AGP Executive Report

Energy Resilience: U.S. Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority reported total blackouts hitting St. Thomas and St. John twice over the weekend, tied to loss of generation and mechanical faults, with crews working to restore service and warnings of short outages. Renewables Durability: A new corrosion design framework targets longer life for coastal PV and BESS by going beyond basic code and cost screens to account for salt air, humidity, wind-driven rain, and UV exposure. Air Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new St. Croix–Newark nonstop starting Oct. 31, 2026 (weekly Saturdays), a major boost for residents and tourism access to the NYC market. Tourism Industry: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off with CTO-led meetings of tourism ministers and officials, including USVI participation, focused on strengthening resilience and airlift development. Cybersecurity Watch: A NASCIO-Deloitte study found state CISO confidence dropped sharply, with U.S. Virgin Islands included in the survey, highlighting strain from third-party breaches and shrinking support. Local Business/Finance: Onity Group said it received regulatory approval for a reverse mortgage servicing portfolio sale and launched a share repurchase program.

Air Connectivity Boost: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route between St. Croix (STX) and Newark/New York (EWR), starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday service—an overdue upgrade for St. Croix’s tourism and business links to the NYC market. Tourism Strategy in New York: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1 with ministers and industry leaders, including USVI officials, pushing “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” and focusing on airlift, marketing, sustainability, and resilience. Power Reliability Worry: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts again over the weekend, tied to generation and operational instability at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, underscoring ongoing energy insecurity. Local Infrastructure Setback (BVI): BVI’s West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment is delayed after bids came in far above budget, forcing redesigns under a CDB-funded project. Energy/Weather Context: Coast Guard urged mariners and residents across the region, including the USVI, to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Governance & Services (BVI): Mark Vanterpool renewed calls to decentralize government ministries to sister islands to reduce Tortola-centric development.

Air Connectivity: United Airlines will launch a new nonstop route between St. Croix (STX) and Newark/New York (EWR) starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly Saturday flight on a 737-700—an air-access milestone for St. Croix residents and tourism businesses. Tourism Industry: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, bringing CTO ministers and commissioners (including the USVI) to focus on marketing, airlift, sustainability, and next-gen tourism leadership. Power & Reliability: St. Thomas and St. John saw back-to-back total blackouts over the weekend, tied to generation loss and operational instability at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, renewing pressure for faster, steadier grid fixes. Local Infrastructure: In the BVI, delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are being blamed on bids coming in far above budget, forcing redesign after a CDB-funded tender. Waste Management Policy: The USVI Senate advanced a bill allowing controlled incineration for green waste only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added limits to reduce smoke impacts. Cybersecurity (USVI included): A NASCIO-Deloitte study reports major drops in confidence among CISOs protecting public data, with third-party breaches and AI-enabled attacks flagged as top threats.

Air Access & Tourism: United Airlines will launch the first nonstop St. Croix–Newark/New York route in over 30 years, starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday service—an airlift boost for local businesses and visitors. Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1, bringing USVI and regional tourism leaders together on connectivity, marketing, sustainability, and next-gen tourism. Energy Reliability: St. Thomas and St. John saw back-to-back total blackouts over the weekend, tied to generation loss and ongoing power instability at VI Water and Power. Local Environment & Waste: The USVI Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure that allows controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available. Cyber Readiness: A new NASCIO-Deloitte study finds state CISO confidence in protecting public data has fallen sharply, with third-party breaches and AI-enabled attacks flagged as major threats—relevant as USVI agencies plan for stronger digital defenses. Maritime & Security: Coast Guard and partners in San Juan apprehended eight stowaways aboard an inbound barge, underscoring continued regional port security needs.

Air Connectivity: United Airlines will launch a new nonstop route between St. Croix (STX) and Newark/New York (EWR) on Oct. 31, 2026, operating Saturdays with a 737-700—an airlift boost for residents, visitors, and the St. Croix tourism economy. Tourism Industry: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, bringing regional tourism ministers and leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with U.S. Virgin Islands participation and a keynote from United’s Christine Valls. Local Infrastructure: In the British Virgin Islands, Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer says delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are a major setback after bids came in far above budget, with redesign work underway. Energy Reliability: U.S. Virgin Islands residents on St. Thomas and St. John faced total blackouts twice over the weekend, tied to generation loss at a power plant, highlighting ongoing power instability. Policy & Compliance: A new NASCIO-Deloitte study reports U.S. Virgin Islands and state cybersecurity confidence has fallen sharply, with third-party breaches and AI-enabled attacks flagged as major threats.

Air Connectivity: United Airlines says it hit its best-ever on-time rate at Newark (EWR) in April and May, after earlier spring disruptions tied to FAA outages, staffing shortages, and runway work. New Route for the VI: United also announced a new nonstop from St. Croix (STX) to Newark/New York starting Oct. 31, 2026, a Saturday service aimed at boosting tourism and business access. Tourism Industry Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1 with CTO meetings in Manhattan, featuring U.S. Virgin Islands participation and airline leadership, as regional leaders focus on airlift, marketing, sustainability, and resilience. Energy Reliability: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts over the weekend, with VI Water and Power citing generation loss and warning of outages while crews work to restore service. Local Infrastructure: BVI officials say delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are a major setback after bids came in far above budget, forcing redesigns. Agriculture Funding Fight: A Grist report highlights USDA grant cancellations totaling $300 million, with farmers and nonprofits alleging the agency acted on questionable grounds. Green Waste Policy (VI): The VI Senate advanced a bill allowing controlled incineration for green waste only when safer options like composting and mulching aren’t available.

Cruise & Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line says its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay will open Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes and private cabanas starting May 28 for guests on or after that date. Energy Reliability: The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority reported total blackouts hitting St. Thomas and St. John twice over the weekend, tied to power-plant generation loss and mechanical faults, leaving a large share of customers without service. Cybersecurity & Public Data: A NASCIO-Deloitte study finds U.S. Virgin Islands and state CISOs’ confidence in protecting public data has fallen sharply, with third-party breaches and AI-enabled attacks flagged as top threats. Local Infrastructure: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer called delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment a major setback after bids came in far above budget, prompting redesigns under a CDB-funded loan. Local Governance & Waste: The St. Thomas Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure allowing controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available. Maritime Business: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook sought an extension of Economic Development Commission tax benefits tied to upgrades, but the request was paused pending clarification.

Energy Reliability: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts again this weekend, with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority citing generation loss and warning customers to expect outages of about two hours while crews work to restore service. Infrastructure & Procurement: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer called delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment a major setback after bids came in far above the approved budget, prompting redesigns under a CDB-funded loan. Tourism & Business Travel: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off today under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. set to speak at the opening ceremony and CTO leaders and ministers lining up strategy sessions on airlift, marketing, sustainability, and leadership. Local Governance & Policy: The VI Senate advanced a measure to address green waste disposal using controlled incineration only when other options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added limits and fire-safety requirements. Cybersecurity Watch: A new NASCIO-Deloitte study reports a sharp drop in CISO confidence in protecting public data, highlighting third-party breach risk and AI-enabled attacks.

Energy Reliability: St. Thomas and St. John saw back-to-back total blackouts over the weekend, with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority blaming operational instability and a loss of generation at a power plant; crews worked to restore service, but Sunday night reports showed large portions of St. Thomas still without power and warned outages could last about two hours. Cybersecurity & Public Data: A new NASCIO-Deloitte study says confidence among chief information security officers is at a four-year low, with major concerns about third-party breaches and AI-enabled attacks—an issue that matters for USVI agencies handling public information. Tourism & Marketing: Caribbean Week in New York kicks off Monday, June 1, with USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. leading a regional delegation and Henry Harteveldt set to keynote the Caribbean Marketing Conference on June 3, focused on airline trends and strengthening airlift for Caribbean destinations. Local Governance & Waste: The USVI Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure allowing controlled incineration only when other safer options (like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse) aren’t available, adding fire-safety and smoke/particulate limits. Maritime & Security: Coast Guard and Homeland Security partners in San Juan intercepted eight stowaways aboard an inbound barge, transferring them to Customs and Border Protection for processing. Industry Watch (Tourism Calendar): The USVI Department of Tourism announced the 2026 St. John Celebration dates, June 14–July 4, highlighting steel pan nights, J’ouvert, and fireworks over Cruz Bay.

Power Reliability: A total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John early Sunday, the second outage this weekend, after the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority reported a loss of generation at a power plant; crews restored power overnight, but another blackout followed hours later, renewing pressure on Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s push to fix the utility with about $100 million in federal funding. Waste & Environment: The St. Thomas/St. John Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure (Bill No. 36-0232) allowing controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting and reuse aren’t available, with added rules aimed at reducing smoke and particulate impacts. Marina Development: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook sought an extension of Economic Development Commission tax benefits tied to upgrades and refurbishment, but the EDC paused the request pending more clarification. Tourism Calendar: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism confirmed the 2026 St. John Celebration dates—June 14 through July 4—featuring steel pan nights, J’ouvert, village events, and fireworks over Cruz Bay.

Tourism & Industry: The Caribbean Tourism Organization is bringing Caribbean Week back to New York starting Monday, June 1, with U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley leading a regional delegation at InterContinental New York Times Square under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Local Governance: The St. Thomas Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure allowing controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting and reuse aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke-reduction requirements. Marine & Trade Security: U.S. Coast Guard and Homeland Security partners in San Juan intercepted eight stowaways aboard an inbound barge and transferred them to CBP for processing. Food Systems: A BVI food security and healthy eating commentary argues the territory still relies heavily on imports, leaving families exposed to shocks that can undermine nutrition and stability. Cruise Economy: Norwegian Cruise Line set Sept. 4, 2026 for opening Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, with day passes and cabanas available ahead of time. Online Safety Policy: A bipartisan coalition of 44 state attorneys general urged Congress to reject the House Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, saying it would preempt state enforcement and weaken protections for minors.

Tourism & Trade: Caribbean Week in New York returns Monday, June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley leading a regional delegation of tourism leaders for meetings on airlift, marketing, sustainability, and “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Local Governance: St. Thomas Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure allowing controlled incineration only as a last resort, with added limits, sorting priorities, fire-safety steps, and smoke/particulate protections for nearby communities. Maritime & Security: Coast Guard and Homeland Security partners in San Juan Harbor intercepted an inbound barge and removed eight stowaways (four Chinese, four Dominican nationals), transferring them to Customs and Border Protection for processing. Marine Tourism Development: American Yacht Harbor operator sought an extension of Economic Development Commission tax benefits tied to upgrades at the Red Hook marina on St. Thomas, but the request was paused pending clarification. Food Security: A BVI-focused commentary argues food security and healthy eating are core foundations for health, not luxuries, highlighting heavy reliance on imports and the risks of supply disruption. Industry Watch: CVSA backed the BUILD America 250 Act’s commercial motor vehicle safety funding, including grants and training support, with eligibility expansions for Puerto Rico and the USVI.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: Henry Harteveldt will keynote the Caribbean Marketing Conference during Caribbean Week in New York (June 3), focusing on “Turbulence & Opportunity” and what airline trends mean for Caribbean destinations’ route strategy and demand. Local Policy & Waste Management: St. Thomas senators advanced a green waste disposal measure, allowing controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting and reuse aren’t available, with added rules to cut smoke and protect nearby communities. Maritime Security: U.S. Coast Guard and Homeland Security partners in San Juan intercepted eight stowaways (four Chinese, four Dominican nationals) aboard an inbound barge tow, transferring them to Customs and Border Protection for processing. Marine & Development: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, sought an extension of Economic Development Commission tax benefits for upgrades, but the request was paused pending more details on the extension length. Regional Tourism Calendar: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced St. John Celebration 2026 dates (June 14–July 4) with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Public Health: A new U.S. dengue report says 2024 cases jumped 359%, with most infections linked to travel—Caribbean destinations including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands accounted for a large share. Industry Regulation: The FCC set June deadlines for broadcaster employment and foreign sponsorship identification compliance, plus other comment and reporting dates.

Territorial Environment Policy: The St. Thomas Senate advanced Bill No. 36-0232 to tackle the green waste crisis by allowing controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added rules to prioritize alternatives, require sorting policies, cut incineration activity, and strengthen fire safety and smoke limits. Maritime Security: Coast Guard and Homeland Security Task Force San Juan partners intercepted a barge entering San Juan Harbor and removed eight stowaways (four Chinese, four Dominican Republic nationals), transferring them to CBP for processing. Tourism & Events: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced the 2026 St. John Celebration dates—June 14 through July 4—featuring steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades, and fireworks under the theme “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.” Marine Tourism Development: American Yacht Harbor operator sought an extension of St. Thomas EDC tax benefits tied to upgrades at the Red Hook marina, but the request was paused pending more clarification.

Local Environment Policy: The St. Thomas Senate cleared Bill No. 36-0232, amending the green waste disposal law to allow controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting and reuse aren’t available. Lawmakers also pushed for sorting rules, reduced incineration activity, stronger fire safety, and steps to cut smoke and particulates near homes, plus startup/shutdown procedures and a mandatory one-week downtime after 10 straight weeks of operation. Tourism & Hospitality: Norwegian Cruise Line set Sept. 4, 2026 as the opening date for Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, with day passes starting May 28 and private cabanas for up to six guests, plus three new food trucks. Territorial Culture: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced the 2026 St. John Celebration dates—June 14 through July 4—featuring steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades and fireworks. Industry & Workforce: A new report flags a labor shortage in the territory, calling for 5,000 to 7,000 additional workers. Public Health: A study says U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most infections tied to travel to the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Tourism & Culture: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, with the Division of Festivals, set the 2026 St. John Celebration for June 14–July 4 under “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix,” with village nights, boat races, parades, fireworks over Cruz Bay, and steel pan highlights. Maritime & Local Business: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, asked the Economic Development Commission for an extension of tax benefits tied to upgrades and refurbishment, but the request was paused pending clarification on the extension length. Workforce & Construction Readiness: At an Economic Development Summit on St. Croix, industry leaders warned recovery buildout hinges on attracting, housing, and training enough workers and strengthening local subcontractor capacity for services like surveying, material testing, and trucking. Food Supply Chain: A V.I. Free Press roundup flagged major national grocery recalls that could reach the territory via mainland supply lines, urging shoppers to check lot codes and discard affected items. Regional Industry Networking: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 runs June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Premier Natalio Wheatley leading a Caribbean tourism delegation. Public Health Watch: New reporting says U.S. dengue cases jumped in 2024, with most infections tied to international travel, including destinations in the Caribbean such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.