AGP Executive Report

Territorial Voting Rights: A new look at the Insular Cases says about 3.6 million people in U.S. territories—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—can vote in presidential primaries but not the general election, with no senators and only nonvoting House representation. St. John Celebration Music: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals unveiled the 2026 St. John Celebration Village lineup, led by Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, with a strong roster of local VI talent. Local Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed bills expanding mental health education, adding paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, authorizing controlled incineration for green waste, and strengthening elections operations. Community Health: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, with survivors and volunteers rallying around a $300,000 goal after raising more than $200,000 by event day. Caribbean Tourism Media: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a partnership to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through expanded digital, social, and broadcast coverage. Public Safety & Policy: A pro–Second Amendment group warned Virgin Islands lawmakers that proposed gun laws could face court challenges.

Caribbean Culture & Tourism: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a renewed partnership to boost Caribbean tourism and global storytelling, including expanded digital coverage and social media interviews tied to CTO events. St. John Celebration (Music & Community): TEMPO is also teaming with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals for expanded St. John Celebration coverage, and the Village lineup is set for June 28–July 4 in Knight’s Ville with headliners Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons plus VI and Caribbean talent. Local Governance & Family Support: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed bills to strengthen elections operations, expand mental health education, allow controlled incineration for green waste, support paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, and redirect certain hotel development bond proceeds to key public systems. Gun Laws Legal Warning: A Second Amendment Foundation official warned Virgin Islands lawmakers that proposed gun restrictions could be struck down in court, urging lawmakers to wait for pending rulings. Community Health Milestone: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary with survivors, volunteers, and fundraising aimed at a $300,000 goal. Sports (Youth & Pride): Holt High School Army JROTC cadets earned leadership challenge recognition after a demanding camp in Alabama.

St. John Celebration Music: The VI Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals unveiled the 2026 St. John Celebration Village lineup (June 28–July 4) with Ashanti, Kes the Band, Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons headlining, plus Tarrus Riley, Baby Cham, Pumpa, Pressure, and local favorites like Spectrum and Th3rd. Local Government & Community Needs: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed bills to expand mental health education, add paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, strengthen elections operations, burn green waste via controlled incineration, and redirect certain hotel development bond proceeds to key public systems. Tourism Partnerships: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a 20-year collaboration to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling, and TEMPO is bringing expanded St. John Celebration coverage to audiences worldwide. Gun Law Legal Warning: A Second Amendment Foundation official warned VI lawmakers proposed gun restrictions could face court challenges and be struck down. Community Spotlight: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary with survivors, teams, and fundraising toward a $300,000 goal. Remembering a VI Servant: St. Thomas community mourns Clarence “Chunky” Harris Sr., a longtime WAPA worker and church leader. Regional News: Coast Guard repatriated 32 people after an interdiction near Desecheo, Puerto Rico.

Caribbean Culture & Tourism: CTO and TEMPO Networks are doubling down on Caribbean storytelling with a new partnership that brings digital-first coverage, social media interviews, and broadcast highlights tied to CTO events—building on their 20-year relationship that began in 2005 in New York. St. John Celebration (Music & Community): The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals teamed up with TEMPO for expanded coverage of the 2026 St. John Celebration, and the Village lineup is set for June 28–July 4 in Knight’s Ville under “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix,” headlined by Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons. Local Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed measures from the 36th Legislature covering mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, controlled incineration for green waste, elections operations, infrastructure, and honors for notable Virgin Islanders. Civic Rights (Territories): A bipartisan congressional briefing renewed pressure on the U.S. to honor “consent of the governed” for the 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories, with Virgin Islands participation via Rep. Stacey Plaskett. Public Service & Health: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary with survivors, volunteers, and fundraising toward a $300,000 goal. Sports (Youth Sailing): The 2026 Optimist North American Championship wrapped in Halifax Harbour, with youth sailors from across the Caribbean and beyond.

St. John Celebration Buzz: TEMPO Networks is teaming up with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals for expanded 2026 St. John Celebration coverage (June 14–July 4), including a dedicated TEMPO Night in the Carnival Village as part of the media company’s 20th anniversary push. Festival Lineup: The St. John Celebration Village stage is set for June 28–July 4 in Knight’s Ville, led by Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, with Pumpa, Pressure, Tarrus Riley, Baby Cham, and more—plus a spotlight on local VI talent. Community & Culture: The Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association held its June 4–6 quarterly meeting in St. Croix, mixing continuing legal education with a clothing drive benefiting UVI students. Regional Spotlight: U.S. Coast Guard crews repatriated 32 people to the Dominican Republic after an interdiction near Desecheo, Puerto Rico, as part of efforts to deter unlawful maritime migration. Health Milestone: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the Eligible Training Provider List, opening the door for WIOA-funded EMT training; Cohort 2 graduates are now positioned for national certification. Cancer Support: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6, with survivors and teams raising more than $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal.

St. John Celebration: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals just dropped the St. John Celebration Village lineup (June 28–July 4) with Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons headlining, plus Tarrus Riley, Baby Cham, Pressure, and homegrown VI acts like Spectrum. Community & Culture Loss: St. Thomas and the wider Caribbean community are mourning Clarence “Chunky” Harris Sr., who died May 10 at 82 after decades of service, including more than 35 years with WAPA. Tourism Momentum: The territory made waves at Caribbean Week in New York, highlighting a new United nonstop flight between Newark and St. Croix and a growing set of partnerships. Local Health Workforce: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training, as Cohort 2 completes with strong NREMT pass results. Public Safety & Migration: Coast Guard crews repatriated 32 people after an interdiction near Desecheo, Puerto Rico, as part of efforts to deter unlawful maritime migration. Cancer Support: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, raising more than $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal with survivor stories and community support.

St. John Celebration: The VI Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals unveiled a blockbuster St. John Celebration Village lineup (June 28–July 4) themed “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix,” led by Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, with Tarrus Riley, Baby Cham, Pressure, Pumpa, and more plus a strong homegrown roster. Travel & Tourism: Caribbean Week in New York put the USVI in the spotlight with a new United nonstop flight between Newark and St. Croix, record visitor momentum, and fresh marketing partnerships. Community Health: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6, with 35 teams, survivor stories, and fundraising pushing past $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal. Local Workforce & Health Care: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with 10 graduates now eligible for NREMT certification. Public Service: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top government employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix. Culture & Heritage: A Caribbean-wide heritage dialogue highlighted preserving Caribbean identity through historic structures and digital storytelling, featuring VI voices and projects like the Resilient Houses Project. Entertainment Buzz: The USVI’s Caribbean Week momentum also included Rum & Rhythm events in NYC, drawing new fans and spotlighting VI ties.

Stilt-Driven Junkanoo Spotlight: At Miami’s Goombay Festival, 11-year-old Coral Reef Elementary student Christopher Gay and his sister Skai wowed crowds as “moko jumbies,” keeping Bahamian Junkanoo traditions alive through Fatboi Junkanoo Entertainment. Cancer Community Milestone: On St. Croix, Relay for Life marked its 25th year with survivor stories, remembrance, and a push toward a $300,000 goal after topping $200,000 by event time. Local Workforce & EMS Training: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT pathways as Cohort 2 graduates complete training and move toward national certification. Territory Democracy Talk: A bipartisan congressional briefing on “consent of the governed” highlighted how 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories still lack full voting representation, with U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett among participants. Travel for Islanders: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route from Newark to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly Saturday flight—making NYC-area access easier for visitors and families. Public Service Recognition: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top VI government employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix. Heritage Preservation Dialogue: A Caribbean-wide conversation on safeguarding cultural memory brought together practitioners from Jamaica, Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Saba, including work tied to resilient historic houses.

Caribbean Culture & Heritage: A Caribbean-wide dialogue tied to the Caribbean Culture Fund spotlighted how communities in Jamaica, Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Saba are preserving historic sites, oral histories, and traditional building knowledge—highlighting the Resilient Houses Project’s focus on wooden construction, climate resilience, and digital storytelling. Local Community & Health: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th year at the St. Croix Educational Complex track, with survivors and volunteers rallying around a $300,000 goal and survivor stories like Wendy Graham’s message of hope. U.S. Virgin Islands in the News: The USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a 10-month deployment that included Caribbean-area missions supporting counter-narcotics and humanitarian efforts. Travel for VI Families: A new Caribbean travel trends report says the Cayman Islands are surging for family travel, with the U.S. Virgin Islands also ranking among the top destinations for growing family-sized groups. Democracy in the Territories: A bipartisan congressional briefing revisited “consent of the governed,” underscoring that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—still lack full voting representation. Workforce & Emergency Care: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the eligible training provider list, enabling WIOA-funded EMT training; ten residents completed Cohort 2 and are positioned for national certification. Culture & Community Abroad: Caribbean Week in New York wrapped with major tourism and culture moments, including the Rum & Rhythm party featuring multiple Caribbean destinations, including the U.S. Virgin Islands.

St. Croix Community Health: Relay for Life marked its 25th year on St. Croix at the St. Croix Educational Complex track, with 35 teams, more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal, and survivor stories like 16-year ovarian cancer survivor Wendy Graham sharing a message of hope and healing. U.S. Territory Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing on “consent of the governed” highlighted that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—still lack full voting power, with lawmakers and territorial advocates pushing for constitutional equality. Local Workforce & Health Care Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; Cohort 2 completed the program with ten graduates on track for national certification. Travel & Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route from St. Croix to Newark/New York starting Oct. 31, 2026—weekly on Saturdays—aimed at boosting tourism and making travel easier for residents and visitors. Caribbean Tourism Buzz: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brought tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with the U.S. Virgin Islands among the participating destinations.

Local Governance & Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing at the U.S. Senate marked 250 years since “consent of the governed,” but highlighted that 3.6 million people in U.S. territories still lack full voting rights; U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett joined via video as lawmakers and territorial advocates pressed for constitutional equality. U.S. Virgin Islands Travel & Business: United Airlines announced a new weekly nonstop between St. Croix (STX) and Newark/New York (EWR) starting Oct. 31, 2026—an air-access boost for residents and visitors. Workforce & Health Care: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training, as its EMT Cohort 2 graduates complete the path toward national certification. Public Service: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top VI government employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix. Culture & Community: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 continues to draw tourism leaders, with the U.S. Virgin Islands among the participating destinations.

U.S. Virgin Islands Workforce & Health: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training, as 10 graduates complete Cohort 2 and move toward national certification. Local Governance & Community: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top public servants at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting how everyday government work affects residents, students, and safer roads. Travel & Tourism: United Airlines announced the only nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026, a weekly Saturday flight that could reshape New York-area access to the island. Culture & Events: Caribbean Week in New York wrapped with major tourism energy, including the Rum & Rhythm party featuring the U.S. Virgin Islands among other Caribbean destinations. Youth Sports: The 2026 Optimist North American Championship concluded in Halifax Harbour, with Puerto Rico’s Ines Mendez-Larminaux earning Top North American Girl honors.

Air Access Boost: United Airlines announced the only nonstop route from New York/Newark to St. Croix, starting Oct. 31, 2026—weekly Saturday service with a Boeing 737-700, a big win for residents and visitors who’ve long faced connections. Workforce & Health Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 just completed with 10 graduates on track for national certification. Local Recognition: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top public servants at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the people behind day-to-day government services. Culture & Tourism in NYC: Caribbean Week in New York continues to draw tourism leaders, with the U.S. Virgin Islands among destinations showing off Caribbean culture—plus a Rum & Rhythm celebration that brought island flavors to Lower Manhattan. Youth Sports: The 2026 Optimist North American Championship wrapped in Halifax Harbour, featuring 172 young sailors from across the Americas and beyond. Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing renewed calls for full democratic rights for 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories, including discussion involving U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.

Air Travel & Tourism: United Airlines announced the only nonstop New York–St. Croix route, starting Oct. 31, 2026 with weekly Saturday flights from Newark to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport—big news for island visitors and residents who’ve long dealt with connections. Workforce & Health Education: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 just wrapped with ten graduates on track for national certification. Local Government & Public Service: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top public employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the people behind day-to-day government services. Community & Culture: Island SPACE Caribbean Museum’s Island SPACE Mango Festival returns June 21 in South Florida with Caribbean food, music, and family activities—an easy way to catch Caribbean vibes ahead of Father’s Day and the World Cup. Civic Rights (Territories): A bipartisan congressional briefing renewed calls for full democratic rights for the 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories, arguing “consent of the governed” still doesn’t apply equally. Youth Sports: The 2026 Optimist North American Championship wrapped in Halifax Harbour, bringing 172 young sailors from the Americas and beyond together for competition and sportsmanship.

U.S. Virgin Islands Air Access: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route from St. Croix (STX) to Newark/New York (EWR), starting Oct. 31, 2026—weekly Saturdays—giving the only direct NYC-area option for St. Croix and boosting tourism and local business ties. Local Public Service: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top VI government employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the people behind everyday services. Workforce & Health Training: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; Cohort 2 completed with 10 graduates on track for national certification. Territory Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing renewed calls for full democratic rights for 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories, including U.S. Virgin Islands representation without a vote. Caribbean Tourism in NYC: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened with leaders from across the region, including VI officials, pushing “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” and stronger connectivity. Culture & Community Calendar: Island SPACE Mango Festival returns June 21 in South Florida, pairing Caribbean food and music with family-friendly mango experiences ahead of Father’s Day. Global Spotlight on “Epstein Island”: New DOJ-related reporting keeps Little St. James in the headlines as Epstein file releases fuel fresh public scrutiny and online obsession.

Territory Democracy Push: A congressional briefing on “consent of the governed” spotlighted how U.S. territories—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—still lack full voting power, with 3.6 million Americans excluded from full representation. Local Workforce & Health Training: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding as ten residents complete EMT Cohort 2 and move toward national certification. Air Access for Island Life: United Airlines announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly Saturday flight—giving St. Croix a direct New York gateway. Caribbean Culture in the Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off with U.S. Virgin Islands participation, bringing tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Community Service Recognition: Acting Gov. Roach honored top public servants at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix. Privacy & Data Safety Lesson: The FTC finalized an order against Illuminate Education over a massive student-data breach, underscoring the gap between privacy promises and real security.