AGP Executive Report

BVI Sports & Business: Virgin Islands sprint star Adeejah T. Hodge has signed a landmark NIL endorsement deal with Nike, a major boost after a record-setting NCAA freshman season, and she’s now set for her Diamond League debut at the Prefontaine Classic. Public Safety (St. Croix): A midday gunfire incident at Croixville Apartments in Frederiksted left 34-year-old Anthony Hazelwood dead, with homicide detectives processing the scene and investigating amid a sharp rise in St. Croix killings this year. Local Governance (BVI): Premier Natalio Wheatley says the British Virgin Islands will establish a Decolonisation Commission this year, alongside constitutional negotiations with the UK expected to wrap before year-end. Immigration & Justice (USVI case with BVI link): A 19-year-old BVIslander, Bruce Wheatley, faces federal charges in the US Virgin Islands after authorities allegedly found child exploitation material on his phone following an illegal re-entry arrest. Regional Travel & Airlift Talk: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline renewed calls for a Virgin Islands airline, criticizing LIAT delays and arguing the territory should pursue better, more reliable regional air service. Environment (VI relevance): A new opinion piece warns that chemical sunscreen ingredients can harm coral life, noting bans already in place in places including the US Virgin Islands.

BVI Constitutional Reform: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the British Virgin Islands will set up a Decolonisation Commission this year, with constitutional talks with the UK starting in July and aiming to finish before year-end. BVI Governance & Justice: A BVI man, Bruce Wheatley, faces multiple US federal charges in the USVI after alleged discovery of child exploitation material on his phone following illegal re-entry. Sports & Youth: Virgin Islands sprint star Adaejah T. Hodge signs a Nike NIL endorsement after a record-breaking NCAA season, and Team VI names 14 athletes for the ANOECS Track & Field Championship in St Kitts (July 4–6). Community & Services: The Rotary Club Sunrise of Road Town donates appliances to FLPS, while the Humane Society of St. Thomas warns it will cut animal intake and high-volume spay/neuter services due to unpaid GVI funds. Local Spotlight: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline renews calls for a Virgin Islands airline, criticizing LIAT delays and disruptions.

Police accountability on St. Thomas: A tourist’s family says V.I. Police have offered few details after a fatal police shooting, with the investigation still ongoing and no autopsy/body-cam information released. St. Croix court docket: A heavy violence week continues at Superior Court, including a fatal gas-station shooting and an attempted-murder case tied to a deadly domestic dispute. Public safety alerts: VIPD is seeking help identifying a Frederiksted robbery suspect from released surveillance images, and RVIPF is investigating a Major Bay incident where a child was reportedly injured after falling from a balcony. Humane Society funding squeeze: HSSTT says it will cut animal intake and high-volume spay/neuter services after the Government of the Virgin Islands fails to pay $181,250 owed. Community support: Rotary Club Sunrise of Road Town donated appliances to Francis Lettsome Primary School via a Rotary Foundation district grant. Local leadership: BVIHSA nurse leaders completed a three-day workshop focused on healthcare transformation and leadership development.

Court & Public Safety: A St. Thomas woman, former Office of Management and Budget director Jenifer O’Neal, is expected to surrender to federal custody today after a judge denied her latest bid to delay her prison reporting date while she pursues an appeal. Child Safety: Police in Tortola say they’re investigating injuries to a young child after a reported fall from a balcony at a Major Bay residence on June 20; the child has been discharged and is recovering. Healthcare: BVIHSA nurse leaders completed a three-day leadership workshop to strengthen care delivery and clinical leadership across the territory. Politics & Freedom: Opposition Leader Marlon A. Penn marked the 250th Anniversary of Freedom in Long Look, urging that freedom must be defended by every generation. BVI Economy & Tourism: Premier Natalio Wheatley says charter yacht fee increases are already boosting revenue and drawing more operators to base in the BVI. Infrastructure & Planning: The BVI Airports Authority plans to approach the Social Security Board to help finance the next phase of airport expansion, with the Premier stressing the decision rests with the SSB. Sports & Community: Virgin Islands sprinter Adaejah T. Hodge was named a Bowerman Award finalist after record-breaking NCAA sprint performances.

BVI Public Safety & Justice: A deported Road Town man, Bruce F. Wheatley, was intercepted in Havensight and charged in federal court after agents allegedly found child sexual exploitation material on a seized phone, adding illegal re-entry counts to the case. Local Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley confirmed former House Speaker Julian Willock is now his political adviser, ending weeks of speculation after Willock repeatedly declined to confirm the role. Community & Events: The One VI Poker Run wrapped with strong turnout—over 100 boats and an estimated 5,000 people—while organisers said logistics across multiple stops were the main challenge. Education: Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College paid tribute to former Deputy Prime Minister Hugh C. Heyliger, crediting him for key links between CFBC and the University of the Virgin Islands and for helping shape the college’s growth. Health & Safety (USVI): AARP announced community grants in the U.S., while the FDA issued a salmonella-related recall of certain moringa leaf powder supplements.

Epstein Probe in the USVI: Doug Band, a former Bill Clinton aide, told a House panel he has no evidence Clinton visited Epstein’s Little St. James in the US Virgin Islands, while also saying he can’t recall interactions with Epstein; the committee is pressing on Epstein-era links tied to Ghislaine Maxwell. Local Public Safety: Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed an order temporarily assigning peace officers to support the VIPD through July 12 as St. John Celebration activity ramps up. BVI Tourism Tech Win: The BVI Virtual Reality Aquatics Experience in Road Town won a 2026 International Telly Award for 360-video storytelling, boosting the territory’s immersive tourism push. Immigration + Child Exploitation Case: A deported BVI resident, Bruce Wheatley, was intercepted in Havensight and charged federally after agents found alleged child exploitation material on a seized phone. Sports Spotlight: British Virgin Islands sprinter Adaejah Hodge is set to race at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, after a standout 10.63 run. Governance Appointments: Premier Natalio Wheatley confirmed Julian Willock is his political adviser, ending weeks of speculation. Community Event: One VI Poker Run reported strong turnout—over 100 boats and about 5,000 people—plus plans to improve logistics for next year.

BVI Tourism Tech Win: The British Virgin Islands Virtual Reality Aquatics Experience has won a 2026 International Telly Award (Craft – Use of 360 Video), with the honour coming right after the new VR Interactive Guest Experience Museum opened in Road Town. Public Safety Push: V.I. Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed an executive order temporarily placing peace officers under VIPD command through July 12 to boost territory-wide operations during heightened activity around St. John Celebration. Road Town Community Spotlight: Long Look marked the 250th Freedom commemoration at Nottingham Estate, with Premier Wheatley saying freedom must be “lived, protected & passed on.” Local Sports: The BVI Athletics Association says its athletes posted a solid showing at the inaugural Pan American Senior Athletics Championships in Medellín, with Djimon Gumbs placing 4th in shot put. VI Justice Update: A probation check-in at Kingshill escalated into a multi-charge traffic arrest after an allegedly intoxicated driver crashed into a Superior Court vehicle. USVI Service Notice: USPS will close all Virgin Islands post offices on July 4, with services resuming July 6.

BVI Politics & Economy: Premier Natalio Wheatley used his 2026 State of the Territory address to warn that attacks on international financial centres like the BVI are “real, intense and constant,” saying protection of financial services is central to the government’s economic plan. Housing & Land Access: Former House Speaker Julian Willock urged a government-backed programme to help first-time homeowners buy land and build, pointing to available lots at Nibbs Estate. Freedom Commemoration: Wheatley linked the 250th anniversary of Freedom at Long Look to today’s constitutional push, saying the spirit of “freedom… lived, protected & passed on” should guide autonomy efforts. Tourism & Media: The BVI Aquatic Experience won a 2026 International Telly Award for 360-video storytelling, with the Virtual Reality Interactive Guest Experience Museum recently opening in Road Town. Sports: BVI Athletics Association highlighted athletes’ performances at the inaugural Pan American Senior Athletics Championships in Medellín, calling the showing “solid” despite no medals. Public Safety (USVI): A Fortuna Fire Station on St. Thomas was abruptly closed “until further notice,” raising concerns about emergency coverage. Crime (St. Croix): Police arrested Brian Schooler after a fatal Sion Farm-area shooting, with charges including first-degree murder. Disaster Relief (Venezuela): BloFin announced cash and bonus relief for users affected by northern Venezuela earthquakes, routed via the Red Cross.

Public Safety: VIFEMS has abruptly closed the Fortuna Fire Station (Tango Company) on St. Thomas “until further notice,” leaving West End residents to rely on 911 while the agency gives no reason or timeline. Local Governance & Housing: Premier Natalio Wheatley urged parents at ESHS graduation to prioritize education as the best long-term investment, while also touching on broader community concerns. Marine Conservation: Dive BVI marked World Oceans Day with reef-focused dives and youth ocean stewardship, and is now gearing up for the Ciboney Centre for Excellence Marine Biology Summit on Virgin Gorda. Business & Finance (BVI): WISeKey International Holding signed a merger agreement to redomicile to the British Virgin Islands, setting up a new BVI-listed structure. Sports (BVI): Lowell Wheatley Anegada Pursuit Race results: Libertas won the monohull class, while Ting a Ling 2 took the multihull overall. International Disaster Watch: UK crisis-response volunteers trying to reach Venezuela’s earthquake rescue efforts were stranded in Madrid for over 24 hours as the death toll climbs. Crime (USVI): VIPD arrested Brian Schooler in connection with a fatal Sion Farm service station shooting; he faces multiple serious charges.

BVI Marine & Youth: Dive BVI marked World Oceans Day with reef-focused dives and ocean stewardship on Virgin Gorda, and says it’s now gearing up for the Ciboney Centre for Excellence Marine Biology Summit. Local Politics & Education: Premier Natalio Wheatley urged parents to prioritise education at the Elmore Stoutt High School graduation, while also joking about “unwisely” rejecting him as a schoolboy. BVI Sports: The Lowell Wheatley Anegada Pursuit Race wrapped up with Libertas winning the monohull class and Ting a Ling 2 taking the multihull overall. BVI Cricket: BVICA T20 Nation Cup Week 3 continues Sunday with Dominica vs St Vincent and VI vs Guyana at Green Land Field. USVI Crime: St. Croix police arrested 48-year-old Brian Schooler over Friday’s fatal Sion Farm service station shooting, charging him with first-degree murder and related offences. Venezuela Earthquakes: Rescue teams pulled two 11-year-old boys alive from quake rubble hours apart as the death toll climbs and thousands remain missing. Cruise Safety: A Royal Caribbean passenger died after a medical episode during a snorkeling trip in St. Maarten; details of the emergency and tour provider remain unclear. Faith in Healthcare: Gideons VI donated New Testament Bibles to BVIHSA for patient rooms and staff.

Local Crime Update (USVI): St. Croix recorded its 12th homicide of 2026 after a fatal shooting near the WMJR Service Station in Sion Farm on Friday, June 26; police say 911 calls and ShotSpotter alerts led responders to find 50-year-old Pedro Melendez Sanes unresponsive, and a suspect was quickly taken into custody. Regional Sports (BVI Cricket): The BVICA T20 Nation Cup continues Sunday, June 28, with Dominica vs St. Vincent and VI vs Guyana at Green Land Field. BVI Education (Graduation): Virgin Gorda’s Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division held its graduation, naming Leanfer Hernandez valedictorian and Kyle Alexander salutatorian. Tech & Business (BVI/Region): MOATiT held a grand opening for its new headquarters in the former Boy Scouts of America office building, expanding services from cybersecurity and web development to phone services. Disaster Relief (Caribbean impact): A UK volunteer rescue team trying to reach earthquake-hit Venezuela says it has been stranded at Madrid airport for more than 24 hours due to disrupted travel and damaged access routes. Governance (BVI/OTs): The British Virgin Islands government says it will establish a Decolonisation Commission, with details expected as the process moves forward.

St. Croix Violence: VIPD recorded its 12th homicide of the year after a fatal Sion Farm shooting near the WMJR Service Station; police say 911 calls and ShotSpotter alerts led officers to find 50-year-old Pedro Melendez Sanes unresponsive, with a suspect taken into custody and the investigation ongoing. BVI Cricket: The BVICA T20 Nation Cup keeps rolling tomorrow with two Week 3 matches at Green Land Field, including VI vs Guyana. Education Milestone: Virgin Gorda’s Bregado Flax Educational Centre held its Class of 2026 graduation, naming Leanfer Hernandez valedictorian and urging students to keep their values as they move on. Disaster Response (Regional): A UK crisis-response team of 11 is stuck at Madrid airport while trying to reach Venezuela after twin earthquakes, as the death toll and missing figures climb. Connectivity for Relief: Liberty VI is offering free calls from the USVI to Venezuela through June 28 to help people check on family and coordinate aid. Crypto in the BVI: LBank Exchange announced new listings tied to BVI-linked crypto activity, including RIA(Riaspace) and TICK.

Local Public Safety: VIPD says a 50-year-old man, Pedro Melendez Sanes, was shot and killed at the Sion Farm Service Station in St. Croix on June 26, and police quickly apprehended the suspected gunman on scene. Regional Emergency Response: The Coast Guard reports rescuing a boater after a vessel fire south of St. Thomas; the catamaran sank and the survivor was taken to Charlotte Amalie. Community & Youth: Women in Business VI and Caribbean, Inc. crowned TKB – The Kiddo Box the winner of the 2026 NextGen CEO Summer Incubator on St. Croix, after a two-week entrepreneurship program. Education Milestone: Premier Wheatley addressed 181 ESHS graduates at their June 25 ceremony, tying education to the territory’s long-term success. Politics & Accountability (US): House Oversight issued subpoenas to billionaire Leon Black during its Epstein-related probe after he refused to answer questions about NDAs, with further testimony set for July 16. International Connectivity (USVI): Liberty VI is offering free calls from the USVI to Venezuela through June 28 to help people stay in touch after recent earthquakes.

Local Safety Update: A 5.0 earthquake near Isla Mona (Dominican Republic) triggered a tsunami check, but authorities say there’s no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the British Virgin Islands. VI Community & Business: Liberty VI is offering free international calls from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Venezuela through June 28 to help people stay in touch after the earthquakes. Sports: Virgin Islands swimmers posted personal bests on Day 1 at a meet in Antigua, and four VI athletes are competing in the inaugural Pan American Athletics Championships in Colombia. Public Health & Services: The Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association says its mission is “critically important” as it holds strategy sessions to strengthen governance and support families across the territory. Crime & Justice: VIPD is investigating a fatal shooting at Mahogany Run Villas on St. Thomas; the victim is identified as Michiah Morton. Regional Interest: The Great American State Fair opened on Washington’s National Mall with power outages and empty booths, including a U.S. Virgin Islands display.

BVI Constitutional Reform: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says the government will set up a Decolonisation Commission later this year to boost public education and dialogue ahead of new constitutional talks with the UK, targeting completion before the end of 2026 and a proposed constitution in 2027. Digital Finance for the VI: Junior Minister Lorna Smith congratulated Payward after it secured BVI Financial Services Commission VASP registrations, expanding regulated digital asset services for clients operating from or through the Virgin Islands. Disaster Response in the Region: MSUT Minister Rawdon Turner and NODS Director Sherrod James attended a CDEMA Council of Ministers meeting in Trinidad and Tobago to review regional disaster preparedness and resilience priorities. Public Safety and Justice: RVIPF charged Milford Todman Jr after a patrol in Baughers Bay led to a cannabis seizure and a charge of possession with intent to supply; separately, Governor Daniel Pruce ordered deportation of Jody-Ann Sherene Thomas after her assault conviction. Regional Shockwaves: Venezuela’s death toll from twin earthquakes rose to at least 235 as search-and-rescue continued and Caribbean tsunami alerts were triggered then lifted.

Venezuela Earthquakes: Back-to-back quakes (7.2 and 7.5) have killed at least 164 people and injured 971, with fears the toll will rise as rescue teams work through collapsed buildings in and around Caracas and La Guaira; a tsunami advisory for the USVI/VI was issued briefly after the first quake but was later lifted. BVI Education Funding Push: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline says wealthy residents should help raise about $100 million to expand H. Lavity Stoutt Community College into a full campus, after accreditation and four-year degree plans were announced. Digital Assets in the VI: Payward (parent of Kraken) secured Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registrations from the BVI Financial Services Commission, boosting regulated digital asset services in the jurisdiction. Local Crime & Courts: A St. Thomas woman, Jody-Ann S. Thomas, has been ordered deported after serving time for assault occasioning actual bodily harm; in Tortola, RVIPF charged Milford Todman Jr. after a patrol seizure of suspected cannabis with intent to supply. Immigration/Enforcement: Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed USVI firearms reform legislation updating licensing and registration rules.