AGP Executive Report

Human Services Procurement: The V.I. Department of Human Services has launched an RFP to select the next contractor to run the territory’s SNAP EBT system, with proposals due Nov. 23; the current Fidelity contract runs through Nov. 30, 2026. Consumer Protection: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs warned businesses and residents that pennies remain legal tender and that retailers can’t use penny shortages to justify routine upward rounding or refusing cash. Public Health Recall: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with higher risk flagged for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Trade & Investment: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment cooperation. Compliance & Travel: U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it seized multiple vessels in the territory and issued penalties after operators failed to properly report arrivals. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters disclosed a C-Track case management breach that affected court systems in multiple U.S. states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, potentially exposing sensitive personal information. Energy/Environment: A coalition of territorial leaders urged Gov. David M. Apatang to oppose a deep seabed mining lease sale tied to the Northern Mariana Islands, calling for suspension or termination of the process.

Local Consumer Compliance: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs reminded retailers that pennies still count as legal tender and businesses can’t use the one-cent coin shortage as an excuse to round up, refuse cash, or drop required payment options. Maritime Enforcement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized multiple vessels in the U.S. Virgin Islands and issued penalties after operators failed to properly report arrivals, warning boaters that first offenses can bring $5,000 civil penalties and later violations can lead to higher fines plus seizure. Public Health & Tourism: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with DLCA urging immediate stop-use for affected products—especially for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Business & Trade Links: Ghana’s Economic Development Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties. Aviation/Travel Market: Southwest announced its first airport lounges, with Caribbean-relevant service growth including new or expanded routes to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters disclosed a C-Track case management breach that included the U.S. Virgin Islands, with some court records potentially exposed.

Aviation & Tourism: Southwest Airlines is launching its first-ever airport lounges, with construction underway at Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Honolulu and Nashville, and the first guests expected in late 2027—an especially notable boost for Caribbean travelers because Southwest recently added daily nonstop service from Baltimore to St. Thomas. Local Consumer & Payments: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs reminded businesses that pennies remain legal tender and that retailers can’t routinely round cash transactions upward or refuse cash based on penny shortages. Maritime Compliance: U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it seized multiple vessels in the U.S. Virgin Islands and issued penalties after operators failed to report arrivals, warning of $5,000 civil penalties for first offenses and higher amounts for repeat violations. Public Health & Retail: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with higher risk flagged for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Business & Trade Links: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment cooperation. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters disclosed a cybersecurity incident tied to its C-Track platform that affected court systems in multiple U.S. states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with some records potentially containing sensitive personal information. Community & Education: Johnson Bayou High School FFA received a $4,650 Tractor Supply “Grants for Growing” award to build a small hydroponic lab for hands-on agricultural education.

Customs Enforcement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it seized multiple vessels in the U.S. Virgin Islands and issued penalties after operators failed to properly report arrivals, warning boaters that a first offense can bring a $5,000 civil penalty and later violations can reach $10,000 plus seizure. Consumer & Retail Compliance: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs reiterated that pennies still in circulation are legal tender and businesses can’t use penny shortages to routinely round up, refuse cash, or drop required payment options. Public Health Alert: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with the biggest risk for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters disclosed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track court case management platform that affected courts in multiple U.S. states, Ontario, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with some records potentially containing sensitive personal information. Local Business/Trade: A Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties. Tourism & Travel: An ASTA Caribbean Showcase in St. Kitts and Nevis focused on getting travel advisors better acquainted with the region’s hotels and tourism partners. Youth Agriculture: Johnson Bayou High School FFA received a $4,650 Tractor Supply “Grants for Growing” award to build a small hydroponic lab for hands-on plant science education.

Consumer Compliance: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs reminded retailers that pennies already in circulation remain legal tender and businesses can’t use coin shortages to routinely round up, refuse cash, or drop required payment options. Public Health & Tourism: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with higher risk for people who are immunocompromised or use external medical devices. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a C-Track breach tied to unauthorized access to court case-management files from March 2026, later discovered June 30, affecting courts in multiple U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario; the company says there’s no confirmed misuse yet. Trade & Investment: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties and expand market access. Aviation & Travel Perks: Delta rolled out a limited-time loyalty promotion for eligible new Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders, including Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel that includes the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Business Education: Johnson Bayou High School FFA received a $4,650 Tractor Supply “Grants for Growing” award to build a small hydroponic lab for hands-on agricultural learning. Business Spotlight: A profile on Charlotte Amalie and St. Thomas highlights the city’s cruise-driven economy and its role as a trade and tourism hub.

Consumer Compliance: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs reminded businesses that pennies already in circulation remain legal tender, and they can’t routinely round cash transactions upward, refuse cash, or drop required payment options just because one-cent coins are harder to find. Public Health & Retail: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after possible contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the highest risk for people with weakened immune systems or external medical devices. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a breach of its C-Track court case management platform, with unauthorized access to files tied to appellate courts in multiple states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, potentially exposing sensitive personal and sealed court information. Local Business/Community: Johnson Bayou High School FFA received a $4,650 Grants for Growing award to build a small hydroponic lab for hands-on agricultural education. Trade & Investment: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties. Travel/Consumer Finance: Delta rolled out a limited-time credit card promotion for new SkyMiles American Express cardholders, offering Comfort Flight Certificates and bonus miles valid for travel including the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Legal Tender Guidance: The VI Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs says pennies still count as legal tender in the U.S. Virgin Islands and businesses can’t use the one-cent coin shortage to justify routinely rounding up, refusing cash, or dropping required payment options. Consumer Safety Recall: Clorox is recalling about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the USVI after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned some products may contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a risk mainly for people with weakened immune systems or external medical devices. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a breach tied to its C-Track court case management platform, with unauthorized access to certain files reported across multiple U.S. states, the USVI, and Ontario; affected records may include sensitive personal data, and courts say there’s no sign of operational disruption. Local Business/Trade: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties and create new business opportunities. Youth Agriculture Grant: Johnson Bayou High School FFA received a $4,650 Tractor Supply “Grants for Growing” award to build a small hydroponic lab for hands-on plant science and sustainable food projects.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track case management platform, discovered June 30, affecting appellate courts in 11 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario; some records may include names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license data, medical info, dates of birth and health insurance, with no operational disruption reported. Consumer Safety: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after possible contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa; DLCA urged residents to stop using affected products, especially immunocompromised people or those with external medical devices. Local Business & Compliance: DLCA reminded Virgin Islands businesses that pennies remain legal tender and they can’t use penny shortages to justify refusing cash, eliminating payment options, or routinely rounding up without a fair, consistent, clearly disclosed method. Trade & Investment: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to strengthen trade and investment ties and expand market access. Education & Agriculture: Johnson Bayou High School FFA received a $4,650 Tractor Supply “Grants for Growing” award to build a small hydroponic lab for hands-on plant science and sustainable food production. Finance & Public Interest: New filings and estate records continue to narrow the public “Epstein net worth” debate, with probate documents placing assets around the high hundreds of millions rather than the viral billionaire claims.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track case management platform, discovered June 30, affecting appellate courts in 11 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario; some records may include names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license data, medical and health insurance info, with sealed/redacted material potentially impacted, and the company says there’s no confirmed misuse yet. Consumer Compliance: The U.S. Virgin Islands DLCA reminded businesses that pennies remain legal tender even after the U.S. Mint stopped producing them in 2025, warning against routine rounding up or refusing cash when change is scarce. Product Safety: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with heightened risk for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Trade & Investment: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties and expand market access. Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard Southeast District urged travelers in the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, to avoid illegal passenger-for-hire charters by checking credentials and inspection certificates.

U.S. Virgin Islands Cash Rules: The DLCA says pennies remain legal tender in the U.S. Virgin Islands even after the U.S. Mint stopped producing them, warning businesses not to routinely round up or refuse cash; any rounding must be fair, consistent, symmetrical, and clearly disclosed, and retailers must still offer cash and card options as required by territorial law. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track court case management platform, discovered June 30, affecting appellate courts in 11 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario; the company says some records may include names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license data, medical and health insurance information, with no operational disruption reported. Consumer Safety Recall: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after possible bacterial contamination (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), urging extra caution for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Digital Rights: A Massachusetts federal court ruling says copyright takedowns tied to YouTube journalism can avoid liability if the sender claims a fair-use viewing belief, a decision advocates say could chill election-related reporting. Trade/Partnerships: Ghana’s Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties and expand market access for businesses. Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard Southeast District is warning residents across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to verify charter operators’ credentials and safety compliance before boarding, especially ahead of Labor Day.

U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to deepen trade and investment ties and open new market access for businesses on both sides. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters disclosed a breach of its C-Track court case management platform that exposed sensitive court records and personal information across 11 U.S. states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada; officials say there was no operational disruption, but some sealed or confidential materials may have been affected. Public Health & Consumer Safety: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with higher risk flagged for people with weakened immune systems or certain medical devices. Household Costs: USDA set higher SNAP maximum benefits starting Oct. 1, with most states seeing nearly a 3% increase, though individual households will vary by income and expenses. Local Business/Travel: Club Med broke ground on a new Exclusive Collection resort in Thailand and also highlighted its upcoming Club Med St. Croix opening in the U.S. Virgin Islands next year.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters says an unauthorized party accessed files tied to its C-Track case management platform, affecting appellate courts in 11 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario, Canada; the breach was discovered June 30 but the access occurred in March, and some records may include names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license data, medical information, dates of birth, and health insurance details, with Thomson Reuters offering 12 months of identity monitoring for potentially affected people. Consumer Safety: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of 6.3 million bottles of Clorox Mistolin Dilutable Cleaners and Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible bacterial contamination, warning people with weakened immune systems or medical devices to avoid use. Local Business/Trade Watch: A new U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report covers July 2026, offering a fresh snapshot of import and export flows that can inform VI business planning. Maritime Compliance: The Coast Guard Southeast District is warning travelers across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands about risks from illegal passenger-for-hire charter operations ahead of Labor Day, urging passengers to verify credentials and inspection certificates before boarding. Finance/Policy: A coalition of state attorneys general challenged an OCC rule on mortgage escrow accounts and interest-on-escrow preemption, arguing it unlawfully overrides state consumer protections—an issue with potential ripple effects for lenders operating in the region.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters confirmed a breach of its C-Track court case-management system, with unauthorized access dating to March and discovered June 30, potentially exposing sealed or confidential court records and personal data across at least 12 U.S. jurisdictions plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Consumer Safety: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of 6.3 million bottles of Clorox Mistolin Dilutable Cleaners and Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible bacterial contamination. Maritime Compliance: The Coast Guard Southeast District warned residents and visitors ahead of Labor Day about illegal passenger-for-hire charter operations, urging checks for proper credentials and vessel inspection certificates. Trade & Economy: A new U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services snapshot for July 2026 was published, offering updated context for regional business planning. Local Business/Workforce: USVI agencies warned of rising hunger and homelessness, a reminder of the growing pressure on local social services and household budgets.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters says a breach of its C-Track case management platform affected court files in 11 U.S. states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada, with some records potentially containing personal information; Kentucky’s courts say they weren’t functionally impaired but are still assessing scope. Local Social Safety Net: USVI agencies warn that new SNAP work and volunteer requirements starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, raising fears of deeper food insecurity and added pressure on housing and homelessness services. Maritime Compliance: The Coast Guard is warning travelers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and elsewhere about illegal passenger-for-hire charter operations, urging checks for credentials and vessel inspection before boarding. Business & Finance Tech: Sun West Mortgage and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents” to deploy enterprise AI quickly while keeping user data private—aimed at expanding access to financial services. Tourism Development: Club Med broke ground on a new Thailand resort and flagged a return to U.S. soil with a St. Croix Exclusive Collection property opening next year. Air Travel Perks: Delta’s limited-time American Express welcome offer includes guaranteed extra-legroom Comfort certificates for new cardholders through Nov. 4.

USVI Hunger & Homelessness Watch: USVI agencies say new SNAP work and volunteer requirements starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, with officials warning that even partial benefit losses may drive more people toward food pantries, unstable housing and homelessness, straining already limited government and nonprofit capacity. Local Law Enforcement Scam Alert: The V.I. Police Department is warning residents about fraudulent text messages claiming outstanding traffic violations and urging people to pay online—police say the messages are not from any legitimate agency and urge recipients to delete them and avoid clicking links or sharing personal or financial information. Tourism & Development: Club Med broke ground on Club Med Koh Samui in Thailand and also highlighted its return to US soil with Club Med St. Croix, an Exclusive Collection resort opening next year in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Business, Finance & Tech: Sun West Mortgage Company and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents,” aiming to make enterprise AI deployment cheaper and faster for large user groups while keeping individual data private. Sports With a VI Connection: Phillies reliever Alex McFarlane, from the U.S. Virgin Islands, is featured on how Hurricane Irma and Maria shaped his path to the majors.

Local Social Services: USVI agencies are warning that new SNAP work and volunteer rules starting Sept. 1 could affect up to 5,000 residents, worsening food insecurity and straining housing and homelessness services. Public Safety/Consumer Fraud: The VI Police Department is alerting residents to a scam text about “outstanding traffic violations” that urges people to pay online, warning against clicking links or sharing personal information. Territorial Governance: The USVI Senate has sent the Southland Bill back to committee, leaving the St. Croix racetrack plan in limbo. Business & Tourism Development: Club Med broke ground on Club Med Koh Samui in Thailand and also highlighted its return to US soil with Club Med St. Croix, opening next year. Finance & Tech: Sun West Mortgage and AngelAi launched “Angel Agents” to deploy enterprise AI quickly and securely, aiming to lower barriers for personalized AI use. Sports & Local Talent: Phillies reliever Alex McFarlane, a U.S. Virgin Islands native, is carrying his “VI STRONG” message as he makes an MLB impact. Education/Workforce Pipeline: SEB Middle FFA earned a national “Two-Star” ranking, with plans to be recognized at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Legal/Regulatory Watch: A Ninth Circuit ruling said sports event prediction market contracts aren’t “swaps” under the Commodity Exchange Act, keeping state regulators in the driver’s seat.