AGP Executive Report

USVI Ferry Launch: A new Louisiana-built passenger ferry, the Spirit of 1733, has started running between Red Hook (St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay (St. John), carrying up to 300 passengers at 28 knots and designed with accessibility ramps and multiple wheelchair spaces. Local Music Spotlight: US Virgin Islands dancehall artist Kruziano is teaming up with US producer BL Tha Hook Slaya for the Memorial Day single “I’ll Be There for the Weekend,” with a video shoot in St. Croix and a May 22 digital release. Regional Policy Watch: Delegate Stacey E. Plaskett says her office is in contact with the US Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Ports Authority over docking restrictions affecting Water Spirit Freight Services V.I., Inc., a key link for goods moving between St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola and San Juan. Culture & Community: Liberty Latin America named Ignacio Roman as SVP and GM for Puerto Rico and the USVI.

USVI Ferry Launch: A new Louisiana-built passenger ferry, the Spirit of 1733, has started running between Red Hook (St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay (St. John), carrying up to 300 passengers and designed by Incat Crowther. Royal Investigation Update: Police say they’ve widened their probe into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, looking at alleged misconduct tied to his decade as a UK trade envoy, plus claims involving fraud, corruption, bullying, and perverting justice. USVI Culture & Music: St. Croix dancehall artist Kruziano is gearing up to release “I’ll Be There for the Weekend” on May 22, backed by producer BL Tha Hook Slaya. Caribbean Spotlight: Social media star IShowSpeed is touring the region, with tourism officials leaning into influencer-driven marketing. Epstein Files Still in Focus: A Manhattan library is now showcasing the full Epstein Files—3.5 million pages—keeping the story in the public eye. Spain Tax Haven Shift: Spain says it will remove Gibraltar from its tax haven blacklist after 35 years, easing cross-border business friction.

Royal Investigation: Police have widened their probe into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, now looking beyond his decade as a UK trade envoy to claims of fraud, corruption, bullying, and perverting justice, with prosecutors weighing possible charges tied to misconduct in public office. USVI Spotlight: The Epstein Files keep resurfacing—this week a Manhattan library opened to display all 3.5 million pages from the case, while fresh reports keep swirling around Little St James in the USVI. Local Trade Disruption: VI officials are pushing federal and Puerto Rico authorities after Water Spirit Freight Services was restricted from docking in San Juan, raising fears for island-to-island goods movement. Caribbean Earthquakes: A strong quake shook the Eastern Caribbean and was felt across multiple islands, with no major damage reported. Culture & Travel: Kruziano’s new single drops May 22, and Marriott is offering triple points for Homes & Villas stays across the region. Tech & Policy: The FBI is seeking nationwide license plate reader coverage, and the OCC finalized rules that could reshape mortgage escrow interest requirements.

Epstein Files Spotlight: A new Manhattan library has opened to display all 3.5 million pages from the unsealed Epstein files, bound into thousands of volumes and built around a tribute to alleged victims. FBI Surveillance Plans: The FBI is moving toward nationwide license-plate reader coverage, aiming to pull vehicle data “in near real time” across the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the USVI. USVI Port Pressure: In San Juan, docking restrictions tied to Water Spirit Freight Services are raising fresh cargo-disruption concerns for USVI shippers and residents, with lawmakers pressing federal and port officials. Caribbean Shaken by Earthquakes: A magnitude 6.1 quake rattled the Eastern Caribbean with no immediate damage reported, while another quake was felt across Antigua and nearby islands. Health & Safety Watch: A CDC report flags a sharp rise in travel-linked dengue risk, and a new sunscreen guide says only about 20% of products tested meet its safety-and-effectiveness bar. Local Telecom Move: Liberty names Ignacio Roman as SVP and general manager for Liberty Puerto Rico and the USVI.

Travel Deal Rush: A new “bonus value up to $9,000” cruise promotion is pushing all-in packages hard, promising return flights, dining, Wi‑Fi, and onshore credits—aimed at cutting the hidden costs that travelers say can spike budgets fast. USVI & Puerto Rico Logistics: Delegate Stacey Plaskett says her office is in active contact with the U.S. Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Ports Authority after Water Spirit’s San Juan docking restrictions raised fears of freight delays for St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola, and beyond. FBI Surveillance Expansion: The FBI is moving toward nationwide license-plate reader coverage, seeking contracts up to $36 million, including in Puerto Rico and USVI—sparking state-law and data-sharing fights. Health & Safety Watch: A new sunscreen report finds only about 20% of tested products meet “safe and effective” standards, while a separate Facebook investigation flags recurring scams selling unproven cures. Earthquake Updates: A magnitude 6.1 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean, with no damage reported so far.

FBI License-Plate Push: The FBI is moving fast to buy nationwide access to a vast network of license plate readers, aiming to pull vehicle data “in near real time” across the U.S., including territories like the US Virgin Islands, with contracts up to $36 million total and coverage requirements that hit 75% of locations. Banking Rules Shift: The OCC finalized rules that let banks decide whether mortgage escrow accounts pay interest, and it preempts state escrow-interest laws—coming right after a Second Circuit ruling in Cantero. Caribbean Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.0–6.1 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St Kitts and Nevis and no immediate damage reported. USVI Docking Pressure: VI delegate Stacey Plaskett says she’s working with the Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Ports Authority after Water Spirit’s San Juan docking restrictions raised cargo disruption concerns. Local Health & Safety: A new report flags that only about 20% of sunscreens tested are both safe and effective, while Facebook is under fire for health scams.

Falklands Tension: Trump is floating ways to “punish” NATO members over military support, and his latest pressure point is the Falkland Islands—despite the islanders voting overwhelmingly in 2013 to stay British. USVI Leadership: Liberty Latin America named Ignacio Roman as SVP and general manager for Liberty Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.1 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt across the region; Antigua and Barbuda also reported strong shaking. Water Spirit Docking Dispute: In San Juan, Water Spirit Freight Services has been restricted from docking, raising cargo disruption fears for USVI-Tortola supply lines; Stacey E. Plaskett says her office is pushing the US Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Ports Authority for answers. Local Health Alerts: A CDC report shows dengue cases in the US surged in 2024, with most linked to travel from the Caribbean, including US territories like Puerto Rico and the USVI. Epstein Island Drama: Little St James is back in the spotlight as reports describe alleged trespasser violence and confrontations tied to the island’s new owner.

Telecom Leadership: Liberty Latin America named Ignacio Roman as SVP and General Manager for Liberty Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, bringing 30+ years of telecom management experience from Vodafone, Avantel and Digicel. Sun Safety Watch: A new Environmental Working Group sunscreen guide says only about 20% of tested products are both safe and effective, with special picks for babies, kids and everyday use. Caribbean Shaken by Quakes: A magnitude 6.1 earthquake rattled the Eastern Caribbean, with strong tremors reported across multiple islands; no injuries or major damage reported so far. USVI Cargo Pressure: Delegate Stacey Plaskett says she’s pushing federal and Puerto Rico officials over San Juan docking restrictions tied to Water Spirit Freight Services, warning the move could disrupt goods for St Croix, St Thomas, Tortola and beyond. Epstein’s Island Returns to Headlines: New reports claim fresh trespassing incidents at Little St James, as the island’s new owner faces escalating attention. Public Health Alerts: CDC data shows dengue cases in the US jumped sharply in 2024, with many linked to travel from the Caribbean, including US territories like Puerto Rico and the USVI. Online Health Scams: A new report says Facebook sponsored posts have been used to sell unregulated “miracle” health products, with enforcement described as inconsistent.

Sunscreen Reality Check: A new Environmental Working Group guide says only 550 of 2,784 sunscreens (about 20%) are both safe and effective, with sprays and powders left out and “50+” protection often doing nearly as much as pricier higher-SPF claims. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.1 quake rattled the Eastern Caribbean, with strong tremors reported across several islands, while officials say there’s no confirmed tsunami threat. USVI Supply Chain Pressure: Delegate Stacey Plaskett says she’s pushing federal and Puerto Rico port officials over docking restrictions tied to Water Spirit Freight Services, warning of potential cargo disruption for USVI residents and businesses. Little St Jeff’s Under Siege: New reports say trespassers and would-be visitors are escalating around Jeffrey Epstein’s former island, including allegations of assaults and aggressive confrontations. Health Alert: CDC data shows a sharp rise in dengue in the US tied mostly to travel, with Caribbean-linked cases a major share.

Earthquake Watch: A strong magnitude 6.1 quake rattled the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St Kitts and Nevis and no immediate reports of damage—though residents are watching closely after online videos showed unusually exposed shoreline at Nevis’ Oualie Beach, with officials urging people to stick to verified updates. USVI Supply Chain: In San Juan, Puerto Rico, docking restrictions tied to Water Spirit Freight Services are raising alarms about delays for goods moving between St Croix, St Thomas, Tortola and San Juan; Stacey E. Plaskett says her office is in active contact with the US Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Ports Authority. Epstein Aftershocks: Jeffrey Epstein’s Little St James is back in the spotlight as a Trump cabinet member, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, faces fresh scrutiny over a 2012 visit described as “chitchat.” Cost Pressure: Fuel and shipping worries continue as the US-Iran impasse drags on, hitting USVI’s already tight cost of living. Public Health: CDC data shows a sharp jump in dengue cases tied largely to travel, with the Caribbean featuring prominently in travel-associated infections.

Caribbean Disruption Watch: A San Juan docking restriction tied to Water Spirit Freight Services is raising fresh cargo worries for USVI residents and businesses, after the US Coast Guard issued orders limiting two vessels from re-entering the harbor until they can moor without blocking safe navigation. Earthquake Update: An earthquake struck northeast of Antigua and Barbuda, with strong shaking reported across multiple islands including the US Virgin Islands, but no immediate reports of major damage. Public Health Alert: Dengue is climbing—CDC data shows a 359% rise in average annual US cases in 2024 vs. 2010–2023, with most cases travel-linked, including from the Caribbean and US territories. Gun Rights Legal Push: The Trump Justice Department is backing Second Amendment challenges, including arguments aimed at magazine and “assault weapon” bans. Travel Spotlight: TIME’s 2026 “World’s Greatest Places” list adds momentum for Asia, with 21 entries across places to visit and stay. Local Cost Pressure: USVI fuel and shipping pressures continue to be tied to the US–Iran impasse. Also Noted: Reports from “Little St Jeff’s” describe alleged new trespasser incidents at Epstein’s former island.

Earthquake Watch: A powerful quake struck northeast of Antigua and Barbuda yesterday morning, with the Seismic Research Centre at the University of the West Indies placing it about 80 km away and reporting strong shaking across multiple islands, including the US Virgin Islands—no immediate injury or major damage reports. USVI Shipping & Costs: In San Juan, a cargo vessel tied to USVI freight services—Water Spirit Freight Services—was restricted from docking, raising fresh disruption concerns for routes USVI residents rely on, while the US Coast Guard’s docking order points to navigation and mooring compliance issues. Public Health & Travel: The CDC says dengue is surging, with a 359% jump in average annual US cases in 2024 versus earlier years, and travel-linked cases heavily tied to the Caribbean, including US territories like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Second Amendment Legal Push: The Trump administration is backing gun-rights lawsuits, including new Colorado cases challenging magazine and “assault weapon” limits under the Supreme Court’s 2022 test. Energy Pressure: Fuel prices in the USVI are under strain as the US-Iran standoff drags on, with shipping fears tied to the Strait of Hormuz.

Second Amendment Showdown: The Trump administration is backing gun-rights lawsuits, including new Colorado cases challenging magazine limits and Denver’s “assault weapon” ban—while the Justice Department’s stance in other gun fights still faces skepticism after a 2022 Supreme Court test. Dengue Alert for Travelers: CDC data shows a sharp jump in dengue in the U.S.—up 359% in average annual cases in 2024 vs. 2010–2023—mostly travel-linked, with the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico and USVI) a major source. USVI Cargo Disruption Risk: San Juan docking restrictions tied to the Water Spirit Freight Services vessels have raised concerns for freight routes relied on by USVI residents and businesses, with VIPA saying the issue is outside its direct control. Little St James Drama: New reports say trespassers on Epstein’s former island have been chased off and, in some cases, allegedly restrained or assaulted—now prompting fresh legal action by the current owner. Cost Pressure Watch: Fuel and living costs in the territory remain under strain as the US–Iran impasse drags on and shipping fears keep energy prices elevated.

Second Amendment Clash: The Trump Justice Department is backing gun-rights lawsuits in Colorado, arguing bans on “arms in common use” fail the Supreme Court’s 2022 test—yet its stance looks inconsistent across other gun cases, leaving a fresh fight over what’s constitutional. USVI Port Pressure: In San Juan, a Coast Guard order has restricted two Water Spirit Freight vessels after alleged navigation obstruction, and the US Virgin Islands Port Authority says the docking rules are Puerto Rico-specific—still, local cargo disruption is the worry. Little St James Drama: The new owner of Epstein’s former island is suing trespassers, as reports describe visitors being chased off and alleged assaults during “monster” and “Epstein still alive” claims. Cost-of-Living Squeeze: Fuel and shipping pressures in the USVI are tied to the US-Iran standoff after Trump rejected Iran’s peace response, raising fears for Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Thin on local updates: Beyond these, the week’s other big items skew regional and national rather than USVI-specific.

Port Disruption Watch: The US Virgin Islands Port Authority says a San Juan docking restriction tied to the Water Spirit Freight Services vessel could disrupt cargo routes that residents and businesses rely on, but VIPA stresses the decision is specific to Puerto Rico’s port and outside its control—after the US Coast Guard issued orders blocking two Togo-flagged ships (Water Spirit 2 and Admiral Pride) from re-entering San Juan Harbour until they can moor without blocking safe navigation. Little St James Tension: Meanwhile, the new owner of Epstein’s Little St James is suing people arrested for trespassing, as reports swirl of visitors being restrained and chased off, with staff citing “lawful citizens arrests.” Cost Pressure: USVI residents are also feeling the squeeze as higher fuel and shipping costs linger, tied to the longer US-Iran impasse. Broader Caribbean Buzz: Puerto Rico and Jamaica are leading the Caribbean’s official destination social media race, but the next growth push may hinge on creators beyond tourism pages.

Shipping Pressure in San Juan: The US Virgin Islands Port Authority says a Water Spirit Freight Services vessel has been restricted from docking in San Juan, raising cargo disruption worries for USVI residents and businesses, though VIPA says Puerto Rico harbor rules sit outside its control and that the Coast Guard issued orders after the ships obstructed a navigable channel. Caribbean Tourism Buzz: A new travel trends report urges travelers to “look south” for fresh tourist demand, while social media rankings put Puerto Rico and Jamaica out front in official destination chatter. Little St James Tensions: On Epstein’s former island, the new owner’s camp says trespassers are escalating—reports include people allegedly hog-tied or duct-taped during incidents tied to “We Fight Monsters”—and the owner is suing over alleged trespass. Local Crime Update: A man arrested at Franklin Field in Boston faces gun charges tied to an older record dating back to 1993. Cost-of-Living Watch: USVI fuel and shipping pressures are still being felt as the US-Iran impasse drags on.