AGP Executive Report

Budget Oversight: The Senate committee grilled Magens Bay Authority and WICO officials over FY2027 plans, including Magens Bay’s reported $10M+ reserves while Smith Bay Park faces basic service gaps, and questions about WICO’s projected net loss and payments to the territory. Public Works & Education: A new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix, part of a broader $264M rebuild effort after hurricanes Irma and Maria, adding solar power, storm-shelter capacity, and water storage. Maritime & Shipbuilding: MARAD awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training—an industry boost for local maritime capacity. Cruise Tourism: VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026 (+29.3%), helped by activity around the Tortola pier park. Health & Safety: A Class I recall flagged ~29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without mandatory federal import reinspection, prompting Caribbean distributors to audit freezer stock.

Education & Resilience: The new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix, a 139,000-square-foot campus built to replace hurricane-damaged facilities as part of a $264 million redevelopment, with solar power, storm-shelter-ready design, and water storage. Telehealth & Hearing Care: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live tele-audiology sessions for ELEHEAR device owners—45 minutes with a licensed professional, remote fitting and follow-up, priced at $99 per session. Public Safety: A man in the VI was ordered to 24-hour house arrest and GPS monitoring after police said a Glock 19 fell from his waistband during a chase; charges tied to a rifle in a backpack were not upheld. Food Supply Chain: Federal health officials issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina, warning Caribbean distributors and kitchens to audit affected lots. Maritime Industry: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Local Business & Energy Policy: BVI lawmakers debated electricity rate changes, with opposition warning higher bills could hit small businesses and food costs. Agriculture Skills Pipeline: National FFA membership hit a record 1,053,847 students across 9,591 chapters, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cruise Tourism: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026, up 29.3%.

Education & Resilience: The new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened Aug. 7 on St. Croix, a 139,000-square-foot campus for 735 students that replaces hurricane-damaged facilities and is part of a $264 million redevelopment effort, with solar power, water storage, and a gym that can serve as a storm shelter. Telehealth & Local Access: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live tele-audiology with one-on-one licensed professionals for OTC hearing device owners via the ELEHEAR app. Maritime & Jobs: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, to fund equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce training. Port Infrastructure: VIPA is moving forward on a $22.4 million upgrade of the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal on St. Croix, with design work underway and a public meeting set for Aug. 14. Public Safety & Security Training: WRAP Technologies and XINSURANCE announced the WRAP Safe Response Program, aiming to standardize training and readiness for private security personnel across many sectors. Food Safety: A Class I recall was issued for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without required federal import reinspection—prompting Caribbean distributors to audit freezer stock.

Public Safety: A man in Frederiksted, St. Croix, Quasheem Christian, was ordered to 24-hour house arrest with GPS monitoring after a judge found probable cause tied to a Glock 19 that police say fell from his waistband during a chase; the court did not uphold charges tied to a rifle found in a backpack. Maritime & Trade: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4 million design-phase upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal on St. Croix, including repairs to mooring/fendering and container-yard pavement. Shipping & Food Supply Chain: A Class I recall was issued for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without mandatory federal reinspection, with Caribbean distributors urged to audit freezer stock. Cruise Tourism: The VI ranked third among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in Jan–Mar 2026, up 29.3% year over year. Agriculture & Education: USDA awarded a greenhouse grant to expand agricultural education and year-round food production in a school district, highlighting Farm to School-style classroom growing. Energy Policy: In Tortola, BVI lawmakers debated electricity rate changes, with opposition warning the formula could raise costs for small businesses.

Port & Shipping: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4 million upgrade of the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal on St. Croix, with design work underway and a public meeting set for Aug. 14 to review terminal repairs, container-yard pavement work, and safety upgrades. Cruise Tourism: New data highlights the VI as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, ranking third with 493,397 passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026—up 29.3% year over year. Maritime Industry Funding: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program, supporting equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Food & Agriculture: A Class I recall was issued for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without mandatory import reinspection—prompting local distributors and kitchens to audit freezer stock. Public Safety & Courts: In St. Croix, Quasheem Christian was ordered to 24-hour house arrest and GPS monitoring after a Glock 19 allegedly fell from his waistband during a police chase; the court declined to uphold charges tied to a rifle found in a backpack.

Maritime & Ports: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4 million upgrade of the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal on St. Croix, now in design, with planned structural repairs, new mooring and fendering gear, and container-yard pavement work. Cruise Tourism: The U.S. Virgin Islands ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, welcoming 493,397 passenger arrivals in Jan–Mar 2026—up 29.3% year over year—boosted by activity around the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. Food Safety: A Class I recall was issued for about 29,628 pounds of raw, frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without mandatory U.S. reinspection; Caribbean distributors, including in the U.S. Virgin Islands, are urged to audit freezer stock. Water & Infrastructure (Region): Puerto Rico’s drought-driven water rationing is leaving 180,000 households with limited access, while officials face criticism over management and aging pipes. Agriculture Education: The National FFA Organization reported record growth to 1,053,847 student members in 2025–2026, including students in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Food Safety & Trade: A Class I recall warns that about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina entered commerce without required U.S. import reinspection, prompting Caribbean-area distributors—including in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico—to audit freezer stock and avoid processing affected lots. Maritime & Ports: The U.S. Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4 million upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal in St. Croix, with design work underway and a public meeting set for Aug. 14. Cruise Tourism: The U.S. Virgin Islands placed third among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in Jan–Mar 2026, up 29.3% year over year. Local Energy Costs (BVI): Opposition lawmaker Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton says proposed changes to BVI Electricity Corporation rates could raise bills for small businesses, warning electricity costs can quickly hit food prices. Shipping Policy: Guam residents report higher mail shipping costs to U.S. states after USPS required third-party duty collection via the Zonos Prepay app.

Maritime & Ports: MARAD awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, backing equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training to boost shipyard productivity. St. Croix Infrastructure: VIPA is moving ahead with a $22.4M Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal upgrade in St. Croix, with design underway and a public meeting set for Aug. 14. Cruise Tourism: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, welcoming 493,397 passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026—up 29.3% year over year. Local Energy Policy: BVI lawmakers debated electricity rate changes, with opposition member Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton warning the formula could raise costs for small businesses and affect food prices. Food Safety: A Class I recall flagged about 29,628 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef tied to missed mandatory import reinspection, with Caribbean distributors urged to audit affected lots. VI Cannabis Rollout: OCR says licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially opening before year-end, pending lab readiness.

Energy & Cost of Living: BVI opposition member Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton warned that proposed changes to BVI Electricity Corporation rates could raise bills for small businesses, arguing electricity is the “lifeblood of the economy” and higher costs could ripple into food prices. Maritime & Local Jobs: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program, targeting equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. St. Croix Port Upgrade: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4 million design-phase upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14. Food Safety: A Class I recall flagged about 29,628 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef from Argentina after it entered commerce without required import reinspection—urging Caribbean distributors, including USVI, to check freezer stock. USVI Cannabis Rollout: OCR says licensed cannabis cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially opening before year-end, while sales hinge on a product-testing lab being operational. Cruise Tourism: VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026 (+29.3%).

Maritime Funding: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program, backing equipment buys, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce training to boost productivity and local hiring. Food Safety & Trade: A Class I recall was issued for about 29,628 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef after monitoring found the shipment entered commerce without required federal import reinspection—prompting Caribbean distributors, including in the territories, to audit freezer stock. Local Infrastructure: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4 million upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal in St. Croix, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14 on design and planned repairs. Cannabis Regulation: In the VI, licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially ready before year-end, but sales hinge on a product-testing lab being operational.

Food Safety & Trade: A Class I recall hit nearly 30,000 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef from Argentina after USDA monitoring found the shipment entered commerce without required reinspection, prompting Caribbean distributors to audit freezer stock. Private Security Standards: WRAP Technologies and XINSURANCE announced a WRAP Safe Response Program to standardize training and readiness for private security across sectors that often lack armed escalation options. Local Infrastructure (St. Croix): The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4M design-phase upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal, including structural repairs, mooring/fender replacement, and container-yard pavement work, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14. Cannabis Regulation (USVI): The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially opening before year-end, but sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected by October. Cruise Tourism: The USVI placed among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, welcoming 493,397 passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026, up 29.3% year over year. Timekeeping Debate: Trump renewed calls to make daylight saving time permanent, a move that could affect planning for businesses and travelers even as territories like the USVI don’t observe DST.

Clean Water Act Case: Federal prosecutors unsealed charges against Ganaderos Borges Inc. and four employees tied to an alleged illegal discharge of slaughterhouse wastewater into a creek that flows to the Caribbean Sea near Tropical Beach in Naguabo, Puerto Rico—accused of violating the Clean Water Act and conspiring to do so. Cruise Tourism: The U.S. Virgin Islands placed among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, welcoming 493,397 passenger arrivals in Jan–Mar 2026, up 29.3% year over year, with momentum linked to activity around the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. Port & Logistics: St. Croix is moving ahead with a $22.4 million Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal container terminal upgrade, currently in design, with repairs to structures, mooring/fendering, and container-yard pavement. Agriculture Education: Jewell School District received a $200,000 USDA Farm to School grant to build a greenhouse and expand year-round agricultural education and student food production. Local Cannabis Rollout: In the VI, licensed cannabis cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially ready before year-end, while commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected to be operational by October. Energy/Industry Watch: SenesTech posted Q2 2026 results showing revenue growth driven by record e-commerce performance and a shift to in-house Amazon management.

Cruise & Tourism: The U.S. Virgin Islands is surging in Caribbean cruise traffic, ranking third fastest-growing destination in the region, with 493,397 cruise passenger arrivals in Jan–Mar 2026—up 29.3% year over year—adding roughly 112,000 more visitors in just three months, a boost tied to activity around the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park and the territory’s multi-island appeal. Port Infrastructure: St. Croix’s container terminal upgrade is moving ahead: the Virgin Islands Port Authority is in design for a $22.4 million Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal project, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14 and planned structural repairs, mooring/fender replacement, and container-yard pavement work. Cannabis Regulation: The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially ready before end of 2026, but sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected to be operational by October. Retail & Local Economy: Home Depot announced interim CEO management while CEO Ted Decker takes temporary medical leave, with senior executives stepping in for day-to-day operations and financial oversight.

Port & Logistics: St. Croix is moving ahead with a $22.4 million upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal, now in the design phase, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14 and planned repairs to structures, mooring/fendering, and the container yard. Cannabis Regulation: In the Virgin Islands, the Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially ready before year-end—though commercial sales wait until a product-testing lab is operational, targeted for October. Agriculture & Workforce: The National FFA Organization hit a new high with 1,053,847 student members across 9,591 chapters in 2025-2026, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Health & Consumer Costs: A $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition is advancing through state attorney general actions, pending approval. Local Economy Watch: A USVI employment update points to volatility, with Q3 2025 showing net private-sector job losses after earlier gains.

Port & Logistics: St. Croix is moving ahead with a $22.4 million upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal, currently in design, with structural repairs, new mooring and fendering, and container-yard pavement work planned after a public meeting set for Aug. 14. Cannabis Regulation: In the USVI, licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially opening before year-end 2026, but commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab being operational (stakeholders say by October). Agriculture & Workforce Training: The National FFA Organization hit a new record with 1,053,847 student members in 2025-2026 across 9,591 chapters, including students in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Health & Consumer Costs: A multi-state coalition announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price inflation and reduced competition, with total payments to state enforcers estimated at about $469 million if approved. Local Economy Watch: USVI employment data shows volatility—Q3 2025 net private-sector employment fell by 324 jobs after gross gains and losses swung in opposite directions.

USVI Cannabis Rollout: The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start “within weeks,” with at least two dispensaries potentially ready before year-end 2026, but commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected to be operational by October. St. Croix Port Upgrade: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4 million design-phase upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal, including structural repairs, new mooring and fendering gear, and container-yard pavement reconstruction, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14. Hemp Policy Watch: A coalition of attorneys general is urging Congress to preserve the 2025 federal hemp redefinition and keep protections in place to prevent intoxicating hemp-derived products from returning to the market. Medicare Advantage Pressure (Puerto Rico): Lawmakers are pushing HHS/CMS to set a Medicare Advantage benchmark for Puerto Rico starting in 2028, aligning it with the level used for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Caribbean Water Stress: Puerto Rico’s drought is driving rotating 48-hour water rationing for more than 180,000 customers in the San Juan area through August, underscoring regional infrastructure strain. Caribbean Tourism Threat: New reporting says sargassum hit record levels this summer—27 million metric tons in July—smothering beaches across the Caribbean and Gulf and raising fresh tourism concerns.