AGP Executive Report

Territorial Budget Crunch: US Virgin Islands officials say sharply lower-than-expected revenues could leave the territory facing 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 near-term gaps. Drought Disaster: The US 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 no rain is in sight; Puerto Rico is also under severe drought and has started water rationing. Travel & Tourism Links: Contour Airlines says it will launch flights between Trinidad and Dominica on Oct. 5, adding one-stop connections onward to San Juan and St. Thomas. Cruise Reality Check: A new report shows the USVI’s cruise growth outpacing many Caribbean destinations, while broader debate continues over whether cruise-heavy tourism is the best measure of success. Local Sports Spotlight: The Hummingbirdz’ Pan Am Men’s Lacrosse run continues with key matches at Stadium East, with qualification stakes for the 2027 World Lacrosse Championship.

Territorial Finance: The U.S. Virgin Islands faces a late-fiscal-year cash crunch as revenues are projected to land 9.4% below forecast, leaving a predicted $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with officials pointing to about $34.5 million in operating cash as of Aug. 7 and urging the Senate to approve use of Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds to plug the gap. Climate & Agriculture: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, enabling farmers to seek emergency federal loans as extreme dryness persists, with El Niño blamed for the lack of rain. Local Travel & Tourism Links: Contour Airlines says it will launch flights between Trinidad and Dominica on Oct. 5, adding connections onward to San Juan and St. Thomas. Sports (Regional): Jamaica’s lacrosse team is set for Pan Am action at home, while the U.S. Virgin Islands is also in the mix in the tournament schedule. Cruise Industry Watch: A Norwegian Cruise Line update warns passengers that getting taxis in Ravenna, Italy can mean long waits, though a new $23 transfer option to the train station is offered.

Drought Emergency: 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 dry conditions, unlocking federal emergency loans for farmers and agricultural producers. Local Impact: The worsening drought is also hitting Puerto Rico, where officials have rolled out water rationing in parts of San Juan and other cities as El Niño drives below-average rainfall. Travel Update: Contour Airlines says it will launch new flights between Trinidad and Dominica on October 5, adding another one-stop option that can connect onward to San Juan and St. Thomas. Sports Spotlight: The JamLax Boys are set for the Pan American Men’s Lacrosse bronze-medal match at Stadium East, while the Hummingbirdz are in the mix for World Lacrosse qualification with today’s key pool play. Lottery Buzz: Powerball keeps climbing, with the jackpot estimated at $81 million for Monday’s drawing after Saturday ended without a winner.

Drought Crisis: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with extreme conditions on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, opening the door for federal emergency loans for farmers as dry weather persists. Air Travel: Contour Airlines says it will launch flights between Trinidad and Dominica on October 5, with two weekly trips using a 30-seat Embraer ERJ-135 and one-stop connections onward to San Juan and St. Thomas. Sports—Lacrosse: Jamaica’s JamLax Boys are set for the Pan American Men’s Lacrosse bronze-medal match at Stadium East against Haudenosaunee, with Jamaica aiming to medal at home and secure a 2027 World Lacrosse Championship spot. Sports—Youth Football: The CFU U-14 Challenge Series continues at Cap Cana with a full slate of matches, including Saint Lucia vs US Virgin Islands and other Tier I and Tier II games across the groups. Lottery: Powerball keeps climbing, with the estimated jackpot now at $81 million for Monday’s drawing after Saturday ended without a winner.

Local Public Safety: Quasheem Christian was ordered to 24-hour house arrest with GPS monitoring after police said a Glock 19 fell from his waistband during a chase; a magistrate found probable cause, but declined to uphold charges tied to a loaded .223 rifle found in a nearby backpack. Climate & Water: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme drought on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix and opening the door for federal emergency loans for farmers. Sports—Pan Am Lacrosse: Jamaica’s JamLax Boys play Haudenosaunee in today’s Pan American Men’s Lacrosse bronze-medal match at Stadium East, with Jamaica aiming to medal on home soil and secure a 2027 World Lacrosse Championship spot. Sports—CFU U-14: The CFU Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series continues at Cap Cana, with St. Lucia set to face the U.S. Virgin Islands in Tier II Group D and other matches across the Caribbean. Lottery: Powerball’s jackpot is estimated at $68 million for the Aug. 22 drawing after no winner in the prior draw, with a cash option estimated at $29.2 million.

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 dry conditions, opening the door for federal emergency loans for farmers. Local Public Safety: In Frederiksted, St. Croix, Quasheem Christian was ordered to 24-hour house arrest with GPS monitoring after police said a Glock 19 fell from his waistband during a chase; the court did not uphold charges tied to a rifle found in a backpack. Tourism & Economy: New cruise figures show the BVI recorded the third-fastest cruise growth in the Caribbean in Q1, with 493,397 cruise passengers—while debate continues over whether cruise-heavy tourism is the best measure of success for the territory. Sports (USVI on the field): The CFU U-14 Challenge Series continues at Cap Cana, with the US Virgin Islands listed in Tier II Group D action, and the wider tournament serving as a developmental pathway across the Caribbean. Community Calendar: Labour Day horse races are set for Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St. Thomas, with tickets already on sale.

Drought Emergency: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with extreme dry conditions on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. The move lets local farmers and agricultural producers apply for federal emergency loans, as officials warn the declaration won’t end the drought but adds support while rainfall stays scarce. Local Courts & Public Safety: In Frederiksted, Quasheem Christian was ordered to 24-hour house arrest and GPS monitoring after a magistrate found probable cause in a case tied to a Glock 19 police say fell from his waistband during a chase; charges tied to a loaded .223 rifle in a backpack were not upheld. Tourism & Travel: A new Divi Resorts Caribbean Summer Blowout sale offers savings of up to 40% at select properties, including St. Croix in the USVI, with bookings for stays through Dec. 20, 2026. Sports (USVI on the Field): The CFU U-14 Challenge Series continues at Cap Cana, with St. Lucia vs. the US Virgin Islands among Monday’s Tier II matches, as teams chase spots for the next World Lacrosse and regional football pathways. Cruise Growth Watch: The BVI posted the third-fastest cruise tourism growth in the Caribbean in Q1, and the debate continues over whether cruise arrivals are the best measure of tourism success.

Drought Relief: 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, unlocking federal emergency loans for farmers and agricultural producers as officials warn conditions aren’t improving. Local Crime Update: In Frederiksted, Quasheem Christian was ordered to 24-hour house arrest and GPS monitoring after police said a Glock 19 fell from his waistband during a chase; the court upheld charges tied to the gun but declined charges tied to a rifle found nearby. Youth Sports: At the CFU U-14 Challenge Series in Cap Cana, Puerto Rico and Trinidad & Tobago played to a 1-1 draw in Group B, while the tournament schedule also includes a St. Lucia vs. USVI match in Tier II Group D. Travel & Tourism: Divi Resorts launched a Caribbean Summer Blowout sale offering up to 40% off stays at properties including St. Croix, with bookings using code BLOWOUT26. Regional Context: Cruise growth debate continues as the BVI reported strong cruise passenger gains, while Puerto Rico faces rationing amid its own drought.

Drought Emergency: 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 dryness and farmers able to apply for federal emergency loans. Tourism & Deals: Divi Resorts launched a Caribbean Summer Blowout sale with discounts up to 40% at properties across Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and St. Croix, with bookings open until Sept. 8, 2026 for stays through Dec. 20. Sports—Lacrosse: The Hummingbirdz are in the Pan Am Men’s Lacrosse Championship spotlight, aiming to qualify for the 2027 World Lacrosse Championship as pool play continues. Local Courts: In Frederiksted, Quasheem Christian was ordered to 24-hour house arrest and GPS monitoring after police said a Glock 19 fell from his waistband during a chase; a loaded rifle charge was not upheld. Youth Football: The CFU U-14 Challenge Series continues at Cap Cana, with St. Lucia set to face the U.S. Virgin Islands in Tier II action. Travel Watch: Southwest is adding new routes that include St. Thomas (STT) from March 2027, signaling more Caribbean connectivity.

USVI Public Safety: A Frederiksted man, Quasheem Christian, was ordered to 24-hour house arrest with GPS monitoring after police said a Glock 19 fell from his waistband during a chase; a magistrate found probable cause, but charges tied to a loaded .223 rifle in a backpack were not upheld. USVI Events: Labour Day horse races return to St Thomas on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack, with gates opening 11:00 AM and post time 1:00 PM; tickets are on sale and fans can reserve ferry seats on Ocean Dreams. Regional Tourism Watch: The BVI posted the third-fastest cruise growth in the Caribbean in Q1, with 493,397 cruise passengers (+29.3%), while the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico grew even faster—fueling debate over whether cruise-heavy tourism is the best measure of success. Local Sports (Youth): The CFU U-14 Challenge Series continues at Cap Cana, with a match schedule that includes Saint Lucia vs US Virgin Islands (Tier II, Group D) and other Caribbean fixtures. BVI Governance/Energy: BVI opposition member Ronnie W. Skelton warned that proposed electricity rate changes could raise costs for small businesses, calling electricity “the lifeblood of the economy.”

USVI Courts & Public Safety: A Superior Court magistrate found probable cause against Quasheem Christian after police say a Glock 19 fell from his waistband during a chase; he was ordered to 24-hour house arrest with GPS monitoring, while charges tied to a loaded .223 rifle in a backpack were not upheld. USVI Sex Offender Registration: Kenneth Burford, a 75-year-old man from California, faces a felony charge for allegedly spending about six months on St. Thomas without registering as a sex offender; bail was set at $5,500. USVI Local Events: Labour Day horse races return to St. Thomas on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, with gates opening at 11:00 a.m. and post time at 1:00 p.m.; tickets are on sale and ferry reservations are available. Regional Sports: The CFU U-14 Challenge Series continues at Cap Cana, with St. Lucia set to play the US Virgin Islands in Tier II Group D, and other matches featuring regional rivals. Tourism Watch (BVI): The BVI posted strong cruise growth in Q1, ranking third in the Caribbean for cruise passenger increases, even as critics question reliance on cruise visitors. Air Travel (USVI-linked): Southwest plans new nonstop routes from Nashville, including service to St. Thomas (STT) starting March 2027. Powerball: The jackpot climbed to an estimated $48 million for the Aug. 19 drawing after Monday’s game had no winner.

USVI Public Safety: A St. Croix man, Quasheem Christian, was ordered to 24-hour house arrest and GPS monitoring after a judge found probable cause in a case where police say a Glock 19 fell from his waistband during a chase; the court did not uphold charges tied to a loaded .223 rifle found in a backpack. USVI Law & Compliance: Another USVI case: a 75-year-old California man, Kenneth Burford, faces a felony for allegedly spending about six months on St. Thomas without registering as a sex offender, with bail set at $5,500. Local Events: Horse racing returns to Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St. Thomas for Labour Day, Sept. 6, with tickets already on sale and a “Speed, Style, Culture” theme. Travel & Air Service: Southwest Airlines plans to add nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas (STT) starting March 13, 2027, as part of new Caribbean route launches. Sports (Regional): The CFU U-14 Challenge Series continues at Cap Cana, with a match schedule that includes Saint Lucia vs. US Virgin Islands in Tier II Group D.

Cruise Growth Debate: The U.S. Virgin Islands is among the fastest-growing cruise destinations in the Caribbean, while the BVI ranked third—CTO data shows the BVI welcomed 493,397 cruise passengers in Q1, up 29.3%, and the USVI grew even faster at 68%, renewing questions about whether cruise-heavy tourism is the best measure of success. Local Crime & Courts: In St. Croix, Quasheem Christian was ordered to 24-hour house arrest and GPS monitoring after police said a Glock 19 fell from his waistband during a chase; the court found probable cause, but did not uphold charges tied to a loaded .223 rifle found in a backpack. BVI Energy Costs: BVI opposition legislator Hon. Ronnie Skelton warned that proposed BVIEC electricity rate changes could raise bills for small businesses, arguing electricity is “the lifeblood of the economy.” Sports (Youth Football): CFU Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series action continues at Cap Cana Sports City, with USVI set to play Saint Lucia in Tier II Group D. Travel Planning: Norwegian Cruise Line is warning Ravenna, Italy disembarkation may mean long waits for taxis, adding a $23 transfer option to the train station. Powerball Watch: Powerball climbed to an estimated $48 million for Wednesday’s drawing after Monday’s jackpot had no winner.

Local Crime & Courts: A St. Croix man, Quasheem Christian, was ordered to 24-hour house arrest with GPS monitoring after a Glock 19 allegedly fell from his waistband during a police chase; a magistrate found probable cause, but charges tied to a loaded .223 rifle in a nearby backpack were not upheld. Local Law & Compliance: A 75-year-old California man, Kenneth Burford, faces a felony for allegedly spending about six months on St. Thomas without registering as a sex offender, after authorities say he intended to relocate but later returned to California. USVI Economy & Energy (Neighboring Territory): In the BVI, opposition legislator Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton warned electricity rate changes could raise bills for small businesses, calling power “the lifeblood of the economy.” Sports (Regional Youth): The CFU Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series continues today at Cap Cana Sports City, with USVI set to play Saint Lucia in Tier II Group D. Travel & Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line says getting taxis in Ravenna, Italy can mean waits up to two hours, and it’s offering a $23 transfer option to the train station. Cruise Growth (VI): The Virgin Islands ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 29.3% more cruise passenger arrivals in early 2026. Community Events: Labour Day horse races on STT are set for Sept. 6, 2026, with tickets already on sale. Lottery Buzz: Powerball’s estimated jackpot rose to $35 million for the Aug. 17 drawing after no winner matched all six numbers.

Youth Sports: The CFU Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series keeps rolling at Cap Cana with a full Monday slate, including Saint Lucia vs. US Virgin Islands in Tier II Group D and multiple Tier I matchups across Groups A–C. Local Crime & Courts: In Frederiksted, Quasheem Christian was ordered to 24-hour house arrest with GPS after police said a Glock 19 fell from his waistband during a chase; the court upheld charges tied to the gun but not a loaded .223 rifle found nearby. Sex Offender Registration: A 75-year-old California man, Kenneth Burford, faces a felony charge for allegedly spending about six months on St. Thomas without registering as a sex offender; bail was set at $5,500. Community Events: Labour Day horse races return to St. Thomas on Sept. 6, with tickets already on sale and gates opening at 11:00 AM. Travel & Business: Aquatic Rentals says it will suspend ferry service between the VI and USVI indefinitely starting Aug. 31. Tourism Watch: The VI is ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with strong early-2026 passenger growth tied to activity around the Tortola pier. Powerball Buzz: The jackpot climbed to an estimated $35 million for Monday’s drawing after no winner matched all numbers.

Local Crime & Courts: A man identified as Quasheem Christian was ordered to 24-hour house arrest with GPS monitoring after police said a Glock 19 fell from his waistband during a chase; a magistrate found probable cause, while charges tied to a rifle in a backpack were not upheld. Inter-Island Sports: The CFU Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series keeps rolling today at Cap Cana Sports City, with St. Lucia taking on the US Virgin Islands in the late slate. Lottery Buzz: Powerball keeps climbing after no jackpot winner, with Monday’s Aug. 17 drawing now estimated at $35 million (about $15.2 million cash), following a recent $1.04 billion win sold in Illinois. Cruise Tourism: The US Virgin Islands placed among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026 up 29.3% year over year. Transportation Update: Aquatic Rentals says it will suspend ferry service between the VI and USVI indefinitely starting Aug. 31, 2026.