AGP Executive Report

Tourism Connectivity: At a regional tourism conference, the BVI joined ministers discussing how better air and maritime links can support tourism growth, community benefits and stronger Caribbean economies. Roadworks: Paving is complete on 4,000 feet of West End Road as part of the Nine-Mile Road Project; crews are now finishing sidewalks, expected by month’s end. Energy Costs: NDP Chairman Marlon Penn says electricity subsidies are unsustainable and has called for more fuel storage and renewable energy to reduce costs over the long term. Maritime Business: More than 3,000 internationally owned ships are registered under the Virgin Islands flag. The government says a new strategy aims to expand beyond yacht registration into merchant vessels and compete for a larger share of global maritime trade. Agriculture: A regional warning over the Mediterranean fruit fly noted that the BVI declared a phytosanitary emergency in September, highlighting the risk the pest poses to crops and food security.

Maritime Industry: The BVI says more than 3,000 internationally owned ships fly its flag and is pursuing a strategy to expand from yacht registration into merchant shipping, targeting a share of the global maritime market. Energy Costs: The NDP says electricity subsidies are unsustainable and is urging long-term measures, including more fuel storage and renewable energy, to bring bills down. Airport Expansion: Two companies have bid on the first phase of the BVI airport expansion, a key project for transport and construction. Agriculture: The territory declared a phytosanitary emergency over the Mediterranean fruit fly threat; Antigua and Barbuda is now urging vigilance to protect crops and food supplies. Financial Services: A BVI-registered holding company sits in the ownership chain of a proposed 1,000-megawatt Scottish data centre, drawing scrutiny over transparency and taxation. The developer says its profits will be subject to UK tax.

Agriculture: Antigua and Barbuda is warning of a Mediterranean fruit fly threat, citing the BVI’s September phytosanitary emergency and restrictions on moving fresh produce and plants. Energy: Opposition leader Marlon Penn says electricity subsidies are unsustainable and urges investment in fuel storage and renewable power to bring down costs. Tourism and Aviation: Two companies have bid on the first phase of BVI airport expansion, while the Airports Authority is preparing emergency simulations at Virgin Gorda and Anegada airports. Regional tourism leaders also say better air links are key to growth. Maritime: The BVI says more than 3,000 internationally owned vessels already fly its flag and is targeting a larger role in the global shipping market through merchant-vessel registration.

Maritime Industry: The BVI says more than 3,000 internationally owned ships fly its flag, as Minister Kye Rymer outlines a plan to expand beyond yacht registration and compete in the global merchant-shipping market. Energy Costs: NDP chairman Marlon Penn says electricity subsidies are unsustainable and calls for more fuel storage and renewable power to bring lasting relief to consumers. Tourism & Connectivity: The BVI will represent the British overseas territories on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, as regional leaders identify better connections as key to tourism growth. A new Trinidad–Dominica flight also offers onward connections to St Thomas. Transport Infrastructure: Two companies have bid on the first phase of BVI airport expansion, while the Airports Authority plans biennial emergency exercises at Virgin Gorda and Anegada airports.

Maritime: The BVI is looking beyond yacht registration to merchant shipping, with more than 3,000 internationally owned vessels already flying its flag. Minister Kye Rymer says a new strategy aims to grow the territory’s share of the global maritime market. Energy Costs: The NDP says electricity subsidies are unsustainable and is calling for long-term relief through greater fuel-storage capacity and renewable energy. Tourism & Connectivity: Caribbean tourism leaders say better regional transport links are key to growth and getting more visitor spending into local economies. Contour’s new Trinidad–Dominica flights also connect through to St Thomas. Infrastructure: Two companies have bid on the first phase of the BVI airport expansion. Agriculture: Milk production rose 13% despite ongoing challenges.

Tourism Connectivity: Caribbean ministers say better regional transport is vital to tourism growth and to bringing visitor spending into local economies. December flight capacity to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is forecast to rise 7.6% despite Spirit Airlines’ exit, while new Contour flights between Trinidad and Dominica connect onward to St. Thomas. Ports and Trade: The BVI Ports Authority marked its 35th anniversary with the first PortVision Conference, where industry leaders discussed infrastructure, technology, security and sustainability in seaport operations. Reba Evans was named the Authority’s first ambassador. Airport Operations: The BVI Airports Authority is running emergency-response simulations at Anegada and Virgin Gorda airports through November 17 to test procedures and response times with partner agencies. Expect increased emergency-service activity during exercises. Regional Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism minister will chair the Caribbean Tourism Organization, whose agenda includes stronger links between tourism, local suppliers and sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. The BVI will represent the British overseas territories on the CTO board.

Regional Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda’s new chairmanship of the Caribbean Tourism Organization puts focus on stronger local supply chains, workforce development and links between tourism, agriculture and manufacturing. The BVI will represent the British overseas territories on the CTO board. Airport Operations: Emergency simulation exercises are underway at the Virgin Gorda and Anegada airports through November 17, testing response procedures and coordination with outside agencies. Ports and Trade: The BVI Ports Authority marked its 35th anniversary with the first PortVision conference, bringing industry and government representatives together to discuss port investment, resilience and sustainability. Airport Expansion: Two companies have bid on the first phase of the BVI airport expansion, advancing a major infrastructure project. Water Services: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn says the government has had years and substantial funding to tackle the territory’s water problems, as residents continue to face unreliable service.

Ports & Trade: The BVI Ports Authority marked its 35th anniversary with the first PortVision conference, bringing industry and government leaders together to discuss port technology, security, tourism, trade and infrastructure. Reba Evans was named its first ambassador. Aviation: Two companies have bid on the first phase of the BVI airport expansion. The Airports Authority will also hold emergency response exercises at Virgin Gorda and Anegada airports through November 17. Business & Technology: WISeQey’s move to the British Virgin Islands became legally effective, and the company began trading on Nasdaq and SIX under its new name. Infrastructure: All six lighting poles at A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground are installed and in testing, completing electrical work on the $409,837 project. Regional Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism minister now chairs the Caribbean Tourism Organization; the BVI will represent the British overseas territories on its board.

Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism minister will chair the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Council of Ministers, while the BVI will represent the British overseas territories among the organization’s regional vice chairs. Airports: The BVI Airports Authority is holding emergency simulation exercises at Anegada and Virgin Gorda airports through November 17. Two companies have also bid on the first phase of the BVI airport expansion. Ports: The BVI Ports Authority marked its 35th anniversary with the inaugural PortVision conference on maritime innovation and sustainability, and named Reba Evans its first ambassador. Local Investment: All six new light poles at A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground are installed and in test mode. The $409,837 project upgrades the territory’s premier sporting facility. Events: Symphony Circus is set to perform at Tortola Pier Park from October 29 to November 15, with local producers and the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee helping bring the family show to the BVI.

Air Force–Tarague Beach showdown: Five briefs were filed ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court hearing Oct. 7 in the Prutehi Guahan case challenging the Air Force’s open detonation plans at Tarague Beach, with supporters including the Virgin Islands Bar Association and multiple states backing the nonprofit. BVI aviation drills: The BVI Airports Authority will run biennial emergency simulation exercises at Anegada and Virgin Gorda airports from Oct. 7 to Nov. 17, with public notices and increased emergency activity during operational hours. St. Croix power disruption: Divi Carina Bay Resort remains closed after a Sept. 30 fire damaged a generator; 51 guests were relocated, the casino reopened, and reopening plans are pending inspections and approvals. Ports milestone: BVI Ports Authority marked its 35th anniversary with PortVision 2026 and named Reba Evans as the first-ever BVI Ports Authority Ambassador. BVI politics & elections: PLM warned voters about a fake social media post naming “Jason Thompson” as an At-Large candidate, stressing only two candidates are officially announced. BVI airport expansion bids: Two bids were received for the first phase of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport runway extension work, with evaluation underway. USPS delivery changes: USPS lengthened delivery expectations for packages to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands and other noncontiguous areas starting Oct. 1. Drug settlement push: Attorney General Nick Brown joined a coalition seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing by Sandoz and Fougera, with potential claims for buyers from 2009–2019. DeFi protection goes live: Firelight announced its onchain protection is now live for Sentora vaults, aiming to separate cover payouts from covered protocol assets.

BVI Ports & Aviation Updates: The BVI Airports Authority will run biennial emergency simulation exercises at Anegada and Virgin Gorda from Oct. 7 to Nov. 17, with increased emergency activity and public announcements to avoid alarm. Ports Leadership: BVI Ports Authority marked its 35th anniversary with PortVision 2026 and named Reba Evans the first-ever BVI Ports Authority Ambassador. BVI Infrastructure Procurement: The BVI government received two bids for the first phase of Terrance B. Lettsome Airport expansion, covering a 787-foot western runway extension, now under evaluation. Immigration Detention Centre Tender: The deadline for bids on the Immigration Detention Centre construction has been extended to Oct. 16. Local Politics & Trust: PLM warned voters about a fake social media post using its name and colours, falsely naming a “Jason Thompson” as a candidate. Maritime/Industry Tech: Firelight says its protection is now live for DeFi vaults, starting with Sentora’s USD Protected Vault and Protected RWA Vaults. Space Cybersecurity Investment: WISeSat.Space closed a $10 million PIPE led by SEALSQ to accelerate space cybersecurity and post-quantum communications. Consumer/Logistics: USPS lengthened delivery expectations for packages to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands and other territories starting Oct. 1. Health & Compliance (Regional): BVI AG Nick Brown joined a coalition seeking court approval for a $400 million Sandoz generic drug settlement; eligible buyers can claim compensation.

USVI Logistics: USPS has lengthened delivery expectations for packages to and from Alaska, Hawai‘i and several U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Ground Advantage now carrying a 10-days-plus service expectation starting Oct. 1. BVI Infrastructure: Two bids have been received for the first phase of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport expansion, a 787-foot western runway extension at Beef Island, with an evaluation team reviewing submissions. BVI Procurement: The deadline for bids on the Immigration Detention Centre has been extended to Oct. 16, giving shortlisted contractors more time to submit tender packages. BVI Community & Agriculture: About 40 residents joined a workshop on local bush and medicinal plants, learning traditional uses from herbalist Mrs. Arona Fahie Forbes. Tourism & Culture: The BVI Tourist Board has been shortlisted for Aspire Luxury Travel Club’s Tourist Board of the Year 2026. Business & Tech (BVI-linked): WISeQey begins trading on Nasdaq and SIX under the new symbol WQEY after its redomiciliation to the British Virgin Islands, while its space cybersecurity arm WISeSat.Space also starts trading on Nasdaq as SAIQ.

Nasdaq/Corporate Move: WISeQey’s redomiciliation to the British Virgin Islands takes effect as trading begins on Nasdaq and SIX under the new symbol WQEY, with subsidiary WISeSat.Space also starting Nasdaq trading as SAIQ after its business combination. BVI Infrastructure: Two bids were received for the first phase of the Terrance B. Lettsome airport expansion—an 787-foot western runway extension—now under evaluation. BVI Procurement: The deadline for bids on the Immigration Detention Centre construction has been extended to Oct. 16. Local Culture & Agriculture: About 40 residents joined a Department of Culture workshop on local bush and medicinal plants, led by herbalist Arona Fahie Forbes. Sports & Tourism Spotlight: St. Croix’s Buccaneer tennis facility earned a 2026 USTA Outstanding Facility Award, while the BVI Tourist Board was shortlisted for Aspire Luxury Travel Club’s Tourist Board of the Year. USVI/Regional Business: USVI plans a “Third Wall Street” in St. Croix, including an entity to issue municipal bonds for obligors nationwide. Consumer/Health Policy (US-wide): Attorneys general push a $400M Sandoz generic-drug settlement; claim filing runs into 2027.

BVI Airport Expansion: The BVI government has received two bids for the first phase of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport runway extension, a 787-foot west-end upgrade, with an evaluation team now reviewing submissions. Immigration Detention Centre Procurement: The deadline for bids to build the BVI Immigration Detention Centre has been pushed to October 16, giving shortlisted contractors more time to submit tender packages. Local Knowledge & Health: About 40 residents took part in a bush and medicinal plants workshop led by herbalist Mrs. Arona Fahie Forbes, aimed at preserving traditional practices and supporting healthier living. USVI Sailing Week: The U.S. Virgin Islands will host its first annual USVI Sailing Week, April 8–11, 2027, combining major regattas and a boating expo across St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Sports Infrastructure: Barbados’ new netball stadium in Waterford, St Michael, is nearing completion and is expected to be ready for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Americas qualifier later this month. Tourism Recognition: The BVI Tourist Board has been shortlisted for Aspire Luxury Travel Club’s Tourist Board of the Year 2026, adding to recent luxury destination awards.

BVI Airport Expansion: The BVI government has received two bids for the first phase of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport runway extension, proposing a 787-foot stretch at the western end; the bids are now headed to an evaluation team before details are released. Immigration Detention Centre Procurement: In the VI, the deadline for construction bids on the Immigration Detention Centre has been pushed to October 16, giving shortlisted contractors extra time to submit tender packages. Sports Infrastructure: Barbados’ new netball stadium is about 90% complete and could be used ahead of the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Americas qualifier later this month. Local Culture & Health: About 40 residents took part in a bush and medicinal plants workshop, learning traditional uses and cultural significance from herbalist Mrs. Arona Fahie Forbes. Tourism & Industry Recognition: St. Croix’s Buccaneer tennis facility won a 2026 USTA Outstanding Facility Award, highlighting quality courts and programming. BVI Consumer Policy: A “basket-of-goods” initiative survey found households aren’t feeling savings, with limited awareness of which items qualify cited as a key reason. VI Business & Finance: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says his administration backs BVI efforts to strengthen air access and points to a longer-term plan to reconnect BVI travelers to Cyril E. King Airport via a dock. BVI Mining/Operations: Aura Minerals announced it will insource its mining fleet operations in Brazil, targeting a January 2027 transition.

BVI Infrastructure & Aviation: The BVI government has received two bids for the first phase of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport expansion, a 787-foot runway extension, with an evaluation team now reviewing submissions before any public details are released. USVI–BVI Relations: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says his administration has backed BVI efforts to improve air access, arguing more direct BVI flights can actually benefit both territories’ tourism by freeing seats for USVI-bound travelers. BVI Politics & Tourism Planning: People’s Leadership Movement leader Mark H. Vanterpool supports upgrading Anegada’s airport but questions proposals that would funnel most visitors through Anegada first, warning it could also accelerate overdevelopment. BVI Tourism Industry Recognition: The BVI Tourist Board has been shortlisted for Aspire Luxury Travel Club’s “Tourist Board of the Year 2026,” adding to recent luxury destination awards. BVI Business & Mining: Aura Minerals announced it will insource its mining fleet operations in Brazil (Apoena, Almas, Borborema), targeting a January 2027 transition to gain more control and lower unit costs. USVI Finance & Markets: USVI plans to set up a municipal bond issuer for obligors as part of a “Third Wall Street” push for a St. Croix financial center. Food & Household Costs (USVI impact): SNAP benefits rise Oct. 1, with federal maximums increasing in most areas; the U.S. Virgin Islands is listed among regions with different maximums. Generic Drug Antitrust (USVI angle): A multistate coalition is seeking court approval of a $400 million Sandoz settlement over alleged generic drug price manipulation, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included among participating jurisdictions.