AGP Executive Report

Domestic Violence Court: A Broward County judge heard sharply conflicting testimony in a domestic-violence injunction case against former USVI senator and Delegate candidate Janelle K. Sarauw, with a ruling possible Friday. Public Service Training: The Virgin Islands launched the CXC “Excellence in Customer Service” programme, with the first cohort of officers already earning regional certification to strengthen how government serves the public. Utilities Merger: Governor Daniel Pruce assented to the BVIEC and Water & Sewerage merger law, paving the way for a new unified utility body, VIEWCo, for electricity, water and sewerage. Food Safety: Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey flagged cleaning and sanitation as the biggest daily problem in food establishments, urging residents to check hygiene, pests and handwashing before buying. Hurricane Readiness: Minister Kye Rymer urged preparedness as the 2026 Atlantic season begins, citing work to clear drains, manage vegetation and strengthen emergency communications. Crime Update: RVIPF charged Scatliffe Alley resident Shakhoy Penn after officers recovered a Glock 17 and ammunition during a Road Town gunfire response. Waste Enforcement: The Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000. Tourism Spotlight: Mary Joseph was named VI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching a social-media strategy to promote the territory year-round.

Public Service Training: The Virgin Islands and CXC officially launched the Excellence in Customer Service programme on June 3, rolling out multi-level training with VIPSLI and Customer 1st Caribbean to improve service delivery across the public sector. Public Safety: Shakhoy Penn, 29, was charged after a Road Town-area police response recovered a Glock 17 handgun with an extended magazine and 21 rounds, plus explosives; he remains in custody awaiting court. Local Sports: VG Bayside Blazers bounced back in the 2026 King of the Courts, crushing St Croix 100-79 on June 4, with Nicholas D.J. Faust scoring 24. Government Priorities: Health Minister Vincent O. Wheatley says the Premier’s June 9 State of the Territory Address should focus on health infrastructure and tackling derelicts. Regional Spotlight: Gibraltar beat the Virgin Islands 4-0 in a friendly on June 3, with the VI set to play Europa FC next.

U.S.-Iran Sanctions Crackdown: Dual U.S.-Iranian tech CEO Jamshid Ghomi, 63, was arrested after prosecutors alleged a decade-long scheme to route U.S. networking, security and encryption equipment to Iran’s military and nuclear programs without required licenses. Royal & Epstein Fallout: A House Oversight push is asking the U.S. DOJ to investigate new assault allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein, while UK media reports Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was photographed with a bruise amid an ongoing police probe that includes links to Epstein. Local Health Priorities: Health Minister Vincent O. Wheatley says the State of the Territory Address should focus on health infrastructure progress and what the government will do about derelict properties. Sports (VI vs Gibraltar): The Virgin Islands men’s team was blanked 4-0 by Gibraltar in a friendly, with another match against Gibraltar set for today. Community & Culture: Miss BVI 2026 contestants will be featured in “Crown & Conversations” on Facebook Live tonight ahead of the August 2 pageant. Governance & Work Permits: A BVI commentator alleges Labour Department cronyism is fast-tracking yachting work permits at locals’ expense.

BVI Police Manhunt: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has launched a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of escaped prisoners Jose Almestica and John Burgos, both described as armed and extremely dangerous. Police say Almestica escaped from His Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut on Oct. 25, 2025, and is wanted over serious firearm offences and a 2021 Fish Bay murder case; Burgos is also wanted over firearms, ammunition and drug-related charges. Local Governance & Pay: The Police Welfare Association says the force is facing “continued exploitation” over delayed compensation, pay inequities, and administrative failures, demanding immediate action on allowances and acting appointments. Digital Policy: Junior Minister Hon. Lorna G. Smith says the VI must develop a policy to manage AI, alongside business revitalisation efforts. Business Networking: The BVI Chamber of Commerce hosts its Meet the Members Series on June 4 at the BVI Finance Conference Room. Sports: The Virgin Islands national men’s football team plays Gibraltar in an international friendly in Europe today, then faces Europa FC on June 6.

Police & Pay Dispute: The Police Welfare Association says the “continued exploitation” of officers over delayed compensation, pay gaps, and unresolved allowances “will no longer be tolerated,” calling out acting appointments and administrative failures. Business Networking: The BVI Chamber of Commerce is set to host its “Meet the Members Series” on June 4 at the BVICC Finance Conference Room in Cutlass Tower, inviting members and businesses to connect and learn about upcoming opportunities. Digital Policy for AI: Junior Minister Hon Lorna G. Smith says the Virgin Islands must implement an AI management policy, alongside business revitalisation efforts highlighted ahead of the State of the Territory Address. Football (BVI vs Gibraltar): The Virgin Islands men’s team plays Gibraltar today in a friendly at Europa Point Stadium, then faces Europa FC on June 6 in Spain as part of its overseas camp. Crime Alert: RVIPF is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of escaped fugitives Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos, described as armed and extremely dangerous. Local Leadership Loss: Premier Wheatley mourns the death of Collingston George, praising his business leadership at Prospect Reef and his agriculture work. Hurricane Watch: Tropical Storm Amanda has formed in the Eastern Pacific, with warnings that heavy rain can cause flash flooding even away from the storm’s center.

BVI Finance Roadshow: The BVI’s financial services roadshow to Latin America has been pushed to July 13–16, with stops in Lima, Bogota and Panama City, after the March leg was postponed. Tourism Planning: The Virgin Islands will host a Peter Island Tourism Summit on June 10–11, bringing together tourism leaders and stakeholders to shape a national tourism policy and recovery-focused direction. Local Sports: BVI Rugby will welcome the USVI Privateers for a 1st and 2nd team match on June 6 at A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, marking the first time the territory fields a second squad. Regional Business & Travel: Caribbean Week in New York gets underway with a strong BVI presence, as tourism leaders push connectivity and resilience. Power & Preparedness: WAPA says St. Thomas/St. John outages were triggered by a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure, while hurricane season opens with forecasts calling for a below-normal year but urging readiness. Community Safety: A Road Town-area march and talk at Festival Grounds saw soca artist J’vërsatile urge youth to avoid drugs after a near-fatal reaction to marijuana edibles.

Tourism & Finance: BVI Finance has pushed its Latin America roadshow to July 13–16, with stops in Lima, Bogotá and Panama City, aiming to deepen ties with the region’s financial services community. Tourism Summit: The Virgin Islands will host a two-day Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing together regional and international leaders to set a direction for sustainable growth and resilience. Local Sports: BVI Rugby hosts USVI Rugby’s Privateers on June 6 at A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, with both 1st and 2nd team matches and a big push to grow the sport locally. Power & Safety: WAPA’s Knight says St. Thomas and St. John outages were triggered by a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure, with no state of emergency needed. Road Safety: A pedal cyclist suffered head injuries and a broken leg in a multi-vehicle crash near Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church at Major Bay. Business & People: Twenty-six entrepreneurs graduated from the government’s Entrepreneurial Education Programme, with Junior Minister Lorna Smith urging them to keep learning and embrace new tech like AI.

Tourism & Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line says its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay will open Sept 4, 2026, with day passes and private cabanas available for guests sailing from that date. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer calls the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment delay a “major setback,” after bids came in far above the approved budget, forcing redesign. Public Safety: A vessel fire off St. Thomas left the boat’s sole occupant rescued after the craft sank; the cause is under investigation. Regional Politics: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the UK is “not interested” in free association with the BVI, with independence framed as the main path if status changes. Constitution Talks: Wheatley and the negotiating team continue public engagement in Virgin Gorda, while Justice Gerard St. C. Farara urges residents to treat the Constitution as the foundation of the territory’s democracy. Financial Services: Junior Minister Lorna Smith tells industry and students that compliance, innovation, and building local talent are key to the BVI’s long-term financial services growth. Aviation: ICAO’s top civil aviation directors meet in Antigua for the 14th NACC regional session, focusing on safety, security, sustainability, and cooperation.

Entrepreneurship & Skills: 26 entrepreneurs and business owners in the Virgin Islands have completed the Entrepreneurial Education Programme, covering business planning, marketing, finance and operations, with Junior Minister Lorna G. Smith urging graduates to keep learning and “embrace AI.” Constitution Talks: Premier Natalio Wheatley says security powers should be transferred from the UK to the VI government so residents can hold providers accountable, as constitutional negotiations with the UK move toward formal talks later this year. Public Service Pathways: Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr. encouraged young BVIslanders to gain overseas experience, then return to strengthen the public service, highlighting the HR Quest BVI plan and summer apprentice opportunities. Finance & Compliance: Smith also told compliance leaders the VI must develop local talent and embrace innovation while meeting FATF actions and international standards. Judicial Leadership: Margaret Price Findlay has been appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court effective 9 April 2026. Regional Aviation: ICAO’s top civil aviation directors are meeting in Antigua for the 14th NACC regional session on safety, security and sustainability. Maritime Security: U.S. Coast Guard crews helped apprehend eight stowaways found aboard a barge in San Juan Harbor, transferring them to CBP for processing. Tourism & Connectivity: Caribbean Week in New York gets underway today, with CTO events drawing regional ministers, including BVI representation, as airlines push more direct Caribbean routes. Local Infrastructure: The RDA signed a $463,087.20 contract for Major Peebles Wing clinics’ lobby renovations at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital. Business News: Carey Olsen advised Butterfield on its $1.8 billion acquisition of CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake.

Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and commissioners across the region, including the British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands, are set to gather at InterContinental New York Times Square starting June 1 for CTO’s “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with Premier Natalio Wheatley and Governor Albert Bryan Jr. among the leaders. BVI Health Works: The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency signed a $463,087.20 contract for renovations to the Major Peebles Wing clinics’ lobby at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town. Power Crisis in the U.S. VI: St. Thomas and St. John saw weekend blackouts tied to instability at a power plant, with reports of large portions of St. Thomas without power and crews working to restore service. Local Public Safety: Police reported a machete allegedly brandished during a customer brawl at RiteWay Food Market in Pasea Estate, with no injuries reported. Politics & Elections: A new look at U.S. Supreme Court election cases says upcoming rulings could affect mail ballots and coordinated campaign spending ahead of the November midterms. Sports: Bermuda’s Kyle Hamilton and Brandon Sousa beat the U.S. Virgin Islands team in NORCECA beach volleyball, finishing 11th. Community & Culture: Take Over Tent (TOT) marks its 45th anniversary in Lucian calypso, with events running through the season.

Powerball: No one matched all five numbers in Saturday’s May 30 Powerball draw (1, 27, 35, 44, 52; Powerball 12; Power Play 2x). The jackpot rolls to an estimated $180M for Monday, June 1. BVI Health Infrastructure: The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency signed a $463,087.20 contract for Major Peebles Wing Clinics’ lobby renovations at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town. Public Safety: Police say a machete was allegedly brandished during a customer brawl at RiteWay Food Market in Pasea Estate on May 26; no injuries were reported and investigations continue. Local Policing Updates: East End Police Station is temporarily closed for interior renovations for an initial month, while patrols and response services continue. Community & Culture: Take Over Tent (TOT) marks its 45th anniversary with a message that calypso is “not for a season,” kicking off with a church service and anniversary events. Tourism Youth: Ten students will compete for the Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism title on June 4, with the winner representing the VI at a Caribbean tourism youth congress in Guyana. USVI Power Crisis (regional): A total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John early Sunday, the second outage this weekend, as the territory faces increasingly frequent electricity failures.

Caribbean Week in New York: CTO says Caribbean Week returns June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. leading a regional tourism delegation for a week of meetings on airlift, sustainability, marketing and next-gen tourism. Gun incident in Road Town: Police are investigating shots fired near Mill Mall late Friday night; reports say a man fired into the air after an altercation, with an off-duty officer helping identify the suspect, who is in custody awaiting charges. Crime alert (St. Croix): VIPD is seeking “Popie,” Enrique Velasquez III, 32, wanted on burglary, grand larceny and destruction of property charges; authorities ask the public not to approach him and to share tips. Police station closure (Tortola): East End Police Station is closed for one month for interior renovations, while patrols continue and residents can call 368-9415 for help. Miss BVI build-up: Contestants for Miss BVI 2026 will be revealed tonight at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park; the winner gets an $80,000 four-year scholarship plus a 2027 Haval Jolion. Tourism youth event: Ten students will compete for Junior Ambassador of Tourism on June 4 at Maria’s by the Sea, with the winner representing the VI at Guyana’s Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress. Sports (BVI basketball): Winston Bolus National Basketball League returns with eight games this weekend at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town. Weather preparedness: CDEMA warns Caribbean territories face severe flash-flood risks despite a below-average hurricane season forecast.

Disaster Preparedness: CDEMA warned Virgin Islands and Caribbean territories face extreme flash-flood risks even with a below-average 2026 hurricane outlook, as warm waters and El Niño conditions can still trigger intense, localized downpours. Local Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley defended the constitutional review process and pushed back on claims lawmakers want more power, while also weighing the idea of separate representation for Anegada and Jost van Dyke. Public Safety: RVIPF reported a police constable was interdicted after a firearm-related domestic incident under investigation. Aviation & Tourism: Former BVIAA managing director Kurt Menal said he resigned and gave three months’ notice, clarifying reports about his departure. Community & Culture: Miss BVI 2026 contestants will be revealed tonight, with a reinstated $80,000 four-year educational scholarship as the top prize. Sports: The Winston Bolus National Basketball League returns with eight games this weekend at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town. Health & Lifestyle: A local dentist explained how to tell tooth sensitivity from cavities by the pain pattern and how long it lingers. International Spotlight: A 14-year-old from California, Shrey Parikh, won the Scripps National Spelling Bee after a spell-off.

Constitution Talks: Premier Natalio Wheatley pushed back on calls for Anegada and Jost van Dyke to have their own HoA representatives, saying the Constitution sets nine districts and any changes would go through a Boundaries Commission. Local Governance: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser rejected claims lawmakers are trying to boost their own power during the constitutional review, saying the goal is to empower the people. Public Safety: A police officer was interdicted after a firearm-related domestic incident under RVIPF investigation, with the officer arrested for questioning and no charges yet. Sports: The Winston Bolus National Basketball League returns with eight games this weekend at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town starting 6:00 PM. Community & Culture: Miss BVI 2026 contestants will be revealed tonight at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park Lawn, with a reinstated $80,000 four-year scholarship as the top prize. Business & Finance: Butterfield announced its $1.8bn acquisition of CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake, creating a combined $29bn-asset banking and wealth platform across 19 jurisdictions. Regional Security: Coast Guard and partners intercepted eight stowaways in San Juan Harbor, transferring them to CBP for processing. Weather Readiness: NOAA is rolling out updated hurricane “cone of uncertainty” graphics for the 2026 season.

Green Waste Policy: The St. Thomas Senate in the U.S. Virgin Islands approved Bill No. 36-0232 to allow green waste disposal via controlled incineration, but lawmakers added limits—incineration can only be used when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting and reuse aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke-reduction requirements. Trade Education Funding: The V.I. Board of Career and Technical Education voted to create an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation to fund trade students’ classroom supplies, competition travel and other needs, aiming to cut through funding delays. BVI Education & Youth: St. George’s Secondary won the 2026 Secondary Division of the Mental Math Champions Competition in a first-ever event. BVI Governance: Justice Gerard St. C. Farara urged the 2026 Constitution Negotiating Team to negotiate with “conviction and confidence,” while warning they may not get everything they ask for. BVI Community Health: Baker & Partners, International Motors and Riteway announced a monthly blood donation programme starting Friday to support Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital’s blood bank. Finance & Regulation (BVI): BIT said it received BVI FSC approval for Matrixport Technologies Ltd to operate a SIBA Category 2 licence and register as a VASP. Public Safety (BVI): RVIPF said a police constable was arrested for questioning and interdicted after a firearm-related domestic incident report. Local Business Incident (Tortola): Police were called after a customer dispute at RiteWay in Pasea; the store says no injuries were reported.

Police Accountability: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force says a Police Constable was arrested for questioning after a firearm-related domestic incident on May 26, and has been interdicted from duty pending the investigation. Public Safety & Community: Police were also called to a customer brawl at RiteWay in Pasea, with RTW saying no injuries were reported and that security and officers helped de-escalate. Airport Expansion: Despite UK pushback and Premier Natalio Wheatley’s frustration over delays, the BVI Airports Authority has moved ahead with a tender for the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport west runway extension, with bids due Aug. 31 and a pre-tender site visit set for June 17. Constitution Talks: Premier Wheatley called the territory’s current governance “abnormal” and urged constitutional negotiations with the UK to transfer more authority—especially over the public service and security—to elected leaders. Local Health Support: Baker & Partners, International Motors and Riteway will launch a monthly blood donation programme on May 29 to support the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital blood bank. Education: St George’s Secondary won the 2026 Mental Math Champions Competition (Secondary Division) on May 27. Business & Connectivity: Clearfield says its modular fibre solutions are helping BVI providers restore broadband after storm damage. Finance Deal: Butterfield announced it will acquire CIBC Caribbean Bank’s 91.7% stake in a $1.8 billion transaction, with Carey Olsen advising. Sports/Entertainment: Norwegian Cruise Line set Sept. 4, 2026 for the grand opening of Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay.