AGP Executive Report

U.S. Virgin Islands Travel & Tourism: United Airlines announced the only nonstop New York–St. Croix route, launching Oct. 31, 2026 with Saturday service from Newark, a big connectivity boost for residents and visitors. Caribbean Culture & Business: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off in Manhattan with leaders from across the region, including the USVI, spotlighting tourism resilience and new initiatives like “From Her to Her.” Local Governance: The VI Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure that allows controlled incineration only when safer options (like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse) aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke-minimizing rules. Local Politics: A new look at VI elections asks whether political parties are doing enough to vet candidates and build coherent platforms as more people file for November 2026 races. Courts & Accountability: A federal judge denied new trials or acquittals for former VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case. Community & Education: The USVI is included in a national push to strengthen agricultural education, with National FFA Teacher Ambassadors supporting advisors across Puerto Rico and the USVI. Lifestyle & Community Events: The 2026 St. John Celebration was set for June 14–July 4, promising village nights, music, food, boat races, parades, and fireworks.

Local Culture Calendar: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, with the Division of Festivals, has set the 2026 St. John Celebration dates for June 14–July 4, themed “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix,” with village nights, cultural showcases, boat races, parades, and fireworks across Cruz Bay. Travel & Lifestyle: United Airlines will add a nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31 (weekly Saturday flights), giving St. Croix a direct New York gateway during peak season. Community & Education: National FFA named 88 agricultural educators as National Teacher Ambassadors for 2026–27, including Indiana’s Laura Crosby and Cameron Frazier, supporting FFA advisors across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Public Safety & Governance: The VI Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure (Bill No. 36-0232) allowing controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available. Business & Local Economy: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, sought an extension of Economic Development Commission tax benefits, but the request was paused pending more details on the extension length.

Travel & Air Access: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–St. Croix service this fall (starting Oct. 31), adding a second direct gateway for U.S. Virgin Islands visitors during peak season. Culture & Community: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has set the 2026 St. John Celebration dates (June 14–July 4), with Emancipation Day and Independence Day themes plus steel pan nights, J’ouvert, parades, and fireworks. Local Politics: A new report questions how well V.I. political parties are renewing themselves as the election filing season ramps up. Legal & Accountability: A federal judge denied new trials or acquittals for Mon Ethos figures Ray Martinez and Jenifer O’Neil, keeping convictions in place. Cyber & Public Data: A NASCIO-Deloitte study finds confidence among CISOs (including the U.S. Virgin Islands) has fallen sharply, with third-party breaches and AI-enabled attacks flagged as major threats. Food Security: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT summer benefits are rolling out in June, including for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sports & Youth Spotlight: The Scripps National Spelling Bee finals are tonight, with a U.S. Virgin Islands connection among the spellers. Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard intercepted stowaways on a barge arriving in San Juan, underscoring ongoing maritime border enforcement. Weather Readiness: NOAA’s hurricane “cone of uncertainty” graphics are getting updated for 2026, aimed at improving how people understand forecast risk.

USVI Politics: Election season is heating up as 107 candidates have filed for November 2026 posts, raising fresh questions about whether the territory’s parties are doing enough to vet talent and build real policy—not just win races. Cybersecurity & Public Data: A new NASCIO-Deloitte study finds confidence among CISOs has plunged, with 78% citing third-party breaches as the biggest threat—an issue that hits home for places like the USVI that rely on secure public systems. Courts & Corruption: A federal judge denied new trials or acquittals for former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case. Local Environment: The St. Thomas Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure, adding limits and backup requirements so incineration can’t be the default fix. Tourism & Culture: The USVI Department of Tourism announced St. John Celebration 2026 dates (June 14–July 4) with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Maritime & Migration: USCG intercepted four Chinese and four Dominican nationals stowed on a barge tow arriving in San Juan from Florida. Community Loss: Arthur “Jimo” Jamison, longtime CAHS athletic leader and tackle football commissioner, died at 91. Kids Online Safety: Bipartisan AGs are urging Congress to reject the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state power to protect children online.

Local Justice: A federal judge denied new trials for former U.S. Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case, saying the trial evidence was enough to uphold the convictions. Culture Calendar: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced the 2026 St. John Celebration dates—June 14 through July 4—featuring steel pan nights, J’ouvert, village events, parades, and fireworks under the theme “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.” Community & Heritage: Arthur “Jimo” Jamison, longtime Charlotte Amalie High School athletic director and tackle football commissioner, died at 91, remembered for decades of mentorship across the Virgin Islands sports scene. Lifestyle & Travel: A new St. John travel guide highlights hikes, Trunk Bay snorkeling, and classic sunset spots in Cruz Bay—perfect for planning early summer trips. Public Safety & Policy: The Senate advanced a measure on St. Thomas to manage green waste via controlled incineration only when other options like composting and mulching aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke limits. Immigration Enforcement: U.S. Coast Guard and partners intercepted four Chinese and four Dominican Republic stowaways on a barge arriving in San Juan from Florida, transferring them for processing. Food Assistance: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to roll out in June, with the U.S. Virgin Islands listed among the participating territories.

U.S. Virgin Islands Culture & Events: The VI Department of Tourism, with the Division of Festivals, has set the 2026 St. John Celebration for June 14–July 4, themed “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix,” with village nights, cultural showcases, boat races, parades, steel pan nights, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Local Governance: On St. Thomas, the Senate advanced a bill to manage green waste via controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, adding rules to cut smoke and protect nearby communities. Community & Lifestyle: A St. Thomas sports legend, Arthur “Jimo” Jamison—longtime CAHS athletic director and tackle football coach—has died at 91 after a long illness. Media & Recognition: WUSF won five regional Murrow awards, including overall excellence, with wins spanning immigration coverage and sports features. Food Assistance: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is rolling out in June across many states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, offering $120 per eligible school-age child for summer groceries. Travel & Leisure: A new guide spotlights St. John’s national park hikes, Trunk Bay snorkeling, and classic sunset spots in Cruz Bay.

U.S. Virgin Islands Culture Calendar: The VI Department of Tourism has set the 2026 St. John Celebration dates—June 14 through July 4—with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, parades, boat races, and fireworks in Cruz Bay, themed “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.” Local Community & Sports: Arthur “Jimo” Jamison, longtime Charlotte Amalie High School athletic director and tackle football coach, died at 91 after decades shaping athletes and students. Local Governance: The St. Thomas Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure, approving controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke limits. Maritime & Immigration: The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted four Chinese and four Dominican Republic stowaways on a barge arriving in San Juan from Florida, transferring them to CBP for processing. Lifestyle & Travel: A St. John travel guide spotlights Virgin Islands National Park hikes, Trunk Bay snorkeling, and classic sunset spots in Cruz Bay. Food Security: SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) will provide $120 per eligible child in June across many states and includes the U.S. Virgin Islands.

U.S. Virgin Islands Culture & Community: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has set the 2026 St. John Celebration dates—June 14 through July 4—with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay, themed “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.” Local Governance & Environment: The St. Thomas Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure (Bill No. 36-0232), allowing controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke-reduction requirements. Education & Youth Spotlight: The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee finals are set for tonight at 8 p.m. ET, with ESPN’s Mina Kimes hosting and a speller lineup that includes a U.S. Virgin Islands representative. Public Safety & Migration: The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted eight stowaways on a barge arriving from Florida to San Juan—four Chinese and four Dominican nationals—transferring them to CBP for processing. Lifestyle & Travel: A St. John travel guide highlights hiking in the Virgin Islands National Park, snorkeling at Trunk Bay, and the island’s early-summer sunset culture. Media & Recognition: WUSF won five regional Murrow awards, including overall excellence and honors tied to immigration coverage and diversity.

Weather & Preparedness: NOAA/NWS is rolling out updated hurricane “cone of uncertainty” graphics for 2026, plus a testing approach aimed at better explaining forecast errors—so residents can avoid over-focusing on the narrow track. Local Governance: The St. Thomas Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure, allowing controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke-reduction rules. Immigration & Safety at Sea: The USCG intercepted four Chinese and four Dominican Republic stowaways on a barge tow arriving from Jacksonville, Florida, and transferred them to CBP for processing in San Juan. Culture & Community: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced St. John Celebration 2026 dates—June 14 to July 4—with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, village events, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Public Health: A new report says U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, driven mostly by travel-linked infections, including many tied to the Caribbean and Puerto Rico/USVI. Sports & Youth: The Scripps National Spelling Bee finals are set for tonight at 8 pm ET, with ESPN’s Mina Kimes hosting from Washington, D.C. Local Loss: Arthur “Jimo” Jamison, longtime CAHS athletic leader and tackle football commissioner, died at 91.

Local Policy: The St. Thomas Senate cleared a green waste disposal measure after debate over Bill No. 36-0232, adding limits on controlled incineration and pushing alternatives like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse first—plus sorting rules, stronger fire safety, and steps to reduce smoke near homes. Maritime Safety & Migration: The U.S. Coast Guard intercepted eight stowaways on a barge tow arriving in San Juan, including four Chinese and four Dominican nationals, after the tug departed Jacksonville, Florida. Culture Calendar: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced the 2026 St. John Celebration, running June 14–July 4, themed “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix,” with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, parades, boat races, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Community & Education: Arthur “Jimo” Jamison, longtime Charlotte Amalie High School athletic director and tackle football commissioner, died at 91 after a long illness. Food Security: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to roll out in June for eligible families, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included among participating territories. Public Health Watch: A new report says U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most linked to travel—Caribbean destinations including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands make up a large share.

Spelling Bee Finals Tonight: The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee wraps up live at 8 pm ET from Washington, D.C.’s Constitution Hall, with ESPN analyst Mina Kimes bringing a “big-game feel” alongside Paul Loeffler as nine finalists battle for the title. St. John Celebration Dates: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals announced St. John Celebration 2026 runs June 14–July 4, themed “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix,” with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Local Sports Legacy: Arthur “Jimo” Jamison, longtime Charlotte Amalie High School athletic director and tackle football coach, died at 91 after decades shaping students and athletes. Dengue Update: A new report says U.S. dengue cases jumped 359% in 2024, with most infections tied to travel—Caribbean destinations including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands featured heavily. Kids Online Safety Push: AGs including New York’s Letitia James and Connecticut’s William Tong urged Congress to reject the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken states’ ability to protect children online. World Cup Fan Tech: Fanatics Markets and ADI Predictstreet launched an interactive FIFA World Cup 2026 Hub for U.S. fans, available in the Fanatics Markets app and website, including U.S. Virgin Islands access.

St. John Celebration Dates: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced the 2026 St. John Celebration runs June 14–July 4, with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay—framed as “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.” Local Business & Tourism: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, asked the Economic Development Commission for an extension of tax benefits tied to major marina upgrades, but the request was paused pending more details on the extension length. Community & Sports Legacy: Arthur “Jimo” Jamison, longtime Charlotte Amalie High School athletic director and tackle football coach, died at 91, remembered for shaping generations of athletes and coaches. Food Security: SUN Bucks Summer EBT is set to begin in June across many states and territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, providing $120 per eligible child for summer groceries. Public Health Watch: A new report says U.S. dengue cases jumped 359% in 2024, with most infections linked to travel—Caribbean destinations including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands showing up heavily. Culture: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95, leaving a legacy that included a calypso-rooted connection to St. Thomas.

U.S. Virgin Islands Culture Calendar: The Department of Tourism, with the Division of Festivals, announced the 2026 St. John Celebration dates—June 14 through July 4—promising steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay under the theme “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.” Local Community Loss: Arthur “Jimo” Jamison, longtime Charlotte Amalie High School athletic director and tackle football coach, died Sunday at 91 after a long illness, remembered for decades of shaping athletes and mentoring coaches across the territory. Public Health Watch: A new report says U.S. dengue cases jumped 359% in 2024, with most infections tied to international travel—Caribbean destinations including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands accounted for a large share. Sports & Entertainment: Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus” whose Caribbean-rooted work included “St Thomas,” died at 95, closing a direct line to jazz’s postwar golden era. Food & School Support: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to begin in June for eligible families, with the U.S. Virgin Islands listed among the participating territories.

Local Sports & Community Loss: Arthur “Jimo” Jamison, longtime Charlotte Amalie High School athletic director and tackle football coach, died Sunday at 91, remembered as a strict but deeply giving mentor and territorial commissioner. Food & School Nutrition: Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network won a $500,000 USDA Farm to School grant to expand its Children’s Health through Education and Food (C.H.E.F.) program, bringing more local farm products into school cooking labs. Online Safety Push: New York Attorney General Letitia James joined a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to reject the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state protections for children online; Connecticut AG William Tong also announced an investigation into Roblox over reported child harm. Public Health Watch: A new report says U.S. dengue cases jumped 359% in 2024, driven mostly by travel—Caribbean destinations including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands accounted for a large share. Arts & Culture: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95, with tributes highlighting his bridge-practice reinvention and Caribbean-rooted work like “St Thomas.” Consumer Safety: The U.S. Virgin Islands is urged to check for major national FDA/USDA food recalls, since mainland supply lines can reach local shelves.

Arts & Culture: Jazz titan Sonny Rollins—known as the “Saxophone Colossus”—died Monday at 95 at his home in Woodstock, NY, leaving behind a career built on fearless reinvention, marathon improvisation, and music that echoed civil rights hopes and national grief. Public Safety & Tech: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong says his office is investigating Roblox after reports of child exploitation and harm, calling it a push to force Big Tech to prioritize kids over profits. Politics: Turning Point Action has endorsed Florida’s Sydney Gruters for CD16, adding another high-profile boost to the Trump-backed Republican. Local Food Watch: The U.S. Virgin Islands is flagged as vulnerable to mainland grocery recalls, including a warning about plastic contamination in frozen snack bites—check lot codes and toss affected bags. Sports & Community: The Fourth Clasico Torneo Softball Tournament wrapped in Tortola with Puerto Rico taking the women’s title and Venezuela winning the men’s.

Arts & Culture: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins—known as the “Saxophone Colossus”—died Monday at 95 at his home in Woodstock, NY. From his civil-rights-era musical voice to the spiritual turns he found on retreats in India and Japan, Rollins stayed creatively restless, even crediting yoga for helping him live and learn longer. Caribbean Connections: A new NOAA designation names Nova Southeastern University’s National Coral Reef Institute as the Atlantic Reef Research Coordination hub, with work supporting Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Food Safety: The U.S. Virgin Islands can be hit by mainland grocery recalls fast—this week’s national pullbacks include a plastic-contamination issue in frozen snack bites and other high-priority allergen-related alerts. Local & Regional Life: The Fourth Clasico Torneo Softball Tournament wrapped in Tortola with Puerto Rico and Venezuela taking top honors, while the U.S. Virgin Islands fielded teams. Sports & Travel Buzz: Powerball rolled over to $141 million for Monday after no jackpot winner Saturday.