AGP Executive Report

BVI Governance: Mark Vanterpool is pushing for major decentralisation in the British Virgin Islands, arguing key ministries should be moved to Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke to cut Tortola-only development and boost sister-island economies. USVI Power Reliability: A total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John early Sunday for the second time this weekend, with VI Water and Power citing loss of generation and pointing to long-standing capacity and maintenance problems. USVI Courts: Federal judge Mark Kearney denied new trials or acquittals for Ray Martinez and Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case, saying the trial record supported the convictions. BVI 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 the approved budget, forcing redesigns. Caribbean Safety: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas.

Power Outages in USVI: St. Thomas and St. John saw a total blackout early Sunday—its second this weekend—after a loss of generation at a power plant, leaving thousands without service as residents vented online and officials point to aging equipment and deferred maintenance. Local Justice Update: A federal judge denied post-trial bids from former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case, keeping their convictions in place. BVI Governance & Security Talks: Premier Natalio Wheatley called for transferring Virgin Islands security responsibilities from the UK to the local government, arguing for democratic accountability ahead of constitutional negotiations. Infrastructure Setback (BVI): West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment in the BVI is delayed after bids came in far above the approved budget, forcing redesigns under a CDB-funded loan. Caribbean Tourism (USVI): Premier Wheatley will join Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and other regional tourism leaders for Caribbean Week in New York 2026. Hurricane Season Watch: The 2026 Atlantic season opens with no storms, but forecasts still warn that even a below-normal year can bring a life-changing hurricane.

Power Outages: A total blackout struck St. Thomas and St. John twice this weekend, with VI Water and Power citing loss of generation and pointing to broader reliability problems. Local Justice: A federal judge denied new trials or acquittals for former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case. Government & Security Talks: Premier Natalio Wheatley urged transferring security responsibilities from the UK to the Virgin Islands government, arguing for democratic accountability as constitutional talks move forward. Infrastructure Delays: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment is set back after bids came in far above the approved budget, forcing redesigns. Hurricane Season Watch: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season opened June 1 with no storms yet, but forecasts still warn that even a below-normal year can bring a life-changing hit. Maritime Rescue: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas. Crime Update: A St. Thomas man, D’Quan Rogers, faces domestic-violence-related charges after police say he punched his partner, leaving her unconscious and bleeding. Health Alert: A study reports dengue cases in the US surged in 2024, with most linked to travel, including Caribbean destinations such as Puerto Rico and the USVI.

Coast Guard Rescue: The U.S. Coast Guard saved a boater after a charter vessel caught fire and sank near St. Thomas, transferring the only passenger to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Power Outages: St. Thomas and St. John saw a total blackout twice this weekend, with VI Water and Power citing loss of generation and residents frustrated as outages keep recurring. Courts: Federal Judge Mark Kearney denied new trials or acquittals for former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case. Local Governance: BVI Premier Wheatley backed transferring security power from the UK to the Virgin Islands government, arguing for democratic accountability in security decisions. Infrastructure: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are a major setback after bids came in far above budget. Public Safety: A St. Thomas man, D’Quan Rogers, faces domestic-violence-related charges after police say he punched his partner, leaving her unconscious and bleeding. Health Watch: A new report says U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most infections tied to travel to the Caribbean, including the USVI.

Power Outages: A total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John twice this weekend after generation was lost at a power plant, leaving thousands without electricity and sparking fresh frustration as crews worked to restore service. Courts & Corruption: A federal judge denied new trials or acquittals for former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case, saying the trial record supported the convictions. Local Safety: A St. Thomas man, D’Quan Rogers, faces domestic-violence-related charges after police say he punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding. Governance & Security: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley called for transferring security responsibilities from the UK to the territory’s government, arguing for democratic accountability. Tourism Leadership: Premier Wheatley is set to join USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr and other Caribbean tourism leaders for Caribbean Week in New York. Connectivity: American Airlines plans to install Starlink on more than 500 planes starting in 2027, a boost for Caribbean travelers. Culture: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95.

Mon Ethos Corruption Case: A federal judge denied new trials or acquittals for former US Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil, saying the trial record supported the jury’s fraud, bribery, and money-laundering convictions. Power Outages: St. Thomas and St. John saw a total blackout twice this weekend after generation was lost at a power plant, adding to mounting frustration over frequent outages. Public Safety: A St. Thomas man, D’Quan Rogers, faces domestic-violence-related charges after police say he punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding. Regional Leadership: Premier Natalio Wheatley will join Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Caribbean tourism officials for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, starting June 1. Health Watch: A new report finds US dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most infections tied to travel, including Caribbean destinations such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Travel Tech: American Airlines plans to bring Starlink Wi-Fi to more than 500 planes, a change that could affect its Caribbean routes.

Courts & Corruption: A federal judge denied new trials or acquittals for former US Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case, ruling the trial evidence was sufficient to uphold their convictions. Power & Infrastructure: A total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John early Sunday for the second time this weekend after loss of generation at a power plant, renewing frustration as officials point to aging equipment, deferred maintenance, and weak generation capacity. Public Safety: In St. Thomas, a man identified as D’Quan Rogers faces domestic-violence-related charges after police say he punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding. Local Economy: Panelists at a St. Croix Economic Development Summit warned the USVI’s disaster recovery buildout hinges on attracting, housing, training, and retaining enough workers and subcontractors, citing gaps in local support services. Regional Tourism: Premier Natalio Wheatley will join Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Caribbean tourism leaders in New York for Caribbean Week 2026, focused on “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Culture: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95.

USVI Recovery Watch: A St. Croix economic development summit warned the territory’s disaster recovery buildout hinges on more than funding—panelists flagged labor shortages, weak local subcontractor capacity, and gaps in support services like trucking and material testing, alongside housing and transportation constraints. Local Crime: In St. Thomas, police charged D’Quan Rogers (“Kimo”) after an alleged domestic violence attack left his partner unconscious and bleeding outside a Patriot Manor residence. Regional Tourism: Premier Natalio Wheatley will join Governor Albert Bryan Jr and Caribbean tourism leaders for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, aiming to boost “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Public Health: A new report says US dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most infections linked to travel—Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands were among the key destinations. Travel Tech: American Airlines plans to install Starlink on 500+ planes starting in 2027, a connectivity upgrade that could affect its Caribbean routes. Culture: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95.

USVI Disaster Recovery Workforce: A St. Croix Economic Development Summit warned the recovery buildout will hinge on whether the territory can attract, house, train, and retain enough workers and subcontractors, with panelists citing labor shortages and weak local support services like surveying, material testing, trucking, and dumpsters. Local Crime Update: In St. Thomas, police say a man punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding; court documents describe the May 18 incident and the victim’s account to investigators. Regional Tourism Leadership: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley will join Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Caribbean tourism leaders for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, starting June 1, under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Travel & Connectivity: American Airlines plans to install Starlink on more than 500 planes starting in 2027, a move expected to boost connectivity across its Caribbean routes. Culture & Community: The Fourth Annual Clasico Torneo Softball Tournament wrapped in Tortola after five days, with Puerto Rico taking the female title and Venezuela winning the male championship. Health Watch: A new report says US dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most infections tied to travel, including Caribbean destinations such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

USVI Disaster Recovery Workforce: Panelists at the US Virgin Islands Economic Development Summit warned that recovery buildout hinges on attracting, housing, training, and retaining enough skilled workers and subcontractors, citing gaps in local support services like surveying, material testing, trucking, and even dumpsters. Local Leadership in Tourism: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley will join Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Caribbean tourism leaders for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, aiming to advance the region’s tourism strategy under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Public Safety—Domestic Violence Case: In St. Thomas, D’Quan Rogers (“Kimo”) faces domestic-violence-related charges after police say he punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding. Caribbean Travel Update: Norwegian Cruise Line says its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, with day passes and cabanas available for guests. Health Alert—Dengue Surge Linked to Travel: A new report finds US dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most infections tied to travel, including Caribbean destinations such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

USVI Domestic Violence Case: A St. Thomas man, D’Quan Rogers (“Kimo”), faces domestic-violence-related charges after police say he punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding outside their Patriot Manor residence. Caribbean Tourism & Leadership: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley will join Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Caribbean tourism leaders for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, kicking off June 1 under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” USVI Recovery Workforce Needs: At a St. Croix Economic Development Summit, panelists warned the disaster recovery buildout hinges on attracting, housing, training, and retaining enough workers and strengthening local subcontractor capacity. Local Business/Entertainment: St. Croix dancehall artist Kruziano is teaming with producer BL Tha Hook Slaya on a new single, “I’ll Be There for the Weekend,” releasing May 22. Caribbean Travel Planning: A new passenger ferry, Spirit of 1733, has entered service between Red Hook (St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay (St. John). Regional Health Watch: A study reports US dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most infections tied to travel—Puerto Rico and the USVI are among the destinations linked to cases.

USVI Domestic Violence Case: A St. Thomas man, D’Quan Rogers (“Kimo”), faces charges after police say he punched his partner in the face hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding outside their Patriot Manor home; officers were called early May 18 and the woman was taken to the hospital. Caribbean Tourism Leadership: Premier Natalio Wheatley will join Governor Albert Bryan Jr and Caribbean tourism officials for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, starting June 1, under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Disaster Recovery Workforce Needs: At a St. Croix Economic Development Summit, panelists warned USVI recovery projects hinge on attracting, housing, training, and retaining enough workers and strengthening local subcontractor capacity. New USVI Ferry Service: A new passenger ferry, Spirit of 1733, has entered service on the Red Hook (St. Thomas)–Cruz Bay (St. John) route, designed to carry up to 300 passengers. Regional Health Watch: A new study reports US dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most linked to travel, including Caribbean destinations such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Travel Tech for the Region: American Airlines plans to install Starlink on 500+ planes starting in 2027, aiming to bring faster in-flight connectivity to its Caribbean routes. Local Culture & Sports: A Clasico Torneo Softball Tournament wrapped up in Tortola with teams from across the Caribbean and the US, including USVI squads.

Beauty & Health: With summer on the way, a new debate is heating up over sunscreen—how to balance UV protection with concerns about environmental impact on coral reefs. USVI Crime: A St. Thomas man, D’Quan Rogers, faces domestic-violence-related charges after police say he punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding. Tourism & Travel: St. John spotlight pieces are pushing the island’s national-park hikes, Trunk Bay snorkeling, and sunset spots in Cruz Bay. Regional Tourism Leadership: Premier Natalio Wheatley will join Governor Albert Bryan Jr and Caribbean tourism leaders for Caribbean Week in New York 2026. Infrastructure & Mobility: A new passenger ferry, Spirit of 1733, has entered service between Red Hook (St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay (St. John). Public Health: A report says US dengue cases jumped in 2024, with most infections tied to travel—Caribbean destinations including the USVI showing up in the mix. Workforce for Recovery: A St. Croix summit warns USVI disaster recovery will hinge on attracting, housing, and training enough workers and strengthening local subcontractor capacity. Culture: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95.

Tourism & Lifestyle: St. John is being pitched as an “unspoiled” USVI escape, with Virgin Islands National Park hikes, Reef Bay Trail stops, Trunk Bay snorkeling, and Cruz Bay sunsets as the must-do mix. Public Safety: A St. Thomas man, D’Quan Rogers (“Kimo”), faces domestic-violence-related charges after police say he punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding outside their Patriot Manor home. Regional Leadership: Premier Natalio Wheatley will join Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Caribbean tourism leaders for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, starting June 1 under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Travel Tech: American Airlines plans to bring Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi to more than 500 planes, with rollout beginning in early 2027—aimed at improving connectivity across its Caribbean routes. Health Watch: A new report says US dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most infections tied to international travel, including Caribbean destinations such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Local Economy & Recovery: At a St. Croix Economic Development Summit, panelists warned USVI’s disaster recovery buildout hinges on attracting, housing, and training enough workers and strengthening local subcontractor capacity. Culture & Community: A new Red Hook–Cruz Bay passenger ferry, Spirit of 1733, has entered service, adding capacity to the St. Thomas–St. John link. Arts & Entertainment: USVI dancehall recording artist Kruziano is working on a new single, “I’ll Be There for the Weekend,” backed by producer BL Tha Hook Slaya, with release set for May 22.

Local Crime: A St. Thomas man, D’Quan Rogers (“Kimo”), faces domestic-violence-related charges after police say he punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding outside their Patriot Manor home. Tourism & Lifestyle: A new roundup highlights 15 standout US Virgin Islands beaches, from St. John’s Trunk Bay and Maho Bay to Buck Island-area waters, with quick notes on what makes each island’s coastline feel different. Regional Travel Tech: American Airlines says it will bring Starlink high-speed Wi‑Fi to more than 500 planes starting in 2027, a connectivity boost for travelers across the airline’s Caribbean routes. Public Health: A US study reports dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, driven mostly by travel-linked infections, with Caribbean destinations including Puerto Rico and the USVI accounting for a large share. Disaster Recovery & Jobs: At a St. Croix economic development summit, panelists warned the USVI recovery buildout hinges on attracting, housing, training, and retaining enough workers and strengthening local subcontractor capacity. Culture: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95. Caribbean Leadership: Premier Natalio Wheatley will join a high-level Caribbean tourism delegation in New York for Caribbean Week 2026.

USVI Workforce & Recovery: Panelists at the St. Croix Economic Development Summit warned that the territory’s disaster recovery buildout hinges on attracting, housing, training, and keeping enough workers and subcontractors, with gaps flagged in services like surveying, material testing, trucking, and even dumpsters. Public Health: A new study says U.S. dengue cases jumped 359% in 2024, driven mostly by travel-linked infections, with the Caribbean—including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands—accounting for a large share. Local Transportation: A new passenger ferry, Spirit of 1733, has entered service on the Red Hook (St. Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St. John) route, designed to carry up to 300 passengers. Culture & Community: The Fourth Clasico Torneo Softball Tournament wrapped up after five days in Tortola, featuring teams across the Caribbean and the U.S. Arts & Entertainment: USVI dancehall recording artist Kruziano is working with BL Tha Hook Slaya on a new single, “I’ll Be There for the Weekend,” releasing May 22. International Note: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95.