AGP Executive Report

Workforce Crunch: At the VI Economic Development Summit, contractors and officials warned the disaster recovery buildout hinges on attracting, housing, and training enough workers—plus fixing gaps in local support services like surveying, material testing, trucking, and even dumpsters. Panelists also flagged the need for stronger local subcontractors and incentives to bring Virgin Islanders back into the labor pool. Emergency Readiness: In BVI, 25 officers and first responders finished Incident Command Systems training, strengthening coordinated response across immigration, prisons, ports, fire, customs, and police. Mental Health Push: The VI Health Department rolled out “I Geh You,” a Gen Z-focused suicide prevention campaign for ages 14–26, with a new online resource hub. Local Governance Debate: In the BVI, Rep. Ronnie Skelton urged reforms to Crown land access, even as COI criticism of past allocation practices keeps pressure on transparency. Regional Watch: A major drought update shows extreme to exceptional conditions across parts of the U.S., while a separate smuggling interdiction in Puerto Rico led to 64 migrant apprehensions.

Zapatero Case: A leaked UDEF report puts Spain’s Plus Ultra bailout under a sharper spotlight, alleging a wider network of influence peddling, shell companies, and fictitious invoices tied to José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero—he denies wrongdoing. Emergency Readiness: In the VI, 25 public officers and first responders finished Incident Command Systems training, strengthening coordinated response across immigration, ports, disaster management, and fire services. Mental Health Push: The VI Department of Health launched “I Geh You,” a Gen Z suicide-prevention campaign for ages 14–26, with a new online portal and outreach across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. Crown Land Debate (BVI): BVI’s Ronnie Skelton urged the Crown Lands Advisory Board to expand access to Crown land, even as the COI previously criticized opaque, favoritism-prone allocations. Sustainability & Finance (BVI/Region): Aura Minerals released its GRI-based sustainability report, while BVI regulators approved a digital-asset firm’s SIBA/VASP licenses—signals of growing regulatory focus on responsible growth.

Emergency Readiness: Twenty-five public officers across immigration, prisons, ports, airports, disaster management, fire and rescue, customs, and police in the BVI completed Incident Command Systems training, with PAHO/WHO trainer Peter C. Burgess leading April 27–29 simulations to strengthen coordinated response. Public Health & Youth: The VI Department of Health rolled out “I Geh You,” a territory-wide Gen Z mental health and suicide prevention campaign for ages 14–26, using culturally relevant messaging and a new doh.vi.gov/GenZ portal. Border Security: Air and Marine Operations in Puerto Rico intercepted a suspected yola vessel carrying 64 migrants (58 Dominican Republic, 6 Haiti), transferring them for processing and removal proceedings. Land Governance Debate (BVI): Territorial At-Large Rep. Ronnie Skelton urged the new Crown Lands Advisory Board to expand access for Virgin Islanders, even as earlier COI criticism highlighted past allocation gaps and transparency concerns. Sustainability Angle: A new VI-linked sustainability report from Aura Minerals spotlights safety and community-focused projects, including turning wastewater into process water and repurposing mining waste for agriculture.

Local Governance: Territorial At-Large Rep. Ronnie Skelton is urging the new Crown Lands Advisory Board to expand who can buy Crown land in the BVI, arguing it supports stability and generational wealth—while the backdrop remains the COI’s sharp criticism of past Crown land allocations for lacking clear criteria and oversight. Community Wellbeing: The V.I. Department of Health launched “I Geh You,” a territory-wide Gen Z mental health and suicide prevention campaign for ages 14–26, with a new online portal and messaging aimed at reducing stigma. Regional Access & Culture: Blue Star Museums is running free summer admission for active-duty military families across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including OMAM in Ormond Beach. Sustainability & Resilience: Aura Minerals released its 6th annual sustainability report, highlighting safety, responsibility, and local supplier spending. Energy & Borders: Air and Marine Operations in Puerto Rico interdicted a suspected smuggling vessel carrying 64 migrants. Tech & Finance: BIT expanded its regulatory footprint in the BVI with FSC approval for Matrixport’s SIBA licence and VASP registration.

Slow-mo Luxury Travel: Elite villa stays are surging, with “slow-mo” trips pushing bookings above $10,000 a night and up 42% as affluent travelers trade fast itineraries for longer, frictionless estate experiences. Military & Community Access: Blue Star Museums kicks off free summer admission for active-duty service members and up to five family members, with OMAM in Ormond Beach among participating sites. Gen Z Mental Health Push: The V.I. Department of Health launches “I Geh You,” a territory-wide suicide prevention campaign for ages 14–26, pairing culturally relevant messaging with a new online hub. Border Operations: Air and Marine Operations in western Puerto Rico intercepted a suspected smuggling vessel carrying 64 migrants, transferring them for processing. Climate & Risk Context: A new U.S. Drought Monitor map flags widespread “extreme” to “exceptional” drought across multiple regions, underscoring broader environmental strain.

Mental Health Push: The V.I. Department of Health rolled out “I Geh You,” a territory-wide suicide prevention campaign aimed at Gen Z ages 14–26, using TV, radio, outdoor ads, and a new doh.vi.gov/GenZ portal to cut stigma and help families respond to rising teen stress. Border & Safety: U.S. Air and Marine Operations, with partners, interdicted a smuggling attempt in western Puerto Rico, stopping a Yola-type vessel carrying 64 migrants and moving them into processing for removal proceedings. Climate & Water Watch: A new U.S. Drought Monitor map shows major areas in “extreme” to “exceptional” drought, underscoring how fast conditions can tighten. Local Governance: BVI telecom regulator Guy Malone was elected chairman of OOCUR, signaling continued regional leadership on energy sustainability and regulatory modernization. Community Engagement: RVIPF plans a May 29 “non-enforcement” Meet Your Community Policing Officers event in East End—conversation first, enforcement nowhere.

Mental Health Push: The V.I. Department of Health rolled out its 3-month “I Geh You” Gen Z suicide-prevention campaign for ages 14–26, using local media, digital outreach, and a new portal at doh.vi.gov/GenZ to cut stigma and help families spot and respond to risk. Border & Safety: U.S. Air and Marine Operations, with Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations, intercepted a suspected smuggling vessel in western Puerto Rico carrying 64 migrants and moved the group to the Mayagüez Port of Entry for processing. Climate Pressure: A new U.S. Drought Monitor map flags widespread “extreme” to “exceptional” drought across parts of the West, Plains, South, and Southeast—while the latest hurricane cone update aims to show impacts beyond the storm track, including inland areas. Regional Leadership: BVI telecom regulator Guy Malone was elected chairman of the Organization of Caribbean Utility Regulators, signaling continued push on energy sustainability and regulatory modernization. Corrections Watch: An independent prison review points to staffing and infrastructure gaps, with Westgate singled out for “weakness” in recruitment and morale hits. Tech & Finance: BVI’s BIT expansion gained FSC approval for Matrixport’s investment and virtual-asset services, while Alpha Compute reported a major Q2 contract and Mkango filed for an F-4 business combination. Marine Innovation: A reef-survey robot tested off the U.S. Virgin Islands helped track marine life hotspots, including shrimp sounds and long barracuda follow-ups.

Corrections Under Scrutiny: An independent detention review says prisons are struggling with “notable inconsistency in policy and practice,” with Westgate hit hardest by weak staffing recruitment, insufficient infrastructure investment, and shortages that are dragging staff morale—though healthcare at Westgate is flagged as “particularly positive,” and other facilities show “positive and hopeful” regimes. Tourism Talent Boost: The Caribbean Tourism Organization is set to launch a scholarship fund for Caribbean women in tourism, funded by proceeds from a June 1 leadership dinner in New York. Storm Readiness Update: The U.S. National Hurricane Center is updating the 2026 hurricane cone to show a wider range of impacts, including inland watches and warnings relevant to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Community Safety (No Enforcement): The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force will host a May 29 “Meet Your Community Policing Officers” event in East End—conversation first, enforcement nowhere. Health & Sun Safety: A new Environmental Working Group sunscreen guide finds only about 20% of tested products are both safe and effective, with recommendations for babies, kids, and daily use.

Hurricane Preparedness Update: The U.S. National Hurricane Center is refreshing the 2026 hurricane “cone of uncertainty” to show more than just the storm track—now it better highlights inland areas where tropical storm and hurricane watches/warnings can apply, underscoring that impacts can extend well beyond the path. BVI Financial Oversight: BIT expands its regulatory reach after Matrixport Technologies won BVI FSC approval for a SIBA Investment Business Licence and VASP registration. VI Risk & Resilience: A St. Thomas woman was arrested over alleged elder abuse and financial exploitation of her mother, while RVIPF is set for a May 29 “non-enforcement” community policing meet-and-greet in East End. Reef Tech for Conservation: WHOI researchers tested an autonomous underwater robot (CUREE) in the U.S. Virgin Islands that can home in on coral reef biodiversity hotspots using sound and vision. Health & Sun Safety: A new EWG sunscreen guide says only about 20% of tested products are both safe and effective.

Court Ruling: A Delaware court said an AIG unit doesn’t have to pay $2.5M in defense costs tied to pollution suits in the U.S. Virgin Islands—only costs after the insurer got notice are on the table. Business Updates: Orca Energy pushed back audited filings under its management cease trade order, now targeting May 29, while Aura Minerals released its 2025 sustainability report. Marine Tech: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, a new autonomous reef robot (CUREE) used sound and vision to track shrimp and even a barracuda, pointing to faster, safer biodiversity mapping. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean; no tsunami expected. Local Governance: The RVIPF is set for a May 29 “non-enforcement” community policing meet-and-greet in East End. Health & Safety: VI authorities reminded fishing tournament organizers they need licences before promoting or running events.

Sustainability Reporting: Aura Minerals dropped its 6th Annual Sustainability Report, laying out 2025 progress on safety, environmental responsibility, and community projects—from reusing wastewater for processing water in Brazil to turning mining waste into farm inputs in Almas. Public Health & Travel: The VI Ministry of Health says hantavirus risk to the territory remains low while it monitors a reported cluster tied to a cruise vessel outside the Caribbean, with enhanced surveillance and port health readiness underway. Disaster Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean and was felt across multiple islands; no tsunami is expected, but officials are urging calm and reliance on official updates. Marine Conservation Tech: WHOI researchers tested an autonomous reef robot (CUREE) in the U.S. Virgin Islands that can home in on biodiversity hotspots using sound and vision. Local Governance: In Tortola, RVIPF plans a May 29 “non-enforcement” community policing meet-and-greet to connect with residents and hear concerns.

Sunscreen Safety Check: A new EWG 2026 guide says only about 20% of 2,784 sunscreens tested are both safe and effective, with the report steering shoppers toward products that cover UVA and UVB and warning against inflated SPF claims. Earthquake & Preparedness: A magnitude 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean, with light shaking reported across nearby islands and officials saying no tsunami is expected. Local Health & Travel Watch: The VI Ministry of Health says hantavirus risk to the territory remains low while it monitors a reported cruise-linked cluster outside the Caribbean. Community Policing: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force plans a May 29 “non-enforcement” community event in East End to connect with residents—no tickets, just conversation. Elder Abuse Case: A St. Thomas woman was arrested over alleged financial exploitation, severe neglect, and abuse of her mother with Alzheimer’s dementia. Coral Reef Tech: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, an autonomous underwater robot helped map reef biodiversity hotspots by combining sound and vision.

Earthquake Watch: A strong magnitude 6.1 quake rattled the Eastern Caribbean Sunday, with tremors felt around St. Kitts and Nevis and across multiple islands; officials say no injuries or damage have been reported and there’s no tsunami threat, though residents are still talking about unusual sea-level drops and exposed shoreline at Nevis’ Oualie Beach. Community Safety (No-Pressure): The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is hosting a “non-enforcement” community meet-and-greet on May 29 in East End—stop by, ask questions, and connect with officers (free chicken soup included). Elder Abuse Case: A St. Thomas woman was arrested over alleged elder abuse and financial exploitation of her mother, including claims of diverted funds and control of property. Marine Tech for Reefs: WHOI researchers tested an autonomous underwater robot in the U.S. Virgin Islands that can track marine life hotspots using sound and vision. Local Development: Cedar International School in Tortola broke ground on its Arts Centre, aiming to expand arts learning after years of delays. Health Access: An at-home STI testing program is expanding, with Virgin Islands mentioned among areas being targeted for improved access.

Rare Earth Supply Shock: Australia ordered six shareholders to divest from Northern Minerals over “security” concerns, with Chinese experts calling it politicized overreach that could disrupt investment and rare-earth supply chains. Local Governance & Justice: In the VI, a St. Thomas woman was arrested over alleged elder abuse and financial exploitation of her mother, while court dockets also spotlight sanitation and loose-waste hauling violations. Community Safety (Soft Approach): The RVIPF will hold a “non-enforcement” community policing meet-and-greet on May 29 in East End—no tickets, just conversation and chicken soup. Earth & Health Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake was felt off the Leeward Islands with no tsunami expected, and health officials say hantavirus risk to the VI remains low despite a reported cruise-linked cluster abroad. Reef Tech for Conservation: A new autonomous underwater robot tested in the U.S. Virgin Islands can track shrimp and barracuda and map coral-reef biodiversity hotspots using sound and vision. Education & Community Pride: UVI celebrated St. Croix graduates at Island Center for the Performing Arts.

Political Futures: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the U.S. Virgin Islands’ relationship with the U.S. isn’t set in stone, noting Congress holds “plenary” authority and hinting at possible deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. Earth & Safety: A magnitude 6.0 quake hit Saturday off the Leeward Islands; reports said light shaking and no tsunami expected. Elder Protection: A St. Thomas woman was arrested over alleged financial exploitation, severe neglect, and abuse of her elderly mother with Alzheimer’s. Community Policing: The RVIPF plans a May 29 “non-enforcement” meet-and-greet in East End—conversation only, plus free chicken soup. Health Watch: Health officials say hantavirus risk to the VI remains low while monitoring a cruise-linked cluster elsewhere. Marine Tech: A reef robot tested around the U.S. Virgin Islands can track shrimp and barracuda and map coral hotspots using sound and vision. Waste & Accountability: VIWMA cleared about 2,800 illegally dumped tires at Mon Bijou, warning dumping violators face fines and jail.

Future of the Territory: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the U.S. relationship isn’t set in stone, noting the Constitution doesn’t fully apply and hinting at possible deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake hit Saturday east of Antigua and no tsunami risk was reported. Elder Abuse Case: A St. Thomas woman was arrested over alleged financial exploitation, severe neglect, and abuse of her elderly mother with Alzheimer’s. Community Policing: The RVIPF plans a “non-enforcement” Meet Your Community Policing Officers event May 29 in East End, with conversation and free chicken soup. Health Monitoring: The VI Ministry of Health says hantavirus risk remains low locally while it tracks a reported cluster tied to a cruise vessel outside the Caribbean. Reef Tech for Conservation: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, an autonomous underwater robot (CUREE) is helping map coral reef biodiversity hotspots using sound and sight. Waste & Cleanups: VIWMA says it cleared about 2,800 illegally dumped tires at the Mon Bijou bin site.