AGP Executive Report

BVI-USVI Charter Row: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says there’s “no need” to escalate the USVI’s charter-fee deadline dispute to Washington, arguing the Inter-Virgin Islands Council is meant to keep talks bilateral. Electricity Relief: Government has approved an extra $2.5M in electricity subsidies through year-end after earlier August–September credits following bill “outrage.” Education Update: Minister Sharie de Castro confirms work is progressing on the rebuilt Althea Scatliffe Primary School, with site prep and designs done and next steps including rerouting sewage and utilities. Water Crisis Response: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer responds to a Jamaica Gleaner report on prolonged shortages on Jost van Dyke, including residents bathing in the sea, saying a standpipe solution was installed after leaks worsened supply. Business & Governance: WISeQey’s redomiciliation to the British Virgin Islands is now legally effective, and WISeSat’s merger closes with trading set to begin under a new Nasdaq ticker. Community & Culture: Crystle D. Stewart brought “Beauty in Black” glamour to Summer Sizzle BVI 2026, boosting international exposure for the territory. Local Media: 284 Media says it’s pausing its news service, promising a “next chapter” while continuing sports and entertainment coverage.

Inter-Virgin Islands charter talks: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says he’s replied in writing to USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr., pushing back on a media-set deadline and arguing there’s “really no need” to escalate the charter-fee dispute to Washington. Education rebuild: Minister Sharie de Castro says work on the new Althea Scatliffe Primary School is moving ahead after demolition and site prep, with rerouting of underground sewage and utilities next. Electricity relief: Cabinet has approved an extra $2.5 million in electricity subsidies through year-end after earlier August–September credits following bill “outrage.” Water crisis optics: Wheatley criticises media coverage of Jost Van Dyke residents bathing in the sea, warning it could paint a damaging picture while admitting the supply problems are real. Politics and elections: Vlogger Picko Moff Pickering urges voters to judge politicians by track records, targeting multiple leaders including Mark Vanterpool. SNAP update (US): SNAP maximum benefits rise Oct. 1 in most places, with new eligibility rules and higher caps—note that USVI has its own table.

BVI/USVI Security: Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is investigating an armed robbery at a business on Blackburn Highway in Purcell (Sept. 25) where two masked men took cash from two registers; detectives are also probing a separate Meyers incident where a man reported to hospital after what appeared to be a gunshot wound. VI Governance & Immigration: Acting Governor David D. Archer Jr ordered the deportation of Rafael Armando Escaria Sabino under Statutory Instrument 2026 No. 53. Economy & Finance: BVI Finance says the Virgin Islands logged its strongest first-half company incorporations since 2021, with 14,977 new registrations, including big jumps in limited partnerships, private investment funds, and licensed virtual asset service providers. Sports (Regional): USVI beat the Bahamas 3-1 in CONCACAF Nations League C in St. Croix, while the VI lost 3-0 to Turks and Caicos in League C. Local Water Note: Potable water is available for purchase at a standpipe after a reported leak disrupted supply on JvD. Food Assistance (USVI): SNAP benefit maximums rise Oct. 1, with the U.S. Virgin Islands maximum for a family of four set at $1,315.

Armed Robbery in Purcell: Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is investigating a robbery at a business on Blackburn Highway in Purcell on Sept. 25, after two masked men demanded cash from two registers; one was reportedly armed with a handgun and no injuries were reported. Shooting Probe in Meyers: RVIPF is also investigating a separate incident in Meyers where a man went to Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital after 1:00 a.m. on Sept. 26 with what appeared to be a gunshot wound; police say two slim-built men dressed in black approached him and a shot was fired. Local Health Services: The BVI Health Services Authority adjusted Road Town Clinic hours to 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. while the hospital’s Major Peebles Wing lobby is renovated. Football Results: The VI men lost 3-0 to Turks and Caicos in a CONCACAF Nations League C match, and the USVI beat the Bahamas 3-1. Deportation Order: Acting Governor David D. Archer Jr ordered Rafael Armando Escaria Sabino deported from the territory. Sports & Community: HLSCC received a $35,916.39 gift from the estate of Alfrieda Mae Johnston to support future VI students.

Public Safety: RVIPF is investigating a shooting in the Meyers area after a man arrived at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital with what appears to be a gunshot wound, and police are asking anyone with information to come forward. Healthcare Access: The Road Town Clinic’s hours have been adjusted to 8:30 AM–3:00 PM while renovation work continues in the hospital lobby. Local Governance & Workers: People’s Leadership Movement leader Mark H. Vanterpool says the government should not return ministries to the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex and instead turn the site into a mixed-use business hub; separately, public service governance professional Stephon D. Mactavious says changes are coming after talks with Acting Governor David D. Archer, including wider promotion of the complaints process and an employee engagement survey. Community & Education: HLSCC received $35,916.39 from the estate of Alfrieda Mae Johnston to support future VI students. Sports: VI drag racers brought home top results at the King Ocean International Grenada Drags, and VI teams also posted wins in Concacaf Nations League action. Business & Energy: Orca Energy announced a $1.50 per share cash distribution and provided an update on its Tanzanian sale process and the Songo Songo licence expiry.

HLSCC Gift: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College received $35,916.39 from the late Alfrieda Mae Johnston’s estate, with proceeds set to support future VI students. Road Town Planning: People’s Leadership Movement leader Mark H. Vanterpool says the Government should not move ministries back to the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex, and instead convert the site into a small-business mall, conference space, and hotel to boost Road Town’s after-hours economy. Public Service Updates: Employees United Alliance talks are underway after a meeting between Stephon D. Mactavious and Acting Governor David D. Archer, with plans including stronger complaints processes and an employee engagement survey. Education Support: MHV BVI Group announced 22 scholarships worth $100,000 for Virgin Islands students through the Judith E. Vanterpool Scholarship Fund. Sports: Montserrat beat the BVI 3-0 in Concacaf Nations League C, while the U.S. Virgin Islands topped Saint Martin 2-0. Environment: Virgin Gorda’s dumpsite remains closed as crews work to contain an ongoing fire and reduce smoke impacts.

VI Water Crisis: Persistent shortages are pushing some residents to bathe in the sea, with reports of weeks without running water in parts of the Third District and on Jost Van Dyke. Public Service Reform: Governance professional Stephon D. Mactavious says talks with Acting Governor David D. Archer could lead to an Employees United Alliance, plus stronger complaints processes, an October public service engagement survey, and expanded 360-degree supervisory feedback. Environment & Health: Virgin Gorda’s dumpsite remains closed as crews tackle a continuing fire and heavy smoke, urging residents to stay indoors and protect vulnerable groups. Local Economy/Business: Orca Energy Group announced a $1.50 (Cdn) per-share cash distribution and updated its proposed Tanzanian sale, Songo Songo licence expiry, and withdrawal of related arbitration claims. Sports: Concacaf Nations League action saw Montserrat beat the BVI 3-0, while the U.S. Virgin Islands topped Saint Martin 2-0. Community & Culture: The Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) died at 91, and Virgin Gorda’s Great Mountain spring is set to become a new tourist attraction honoring Abdul Shabbaz.

BVI Water Crisis: Persistent shortages are pushing some residents to extreme measures, including reports from Jost Van Dyke of people bathing in the sea as weeks-long outages continue. Tourism & Local Development: Great Mountain’s natural spring in Tortola is set to become a new Fifth District tourist stop, with paving and improved access planned to honour Abdul Shabbaz. Sports & Pride: The Virgin Islands Chess Federation says Team VI’s players—Shamoy Joseph, Kiara Phillip and others—earned Candidate Master titles at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, marking a first for the Territory. Education Support: MHV BVI Group will award $100,000 in scholarships to 22 students across the Virgin Islands through the Judith E. Vanterpool Scholarship Fund. Government & Regional Watch: U.S. officials have raised concerns about BVI commercial recreational vessel licensing, prompting calls for urgent inter-territory talks with the U.S. Virgin Islands. Football: Montserrat beat the BVI 3-0 in Concacaf Nations League action, while the U.S. Virgin Islands defeated Saint Martin 2-0. FIFA Politics: FIFA president Gianni Infantino continues a Caribbean tour seeking support ahead of next year’s election, including visits to the Virgin Islands.

Water Crisis: Persistent shortages are pushing some British Virgin Islands residents—especially around Jost Van Dyke—to use seawater for bathing, with reports of parts of the Third District going without running water for weeks at a time. Football (BVI): Montserrat beat the British Virgin Islands 3-0 in the Concacaf Nations League, after a goalless first half; Montserrat’s Brandon Barzey, Lyle Taylor (two), and a late header sealed it. Sports (Regional): The U.S. Virgin Islands also won 2-0 over Saint Martin in League C, with Jannick Liburd scoring twice. Youth & Culture: K’Dyah Lanea James was crowned Miss Teen BVI 2026, pledging to advocate against gun and gang violence. Community & Learning: BVI Lit Fest is teaming up with Ogier for The Big Read Roadshow, bringing local authors and books into 10 primary schools across the Territory from Oct. 5–9. Local Events: The 2026 Back to School Regatta and ILCA Masters kicked off the sailing season at Nanny Cay, with standout wins in ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 fleets. Road Safety: Police reported multiple collisions and an oil spill on Ridge Road, urging motorists to use caution.

BVI Football: Montserrat handed the British Virgin Islands a 3-0 loss in their CONCACAF Nations League C opener in Providenciales, after a goalless first half; the VI now turn to Turks & Caicos on Sept. 29. Miss Teen BVI: K’Dyah Lanea James, 19, was crowned Miss Teen British Virgin Islands 2026 at Treasure Isle Hotel, with a platform focused on speaking out against gun and gang violence. Youth Literacy: Ogier and BVI Lit Fest are teaming up for “The Big Read Roadshow,” sending local authors, readers and books into 10 primary schools across the Territory from Oct. 5-9. Port Update: The BVI Ports Authority says the Road Town Jetty Enhancement Project is set to start Sept. 26, with drivers and pedestrians urged to follow safety signage. Road Safety: RVIPF reported multiple collisions and an oil spill on Ridge Road, advising motorists to proceed with caution while officers remain on scene. Local Spotlight: Lesley-Ann Wanliss’ short film “Bright Sparks” continues racking up festival selections across the US and Caribbean.

BVI Road Safety: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is urging drivers to use extra caution after multiple collisions and an oil spill on Ridge Road earlier Saturday, with officers still on scene at two of the crash areas. Port Watch: The BVI Ports Authority says the Road Town Jetty Enhancement Project is set to start Saturday, Sept. 26, and residents should follow safety signage near the works. Football Development: BVIFA opened its Technical Centre at Greenland Stadium in East End with FIFA President Gianni Infantino cutting the ribbon, marking a major upgrade including a new artificial pitch and facility refurbishments. Community & Health: CIBC Caribbean’s 14th annual Walk for the Cure returns to the Virgin Islands on Saturday, Oct. 3, starting 5:30 a.m. at the Road Town branch, supporting cancer care and awareness through the BVI Cancer Society. Business & Finance: WISeKey announced its redomiciliation to the British Virgin Islands is expected to become effective Oct. 2, 2026, via a merger into its BVI subsidiary.

Football & Youth Development: Premier Wheatley hailed the opening of the BVIFA Technical Centre at Greenland Stadium, calling it a “transformative milestone” backed by FIFA and years of local work to boost training, friendlies and international exposure. Sports Infrastructure: The ribbon-cutting also marked upgrades including a new artificial pitch, drainage, locker room refurbishment and more, with further phase works ahead. Road Safety: The RVIPF warned drivers after three Ridge Road collisions and an oil spill earlier Saturday; officers remain on scene at two spots and motorists were urged to proceed with caution. Port Watch: The BVI Ports Authority says the Road Town Jetty Enhancement Project starts Saturday, with the public asked to follow safety signage and directions near the works. Health & Community: CIBC Caribbean’s Walk for the Cure returns to Road Town on Oct. 3, raising funds for the BVI Cancer Society and supporting a push for a national cancer registry. Business & Finance: WISeKey announced its redomiciliation to the British Virgin Islands is expected to take effect Oct. 2, with WISeQey Corp. set to trade under a new Nasdaq ticker. Tech/Markets: Jumper announced plans for its first JUMP token sale via Legion as it spins out to build a super-app for onchain finance.

Port Infrastructure: The BVI Ports Authority says the Road Town Jetty Enhancement Project starts Saturday, Sept. 26, urging the public to use caution nearby and follow safety directions. Local Health & Community: CIBC Caribbean’s 14th annual Walk for the Cure returns to the Virgin Islands on Saturday, Oct. 3, starting 5:30 a.m. at the Road Town branch, with funds supporting the BVI Cancer Society and a push toward a national cancer registry. Football Development: BVIFA opened its Technical Centre in Greenland on Friday, Sept. 25, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino cutting the ribbon, following pitch replacement and facility upgrades. Water Woes: Reports claim some Jost Van Dyke residents have resorted to bathing in seawater due to unreliable water service, raising serious health concerns. Governance Talks: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley says Virgin Islanders are ready for a new constitutional era as the second round of formal negotiations with the UK gets underway in London. Business & Finance: WISeKey announced its redomiciliation to the British Virgin Islands is expected to take effect Oct. 2, 2026, via a cross-border merger into its BVI subsidiary.

BVI-UK Talks: Premier Natalio Wheatley says Virgin Islanders are “ready” for a new constitutional era as the second round of formal negotiations with the UK gets underway in London, with 27 proposed amendments backed by all 13 elected members. Local Housing: Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) is seeking up to 300 furnished housing spaces in the BVI over two years, encouraging landlords and property managers to partner to support students and reduce missed-payment risk. Infrastructure & Power: The V.I. Water and Power Authority board approved projects including new decorative streetlights in Christiansted and green composite poles in St. John’s National Park, as hurricane rebuild work continues. Health Education: VISNA launched a new “Trusted Family Healthcare Provider” teaching series aimed at helping families use preventive care and ongoing primary support. Business & Finance: WISeKey announced results of its Class B share election and renamed its BVI merger subsidiary to WISeQey Corp., effective Sept. 16. Sports: The BVI’s footballers face Montserrat and Turks & Caicos in CONCACAF Nations League action, with a BVI-citizen forward called up for internationals.

BVI–UK Relations: The Government of the Virgin Islands says the BVI’s All-Party Parliamentary Group has been reconstituted in Westminster, bringing cross-party MPs and peers to help keep BVI priorities on the UK agenda. BVI Spotlight: Orealia Thomas was crowned Miss Universe British Virgin Islands 2026 and will represent the Territory at Miss Universe in Puerto Rico on Nov. 24. Local Safety: Five vehicles were destroyed in a garage blaze in Duff’s Bottom, with a 20-foot container also damaged; Fire and Rescue contained the fire and the cause is under investigation. Tourism & Trade: Charlotte Amalie (USVI) ranked No. 25 in a 2026 Americas & Caribbean shopping destinations list, highlighting Main Street, Havensight and Crown Bay. Health Education: VISNA launched a “Trusted Family Healthcare Provider” teaching series aimed at preventive care and continuity. Finance Watch (USVI): Public Finance Authority officials discussed how higher bond yields could affect future hotel borrowing. Crypto (BVI-linked): CZR Foundation says a CertiK smart-contract audit is complete ahead of a Oct. 1 CZR Token launch.

BVI Representation: Orealia Thomas was crowned Miss Universe British Virgin Islands 2026 and will represent the Territory at Miss Universe in Puerto Rico on Nov. 24. Public Finance Watch: Virgin Islands Public Finance officials are seeking a fresh look at hotel bond financing after the Federal Reserve rate move, warning some projects may struggle to issue debt if cash flows can’t meet higher yields. Health Survey Call: The V.I. Department of Health says residents may get a 340-area-code call for a territorywide BRFSS health survey, urging people to answer so programmes can target real needs. Parliament & Tech: The House of Assembly took part in a Caribbean workshop on using AI and digital tools to modernise parliamentary practice, digitise records, and improve public access. Local Governance Pressure: Former At-Large Rep Shereen D. Flax-Charles renewed calls for development that reaches all islands, saying Virgin Gorda has yet to see benefits from reported $100m spending. Regional Business: CZR Foundation published its $CZR token roadmap through 2027 ahead of the Oct. 1 launch, outlining phased utility and trading plans.