AGP Executive Report

BVI Work Permits Visa Reform: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the territory will remove visa requirements for work permit holders in the coming weeks, aiming to speed hiring and improve the investment climate as the government also rolls out digital work-permit processing and broader workplace rights education. Power Infrastructure Safety: BVIEC is urging heavy equipment operators and contractors to contact the utility before working near electrical lines, poles, transformers, and underground cables after recent incidents caused damage and service disruptions. Housing Funds Redirected: VI lawmakers advanced a plan to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homeowner program, with hearings also touching housing support for Williams Delight residents and updates tied to the VI Slice and cistern/slab programs. Tourism Media Partnership: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a strengthened 20-year collaboration to expand Caribbean tourism storytelling through digital, social, and broadcast coverage. Regional Health Training: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states on safe transport of infectious substances via an IATA workshop, boosting lab and public health readiness across the Caribbean. Culinary Training Boost: HLSCC launched newly designed chef jackets created by alumna Kristin C. Frazer for the Culinary Arts Programme, linking industry standards to student training. Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027: CHTA named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, set for May 18–21, 2027. Construction/Trades Spotlight: Meta’s skilled-trades push and major build headlines like Turner’s World Cup stadium work highlight ongoing demand for construction labor and delivery. Epstein Island Update: New documents and trespassing cases keep “Epstein Island” in focus as Little St. James remains in a holding pattern after the 2023 sale.

Electrical Safety: BVIEC is urging heavy equipment operators, contractors and residents to contact the utility before working near overhead or underground lines, poles, transformers and cables after a rise in incidents that have damaged infrastructure and disrupted service. Workforce & Investment Climate: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the British Virgin Islands will remove visa requirements for work permit holders in the coming weeks to help businesses onboard staff faster, with plans to expand the approach into sectors like hospitality, agriculture and fisheries, marine industries and skilled trades. Housing Finance: VI lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant First-Time Homebuyers Program to the Williams Delight Community Homeownership Program and the VI Slice Homeownership Program, after testimony that the money has sat unspent for years. Public Health Logistics: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in safe transport of infectious substances through an IATA workshop, including participants from the British Virgin Islands. Local Training & Hospitality: HLSCC launched newly designed chef jackets created by alumna Kristin C. Frazer for the Culinary Arts Programme, aiming to better connect education with industry standards. Regional Tourism Trade: CHTA named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, bringing the B2B tourism event to the island after Antigua’s successful 2026 edition.

BVI Work Permits: The Virgin Islands government says it will remove visa requirements for work permit holders in the coming weeks, aiming to make it easier for businesses to onboard staff faster and improve the investment climate. Regional Tourism Trade: CHTA has named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (May 18–21), after a successful 2026 event in Antigua—another boost for regional hospitality and travel business links. Hospitality Training & Skills: HLSCC launched newly designed chef jackets for its Culinary Arts Programme, created by alumna Kristin C. Frazer, tying classroom training to modern industry standards. Public Health Logistics: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states in IATA infectious substances transport, including participants from the British Virgin Islands, to strengthen lab and workforce readiness. Housing Funding in the VI: VI lawmakers advanced a plan to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homebuyers program toward Williams Delight and the VI Slice homeownership effort. Cruise Industry: MSC Opera kicked off its summer Europe season before repositioning to the Southern Caribbean, including year-round Caribbean sailings that will feature the British Virgin Islands.

BVI Business Climate: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the British Virgin Islands will remove visa requirements for work permit holders in the coming weeks, aiming to help employers onboard staff faster and strengthen the investment climate. Housing Finance: On St. Thomas, senators advanced a plan to redirect $4 million from a dormant First-Time Homebuyers Program—splitting funds to VI Slice, VIHFA grants for cistern-and-slab support, and $376,000 for Williams Delight residents to buy the rental homes they occupy. Tourism & Hospitality: TEMPO Networks is partnering with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals for expanded coverage of the 2026 St. John Celebration, including a dedicated TEMPO Night in the Carnival Village. Workforce & Training: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College alumna Kirsten C. Frazer designed chef jackets for the Culinary Arts Programme, debuting at the 2026 graduation ceremony. Maritime Industry: MSC Opera has begun its Europe summer season before repositioning to the Southern Caribbean for year-round operations later in 2026. Aviation/Travel Ops: U.S. CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to additional pre-departure locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including Cyril E. King (St. Thomas) and Henry E. Rohlsen (St. Croix).

BVI Business & Investment Climate: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the Virgin Islands will remove visa requirements for work permit holders, aiming to make it easier for employers to staff up while broader reforms like an Investment Act and a trade-and-investment one-stop shop move forward. Trade & Imports: The VI government is meeting customs brokers and retailers to improve import data accuracy for the Protected Basket of Goods initiative, including a bulk upload tool for high-volume declarations. Tourism Recognition: BVI Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith and Barbados tourism leader Andrea Franklin won top Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards during Caribbean Week in New York. Coast Guard & Maritime Security: U.S. Coast Guard repatriated 32 people to the Dominican Republic after an interdiction near Desecheo, Puerto Rico, as part of efforts to deter unlawful maritime migration. Aviation & Travel Facilitation: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to Cyril E. King (St. Thomas) and Henry E. Rohlsen (St. Croix) airports, speeding arrival processing. Housing Finance: St. Croix lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homebuyer program toward new housing support options.

Workforce & investment climate: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the VI will remove visa requirements for work permit holders, aiming to make it easier for businesses to onboard staff while broader reforms like an Investment Act and a trade/investment one-stop shop move forward. Housing funding shift (St. Thomas): Lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homeowner program, splitting funds among the VI Economic Development Authority, VIHFA grants for cistern/slab support, and assistance for Williams Delight residents. Healthcare infrastructure (VI): The RDA signed a $463,087.20 contract for renovations at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital, including lobby upgrades, new stair and elevator work, and outpatient clinic improvements. Ocean-focused entrepreneurship: The VI Purpose Fund increased the 2026 Impact Challenge catalytic funding to up to $250,000, with a June 10 deadline for ventures tackling sargassum management, sustainable fisheries, waste reduction, and ocean restoration. Tourism recognition (BVI): CTO awards during Caribbean Week in New York named BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year, while Barbados tourism leader Andrea Franklin took Director of Tourism of the Year. Customs & import data: VI officials met customs brokers and retailers to improve import declarations and data quality for the Protected Basket of Goods initiative, including a bulk upload tool for high-volume importers. Sports venue upgrades: Piling and foundation work for the final two lighting poles at A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground is complete, with concrete curing underway before installation.

BVI Business & Investment: Ming Shing Group Holdings says it has closed its $110M acquisition of BVI-incorporated PMA Nano Carbon Tech Limited, settling the deal by issuing unsecured convertible promissory notes. BVI Economy & Trade: The VI government is working with customs brokers and retailers to improve import declarations and the accuracy of import data feeding the Protected Basket of Goods initiative. Energy & Utilities: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger law has cleared the House and received assent, setting up a unified VIEWCo and a single public notification platform for service advisories. Entrepreneurship & Ocean Health: The 2026 Impact Challenge funding is up to $250,000 for BVI entrepreneurs; the application deadline is tomorrow, June 10. Tourism Industry: Luce Hodge-Smith (BVI) was named Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at the CTO Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards during Caribbean Week in New York. Infrastructure: RDA contracts include hospital renovations at Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital and ongoing works at A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground, including new lighting pole foundations. Food Safety: Salmonella-related recalls and logistics issues are prompting urgent checks for imported grocery items in the territory.

BVI Utilities Merger: The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and the Water & Sewerage Department (W&SD) merger law has cleared the House and received Governor Daniel Pruce’s assent, paving the way for VIEWCo and a single public notification platform for water and power service advisories. Healthcare Infrastructure: The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) signed a $463,087.20 contract for major renovations at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital’s Major Peebles Wing, including lobby upgrades, new stair and elevator access, and outpatient improvements. Climate & Tourism Policy: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser urged residents to tune in Tuesday for the State of the Territory Address, with focus on the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and updates on Crown Lands and a possible National Parks Trust announcement. Food Safety Watch: VI officials flagged cleaning and sanitation as a top food-establishment concern ahead of World Food Safety Day, urging residents to check hygiene, pests, and handwashing practices before buying. Agriculture Prep: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is urging farmers and fishers to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, including securing livestock, harvesting early, and removing or securing fishing gear. Tourism Recognition: BVI Junior Minister of Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge-Smith received a regional CTO award during Caribbean Week in New York. Tech & Data: A 3rd Circuit privacy ruling offers businesses guidance after cases involving session replay code were dismissed for lack of standing and injury. Corporate Finance: Ocean Capital Acquisition Corporation priced its BVI-incorporated IPO at $10 per unit, while Nathan’s Famous reported fiscal year and Q4 results and declared a $0.50 dividend.

BVI Utilities Overhaul: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger cleared another major step after Governor Daniel Pruce assented, paving the way for VIEWCo and a unified public notification platform for service advisories and interruptions. Healthcare Infrastructure: The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) signed a $463,087.20 contract for renovations at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital’s Major Peebles Wing, including lobby upgrades, new stair and elevator work, and outpatient improvements. Water Sector Leadership: Consolidated Water appointed water-industry veteran Sachin Chawla as senior vice president for strategy and growth, signaling continued expansion and deal-making focus. Food Safety Watch: Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey flagged cleaning and sanitation as a daily challenge for food establishments, urging residents to check hygiene, pests, and handwashing when buying food. Agriculture & Fisheries Prep: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries urged farmers and fishers to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season with livestock care, early crop harvesting, and securing gear and vessels. Tourism Recognition: BVI Junior Minister of Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge-Smith received a regional CTO award during Caribbean Week in New York. Business & Data Privacy: A U.S. 3rd Circuit ruling offered guidance for companies facing website tracking litigation tied to session replay code, emphasizing standing and injury issues. Local Construction Progress: Work continues at A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground as foundations for the final lighting poles were cast and concrete curing begins before installation. Industry Finance: Ocean Capital Acquisition Corporation priced a $100 million IPO as a BVI-incorporated blank-check company, with shares set to trade on the NYSE.

State of the Territory Preview: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser urged residents to tune in Tuesday, June 9, for the State of the Territory Address, with climate change front and center, including updates on the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and plans around Crown Lands and a possible National Parks Trust announcement. Water & Utilities Leadership: Consolidated Water appointed water-industry veteran Sachin Chawla as Senior VP for strategy and growth, as the company highlights ongoing desalination and services momentum. Healthcare Infrastructure: The Recovery and Development Agency signed a $463,087.20 contract for major renovations at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital’s Major Peebles Wing, including lobby upgrades, new stair and elevator work, and outpatient improvements. BVI Electricity-Water Merger: Governor Daniel Pruce assented to the BVIEC and W&SD merger law, clearing the way for VIEWCo and a unified public notification platform for service advisories. Tourism Recognition: BVI Junior Minister of Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge-Smith won regional CTO awards in New York, adding to the territory’s tourism profile. Food Safety & Sanitation: Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey flagged cleaning and sanitation as the biggest daily food-establishment challenge, urging residents to watch for hygiene and pests. Waste Enforcement: The VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000. Hurricane Prep: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries urged farmers and fishers to secure assets and gear ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Sports Viewing Push: Rush Sports says it’s preparing a Caribbean-wide World Cup broadcast experience across multiple territories, including the BVI. Local Construction Progress: Piling and foundation work for the final lighting poles at A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground is complete, with concrete curing underway before installation.

Tourism Recognition: BVI Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith picked up CTO’s “Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year” at Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York, alongside Barbados tourism leader Andrea Franklin. Utilities & Infrastructure: Governor Daniel Pruce assented to the BVIEC and W&SD merger law, clearing the way for VIEWCo and a single public notification platform for water and electricity service updates. Public Safety Debate: A St. Croix community backlash is growing over VIPD guidance tied to carjacking incidents, with critics calling the advice tactically dangerous. Food Safety Alerts: VI consumers are urged to check urgent Salmonella-related recalls tied to imported mainland supply chains. Hurricane Prep: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is pushing farmers and fishers to secure assets and gear ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Local Environment Enforcement: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at bin sites, with fines up to $1,000 for illegal dumping. Tourism Talent: Mary Joseph was named the VI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching social-media-led campaigns to boost smart travel. Energy/Tech Business: Orca Energy filed Q1 2026 interim reports, while Alpha Compute highlighted GPU-as-a-Service momentum and its “Own Your Data” campaign. Caribbean Media Push: Rush Sports says it’s preparing a regional World Cup viewing experience across multiple Caribbean markets, including the BVI.

Utilities Merger: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger cleared a major hurdle after Governor Daniel Pruce assented to the law, setting up VIEWCo to unify electricity, water, and sewerage services and roll out one coordinated public notification platform for outages and advisories. Public Works: In Tortola, piling for the final two poles at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground lighting project is finished, with concrete now curing for 28 days before pole installation; excavation continues for remaining underground electrical cables. Food Safety: St. Croix residents are being warned about urgent June food recalls tied to Salmonella contamination and other serious oversight issues affecting imported mainland supply chains. Hurricane Prep: The BVI Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is urging farmers and fishers to secure livestock, harvest early, and remove or secure fishing gear as the Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30. Tourism & Youth: Mary Joseph won BVI Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching a social-media-driven “TAG: Target. Authenticate. Guide” strategy to spotlight the territory year-round. Waste Enforcement: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, with fines up to $1,000 for illegal dumping or misuse.

Utilities Merger: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger law has been assented by Governor Daniel Pruce, clearing the way for a new Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo) and a single public notification platform for outages and service advisories. Hurricane Readiness: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is urging farmers and fishers to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with steps for livestock care, early crop harvest, and securing vessels and gear. Food Safety Focus: Ahead of World Food Safety Day, Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey flagged cleaning and sanitation as the biggest daily problem in food establishments, urging residents to check hygiene, pests, and handwashing during purchases. Tourism Talent: Mary Joseph was named VI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching social-media-led campaigns to promote both popular and lesser-known attractions year-round. Waste Enforcement: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000 and penalties under local law. Business & Policy: Mark Vanterpool cautioned that a proposed rollover immigration policy could disrupt businesses that invest in training workers, especially in hospitality.

Utilities Merger: BVI lawmakers and Governor Daniel Pruce have assented to the BVIEC–W&SD merger, clearing the way for VIEWCo, a single utility body for electricity, water and sewerage, with a unified public notification platform for service advisories and interruption notices. Hurricane Prep: The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is urging farmers and fishers to get ready for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with steps for livestock care, early crop harvesting, securing vessels and removing gear. Food Safety: Ahead of World Food Safety Day, Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey flagged cleaning and sanitation as the biggest daily problem, urging residents to check hygiene, pests and handwashing at food establishments. Waste Enforcement: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000 and penalties under local law. Tourism Youth: Mary Joseph won BVI’s Junior Ambassador of Tourism role, pitching social-media-led campaigns to spotlight both popular and lesser-known islands. Business & Policy: Mark Vanterpool warned a proposed rollover immigration policy could disrupt businesses that invest in training workers.

Utilities Merger: Governor Daniel Pruce assented to the BVIEC and Water & Sewerage merger law, paving the way for a new Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo) to unify electricity, water and sewerage for better planning and service delivery. Waste Enforcement: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping and misuse can drive overflowing areas, infrastructure damage, pests and higher cleanup costs, with fines up to $1,000. Food Safety Focus: Ahead of World Food Safety Day (June 7), Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey flagged cleaning and sanitation as the biggest daily problem in food establishments and urged residents to check hygiene, handwashing and pest control before buying. Tourism Youth Spotlight: Mary Joseph won BVI’s Junior Ambassador of Tourism title, pitching a social-media-led strategy to promote the territory year-round. Business & Labor Policy: Mark Vanterpool warned a proposed rollover immigration policy could disrupt businesses that invest in training workers, especially in hospitality. Energy Reliability Talk: Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline urged preparation for an “energy lockdown” risk tied to fuel shortages and wider global impacts. Corporate Filing Update: Orca Energy Group says it has completed Q1 2026 interim filings with Canadian regulators.

Food Safety & Inspections: Ahead of World Food Safety Day (June 7), VI Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey said cleaning and sanitation are the biggest daily problems in food establishments, urging residents to check for handwashing, cleanliness, pests, and safe practices before buying. Waste Enforcement: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping and misuse can drive overflowing areas, damage infrastructure, and increase pests, with fines up to $1,000. Utilities Merger: Governor Daniel Pruce assented to the BVIEC and Water & Sewerage merger law, paving the way for a new Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo) to unify electricity, water, and sewerage services. Tourism Talent: Mary Joseph won VI’s Junior Ambassador of Tourism title, pitching a social-media-led strategy to promote the territory year-round. Business & Labor Policy: Mark Vanterpool warned a proposed “rollover” immigration policy could disrupt businesses that invest in training workers for years. Coastal Infrastructure Durability: A corrosion design framework aims to extend the life of coastal PV and BESS systems by accounting for harsh salt, humidity, and UV conditions.