AGP Executive Report

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.

Utility Merger: Governor Daniel Pruce has assented to the BVIEC and W&SD merger, clearing the way for VIEWCo to unify electricity, water, and sewerage services across the Territory, with a single public notification platform for outages and advisories. Public Service Upgrade: The Virgin Islands Public Service launched the Excellence in Customer Service CXC Programme, with the first 15 officers completing training and earning regional certification. Hurricane Readiness: As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins, officials urged farmers and fishers to secure assets, prep livestock and gear, and plan early to reduce storm losses. Culture & Learning: A poetry and critical essay competition was launched for the Long Look 250th Freedom commemoration, themed “Self-manumission,” inviting youth to explore heritage and legacy. Tourism Spotlight: Mary Joseph won BVI’s Junior Ambassador of Tourism contest with a TAG strategy using social media to promote the islands year-round. Crime Alert: In Road Town, Shakhoy Penn was charged after police recovered a Glock 17 and ammunition during a suspected gunfire response. Sports: VG Bayside Blazers bounced back in King of the Courts, crushing St Croix 100-79 on June 4.

Public Service & Training: The Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute and CXC launched the Excellence in Customer Service CXC Programme, with the first 15 officers already completing training and earning regional certification. Tourism Spotlight: Mary Joseph was named VI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching a “TAG: Target. Authenticate. Guide” strategy using social media to promote the islands year-round. Sports: VG Bayside Blazers bounced back in the 2026 King of the Courts, routing St Croix 100-79 on June 4, with Nicholas D.J. Faust leading the charge. Utilities & Resilience: The Governor assented to the BVIEC and Water & Sewerage merger law, paving the way for VIEWCo, while officials also urged hurricane-season preparedness and stronger emergency communications. Safety & Crime Alert: VIPD warned drivers about a new carjacking “trap” tactic on St Croix, and RVIPF charged Shakhoy Penn after a handgun and ammunition were seized in Road Town. Entertainment & Culture: Miss BVI 2026 contestants are set to be introduced in “Crown & Conversations” via Facebook Live ahead of the August 2 pageant.

Food Safety Watch: VI Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey says cleaning and sanitation are the biggest daily problems in food establishments, urging people to check hygiene, handwashing, pests, and clean environments before buying. Tourism Spotlight: Mary Joseph was crowned VI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching “TAG: Target. Authenticate. Guide” to use Instagram and TikTok for smarter, year-round promotion. Hurricane Readiness: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer calls residents to stay vigilant as the 2026 Atlantic season begins, with teams clearing drains/ghuts, managing vegetation, inspecting roads, and strengthening emergency communications. Public Service Upgrade: The Virgin Islands Public Service launched a CXC customer service certification programme, with the first 15 officers training for regional credentials. Utilities Merger: Governor Daniel Pruce assented to the BVIEC and Water & Sewerage merger law, paving the way for VIEWCo to run electricity, water, and sewerage under one body. Sports & Culture: VG Bayside Blazers bounced back to beat St Croix 100-79 in King of the Courts, while VI students won CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase for a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub.” Local Headlines: Police charged Shakhoy Penn after a Road Town gunfire response led to a Glock 17 and ammunition seizure; and the Miss BVI 2026 contestants are set for “Crown & Conversations” on Facebook Live tonight.

Workforce & Training: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center has been added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; the center says 10 residents just completed Cohort 2 with a strong push toward NREMT certification. BVI Crime & Safety: Shakhoy Penn, of Tortola, was charged after police recovered a Glock 17 with an extended magazine and 21 rounds, plus allegations involving explosives; he remains in custody awaiting court. Public Safety Alert: RVIPF is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of escaped fugitives Jose Almestica and John Burgos, described as armed and extremely dangerous. Miss BVI Spotlight: The Miss BVI 2026 reveal is getting a social-media boost with “Crown & Conversations,” a Facebook Live tonight featuring contestants Angelique Lettsome, Kala Penn, and Asha A.S. Hydnman. Sports: VG Bayside Blazers bounced back in the 2026 King of the Courts, blasting St Croix 100-79 on Night 2. Local Governance & Policy: Health Minister Vincent O. Wheatley says the State of the Territory Address should focus on health infrastructure progress and what to do about derelicts.