AGP Executive Report

Cruise & Tourism: Oceania Cruises floated out its new luxury ship, the Oceania Sonata, in Italy—moving from dry dock to fitting-out—with 695 suites for about 1,390 passengers and a 2027 debut that includes Caribbean sailings from Miami. USVI Governance & Gaming: The USVI Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee, leaving the St. Croix racetrack plan in limbo and prompting Governor Bryan to say the deal was effectively killed. Drought & Agriculture: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix facing extreme dryness and farmers able to seek emergency federal loans; Puerto Rico is also under severe drought with water rationing in some areas. Online Safety & Consumer Protection: A multistate Meta settlement includes Puerto Rico and the USVI, with new child-safety requirements tied to Facebook and Instagram use. Logistics & Trade Policy: A US territory mail-duty rule is under pressure, with Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urging USPS to pause new duty collection requirements affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands. Infrastructure & Engineering: A proposed St. John yacht marina faces a new legal fight after environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over permitting and impacts.

Drought Relief for Local Business: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix facing extreme dryness and no quick relief—opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to apply for emergency federal loans. Caribbean Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the Atlantic and, while far from shore, could affect travel planning across the Caribbean as the season stays quiet but remains capable of ramping up in September. USVI Governance & Gaming: The VI Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee, leaving the St. Croix racetrack plan in limbo and tightening uncertainty for the local racing industry. Online Safety Settlement With Territory Reach: Meta agreed to a $17.1B settlement over alleged harm to children on Facebook and Instagram, with Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands included—adding new child-safety requirements alongside major state payouts. Small Business Policy: SBA proposed simplifying small business size standards to expand access to federal programs, a move that could matter for USVI firms seeking contracting and capital. Maritime Funding: DOT awarded nearly $665M for ferry projects across 14 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including vessel replacements, terminal upgrades and operating support. Local Business Disruption: Labour Day horse races on St. Thomas were cancelled after the Legislature effectively stalled the Southland Gaming agreement.

USVI Governance & Gaming: The USVI Legislature sent Bill 36-0313 back to committee, and Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says it effectively killed the Southland Gaming horse-racing deal—so the Labour Day races at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St. Thomas were cancelled. USPS & Territorial Trade: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged USPS to pause new duty-collection rules for mail from US territories, warning the system must match territorial legal protections. Drought & Agriculture: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the US Virgin Islands, citing extreme dryness on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix; the move is meant to unlock emergency farm loans. Online Safety & Consumer Protection: Meta’s $17.1B settlement over Facebook/Instagram child-safety claims includes USVI in the covered jurisdictions, with required safety changes like daily time caps. Maritime & Infrastructure: DOT awarded nearly $665M for ferry projects across 14 states and the US Virgin Islands, including vessel and terminal upgrades. AI & Trading: Webot will host a live webinar on AI’s role in automated trading, licensed across 48 states and the USVI.

USVI Drought Relief: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix in extreme drought, unlocking access to federal emergency loans for farmers and agricultural producers. USVI Gaming Oversight: The USVI Senate sent the Southland Gaming racetrack bill back to committee, putting electronic-gaming exclusivity, revenue sharing, financial analysis and the live racing agreement back under review. Meta Youth Safety Payouts (USVI included): A landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over Facebook and Instagram child-safety claims is set to pay jurisdictions including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with court approval required and new safety limits and features aimed at reducing addictive design. Google Play Antitrust (USVI included): A separate $700M Google Play antitrust settlement covers consumers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and other territories, with many payments expected to be automatic. Marine & Construction Watch: A proposed St. John superyacht marina faces a new legal challenge after environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over permitting and impact review. Cruise Industry Buzz: Royal Caribbean’s St. Thomas dive excursion lawsuit highlights equipment-failure risks tied to shore operations, while Norwegian Aura’s new wellness and dining lineup keeps tourism and hospitality in the spotlight.

Consumer Protection/Tech: South Dakota announced it will receive a minimum of $52.6M from a $17.1B multistate settlement with Meta over claims Meta designed addictive features for minors on Facebook and Instagram; the deal is tied to court approval and includes safety requirements for the platforms, with payouts spread over 10 years. Territory Impact/Online Safety: The same Meta settlement also covers the U.S. Virgin Islands among participating jurisdictions, alongside Puerto Rico and dozens of states, as regulators push for new child-focused safeguards. Disaster & Agriculture: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme dry conditions on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix; the declaration is meant to help farmers and agricultural producers access emergency federal loans. Transportation/Maritime Funding: DOT awarded nearly $664.8M for 23 ferry projects across 14 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including vessel replacements, terminal upgrades, and operating support. Tourism/Marine Business: A Royal Caribbean guest filed a maritime injury lawsuit after a scuba excursion in St. Thomas allegedly involved equipment failure underwater.

Drought Relief for Local Farms: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix in extreme drought—opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to apply for emergency federal loans. Cruise & Marine Tourism Watch: A Royal Caribbean guest filed a maritime injury lawsuit after a scuba excursion in St. Thomas allegedly involved a diving equipment failure; the claim is still unproven in court. Federal Ferry Funding: DOT awarded nearly $664.8 million for ferry projects across 14 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including vessel replacements, terminal upgrades, and operating assistance. Local Construction Under Legal Pressure: A proposed St. John superyacht marina near Coral Bay—about 115 slips and roughly $130 million—faces a new challenge after environmental groups sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over environmental and aesthetic review. Consumer Tech Settlement: The multistate Google Play antitrust settlement includes U.S. Virgin Islands residents, with many payments expected to go out automatically for eligible purchases between Aug. 16, 2016 and Sept. 30, 2023. Small Business Rules Update: SBA proposed simplifying small business size standards, aiming to streamline classifications and expand access to federal programs.

Drought Relief for Local Farms: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix in extreme drought and no quick relief in sight—opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to apply for federal emergency loans. Ferry Funding Boost: DOT awarded nearly $664.8 million for 23 ferry projects across 14 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including vessel replacements, terminal upgrades and operating help through multiple Federal Transit Administration programs. Cruise Safety & Local Tourism Pressure: A Royal Caribbean guest alleges scuba equipment failed during a St. Thomas dive, while the British Virgin Islands issued a marine safety warning after 20 accidents this year—an ongoing reminder that tourism growth depends on safe operations, not just visitor numbers. Google Play Antitrust Payouts: A $700 million Google Play settlement tied to app store and in-app billing practices is moving toward consumer refunds, including eligibility for people in the U.S. Virgin Islands who paid via Google Play during 2016–2023. Marina Development Under Legal Scrutiny: A proposed superyacht marina in St. John’s Coral Bay—backed by Louisiana-linked developers—faces a new lawsuit from local environmentalists seeking to halt Army Corps permits. Shipyard Workforce Investment: MARAD is pushing maritime jobs and upgrades with grants that include support for shipyard training and equipment, with the U.S. Virgin Islands listed among the program’s beneficiaries.

Drought Relief for Local Farms: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix in extreme drought and no quick rain in sight—clearing the way for farmers and agricultural producers to apply for emergency federal loans. Ferry Funding Boost: The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded nearly $664.8 million for 23 ferry projects across 14 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, covering vessel replacements, terminal upgrades and operating help. Cruise Industry Watch: Norwegian Cruise Line detailed new wellness and dining upgrades for its soon-to-debut Norwegian Aura, including a two-deck Thermal Suite with 15 wellness experiences and Tamara, its first specialty Indian restaurant, plus an immersive complimentary dining concept. Local Tourism Debate: New Caribbean Tourism Organization figures show the British Virgin Islands saw strong cruise growth in Q1, while critics question whether more cruise passengers always translate into better outcomes for residents. Maritime Safety Signal: The BVI issued a marine safety message after recording 20 marine accidents this year, urging better preparation and navigation judgment. Port/Shipyard Investment: MARAD is pushing maritime workforce and infrastructure funding, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included among recipients in a broader shipyard grant push. Consumer/Business Policy: A multistate Google Play antitrust settlement approved by a federal court could send restitution to eligible consumers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and elsewhere.

Drought Emergency: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix in extreme drought and no quick relief in sight—opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to apply for emergency federal loans. Tourism & Marine Safety: In the wider cruise economy, the British Virgin Islands issued a marine safety warning after recording 20 marine accidents this year, with collisions and groundings making up 90% of cases—an industry reminder that charter growth still depends on safe navigation and preparation. Local Infrastructure & Construction: On St. Croix, the Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened after a multiyear rebuild tied to hurricane damage, featuring solar power, water storage, and a gym designed to serve as a storm shelter. Maritime Industry Funding: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted MARAD’s $35.1 million push for shipyards nationwide, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included among the 24 states supported. Consumer Tech Settlement: A multistate antitrust settlement over Google Play app distribution and billing could send automatic restitution payments to eligible consumers in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Drought Relief for Local Farms: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster across the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix all in extreme dry conditions—opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to apply for federal emergency loans. Cruise Safety Watch: A Royal Caribbean guest says scuba gear failed during a St. Thomas dive, leading to lasting injuries, and has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit. Local Energy & Resilience: A new St. Croix school opening highlights how rebuilding is being paired with practical upgrades—Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 now includes storm-shelter capacity, water storage and solar power as part of a broader post-hurricane redevelopment. Port & Maritime Funding: MARAD is pushing maritime workforce and infrastructure support, including $35.1 million for shipyards nationwide that also includes the U.S. Virgin Islands. Business & Services: SBA proposes simplifying small business size standards to expand access to federal programs, while Home Depot rolls out nationwide express delivery using its stores as fulfillment hubs. Tech & Consumer Impact: A multistate antitrust settlement over Google Play could send payments to eligible users, including claim-free refunds for many who bought apps or in-app content in the covered period. Education & Youth Agriculture: National FFA reports record membership, and local FFA chapters are expanding connections beyond the territory.

Engineering Leadership: Haley Ward named Shawn Tobey, PE as its first northeast operations director, expanding strategic oversight across offices in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Disaster & Agriculture: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, enabling St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix farmers and agricultural producers to seek federal emergency loans. Consumer & Competition Policy: A multistate antitrust settlement tied to Google Play could send restitution to eligible consumers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and elsewhere, with many payments expected to go out automatically. Maritime & Cruise Safety: A Royal Caribbean guest alleges scuba equipment failed during a St. Thomas dive, prompting a maritime personal injury lawsuit. Ports & Shipyard Funding: MARAD is investing $35.1 million in shipyards nationwide, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included among the 24 states/territories receiving support. Local Infrastructure & Education: The Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix, part of a broader $264 million redevelopment effort. Small Business Rules: SBA proposed simplifying small business size standards to expand access to federal programs and contracting opportunities. Energy & Resilience: A new push for protective conditions around utility-scale solar and battery projects highlights local permitting and safety expectations.

Drought Relief for Farmers: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands after extreme dry conditions hit St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, unlocking federal emergency loans for farmers and agricultural producers as Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. warns relief isn’t immediate. Consumer Refunds & Competition: A federal court approved a $700 million Google Play antitrust settlement tied to app distribution and in-app billing practices; eligible customers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and elsewhere may receive payments automatically, with most not needing to file claims. Maritime Safety Watch: The British Virgin Islands issued a marine tourism safety message after 20 accidents were recorded this year, with collisions and groundings making up the vast majority—an industry reminder that safe navigation depends on competence and preparation. Local Education Infrastructure: A new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and featuring storm-shelter-ready design, water storage and solar power. Small Business Rules Update: The SBA proposed simplifying small business size standards and expanding access to federal programs by modernizing how firms are classified.

Drought Relief for Farmers: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix facing extreme dryness and no quick relief in sight—opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to apply for federal emergency loans. Consumer Tech Refunds: A federal court approved a $700 million Google Play antitrust settlement tied to Android app distribution and in-app billing; eligible customers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and other jurisdictions may receive payments automatically, with most people not needing to file claims. Cruise Safety in the Region: British Virgin Islands authorities issued a marine safety warning after recording 20 marine accidents this year, with collisions and groundings making up the vast majority—an industry reminder that safe navigation depends on preparation and judgment. Shipyard Funding: MARAD is pushing maritime workforce and infrastructure upgrades, including support for shipyard work tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands in a broader $35.1 million push for small shipyards. Tourism Oversight: A Senate committee grilled Magens Bay Authority and WICO officials, focusing on reserves, service shortfalls, and financial projections—spotlighting how public oversight can shape visitor-facing operations.

Drought Relief for Farmers: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme dry conditions on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. The move lets local farmers and agricultural producers apply for federal emergency loans, with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. saying it’s another tool to help protect food security while conditions persist. Consumer Refunds: A $700 million Google Play antitrust settlement is moving toward payouts for eligible customers across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with many payments expected to go out automatically. Cruise Safety & Local Tourism: A Royal Caribbean guest filed a maritime injury lawsuit after a scuba excursion in St. Thomas allegedly involved a diving equipment failure at about 50 feet. Separately, the BVI issued a marine safety message after recording 20 marine accidents this year, urging better navigation preparation. Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD is investing $35.1 million in small shipyards nationwide, including support tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands, as part of a push for equipment upgrades and workforce development. Local Infrastructure & Resilience: On St. Croix, the new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 school opened after hurricane-damage rebuilding, featuring storm-shelter capacity, water storage, and solar power.

Disaster Relief for Agriculture: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix all in extreme drought, unlocking federal emergency loans for farmers and agricultural producers as dry conditions persist. Local Water Reality Check: The drought is also hitting neighboring Puerto Rico, where officials have moved to water rationing, with experts pointing to a strong El Niño pattern and a below-average hurricane outlook. Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD is pushing $35.1 million into small shipyards nationwide, including support tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands, as part of a broader push to upgrade facilities and workforce training. Energy & Permitting Friction: A new debate is heating up around utility-scale solar and battery storage siting, with residents and local decision-makers demanding professional engineering reports and clearer hazard mitigation before “green” projects move forward. Education & Community Resilience: A new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix, designed to replace hurricane-damaged facilities and include storm-shelter-ready space plus solar and water storage.

Cruise Tourism & Local Travel: More Caribbean cruisers are adding hotel stays before or after sailing to avoid missed departures and to squeeze in extra time in ports like Miami and San Juan, while multi-island routes are packing more back-to-back stops (including St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antigua and Dominica) into standard itineraries. Energy & Permitting: A new debate is heating up around “green” solar and battery projects near homes, with residents urging developers to meet protective health-and-safety conditions and provide professional engineering reports. Local Governance & Public Works: Senators on St. Thomas pressed Magens Bay Authority and WICO officials on reserves, service gaps, and projected financial performance, including concerns about electricity and food access. Tourism Economics (BVI): The BVI reported strong cruise growth in Q1, but critics are questioning whether passenger counts alone reflect real tourism value, especially given short port stays. Maritime Industry: MARAD is sending $35.1 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment and workforce training, and Port Tampa Bay highlighted related port investment and ship repair capacity. Education & Construction: A new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 school opened on St. Croix, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities with solar power and a gym that can serve as a storm shelter. Tech & Health Services: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live tele-audiology sessions for OTC hearing device owners.