AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Investment: VI Premier Natalio Wheatley says confidence in the tourism product is showing up in multi-million-dollar private projects across the territory, with more in the approval pipeline. Heritage & Education: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College gets accreditation to launch internationally accredited four-year degrees, starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Sports (BVI/VI): Adaejah T. Hodge makes NCAA history at Hayward Field, smashing the 200m title with a 21.68 world lead and adding a record-breaking 100m run; BVI Netball Club also kicks off its Dominica Tri-Series with a 27-13 win over Celtics. Sports (Regional): The 2026 NCAA Championships deliver record moments and surprises, from Athing Mu’s 800m mark falling to other dramatic finals. Community & Safety: BVIEC urges anyone using heavy equipment to contact the corporation before working near power lines and underground infrastructure. Culture & Media: CTO and TEMPO Networks team up to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through digital, social, and broadcast coverage. Law & Society: A VI Decolonisation Commission is set for later in 2026 as constitutional talks with the UK are expected to restart next month.

BVI & USVI Sports: Adaejah T. Hodge lit up the NCAA women’s 100m with a wind-legal 10.63 to smash records and move into the final spotlight. Netball: BVI Netball Club kicked off a Dominica friendly Tri-Series with a 27-13 win over Celtics, with more matches lined up through June 15. Education & Careers: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College received accreditation to launch internationally accredited four-year degrees, starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Tourism & Media: CTO and TEMPO Networks teamed up to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through digital, social, and broadcast coverage. Local Infrastructure: BVIEC is urging heavy equipment operators to contact the utility before working near electrical lines and underground cables after repeated damage incidents. Entertainment Spotlight: A Beatles biopic is recreating Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr’s 1964 Virgin Islands yacht trip, with filming underway using a replica vessel. Governance: Premier Wheatley announced a Virgin Islands Decolonisation Commission later in 2026. Powerball Buzz: Powerball’s Saturday jackpot climbed to $258M (June 13).

Horse Racing Talks: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met horsemen groups, the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission, and Southland Gaming to address concerns over rebuilding St. Croix’s Randall “Doc” James Racetrack and operating racing at St. Thomas’s Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack. Legal Milestone (BVI): Akeya Herbert, the first Appleby BVI Legal Scholarship recipient, was called to the Bar and sworn in as a Barrister of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Netball on the Road: BVI Netball Club opened the friendly Tri-Series in Dominica with a 27-13 win over Celtics, with coach Mandi J. Atak calling it a key early test. Education Upgrade (VI): H. Lavity Stoutt Community College received accreditation to launch internationally accredited four-year degree programmes, starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Power & Safety: BVIEC urged heavy equipment operators and contractors to contact the utility before working near electrical infrastructure after recent incidents caused damage and outages. Sports Spotlight: British Virgin Islands sprinter Adaejah Hodge smashed 10.63 at the NCAA meet to become the fifth-fastest woman of all time, advancing to the 100m final. Tourism Media Partnership: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a 20-year partnership to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through expanded digital, social, and broadcast coverage. Culture & Community: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline launched a push for “sheggedy” to become a Virgin Islands “national curse word.”

Epstein Island Update: New reporting says Little St. James remains in a holding pattern after its 2023 sale, with current ownership tied to Stephen Deckoff’s SD Investments and only one recent permit request—while promised luxury resort plans have yet to show up on the ground. Education & Careers: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) received accreditation to launch its first internationally accredited four-year degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Education, and also unveiled newly designed chef jackets for its Culinary Arts Programme by alum Kristin C. Frazer. Power & Safety: BVIEC is urging heavy equipment operators and contractors to contact the utility before working near electrical infrastructure after repeated damage incidents that have disrupted service. Sports Spotlight: British Virgin Islands sprint star Adaejah Hodge smashed the NCAA women’s 100m record with a wind-legal 10.63 at Hayward Field, while the BVI Netball Club heads to Dominica for a friendly tri-series. Tourism Growth: Premier Natalio Wheatley says Brandywine Bay will break ground in 2026 to ease overcrowding as visitor numbers hit record highs. Community & Culture: Pastor Claude Skelton-Cline is pushing “sheggedy” as a Virgin Islands national curse word, aiming for a more “sanitised” option.

Track & Field Spotlight: Adaejah Hodge smashed the NCAA women’s 100m record with a wind-legal 10.63 at Hayward Field, moving into the all-time top five and setting up Saturday’s final. Education & Careers: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College received accreditation to launch internationally accredited four-year degrees, starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Education; top students Rhiann Ramlall and Erisha Bobb were also recognized at graduation. Culinary Arts + Fashion: Alumna Kristin C. Frazer designed new chef jackets for HLSCC’s Culinary Arts Programme—an industry-style upgrade for students. Community Talk (Radio): Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline is pushing “sheggedy” as a “sanitised” Virgin Islands national curse word. Power & Safety: BVIEC is urging heavy equipment operators to contact the utility before working near electrical infrastructure after recent damage incidents. Tourism Development: Premier Wheatley says Brandywine Bay will break ground this year to ease overcrowding and add cruise-friendly attractions. Culture & Music: USVI’s St. John Celebration Village lineup is set, led by Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin.

Tourism & Culture: TEMPO Networks is teaming up with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals for expanded coverage of the 2026 St. John Celebration (June 14–July 4), including a dedicated TEMPO Night in the Carnival Village. Arts & Education: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Tortola unveiled newly designed chef jackets for its Culinary Arts Programme, created by alumna Kristin C. Frazer—set to debut at the 2026 graduation ceremony. Local Governance & Travel: VI Premier Natalio Wheatley says Brandywine Bay will break ground this year to ease visitor overcrowding as arrivals hit record levels. Business Climate: Mark H. Vanterpool pushes back on the State of the Territory Address, while Claude Skelton Cline calls bureaucracy “atrocious” and urges streamlined business licensing. Sports/Global Spotlight: Google’s doodle marks the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2026 kick-off, visible in the USVI and across the Caribbean.

Tourism & Culture: TEMPO Networks is partnering with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals to expand coverage of the 2026 St. John Celebration (June 14–July 4), including a dedicated TEMPO Night in the Carnival Village—boosting Caribbean music, food, and stories for the diaspora and global audiences. Local Arts & Education: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Culinary Arts Programme is debuting chef jackets designed by alumna Kirsten C. Frazer, linking industry standards with student pride at the 2026 graduation. Government & Tourism Development: Premier Natalio Wheatley says Brandywine Bay will break ground in 2026 to ease overcrowding and add attractions as visitor arrivals hit record levels. Business Climate: The VI plans to remove visa requirements for work permit holders to help employers staff faster. Community & Youth: NAGICO donates $10,000 to the Youth Empowerment Project after its 2-Mile Run/Walk. Public Safety: Two teens were arrested after suspected cannabis was found at a Tortola high school. Sports & Entertainment: Beatles biopic filming reportedly recreates the band’s 1964 yacht trip near St. Thomas, with Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan on set.

FIFA & Tech Security: ExpressVPN is named an Official Tournament Supporter for the FIFA World Cup 2026, rolling out pitch-side branding and a ticket sweepstakes aimed at keeping fans safer online. St. John Celebration (USVI Music): The U.S. Virgin Islands dropped a major St. John Celebration Village lineup for June 28–July 4, headlined by Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, with Tarrus Riley, Baby Cham, and local VI talent also on the bill. Youth & Community Sports: NAGICO donates $10,000 to the Youth Empowerment Project after its inaugural 2-Mile Run/Walk With A Purpose drew 250+ participants. Local Governance & Business Climate: Premier Wheatley says visa requirements will be removed for work permit holders to make hiring easier and support investment. Derelict Vehicles: A new Crown Lands Management Framework could allow removal of abandoned vehicles after just five days. Arts & Pageantry: Miss BVI 2026 contestant Asha Hyndman says she’s saddened by low participation, with only three contestants set for the Aug. 2 show. BVI Politics: Rajah A. Smith says he’ll run for District 3 only if Hon. Julian Fraser isn’t on the ballot. Powerball Buzz: Powerball climbs to $238M ahead of the June 10 drawing.

St. John Celebration Lineup: The U.S. Virgin Islands announced a star-studded St. John Celebration Village running June 28–July 4 in Knight’s Ville, led by Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, with Tarrus Riley, Baby Cham, Pressure, Pumpa, and more—plus a strong homegrown Virgin Islands roster. Youth & Community: NAGICO donated $10,000 to the Youth Empowerment Project after its successful 2-Mile Run/Walk, backing free after-school programs and mentorship. Local Governance & Work Permits: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the VI will remove visa requirements for work permit holders to make hiring easier and improve the investment climate. Arts & Culture (BVI): Miss BVI 2026 faces low participation, with one contestant urging more young women to apply for future pageants. Sports & Global Spotlight: A Somali referee denied US entry for the World Cup got a hero’s welcome at home, while a separate report says nine were injured in a shooting near England’s World Cup training base in Kansas City. Climate Watch: NOAA reports May 2026 as the world’s second-warmest May on record.

Stilt-Driven Junkanoo Spotlight: In Miami, 11-year-old Christopher Gay and his sister Skai are keeping Bahamian Junkanoo alive—turning into “moko jumbies” on stilts at the Goombay Festival, with their Fatboi Junkanoo Entertainment group leading colorful parades, costumes, and island food. BVI Youth & Community: Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) building on Virgin Gorda is set to open this summer, starting with about 50–70 children and adding dance/music, arts and crafts, and an innovation lab. Government & Services: The Social Security Board launches a Penalty Amnesty Programme July 1 (runs to Dec. 31) to help eligible contributors clear arrears with waived surcharges; and the VI Fund’s 2026 Impact Challenge funding rises to up to $250,000, with applications due June 10. Culture & Tourism Recognition: Hon. Luce D. Hodge-Smith named CTO Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at Caribbean Week in New York. Sports: Tola (Tortola) wins the 2026 King of the Courts Caribbean Championship, beating St Thomas 74–67. Hurricane Readiness: Works Minister Kye Rymer urges residents to review evacuation plans and emergency supplies as the 2026 season begins.

Youth & Culture: The Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) says its Virgin Gorda building at Handsome Bay should open this summer, starting with about 50–70 children and expanding, with spaces for dance/music, arts & crafts, homework, and an innovation lab. Pageantry: Miss BVI 2025 contestant Asha A.S. Hyndman says she’s saddened by low turnout for the 2026 Miss BVI pageant, which will feature just three contestants on Aug. 2. Sports: Tola (Tortola) beat St Thomas 74–67 to win the 2026 King of the Courts Caribbean Championship, with Kalu Ezikpe leading the way. Government & Community: Premier Wheatley will deliver the State of the Territory Address today, promising “marvellous progress” and updates on major projects including airport expansion, schools, tourism planning, and healthcare upgrades. Tourism Recognition: Hon. Luce D. Hodge-Smith was named CTO Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at Caribbean Week in New York. International Spotlight: The VI called on the UN Decolonisation Committee to push meaningful steps toward self-government for remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories. Health Infrastructure: RDA signed a $463,087.20 contract for renovations to the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital’s Major Peebles Wing clinics lobby.

Sports Spotlight: Tola (Tortola) are crowned 2026 King of the Courts Caribbean Champions after beating St Thomas 74-67 in the final at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, with Kalu Ezikpe leading the charge (26 points, 11 rebounds). Pageantry & Culture: Miss BVI 2025 Donyelle D. Hodge says her reign has been “special,” and she’s set to appear alongside the 2026 Miss BVI contestants for “Crown & Conversations” on June 4. Tourism Recognition: Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith was named CTO Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at Caribbean Week in New York. Local Governance & Land: Premier Wheatley says Anegada’s long-running lands issues dating back to 1885 should be settled quickly, while Deputy Premier Julian Fraser points to a possible council system before Anegada becomes its own district. Community & Heritage: A poetry and critical essay competition launches for the Long Look 250th Freedom commemoration, themed “Self-manumission: The Long Look Free People and 250 years of legacy.” Infrastructure for Everyday Life: RDA contract work continues at A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground, with lighting pole foundations cast and electrical cable excavation underway.

Basketball Spotlight: Tola (Tortola) crowned themselves 2026 King of the Court Caribbean Champions, beating St Thomas 74-67 in the Sunday June 7 final at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, with Kalu Ezikpe leading (26 points, 11 rebounds) and Deon J. Edwin adding 23 points and 8 rebounds. Beauty & Culture: Miss BVI 2025 Donyelle D. Hodge says her reign has been “special,” and shared that the 2026 contestants will be featured on “Crown and Conversations” June 4. Tourism Recognition: Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith was named CTO Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at Caribbean Week in New York. Local Government & Land: Premier Wheatley urged Anegada lands claims dating back to 1885 be settled quickly, while Deputy Premier Julian Fraser said Anegada is set to become its own district “in the very near future,” with a possible council system first. Community & Sports Upgrades: Work continues on the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground lighting system, with foundations cast and curing underway. Football Update: The VI national team bounced back in Spain, blanking Bonaire 2-0 after a prior loss to Gibraltar. Public Safety: A lost teddy bear (“Bobby”) was found at an airport lounge and returned to its young owner, ending a real-life travel adventure.

St. Croix Violence: Two people were killed and two others injured in an early-morning shooting at Luna Bar (reported about 3:45 a.m. June 7), with VIPD saying the motive is still unknown and urging anyone with info to contact 911, Crime Stoppers, or CIB. Sports Spotlight: The 2026 King of the Courts Caribbean Championship is down to Tola and St Thomas, with Tola edging the Dominican Republic 92-91 in a last-second finish and St Thomas cruising past St Eustatius 107-71 ahead of tonight’s final at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Community & Culture: Lesmore Smith was honoured at the Virgin Islands Pride Awards in New York for public service and humanitarian work, while Mary Joseph won BVI’s Junior Ambassador of Tourism title with a social-media strategy to boost year-round visibility. Local Infrastructure: Work continues at A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground as foundations for the final lighting poles are cast, with concrete curing before installation. Utilities Update: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger law has been assented, setting up a unified VIEWCo and a single public notification platform for service advisories. Public Service: CXC launched an Excellence in Customer Service programme in the VI to train facilitators and upgrade public service delivery. Lottery Buzz: Powerball’s June 6 jackpot of $213M had no jackpot winner; next drawing is Monday.

Sports Finals Tonight: Tola and St Thomas will clash in the 2026 King of the Courts Caribbean Championship final at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex tonight after Tola edged Dominican Republic 92-91 in last-second drama and St Thomas routed St Eustatius 107-71. Community Recognition: Lesmore Smith was honoured at the Virgin Islands Pride Awards in New York for 16 years of service with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and for major humanitarian impact through his business and philanthropy. Infrastructure for Play: Work is progressing at A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground, with foundations cast for the final lighting poles and concrete now curing before installation. Football Update: The VI bounced back from a 4-0 loss to Gibraltar to beat Bonaire 2-0 in an international friendly in Spain. Tourism & Youth Spotlight: Mary Joseph won VI’s Junior Ambassador of Tourism contest with a social-media strategy to promote the territory year-round, and a VI team took top honours at the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” pitch. Public Service Training: CXC launched an Excellence in Customer Service programme in the VI to train facilitators and upgrade public service delivery. Hurricane Readiness: Officials urged farmers and fishers to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season as NOAA forecasts 8–14 named storms.

Utilities Merger: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger cleared another hurdle after Governor Daniel Pruce assented to the law, paving the way for VIEWCo and a single public notification platform for water and power service advisories. Public Service Training: The Virgin Islands Public Service launched the Excellence in Customer Service CXC Programme, with the first officers completing training toward regional certification. Tourism Spotlight: Mary Joseph was named the VI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching a social-media-led strategy to boost smart travel year-round. Hurricane Prep: VI officials urged farmers and fishers to secure assets and update plans as the Atlantic hurricane season runs through Nov. 30. Safety Alert: Police in Road Town charged Shakhoy Penn after a handgun and ammunition were recovered during a gunfire response. Sports & Culture: The VI won CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase in New York, and Rush Sports says it’s gearing up for broad Caribbean World Cup viewing. Global Pop Culture: “Love Island USA” season eight includes multiple contestants with ties to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to $212M ahead of the June 6 drawing.