AGP Executive Report

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.

Air Access for USVI: United Airlines announced the only nonstop New York–St. Croix route, starting Oct. 31, 2026 (weekly Saturdays), a big win for residents and visitors who’ve long needed connections. Workforce & Health Training: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 just wrapped with 10 graduates headed toward national certification. Local Government & Public Service: Acting Gov. Roach honored top VI public employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the people behind day-to-day services. Tourism in the Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off with regional ministers and leaders, including USVI officials, pushing “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” as travel demand and connectivity stay front and center. Culture & Community: Sigma Gamma Rho expanded with a new alumnae chapter in Dyersburg, reflecting ongoing women-led community service and youth education efforts. Justice & Accountability Watch: House committee referrals urge DOJ review of sexual abuse allegations tied to the Epstein orbit, as new scrutiny continues to ripple through public life.

U.S. Virgin Islands Workforce & Health: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center has been added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; Cohort 2 just wrapped with ten residents completing the program and moving toward NREMT certification. Local Government & Community: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored public servants at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the people behind day-to-day government services. Travel & Lifestyle: United Airlines announced the only nonstop New York-area route to St. Croix—starting Oct. 31, 2026—with weekly Saturday flights between Newark and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. Caribbean Tourism in the Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off in Manhattan under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” bringing regional tourism leaders together with USVI participation and a focus on resilience and connectivity. Culture & Family Travel Trends: A new Caribbean travel report flags the Cayman Islands as a top family destination, with the USVI also seeing growth in family-sized travel parties. Justice & Accountability (National): A House committee urged the DOJ to examine criminal conduct allegations tied to the Epstein case, as lawmakers press for further action.

Air Access & Tourism: United Airlines announced the only nonstop New York City–to–St. Croix route, starting Oct. 31, 2026 (weekly Saturdays Newark–STX), a big connectivity boost for residents and visitors. Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism ministers and leaders gathered in Manhattan for the CTO’s summit, themed “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with USVI officials among the opening-day lineup. Local Government & 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 families, students, and safer roads. Workforce & Well-Being: A survey of federal workers laid off by the Trump administration found widespread mental health impacts, including PTSD-like symptoms, with respondents across the US and the USVI. Justice & Accountability: A House committee urged the U.S. DOJ to examine sexual abuse allegations tied to the Epstein case, while lawmakers also pressed Leon Black questions over the $170 million he paid for tax planning connected to Epstein.

Public Service Spotlight: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top government workers at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year Ceremony on St. Croix, praising the “quiet” daily work that keeps services moving for families, seniors, students, and residents. Air Access & Tourism: United Airlines announced the only nonstop St. Croix–Newark/New York route, starting Oct. 31, 2026 with weekly Saturday flights—an upgrade for residents and visitors who’ve long relied on connections. Caribbean Week in New York: Caribbean tourism leaders kicked off Caribbean Week 2026 in Manhattan under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with USVI’s Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and United’s Caribbean leadership set to speak as the region pushes for stronger connectivity and resilience. Military Family Perks: The Blue Star Museums program is offering free admission to active-duty service members and up to five dependents at participating sites, including the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Lyman Museum. Cybersecurity Watch: A new NASCIO-Deloitte study finds confidence among CISOs protecting public data has dropped sharply, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included in the survey.

Air Access Boost: 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 (126 seats, 12 in business), a big win for St. Croix residents and visitors. Caribbean Tourism Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1 at InterContinental Times Square, bringing together tourism ministers and leaders (including USVI) to push “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with a keynote tied to Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership. Military Family Perk: The Lyman Museum in Hilo is again a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active-duty service members and up to five family members from May 16 through Sept. 7. Local Governance: The VI Senate advanced measures including a green waste disposal bill (Bill No. 36-0232) that adds limits and safety-focused amendments, steering incineration toward when other options like composting and mulching aren’t available. Community & Culture: Island SPACE Mango Festival returns June 21 in South Florida ahead of the World Cup, blending Caribbean food, music, and family activities.