AGP Executive Report

BVI Governance & Economy: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the BVI will remove visa requirements for work permit holders in the coming weeks, aiming to speed up hiring and improve the territory’s investment climate. Public Utilities: BVIEC is urging anyone using heavy equipment near power lines, poles, transformers, or underground cables to contact the corporation first, after repeated incidents caused damage and service disruptions. Education: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College has received accreditation to launch internationally accredited four-year degree programmes, starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Sports (BVI spotlight): Adaejah Hodge smashed the NCAA women’s 100m record with a 10.63 at Hayward Field, putting the British Virgin Islands sprinter among the fastest ever. Community & Culture: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline is campaigning to make “sheggedy” the Virgin Islands’ national curse word. Regional Tourism: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a 20-year partnership to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling and digital coverage. Safety & Law: A gun rights group is urging the Virgin Islands legislature to pause a sweeping firearm bill, warning of costly legal battles.

BVI Sports Spotlight: Adaejah Hodge made NCAA history, running a wind-legal 10.63 in the women’s 100m prelims at Hayward Field to break Sha’Carri Richardson’s NCAA record and move into the all-time conversation. Education & Skills: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College received accreditation to launch internationally accredited four-year degree programmes, starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Infrastructure Safety: BVIEC is urging anyone using heavy equipment to contact the utility before working near electrical lines, poles, transformers, and underground cables after recent damage incidents caused disruptions. Local Achievement: HLSCC top students were celebrated at the 33rd graduation ceremony, including President’s Award winners for highest full-time and part-time GPAs. Community & Culture: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline is pushing for “sheggedy” to become the Virgin Islands’ national curse word. Regional Watch: The BVI is also represented in Dominica as the BVI Netball Club competes in a friendly tri-series.

BVI Work Permits: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says the British Virgin Islands will remove visa requirements for work permit holders in the coming weeks to help businesses onboard staff faster and improve the investment climate. BVI Tourism Push: Wheatley also announced Brandywine Bay will break ground this year, aiming to spread visitor traffic and add attractions as arrivals hit record levels. VI Housing Funds: Lawmakers advanced a plan to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homebuyers pot to programs including Williams Delight and VI Slice, after testimony that the money has sat unspent for years. VI Corruption Sentencing: In the USVI Mon Ethos case, former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, with other defendants also receiving prison terms. Regional Public Service: Overseas Territories deputy governors and public service leaders met in Bermuda, highlighting recruitment struggles across the territories and plans to make civil service careers more attractive. CARPHA Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states on safely transporting infectious substances, boosting regional lab and pandemic preparedness. Community & Culture: HLSCC launched new chef jackets designed by alumna Kristin C. Frazer for the Culinary Arts Programme, with a first appearance planned for graduation.

Tourism & Development: Premier Natalio Wheatley says Brandywine Bay will break ground “this year,” aiming to spread visitor traffic as arrivals hit record levels (about 1.2M in 2025). Housing & Finance (USVI): Lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homeowner fund to Williams Delight and the VI Slice homeownership programme, after the Housing Finance Authority spent $0 over five years. Workforce Reform (BVI): The BVI plans to remove visa requirements for work permit holders in the coming weeks to help businesses onboard staff faster. Politics (BVI): Hon Julian Fraser pushed back on calls for him to step aside, saying “it ain’t over until the fat lady sings.” Public Health (CARPHA): CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in safe transport of infectious substances via an IATA workshop. Education & Skills (VI): HLSCC rolled out chef jackets designed by alumna Kristin C. Frazer for its Culinary Arts Programme. Crime (USVI): A former contractor, David Whitaker, was sentenced to 22 months in a public corruption case tied to former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez.

BVI Climate & Business Push: Premier Natalio Wheatley used his State of the Territory Address to flag a “climate-smart island chain” direction, plus a more business-friendly move to remove visa requirements for work permit holders, aiming to speed up staffing and investment. Local Governance & Accountability: PLM leader Mark Vanterpool hit back, saying the territory is worse off after nearly eight years of VIP rule, pointing to unresolved gaps in water, sewerage, airport expansion, transport and other core infrastructure. Crown Lands Cleanup: Government says derelict vehicles left on Crown lands could be removed after just five days under a new Crown Lands Management Framework, with a territory-wide cleanup planned once preparations are done. Public Safety: VIPD issued a wanted alert for a 34-year-old St. Croix man sought in a domestic violence assault investigation, urging the public not to approach and to report sightings. Community Spotlight: NAGICO donated $10,000 to the Youth Empowerment Project after its 2-Mile Run/Walk, backing free after-school programmes and mentorship across the Territory. Regional Culture: St. John Celebration Village in the USVI (June 28–July 4) announced a major lineup led by Ashanti, Kes the Band and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons.

Local Economy & Policy: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the VI will remove visa requirements for work permit holders, part of a broader push to improve the investment climate, including an Investment Act and a trade-and-investment “one-stop shop.” Public Service & Education: The VI Public Service Learning Institute and Monroe University will sign an MoU, while the territory also moves ahead with a customer service certification programme for public service delivery. Youth & Community: NAGICO donated $10,000 to the Youth Empowerment Project after its inaugural 2-Mile Run/Walk, backing free after-school programmes and mentorship for young people. Tourism & Culture: The U.S. Virgin Islands unveiled a major St. John Celebration Village lineup, led by Ashanti, Kes the Band and Bunji Garlin, with a strong roster of regional talent. Border & Travel: U.S. CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three more VI-related airport locations, speeding pre-departure processing for eligible travellers. Governance & Politics: Rajah A. Smith says he’ll run for District 3 only if Hon. Julian Fraser is not on the ballot. World News (Sports): A Somali referee denied U.S. entry for the World Cup returned home to a hero’s welcome, vowing to officiate at the next tournament.

Local Governance & Housing: Lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from the dormant First-Time Homebuyer Program, proposing new splits for housing support and grants on St. Croix. Public Safety & Justice: Former Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Ray Martinez was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison over a bribery and fraud scheme tied to former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal. Social Protection: The Social Security Board announced a Penalty Amnesty Programme starting July 1, letting eligible contributors settle arrears with waived surcharges and penalties through Dec. 31. Business & Environment: The 2026 Impact Challenge funding for BVI ocean-health entrepreneurs has been increased to up to $250,000, with applications due June 10. Government Operations: Customs brokers and retailers met with HM Customs and the CSO to improve import declaration accuracy for the Protected Basket of Goods initiative. Youth Development: The Youth Empowerment Project’s new building on Virgin Gorda is set to open this summer, starting with about 50–70 children. Tourism & Culture: A regional heritage dialogue highlighted Caribbean identity and preservation, including work on resilient traditional houses in Saba and Dominica.

Local Governance: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley previews his State of the Territory Address, saying he has “few disappointments” and will highlight “marvellous progress” despite COI, the pandemic, and hurricane recovery, with airport expansion, school projects, tourism planning, health-sciences plans, and sewerage work on the agenda. Public Service & Youth: The Virgin Islands Public Service Summer Apprenticeship Programme has placed 217 students across ministries and agencies, while Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) building at Handsome Bay, Virgin Gorda, is set to open this summer for about 50–70 children. Social Security: The Social Security Board will launch a Penalty Amnesty Programme on July 1, letting eligible contributors settle outstanding SSB and NHI contributions with waived surcharges/penalties until Dec 31. Economy & Trade: Government met customs brokers and retailers to improve import declaration accuracy for the Protected Basket of Goods initiative. Appointments: Melissa K. Brewley has been appointed Information Commissioner effective May 11, 2026. Sports: Tola (Tortola) won the King of the Court Caribbean Championship, beating St Thomas 74–67.

Local Sports: Tola (Tortola) beat St Thomas 74-67 to win the 2026 King of the Court Caribbean Championship, with Kalu Ezikpe scoring 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Community & Health: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6, with 35 teams and more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal. Women’s Safety Through Sport: Frederiksted’s 2026 Women’s Race drew hundreds, with Bridget Klein taking the overall title and proceeds supporting domestic violence and sexual assault services. Education: Joanie Phillip was named the 2027-2028 State Teacher of the Year at a ceremony on St. Croix, for her attendance-to-literacy platform. Governance & UN Decolonisation: The VI and BVI both urged the UN decolonisation committee to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance self-government for remaining territories. BVI Business: Ocean Capital Acquisition Corporation priced a BVI-incorporated IPO of 10 million units, set to trade on the NYSE June 9. Environment & Policy: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser told Anegada residents district status is “in the very near future,” while also discussing a possible council system for more local control.

King of the Courts: Tola (Tortola) beat St Thomas 74-67 to win the 2026 King of the Court Caribbean Championship, with Kalu Ezikpe leading (26 points, 11 rebounds) and Deon J. Edwin adding 23 points and 8 rebounds. Local Governance: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser urged residents to watch Tuesday’s State of the Territory Address, where climate change work—via the newly launched Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund—will be a key focus, alongside updates on Crown Lands and the National Parks Trust. Land & Rights: Premier Natalio Wheatley told Anegada residents the long-running Anegada lands claims should be reviewed quickly, pointing to the Crown Lands Management Act and the Crown Lands Management Board as the route to resolution. Healthcare Upgrade: The Recovery and Development Agency signed a $463,087.20 contract for renovations at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital, including lobby works, a new elevator shaft, and outpatient clinic upgrades. Tourism Recognition: Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith was named CTO Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at Caribbean Week in New York. Sports & Community: The VI national team bounced back in Spain, blanking Bonaire 2-0 after a 4-0 loss to Gibraltar. Environment & Safety: Tropical Storm Cristina and Tropical Storm Boris were tracked by the National Hurricane Center, with warnings that even weaker storms can bring dangerous inland flooding rains. UN Decolonization: BVI Special Envoy Benito Wheatley urged the UN decolonization committee to use its good offices and visiting missions more actively for remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories.

BVI Tourism Recognition: Junior Minister of Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge-Smith picked up “Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year” at the CTO Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York, adding to the territory’s growing regional profile. BVI Governance & Utilities: The House of Assembly approved, and Governor Daniel Pruce assented to, the BVIEC and W&SD merger law—clearing the way for VIEWCo and a single public notification platform for water and power service updates. St. Croix Violence: Two people were killed and two others injured after an early-morning shooting at Luna Bar in Frederiksted; VIPD says the motive is under investigation and is appealing for witnesses. Local Sports: The 2026 King of the Courts Caribbean Championship is set for tonight’s final between Tola and St Thomas after both teams won their semi-finals. Food Safety Alert: Federal recalls are warning Virgin Islands residents about Salmonella-linked frozen bread and other grocery issues—check labels and batch details. Hurricane Prep: The Agriculture and Fisheries Department urged farmers and fishers to secure livestock, gear, and assets ahead of the 2026 Atlantic season. International Football: The Virgin Islands bounced back from a Gibraltar friendly loss to beat Bonaire 2-0 in Spain.

St. Croix Violence: Two people were killed and two others injured in an early-morning shooting at Luna Bar on St. Croix around 3:45 a.m. June 7; VIPD says the motive is still unknown and identities will be released after next-of-kin notification, with the Criminal Investigation Bureau asking witnesses to call 911, Crime Stoppers, or CIB. Public Safety Scrutiny: A VIPD “Community Update” warns St. Croix drivers about armed carjackers using a “trap” tactic—placing a tire in the road to lure victims out—after a Frangipani-area ambush where gunmen seized a vehicle. BVI Sports: The 2026 King of the Courts Caribbean Championship is down to two teams—Tola and St Thomas—set to play tonight after Tola edged Dominican Republic 92-91 and St Thomas beat St Eustatius 107-71. BVI Football: After a 4-0 loss to Gibraltar, the Virgin Islands bounced back to beat Bonaire 2-0 in an international friendly in Spain. Infrastructure Update: Works continue at A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground as foundations for the final lighting poles are cast, with concrete curing before pole installation. Utility Reform (BVI): The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger law has been assented, paving the way for VIEWCo and a unified public notification platform for outages and service advisories. Food Safety Alert: Federal recalls are in motion over Salmonella contamination and other serious issues, with VI residents urged to check affected products. Hurricane Prep: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries urges farmers and fishers to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30.

Public Safety & Accountability: St. Croix’s Government House held a “Cabinet Connect” outreach at the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex, serving nearly 200 residents with meals, screenings, and haircuts—while critics point to the VIPD’s ongoing scrutiny amid a spike in armed carjackings. Food Safety: Federal recalls are hitting shelves across the territory’s mainland supply chain, including Salmonella-linked Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread and other urgent alerts tied to contamination and undeclared allergens. Utilities & Service Delivery: BVI lawmakers have assented to the merger of BVIEC and the Water and Sewerage Department, setting up a single VIEWCo and moving public notices to one coordinated platform. Court & Crime: On St. John, a commercial driver faces felony charges after a fatal water truck plunge killed his six-year-old daughter; on St. Croix, police warn of armed carjackers using a “trap” tactic involving debris in the road. Community & Culture: Fifty-eight people were naturalised as British Overseas Territories citizens, and a Long Look 250th Freedom commemoration poetry and critical essay competition has been launched. Hurricane Prep: Agriculture and Fisheries urged farmers and fishers to secure assets and update plans for the 2026 Atlantic season.

BVI Utilities Merger: The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and the Water and Sewerage Department (W&SD) merger law has been assented by Governor Daniel Pruce, clearing the way for a new Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo) and a unified public notification platform for power and water interruption updates. Hurricane Readiness: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is urging farmers and fishers to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, advising livestock care, early crop harvesting, and securing vessels and fishing gear. Public Service Training: The CXC “Excellence in Customer Service” programme has launched in the Virgin Islands, aiming to transform public service delivery through certification and trained facilitators. Tourism Youth Spotlight: Mary Joseph was named the VI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching a social-media-driven strategy to promote the Territory year-round. Naturalisation Ceremony: Fifty-eight people were naturalised as British Overseas Territories citizens at Government House, with Acting Governor David D. Archer and Premier Natalio Wheatley urging them to embrace citizenship with responsibility. Food Safety Push: Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey flagged cleaning and sanitation as a top concern ahead of World Food Safety Day, urging residents to choose establishments with clean practices and no pests. Crime & Safety (USVI): On St. Croix, police warned about armed carjackers using a “trap” tactic involving a tire in the road, and a man faces federal charges after ammunition was found in checked luggage at Cyril E. King Airport.

BVI Public Service Upgrade: The Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute and CXC launched the Excellence in Customer Service CXC Programme, with the first 15 officers already training for regional certification—aimed at lifting service standards across government. Utilities Reshuffle: Governor Daniel Pruce assented to the law merging BVIEC and the Water and Sewerage Department, paving the way for a single Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo) to improve efficiency and planning. Hurricane Readiness: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer urged residents to prepare as NOAA forecasts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season with 8–14 named storms and 3–6 hurricanes, while ministries clear drains/ghuts and strengthen alert systems. Road Safety & Crime: St. John driver Levi Calvin was charged after a fatal water-truck crash killed his daughter; on St. Croix, police warned about armed carjackers using a “trap” involving a flat tire. Public Safety on the Ground: RVIPF charged Shakhoy Penn after recovering an illegal Glock and ammo in Road Town. Environment Enforcement: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at bin sites, with fines up to $1,000 for illegal dumping. Tourism Spotlight: BVI student Mary Joseph won Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching a social-media strategy to promote the territory year-round.

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.