AGP Executive Report

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.

BVI Corporate Watch: Dashdot’s liquidation has pulled back the curtain on a 2024 share transfer that moved nearly all shares to a Tortola, British Virgin Islands entity—leaving Australian clients waiting as the founder cites economic headwinds and tax reform pressures. Sanctions & Tech Exports: Federal prosecutors charged California tech CEO Jamshid Ghomi in a long-running scheme to route U.S. networking, security and encryption gear to Iran’s military and nuclear-linked customers, with shipments allegedly routed through UAE intermediaries. Local Business Pressure: BVI commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline says the territory’s import dependence is turning into a food and supply crisis, with merchants reporting shortages and delays tied to shipping disruptions. Governance & Access: Cindy Rosan alleges cronyism in BVI Labour Department work-permit approvals that she says fast-tracks politically connected players in the yachting sector while locals struggle. Coastal Works Debate: Skelton-Cline also criticized the Cox Heath sea defence wall design, arguing it blocks views and changes Tortola’s road character. Tourism Industry: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is underway, bringing BVI tourism officials and regional leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences.”

Sanctions Smuggling Case: U.S. federal agents arrested tech CEO Jamshid Ghomi, accused of a decade-long scheme supplying U.S. networking and encryption gear to Iran’s military and nuclear programs, with prosecutors alleging sanctions violations and money laundering tied to offshore entities including the British Virgin Islands. Local Governance & Energy: In the VI, Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline warned of an “energy lockdown” risk tied to fuel shortages and criticized leadership decisions, while separate reporting in the U.S. Virgin Islands pointed to WAPA power instability disrupting daily life. Tourism & Connectivity: Caribbean tourism leaders gathered for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, with the British Virgin Islands among the delegations, and the VI is also set to host a Tourism Summit on Peter Island June 10-11 to shape the territory’s tourism direction. BVI Business & Finance: BVI Finance pushed its Latin America roadshow to July 13-16, and OT Group Ltd released its monthly market update from its British Virgin Islands base. Ports, Food Supply & Shipping: Commentator Claude Skelton-Cline said food insecurity pressures are worsening in the VI as import-dependent supply chains face delays and port-related frustrations. Infrastructure Debate: In Tortola, critics including Skelton-Cline questioned the design and impact of a new sea defence wall as road works continue. AI Oversight: A U.S. report highlighted a pilot push to rein in “wild west” AI use in state government, with the Virgin Islands listed among jurisdictions that introduced AI legislation in 2025.

BVI Tourism & Trade: The Virgin Islands will host a Tourism Summit June 10-11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing together tourism stakeholders to align on sustainable growth and resilience. BVI Finance Outreach: BVI Finance’s Latin America roadshow is rescheduled to July 13-16, with stops in Lima, Bogota and Panama City, targeting the financial services sector. Local Business Skills: 26 entrepreneurs and business owners graduate from the government’s Entrepreneurial Education Programme, with Junior Minister Lorna Smith urging them to keep learning and adopt emerging tech. Shipping & Food Supply Pressure: A VI commentator says food insecurity is worsening as the territory relies on imports and local shippers face delays, with some stores closing earlier or missing items. Coastal Works Debate: A BVI voice criticizes the Cox Heath sea defence wall design, saying it blocks views and changes the character of Tortola’s roadway. Energy Reliability Watch: WAPA says a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure triggered St. Thomas/St. John outages, disrupting government operations and rescheduling hearings. Aviation Connectivity: United announces a new nonstop between St. Croix and Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026, boosting access for residents and visitors. Industry/Capital Markets: WISeSat filed an amended draft F-4 with the SEC tied to its proposed business combination, while Onity received regulatory approval for a reverse mortgage servicing portfolio sale.

Food Supply Pressure: VI commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline says food insecurity is worsening as local shippers face delays, leaving grocers with empty shelves and forcing some merchants to use private charters to get goods in. Coastal Works Backlash: He also blasted the “shiggity” West End seawall design, arguing the new Cox Heath sea defence wall blocks views and changes Tortola’s coastal character. Government Decentralisation Push: Mark Vanterpool calls for moving key ministries to Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke to cut Tortola-centric development and boost sister-island economies. Tourism Industry Calendar: The Virgin Islands Tourism Summit 2026 runs June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing regional and international leaders to shape sustainable tourism direction. Trade & Talent: SMART 2026 in St. Maarten is 79% booked and likely to sell out early; meanwhile, VI’s Entrepreneurial Education Programme graduates 26 entrepreneurs, with a push to adopt emerging tech and AI. Finance Sector Outreach: BVI Finance’s Latin America roadshow is rescheduled to July 13–16 across Lima, Bogotá and Panama City. Energy Update (USVI): WAPA says a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure triggered St. Thomas/St. John outages, disrupting government operations and business activity.

Tourism & Travel: The Virgin Islands will host a Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing together tourism stakeholders to shape “Shaping the Future of Tourism in the Virgin Islands: Partnership, Investment & Direction,” with regional and international leaders expected. Regional Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1, with ministers and industry leaders using the event to strengthen connectivity and market resilience across the Caribbean. Power & Business Continuity: WAPA CEO Karl Knight said a failure at the Randolph Harley Power Plant triggered St. Thomas/St. John outages that disrupted government operations and closed businesses, with officials apologizing and rescheduling key meetings. BVI Finance & Compliance: BVI Finance’s Latin America roadshow is moving to July 13–16 across Lima, Bogotá and Panama City, while Junior Minister Lorna Smith stressed that BVI’s financial services growth hinges on compliance, innovation and investing in local talent. Infrastructure Watch: BVI’s West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment is delayed after bids came in far above budget, forcing redesigns under a CDB-funded project. Aviation & Logistics: United announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026, expanding direct access to the New York market.

BVI Finance & Investment: The BVI Finance 2026 Roadshow has been pushed to July 13–16, 2026, with stops in Lima, Peru; Bogotá, Colombia; and Panama City, Panama, targeting Latin America’s financial services market. Tourism & Regional Business: The Virgin Islands will host a two-day Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort to align stakeholders on sustainable growth, resilience, and investment, with regional and international leaders expected. Caribbean Tourism Week: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1, bringing ministers and industry leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” including BVI representation and a Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner featuring United Airlines’ Christine Valls. Energy & Operations: WAPA CEO Karl Knight said St. Thomas/St. John outages were triggered by a failure at the Randolph Harley Power Plant, citing a unit trip and cascading technical issues; separate reports also describe weekend blackouts across the USVI. Local Economy & Skills: Twenty-six entrepreneurs graduated from the government’s Entrepreneurial Education Programme, spanning sectors from agriculture and marine services to hospitality, with a push to adopt emerging technologies like AI. Infrastructure & Health Services: The RDA signed a $463,087.20 contract for renovations to the Major Peebles Wing Clinics’ lobby as part of the health infrastructure improvement programme.

BVI Financial Services & Compliance: Junior Minister Lorna G. Smith says the Virgin Islands’ financial services growth hinges on “local talent & embracing innovation,” stressing strong compliance, FATF progress, and the Legitimate Interest Access Regime as investors seek stability and legal certainty. BVI Trade Commission Debate: Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley defends scaling back the proposed Trade Commission powers, arguing constitutional responsibilities can’t be handed off and that Smith’s review kept key functions with the ministry. BVI Entrepreneurship Training: 26 entrepreneurs complete the Department of Trade’s Entrepreneurial Education Programme with support from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, spanning steel works, marine services, agriculture, bookkeeping and hospitality. BVI Infrastructure: The RDA signs a $463,087.20 contract for Major Peebles Wing Clinics’ lobby renovations under the Health Services Authority Infrastructure Improvement Programme. Regional Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with BVI and USVI leaders among the delegation and major industry sessions underway. USVI Power Crisis: St. Thomas and St. John face another round of blackouts tied to generation loss and operational instability, renewing pressure on WAPA and the government’s reliability plans. Energy/Business Update: Orca Energy Group provides an update on its management cease trade order, citing delays tied to filing audited and interim financial statements. Aviation/Connectivity Commentary: A regional aviation analysis points to a structural realignment, with Antigua, Barbados and Sint Maarten emerging as key hubs shaping the next 12–18 months of connectivity.

Aviation & Regional Cooperation: ICAO’s top civil aviation directors are meeting in Antigua for the 14th NACC regional gathering (June 1-5), focusing on safety, security, sustainability, and regional coordination—an important reminder of the OECS-ECCAA aviation legacy that still links territories including the British Virgin Islands. Public Service & Youth Development: VI Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr. urged young Virgin Islanders to build overseas experience, then return to strengthen the public service, pointing to HR Quest BVI and summer apprentice opportunities. Financial Services Talent & Compliance: Junior Minister Lorna G. Smith told industry audiences that the VI’s financial services future depends on local talent, innovation, and staying aligned with FATF expectations and evolving international standards. BVI Dealmaking: Carey Olsen advised Butterfield on its $1.8 billion acquisition of CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake, creating a larger banking and wealth platform across international and Caribbean markets. Tourism Industry Push: Caribbean Week in New York kicks off today under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with CTO leadership and regional ministers, including BVI’s Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, driving talks on airlift, marketing, sustainability, and next-gen tourism. Energy Reliability Watch (USVI): USVI’s WAPA reported weekend blackouts affecting St. Thomas and St. John, with outages tied to generation instability and renewed political pressure over electricity reliability. Local Health Infrastructure (BVI): The VI Recovery and Development Agency signed a $463,087.20 contract for renovations to the Major Peebles Wing Clinics’ lobby, part of broader health infrastructure upgrades. Trade & Consumer Protection Politics (BVI): Premier Wheatley defended changes to the proposed Trade Commission’s powers during debate on the Consumer Protection Amendment Bill, arguing constitutional responsibilities can’t be handed off. Cyber & Governance Context (USVI/US): A new NASCIO-Deloitte study shows sharp drops in confidence among CISOs protecting public data, with third-party breaches and AI-enabled attacks flagged as major threats.

Caribbean Tourism & Airlift: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with CTO-led strategy sessions and a strong ministerial turnout that includes the British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands; CTO chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill and BVI/USVI leaders are set to headline, while Henry Harteveldt will keynote the Caribbean Marketing Conference June 3 on airline trends and how destinations can secure better connectivity. Power & Public Trust: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts twice over the weekend as WAPA cited generation loss and operational instability; the outages are now feeding political attacks during the Roach–Francis campaign launch. Health Infrastructure (BVI): The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency signed a $463,087.20 contract for Major Peebles Wing Clinics’ lobby renovations at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital. Cyber & Governance: A NASCIO-Deloitte study reports state CISO confidence dropping from 48% to 22%, with third-party breaches and AI-enabled attacks flagged as top threats—an issue for public data protection across the region. Youth Tourism (BVI): Ten students will compete June 4 for the Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism title, with the winner representing the territory at the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana. Disaster Readiness: CDEMA warns Caribbean territories face severe flash-flood risks in 2026 despite a below-average hurricane forecast, urging whole-of-society preparation. Workforce Reality (BVI): Business leader Mark Vanterpool pushes back on expat-hiring complaints, arguing the real bottleneck is a shortage of locals willing to take available jobs.

Power Reliability: A total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John early Sunday, the second outage this weekend, after generation was lost at a power plant; crews restored power overnight, but service failed again hours later as residents vented online. Health Infrastructure: The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency signed a $463,087.20 contract for Major Peebles Wing Clinics’ lobby renovations at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital, part of the BVI Health Services Authority Infrastructure Improvement Programme. Tourism Industry: Caribbean Week returns to New York starting June 1, with U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley leading a regional delegation for meetings and workshops. Disaster Risk: CDEMA warned of severe flash flood risks across Caribbean territories despite a below-average 2026 hurricane outlook, urging year-round preparation. Youth Tourism: The BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission will hold the Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism competition June 4, sending the winner to the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana. Trade & Skills Funding: The VI Board of Career and Technical Education voted to create an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit to fund trade students and classroom supplies, aiming to cut through budget bottlenecks. Aviation Leadership: Former BVIAA Managing Director Kurt A.G. Menal says he resigned with three months’ notice and was paid in lieu, clarifying reports about his departure.

Tourism Youth Pipeline: Ten students will vie for the Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism title on June 4 in Road Town, with the winner set to represent the Territory at CTO’s Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana (Oct. 5–9). Disaster Preparedness: CDEMA is warning Caribbean territories, including the VI, to prepare for severe flash flood risks even with a below-average hurricane forecast, citing intense rainfall potential and added heat stress for agriculture and health. Local Governance & Consumer Protection: Premier Wheatley called the VI’s Cabinet arrangement “abnormal” amid constitutional reform talks, while also defending the Consumer Protection Amendment Bill against opposition criticism. Aviation Leadership Update: Former BVIAA managing director Kurt Menal says he resigned with three months’ notice and was paid in lieu, clarifying the circumstances of his departure. Trade & Small Business Support: Officials say small businesses with approved payment plans may still qualify for VI small business grants, but debt write-offs aren’t on the table. Mining & Energy Moves: Everlert appointed Dr. Richard “Criss” Capps as VP of Mining, Exploration and Geology, while Orca Energy reported Q4 and full-year 2025 audited results. Connectivity After Storms: Clearfield highlighted modular fiber solutions used to speed broadband restoration in the British Virgin Islands after severe weather.

BVI Governance & Consumer Protection: Premier Natalio Wheatley called the VI’s current governance “abnormal” as constitutional talks with the UK ramp up, while in the House he praised Marlon Penn’s “reasonable” scrutiny of the Consumer Protection Amendment Bill and slammed Mitch Turnbull’s opposition as emotional and lacking substance. BVI Infrastructure & Construction: A new roundabout project is set to begin near Onamia Monday (road access changes and detours expected). BVI Aviation Leadership: Former BVIAA managing director Kurt A.G. Menal says he resigned with three months’ notice and that the board paid in lieu—pushing back on reports he was forced out. BVI Local Economy & Workforce: Mark Vanterpool argues the real issue isn’t bias toward expat hires but a shortage of locals willing to take available jobs. VI Education & Skills Funding: The V.I. Board of Career and Technical Education voted to create an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit to fund trade students’ classroom needs and competition travel. VI Environment Policy: The USVI Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure allowing controlled incineration only when safer options aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke-reduction requirements. BVI Sports: The Winston Bolus National Basketball League returns with eight games this weekend at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town. Business & Investment (BVI/Region): Butterfield’s US$1.8bn acquisition of CIBC Caribbean moves forward with major cross-jurisdiction legal support; Orca Energy declared a quarterly dividend; and Clearfield highlights modular fiber solutions aiding BVI hurricane recovery.

BVI Sports: The BVI Basketball Association says the 2026 Winston Bolus National Basketball League tips off with eight games this weekend at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, starting 6:00 PM, with matchups across Junior and Senior divisions. BVI Governance & Consumer Affairs: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley praised Opposition Leader Marlon Penn’s “reasonable” scrutiny of the Consumer Protection Amendment Bill, while sharply criticising Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull’s opposition as emotional and lacking substance. St. Thomas Environment Policy: The US Virgin Islands Senate approved a green waste disposal measure allowing controlled incineration only when other safer options can’t be used, with added rules to limit smoke and protect nearby communities. Workforce & Skills Funding: The V.I. Board of Career and Technical Education voted to create an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit to fund trade students and classroom supplies, aiming to cut through budget bottlenecks. BVI Infrastructure & Connectivity: Clearfield says its modular fiber solutions are supporting British Virgin Islands hurricane recovery by helping restore and expand broadband networks with faster, less complex deployments. BVI Aviation Leadership: Former BVIAA Managing Director Kurt A.G. Menal says he resigned for “personal and professional well-being,” rejecting claims he was forced out. Mining & Energy (BVI-linked firms): Everlert appointed Dr. Richard “Criss” Capps as VP of Mining, Exploration and Geology, while Orca Energy reported audited 2025 results and declared a quarterly dividend. Regional Business & Finance: Butterfield announced its US$1.8bn deal to acquire CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake, with Carey Olsen acting as joint lead counsel.

Banking & Wealth: Carey Olsen in Bermuda advised Butterfield on its landmark US$1.8b deal to buy CIBC’s 91.7% stake in CIBC Caribbean, creating a combined roughly US$29b-asset banking and wealth platform across 19 jurisdictions, with expanded cross-border payments and digital banking. Connectivity After Storms: Clearfield Fiber Solutions says its modular fiber connectivity is supporting hurricane recovery in the British Virgin Islands, helping restore and expand broadband infrastructure for BVI Cable TV and CCT. BVI Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley called the current Virgin Islands governance arrangement “abnormal” as constitutional talks with the UK begin, arguing elected leaders should chair Cabinet and oversee public service and security. Small Business Grants: BVI officials clarified that businesses with approved payment plans may still qualify for small business grants, but debt write-offs are not on the table. Tourism Calendar (USVI): The US Virgin Islands announced the 2026 St. John Celebration dates—June 14 to July 4—under “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.” Cruise Industry: Norwegian Cruise Line set Sept. 4, 2026 for the grand opening of Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, with day passes and cabanas available in advance. Energy & Finance: Orca Energy Group declared a quarterly dividend of C$0.10 per share for holders of Class A and Class B shares, payable July 15, 2026.

M&A & Finance: Butterfield has signed a definitive deal to buy CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake for $1.8 billion, aiming to expand cross-border payments, consumer/merchant banking, and digital wealth services across the Caribbean. BVI Aviation & Governance: Kurt A.G. Menal says he resigned as BVIAA managing director for “personal and professional wellbeing,” insisting he wasn’t forced out and that the board paid him in lieu of notice. Cruise Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line set Sept. 4, 2026 for the grand opening of Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, with day passes and cabanas available for advance booking. Local Business Support (BVI): BVI officials clarified that small businesses with approved payment plans may still qualify for grant support, but debt write-offs aren’t on the table. Constitution Talks (BVI/VI): BVI Premier Wheatley called the current governance setup “abnormal,” arguing elected leaders should chair Cabinet and oversee public service and security; in the VI, Opposition Leader Marlon Penn said constitutional positions reflect lived realities. USVI Culture & Tourism: The U.S. Virgin Islands announced St. John Celebration 2026 dates (June 14–July 4) under “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.” Maritime Development (USVI): American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook is seeking an extension of Economic Development Commission tax benefits as it outlines upgrades to its marina and waterfront operations. Energy/Investing (BVI): Orca Energy Group declared a quarterly dividend of $0.10 (Cdn) per share class, payable July 15 to holders of record June 30.