AGP Executive Report

Tourism Growth: The U.S. Virgin Islands ranked second in the Caribbean for stayover growth, up 16.4%, and cruise arrivals, up 40.2%, boosting prospects for hotels, restaurants, shops and tour operators. Small Business: The SBA is accepting nominations for its 2027 small-business awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands business of the year; nominations close Dec. 7. Regional Trade: British Consul General Keith Scott says he wants to expand commercial and economic cooperation across Florida, Puerto Rico and the USVI. Hospitality: Divi Carina Bay Resort remains closed after a fire damaged its power plant, though its casino has reopened; 51 guests were relocated and employees are still being paid during inspections. Higher Education: UVI full-time undergraduate tuition for traditional on-campus students will rise about 56% in Spring 2027, with in-territory tuition increasing from $2,650 to $4,125 per semester. Municipal Finance: The territory plans to establish a municipal bond issuer for obligors, a potential new financing channel for local entities.

Tourism: The U.S. Virgin Islands ranked second in Caribbean stayover growth, up 16.4%, and second in cruise growth, up 40.2%, according to figures presented by the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Small Business: The SBA is accepting nominations for its 2027 awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands Small Business Person of the Year; nominations are due Dec. 7. St. Croix Resort: Divi Carina Bay remains closed without power after a Sept. 30 generator fire, while its casino has reopened. The resort relocated 51 guests and says it is continuing to pay employees during inspections. Finance: The territory plans to establish a municipal bond issuer for obligors nationwide as part of Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s proposed “Third Wall Street” financial center in Christiansted. Higher Education: UVI full-time undergraduate tuition for traditional on-campus students will rise about 56% in Spring 2027, with in-territory tuition increasing to $4,125 per semester.

Resort Power Disruption: Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix remains closed and without electricity after a Sept. 30 fire at its power plant; 51 guests were relocated, while the casino reopened after approval for a backup generator, and the resort is awaiting inspections and an assessment before restarting. Local Governance & Public Safety: A UVI student worker sued after alleging inadequate campus security left him vulnerable to a violent assault, saying security arrived nearly two hours after he called to close the Wellness Center. Higher Education Costs: UVI President Safiya George says full-time undergraduate tuition will jump about 56% for Spring 2027 for on-campus students, with an apology for delayed notice to families. Finance & Economic Development: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says St. Croix’s “Third Wall Street” plan would create a municipal bond issuer for obligors nationwide as part of building a financial center in Christiansted. Air Connectivity: U.S. Virgin Islands tourism could benefit indirectly as airlines expand Caribbean routes, including Contour’s twice-weekly Trinidad-Dominica service. Consumer/Legal Watch: A multistate coalition, including AG Nick Brown, seeks court approval of a $400 million generic drug settlement tied to alleged price-fixing and reduced competition, with USVI residents potentially eligible.

Drug Pricing Accountability: U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Nick Brown joined a 43-state coalition seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz and Fougera over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and reduced competition; the motion was filed Oct. 1 in Connecticut federal court, with the USVI expected to receive more than $12 million, and eligible consumers who bought certain generics from May 2009 to Dec. 2019 can file claims by March 8, 2027. Higher Education Costs: UVI announced full-time undergraduate tuition will jump about 56% for Spring 2027 on-campus students, with in-territory tuition rising from $2,650 to $4,125 per semester; the university said per-credit rates won’t increase again. Local Security & Student Safety: A UVI student worker sued after alleging campus security delays left him vulnerable to a violent assault at the Orville E. Kean Campus Wellness Center. USVI Finance Plan: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said the “Third Wall Street” effort for St. Croix would create a municipal-bond issuer entity to attract financial services and enable triple-tax-exempt muni issuance for obligors nationwide. Tourism & Business Events: The Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards named a lead sponsor for its Dec. 6 fundraiser in Miami, highlighting regional tourism and media leadership.

Higher-Education Costs: UVI says full-time undergraduate tuition for on-campus students will jump about 56% in Spring 2027, with President Safiya George apologizing for delayed notice to students and families. Public Safety & Campus Liability: A UVI student worker sued after alleging inadequate campus security left him vulnerable to a violent assault on the St. Thomas campus, with security arriving nearly two hours after he called. Local Finance & Economic Development: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is pushing a “Third Wall Street” in Christiansted, St. Croix, including plans to set up a municipal bond issuer for obligors nationwide as part of building a financial center. Fuel Prices Scrutiny: BVI commentator Claude Skelton Cline renewed calls for fuel price controls, arguing retailers may raise pump prices based on new deliveries even when fuel is already in storage. Health-Care Pricing Accountability: A multistate coalition is seeking court approval of a $400 million Sandoz settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing, with claim deadlines set for eligible buyers. Tourism & Business Events: USVI Sailing Week is set for April 8-11, 2027, combining major regattas and a boating expo across St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.

UVI Tuition Hike: The University of the Virgin Islands says full-time on-campus undergraduate tuition will jump about 56% for Spring 2027, with President Safiya George apologizing that the change wasn’t communicated sooner. Campus Safety Lawsuit: A UVI student worker sued after an alleged Dec. 22, 2025 assault, saying security arrived nearly two hours after he requested help. St. Croix Finance Push: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. outlined a “Third Wall Street” plan, including creating an entity to issue municipal bonds for obligors nationwide as part of building a St. Croix financial center. Generic Drug Settlement Watch: Multiple states, including those in the U.S. Virgin Islands’ broader news orbit, are moving toward court approval of a $400 million Sandoz/Fougera deal over alleged generic price-fixing, with consumers urged to check eligibility and file claims. Tourism & Travel: CMEx will honor Caribbean tourism leader Josef Forstmayr at a Dec. 6 fundraiser; Royal Caribbean also announced “The SpongeBob Musical” for its Hero of the Seas starting Aug. 2027, with sailings that include Charlotte Amalie.

U.S. Virgin Islands Finance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says St. Croix’s “Third Wall Street” push will include creating an entity to issue municipal bonds for obligors nationwide, aiming to attract finance players in insurance/reinsurance, securities and commodities, investment management, fintech and more. Local Courts & Safety: A UVI student worker sued the university after alleging inadequate campus security left him waiting nearly two hours before a violent assault on the St. Thomas campus. Tourism & Events: USVI Sailing Week is set for April 8-11, 2027, bringing together the St. Thomas International Regatta, Three Sheets Regatta & Rally, and the Virgin Islands Boating Expo across St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Travel Access: American Airlines is expanding winter service to “uncrowded” Caribbean destinations, positioning more direct flights for easier travel. Consumer/Health Policy: A multistate coalition is seeking court approval of a $400 million Sandoz generic-drug settlement tied to alleged price-fixing and reduced competition, with eligibility windows for purchases from May 2009 to Dec. 2019.

Local Courts & Safety: A UVI student worker in St. Thomas, Malcolm Joseph, is suing the university after he says he waited nearly two hours for campus security before being attacked, alleging inadequate security and failure to protect staff. Public Finance & Economic Development: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says the USVI plans to set up a municipal bond issuer for obligors nationwide as part of a “Third Wall Street” push for St. Croix, aiming to attract finance and related firms. Health & Consumer Relief: A multistate coalition is seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement involving Sandoz and Fougera over alleged generic-drug price manipulation; the plan would return funds to eligible consumers and states, with eligibility tied to purchases between May 2009 and Dec. 2019. Travel & Tourism (Family Market): Royal Caribbean says “The SpongeBob Musical” will debut on its Hero of the Seas, launching from Miami in August 2027 with seven-night Caribbean itineraries that include Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Food Assistance: SNAP benefit maximums rise for most U.S. households on Oct. 1, with the USVI maximum for a family of four set at $1,315.

USVI Finance Plan: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says the “Third Wall Street” push for St. Croix will create a new entity to issue triple-tax-exempt municipal bonds for obligors nationwide, aiming to build a St. Croix financial hub alongside private credit and other capital markets. Generic Drug Antitrust Fallout: A multistate coalition is seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz and Fougera over alleged generic-drug price manipulation and reduced competition; states say eligible consumers who bought certain generics from May 2009 to Dec. 2019 may file claims. Caribbean Travel Demand: New Amadeus/CHTA data shows group size is reshaping where people go—family-sized travelers are driving interest in the U.S. Virgin Islands, while couples are boosting demand in places like Sint Maarten, Saint Lucia and Aruba. Cruise Entertainment: Royal Caribbean says “The SpongeBob Musical” will debut on its new Hero of the Seas, launching from Miami in Aug. 2027 with seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries that include Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

USVI Finance Push: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says the “Third Wall Street” project for St. Croix will help build a financial center by setting up an entity to issue municipal bonds for obligors nationwide, with Global Impact Assets LLC planning to start in private credit and then partner with the government on triple-tax-exempt munis. Generic Drug Antitrust Money: A multistate coalition is seeking court approval of a $400 million Sandoz/Fougera settlement over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and reduced competition; the total is about $469 million, with states and territories urging eligible consumers to file claims. SNAP Update: USDA cost-of-living adjustments raise SNAP maximums for most places, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with benefits increasing for many households starting Oct. 1. Travel & Tourism: Royal Caribbean will bring “The SpongeBob Musical” to its Hero of the Seas, with sailings from Miami in August 2027 that include stops such as Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

USVI Finance Push: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says the “Third Wall Street” project for St. Croix will create a new entity to issue municipal bonds for obligors nationwide, aiming to build a St. Croix financial center with firms in private credit, insurance/reinsurance, securities, trading, and fintech. Generic Drug Antitrust Fallout: Iowa AG Brenna Bird and a coalition of 43 states and territories are seeking court approval for a $400 million settlement with Sandoz and Fougera over alleged generic-drug price manipulation; the multistate deal totals about $469 million, with eligible consumers able to file claims for purchases made between May 2009 and Dec. 2019. SNAP Update: USDA cost-of-living adjustments raise maximum SNAP benefits for most places starting Oct. 1, including the U.S. Virgin Islands (max for a family of four: $1,315). Travel & Tourism: Royal Caribbean’s Hero of the Seas will debut “The SpongeBob Musical” at sea in Aug. 2027, with itineraries that include Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Generic-drug antitrust payouts: U.S. Virgin Islands consumers are among those potentially eligible for compensation as a 43-state/territory coalition seeks court approval of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz and Fougera over alleged conspiracies to inflate generic drug prices and limit competition, with the plan tied to purchases made between May 2009 and Dec. 2019. Food-assistance changes: SNAP benefit maximums rise for most places on Oct. 1, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the maximum monthly benefit for a family of four is set at $1,315. Mortgage escrow interest fight: A growing legal dispute over whether federal law blocks states from requiring interest on mortgage escrow accounts is leaving lenders navigating a patchwork of rules. Flood-risk tools: NOAA’s National Weather Service expanded its Flood Inundation Mapping tool to cover nearly 100% of the U.S. population, including U.S. territories, to help forecast river flooding impacts at a more local level. Travel demand signals: New data on Caribbean travel shows group-size patterns that point to stronger interest from family-sized travelers in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Generic Drug Antitrust: U.S. and state attorneys general are pushing for court approval of a $400 million nationwide settlement with Sandoz and Fougera tied to alleged conspiracies to inflate generic drug prices and limit competition, with additional payments totaling about $469 million to states and consumer claimants. Local Consumer Impact: The same settlement framework is prompting eligibility reminders across multiple states, including guidance for people who bought certain generics between May 2009 and December 2019 to file claims. USVI SNAP Changes: SNAP benefit increases take effect Oct. 1, with the U.S. Virgin Islands’ maximum monthly benefit for a family of four set at $1,315, reflecting USDA adjustments. USVI-BVI Maritime Talks: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is calling for an Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting after U.S. federal agencies raised concerns about the BVI’s Commercial Recreational Vessel License rules and their effects on USVI maritime businesses and passenger movement. Maritime/Business Support: A St. Croix nonprofit, H.O.P.E. Incorporated, received a $200,000 federal grant to expand culturally rooted services for domestic and sexual violence survivors, including safety, healing, and economic empowerment.

USVI Maritime Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is pushing for an urgent Oct. 12 Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting with the BVI after U.S. federal agencies raised concerns about the BVI’s Commercial Recreational Vessel License framework and how it could affect USVI maritime businesses, passenger movement and regional commerce. WAPA Leadership: Dominica-born Lynton Scotland has been appointed to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority board, bringing decades of utility and procurement experience to help strengthen operations and long-term energy and water needs. Community & Grants: St. Croix nonprofit H.O.P.E. Incorporated received a $200,000 federal award to expand culturally rooted services for domestic and sexual violence survivors, including safety, healing, family stability and economic empowerment. SNAP Changes: New USDA SNAP benefit amounts and eligibility rules take effect Oct. 1, with the USVI maximum benefit for a family of four set at $1,315. Air Service Growth: Breeze Airways announced six new nonstop routes launching Oct. 1–4, including new service to Vero Beach and Provo, plus first flights to San José, Costa Rica.

SNAP Update for USVI Households: New USDA SNAP rules take effect Oct. 1, lifting the maximum monthly benefit for a family of four in the U.S. Virgin Islands to $1,315 (up from $994 in the broader guidance), with other territories and states seeing different adjustments. Antitrust & Consumer Claims: Multiple state attorneys general, including South Carolina’s Alan Wilson and Wyoming’s Keith Kautz, are urging consumers to file claims tied to multistate generic drug price-fixing settlements covering purchases from May 2009 to Dec. 2019. USVI–BVI Maritime Licensing Pressure: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is calling for urgent talks with the British Virgin Islands after U.S. federal agencies raised concerns about BVI’s Commercial Recreational Vessel License framework and its impact on USVI maritime businesses and passenger movement. WAPA Board Approves Infrastructure Work: The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority approved projects including new Christiansted streetlights and green composite poles for the National Park on St. John, as it continues hurricane recovery. Local Nonprofit Gets Federal Boost: St. Croix nonprofit H.O.P.E. Incorporated received a $200,000 federal award to expand culturally rooted support for domestic and sexual violence survivors, including economic empowerment. Travel Demand Signals for USVI: New Caribbean travel data shows group-size patterns shifting—family-sized groups are driving stronger interest in the U.S. Virgin Islands, alongside Cayman Islands and Curaçao.

SNAP Boost for USVI Households: New SNAP maximum allotments and eligibility limits take effect Oct. 1, with USDA saying the 48 states plus D.C., Alaska, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands will see higher caps; most participants get increases ranging from about $8 to $52 a month depending on household size. USVI–BVI Maritime Licensing Clash: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is pushing for urgent talks with the British Virgin Islands after U.S. federal agencies raised concerns about BVI commercial vessel licensing rules and their impact on USVI passenger movement and maritime business; Bryan also called BVI charter fees “silly,” saying they’ve hurt the USVI yacht industry. WAPA Infrastructure Update: The V.I. Water and Power Authority approved projects including new decorative streetlights in Christiansted on St. Croix and green composite poles in the National Park on St. John, with funding and grid tie-ins outlined for the hurricane-rebuild effort. Local Tourism Spotlight: Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, ranked No. 25 in a 2026 Top 30 Shopping Destinations list for the Americas and Caribbean, highlighting waterfront and mall areas and duty-free and craft shopping. Federal Grant for Survivors: St. Croix nonprofit H.O.P.E. Incorporated received a $200,000 federal award to expand culturally rooted domestic and sexual violence services across the U.S. Virgin Islands, including safety, healing, family stability and economic empowerment.