AGP Executive Report

Public Safety in the BVI: The National Security Council backed a heightened police presence for Emancipation Festival events after gun violence, including a shooting at Carrot Bay that injured at least two people, with activities continuing through Saturday. Waste Management: VIWMA will temporarily relocate the Concordia Bin Site starting Aug. 10 to build a new Convenience Center, moving disposal next door with strict rules on what residents can drop off. Local Economy & Competition: Talk show host Claude Skelton Cline accused RiteWay and its parent of “cannibalising” the BVI market, arguing the territory lacks antitrust protections that shield small businesses. Politics: Dr. Arlene Smith-Thompson urged voters to reject “hand-out politics,” saying leaders should focus on opportunity and self-sufficiency. Sports (BVI-linked): Antigua and Barbuda’s volleyball teams are preparing for ECVA Senior Championships Aug. 12-16 in the BVI. Regional Context: Puerto Rico has started rotating 48-hour water rationing as drought and heat strain reservoirs.

Territorial Security: The Acting Governor chaired an NSC meeting on Aug. 7, backing a heightened RVIPF police presence for the remaining Emancipation Festival events after gun violence, including a Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta shooting that injured at least two. Festival Violence: The Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta committee said the Friday activities will proceed with increased police presence after a gunman injured two people, while also condemning the violence. Police Firearms Sweep: RVIPF reported recovering three firearms and ammunition from multiple locations over the past week, as investigations continue. Crime & Courts (St. Croix): A St. Croix man sentenced to probation after an attempted murder plea was arrested again after a traffic stop turned up illegal weapons, including an un-serialized “ghost gun.” BVI Business & Politics: Talk show host Claude Skelton Cline accused RiteWay and its parent of “cannibalising” the BVI market, while Dr. Arlene Smith-Thompson urged voters to move away from “hand-out politics.” US Policy Watch: Rights group Right to Democracy called Trump’s new executive order on birthright citizenship “troubling” for U.S. territories, after the Supreme Court rejected an earlier attempt to restrict it. DLCA Scam Warning: DLCA warned businesses not to pay anyone claiming to collect licensing fees in the field. Sports: Beyonce A. Defreitas won the VI’s first-ever CAC Games 200m medal, taking silver in Santo Domingo. Powerball: The jackpot jumped to $856M with no winner reported Wednesday.

BVI Governance & UN Talks: The Virgin Islands welcomed a draft UN resolution backing constitutional negotiations with the UK, urging continued monitoring of the territory’s self-determination process and praising governance reform work. BVI Airports: Virgin Gorda International Airport will reopen Friday, Aug. 7 at 2:00 p.m. after a brief closure, with passengers told to check with airlines. Territorial Crime: Two people were injured in a shooting at the festival village in Carrot Bay, Tortola, with one man in critical condition. USVI Sports: USVI police officer Cindy Claudio earned a bronze medal at the CAC Games in Santo Domingo after a semifinal stoppage. USVI/Regional Security: A Pennsylvania fugitive was arrested in Puerto Rico after officers found an unlicensed handgun during a parking lot stop. Environment & Health: Sargassum seaweed has smothered parts of White Bay on Jost van Dyke, creating navigation problems and tourism worries. US Politics With VI Relevance: Trump renewed executive orders targeting birthright citizenship, setting up likely court challenges. Culture & Community: The UN-backed Emancipation Festival message drew renewed debate over how national groups and flags should be handled during the territory’s observance.

BVI Constitutional Talks: The UN’s Special Committee on Decolonisation has advanced a draft resolution backing British Virgin Islands constitutional negotiations with the UK, urging continued monitoring and support for self-determination education. Airport Update: Virgin Gorda International Airport is set to reopen Friday, August 7 at 2:00 p.m. after a brief closure, with passengers told to check with airlines. Governance & Finance Scrutiny: Opposition figures and former NDP leader Bishop John I. Cline are demanding answers over a reported US$2.5 million Delta Capital investment, while calls for accountability grow after claims of unauthorised deposits and losses. Local Politics: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn says government investment losses total about $7.5 million and argues those responsible should face legal consequences. Community & Culture: Asha A.S. Hyndman was crowned Miss BVI 2026 in Road Town, with multiple pageant awards. Environment: White Bay in Jost van Dyke is dealing with a fresh Sargassum seaweed influx that’s already affecting boating and tourism expectations. Fire Incident: Reports say a major blaze destroyed Omar’s VG and Game Over on Virgin Gorda early Thursday morning. Sports (VI-linked): Middle Tennessee will travel to St. Thomas for the 2026 Paradise Jam in November.

BVI Governance & Finance: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn is demanding accountability over alleged BVI investment losses totalling about US$7.5 million, including a US$2.5 million Delta Capital Partners investment and an earlier US$5 million Bank of Asia (BVI) deposit flagged for liquidation—Penn says “heads must roll” and argues the Premier is ultimately responsible under the Public Finance Management Act. Public Safety: Interim Acting Police Commissioner Richard Ullger vowed investigators will pursue every lead after two murders were recorded in July, calling each death “one life too many” and urging the community to stay engaged as detectives work to bring suspects to court. Local Crime/Community: A commentator has sparked a heated online backlash after posting a photo from this year’s August Monday Festival Parade and questioning whether the territory should introduce a dress code. Fire & Damage: A major blaze on Virgin Gorda destroyed Omar’s VG and Game Over, with reports saying the fire may have started at Game Over around 3:00 a.m. Regional Aviation: Former BVI Airports Authority managing director Kurt Menal has been appointed CEO of Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport, effective Aug. 1. Business/Corporate: WISeKey announced an Extraordinary General Meeting on Sept. 9 to approve its proposed redomiciliation to the British Virgin Islands.

BVI Governance: The BVI government has launched an investigation into how US$2.5 million in public funds ended up in Jamaican investment firm Delta Capital Partners, with Premier Natalio Wheatley saying the deal was made without his knowledge or approval and that the Public Finance Management Act may have been breached. Regional Security: Police are investigating a shooting at Long Bay Beach on Beef Island after a dispute between two people drew a crowd; no injuries have been confirmed and no official update has been released yet. Local Crime: A 21-year-old St. Croix man, Deshawn Henley, was arrested again and charged in connection with a Cheeseburger in Paradise burglary, marking a second major felony arrest in under 15 months. Community & Sports: The VI will host ECVA Senior Men and Women Volleyball Championships in Tortola from Aug. 12–16, and 12 top Grade 6 English students were recognised by Maples Group ahead of secondary school. Business & Investment: Aura Minerals announced a US$0.72 per share dividend and record first-half results, while Quantes launched a managed compute platform aimed at letting users invest in AI infrastructure without owning hardware.

Sports & Community: The VI will host the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Men and Women Championships in Tortola from Aug. 12–16 at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, bringing teams from across the region and marking a return of major indoor volleyball to the territory since 2023. Local Governance: Senators voted 11-3 to approve a 99-year lease for Water Island’s luxury resort, marina and private villas, despite resident opposition. Public Health: The FDA issued a nationwide alert after a voluntary recall of nearly 300,000 dabigatran blood thinner capsules due to impurity and degradation concerns—patients are urged not to stop medication without medical advice. Business & Tech: Quantes launched a managed compute platform letting eligible users invest in AI infrastructure without owning or operating hardware. Environment & Tourism: Seaweed (sargassum) is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning it’s an unusual, worsening pattern that could disrupt tourism and marine life. Politics & Accountability: Sen. Ron Wyden renewed pressure over claims CBS suppressed a “60 Minutes” Epstein-related segment, while CBS says the allegation is “categorically false.”

Local Crime Update (St. Croix): A 48-year-old man, Kennedy Navarro, remains in custody after a domestic dispute in Frederiksted led to charges including assault, property destruction and indecent conduct; police say he blocked a woman’s vehicle, shattered a window, later resisted staff in hospital and bit a security guard. Public Safety Weather: St. Croix faces a Heat Advisory as Saharan dust clears, with heat index values above 105°F and critically dry conditions keeping fire danger high. BVI Politics: Dwight Hill says he intends to contest the 2027 general elections, calling the territory “at a crossroads” and urging fresh solutions. Health Alert (US-wide): The FDA has recalled nearly 300,000 blood thinner capsules (dabigatran) over impurity and degradation concerns, warning patients not to stop medication without medical advice. Sports (Commonwealth Games): The British Virgin Islands won a gold medal at Glasgow 2026 as Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago topped the Caribbean medal count. Youth Athletics (BVI): Five athletes will represent the Virgin Islands at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, including sprinters Ty’Rique Charles and J’Den Jackson and a relay ensemble. Offshore/Business: Mourant, which advises on BVI finance matters, took minority private equity investment from MML to fund technology, talent and expansion.

BVI Sports: Five athletes will head to the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon (Aug. 5–9), with Ty’Rique Charles (200m), J’Den Jackson (100m/200m) and a relay group of Mario Carter, Jaheem Lennard-Joseph and Shaumal Donovan, plus coaches Ralston Henry and Mark Kendall and physiotherapist Courtny Bascombe. St. Croix Crime: VIPD Burglary Unit arrested three men tied to separate commercial break-ins, including Cheeseburger in Paradise and WMJR Service Station. USVI Courts: A St. Thomas man is charged after police say he used a machete to force open his grandmother’s door and allegedly caused major property damage during a disturbance. Local Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley urged unity and trust as the Territory pushes constitutional negotiations with the UK, saying Virgins Islanders are “not fully free” yet. Business/Finance: Offshore firm Mourant says it’s taking private equity investment from MML Capital to fund tech, talent and expansion. Sports (Region): USVI women’s softball earned CAC Games silver after rain forced cancellation of the gold-medal game. Lottery: Powerball climbed to an estimated $786M for Wednesday’s drawing after Monday’s numbers produced no jackpot winner.

Territorial Power & Crime: WAPA says a planned overnight grid shutdown will plunge parts of St. Thomas and all of St. John into darkness Wednesday night, while VIPD is pushing residents to register security cameras to help fight crime and is also issuing wanted bulletins for suspects on St. Croix. Court & Public Safety: The Supreme Court struck out an ex-NSSA boss’s appeal in a BVI debt dispute, and on St. Croix a man accused of domestic-violence assault is wanted, plus another suspect was arrested after allegedly breaking into a Castle Coakley service station. Local Justice in Action: A landlord-tenant dispute at Estate Work & Rest escalated into death threats and police involvement, leading to criminal charges. Governance & Self-Determination: Premier Wheatley urged Virgin Islanders to reject “self-hatred” and back unity as constitutional negotiations with the UK continue, and Governor Pruce ordered deportation of a man convicted of indecent assault. Health & the Wider Region: A coalition of U.S. attorneys general announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over drug price-fixing—an issue with ripple effects for Caribbean patients and costs. Sports Spotlight: Virgin Islands athletes made headlines at the Commonwealth Games, including Adaejah Hodge’s historic gold in the 200m. Business & Community: Ocean Point Terminals welcomed 15 students for a summer internship, including a new placement via a VI Legislature partnership.

Power and Utilities: WAPA says a planned overnight grid shutdown will hit eastern St. Thomas and 100% of St. John on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 11:00 p.m. to Thursday, Aug. 6, 6:00 a.m., to support the FEMA-funded Feeder 13 Bypass Project. Water Supply: Repairs on the Hannah Hill reservoir are set to begin “shortly,” with Florida Aqua Store mobilising for work starting Aug. 5; higher-elevation customers may see reduced availability. Public Safety: VIPD is urging residents and businesses to register security cameras through its Community Connect registry, and RVIPF warns of phone scams where callers pose as police. Local Governance: BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has ordered multiple investigations into an unauthorised government investment in Delta Capital Partners, citing a breach of the Public Finance Management Act. Business & Services: The Department of Trade opened a Virgin Gorda Satellite Office to bring trade licensing and consumer services closer to the sister islands. Community & Culture: Asha A.S. Hyndman was crowned Miss BVI 2026, with plans to join the August Monday Parade. Sports Spotlight: Adaejah T. Hodge’s historic Commonwealth Games 200m gold continues to ripple through the islands, though a planned meet-and-greet was cancelled due to flight delays.

Commonwealth Games: Adaejah T. Hodge brought the British Virgin Islands its first women’s 200m gold in Glasgow, with Shaniqua Bascombe taking silver for Trinidad and Tobago; the Games’ future remains uncertain after a slimmed-down 10-sport model failed to ease doubts. BVI Public Safety: RVIPF warned residents about scammers posing as police officers via phone, video calls, and email, urging people to hang up and verify through official numbers. Water & Infrastructure: Repairs on Tortola’s Hannah Hill reservoir are set to begin “shortly,” with mobilisation scheduled for Aug. 5; higher-elevation customers may see reduced supply during rehabilitation. Local Business Support: The Department of Trade opened a Virgin Gorda Satellite Office to bring trade licensing and consumer services closer to the Sister Islands. Government Accountability: Premier Wheatley ordered multiple investigations into an unauthorized Delta Capital Partners investment, citing breaches of the Public Finance Management Act and directing criminal and internal audit probes. Politics (USVI): Stacey E. Plaskett won the USVI Democratic governor primary, while Janelle Sarauw secured the Democratic delegate nomination. Lottery: Powerball jackpot climbed to about $748M for Aug. 3 after no Aug. 1 winner.

Commonwealth Games Homecoming: Adaejah T. Hodge returns to the VI today with a Meet & Greet set for 4:30 PM at Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport after winning the territory’s first women’s 200m Commonwealth gold in Glasgow (22.07). Public Finance Watch: Premier Natalio Wheatley has ordered multiple investigations into an unauthorized Delta Capital Partners investment, saying it breached the Public Finance Management Act and was made without his approval; the Financial Investigation Agency is also probing possible wrongdoing. Pension Relief: VI pensioners (retired 2023 or earlier) will see a 2.57% COLA plus a $460.44 monthly Minimum Expenditure Basket allowance, with arrears from January–June 2026 and the first new-rate payment on Aug. 31. Port Costs Reset: BVIPA’s temporary port fee reductions ended July 31, with standard wharfage and container handling fees reinstated from Aug. 1. Safety & Crime: Acting Interim CoP Richard Ullger urged public help as police work to solve two 2026 murders, calling each death “one life too many.” Regional Disruption: Seaweed sargassum is smothering Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning it’s growing in the region in unusually large quantities. Lottery Buzz: Powerball rolls on after no Saturday winner; Monday’s jackpot is now about $748M.

Commonwealth Games Glory: Adaejah Hodge made BVI history by winning women’s 200m gold in Glasgow in 22.07 seconds, the territory’s first female Commonwealth athletics title, with Shaniqua Bascombe taking silver (22.35) and Alana Reid bronze (22.56). Port & Cost Relief: The BVI Ports Authority’s temporary reduction in select port fees ended July 31, with standard charges back in effect Aug. 1 (wharfage 1% to 2%; container handling $150 to $300 per TEU). Public Finance Scrutiny: Premier Natalio Wheatley said government investment portfolios grew overall from 2021-2026, earning about US$2.89m, while ordering multiple investigations into unauthorized investment activity tied to Delta Capital Partners. Policing & Community Impact: Acting Interim CoP Richard Ullger said the RVIPF is actively pursuing justice in two 2026 murders and urged public help, stressing “every life lost… is one life too many.” Pension Update: VI pensioners will receive a 2.57% COLA plus a $460.44 monthly Minimum Expenditure Basket allowance, with arrears from Jan–June 2026 and first payments at end of August. Environment Watch: A blanket of sargassum seaweed is smothering Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, with scientists warning this year’s growth patterns are “not normal.”

Commonwealth Games glory for the BVI: Adaejah Hodge won the women’s 200m gold in Glasgow in 22.07 seconds, the territory’s first Commonwealth athletics title in the event, with Shaniqua Bascombe taking silver (22.35) and Alana Reid bronze (22.56). Pension relief for VI retirees: Government pensioners (retired 2023 or earlier) will see a 2.57% COLA plus a $460.44 monthly Minimum Expenditure Basket allowance starting with the 31 August payment, with arrears covering January–June 2026. Marine jobs push: A one-day marine workshop in Tortola urged students to start building marine career pathways in high school—beginning as early as “second form”—so they graduate with real experience. Coastline crisis watch: Seaweed sargassum is smothering beaches across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, with scientists warning this year’s growth patterns are unusual. Local elections logistics: On St. Croix, St. Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge replaces Central High School’s modular gym as a voting centre after AC failure. Public safety bulletin: VIPD issued a wanted notice for 21-year-old Deshawn Henley in a 3rd-degree burglary investigation.

Election logistics on St. Croix: St. Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge will replace the Central High School Modular Gym as a voting centre for Saturday’s primary after the gym’s air-conditioning failed. The Elections System of the Virgin Islands says all three St. Croix centres—D.C. Canegata Recreation Center, St. Joseph Church Hospitality Lounge, and Claude O. Markoe Elementary School Auditorium—will run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with voters already in line allowed to vote. Commonwealth Games spotlight (BVI): Adaejah T. Hodge won the VI’s first 200m Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow (22.07), but Australian sprinter Torrie Lewis says she was told not to comment on Hodge’s doping-related ban reduction; Lewis also noted competitors didn’t embrace Hodge after the race. Tourism and travel (VI): Paradise Jam is coming to St. Thomas—Tennessee Tech women’s basketball will play UVI’s Sports and Fitness Center from Nov. 26–28, with travel packages offered. Community leadership (Tortola): Rotary Club of Central Tortola installed Nelcia St Jean as president for 2026–2027. Public safety (VIPD): VIPD issued wanted bulletins for Deshawn Henley (3rd-degree burglary) and Asymo L. Prentice (Frederiksted).