AGP Executive Report

BVI Business & Cost of Living: The BVI Chamber of Commerce is urging government to extend temporary business and cost-of-living relief measures beyond July 31, recommending they run until Dec. 31 as import costs and shipping disruptions keep squeezing local firms. Gun Licensing Debate: Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says the territory has limited say over gun licensing because it falls under the Governor’s remit, and any major change would likely require constitutional reform. Emancipation Festival Culture: Roberto “Tico” Harrigan has been named 2026 Parade Marshal for the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival, honoured for more than 25 years promoting moko jumbie culture. Territory Spotlight (Community): The 2026 Soca Monarchs were crowned in two segments: LJ won the Power category, while J’Versatile took the Groovy title. Public Safety (Local Tragedy): Police in Tortola say the man fatally shot in Brewers Bay on July 28 has been identified as Kai de Castro, with investigators seeking details about a car seen nearby.

Brewers Bay shooting (Tortola): Police confirmed shots fired in Brewers Bay after 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, with reports of at least one fatality; investigators say circumstances are unclear and are seeking details including who was in a car seen near the scene. Robocall crackdown push: A coalition of U.S. attorneys general, including AGs William Tong and others, is urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to help stop illegal robocalls by tightening how phone providers verify customers. Lottery fever: Mega Millions climbed to an estimated $800 million ahead of Tuesday’s draw, while Powerball had no winner in the July 27 drawing and is set for an estimated $663 million next. Regional spotlight: Cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers’ state funeral in Barbados is set for July 29, with CARICOM and major sporting figures attending, including U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett. Local development: UVI’s RTPark says it has surpassed its FY2026 tenant target and expanded youth tech training and internships on St. John. Marine careers push (BVI): Julian Willock and the District Three committee will host a one-day marine workshop on July 30 to guide young residents into marine-sector jobs and qualifications.

BVI Financial Probe: The British Virgin Islands Government is investigating a US$2.5 million investment made in 2025 with Jamaica-linked Delta Capital Partners without required approvals, with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley saying he was unaware at the time and pointing to wider Ministry of Finance failures. USVI Public Safety: In St. Croix, police say Samuel Rivera Jr. (“Pilie”) has been taken into custody after escaping while in handcuffs during a search for an alleged firearm offence. Crime Update (St. Croix): VIPD is also asking the public to help locate Angel Rodriguez III (“Two Bricks”), wanted in connection with an active homicide investigation. Mail Service: BVI Postal Service says delivery to letter boxes on Administration Drive has resumed after a temporary disruption, but only for customers with rental fees fully paid. Sports (Virgin Islands): Commonwealth Games sprinting news includes Beyoncé A. Defreitas advancing to 100m semis, while Jaleel N.J. Croal and Rikkoi A.R. Brathwaite missed 100m semis. Community & Travel: The Virtual Island Summit returns Sept. 15–17, 2026 as a free online event for island communities worldwide. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to $663M for the next drawing after no Monday winner.

FISU America Games: Indiana’s men’s basketball, playing as Team USA, beat the Virgin Islands 99-57 to win gold in Lima, Peru, finishing 4-0; Aiden Sherrell was named tournament MVP after a 10-point, 10-rebound, two-block title-game performance. Local Justice: In St. Thomas, court records confirm both sides in an Estate Wintberg domestic altercation face felony assault charges after a knife-involved brawl that police say included choking and head-banging. St. Croix Manhunt: VIPD is asking the public to help locate 21-year-old Angel Rodriguez III (“Two Bricks”) in connection with an ongoing St. Croix homicide investigation. Weapons Crackdown: VIPD says a multi-agency search tied to the Williams Delight homicide led to the arrest of a suspect after firearms were recovered, with federal partners involved. Community Updates: BVI Postal Service says mail delivery to Administration Drive letter boxes has resumed, but only for customers with fully paid rental fees. Sports (Commonwealth Games): Virgin Islands athlete Beyoncé A. Defreitas advanced to the 100m semifinals in Glasgow after running 11.33 seconds.

Local Infrastructure: Road Town’s de Castro Street is set for a Sidewalk Improvement Project, with a contract signing due Thursday (July 30) and work aimed at safer, wider, wheelchair-accessible sidewalks meeting ADA standards; Tree Replacement: the plan includes removing shade trees with aggressive roots that are damaging sidewalks and roads, with replacements promised; Local Telecom & Culture: CCT named Virgin Islands recording artist Raul “Jougo” Sprauve as its newest brand ambassador ahead of the 72nd Emancipation Festival; Sports (VI Spotlight): Virgin Islands archer Winnette Lawrence wrapped her first CAC Games appearance in Santo Domingo, and the VI also featured in FISU America Games coverage as Team Virgin Islands reached the championship after an upset; Public Safety (USVI): St. Croix is mourning VIPD Executive Security Officer Eustace Charles, killed in an early-morning ambush in Williams Delight, with the VIPD and FBI investigating and arrests already made; Tourism Buzz (USVI): Trunk Bay in St. John was crowned the world’s best beach in a Beach.com ranking, beating out top contenders like Greece’s Elafonissi.

Violence in St. Croix: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of Executive Security Officer Eustace Charles, 51, found with multiple gunshot wounds inside a vehicle in Williams Delight early Sunday; Governor Bryan says Charles was ambushed while heading to work, and authorities used surveillance tracking as arrests and “persons of interest” were detained, with the FBI joining the homicide probe. Road Town safety upgrades: Trees with aggressive roots on de Castro Street are set to be removed and replaced as part of a Sidewalk Improvement Project, with the goal of widening, leveling sidewalks and making them wheelchair accessible to ADA standards. Local culture & business: Caribbean Cellular Telephone (CCT) named recording artiste Raul “Jougo” Sprauve as its newest brand ambassador ahead of the 72nd Emancipation Festival. Sports spotlight: In the FISU America Games, Indiana set up a championship Monday after beating Team Chile 107-40, while the U.S. Virgin Islands advanced after an upset over Argentina. Community watch: RVIPF and the City Manager warned residents and contractors to use weed cutters responsibly after reports of damage from flying debris, noting potential criminal penalties.

Epstein Fallout: A 69-year-old modelling scout linked to Jeffrey Epstein has died in suburban Paris, and prosecutors have ordered a post-mortem as investigators probe whether the death was natural or something more—adding fresh fuel to the long-running Epstein questions. BVI Governance & Development: Opposition Member Hon. Myron Walwyn backed the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency’s work in the House of Assembly debate, while urging the agency to take on more of the projects government avoids. Public Safety: RVIPF and the City Manager warned residents and contractors to use weed cutters responsibly after reports of flying debris damaging vehicles and windows, noting potential criminal penalties for reckless property damage. Local Education: PHSU BVI held a White Coat Ceremony for its second cohort of medical students, marking another milestone in the territory’s medical training partnership. Sports (Regional): Bermuda’s U15 women’s team drew the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-2 and later played a goalless draw with Turks & Caicos at the Goombay Cup in the Bahamas. Community & Culture: HLSCC will mark the Fancy Me maritime disaster’s 100th anniversary with a special exhibition tied to the reimagined Virgin Islands Maritime Museum.

FISU America Games: Indiana men’s basketball steamrolled Chile 107-40 to reach the gold-medal game Monday against the Virgin Islands, after the Hoosiers also beat the VI 120-63 earlier in the tournament. Local Governance & Accountability: Virgin Islands residents are reacting strongly to whistleblower litigation tied to the V.I. Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA), with allegations of procurement irregularities, spending issues, and retaliation. BVI Development Debate: Opposition Member Hon. Myron Walwyn backed the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) bill’s intent, praising recruitment and leadership while urging the agency to do more of the projects the ministries can’t handle. Public Safety: RVIPF and the City Manager issued an appeal after reports of property damage from weed cutters across Road Town, warning of criminal consequences for reckless damage. Sports & Community: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College marked the Fancy Me centennial with a special exhibition at the Virgin Islands Maritime Museum. Tourism & Culture: “Xmas in July 2026” is set for Pond Bay, Virgin Gorda, with organizers expecting 400 boats and 4,000+ attendees and a portion of proceeds going to Beyond the Reef.

St. Croix Nightlife: Island Vybez Promotions is bringing a rodeo-themed “Boots & Bottles” Sunny Side Up to Prosperity Farm on Sunday, July 26, with Jamaican dancehall star Nigy Boy making his first St. Croix appearance, plus DJs and live entertainment. Public Safety: RVIPF and the Office of the City Manager are warning residents and contractors after reports of weed-cutter debris damaging vehicles and windows, reminding the public that reckless property damage can carry serious criminal penalties. Governance & Development: Opposition Hon Myron Walwyn says the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has “done a good job,” while arguing ministries should handle more projects and pushing for clearer roles as the agency becomes permanent. AI & Parliament: Deputy Speaker Dr Karl Dawson joined a regional AI workshop in Anguilla to discuss how artificial intelligence can support parliamentary work and governance. Water & Accountability: Premier Natalio Wheatley ruled out a cabinet reshuffle, saying the real issue is implementation and accountability gaps, not individual ministers. Water Crisis Critique: Bishop John I. Cline again blamed the territory’s water situation on the Biwater agreement, citing ongoing costs and delivery failures. Crime Update: A Friday shooting at Moe’s Service Station in Estate Glynn left a man critically wounded and a woman grazed, with detectives investigating. Business/Travel: The BVI Tourist Board says “Xmas in July 2026” at Pond Bay, Virgin Gorda, is set for July 25 with expected turnout of 400 boats and 4,000+ attendees.

VI Governance & Finance: Premier Natalio Wheatley admitted $2.4M was invested in Jamaica’s Delta Capital Partners in 2025 without required approvals, saying the FIA is investigating and comparing it to the Bank of Asia fallout. Local Accountability: Wheatley ruled out a cabinet reshuffle, but said the real problem is weak implementation and accountability across government. Water Crisis Fallout: Opposition Bishop John I. Cline blamed former Communications and Works Minister Julian Fraser for the territory’s water woes, citing a Biwater contract costing about $1.5M monthly. Cost-of-Living & Consumer Rules: NDP leader Marlon Penn questioned whether $3M in subsidies is actually lowering grocery and electricity bills, and accused government of sidelining consumer protection reforms. Public Safety: VIPD Special Operations arrested a 26-year-old St. Croix man, Jahneal Gilbert, after officers found an unlicensed handgun and ammunition near Midland Road; bail was set at $50,000. Regional/International: Acting Governor David Archer Jr sent condolences to Guyana after the M/V Barima ferry disaster, where the death toll rose to 72. Community Events: “Xmas in July 2026” in Virgin Gorda is set for July 25 at Pond Bay, targeting 400 boats and 4,000+ attendees. Sports & Culture: MrBeast married Thea Booysen on Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the BVI.

Territory Mental Health Crisis: The Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections is still acting as the territory’s default psychiatric facility, with officials saying about 40% of inmates receive mental health treatment while lawmakers continue to push for a secure treatment centre. Local Politics: Opposition Leader Marlon A. Penn criticised the government for moving the Question-and-Answer segment on the House order paper during the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (Amendment) Bill debate, arguing the change blocks regular scrutiny of the executive. USVI Courts & Guns: The U.S. Department of Justice asked a federal judge to block the Virgin Islands’ modern semiautomatic firearms ban, calling it “glaringly unconstitutional,” as another lawsuit over nonresident concealed-carry licensing heads to court. BVI in the Spotlight: YouTube megastar MrBeast married Thea Booysen in a private ceremony on Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. Health & Safety: Federal officials issued a nationwide recall warning for nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs over possible Salmonella risk. Sports (VI ties): At the FISU America Games in Lima, Indiana beat the U.S. Virgin Islands 120-63, while VI athletes and regional youth squash and football events continue to build momentum.

Virgin Islands Politics: Opposition Leader Marlon A. Penn says the government’s move to push the Question-and-Answer segment down the House of Assembly order paper over the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency bill is an abuse of power, and he argues the Opposition has been shut out of asking questions for 11 months. USVI Courts & Guns: The DOJ has asked a federal judge to block the U.S. Virgin Islands’ semiauto firearms magazine ban, calling it “glaringly unconstitutional,” in a new push after earlier court action. Birthright Citizenship Fight: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced a bill aimed at ending automatic birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, framing it as a way to stop “birth tourism.” Local Crime: A St. Croix mother was arrested after an off-duty detective witnessed her allegedly assaulting her 8-year-old daughter at Five Corners. BVI Community & Culture: The BVI is also in the spotlight for Emancipation Festival planning, with the Ports Authority announcing operating hours for the event. Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands is set to compete in the FISU America Games, with athletes and matchups drawing regional attention.

Gun Crime in Tortola: A 30-year-old man, Tiejie Henley of Luck Hill, was charged after RVIPF recovered a 9mm pistol with 15 rounds during an overnight patrol in Fat Hogs Bay. Local Politics: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline says the VI’s government structure is overloaded, arguing ministers carry massive portfolios while opposition members can’t do much, as debate continues over expanding the House of Assembly. Party Leadership: Bishop John I. Cline defended NDP chairman Marlon A. Penn amid public questions about his leadership and readiness. USVI Housing Funding: HUD suspended procurements tied to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority over alleged fraud and mismanagement, drawing a sharp response from Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. BVI Tourism Push: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board is inviting travellers to the 2026 “Unrushed Season” with lower rates and seasonal packages from July into early November. Youth Football: The inaugural BFA U15 Girls Goombay Cup kicks off in Nassau July 24-26 with teams including the U.S. Virgin Islands. International Spotlight: YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) married Thea Booysen on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands.

BVI Tourism Push: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board is inviting visitors to “Unrushed Season” (July to early November) with fewer crowds, seasonal rates, and packages to explore the islands at a slower pace. BVI Governance & Development: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn backs a bill to make the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency permanent, saying it should not depend on any administration’s whims. USVI Housing Funding Freeze: USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. blasted HUD after the agency suspended procurements tied to the territory’s housing finance authority over alleged fraud and abuse involving nearly $2B in disaster-recovery aid. USVI Politics on Horseracing Deal: The USVI Senate delayed voting on a revised agreement with Southland Gaming, sending it to an Aug. 19 committee hearing before a possible Aug. 21 session vote. Local Safety Alerts: VIPD issued wanted alerts in St. Croix for a 45-year-old fisherman in a domestic violence assault case, and re-issued a wanted alert for another St. Croix man sought in a kidnapping and domestic violence matter. Community & Culture: The Ministry of Education urged adults to keep alcohol away from students during Emancipation Festival, while VIPD reported multiple domestic incidents across St. John and St. Thomas. Necker Island Spotlight: Global YouTube star MrBeast married Thea Booysen on Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands.

Federal Housing Crackdown: HUD has suspended federal disaster-recovery funding to the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing “widespread financial mismanagement,” weak fraud controls, false certifications and improper payments tied to nearly $1.9 billion meant for 2017 hurricane recovery. Local Politics Spillover: The freeze is already fueling a political fight, with critics pointing to slow recovery and officials facing scrutiny over how funds were handled. Citizenship Fight Reignites: A U.S. bill, backed by Del. James Moylan’s office as “dangerous,” would end automatic birthright citizenship for babies born in U.S. territories starting Jan. 1, 2027—sparking pushback from territorial advocates. Health Planning: The Virgin Islands held a National Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy consultation with PAHO to map next steps on HPV vaccination, screening, treatment and follow-up. Community Safety: St. Croix mourns the death of 4-year-old Jeziah Richardson after a fatal shooting, as police continue investigation. Domestic Violence Cases: On St. John, a dispute over a Wi‑Fi router allegedly escalated into an assault on a pregnant woman; on St. Croix, a man was arrested after an alleged DUI crash near Golden Rock.

HUD Freeze on VI Housing Funds: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has suspended further federal funding to the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing “widespread financial mismanagement,” weak fraud controls, false certifications and improper payments tied to nearly $1.9B in 2017 hurricane recovery money. Local Safety & Crime: In St. Thomas, VIPD launched a major homicide probe after a 61-year-old man was found shot dead in Estate Wintberg; detectives are asking the public for tips. Domestic Dispute Arrest: Also in St. Thomas, police arrested a woman after a family dispute at Estate Whim led to alleged domestic destruction of property. Tourism Debate in the VI: Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley defended tourism growth, saying visitor numbers—especially cruise arrivals—are translating into real economic value for residents. Business Support for Women: The SBA announced a $6M competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included among eligible territories. BVI Climate Governance: The VICCTF CEO rejected claims of government interference, saying the trust operates independently under statute.