AGP Executive Report

Consumer Protection/Healthcare: US AGs including William Tong and South Dakota’s Marty Jackley urged shoppers to file claims after a court preliminarily approved a plan to distribute generic-drug antitrust settlement funds, covering eligible purchases made between May 2009 and Dec. 2019. BVI Governance/Finance: Premier Natalio Wheatley said the government has fully committed a $100M loan but pays out in stages as projects hit milestones, while also declining to disclose whether Cabinet approved Social Security Board funds for the National Bank. Maritime Trade Dispute: USVI and BVI tensions over charter-vessel licensing fees are escalating, with USVI pressing for high-level talks and a response deadline of Sept. 25 for a proposed Oct. 12-week summit. Public Procurement/Compliance: FEMA launched an enhanced compliance review of Virgin Islands disaster recovery spending, focusing on delays, reimbursements, contractor payments, and possible overlap with HUD-funded work. Business & Investment: Clichmont opened a public sale of its $CLAI token as it expands European GPU infrastructure, while Alpha Compute announced a Pennsylvania acquisition securing 300+ acres and oil-and-gas assets. Tourism/Community: NFWF awarded $2.1M to support coral reef resilience projects that include the U.S. Virgin Islands.

BVI–USVI Charter Fees: US federal agencies signaled readiness to help resolve the BVI’s charter yacht fee dispute with the USVI, after USVI Gov. Albert Bryan met Interior, State, Homeland Security, Commerce and others; an Oct. 12 Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington is proposed, with the BVI asked to confirm participation by Sept. 25. BVI Governance & Appointments: Premier Natalio Wheatley says he will do further due diligence on Cabinet’s approval of Bevis Sylvester as BVIHSA chair amid questions about a prior conviction and “fit and proper” statutory rules. Public Finance Transparency: Wheatley declined to disclose the total public cost of the BVI’s India financial services and trade mission, citing fiduciary duty and pointing to upcoming Freedom of Information legislation. Energy & Infrastructure: SSEB elected Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón as chair, highlighting generation upgrades and resilience efforts—an energy-policy signal for the region. Electricity Access: BVIEC warned residents after employees were threatened during meter replacements, urging safe, unobstructed access to utility equipment. Tourism Recognition: BVI tourism media ties got a boost as Jamaican-rooted travel journalist Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon was named a 2026 CMEx Leadership Laureate. Coral Restoration Funding: NFWF awarded $2.1M to advance heat-resilient coral reef restoration, including work in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Tourism & Media Recognition: Travel journalist Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, with deep Jamaican roots, was named a 2026 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Laureate, highlighting the Caribbean’s tourism and media leadership pipeline. Reef Funding for Local Economies: The U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded $2.1 million (with $1.2 million in matching funds) to support heat-resilient coral restoration efforts that include the U.S. Virgin Islands. BVI Finance & Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley says he will do further due diligence on the proposed appointment of Bevis Sylvester as BVIHSA chair after questions about a prior conviction and statutory “fit and proper” requirements. Public Spending Transparency: Wheatley declined to disclose the total cost of the BVI’s India financial services and trade mission, pointing to fiduciary duty and future Freedom of Information clarifications. Maritime Fees Pressure: U.S. federal agencies signaled readiness to help resolve the BVI–USVI charter fee dispute, with October talks proposed in Washington. Energy Access & Safety: BVIEC warned residents after employees were threatened during meter-access work, urging cooperation to keep meters and equipment reachable. Corporate/Deal Watch: Robam approved a $175m plan to buy a 60% stake in BVI-incorporated iTronics Holding to expand overseas kitchen thermometer sales. Business Risk (Foreclosure): Celtic Bank filed a federal lawsuit seeking foreclosure on St. Thomas properties tied to Hotel 1829 and At Home in the Tropics over a $3.24m SBA-backed loan now alleged to total at least $3.62m in debt. Regional Development: The Virgin Islands reaffirmed support for Brazil’s voluntary SDG 18 initiative on ethnic and racial equality.

BVI–India Finance Ties: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says a recent trade mission to India built a “powerful platform,” pointing to GIFT City as a place where BVI cross-border finance expertise can complement India’s IFSC ambitions. Corporate Deal Watch: Robam Appliances approved a plan to buy a 60% stake in BVI-incorporated iTronics for about US$175m, aiming to expand its overseas kitchen thermometer business. Local Governance & Health: Cabinet approved Bevis A. Sylvester as incoming BVI Health Services Authority chair (three-year term, HoA approval pending). Energy & Safety: BVIEC warned residents after reports of threats against meter technicians, urging safe, accessible access to meters and electrical equipment. Marine Jobs Pressure: The Moorings says it has lost many local boat captains in recent years, while claiming it’s prioritizing local hiring for current vacancies. Climate Funding Push: VICCTF is urging sister islands to submit projects to help the fund become accredited and unlock larger global climate financing. Business Finance: Aura Minerals announced a US$200m syndicated loan facility (SOFR + 2.70%) to support capital needs and production growth. Regional Diplomacy: The VI reaffirmed support for Brazil’s voluntary SDG 18 initiative on ethnic and racial equality. USVI Charter Yacht Fees: USVI Gov. Bryan demanded a written commitment by Sept. 25 and proposed an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in October over rising charter yacht fees affecting cross-border trade.

BVI–India Finance Talks: Premier Natalio Wheatley says a recent trade mission to India—especially discussions around GIFT City—shows the BVI’s cross-border finance expertise can complement India’s financial-services push, not threaten it. USVI Charter Yacht Fees: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. escalated a charter yacht fee dispute with the U.S. Interior Department, proposing an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington and pressing Premier Wheatley for a Sept. 25 written commitment. BVI Electricity Safety: BVIEC warned residents after employees were threatened during authorised meter work, urging safe, unobstructed access to meters and equipment. BVI Health Governance: Cabinet approved Bevis A. Sylvester as the new BVI Health Services Authority chair, pending House of Assembly approval. Climate Funding Push: The VICCTF is urging sister islands to submit projects so the fund can operate fairly and build credibility for larger global climate financing. Corporate/Deal News: Robam plans a USD 175m acquisition of a 60% stake in BVI-incorporated iTronics to expand its overseas kitchen business. Recognition for VI Finance: Trusts and estates lawyer Christopher J. McKenzie won STEP’s Lifetime Achievement Award for shaping VI trust legislation and education. Marine Jobs Pressure: The Moorings says it has lost many local boat captains recently, while claiming it’s prioritising local hiring for current vacancies. Regional Equality Initiative: The VI reaffirmed support for Brazil’s SDG 18 voluntary push on ethnic and racial equality.

USVI Charter Yacht Fees: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. escalated a dispute over rising charter yacht fees, pushing for an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington and demanding Premier Natalio Wheatley respond in writing by Sept. 25. BVI Utilities & Safety: BVIEC warned residents after employees doing meter work were threatened, urging safe, unobstructed access to meters and electrical equipment. BVI Health Leadership: Cabinet approved Bevis A. Sylvester as the new BVI Health Services Authority chair, pending House of Assembly approval. Climate Finance Push: The VICCTF is urging sister islands beyond Tortola—especially Jost Van Dyke and Anegada—to submit projects as it seeks credibility and future access to larger global climate funds. Water & Sewerage: A new Water and Sewerage Department director pledged stronger services ahead of plans to consolidate water and electricity under a single statutory corporation. Finance & Recognition: Aura Minerals announced a $200M syndicated loan facility, while BVI trusts and estates lawyer Christopher J. McKenzie won a STEP Lifetime Achievement Award. Tourism & Travel: The Moorings says it has lost many local boat captains and is prioritizing local hiring amid complaints about charter work going to expatriates. Regional Policy: The VI/BVI reaffirmed support for Brazil’s SDG 18 initiative on ethnic and racial equality.

USVI–BVI Maritime Fees: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. escalated a charter yacht fee dispute with the U.S. Interior, demanding Premier Natalio Wheatley respond in writing by Sept. 25 and pushing for an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington the week of Oct. 12, citing impacts on American-flagged vessels and cross-border trade. BVI Governance & Health: Cabinet approved Bevis A. Sylvester as new BVI Health Services Authority chair, pending House of Assembly approval, for a three-year term starting Sept. 7, 2026. BVI Public Services: A new Water and Sewerage Department director, Lyndon Hodge, pledged stronger leadership and service delivery as government moves toward a single statutory corporation for water and electricity. Climate Funding Push: VICCTF is urging sister islands to submit proposals beyond Tortola to build credibility and unlock larger access to global climate financing. Marine Jobs Pressure: The Moorings says it has lost many local boat captains but claims it’s prioritizing locals for vacancies, amid ongoing complaints about expatriate hiring. Trusts & Estates Spotlight: BVI trusts lawyer Christopher J. McKenzie won STEP’s Lifetime Achievement Award for shaping VISTA and advancing local financial services education. Regional Diplomacy: BVI leaders reaffirmed support for Brazil’s SDG 18 initiative on ethnic and racial equality, with Premier Wheatley’s envoy participating virtually. Consumer/Business Risk: BVIEC warned residents after employees were threatened during authorized meter work, reminding property owners to keep meters accessible. Travel & Consumer Fraud: A travel planner tied to Reggie & Friends faces new accusations of ghosting travelers and withholding refunds after cancellations. Finance Deal: Aura Minerals announced a $200M syndicated loan facility to strengthen its capital structure and fund production-related payments. Tech/Media: Apple expanded iCloud+ bundling to include Apple TV and Arcade in 100+ countries, including the British Virgin Islands. Earthquake Update: A 4.8 quake near Guanica, Puerto Rico triggered a tsunami information statement saying there is no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico, the USVI, or the BVI.

Utility Safety & Access: BVIEC says its meter technicians have been threatened with serious violence during authorised replacements, and urges residents to keep meters and electrical equipment accessible and hazard-free. Public Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley says he was not consulted on Governor Daniel Pruce’s one-year term extension to January 2028, while stressing a push for more authority for the elected government. Health Sector Leadership: Cabinet approved Bevis A. Sylvester as the new BVI Health Services Authority Chair, pending House of Assembly approval. Climate Finance Push: VICCTF is urging sister islands to submit projects beyond Tortola to support fair, transparent funding and improve chances of accessing larger global climate financing. Water & Sewerage Management: Newly appointed Water and Sewerage Director Lyndon Hodge pledges stronger leadership, accountability, innovation, and investment ahead of plans to consolidate services under a single statutory corporation. Marine Jobs Pressure: The Moorings reports it has lost many local boat captains in recent years, while saying it is prioritising local recruitment amid ongoing complaints about hiring gaps. Finance & Business: Aura Minerals announced a US$200m syndicated loan facility to strengthen its capital structure and fund supplier payments and production expansion. Regional Spotlight: Overseas Territories leaders met in Bermuda, with Montserrat and others aligning priorities ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council. Tech/Policy Watch: A new US bill would require VPNs and other services to block access to “foreign piracy sites,” raising stakes for privacy tools. Earthquake Update: A 4.8 quake near Puerto Rico triggered a tsunami information statement saying there is no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico, the USVI, or the BVI.

BVI Health & Governance: Cabinet has approved Bevis A. Sylvester as the new Chair of the BVI Health Services Authority, pending House of Assembly approval, for a three-year term starting Sept. 7. Public Services: The new Water and Sewerage Department Director, Lyndon Hodge, says he’ll push stronger leadership, accountability, and investment as the government moves toward combining water and electricity services under a single statutory corporation. Marine Jobs: The Moorings says it has lost “an awful lot” of local boat captains in recent years, while government and labour officials point to ongoing efforts to give Virgin Islanders first preference in the marine sector. Climate Finance: The VICCTF is urging sister islands—especially Jost Van Dyke and Anegada—to submit projects, aiming for fair selection and eventual accreditation to unlock larger global climate funding. Business & Capital: Aura Minerals announced a $200 million syndicated loan facility to strengthen its capital structure and fund supplier payments and production-related costs. Regional Links: Montserrat’s Premier joined Caribbean Overseas Territories leaders in Bermuda to press shared priorities with the UK, including health access and climate resilience. Crypto & Payments: Ducat integrated with TRON to expand stablecoin settlement options, while Rhino.fi launched native Bitcoin deposits for businesses. Trusts & Estates: VI trusts and estates lawyer Christopher J. McKenzie won the STEP Lifetime Achievement Award for long-term contributions to the sector.

Tech & Telecom for the VI: Apple says iCloud+ will bundle Apple TV and Apple Arcade in 100+ countries, including the British Virgin Islands, with pricing starting at $0.99/month for 50GB. Regional Governance & Trade: Cayman will host the 2027 Caribbean Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus, aligning priorities ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council—covering climate resilience, health, financial services, and trade. Air Connectivity: Southwest Airlines is serving 10 Caribbean destinations nonstop, including St. Thomas (USVI) and St. Maarten, boosting travel options for business and tourism. Marine Jobs Pressure: The VI Department of Labour and Workforce Development defended its push for Virgin Islanders’ first preference in the marine sector after complaints locals are being overlooked. Crypto Payments for Businesses: Ducat integrated with TRON to expand USDT (TRC-20) settlement and liquidity movement for Bitcoin-backed dollar users. Local Business Access to Capital: Virgin Islands small businesses were urged to join the Federal Reserve Credit Survey as access-to-capital concerns persist. Public Health Labs: CARPHA wrapped up the CariPHLN workshop in Barbados, strengthening Caribbean lab networking and diagnostic coordination, with VI and BVI participation. Animal Welfare: VI Agriculture and Fisheries renewed calls for responsible dog ownership after reports of livestock being chased, injured, and killed by roaming dogs.

Marine Jobs & Local Access: The VI Department of Labour and Workforce Development defended its push to give Virgin Islanders first preference in the marine sector after complaints locals are being overlooked, saying it’s educating charter companies on rights and responsibilities. Elections & Integrity: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline warned that people running for office may be trying to “buy” candidates with financial promises, urging voters to stay alert to campaign-financing rules. Crypto Payments for Businesses: BVI-based Ducat announced integration with TRON to expand use of USDT (TRC-20) for faster, lower-cost on-chain settlement, including access to wUNIT and a stablecoin liquidity pool. Native Bitcoin Deposits: Rhino.fi launched native Bitcoin deposits for businesses, letting companies receive BTC-backed value via stablecoin settlement across 30+ chains or a working Bitcoin position. Small Business Capital Survey: The RTPark Community Impact Fund partnered with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to boost Virgin Islands participation in the 2026 Small Business Credit Survey, focused on financing conditions and access to capital. Public Health Watch: A CDC report on two Legionnaires’ outbreaks in USVI hotels found Legionella in guest-room water systems, including cold lines that can warm enough for growth. Land & Anegada Titles: Daryl A. Ruan Jr. renewed calls to address long-running Anegada land title problems, saying generations have died waiting for resolution. Dog Control: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries renewed its call for responsible dog ownership after reports of roaming dogs chasing, injuring, and killing livestock.

Crypto Payments for Businesses: Rhino.fi says it now supports native Bitcoin deposits for businesses, letting customers send BTC and companies receive settlement in stablecoins across 30+ chains (or in a working Bitcoin position) after one confirmation, using the same KYT/AML screening as other routes. Access to Capital for VI Entrepreneurs: A Congressional Black Caucus Foundation panel led by USVI Rep. Stacey Plaskett highlighted how fintech and e-commerce can open trade and jobs for Black entrepreneurs, pointing to persistent banking and down-payment barriers in the Virgin Islands. Local Business Survey Push: The RTPark Community Impact Fund is partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to boost Virgin Islands participation in the 2026 Small Business Credit Survey, aimed at capturing local financing needs before Nov. 13. Public Health & Hospitality Risk: A federal report on two Legionnaires’ outbreaks in USVI hotels found Legionella in guest-room water systems, including cold lines that can warm in tropical conditions—raising the need for warm-climate control guidance. Territory Land & Governance Pressure: Anegada land issues remain unresolved for generations, with Daryl A. Ruan Jr saying people have “died waiting” for titles and that following rules hasn’t moved matters forward. Agriculture & Animal Safety: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries renewed calls for responsible dog ownership after reports of roaming dogs chasing, injuring, and killing livestock. Tech for Sales: Mitesco’s Centcore will host early prototypes of its TC/DC platform at properties tied to Concordia Eco Resort owner Tim Allen, while its RoboAgent AI sales automation prepares a late-Q4 rollout with an AI “Robo Coach” module.

Public Health & Hospitality: A CDC report on two separate Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks at St. Croix hotels found Legionella in guest room water systems, including cold lines that can warm in tropical conditions—raising the bar for hotel water safety guidance. Climate Finance: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) opened its inaugural call for proposals, offering grants up to $100,000 (plus capacity grants up to $10,000) for resilient buildings, clean energy, water security, ecosystem restoration, food security and sargassum response. Elections & Governance: Tortola radio host Claude Skelton Cline warned of alleged attempts to “buy” election candidates with financial promises, while Dr. Arlene L. Smith-Thompson launched an independent At-Large bid focused on accountability, basic services, and fixing long-running water and crime concerns. Security & Public Safety: Acting Interim Police Commissioner Richard Ullger said gun crime is “rife,” with 18 illegal firearms seized this year, and also disclosed RVIPF helped seize 4.8 tonnes of cocaine in a wider regional operation. Local Economy & Business: The VI Department of Agriculture renewed its call for responsible dog ownership after reports of roaming dogs chasing, injuring and killing livestock. Corporate/Finance (BVI-linked): INLIF LIMITED shareholders approved major capital and governance changes at an extraordinary general meeting, while Apple expanded iCloud+ bundles (Apple TV and Arcade) in many markets including the British Virgin Islands.

Climate Funding Call: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) opened its inaugural grant call for eligible VI organisations to apply for up to $100,000 for projects on resilient buildings, clean energy, water security, ecosystem restoration, food security and sargassum response, with extra capacity-building grants up to $10,000. Local Security & Public Safety: Acting Interim Police Commissioner Richard Ullger said gun crime is “rife,” with 18 illegal firearms seized since the start of the year, and described the territory as a transshipment point for drugs and human trafficking. Political Accountability & Cost of Living: Dr. Arlene L. Smith-Thompson launched an independent At-Large bid, citing crime, water woes, high business costs and education weaknesses; meanwhile, Julian Willock pushed for more action on water reliability and backed a school meal initiative for District 3. BVI Business & Finance Outreach: BVI Finance is sponsoring STEP LATAM in São Paulo to promote the VI as a private wealth and trust services hub for Latin American clients. Tech & Consumer Services: Apple expanded iCloud+ bundles in more than 100 countries, including the British Virgin Islands, adding Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no extra charge.

Climate Funding: The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) opened its inaugural grant call for eligible local organisations to apply for up to $100,000 for projects on resilient buildings, clean energy, water security, ecosystem restoration, food security and sargassum response, with capacity-building grants up to $10,000 also available. Public Safety & Crime: Acting Interim Police Commissioner Richard Ullger said gun crime is “rife,” noting 18 illegal firearms seized since the start of the year, and linked firearms to the illegal drug trade and cross-border pressures. Drugs & Borders: Ullger also disclosed that the RVIPF helped seize 4.8 tonnes of cocaine in a major international operation, describing the VI as a transshipment point for narcotics headed to the U.S. Water & Governance: Julian Willock renewed calls for more desalination capacity, arguing water woes worsened under the NDP and citing his prior experience leading Water and Sewage. Elections & Cost of Living: Dr Arlene L. Smith-Thompson launched an independent At-Large bid, pointing to crime, bureaucracy, water problems and high business costs as key issues. Business & Finance: BVI Finance is sponsoring the STEP LATAM conference in São Paulo to promote the VI as a global private wealth and trust services hub for Latin American clients. Tourism Leadership: CMEx will honour BVI tourism leader Natasha J. Chalwell at its 2026 Leadership Awards, highlighting her work modernising destination marketing.

Caribbean Overseas Territories diplomacy: BVI Premier André Ebanks joined other OT leaders at Bermuda’s 2026 caucus, agreeing to push shared positions on self-determination, climate impacts, health and social care, and financial services and trade. Food security push: Commentator Claude Skelton Cline urged the Virgin Islands government to build emergency food reserves with warehouses and silos in elevated areas, plus a territory-wide disaster distribution plan. Public corruption legislation stalls: The St. Croix Senate Rules and Judiciary Committee deferred a vote on Sen. Kenneth Gittens’ Public Corruption Act that would let courts strip retirement benefits from convicted officials, after senators debated how far into pensions the state should reach. Local business & compliance: Prosperity Farm’s bar, food-service and events were shut down indefinitely after regulators cited missing health and Fire/EMS approvals and activities outside its farming license. BVI finance networking: BVI Finance is sponsoring STEP LATAM in São Paulo, aiming to market the VI as a private wealth, trust and estate planning hub for Latin American clients. Shipping costs: Maersk added a $500 container surcharge for Gulf-bound routes (UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq), with start dates varying by destination and regulated-country deadlines. Community giving: BVI political aspirant Julian Willock donated $3,000 total to three District 3 schools to cover meals for students needing support through 2026. Health policy watch: WHO prequalified a multi-dose maternal RSV vaccine vial, clearing a key step for broader global newborn protection efforts. Seismic activity: USGS reported 13 earthquakes across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in 24 hours, with no tsunami threat for the US East Coast.