AGP Executive Report

USVI Criminal Justice: A federal jury convicted 73-year-old St. Croix man James Lealand Johnston (“JJ Rocks”) of possessing child pornography, with sentencing exposure of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters confirmed a cyberattack on its C-Track case management system, saying an unauthorized party accessed certain files in March; the incident affected court systems in 11 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario, Canada, with some records potentially exposing sensitive personal information. Gun Laws: The U.S. Department of Justice filed another complaint against the Virgin Islands over firearms restrictions enacted in June, including bans on modern semiautomatic guns and standard-capacity magazines, challenging how the territory’s laws are enforced. Food Security: USVI agencies warned that new SNAP work and volunteer requirements starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, increasing pressure on food pantries and worsening homelessness risk. Economic Development: Ghana’s GEA CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties and expand market access.

Child Safety & Courts: A federal jury convicted 73-year-old St. Croix man James Lealand Johnston, also known as “JJ Rocks,” of possessing child pornography. Prosecutors said devices seized from his home contained images stored on hard drives and a flash drive. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Cybersecurity & Justice Systems: Thomson Reuters confirmed a cyberattack on its C-Track case management system, with unauthorized access to certain files in March 2026. The incident affected courts in 11 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario, Canada, and may have exposed names and personal information. Gun Laws & Federal Litigation: The U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint against the Virgin Islands over firearms rules passed in June, including bans on modern semiautomatic guns and standard-capacity magazines, arguing the territory’s enforcement scheme violates Second Amendment protections. Food Security & Housing: USVI agencies warned that new SNAP work and volunteer requirements starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, worsening food insecurity and increasing pressure on housing, homelessness services, and local nonprofits.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a breach tied to its C-Track court case-management system, saying unauthorized access happened in March 2026 but was only detected June 30; the exposed records reportedly include sensitive personal data and court information across at least 11 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario, with no misuse reported yet. Local Social Services: USVI agencies are warning that new SNAP work and volunteer requirements starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, worsening food insecurity and increasing pressure on housing, homelessness, and nonprofit support systems. Local Governance & Jobs: The Labour Day horse races on St. Thomas were cancelled after the Legislature effectively stalled the Southland Gaming agreement, leaving the event without the needed license. International Health Workforce: Ghana and the U.S. Virgin Islands discussed a pathway for qualified Ghanaian nurses to work in the territory’s healthcare system under a regulated recruitment framework. Sports & Community: Provo will host Six Nations League return games, while the Turks and Caicos will stage CONCACAF Nations League group matches in late September and early October. Travel Spotlight: Trunk Bay on St. John was ranked among the world’s best beaches, and Waterlemon Cay was highlighted as a top snorkeling spot.

Local Food Security: USVI agencies are warning that new SNAP work and volunteer requirements starting September 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, with officials expecting more people to seek help as benefits are at risk—potentially driving demand for food pantries and increasing pressure on housing and homelessness services. Local Economy & Jobs: Labour Day horse races on St. Thomas have been cancelled after the Legislature effectively stalled the Southland Gaming agreement needed to license the September 6 event. USVI Tourism Spotlight: Trunk Bay on St. John is being highlighted as the best beach in the world, with coverage pointing to its clear waters, snorkeling over a reef, and its location within Virgin Islands National Park. International Policy Mentioning USVI: A new legal fight in the U.S. is targeting an OCC mortgage escrow rule, while separate coverage notes Trump’s Strait of Hormuz claims include the US Virgin Islands on a disputed map. Global Headlines: A U.S. House speech by Rep. Thomas Massie again accused former Prince Andrew of sex crimes tied to the Epstein case, as Andrew denies wrongdoing.

Local Hunger & Housing: USVI agencies are warning that new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, risking benefit losses that may drive more people toward food pantries, unstable housing, and homelessness. USVI Governance & Sports: Labour Day horse races on St. Thomas were cancelled after the Legislature effectively stalled the Southland Gaming agreement, leaving the operator without the needed license for the Sept. 6 event. USVI Tourism Spotlight: A new travel roundup puts St. John’s Trunk Bay among the world’s best beaches, while another piece highlights Waterlemon Cay as a top snorkeling spot in Virgin Islands National Park. International Policy Mentioning USVI: Iran’s deputy foreign minister mocked Trump’s claim that the Strait of Hormuz is a “US territory,” listing USVI among the territories shown in Trump’s map. USVI in Global Nursing Talks: Ghana and the US Virgin Islands discussed a pathway for Ghanaian nurses to work in the territory’s healthcare system, focusing on a regulated, transparent recruitment framework. USVI-Linked Pageant Note: Miss Teen International 2026 crowned Cuba’s Jhoanna Uranga in Jaipur, with the US Virgin Islands’ Darelys Nico finishing as fourth runner-up. Broader US Legal Fight: Ten state attorneys general sued to block an OCC mortgage escrow rule that would limit state interest-on-escrow laws. Epstein Scandal Politics: Rep. Thomas Massie used House privilege to name former Prince Andrew as a “co-conspirator” tied to Jeffrey Epstein, renewing calls for more Epstein files.

Local Social Safety Net: USVI agencies are warning that new SNAP work and volunteer requirements starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, raising fears of deeper food insecurity and more people turning to pantries as housing and homelessness pressures grow. Local Governance & Jobs: The Labour Day horse races on St. Thomas were cancelled after the Legislature effectively stalled the Southland Gaming agreement, leaving the operator without the needed license for the Sept. 6 event. International Spotlight with USVI Links: In the US House, Rep. Thomas Massie renewed calls to prosecute associates of Jeffrey Epstein and named Prince Andrew, while Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre has alleged abuse tied to New York and the US Virgin Islands. Travel & Tourism Buzz: Trunk Bay on St. John is being highlighted as the top beach in the world, with another piece spotlighting St. John snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay. Health Workforce (USVI Connection): Ghana and the US Virgin Islands discussed a pathway for Ghanaian nurses to work in the territory’s healthcare system, focusing on regulated recruitment and protections for workers.

Food Security & Housing: USVI agencies say new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 people, with officials warning that even partial benefit losses may push residents toward food pantries, unstable housing, and homelessness. Local Social Services: The warning came during the Continuum of Care Council on Homelessness meeting as DHS and housing officials prepared for an expected rise in requests for help. USVI Economy & Jobs: Borton & Sons plans to lay off 928 seasonal farmworkers in Washington in November as the Washington harvest winds down, according to a WARN filing—another reminder of how quickly seasonal work can swing. Tourism Spotlight: Trunk Bay on St. John is highlighted as the top beach in the world in a global ranking, while another story spotlights Waterlemon Cay as St. John’s best snorkeling spot. Sports: Provo is set to host Six Nations League return games, with match dates running from Sept. 23 to Oct. 6. Politics & Justice: In a separate international story, Rep. Thomas Massie told the US House that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor “committed sex crimes in the US,” renewing calls for Epstein associates to be investigated and prosecuted.

Local Hunger & Housing Watch: USVI agencies say new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, raising fears of more people turning to food pantries and facing unstable housing or homelessness as government and nonprofits brace for added strain. Territorial Labor Impact: Borton & Sons plans to lay off 928 seasonal farmworkers in Washington in November as the harvest winds down, with the company citing H-2A roles and no set recall dates for the 2027 season. Tourism Spotlight (St. John): Trunk Bay on St. John is being promoted as the top beach in the world, while another St. John snorkeling highlight—Waterlemon Cay—is described as a standout underwater destination inside Virgin Islands National Park. Community & Events: Labour Day horse races on St. Thomas were cancelled, after Governor Albert Bryan said the Legislature effectively killed the Southland Gaming horse-racing agreement by sending Bill 36-0313 to the Budget Committee. Federal Funding: The USVI is included in a broader round of rural ferry grants totaling $665 million across 14 states, with Alaska receiving the largest share.

SNAP & Homelessness Watch: USVI agencies say new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, worsening food insecurity and pushing more people toward shelters, pantries, and unstable housing as government and nonprofits brace for added demand. Territorial Budget Pressure: OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. told senators revenues may fall 9.4% below forecast, leaving a projected $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with limited cash on hand and lawmakers urged to consider using Epstein and Leon Black settlement funds to plug the gap. Drought Disaster: The US government has declared a drought disaster for St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, unlocking emergency federal loans for farmers as El Niño-linked dry conditions continue. Local Economy & Jobs: Borton & Sons plans to lay off 928 seasonal farmworkers in Washington in November as the harvest winds down, underscoring how seasonal work can swing fast. Community Events: Labour Day horse races on St. Thomas were cancelled after the Legislature effectively stalled the Southland Gaming agreement needed for the Sept. 6 event. Tourism Spotlight: Trunk Bay on St. John is being promoted as the world’s best beach, with nearby Waterlemon Cay highlighted for top snorkeling. International Glitz: US Virgin Islands’ Darelys Nico placed as fourth runner-up at Miss Teen International 2026 in Jaipur.

SNAP & Homelessness Watch: USVI agencies say new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, with officials warning that even partial benefit losses may drive more people toward food pantries, unstable housing, and homelessness as government and nonprofits brace for added demand. Territorial Budget Pressure: USVI’s Office of Management and Budget says revenues are running below forecast, projecting a $59 million deficit by Sept. 30 and pointing to limited cash and stabilization resources while urging lawmakers to approve use of legal settlement funds to plug the gap. Drought Disaster: The federal government has declared a drought disaster for St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, enabling emergency loans for farmers as El Niño-linked dry conditions worsen. Local Event Impact: Labour Day horse races on St. Thomas were cancelled after legislative action left Southland Gaming without the needed license for the Sept. 6 race day. Federal Grants for Ferry Upgrades: The USVI is among jurisdictions receiving major federal funding for ferry system upgrades, including operating assistance.

Territorial Finances: US Virgin Islands officials say sharply lower-than-expected revenues could leave a $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. warning revenues may run 9.4% under forecast and urging lawmakers to approve use of Epstein and Leon Black settlement funds to plug near-term gaps. Drought Emergency: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, unlocking emergency federal loans for farmers as El Niño-linked dry conditions continue. Local Governance & Sports: Labour Day horse races on St. Thomas have been cancelled after the Legislature effectively stalled the Southland Gaming horse-racing agreement, leaving the event without the needed license. Tourism Spotlight: Trunk Bay on St. John is being touted as the world’s best beach in a major ranking, while another St. John snorkeling favorite—Waterlemon Cay—is highlighted for its clear waters and marine life. Regional Travel: Contour Airlines plans new flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct. 5, with one-stop connections onward to San Juan and St. Thomas.

Local Economy & Budget: US Virgin Islands officials say sharply lower-than-expected revenues could leave the territory facing a $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. pointing to a 9.4% revenue shortfall and limited operating cash while urging lawmakers to approve use of Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds. Disaster Preparedness: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the USVI, citing extreme drought across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix—opening the door for emergency federal loans for farmers and agricultural producers. Transportation & Tourism: Contour Airlines announced new flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct. 5, with onward one-stop connections to San Juan and St. Thomas, aiming to boost travel links and tourism. Local Sports: The JamLax Boys are set for today’s Pan American Men’s Lacrosse bronze-medal match at Stadium East after qualifying through Pool A results, with Jamaica facing Haudenosaunee. Recreation Spotlight: Travel coverage highlights St. John’s Trunk Bay as the world’s top beach in a major ranking, and spotlights Waterlemon Cay as a standout snorkeling destination inside Virgin Islands National Park. Powerball: The jackpot climbed to an estimated $119 million for Saturday’s drawing after no winner on Wednesday.

Local Economy & Budget: USVI officials say sharply lower-than-expected revenues could leave the territory facing a $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. pointing to a $34.5 million operating cash balance as of Aug. 7 and urging lawmakers to approve use of Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds to plug the gap. Climate & Water: 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—opening the door for emergency federal loans for farmers and agricultural producers. Transportation & Funding: A major federal grant package—$410M—for ferry system upgrades is in the mix for regional mobility, while separate federal support is also flowing to rural ferry operations. Legislative/Local Events: Labour Day horse races on St. Thomas have been cancelled after the Legislature effectively stalled the Southland Gaming agreement needed to license the Sept. 6 race day. International Flash: Iran’s deputy foreign minister mocked Trump’s Strait of Hormuz “US territory” claim as a “delusion,” after Trump posted maps listing the strait alongside US territories including the US Virgin Islands.

USVI Budget Crunch: OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. says sharply lower-than-expected revenues could leave the U.S. Virgin Islands with a $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with only $34.5 million in operating cash as of Aug. 7 and lawmakers urged to approve use of Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds to plug the gap. Drought Disaster: 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 drought and farmers able to seek emergency federal loans. Labour Day Races Cancelled: The Labour Day horse races on St. Thomas were cancelled after the Legislature effectively stalled the Southland Gaming agreement needed to license the Sept. 6 race day. Powerball Watch: The jackpot climbed to an estimated $119 million for Saturday’s drawing after no winner Wednesday, with a $51.1 million cash option available. Regional Travel: Contour Airlines will launch flights between Trinidad and Dominica on Oct. 5, adding one-stop connections onward to San Juan and St. Thomas.

Local Economy & Budget: US Virgin Islands officials say sharply lower-than-expected revenues are forcing hard choices, with OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. projecting a $59 million deficit by Sept. 30 and pointing to cash on hand plus options like using Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds to plug the gap. Disaster & Agriculture: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the USVI, with St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix in extreme drought, unlocking federal emergency loans for farmers as El Niño keeps rain scarce. Public Safety & Community Events: Labour Day horse races on St Thomas have been cancelled, after the Legislature effectively stalled the Southland Gaming horse-racing agreement by sending Bill 36-0313 to the Budget Committee. Federal Funding: $410M in federal grants is earmarked for ferry system upgrades, including support for rural ferry operations that help connect communities. Regional Travel: Contour Airlines plans flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct. 5, offering one-stop connections onward to San Juan and St Thomas. Sports (USVI connection): USVI is listed among teams in the Pan American Men’s Lacrosse Championship schedule, with Jamaica and Puerto Rico also in the mix as World Championship spots are decided. Powerball (USVI interest): The jackpot climbs to $119M for Saturday’s drawing after no winner, with a $51.1M cash option before taxes.

Powerball: The jackpot is up to an estimated $119 million for Saturday’s August 29 drawing after Wednesday’s numbers produced no winner. The annuity estimate is $119M (paid over 30 years), with a cash option estimated at $51.1M, before taxes. Local Sports & Community: Labour Day horse races at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St. Thomas were cancelled for September 6, after Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said the Legislature effectively killed the Southland Gaming agreement by sending Bill 36-0313 to the Budget Committee instead of voting. Territorial Finances: USVI is facing a projected $59 million deficit as revenues come in about 9.4% below forecast, with OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. citing limited operating cash and pointing to settlement funds as a near-term option. Climate & Agriculture: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the US Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix in extreme drought, unlocking emergency federal loans for farmers.