AGP Executive Report

Community & Culture: CTO’s Caribbean Week in New York ended with a sold-out Rum & Rhythm benefit, spotlighting Caribbean music, food and spirits—plus a live DJ set that kept the party moving. Arts & Entertainment: Vanessa Williams is set to perform on Crystal Serenity’s Nov. 23, 2026 holiday cruise, with stops including Jost Van Dyke (BVI). Local Heritage: BVI Cabinet approved $350,000 for the 250th Anniversary of Freedom of Nottingham Estate in Long Look, funding events from a heritage parade to a documentary. Music Buzz: Jahvanie “Week.day” Morrison’s Aidonia collab “Like How Yuh Feel” keeps climbing, hitting #1 in the BVI and other islands and topping 1 million streams. Sports: The BVICA Nation’s Cup continues today with VI vs Jamaica at Greenland Playfield. Infrastructure & Tourism: Nanny Cay Marina’s $30M expansion breakwater is halfway done, with 34,000+ tonnes of rock placed toward a new south marina for catamarans and megayachts. Public Life: DMV faces backlash over a new requirement for a driver’s licence report when converting foreign licences.

Epstein Island backlash: “India’s Got Latent” returned with a season 2 premiere, but a joke referencing Epstein’s Little St. James sparked outrage online—Alia Bhatt reportedly didn’t laugh while the audience did. VI leadership & Father’s Day: Premier Natalio Wheatley urged fathers across the Virgin Islands to keep showing up for their kids, calling integrity and everyday involvement a lasting example. BVI policing update: RVIPF interim commissioner Richard Ullger’s frequent trips out of the territory are drawing questions, with police refusing to share a breakdown of his absences. Sports in the islands: The BVICA Nation’s Cup continues with VI vs Jamaica today at Greenland Playfield, plus another match between Grenada and Dominica. Hurricane-season logistics: BVIPA is urging faster cargo clearance and document submission as storage sites run at high occupancy, warning of delays if paperwork isn’t handled early. Arts & culture: Anegada gets a spotlight as a rare, quiet, beach-first escape—plus a Caribbean Heritage Month reading list featuring 10 Caribbean novels. Music: Dancehall producer Week.day’s “Like How Yuh Feel” keeps climbing charts across the Caribbean and beyond.

Caribbean Tourism & Cruise News: Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest ship yet, the 3,840-guest Norwegian Aura, is now bookable and set to debut in the Eastern Caribbean from Miami in June 2027, with the headline “Ocean Heights” complex bringing five waterslides. Local Governance & Finance: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the Virgin Islands is moving toward a representative presence in Panama to strengthen access to a key Latin American business gateway, alongside work to operationalise the Financial Services Directorate. Sports (BVI): The BVICA Nation’s Cup continues today at Greenland Playfield, with VI taking on Jamaica at 2:00 PM. Police Watch: RVIPF interim commissioner Richard Ullger is reportedly out of the territory again, while Jacqueline Vanterpool acts in his role; police media says it won’t disclose a breakdown of his absences. Port & Hurricane Season Prep: BVIPA urges stakeholders to expedite cargo documentation and collection during the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, warning of congestion from high storage occupancy and system delays. Arts & Community: WINBVI ambassadors Shackema Baptiste-Henry and Kimberly Herbert win awards at the Mrs Globe Pageants Awards event, bringing fresh spotlight to Virgin Islands talent. Culture Picks: A Caribbean Heritage Month reading list rounds up 10 novels across the region, including stories tied to Guyana and St. Kitts. Entertainment Buzz: Dancehall producer Week.day’s “Like How Yuh Feel” with Aidonia hits major Caribbean chart success, including #1 in the BVI.

Lottery Buzz (USVI/BVI): Powerball is back above $300M for Saturday, June 20, with the jackpot estimated at $302M (cash option about $136.7M) and winning numbers reported as 16-20-44-48-50, Powerball 15, Power Play 2x. Local Justice: USVI court filings show Jenifer O’Neal is seeking an eight-week delay before prison surrender, arguing she needs more time to secure counsel for her appeal. Arts & Spotlight: BVI’s Mrs Globe ambassadors Shackema Baptiste-Henry and Kimberly Herbert brought home awards, including Most Charismatic and Humanitarian honors. Community & Culture: BVIHSA relaunches Books for Babies and begins Hampers for Mothers, aiming to get children back into books. Island Life (Travel): Anegada is highlighted as the BVI’s flat, reef-ringed, empty-beach escape—perfect for lobster lovers and first-timers. Sports/Entertainment: Golfweek names Matt Kuchar 2026 Father of the Year after an emotional win with his son. Port Update: BVIPA urges faster cargo clearance ahead of the 2026 hurricane season as storage sites run high. Road Rules: VI DMV now requires a Driver’s License Report for people applying for a local license who already hold a valid license from another country/jurisdiction. Hurricane Season Prep: BVIPA warns that delays in documentation and external systems are already causing congestion.

Anegada Lobster Festival: The 2026 Anegada Lobster Festival is set for Nov. 27–29, with organizers saying the event is poised to grow after strong momentum. Father’s Day in Virgin Gorda: Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley’s pre-Father’s Day celebration at Bay 6 drew solid support with live music and food, and he says it will become an annual community event. Port Operations & Hurricane Season: BVIPA is urging faster cargo clearance during the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, warning that high storage occupancy and system delays could slow retrieval. Local Health & Reading: BVIHSA has relaunched Books for Babies and Hampers for Mothers, pairing early childhood support with a push to get kids off devices and back into books. Driving License Rule Change: The DMV now requires a Driver’s License Report for people applying for a VI license if they hold a valid license from another country or jurisdiction. Fashion & Culture: Summer Sizzle BVI returns for its 16th edition July 15–20, spotlighting Crystle Stewart and a week of fashion, culture, and island experiences. Sports Spotlight: Premier Wheatley and Education Minister Sharie de Castro celebrated Adaejah Hodge’s NCAA record-breaking NCAA sprint wins. Entertainment (Global): Carnival reopened bookings for four adults-only SEA Cruises on Carnival Firenze, with John Heald joining the Oct. 12 sailing. World Cup Viewing: Netherlands vs. Sweden and USA vs. Australia match guides are circulating for fans looking for watch options. Epstein Files (Global): New releases keep attention on flight logs and Little St. James details, with more documents surfacing about the long-running case.

BVI Arts & Culture: Summer Sizzle BVI returns for its 16th edition (July 15–20, 2026), spotlighting Caribbean fashion, culture, luxury and island experiences, with Crystle Stewart named celebrity host. Local Education: Premier Wheatley and Education Minister Sharie de Castro celebrated Adaejah Hodge’s NCAA Division I track triumphs, including a 100m collegiate/under-20 world record and NCAA 200m title. Community & Learning: HLSCC and BVI Finance team up for BVI NextWave: Digital Assets Discovery Day (June 25) to bring practical digital finance insights to the public. Health & Parenting: BVIHSA relaunches Books for Babies and starts Hampers for Mothers, aiming to get young people back into books. Governance & Representation: Premier Wheatley says discussions will move forward on district councils to improve representation for Anegada and Jost van Dyke. Transport Rules: DMV now requires a Driver’s License Report for people applying for a VI license who hold a valid license from another country/jurisdiction. Sports: LISOT Black won the TOTE Team Racing Championships at St. Thomas Yacht Club, with the event set alongside the TOTE Clinic and upcoming Optimist Regatta. Public Safety: National Guard leadership links youth violence to early intervention and home support, urging stronger emotional control and reinforcement. Entertainment (Global): Carnival reopens select adults-only SEA Cruises to the general public (21+), with John Heald joining an October 12 sailing.

Local Governance: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley says the VI will discuss creating district councils for Anegada and Jost van Dyke to boost representation and push for “equity” in services. Community & Education: HLSCC and BVI Finance team up for BVI NextWave: Digital Assets Discovery Day (June 25) to bring practical digital finance insights to the public. Arts & Culture: Jr Minister Luce Hodge-Smith backs fungi music as a living heritage, while the government signs a contract to resurface the Mondotrack at A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds to support athletes and future international meets. Sports Spotlight: Adaejah Hodge is celebrated after NCAA Division I record-setting wins in Eugene, Oregon. Public Services: DMV now requires a Driver’s License Report for anyone applying for a VI license with a valid license from another country/jurisdiction. Health & Family: BVIHSA relaunches Books for Babies and begins Hampers for Mothers. Entertainment Buzz: Summer Sizzle BVI returns for its 16th edition (July 15–20), with Crystle Stewart as celebrity host. Public Safety: RVIPF arrests two men after recovering a Glock and ammunition in East End. Controversy Online: A fresh wave of coverage keeps spotlighting Jeffrey Epstein’s Little St. James and related court filings, including new details tied to Glenn Dubin.

Epstein Files Fallout: New DOJ releases keep feeding the public’s obsession with Jeffrey Epstein’s fortune and Little St. James, with renewed focus on estate filings, what’s left after payouts, and how flight logs and island records are being read—without proving criminal conduct on their own. BVI Culture & Sports: The BVI is moving ahead with a fungi music workshop aimed at keeping traditions alive, while also signing off on resurfacing the Mondotrack at A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds to support future international events. Territory Governance: Premier Wheatley says the VI is on track to reopen the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex next year, and Cabinet has approved talks with the Dominican Republic to strengthen food security and trade. Public Safety: RVIPF reports an East End firearm and ammunition recovery leading to arrests, stressing illegal guns as a driver in recent homicides. Community & Youth: A V.I. National Guard leader links youth violence to early intervention, home support, and stronger emotional control through programs like Youth About Face. Tourism & Entertainment: Club Med is set to return to U.S. shores via a St. Croix redevelopment of Carambola Beach Resort, and Royal Caribbean is featuring emerging artists on Legend of the Seas. Local Headlines: BVI Athletics Association announces the 2026 Junior and Senior National Championships at A.O. Shirley this weekend.

Sports & Community: The BVI Athletics Association sets the 2026 Junior and Senior National Championships for June 19–20 at A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground, with open and U17/U20 events plus an opening ceremony and sprint, hurdles, jumps, and relay action. Infrastructure for Athletes: The VI government has signed a contract to resurface the Mondotrack at A.O. Shirley Grounds, aiming for World Athletics Class 2 certification and faster hosting of major meets. Culture & Music: Jr Minister Luce D. Hodge-Smith says fungi music workshops help keep Virgin Islands heritage alive on purpose, not by chance. Public Safety: Two men were arrested in East End after police recovered a Glock and 9mm ammo, with officials stressing illegal firearms remain tied to recent homicides. Governance & Rights: Premier Wheatley says constitutional talks with the UK will include same-sex marriage, but the government is pushing civil partnership recognition instead. Regional Cooperation: Cabinet has approved talks with the Dominican Republic to strengthen food security, trade, and economic resilience. Territory Updates: The Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex is still expected to reopen next year as major interior works move forward. Tourism & Entertainment: Club Med is returning to U.S. shores with a planned redevelopment of St. Croix’s Carambola Beach Resort.

Arts & Entertainment: Hulu is developing “Rock City,” a new comedy from Abbott Elementary star Janelle James and Happy Endings creator David Caspe, set in the Virgin Islands around a woman inheriting a local tourist attraction. Tourism & Resorts: Club Med is taking over St. Croix’s historic Carambola Beach Resort, planning a major redevelopment and marking its first U.S. property in decades. Cruise Art: Royal Caribbean is expanding its Artist Discovery Program on Legend of the Seas, selecting six emerging artists to create large-scale installations. Sports: The BVI Netball Club wrapped a Dominica friendly tri-series with a 27-27 draw, finishing unbeaten in the visit. Local Culture: Burnham Library will host “Panoply,” an exhibition of paintings by Carol O’Toole running June 28–July 30, featuring works inspired by St. Croix and other travels. Community & Safety: USVI reported three homicides in one day, pushing the 2026 total to 20. Public Life: Juneteenth coverage highlights how the holiday is still unevenly taught and understood. Business/Policy: Bermuda concluded a regional Overseas Territories summit focused on public service reform, workforce gaps, and AI integration.

Tourism & Culture: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the government has selected a company to draft the territory’s first National Tourism Plan, aiming for a long-term roadmap as visitor numbers climb (to 1.2M in 2025). Higher Education: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College gets approval to launch its first internationally accredited bachelor’s degree programme, with accreditation also expanding to distance education. Sports Tourism: The BVI Squash Rackets Association announces the Nagico & Interpath Junior Caribbean Squash Championships will run July 10–16 at Tortola Sports Club. Community & Arts: Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas will feature its Artist Discovery Program, spotlighting emerging artists with destination-inspired work across the ship. Local Governance: Jost Van Dyke introduces a one-way traffic system on Great Harbour Road after resident requests. Entertainment Spotlight: Hulu is developing “Rock City,” starring Janelle James, set around a Virgin Islands tourist trap. VI Crime & Safety: Two expatriate men face firearm and ammunition charges after police recovered a Glock and rounds on Tortola.

Tourism & Economy: Premier Natalio Wheatley says more than 90 charter yachts relocated to the Virgin Islands ahead of the 2025/2026 season, generating an estimated $13.99M in direct seasonal activity for marinas, provisioning, cleaning, restaurants and local businesses. Education & Culture: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College got approval to launch its first internationally accredited bachelor’s degree programme, while the college also announced renaming plans honoring Dr Charles Wheatley and his late wife, Jennie. Community & Health: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate June 19 with events across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Arts: The Department of Culture will host a “Fungi Music 101” workshop on June 17, spotlighting the genre’s roots and fundamentals. Public Safety: Police are investigating a shooting near the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion on St. Croix that sent one person to hospital. Traffic Update: Jost Van Dyke has a new one-way traffic system on Great Harbour Road after resident requests. Entertainment Funding Debate: BVI Premier Wheatley defended a $220K Vybz Kartel sponsorship, arguing other places paid over $1M for the same artist. Constitution Talks: The BVI retained UK lawyer Sir Jeffrey Jowell, KC, as constitutional negotiations with the UK are expected to begin in July.

Education & Culture: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) got approval to launch its first internationally accredited bachelor’s degree, with accreditation expansion to distance learning also cleared. Local Governance & Roads: Jost Van Dyke will run a new one-way traffic system on Great Harbour Road after resident petitions, with signs already in place. Higher Ed Honors: HLSCC’s main campus building and the Virgin Islands Studies Institute will be renamed for Dr Charles Wheatley and his late wife Jennie Wheatley. Arts & Community: The Department of Culture will host a “Fungi Music 101” workshop on June 17, spotlighting the genre’s roots and local bands. VI Public Health & Environment: A VI study visit highlighted practical strategies to manage recurring sargassum, linking coastal protection, tourism resilience, and public health preparedness. Entertainment & Tourism: Club Med and VICI Properties announced plans to redevelop the Carambola Beach Resort in St. Croix into a Club Med Exclusive Collection all-inclusive. BVI Politics: Premier Wheatley defended a $220K Vybz Kartel sponsorship, saying other places paid over $1M for the same act. Constitution Talks: The BVI retained UK constitutional lawyer Sir Jeffrey Jowell, KC, ahead of formal negotiations with the UK later this year. Safety & Crime: St. Croix’s Rusiel “Romeo” Encarnacion was fatally shot in Estate Whim, and police are investigating a separate early-morning shooting near the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion.

Violence Update (USVI): Detectives are investigating an early-morning shooting near the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion housing community on St. Thomas; one unidentified gunshot victim was hospitalized and police are asking the public for tips. Community & Mental Health (USVI): After Tre’Vante Etienne, 15, was fatally shot in Vester Gade, his mother urged witnesses to come forward as the Department of Health made behavioural health support available. Fashion (Caribbean): Brooklyn designer Roger Gary is set to bring his Spring/Summer Resort collection to Guyana’s 2026 Origins Fashion Festival (July 3–5). Sports (BVI Netball): The BVI Netball Club beat Celtic 27–13 in Dominica and is pushing for a clean sweep in the Tri-Series. Culture (BVI): The Department of Culture will host “Fungi Music 101” on June 17 at the BVI Finance Conference Room. Policy Watch (BVI): Premier Natalio Wheatley says same-sex marriage won’t be recognized, but the government is working toward civil partnerships. Youth & Community (BVI): NAGICO donated $10,000 to YEP after its 2-Mile Run/Walk With A Purpose.

Netball Spotlight: The BVI Netball Club kept rolling in Dominica, beating Bambish Touteweles 40-15 and setting up a final match Monday (June 15) against Spartans I at Windsor Park, with live coverage on the Dominica Netball Association’s Facebook. Local Politics & Community: Horse racing icon Lesmore Smith says he’ll contest the next Virgin Islands general election again—but this time as an independent. Culture & Heritage: The Department of Culture launches an “Introduction to Fungi Music 101” workshop on Wednesday, June 17, as the first in a series celebrating an indigenous Virgin Islands genre. Equality Policy: Premier Natalio Wheatley says same-sex marriage won’t be recognised, but the government is working toward civil partnerships for same-sex couples. Youth & Sports Support: NAGICO donates $10,000 to the Youth Empowerment Project after its 2-Mile Run/Walk With A Purpose. Business & Economy: A private-sector investment surge is highlighted in the Premier’s State of the Territory Address, with multiple multi-million-dollar projects underway. Sports Star: Adaejah T. Hodge shines at the NCAA, taking the 200m title in 21.68 and adding a 100m silver.

Sports Spotlight: Adaejah T. Hodge keeps rewriting the record books, winning NCAA 200m gold in 21.68 and adding NCAA 100m silver after demolishing Sha’Carri Richardson’s mark. Local Sports & Community: BVI Netball Club opened its Dominica Tri-Series with a 27-13 win over Celtic, with the squad eyeing more growth in the next matches. Education Upgrade: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College received accreditation to launch internationally accredited four-year degrees, starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Public Safety: BVIEC is urging anyone using heavy equipment to contact the utility before working near electrical infrastructure after repeated damage incidents. Arts/Entertainment Business: BVI-registered CineNow is closing a ₹1,350 crore film fund, pitching a slate-based model that turns film IP into investable assets and exploring tokenisation. Governance & Rights: A new push to establish a VI Decolonisation Commission later in 2026 comes alongside renewed constitutional talks with the UK. Territory News: Premier Wheatley highlighted multi-million-dollar private sector investments in the 2026 State of the Territory Address, signaling confidence in the tourism product. International Watch: Lawmakers in the U.S. are racing to regulate AI chatbots for children after Florida sued OpenAI over alleged risks to minors.