitch claims a more transparent, modular build than typical wrapper-style AI. USVI Court/Tax: Stephen Deckoff sued the U.S. Virgin Islands seeking a $5.7M tax refund tied to whether he was a bona fide resident for 2021.
BVI Financial Services Push to India: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says the BVI’s inaugural Virgin Islands-India Trade Mission and Road Show (Aug. 24–31) is already paying off, aiming to open doors for Indian firms seeking investment and partnerships, with the delegation led by Wheatley and Junior Minister Lorna Smith. Local Politics & Governance: Territorial At-Large candidate Levor Lettsome is calling out the “greedy bill” retirement allowances for legislators and wants a recall mechanism, while also arguing the territory should move from “food baskets” to a card-based social assistance model. Public Safety & Youth Violence: Acting Interim Commissioner of Police Richard Ullger says a murder case involving a 14-year-old charged in the killing of airport fire officer Eric Alexis Albert shows a “rupture” in the social fabric, urging early intervention and mentoring. Prison Security Upgrade: RVIPF and HM Prison rolled out a mobile CCTV unit at Balsam Ghut to deter contraband and suspicious activity. Court Fight Over Taxes: Stephen Deckoff, owner of islands once linked to Jeffrey Epstein, is suing the U.S. Virgin Islands for a $5.7M tax refund, disputing whether he was a bona fide resident for 2021.
BVI Trade Push: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says a BVI trade mission to India is meant to act as a gateway for Indian firms seeking global investment, with the delegation pitching BVI strengths in corporate structuring, funds, private wealth and fintech. BVI Corporate Move: WISeKey shareholders have approved redomiciliation to the British Virgin Islands, with the BVI entity set to become the publicly traded parent after remaining closing steps. USVI Social Support Procurement: The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services is seeking a new contractor to run the SNAP EBT system, as the current Fidelity contract heads toward its scheduled end in late 2026. Local Politics & Cost of Living: Territorial At-Large candidate Levor A.H. Lettsome is calling to replace “food basket” support with monthly card-based benefits and also questioned spending priorities tied to DeCastro Street works. Community & Safety: Police report an attempted break-in at a Nibbs Estate home in Sea Cows Bay, with forced-entry evidence and an ongoing investigation. Infrastructure Trees Update: RDA says Bottlebrush and Verawood Bulnesia trees will replace aggressive-root species along DeCastro Street to protect sidewalks and accessibility. Regional Governance: Overseas Territories leaders are meeting in Bermuda, including BVI Premier Wheatley, to coordinate positions ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council.
Social Assistance & Cost Priorities: BVI at-large candidate Levor A.H. Lettsome says the territory should move away from “food baskets” and toward monthly electronic benefits, while also questioning why nearly $800,000 is being spent on DeCastro Street sidewalk and tree-removal works. Public Works Update: The RDA says Bottlebrush and Verawood Bulnesia trees will replace DeCastro Street trees whose roots sit under sidewalks and parking lots, aiming for safer, ADA-friendly streetscapes. Security: Police report an attempted forced break-in at a home in Nibbs Estate, Sea Cows Bay, on Sept. 2; investigations are ongoing. Digital Economy: A new report from the IDB, WTO and World Bank says digital trade across Latin America and the Caribbean has surged to nearly $90 billion, with digitally delivered services nearly quintupled since 2005. Governance & Independence Talk: Claude Skelton-Cline backs full political independence for the VI and argues residents need a stronger voice in national decision-making. SNAP/EBT Procurement (USVI): Human Services has opened bidding for a contractor to run the SNAP EBT system as the current Fidelity agreement nears its end. Regional Politics: Premier Natalio Wheatley and other Caribbean Overseas Territories leaders meet in Bermuda for a caucus ahead of the UK joint ministerial council.
Overseas Territories diplomacy: BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and other Caribbean OT leaders are in Bermuda for the Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus (Sept. 8–12), ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council in London, with talks expected to cover health and social care, climate resilience, and financial services/trade partnerships. Local governance: The BVI House of Assembly passed the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Act, shifting functions from the non-operational Virgin Islands Trade Commission to the consumer affairs minister and a Director of Business to handle complaints, investigations, and annual reporting on prices and market conditions. Public works update: The DeCastro Street Sidewalks Improvement Project has been delayed, with a new start date pending completion of remaining contractual and administrative steps. Energy affordability debate: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn is calling for a sustained electricity subsidy through end of 2026, arguing customers need bill relief now—not later credits. Tourism and youth pipeline: The BVI Tourist Board wrapped up its 2026 Tourism Education Summer Internship Programme, placing 20 students with resorts and yacht charter operators, and the Territory also welcomed a Puerto Rico Whaler Owners Club “Boston Whaler Takeover” (Sept. 4–7). Business/finance: PA Investment Opportunity II Limited has entered voluntary liquidation, with Cassandra Glasgow-Penn appointed liquidator.
BVI Tourism & Youth Development: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board wrapped up its 2026 Tourism Education Summer Internship Programme, giving 20 students hands-on experience with resorts and yacht charter operators. BVI Politics & Governance: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn is pushing for a sustained electricity subsidy through the end of 2026, arguing families can’t wait for future credits after subsidy changes. BVI Elections & Participation: Levor A.H. Lettsome says his VIIA bid for an At-Large seat is about restoring public voice in decision-making ahead of the next general election due in 2027. BVI Infrastructure & Local Concerns: The DeCastro Street Sidewalks Improvement Project has been delayed, with a new start date still pending. Regional Leadership: Premier Natalio Wheatley is in Bermuda for the Caribbean Overseas Territories caucus, with talks also set in the UK. BVI Consumer Protection: Trade Commission functions have been shifted under amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, moving oversight to the consumer affairs minister and Director of Business. USVI Compliance Reminder: CBP says it seized “multiple vessels” in the US Virgin Islands and issued penalties after operators failed to report arrivals.
Attorney General transition: The Cayman Islands has announced AG Samuel Bulgin will retire in August 2027, with a “rigorous and transparent” process to name his successor. Cost of living pressure: BVI Opposition leader Marlon Penn says electricity bills rose sharply after the government’s emergency fuel subsidy ended, calling the increases unaffordable for families. Protected Basket review: Premier Wheatley and Minister Lorna Smith met supermarket reps and agencies to assess whether the Protected Basket of Goods Initiative should continue and how to improve who benefits. Financial Secretary search: Radio host Claude Skelton-Cline urged the BVI government to “headhunt” for the next Financial Secretary from the diaspora. Climate resilience funding: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund opened its first call for proposals, offering bonus points for outer-island and vulnerable-group projects. Infrastructure update: RDA raised concerns about DeCastro Street sidewalk hazards from tree roots and says a wider, ADA-compliant rebuild is planned. Maritime compliance (USVI): CBP says it seized multiple vessels and issued penalties after operators failed to report arrivals properly. Payments guidance (USVI): DLCA reminded USVI businesses that pennies remain legal tender and they can’t routinely round cash transactions upward or refuse required payment options.
Cost of Living Pressure: BVI officials are reviewing the Protected Basket of Goods Initiative after a three-month May 1 to July 31 run, with talks involving supermarkets and agencies including the Electricity Corporation and Ports Authority on how to keep savings reaching shoppers and businesses. Financial Leadership: Radio host Claude Skelton-Cline says the next Financial Secretary should be “headhunted” from the BVI diaspora, arguing the territory needs a top-level finance expert as Jeremiah Frett nears retirement. Climate Resilience Funding: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund has opened its first call for proposals, offering a scoring bonus for outer-island and vulnerable-group projects, with $1 million available in this initial window. Outer-Island Climate Grants: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser launched the VICCTF call, framing it as a shift from planning to implementation, with two grant pathways for community resilience and capacity building. Local Governance & Safety: The RDA is pushing for permanent repairs to DeCastro Street sidewalks after tree roots displaced slabs, saying temporary fixes won’t stop the hazards and accessibility barriers. Sports Infrastructure: East End Stadium is set to reopen Sept. 26, with the Men’s National League starting Sept. 27.
USVI consumer rules: The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs says pennies still in circulation are legal tender, and businesses can’t use penny shortages to routinely round up, refuse cash, or drop required payment options. BVI sports & infrastructure: East End Stadium in Tortola is set to reopen Sept. 26 after FIFA-funded upgrades, with the Men’s National League starting Sept. 27. VI climate funding: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser launched the first call for proposals under the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund, with $1 million available for community resilience projects. Road Town safety works: The RDA says DeCastro Street sidewalk repairs won’t fix the root-caused hazards and is moving to wider, ADA-compliant sidewalks after a contract was signed. BVI/region crime link: A BVI businessman and two Saint Lucians were detained in Trinidad after a TT$193.5 million cocaine seizure. Public health recall: Clorox Puerto Rico recalled 6.3 million Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the USVI due to possible bacteria contamination. Finance staffing talk: Pastor Claude Skelton-Cline urged the government to “headhunt” a new Financial Secretary from overseas.
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