AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Hospitality: Club Med is set to redevelop the Carambola Beach Resort in St. Croix under a long-term triple-net lease with VICI Properties, aiming for “Exclusive Collection” standards and a sustainable, culturally rooted all-inclusive model. Local Tourism Boost: The U.S. Virgin Islands highlighted Caribbean Week in New York with a key win—new weekly nonstop service between Newark and St. Croix on United Airlines—plus additional marketing partnerships. Air Travel Convenience: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three more USVI pre-departure locations (St. Thomas and St. Croix), letting eligible travelers submit info via the app before arrival. Culture & Events: TEMPO Networks is partnering with the CTO and USVI tourism and festivals officials to expand coverage of the 2026 St. John Celebration, bringing music, food, and stories to wider Caribbean and diaspora audiences. Consumer Watch: A St. Croix report flags “Sabra Switch” shrinkflation—10-ounce hummus tubs reportedly replaced by 8-ounce containers while shelf prices stay high. Agriculture Pipeline: FFA surpassed one million members and is preparing for its 99th National Convention & Expo in Indianapolis (Oct. 21–24), with growth reaching suburban and urban areas. Construction/Infrastructure: AECOM won a DHS nationwide infrastructure modernization contract covering work across US territories including the US Virgin Islands. Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. approved measures covering mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, green-waste incineration, hotel-related bond proceeds, and elections operations. Legal Services: AG Dave Sunday led a bipartisan push to keep funding the Legal Services Corporation, which supports civil legal aid in US territories. Labor Law: A Third Circuit ruling rejected “overtime gap time” claims under the FLSA, though state wage-payment laws may still apply.

Legal Aid Funding Push: Virgin Islands AG Dave Sunday joined a bipartisan coalition of 40 attorneys general urging Congress to keep funding the Legal Services Corporation in FY2027, arguing civil legal aid is a lifeline for low-income residents and a smart federal investment. Territory Consumer Watch: A St. Croix “Consumer Corner” report flags “Sabra Switch” shrinkflation—10-ounce hummus tubs reportedly being replaced by 8-ounce containers while shelf prices stay high, cutting volume without clear notice. Tourism Media Partnership: The Caribbean Tourism Organization and TEMPO Networks announced a renewed 20-year collaboration to expand Caribbean tourism coverage through digital, social, and broadcast storytelling. Local Governance & Waste/Hotel Finance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. approved multiple bills from the 36th Legislature, including measures on mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, and controlled incineration for green waste, plus a hotel-related bond proceeds change that lawmakers are urged to clarify. Infrastructure Contract: AECOM says it won a nationwide DHS infrastructure modernization contract covering work across U.S. territories including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Travel Facilitation: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to additional U.S. Virgin Islands airports, aiming to speed pre-arrival processing for eligible travelers. Aviation/Connectivity: Southwest and Singapore Airlines launched an interline partnership for single-ticket journeys linking Singapore’s network with nearly 120 Southwest destinations in the U.S.

USVI Tourism & Travel Tech: US Virgin Islands made a splash at Caribbean Week in New York with new weekly nonstop Newark–St. Croix service on United and more marketing partnerships, while CBP Travel Processing: expanded Mobile Passport Control to Cyril E. King (St. Thomas) and Henry E. Rohlsen (St. Croix) to speed arrivals for eligible travelers. Regional Tourism Media: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a strengthened 20-year partnership to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through expanded digital, social, and broadcast coverage. Local Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed bills covering mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, controlled incineration for green waste, and changes tied to hotel development bond proceeds. Consumer Watch (St. Croix): A new St. Croix “Consumer Corner” report flags “shrinkflation” on grocery shelves, pointing to a Sabra hummus container downsizing while prices stay high. Infrastructure Contract: AECOM won a nationwide DHS infrastructure modernization contract that also covers US territories including the US Virgin Islands. Legal & Labor: A Third Circuit ruling rejected “overtime gap time” claims under the FLSA, though state wage-payment laws may still apply. Caribbean Culture: TEMPO is partnering with the USVI Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals for expanded coverage of the 2026 St. John Celebration.

Tourism & Air Access: The U.S. Virgin Islands used Caribbean Week in New York to spotlight new weekly nonstop service between Newark and St. Croix on United Airlines, plus a broader push of marketing partnerships. Customs & Travel Tech: U.S. Customs and Border Protection expanded Mobile Passport Control to three USVI airports—Cyril E. King (St. Thomas), Cyril E. King General Aviation, and Henry E. Rohlsen (St. Croix)—to speed arrivals. Regional Media & Culture: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a long-running partnership to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through expanded digital, social, and broadcast coverage, including a major St. John Celebration focus. Local Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed measures covering mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, controlled incineration for green waste, and election operations, among other items. Consumer Watch: A St. Croix report flags “shrinkflation” on grocery shelves, pointing to smaller Sabra hummus containers while shelf prices stay high. Infrastructure/Engineering: AECOM won a DHS nationwide infrastructure modernization contract that includes work across US territories, explicitly naming the US Virgin Islands. Business/Finance: Onity Group CFO Sean O’Neil is set to present at a small-cap investor conference, with the company noting operations that include the USVI. Construction/Industry: Turner Construction highlighted its role in multiple 2026 World Cup stadium builds and upgrades.

Infrastructure & Engineering: AECOM says it won a nationwide U.S. Department of Homeland Security contract for architecture and engineering work tied to critical infrastructure modernization, with scope that includes U.S. territories—explicitly naming the U.S. Virgin Islands—covering facility design, site assessments, environmental services, and design-build documentation. Consumer Watch (St. Croix): A local report flags “Sabra Switch” shrinkflation on St. Croix grocery shelves, showing a shift from 10-ounce to 8-ounce tubs while prices reportedly stay near the old premium rate. Tourism Media & Culture: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a strengthened 20-year partnership to expand Caribbean tourism storytelling through digital-first coverage and social/broadcast collaboration, with added St. John Celebration focus. Aviation & Border Processing: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three more Virgin Islands pre-departure locations (St. Thomas and St. Croix), and the territory highlighted new nonstop Newark–St. Croix service as part of Caribbean Week in New York. Local Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed bills covering mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, controlled incineration for green waste, and changes tied to hotel development bond proceeds and elections operations.

Local Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed a package of bills covering mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, controlled incineration for green waste, and changes tied to hotel development bond proceeds—plus two line-item vetoes and calls for clarifications. Tourism & Media: CTO and TEMPO Networks renewed a long-running partnership to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling, with TEMPO expanding coverage for the 2026 St. John Celebration. Travel & Border Processing: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three U.S. Virgin Islands pre-departure locations (St. Thomas and St. Croix), aiming to speed arrivals. Industry & Construction: Turner Construction highlighted its role in multiple 2026 World Cup stadium builds and upgrades, underscoring ongoing demand for large-scale construction expertise. Hospitality Costs: A Hotels.com study says travelers can cut hotel prices by booking last-minute and starting stays on Sunday; it notes St. Croix hotel rates are down 15% versus last summer. Business & Finance: Onity Group CFO Sean O’Neil is set to present at a Sidoti small-cap conference, with investor meetings scheduled. Public Interest (USVI-linked): New releases and permit records continue to fuel renewed attention on the “Epstein temple” on Little St. James, focusing on what documents and imagery show versus online theories.

Tourism & Media: CTO and TEMPO Networks are extending a 20-year partnership with expanded digital, social, and broadcast coverage tied to Caribbean events, including a new St. John Celebration focus that brings island culture, music, food, and stories to wider audiences. Local Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed multiple bills into law, including measures to burn solid waste, expand mental health education, add paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, strengthen elections operations, and redirect certain hotel development bond proceeds to key government entities. Air & Border Operations: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three U.S. Virgin Islands airports (St. Thomas and St. Croix), aiming to speed arrival processing for eligible travelers. Hospitality Demand Signals: Hotels.com says travelers can cut hotel costs by booking last-minute and starting stays on Sunday; it also notes St. Croix hotel prices are down 15% versus last summer. Construction/Infrastructure Buzz: Turner Construction highlighted its role in multiple 2026 World Cup stadium builds and upgrades—useful context for regional contractors watching major venue work.

Tourism & Travel Deals: Hotels.com says travelers can cut hotel costs by booking last-minute (8–14 days out) and starting stays on Sunday—savings up to nearly 40%—with St. Croix hotel prices down about 15% year-over-year. Local Media & Festivals: TEMPO Networks is expanding its 20th anniversary coverage of the 2026 St. John Celebration, adding a dedicated TEMPO Night in the Carnival Village and partnering with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals. Air Travel & Border Tech: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three U.S. Virgin Islands airports (St. Thomas and St. Croix), aiming to speed arrivals for eligible travelers. Regional Tourism Momentum: The U.S. Virgin Islands highlighted Caribbean Week in New York with new nonstop Newark–St. Croix service on United and additional marketing partnerships. Maritime Security: The Coast Guard repatriated 32 people after an interdiction near Desecheo, Puerto Rico, as part of efforts against human smuggling. Finance/Real Estate Services: Onity Group CFO Sean O’Neil is set to present at a Sidoti small-cap conference and meet investors.

Aviation & Border Tech: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three US Virgin Islands airports—Cyril E. King, Cyril E. King General Aviation, and Henry E. Rohlsen—letting eligible travelers submit details in the free app and use designated MPC lanes on arrival. Tourism & Air Service: The US Virgin Islands took center stage at Caribbean Week in New York, highlighting record visitor momentum and a new weekly nonstop Newark–St. Croix route on United Airlines. Finance & Local Presence: Onity Group said CFO Sean O’Neil will present at the Sidoti Small Cap Conference June 17; the company notes offices and operations in the US Virgin Islands. Maritime Security: Coast Guard Cutter Heriberto Hernandez repatriated 32 people to the Dominican Republic after an interdiction near Desecheo, Puerto Rico, as part of efforts to deter unlawful maritime migration. Airline Connectivity: Southwest and Singapore Airlines launched an interline partnership for single-ticket journeys linking Singapore’s network with nearly 120 Southwest destinations in the U.S. Legal/Privacy Watch: A 3rd Circuit ruling offers guidance for businesses facing website tracking litigation tied to session replay code.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three U.S. Virgin Islands airports (Cyril E. King, Cyril E. King General Aviation, and Henry E. Rohlsen), speeding pre-arrival processing for eligible travelers. Air Connectivity: United Airlines’ new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route (starting Oct. 31, 2026) puts the territory on a direct NYC schedule for the first time in decades, supporting visitor growth and local travel demand. Regional Spotlight: The USVI took center stage at Caribbean Week in New York with the nonstop launch, record-breaking arrivals, and new marketing partnerships—helping keep tourism momentum front and center. Local Business & Finance: Onity Group CFO Sean O’Neil will present at the Sidoti Small Cap Conference June 17, with investor meetings planned—an outside signal of continued capital-market attention on a company with USVI operations. Consumer & Compliance Watch: A 3rd Circuit data privacy ruling highlights what businesses should do next to reduce risk from website tracking-related lawsuits.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop weekly route between St. Croix (Henry E. Rohlsen Airport) and Newark Liberty starting Oct. 31, 2026—ending the need for connections to the NYC area and boosting travel options for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cultural Heritage & Community: A Caribbean-wide heritage dialogue launched Artefacts of Jamaica, bringing together practitioners from Jamaica, Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Saba to protect historic sites, oral histories, and traditional building knowledge amid development and climate pressures. Local Business & Data Privacy: A 3rd Circuit update on session replay code (SRC) highlights what businesses can do to reduce risk from website tracking lawsuits, focusing on standing and injury issues after dual rulings. Public Safety & Health Prep: New York officials’ pathogen drills—including scenarios that involve the U.S. Virgin Islands through regional hospital training—show how emergency planning is being practiced ahead of major events. Energy & Infrastructure Longevity: A corrosion design framework for coastal PV and BESS projects points to longer service-life planning for island and coastal electrical assets. Governance & Accountability: Renewed public attention on “Epstein Island” continues as document releases and online searches push people to separate verified court record details from viral claims.

Caribbean Heritage & Resilience: A Caribbean Culture Fund launch for “Artefacts of Jamaica” brought together cultural practitioners from Jamaica, Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Saba to push better protection of historic sites, oral histories, and traditional building knowledge, spotlighting the Resilient Houses Project and its research, restoration, and digital storytelling approach. Military & Local Operations: USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) returned to Norfolk after a historic 10-month deployment in the U.S. Fourth Fleet area, including Caribbean support tied to embassy reinforcement, humanitarian assistance, and enhanced counter-narcotics operations. Tourism Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route from St. Croix to Newark/New York starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly Saturday flight—aimed at boosting business and tourism access to the New York market. Business & Privacy: The FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education over alleged failures to protect sensitive student data, underscoring the gap between privacy promises and security practices. Aviation Reliability: Newark Liberty led major Northeast airports for on-time performance in 2026 so far, citing FAA staffing, technology upgrades, and schedule adjustments after spring 2025 disruptions. Local Land-Use Watch: A long-running dispute involving Larry Page’s Virgin Islands island holdings (Hans Lollik/Little Hans Lollik) heads back to court after mediation stalled.

Air Travel & Tourism: United Airlines announced a new nonstop between St. Croix (STX) and Newark/New York (EWR) starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday service—an upgrade for direct access to the NYC market and a boost for St. Croix businesses and visitors. Aviation Reliability: Newark Liberty is leading major Northeast airports for on-time performance in 2026, citing FAA staffing, tech upgrades, and schedule adjustments after last spring’s radar/radio and runway disruption. Caribbean Industry Networking: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened in Manhattan with ministers and tourism leaders (including the U.S. Virgin Islands) pushing “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” to strengthen connectivity and resilience. Local Business/Finance: Nathan’s Famous reported fiscal 2026 and Q4 results and declared a $0.50 quarterly dividend payable June 30, 2026. Consumer Protection & Privacy: A 3rd Circuit update on session replay code highlights steps businesses can take after rulings tied to data privacy and “digital wiretapping” claims.

Privacy & Business Risk: The 3rd Circuit is pushing back on website tracking lawsuits tied to session replay code, saying plaintiffs must show real injury and standing—not just that data was collected. Medicare Fraud Alert: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week spotlights a fast-growing phone scam using AI voice cloning that can sound exactly like a loved one. Tourism & Air Access: United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark/New York route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one of the biggest connectivity boosts for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings regional ministers and industry leaders together, including USVI officials, to strengthen tourism resilience and marketing. Coastal Energy Durability: A design-focused piece argues corrosion planning should be treated as a core variable for coastal PV and battery storage projects. Local Business/Travel Ops: Newark Liberty’s on-time performance rebound is credited to FAA staffing, tech upgrades, and schedule changes. Hurricane Readiness: The Coast Guard urges mariners and residents across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, to prepare now for the 2026 Atlantic season. Claims Handling: A business brief warns that rushed or incomplete property/casualty inspections can ripple into longer, costlier claims outcomes.

Air Connectivity: 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 upgrade for residents and a boost for St. Croix tourism and business travel. Aviation Reliability: Newark Liberty is leading major Northeast airports for on-time performance in 2026, after FAA staffing, technology, and schedule changes helped stabilize operations following spring 2025 disruptions. Energy & Resilience: St. Thomas and St. John saw weekend blackouts tied to mechanical issues at a power plant, with V.I. Water and Power Authority warning of outages and noting ongoing energy insecurity challenges. Coastal Power Design: A corrosion-focused design framework for coastal PV and BESS projects highlights how salt air and humidity can shorten equipment life if electrical protection isn’t planned for the environment. Tourism Industry: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is underway, bringing CTO ministers and commissioners—including USVI leaders—together to strengthen regional tourism strategy and connectivity. Consumer Protection: The FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education over alleged failures to secure sensitive student data, underscoring stricter federal expectations for privacy and security. Local Governance & Services: A USVI election-season snapshot shows a crowded field of candidates, raising questions about how parties shape platforms and governance.

Air Connectivity for St. Croix: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route from St. Croix (STX) to Newark/New York (EWR), starting Oct. 31, 2026, running weekly on Saturdays—an upgrade for residents and a boost for tourism and local business travel. Energy Reliability: St. Thomas and St. John saw weekend blackouts tied to mechanical issues at a power plant, with the utility warning of outages lasting about two hours for affected customers. Tourism Industry Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off with ministers and tourism leaders, including USVI officials, aiming to strengthen regional marketing and resilience as traveler preferences shift toward cultural and regenerative experiences. Coastal Power Project Durability: A new corrosion-focused design approach highlights how salt air and humidity can shorten life of coastal PV and BESS equipment—calling for better upfront electrical design for island conditions. Consumer Protection: The FTC finalized an enforcement action against Illuminate Education over a major student-data breach, underscoring that privacy promises must match real security practices. Medicare Scam Alert: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week spotlights a fast-growing phone scam using AI voice cloning to impersonate family members and push victims for Medicare info. Local Infrastructure (BVI): In the British Virgin Islands, delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are blamed on bids coming in far above budget, forcing redesigns. Governance & Services (BVI): Mark Vanterpool argues for decentralizing BVI ministries to sister islands to spread jobs and economic activity. Aviation Reliability (Regional): Newark Liberty hit best-ever on-time performance in 2026 after FAA staffing and technology upgrades and schedule changes. Hurricane Readiness: The Coast Guard reminded USVI residents and mariners to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.