AGP Executive Report

BVI Aviation & Travel: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline used his ZBVI show to argue the region needs a better Virgin Islands airline, saying LIAT’s delays and uncertainty are a “royal waste of time,” and calling for action after the BVI Airways debacle. BVI Airports Expansion Funding: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the BVI Airports Authority plans to approach the Social Security Board to consider financing the next runway expansion phase, while stressing the SSB’s decision remains independent. Marine & Tourism Policy: Premier Wheatley defended BVI’s charter yacht fee increases, calling them a “tremendous” success that boosted revenue and encouraged more operators to base in the territory. Financial Crime & BVI Links: A Singapore court cleared the way for a US$2.7 billion 1MDB-linked lawsuit to proceed to trial against Standard Chartered, with BVI entities named as alleged fund channels. Local Public Services: The Humane Society of St. Thomas says it will cut animal intake and high-volume spay/neuter services starting July 1 due to an unpaid US$181,250 GVI debt, directing residents to the Department of Agriculture. Crypto & Token Listings (BVI): LBank Exchange listed multiple tokens tied to BVI-linked projects, including SDG(ShineDoge), KGM(Kandrgamr), and SERE, highlighting ongoing digital-asset activity connected to the territory. Caribbean Citizenship Scrutiny: A new study questions how well banks’ later risk checks match governments’ claims about Citizenship by Investment vetting.

BVI Aviation/airlift debate: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline says LIAT’s delays and poor communication have become a “royal waste of time,” and argues the BVI should pursue a new “Virgin Islands Airways” effort even after the BVI Airways debacle. Airport expansion financing: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley says the Airports Authority plans to approach the Social Security Board to help fund the next phase of runway expansion, framing it as an investment decision for the SSB. Marine sector policy: Premier Wheatley defends BVI’s charter yacht fee increases as a “tremendous” success, citing stronger revenue and more operators moving into the territory. Animal welfare funding squeeze: The Humane Society of St. Thomas will cut animal intake, animal control, and high-volume spay/neuter services starting July 1 after the Government of the Virgin Islands fails to pay $181,250 owed. Financial services/1MDB fallout: Singapore courts keep a US$2.7 billion 1MDB-linked Standard Chartered case moving toward trial, while the bank signals it will seek further appeal. Crypto & token listings: LBank Exchange listed multiple tokens tied to BVI-linked projects, including SDG(ShineDoge), as the territory continues to intersect with global digital-asset activity. Tax transparency rules: Hong Kong moves toward CRS 2.0, with the British Virgin Islands already rolling out the framework.

BVI Airport Expansion Funding: Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says the BVI Airports Authority plans to approach the Social Security Board (SSB) to help finance the next phase of the airport expansion, after reports suggested a pension-fund loan could back a runway extension—though the Premier stressed the SSB’s decision is up to the board. Charter Yacht Fees: Wheatley defended recent increases to the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act, calling them a “tremendous” success that’s boosted government revenue and encouraged more operators to base in the territory. Tourism Tech Award: The BVI Virtual Reality Aquatics Experience won a 2026 International Telly Award for immersive storytelling, highlighting the territory’s push into 360-degree and mixed-reality marketing. Maritime Safety History: A special feature revisits the 1970 MV Christena Commission of Inquiry, spotlighting how the report shaped long-term maritime safety reforms across the Eastern Caribbean. Finance & Legal Watch: Standard Chartered’s 1MDB-linked $2.7B lawsuit will proceed to trial after Singapore’s High Court rejected the bank’s strike-out appeal, with BVI-linked entities named in the case. Crypto Listings: LBank Exchange listed KGM (Kandrgamr) and SERE (SERE Token), both tied to blockchain-based gaming/culture concepts.

BVI Tourism Tech Win: The British Virgin Islands Virtual Reality Aquatics Experience at Crafts Alive Village in Road Town has earned a 2026 International Telly Award, boosting the Territory’s push for immersive, 360-degree tourism marketing. BVI Governance & Jobs: Premier Natalio Wheatley confirmed former House of Assembly Speaker Julian Willock has been hired as his special adviser, pointing to the Westminster-style role and Willock’s prior public service background. BVI Finance & Markets: Raytech Holding Limited, a British Virgin Islands holding company, closed a $6.2m registered direct offering of 3.15m ordinary shares, citing working capital and expansion plans. Crypto Listings: LBank Exchange listed KGM (Kandrgamr) and SERE (SERE Token), adding new trading pairs for users in the BVI-linked crypto ecosystem. USVI Operations: USPS will close Virgin Islands post offices on July 4, with services resuming July 6. Public Safety: Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed an order temporarily deploying peace officers to support VIPD through July 12 for heightened St. John Celebration activity. Health Alert: FDA recalled several shelf-stable supplements containing imported moringa leaf powder after Salmonella-linked illnesses.

Food Safety Recall: The U.S. FDA says multiple shelf-stable dietary supplements made with imported moringa leaf powder have been recalled after Salmonella-linked illnesses, with Total Nutrition Inc. and several product lines listed by lot and expiration date. Maritime History & Reform: A new Caribbean feature revisits the 1970 MV Christena Commission of Inquiry, highlighting how the investigation shaped long-lasting maritime safety changes. Tourism Tech Win: The BVI Virtual Reality Aquatics Experience at Crafts Alive Village has earned a 2026 International Telly Award for immersive 360-degree storytelling. Local Governance & Jobs: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley told VI technical studies graduates that the territory needs skilled workers to build and grow the economy, and confirmed Julian Willock as a special adviser. Public Safety Support: Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed an order temporarily deploying peace officers to support VIPD through July 12 for heightened activity around St. John Celebration. Postal Service Notice: USPS will close Virgin Islands post offices on July 4, with services resuming July 6. Housing Policy Push: Julian Willock argues for a government programme to help first-time homeowners buy land and build homes as costs rise. Financial Services Pressure: Premier Wheatley says attacks on international financial centres are “real, intense and constant,” and calls protection of the sector a top economic priority.

Local Governance & Jobs: Premier Natalio Wheatley confirmed Julian Willock has been retained as his Special Adviser, citing the government’s ministerial staff policy and Willock’s qualifications. Workforce Development: Wheatley also told VI School of Technical Studies graduates the territory needs skilled builders, technicians and innovators to turn ideas into action. Financial Services Pressure: In his 2026 State of the Territory address, Wheatley warned attacks on international financial centres are “real, intense and constant,” and said protection of the sector is central to the economic agenda. Housing Access: Willock urged a dedicated programme to help first-time homeowners buy land and build, pointing to available land at Nibbs Estate. Tourism Tech Recognition: The BVI Tourist Board’s Virtual Reality Aquatics Experience won a 2026 International Telly Award for 360 video storytelling. Marine Conservation: Dive BVI marked World Oceans Day with reef-focused dives and youth education on Virgin Gorda, and is preparing for a Marine Biology Summit. Public Safety & Operations: Governor Albert Bryan Jr. ordered temporary peace-officer deployment to support VIPD through July 12, while USPS will close VI post offices on July 4. Business & Corporate Moves: Raytech Holding Limited closed a ~$6.2m registered direct offering; Seacon Shipping agreed to buy two 2026 chemical/oil tanker newbuildings. VI-Linked Legal/Finance Watch: First BanCorp said it will vigorously defend a lawsuit alleging banking services to Jeffrey Epstein after a VI-related acquisition.

BVI Financial Services: Premier Natalio Wheatley used his 2026 State of the Territory address to warn that attacks on international financial centres like the Virgin Islands are “real,” “intense,” and “constant,” saying protection of the sector is central to the government’s economic agenda. Housing & Land Access: Former HoA Speaker Julian Willock urged a dedicated programme to help first-time homeowners buy land and build, pointing to undeveloped land at Nibbs Estate as a starting point. Freedom Commemoration: Wheatley linked Long Look’s 250th Freedom anniversary to the territory’s constitutional future, calling the community’s spirit a guide for greater autonomy. Corporate & Markets: Raytech Holding Limited (BVI holding company) closed a ~$6.2m registered direct offering, while WISeKey signed a merger agreement to redomicile to the British Virgin Islands. Shipping & Trade: Seacon Shipping agreed to buy two 2026-built chemical/oil tanker newbuildings in a $39.2m deal, with a BVI-incorporated seller. Digital Assets: BloFin announced Venezuela earthquake relief for users, including cash via the Red Cross and USDT bonuses, and RWA Global signed an advisory deal tied to tokenizing ~$300m in PRC new-energy mobility assets. Marine & Tourism: Dive BVI marked World Oceans Day with reef-focused education and is preparing for a Marine Biology Summit on Virgin Gorda. Public Safety: VIFEMS abruptly closed the Fortuna Fire Station on St. Thomas “until further notice,” raising concerns about emergency coverage.

BVI Corporate & Finance: WISeKey International signed a merger agreement to redomicile from Switzerland to the British Virgin Islands, with WISeKey BVI set to survive as the publicly traded parent and shares expected to list on both Nasdaq and SIX. Local Governance & Jobs: Former HoA Speaker Julian Willock pushed back on questions about whether Virgin Islanders can work for the Government “once qualified,” saying the Premier should announce any hires and that qualified locals should be able to work anywhere in the territory. Public Safety: VIFEMS abruptly closed Fortuna Fire Station on St. Thomas “until further notice,” raising concerns about emergency coverage for West End residents. Marine & Tourism Economy: Dive BVI marked World Oceans Day with reef-focused dives and youth ocean stewardship on Virgin Gorda, and is now preparing for the Ciboney Centre for Excellence Marine Biology Summit. Business & Shipping: Hong Kong-listed Seacon Shipping agreed to buy two 2026-built chemical/oil tanker newbuildings for $39.2m, aiming to replace older vessels and expand its controlled fleet. Digital Assets & Compliance: First BanCorp/FirstBank “categorically” denied U.S. claims tied to banking services for Jeffrey Epstein after a U.S. Virgin Islands acquisition, saying it will defend the case through legal channels. Real Estate & Legacy Watch: New reporting keeps spotlighting Epstein’s “Island” and the Little St. James redevelopment plans after ownership changed in 2023.

Federal Facilities Backlog: A new report says decades of unfunded maintenance are leaving federal buildings with serious health and safety problems—like leaks, mold, and broken elevators—while Congress’s approval process for major repairs can take well over a year. Public Safety in the VI: VIFEMS abruptly closed Fortuna Fire Station (Tango Company) on St. Thomas “until further notice,” raising concerns about emergency coverage for the West End. Tourism & Safety: Two separate reports describe Royal Caribbean cruise passengers dying after medical emergencies during snorkeling trips in St. Maarten, with details on whether tours were cruise-arranged or independent still unclear. Local Business & Growth: Dive BVI says it’s building momentum from World Oceans Day events and is preparing for the Ciboney Centre for Excellence Marine Biology Summit on Virgin Gorda, aiming to boost eco-tourism and reef protection. Wellness Branding: Jamaica’s JACANA launched a Caribbean Wellness Platform, tying botanical products, plant medicines, nature experiences, and apothecary retail under one brand as wellness tourism accelerates. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Women in Business VI & Caribbean, Inc. wrapped its NextGen CEO Summer Incubator on St. Croix, with TKB – The Kiddo Box winning the youth business pitch finale. Tech & Finance: Payward secured VASP registration for the British Virgin Islands, signaling continued expansion of digital-asset licensing in the territory.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: A British charity rescue team (Serve On) is still stuck at Madrid airport after back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 quakes devastated Caracas and shut down key travel routes; the group says getting in is “time critical” as the death toll climbs and thousands remain missing. USVI Connectivity for Crisis: Liberty VI is offering free international long-distance calls from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Venezuela through June 28 to help families coordinate and check on loved ones. Local Business & Tech: MOATiT held a grand opening for its new headquarters in the former Boy Scouts of America building on Virgin Gorda, expanding services from cybersecurity and web development to social media marketing and phone services. Entrepreneurship in the VI: Women in Business VI & Caribbean, Inc. named TKB – The Kiddo Box the winner of the 2026 NextGen CEO Summer Incubator on St. Croix, capping a two-week youth program focused on business skills and financial literacy. Crypto Market Watch (BVI): LBank Exchange listed RIA(Riaspace) and TICK, signaling continued exchange activity tied to token projects with BVI-linked corporate presence. Education & Workforce: ESHS graduation drew Premier Wheatley’s message that education is the “golden key” to sustaining the territory’s success.

Disaster Relief Logistics: A UK charity’s volunteer rescue team trying to reach earthquake-hit Venezuela has been stranded at Madrid Airport for over 24 hours as flights are cancelled and Caracas’ main airport remains severely disrupted. Local Business & Community: Liberty VI is offering free international calls from the USVI to Venezuela through June 28 to help customers coordinate aid and stay in touch. Entrepreneurship Pipeline: Women in Business VI & Caribbean’s NextGen CEO Summer Incubator on St. Croix wrapped with a youth pitch win for TKB – The Kiddo Box. Education & Workforce Development: Elmore Stoutt High School graduates in the VI were urged by Premier Natalio Wheatley and education leaders to keep building a sustainable future through learning and excellence. Digital Assets & Markets: LBank Exchange announced listings of RIA(Riaspace) and TICK, adding new trading pairs for users. Crypto Compliance Signal: Payward secured VASP registration in the British Virgin Islands, expanding its global licensing footprint. Public Policy & Governance: A BVI housing-crisis push and a call for action on readiness resources were highlighted alongside local government updates. Crime & Enforcement: Police charged a man after a patrol allegedly found about 385 grams of suspected cannabis in Tortola.

BVI Digital Finance: Payward secured VASP registration for the British Virgin Islands, signaling a fresh push for regulated digital-asset activity in the territory. Crypto Market Watch: LBank Exchange listed RIA(Riaspace) and TICK (Tick Market), adding new trading pairs for investors watching offshore crypto liquidity. Local Entrepreneurship: Women in Business VI & Caribbean, Inc. crowned TKB – The Kiddo Box as the 2026 NextGen CEO Summer Incubator winner at St. Croix, highlighting youth-led business and financial literacy. VI Education & Workforce: Elmore Stoutt High School’s Class of 2026 graduated with Premier Natalio Wheatley urging education as the “golden key” to long-term territorial success. Public Safety & Compliance: RVIPF charged a 35-year-old man after a patrol allegedly found about 385 grams of suspected cannabis in Baugher’s Bay, with intent-to-supply allegations. Regional Relief Call: Liberty VI offered free international calls from the USVI to Venezuela through June 28 to help residents coordinate during earthquake disruption. USVI SNAP Accuracy: A USDA report put the Virgin Islands among the more accurate SNAP states, with a 5.36% payment error rate. Major US Oversight Drama: Leon Black faced subpoenas after refusing to answer questions tied to nondisclosure agreements in the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein probe.

Epstein Probe in Washington: Billionaire Leon Black told a House committee he had no involvement or knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s “heinous conduct,” but his testimony abruptly ended after lawmakers pressed him on non-disclosure agreements tied to Epstein-linked women—triggering subpoenas for documents and a return deposition. BVI Digital Assets: Necker Island’s Fintech on the Seas got a boost as Payward (parent of Kraken) secured BVI Financial Services Commission VASP registrations, expanding regulated digital asset services for clients operating through the Virgin Islands. USVI Telecom Relief: Liberty VI is offering free international calls from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Venezuela through June 28 to help residents check on family and coordinate aid after recent earthquakes. Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Women in Business VI & Caribbean’s NextGen CEO Summer Incubator wrapped on St. Croix with TKB – The Kiddo Box winning the finale. Local Business & Safety: A St. Thomas airport disturbance led to the arrest of a New York-bound passenger on misdemeanor charges, while BVI police charged a man after nearly 385 grams of suspected cannabis were found during a patrol. Regional Disaster Watch: Back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela (7.2 and 7.5) killed at least 188 and injured about 1,500, with tsunami alerts affecting parts of the Caribbean including the Virgin Islands.

Digital Assets & Regulation: BVI’s fintech push got a boost as Payward (parent of Kraken) secured VASP registrations from the BVI Financial Services Commission, positioning the firm to offer regulated digital asset services through the Virgin Islands. Local Infrastructure: The VI moved closer to restoring the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground athletics track after signing a $1.2M contract to install an internationally certified running surface, with work expected to run in phases over about four months. Housing Pressure: BVI housing commentator Cindy Rosan warned the territory is not planning for population growth, pointing to land disputes, limited financing, and slow approvals as key drivers of the crisis. Trade & Border Policy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection updated rules for low-value shipments, indefinitely suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for imports valued at $800 or less and tightening information requirements. Public Safety: At Cyril E. King Airport, a New York-bound passenger was arrested after allegedly harassing travelers and disrupting vendors in the pre-clearance area. Food Assistance Accuracy: USDA data ranked the Virgin Islands among the more accurate SNAP payers, with an error rate of 5.36% (FY2025). Regional Disruption: A major pair of earthquakes in Venezuela triggered tsunami alerts for the Virgin Islands and caused widespread damage and casualties.

Digital Assets & Fintech: The VI Financial Services Commission approved Payward (parent of Kraken) for VASP registrations, expanding regulated digital-asset services for clients operating from or through the Virgin Islands. Local Infrastructure: A $1.2M contract was signed to resurface the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground athletics track with an internationally certified system, aiming to restore World Athletics certification and bring back regional/international meets. Housing & Jobs: Political commentator Cindy Rosan says the BVI housing crisis is worsening as approvals and infrastructure lag behind population growth, with land disputes and limited local financing cited as key bottlenecks. Trade & Customs: U.S. CBP updated rules for low-value shipments, indefinitely suspending duty-free de minimis treatment for imports valued at $800 or less and tightening information requirements. Aviation & Public Safety: At Cyril E. King Airport, a New York-bound passenger was arrested after allegedly harassing travelers and disrupting airport vendors. Community & Health Access: Allpure Behavioral Health partnered with Rx Outreach to expand affordable online substance use disorder treatment via nonprofit mail-order pharmacy and free home delivery. Regional Disaster Watch: Back-to-back major earthquakes devastated Venezuela, triggering tsunami alerts for the Virgin Islands before being lifted, while authorities report rising casualties and widespread damage.

Disaster & Regional Business Impact: Back-to-back powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast near Morón, collapsing buildings in Caracas and forcing evacuations across the region; the USGS reported magnitudes of 7.1/7.2 and 7.5 within about a minute, with tsunami alerts briefly issued for the Virgin Islands and later cancelled, while Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the toll rose to at least 164 dead and 971 injured (earlier reports put it at 32 dead and 700 injured), and the government declared a state of emergency as La Guaira—home to the main airport—took the hardest hit. Public Safety & Preparedness: In the wake of the quake coverage, disaster-readiness messaging also surfaced locally through Stacy Bourne’s “Disaster Smart” educational resources, aimed at helping families, schools, and businesses build practical plans before emergencies. Governance & Accountability Watch: Separately, U.S. lawmakers are expected to press Leon Black and others tied to Jeffrey Epstein as House Oversight discussions move toward subpoenas over secret settlements, keeping financial and legal scrutiny in the spotlight.