AGP Executive Report

U.S. Virgin Islands Education: A major milestone for St. Croix—after nearly three decades, the Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened Aug. 7, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and adding a 139,000-square-foot campus built for 735 students, with 32 classrooms, labs, maker spaces, shaded outdoor areas, and a gym that can double as a storm shelter. Community & Wellness: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology service that lets OTC hearing device owners get one-on-one remote support from licensed professionals via the ELEHEAR app, including a 45-minute session and follow-up for $99 per session. Local Events: Labour Day horse racing returns to St. Thomas on Sept. 6, 2026 at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack, with tickets on sale and a “Speed, Style, Culture” theme. Culture & Lifestyle: St. John bands are taking their sound from Caribbean beaches to the redwoods—five groups will play a free Paper Mill Creek Saloon show on Aug. 23 after being stranded on the West Coast. Travel & Policy Watch: The Marianas Visitors Authority is monitoring a Trump birth-tourism executive order for potential visitor-market impacts, while stressing it doesn’t promote travel meant to circumvent immigration rules.

New School on St. Croix: The Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened Aug. 7, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and becoming the territory’s first new school building in nearly three decades, with a 139,000-square-foot campus for 735 students plus storm-shelter-ready design. Health & Tech: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology service for OTC hearing device owners, offering a 45-minute remote session with a licensed professional and device tuning. Cruise Culture: Norwegian Cruise Line detailed fresh onboard upgrades for the soon-to-debut Norwegian Aura, including Tamara—its first Indian specialty restaurant—plus an immersive complimentary dining concept and an expanded thermal spa. Island Community & Music: St. John bands are set to reunite for a free, psychedelic island-funk afternoon at Paper Mill Creek Saloon on Aug. 23 after a festival detour left them stranded on the West Coast. Local Events: Labour Day horse races return to St. Thomas on Sept. 6, with tickets already on sale and a “Speed, Style, Culture” theme.

Cruise Culture: Norwegian Cruise Line is teasing dining upgrades aboard the soon-to-debut Norwegian Aura, including its first specialty Indian restaurant (Tamara), a reimagined complimentary main dining experience with immersive LED tech, and expanded favorites—ideal for Virgin Islands travelers planning future getaways. Local Education: The Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix after hurricanes Irma and Maria, bringing a new 139,000-square-foot campus with storm-shelter-ready design, solar power, and space for 735 students. Health & Tech: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology service that pairs OTC hearing device owners with licensed professionals for remote fitting and follow-up. Community & Culture: St. John bands are set for a free Paper Mill Creek Saloon afternoon in California—psychedelic, island-inflected funk, rock and pop—born from a festival detour. Sports & Travel: Labour Day horse races return to St. Thomas on Sept. 6, with tickets already on sale and ferry seating available. Citizenship Watch: The Marianas Visitors Authority is monitoring Trump’s birth-tourism executive order for potential visitor-market impacts, while U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith says his citizenship bill is still active.

Local Education: The Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix Aug. 7, the first new VI school building in nearly three decades, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and adding a storm-shelter-ready gym, solar power, and water storage for 735 students. Territory Citizenship Watch: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith says his bill to end automatic citizenship for children born in Guam is still active, even as Guam officials say it’s stalled—while Guam leaders push for permanent assurances. Health Tech: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology service that lets OTC hearing device owners get one-on-one remote tuning with licensed professionals for $99 per session. Community & Safety: Labour Day horse races return to St. Thomas Sept. 6 at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack, with “Speed, Style, Culture” as the theme and tickets already on sale. Travel & Lifestyle: Southwest is adding nonstop Nashville–St. Thomas flights starting March 13, 2027, and Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings with Caribbean-focused itineraries that include St. Thomas. Culture & Advocacy: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart fund will host the Purple Carpet Bash in Christiansted Oct. 2 for domestic violence awareness, veterans’ wellness, and men’s mental health.

Education & Community: The new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix Aug. 7, the first fresh school building in nearly three decades, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and serving up to 735 students with 32 classrooms, labs, maker spaces, shaded outdoor areas, and a gym that can double as a storm shelter. Local Events & Culture: Labour Day horse races return to St. Thomas on Sept. 6, 2026 at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack, with “Speed, Style, Culture” as the theme and tickets already on sale. Health & Tech Access: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology option for device owners that pairs users with a licensed professional for a 45-minute remote session to assess and fine-tune OTC hearing devices. Travel & Tourism: Southwest Airlines is adding nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027, expanding easy weekend access to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Maritime & Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards nationwide, including funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands, aimed at equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Cruise Momentum: New data says the Virgin Islands ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with a big jump in passenger arrivals early 2026.

New School Milestone (St. Croix): The Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened Aug. 7 on St. Croix, the first new VI school building in nearly three decades, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities with a 139,000-square-foot campus for 735 students, including storm-shelter-ready space, solar power, and shaded outdoor learning. Telehealth Hearing Care: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology add-on for device owners—45-minute one-on-one sessions with licensed professionals for $99 per session. Education & Student Success (UVI): The University of the Virgin Islands received a national Student Journey Award from EAB for improving the student experience from enrollment through graduation. Maritime Jobs Boost: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands to upgrade equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Cruise Momentum: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026 and a 29.3% jump year over year. Community & Culture (DV/Men’s Mental Health): H.O.P.E. and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart fund announced the Purple Carpet Bash on Oct. 2 in Christiansted, featuring Rob Malloy and programming for domestic violence recovery, veterans’ wellness, and men’s mental health. Sports & Local Events (Labour Day Races): Labour Day horse races return Sept. 6 at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St. Thomas, with tickets already on sale and a ferry option for race day. Air Travel (St. Thomas): Southwest will add nonstop Nashville–St. Thomas service starting March 13, 2027, expanding access for mainland visitors. Agriculture Education (FFA): National FFA hit a record 1,053,847 student members in 2025–2026, with participation across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Education & Resilience: The new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix Aug. 7, the first fresh school building in nearly 27 years, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities with a 139,000-square-foot campus for 735 students, including storm-shelter-ready gym space, solar power, and shaded learning areas. Telehealth & Accessibility: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, offering live, one-on-one tele-audiology sessions for OTC hearing device owners—45 minutes with a licensed professional, plus personalized tuning and follow-up, priced at $99 per session. Community & Culture: Labour Day horse races return to Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St. Thomas Sept. 6, with gates at 11 a.m. and post time 1 p.m., plus a “Speed, Style, Culture” theme and ferry seating options. Travel & Lifestyle: Southwest Airlines announced nonstop Nashville–St. Thomas service starting March 13, 2027, adding another easy route into the territory. Maritime Economy: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards nationwide, including U.S. Virgin Islands recipients, for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Cruise Momentum: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026, up 29.3%.

Education & Community Resilience: The new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix Aug. 7, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities as part of a $264M redevelopment, with a 139,000-square-foot campus for 735 students plus storm-shelter-ready design, solar power, and shaded outdoor learning spaces. Telehealth & Accessibility: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology add-on for ELEHEAR device owners, offering a 45-minute one-on-one video session with licensed professionals for $99 per session to help OTC users with fitting and fine-tuning. Local Events & Culture: Labour Day horse races return at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St. Thomas Sept. 6, with gates opening 11 a.m. and post time 1 p.m., plus tickets already on sale. Travel & Lifestyle: Southwest Airlines is adding a nonstop Nashville–St. Thomas route starting March 13, 2027, giving more Virgin Islands getaway options from the U.S. mainland. Cruise Tourism Watch: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 cruise passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026, up 29.3% year over year.

Education & Community: A brand-new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix for the first time in 27 years, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and now serving up to 735 students with classrooms, labs, maker spaces, and early-learning areas. Local Events & Wellness: Christiansted is set for the Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose on Oct. 2, featuring Rob Malloy and programming focused on domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness. Travel & Access: Southwest Airlines announced nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027—another boost to easier Caribbean getaways from the U.S. Cruise Economy: New data shows the VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026 and a big jump year over year. Sports & Culture: Labour Day horse racing returns to Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St. Thomas on Sept. 6, with “Speed, Style, Culture” as the theme and tickets already on sale. Maritime Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to small shipyards nationwide, including grants tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands, aimed at equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training.

Local Education: St. Croix opened the Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School—its first new VI school in 27 years—replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and now serving up to 735 students. Community & Wellness: Christiansted’s Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose is set for Oct. 2, pairing domestic violence awareness with trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness. Sports & Travel: Labour Day horse races return to Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on Sept. 6, with tickets already on sale and a “Speed, Style, Culture” theme. Tourism & Getting Here: Southwest Airlines will launch nonstop Nashville–St. Thomas service on March 13, 2027, adding another easy route for visitors. Cruise Economy: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026 (+29.3%). Maritime Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million in Small Shipyard Grants to 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Culture & Faith: Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard, VI-born, was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, starting Sept. 1, 2026.

Education & Community: A brand-new U.S. Virgin Islands school opened on St. Croix for the first time in 27 years—Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School replaces hurricane-damaged facilities and can serve up to 735 students. Local Culture & Wellness: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart Recipient Community Fund are set to host “Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose” on Oct. 2 in Christiansted, spotlighting domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness. Travel & Tourism: Southwest Airlines will launch nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027—another boost for easier weekend getaways and cruise-and-stay planning. Maritime & Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands to fund equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Cruise Economy: New data shows the VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with strong passenger growth tied to the Tortola pier area. Sports & Pride: VI-born Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, starting Sept. 1, 2026.

Education & Community: St. Croix opened the territory’s first new school in 27 years—Arthur A. Richards PreK-8—replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and designed for a hurricane-ready, student-centered campus. Local Culture & Wellness: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart fund are bringing the Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose to Christiansted Oct. 2, pairing domestic violence awareness with trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness. Travel & Lifestyle: Southwest Airlines will launch nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027—another boost for easy weekend getaways and cruise-and-stay planning. Cruise Economy: New data puts the VI among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with strong early-2026 passenger growth tied to Tortola’s cruise hub. Maritime & Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million in Small Shipyard Grants, including support for the U.S. Virgin Islands to upgrade equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Sports & Pride: The U.S. Virgin Islands Dolphins connection shows up again as a St. Croix Dolphins coach lands on Army West Point’s swimming and diving staff. Recognition: UVI earned a national Student Journey Award for improving the student experience and support from enrollment through graduation.

Travel & Tourism: Southwest Airlines is adding a new nonstop route from Nashville to St. Thomas, starting March 13, 2027—another boost for easy weekend Caribbean getaways. Cruise Economy: The U.S. Virgin Islands is ranking among the fastest-growing cruise destinations, with strong early-2026 passenger growth tied to activity around the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. Community & Wellness: Christiansted hosts the Purple Carpet Bash on Oct. 2, pairing domestic violence awareness with veterans’ wellness and men’s mental health, featuring Rob Malloy. Education & Student Success: The University of the Virgin Islands earns a national Student Journey Award for improving the student experience and outcomes. Local Culture & Faith Leadership: Virgin Islands-born Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard is named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, set to assume office Sept. 1, 2026. Maritime & Jobs: MARAD awards $35.18 million to small shipyards, including funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands aimed at equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training.

Community & Safety Event: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart Recipient Community Fund are set to host the “Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose” on Oct. 2 in Christiansted, with programming focused on domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness—featuring celebrity guest Rob Malloy. Local Education & Student Success: The University of the Virgin Islands received national recognition for student success through EAB’s 2026 Student Journey Award, highlighting a more seamless, student-centered path from enrollment to graduation. Tourism & Travel: Southwest Airlines announced a new nonstop route from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027, adding another easy option for Caribbean getaways. Maritime & Jobs: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program. Cruise Economy: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 cruise passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026—up 29.3% year over year. Sports & Coaching: Army added Scott Fortier to its swimming and diving coaching staff for the 2026–2027 season; Fortier previously coached the U.S. Virgin Islands National Team. Culture & Faith Leadership: Virgin Islands-born Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, starting Sept. 1, 2026.

Travel & Tourism: Southwest Airlines will add a new nonstop route from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027—another boost to easier weekend getaways and connections across the Virgin Islands. Community & Wellness: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart Recipient Community Fund are set to host the “Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose” Oct. 2 in Christiansted, spotlighting domestic violence awareness, veterans’ wellness, trauma recovery, and men’s mental health with guest Rob Malloy. Local Culture & Faith: Virgin Islands-born Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard has been named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands by the Church of God of Prophecy, taking office Sept. 1, 2026. Education & Student Success: The University of the Virgin Islands earned a national Student Journey Award from EAB for improving the student experience and outcomes from enrollment through graduation. Cruise Economy: New data places the Virgin Islands among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with strong early-2026 passenger growth. Maritime & Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands to fund equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Sports: Army West Point added Scott Fortier to its swimming and diving coaching staff, bringing experience that includes coaching the U.S. Virgin Islands National Team. Business & Hospitality: Preferred Hotels & Resorts welcomed 10 new independent luxury properties, including The Botany in St. Thomas.

Cruise & Tourism Momentum: The U.S. Virgin Islands is climbing fast in Caribbean cruise traffic, ranking among the top fastest-growing destinations with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026—up 29.3% year over year—boosted by activity around the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park and the territory’s island-hopping appeal. Local Hospitality Growth: Preferred Hotels & Resorts added 10 new independent luxury properties, including The Botany in St. Thomas, bringing more villa-style stays and nature-focused experiences to the VI. Education & Student Success: The University of the Virgin Islands earned national recognition for student success through EAB’s CONNECTED Awards, highlighting efforts to support learners from enrollment through graduation. Community & Culture: St. Croix culture bearer Bradley Christian has died; tributes remember his decades of work preserving quadrille, head-tie traditions, Crucian cuisine, and the official VI madras. Faith Leadership: Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard, born in the VI, was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, starting Sept. 1, 2026. Sorority Leadership: Alpha Kappa Alpha installed Nichole C. Wilson as Central Regional Director, overseeing thousands of members across multiple states and territories. Powerball Buzz: A Powerball jackpot surged toward $1 billion after no winner matched Monday’s numbers, keeping the territory’s lottery fans watching Wednesday’s draw.