AGP Executive Report

Business & Community Recognition: Lemonade BVI founder Simone Foster was named CIBC Caribbean’s 2026 Unsung Hero for the Virgin Islands, receiving a $5,000 award for community impact and work supporting neurodivergent inclusion. Entrepreneurship & Local Economy: The first group of businesses received keys to units at the new Entrepreneurial Zone in Huntums Ghut, with eight entrepreneurs taking up incubator space after approval through business-plan review. Maritime & Trade Infrastructure: The Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority (VISMA) appointed Georgios Bazos as its first Business Development Manager in London to expand international merchant shipping outreach and strengthen its global network. Tourism & Consumer Activity: BVI Restaurant Week 2026 is set for Oct. 20–24, with 13 Tortola restaurants offering premium dining experiences as part of the wider BVI Food Fete season. Financial Services & Investment Promotion: Premier Natalio Wheatley told an India business audience the Virgin Islands positions itself as a “super connector” for financial services and international business expansion, highlighting the jurisdiction’s long-running company ecosystem. Climate Funding for Small Players: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser urged farmers and small businesses to apply for the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund’s first grant call, with about $1 million available in the initial round. Aviation Connectivity: American Airlines is boosting Caribbean frequency from Miami, including more flights to Tortola and other nearby destinations, starting this winter. Tech & Consumer Note (USVI relevance): Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders open today, and the US Virgin Islands is listed among eSIM-only markets—meaning no physical SIM tray for that model.

Entrepreneurship & Local Business: In Huntums Ghut, eight approved entrepreneurs received keys to units in the new Entrepreneurial Zone incubator, with the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs backing start-ups for a two-to-four-year runway. Climate Funding for VI Businesses: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser urged farmers and small businesses to apply for the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund’s first grant call, with about $1 million available for resilience and capacity-building. Maritime & Financial Services Growth: The Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority named Georgios Bazos as its first Business Development Manager in London to expand merchant shipping and connect with shipowners, financiers and insurers. Tourism & Dining: BVI Restaurant Week 2026 is set for Oct. 20–24 with 13 Tortola restaurants, launching alongside the Village Cay Food, Wine & Rum Festival. Trade & Investment Outreach: Premier Natalio Wheatley and the BVI team pitched the territory as a “super connector” for India’s growth during the VI-India Trade Mission and Road Show, highlighting the BVI’s financial services ecosystem. Public Finance Debate: Territorial At-Large candidate Levor Lettsome criticized government spending on rented offices, arguing funds could be better used while the Ralph T O’Neal Administration Complex remains underused. Food Brand Spotlight: Mama Maisa’s Pepper Sauce is being positioned for wider U.S. distribution, built on a multi-generation Caribbean recipe and festival-driven partnerships.

BVI Financial Services & Trade: Premier Natalio Wheatley sold the Virgin Islands as a “super connector” for India’s growth, pitching BVI’s long-running, regulated financial services ecosystem and its value for cross-border business. Local Governance & Cost Control: Levor Lettsome says government is wasting millions on commercial rent while the Ralph T O’Neal Administration Complex sits underused, urging alternatives to pricey leased offices. Climate Funding: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser opened the first VICCTF call for proposals, with about $1 million available for climate resilience and capacity-building—explicitly encouraging farmers and small businesses to apply. Business & Investment: Lendary (BVI/HK-linked) rolled out more flexible crypto-backed lending terms and expanded LRY utility, while ATIF Holdings completed its acquisition of BVI’s GoldCoin Labs to push gold-backed digital asset issuance infrastructure. Property & Tourism: A rare 18+ acre British Virgin Islands beachfront compound on Virgin Gorda is set for auction via Concierge Auctions, and BVI Restaurant Week 2026 returns Oct. 20–24 with 13 Tortola restaurants. Public Safety: A Tortola landlord alleges a mentally ill tenant attacked two women, injuring an elderly resident, with the suspect reportedly still free. Health & Education: PAHO and UWI graduated the third cohort of a health policy program that trained professionals including from the British Virgin Islands. Tech & Connectivity: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro is eSIM-only in the U.S. Virgin Islands and 11 other markets, a shift that could affect travelers and local device planning.

BVI Financial Services Push to India: BVI’s Hong Kong Office says the inaugural Virgin Islands–India Trade Mission and Road Show (Aug. 24–31) is a success, led by Premier/Finance Minister Natalio Wheatley, aiming to expand the Territory’s financial services footprint and generate leads with regulators and institutions. BVI Tourism & Dining: BVI Restaurant Week 2026 runs Oct. 20–24 (dinner-only) across 13 Tortola restaurants, launching with Village Cay Food, Wine & Rum Festival activities and early reservation opportunities. USVI Legal/Business Travel: American Airlines boosts Caribbean frequency from Miami this winter, including more flights to Tortola and St. Thomas, improving visitor access for regional commerce. USVI/Offshore Corporate & Tax: Stephen Deckoff, owner of former Epstein islands, sues the U.S. Virgin Islands for a $5.7M+ tax refund tied to whether he was a bona fide resident for 2021. Cyber & Data Risk: Ontario courts warn a cyberattack on Thomson Reuters’ C-Track case-management system may have exposed confidential, sealed, or redacted court information. Payments & Compliance Watch: U.S. Treasury flags about $17.5B in suspicious activity potentially linked to health care fraud, with thousands of financial reports filed. Tech & Connectivity: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro eSIM-only rollout includes the U.S. Virgin Islands, affecting travelers’ activation and carrier choices.

BVI Tourism & Dining: BVI Restaurant Week 2026 is set for Oct. 20–24 with dinner-only experiences at 13 Tortola restaurants, launching Oct. 16 during the Village Cay Food, Wine & Rum Festival. BVI Financial Services Outreach: The BVI Hong Kong Office says the inaugural Virgin Islands–India Trade Mission (Aug. 24–31) was a success, positioning the territory’s financial services for growth in India. BVI Corporate & Markets: WISeKey shareholders have approved redomiciliation to the British Virgin Islands, moving the group’s public parent from Switzerland to BVI. USVI Legal & Finance: A court filing reports Epstein Island’s new owner suing the U.S. Virgin Islands for a tax refund of more than $5.7 million, tied to whether he was a bona fide resident for 2021. Tech & Consumer Watch: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro SIM policy varies by market, with eSIM-only in several regions including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Policy & Social Support Debate (VI): Levor A.H. Lettsome is calling for VI to shift from “food baskets” to a card-based social assistance model, while also questioning DeCastro Street spending priorities.

BVI Business & Finance: WISeKey shareholders have approved redomiciliation to the British Virgin Islands, moving the group’s publicly traded parent domicile from Switzerland to BVI as the merger steps toward completion. Trade & Policy: Canada’s counter-tariffs on U.S. goods are now being implemented via new U.S. surtax orders and an extension of remission relief, with surtaxes ranging from 15% to 50% across hundreds of tariff items. BVI Outreach: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley led a public-private financial services trade mission to India aimed at generating leads and deepening regulator and institutional relationships for corporate structuring, funds, private wealth and fintech. USVI Procurement: The Virgin Islands Human Services Department has opened bidding for the next SNAP EBT contractor, with proposals due Nov. 23 as the current Fidelity contract approaches its scheduled end. Tourism & Jobs (BVI): A BVI marine industry forum saw calls to prioritize local boat captains over expatriate hiring by charter operators. Tourism (BVI): The BVI Tourist Board wrapped its 2026 tourism internship programme, placing 20 students with resorts and yacht charter partners. Regional Business: Suntera Global appointed Toni Bonzon as managing director for its Bahamas office, with a mandate to drive corporate and private wealth growth across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Deep-Seabed Mining Pushback: Mariana and other territorial leaders, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, urged Gov. David M. Apatang to oppose a federal deep-seabed mining lease sale near the Northern Mariana Islands, calling for suspension or termination before Oct. 19. Token Launch Costs: Charter Foundation says it can cut token-launch legal/governance setup costs from about $70,500 to $35,000 by using shared infrastructure. Digital Trade Boost: A new IDB/WTO/World Bank report says digitally ordered or delivered trade in Latin America and the Caribbean has surged to nearly $90B, with digitally delivered services nearing $88B in 2024. BVI Tourism & Jobs: The BVI backed a “Boston Whaler Takeover” bringing Puerto Rico visitors during the slower season, while a tourism minister also pressed for fair access for local boat captains over expats. SNAP EBT Procurement (USVI): Human Services opened bidding for the next contractor to run the territory’s SNAP EBT system as the current Fidelity deal nears its Nov. 30, 2026 end. Electricity Subsidy Debate (BVI): Opposition Leader Marlon Penn called for a sustained electricity subsidy through end-2026, criticizing credits that arrive after bills are due. Offshore Finance Appointments: Suntera Global named Toni Bonzon managing director for its Bahamas office, with prior BVI trust experience. AI Compute Market: Alpha Liquid Terminal relaunches as the ALT/X Compute Terminal, pitching GPU pricing and power/capacity data for AI infrastructure buyers.

BVI Tourism & Jobs: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission wrapped its 2026 Tourism Education Summer Internship Programme, expanding from 10 to 20 students and placing them with major resorts and yacht charter operators to build real workplace skills. BVI Governance & Consumer Protection: The Virgin Islands Trade Commission’s non-operational functions were shifted under amendments to the Consumer Protection Act, with the minister and Director of Business now handling complaints, investigations, and reporting on prices and market conditions. BVI Energy Cost Pressure: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn renewed calls for a sustained electricity subsidy through end-2026, arguing families need relief now—not future credits—while also questioning subsidy changes for businesses. BVI Tourism Growth: The inaugural Boston Whaler Takeover brought Puerto Rico Whaler Owners Club members to the Territory Sept. 4–7, aiming to extend the Puerto Rico connection beyond Christmas in July into slower-season months. Regional Policy Talks: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley is in Bermuda for the Caribbean Overseas Territories caucus ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council, joining other OT leaders on financial services, trade, climate resilience, and citizen wellbeing. USVI Boating Compliance: US Customs and Border Protection warned Caribbean boat operators that failing to report arrivals can trigger fines and vessel seizures, with enforcement highlighted in the US Virgin Islands.

Tourism & Youth Skills: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission wrapped its 2026 Tourism Education Summer Internship Programme, expanding placements from 10 to 20 students across major resorts and yacht charter operations, aiming to build real-world skills and entrepreneurial pathways. Caribbean Trade & Policy: BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley is in Bermuda for the Overseas Territories Caribbean Caucus, with leaders coordinating positions on economic/financial services resilience, climate preparedness, regional cooperation, and citizen wellbeing ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council. Electricity Cost Pressure: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn renewed calls for a sustained electricity subsidy through end-2026, arguing families need direct bill relief now after BVIEC’s July/August increases followed the end of an emergency fuel subsidy. Consumer Protection Overhaul: The BVI Trade Commission’s non-operational functions were shifted to the minister for consumer affairs and the Director of Business under the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Act, changing how complaints and market-price reporting are handled. Local Business Environment: The Protected Basket of Goods Initiative is back under review with supermarket representatives and agencies, as government looks at how savings reach shoppers and whether the programme should be adjusted for both consumers and businesses. Infrastructure & Streetscape: The DeCastro Street Sidewalks Improvement Project has been delayed, with a new start date pending after remaining contractual and administrative steps. Maritime Compliance: US Customs and Border Protection says it seized multiple vessels in the USVI and issued penalties for operators who failed to report arrivals, underscoring mandatory entry rules for Caribbean boat traffic. Elections & Governance: Levor Lettsome launched his bid for a Territorial At-Large seat under the newly formed Virgin Islands Innovative Association, arguing residents need a stronger voice in national decision-making.

Protected Basket of Goods: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley and Junior Minister Lorna Smith met supermarket reps and agencies to review the Protected Basket of Goods Initiative, meant to cushion cost-of-living pressures after the three-month emergency fuel subsidy ended. Financial Secretary Search: Claude Skelton-Cline urged the government to “headhunt” for the next Financial Secretary from the BVI diaspora, arguing the role needs top-tier expertise for a tougher global economy. Electricity Bill Backlash: Opposition leader Marlon Penn said electricity bills for July and August are unaffordable after the emergency fuel subsidy ended, warning the government’s removal would hit households harder than promised. Climate Funding Launch: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser opened the first call for proposals under the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund, with $1 million available for community resilience projects. Business & Consumer Rules: USVI DLCA reminded businesses that pennies remain legal tender and they can’t routinely round up or refuse cash due to coin shortages. Maritime Compliance: US CBP seized multiple vessels in the USVI after operators failed to report arrivals, warning of fines and possible vessel forfeiture. Public Health Recall: USVI consumers were told to stop using recalled scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the USVI due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination. Crime & Trade Links: A BVI businessman and two Saint Lucians were detained in Trinidad after a TT$193.5m cocaine seizure.

Electricity & Cost of Living: BVI Opposition leader Marlon Penn says families are feeling the hit as BVIEC bills for July and August reflect the highest fuel cost on record after the government’s three-month emergency fuel subsidy ended, warning the increases are “simply unaffordable.” Protected Basket Review: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and Minister Lorna Smith met supermarket reps and agencies to assess whether the Protected Basket of Goods Initiative should continue, with talks focused on improving how savings reach residents while balancing impacts on retailers and suppliers. Financial Secretary Search: Claude Skelton-Cline urged the government to “headhunt” for the next Financial Secretary from the BVI diaspora, arguing the territory needs top-tier finance leadership as Jeremiah Frett nears retirement. Road Safety & Access: The RDA flagged root-caused damage on DeCastro Street in Road Town, saying temporary fixes won’t solve the problem and that a wider, ADA-compliant sidewalk rebuild is planned. Climate Funding: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser launched the first call for proposals under the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund, with $1 million available for community resilience projects. Consumer Alert (USVI): USVI DLCA reminded businesses that pennies remain legal tender and warned against routine cash rounding or refusing cash as penny supply tightens. Public Health Recall (USVI): A Clorox Puerto Rico recall of 6.3 million scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners was issued for possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with heightened risk for immunocompromised travelers. Regional Crime & Trade: Trinidad police seized 416.5kg of cocaine worth TT$193.5 million hidden in backhoe tyres, arresting a BVI businessman and two Saint Lucians—another reminder of how organized crime can use legitimate commercial spaces.

USVI Consumer Rules: The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs reminded USVI businesses that pennies already in circulation remain legal tender, and firms can’t routinely round cash transactions upward, refuse cash, or drop required payment options just because one-cent coins are harder to find. BVI/Regional Security: A BVI businessman and two Saint Lucians were detained in Trinidad after police seized about 416.5kg of cocaine hidden inside backhoe tyres in Longdenville, a haul valued at TT$193.5 million. VI Climate Funding: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser launched the first call for proposals under the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund, with $1 million available for community resilience projects (including $900,000 for “grand projects”). BVI Energy Costs: BVIEC said its September 1 fuel subsidy adjustment won’t change bills for customers using 1,500 kWh or less, while higher users will see the subsidy applied only above that level. Local Infrastructure: The RDA flagged ongoing trip hazards from tree roots lifting DeCastro Street sidewalk slabs in Road Town and says wider, ADA-compliant repairs are planned. Business & Finance Links: The FSC launched the Robert A. Mathavious Scholarship Grant (up to US$5,000 for three applicants yearly) to support financial services training at HLSCC’s Robert Mathavious Institute. Trade/Partnerships: Ghana Enterprises Agency signed an MoU with the US Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties.

Legal Tender Guidance: The US Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs says pennies still count as legal tender, and businesses can’t use a penny shortage to routinely round up, refuse cash, or drop required payment options while the “Common Cents Act” remains only proposed. Public Safety & Consumer Alert: DLCA also issued a recall warning for Clorox Puerto Rico–made scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the USVI, after a CPSC recall tied the products to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination—especially risky for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. BVI Finance & Talent: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline urged authorities to “headhunt” a Virgin Islander overseas to become the next Financial Secretary, arguing the role needs top-tier leadership ahead of major shifts. Climate Funding (BVI): Deputy Premier Julian Fraser launched the first call for proposals under the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund, with about $1 million available for community resilience projects. Regional Crime Impact: A BVI businessman and two Saint Lucians were detained in Trinidad after a TT$193.5 million cocaine seizure hidden in backhoe tyres. Energy Costs (BVI): BVIEC says 95% of customers use 1,500 kWh or less monthly, so the Sept. 1 fuel subsidy adjustment should not change bills for most users. Trade/Business Links: Ghana Enterprises Agency signed an MoU with the USVI Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties.

Food Safety & Consumer Alerts: The VI Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs says consumers should immediately stop using recalled scented Clorox Mistolin Dilutable Cleaners and Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the USVI, after a recall of about 6.3 million bottles over possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination—an issue most dangerous for people with weakened immune systems or with external medical devices. Local Infrastructure: The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency flagged root-caused damage along Road Town’s DeCastro Street, saying temporary fixes won’t solve the safety problem, and outlined wider, ADA-compliant sidewalk reconstruction planned for September. Climate Funding: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser launched the first call for proposals under the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund, with about $1 million available for community resilience projects from a fund holding just over $6 million. BVI Business & Finance: The BVI Financial Services Commission rolled out the FSC Robert A. Mathavious Scholarship Grant, offering up to US$5,000 for three applicants annually to pursue approved professional development at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Regional Security & Trade Risks: Trinidad and Tobago police seized 416.5 kg of cocaine worth about US$193.5 million hidden in backhoe tyres, arresting a 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands and two St. Lucians—another reminder of how illicit trade can intersect with legitimate commerce. Governance & Compliance: Guidance from DLCA says pennies remain legal tender in the USVI and businesses can’t routinely refuse cash or round up transactions just because one-cent coins are scarce.

Road Town Infrastructure: The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency flagged DeCastro Street sidewalk damage in Road Town, saying tree roots have lifted slabs and created trip hazards and access barriers; it says temporary fixes won’t hold and points to a DeCastro Street Sidewalk Improvement Project with wider, ADA-compliant sidewalks, ramps, drainage and safer connections, with a contract signed for work starting in September. Climate Funding: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser launched the first call for proposals under the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund, with about $1 million available for community resilience—$900,000 for “grand projects” and $100,000 for capacity-building and education—aimed at moving from planning to implementation. USVI Consumer Rules: The DLCA reminded businesses that pennies remain legal tender in the U.S. Virgin Islands and warned against routine cash rounding or refusing cash due to the U.S. Mint stopping penny production in 2025. Electricity Costs: BVIEC says the Sept. 1 fuel subsidy adjustment won’t change bills for customers using 1,500 kWh or less monthly, since only the subsidy portion above that level is affected. BVI Finance & Training: The BVI Financial Services Commission launched the FSC Robert A. Mathavious Scholarship Grant, offering up to US$5,000 for three applicants annually for approved professional development at HLSCC’s Robert Mathavious Institute. Regional Crime Impacting Business: In Trinidad and Tobago, police seized 416.5 kg of cocaine worth about US$193.5 million hidden in backhoe tyres, arresting a 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands and two Saint Lucians—an enforcement move that local business groups say underscores the need for tighter property and tenant screening. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters said a cyber incident involving its C-Track platform affected court records in multiple U.S. states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario, with some files potentially exposing sensitive personal information. Corporate Corrections: Orca Energy Group issued a correction to its quarterly dividend timing, adjusting the record date to Sept. 29, 2026 due to a Canadian public holiday.

Cocaine Smuggling Crackdown: Trinidad and Tobago police seized 416.5 kg of cocaine worth about US$27M (TT$193.5M), hidden inside four backhoe tyres at a Longdenville warehouse, arresting a 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands and detaining two Saint Lucians. Cash Rules for USVI: The DLCA reminded businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands that pennies already in circulation remain legal tender and that shortages don’t justify routinely rounding up, refusing cash, or removing required payment options. Electricity Cost Relief Update (BVI): BVIEC says 95% of customers use 1,500 kWh or less monthly, so the Sept. 1 fuel subsidy adjustment won’t change bills for them; higher users will only be charged unsubsidised fuel costs above 1,500 kWh. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a C-Track breach that exposed court-related personal data across multiple U.S. states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with advocates warning of Social Security, ID, and health information risk. BVI Financial Services Talent: The FSC launched the Robert A. Mathavious Scholarship Grant, offering up to US$5,000 for three applicants annually to pursue approved professional development at HLSCC’s Robert Mathavious Institute. Business & Trade Link: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment cooperation. Corporate Note (Orca): Orca Energy Group corrected its Q3 dividend record date to Sept. 29, 2026 (public holiday in Canada on Sept. 30). Local Consumer Safety: Clorox recalled about 6.3M bottles of Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible bacteria contamination.