AGP Executive Report

USVI Tourism & Media: TEMPO Networks and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) announced a strengthened 20-year partnership to expand digital, social and broadcast storytelling for Caribbean tourism, with TEMPO also joining CTO as an Allied Member. St. John Celebration Spotlight: TEMPO is partnering with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals to give expanded coverage to the 2026 St. John Celebration, aiming to reach audiences across the Caribbean diaspora and beyond. Local Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed multiple bills into law in the 36th Legislature’s May 28 session, including measures on mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, controlled incineration for green waste, and changes tied to hotel development bond proceeds. Air Travel Boost for St. Croix: During Caribbean Week in New York, USVI tourism leaders highlighted new weekly nonstop service between Newark and St. Croix on United Airlines. Business & Finance (USVI-linked): Onity Group said its CFO will present at a small-cap investor conference; the company lists operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Travel Costs Watch: Hotels.com reported St. Croix hotel prices are down about 15% versus last summer, and that booking last-minute with Sunday starts can cut hotel costs by up to nearly 40%.

Tourism & Media Partnerships: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a strengthened 20-year collaboration, adding digital-first editorial coverage and social storytelling tied to select Caribbean Tourism Organization initiatives, with TEMPO joining as an Allied Member. Local Governance & Public Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. approved multiple bills from the 36th Legislature, including mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, controlled incineration for green waste, and a measure redirecting hotel development net bond proceeds to the Government Employees’ Retirement System and health facilities. St. John Celebration Spotlight: TEMPO Networks will expand coverage of the 2026 St. John Celebration through a new partnership with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals. Elections & Waste Management: Bryan signed into law measures aimed at strengthening elections operations and burning solid waste. Business & Travel Demand Signals: Hotels.com reported St. Croix hotel prices down about 15% versus last summer, while travelers can cut hotel costs by booking last-minute and starting stays on Sundays. Regional Business/Finance: Onity Group said CFO Sean O’Neil will present at the Sidoti Small Cap Conference and meet investors, with the company noting operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Community Health: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, with organizers reporting more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal and a promised government contribution.

Tourism & Culture: TEMPO Networks is partnering with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals to expand 2026 St. John Celebration coverage, including a dedicated TEMPO Night in the Carnival Village, as the media company marks its 20th anniversary and spotlights Caribbean culture for wider diaspora and global audiences. Cruise & Travel: Royal Caribbean is adding an extra port to its July 4, 2026 sailing on Rhapsody of the Seas, swapping a day at sea for La Romana, Dominican Republic, while still calling at Tortola, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Business & Community: St. Croix Relay for Life returned for its 25th anniversary at the St. Croix Educational Complex track, with organizers reporting more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal and a promised $100,000 government contribution. Aviation & Access: The U.S. Virgin Islands highlighted Caribbean Week in New York with news including new weekly nonstop service between Newark and St. Croix on United Airlines, alongside record visitor arrivals and marketing partnerships. Public Safety: A man is facing federal charges after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami on American Airlines.

Congress Oversight: Bill Gates told a House Oversight Committee he never saw signs of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and said Epstein later tried to use allegations about Gates’s affair to pressure him, while Gates also denied visiting Epstein’s U.S. Virgin Islands islands. Local Business & Finance: Onity Group CFO Sean O’Neil will present at the Sidoti Small Cap Conference June 17, with investor meetings tied to the company’s mortgage servicing and originations footprint that includes the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tourism & Airlift: The U.S. Virgin Islands used Caribbean Week in New York to spotlight new United nonstop service between Newark and St. Croix, plus visitor growth and marketing partnerships. Public Safety & Courts: A man faces federal charges after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Community Health: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th year, with organizers reporting more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal. Privacy & Compliance: A 3rd Circuit ruling offers guidance for businesses facing website tracking lawsuits tied to session replay code, emphasizing standing and injury hurdles.

Air Connectivity & Tourism: The U.S. Virgin Islands used Caribbean Week in New York to spotlight a new United Airlines weekly nonstop between Newark and St. Croix, plus record visitor momentum and expanding marketing partnerships. Local Business & Finance: Onity Group (NYSE: ONIT) said CFO Sean O’Neil will present at the Sidoti Small Cap Conference June 17, with investor meetings available ahead of the webcast. Travel & Consumer Demand: United also announced new fall/winter routes that include a seasonal Newark–St. Croix nonstop starting Oct. 31, 2026. Community & Health: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary June 6, with organizers reporting more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal and survivor stories underscoring cancer support. Local Governance & Policy: A bipartisan congressional briefing examined what “consent of the governed” means for U.S. territories, with VI Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett participating and advocates pressing for full democratic rights. Business & Compliance: The FTC finalized a modified privacy/security order against Illuminate Education Inc. after a major student-data breach, underscoring how promised safeguards can turn into enforceable obligations. Public Safety: A man faces federal charges after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami.

U.S. Virgin Islands Workforce & Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; UVI MSC says 10 EMT graduates (including the territory’s first WIOA-sponsored trainees) completed Cohort 2 and are eligible for NREMT certification. St. Thomas Public Safety: A man faces federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami; the passengers were stopped for secondary inspection after the X-ray scan flagged the contents. St. Croix Community Health: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6, with 35 teams and more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal, as organizers and survivors highlighted ongoing support for cancer patients. Territorial Governance Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing on “consent of the governed” reiterated that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories still lack full democratic rights, with U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett participating via video. Local Business Travel: United Airlines announced new nonstop service that includes seasonal flights Newark–St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026, plus other fall/winter route additions.

USVI Property Dispute: Google co-founder Larry Page’s 12-year fight over ownership of Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik in the U.S. Virgin Islands hit another snag after mediation failed, sending the matter back to court. Local Business & Safety: St. Thomas federal case filed after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving from Miami. Workforce Development: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; 10 residents completed Cohort 2 and are set for national certification. Public Health & Community: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, with organizers reporting more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal and highlighting survivor stories. Policy & Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing renewed focus on “consent of the governed” for the 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories, including VI’s nonvoting representation. Aviation & Tourism: United Airlines announced new fall/winter routes, including seasonal service Newark–St. Croix. Tech & Privacy: A 3rd Circuit update on session replay code tracking offers businesses new guidance on defending website tracking lawsuits. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA forecast calls for a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but officials urged residents to keep preparedness plans current.

St. Croix Community Health: Relay for Life on St. Croix marked its 25th anniversary June 6 at the St. Croix Educational Complex, with 35 teams, more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal, and organizers citing a promised $100,000 government contribution; survivor stories highlighted hope and continued support for cancer patients. USVI Public Safety: A man faces federal charges after U.S. Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami, with the guns allegedly not declared. Workforce & Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, enabling residents to use WIOA funding for EMT training; UVI MSC also reported 10 EMT graduates completing Cohort 2 and moving toward NREMT certification. Territorial Governance: A bipartisan congressional briefing renewed focus on “consent of the governed,” arguing that the 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories still lack full democratic rights—an issue directly tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands’ political status. Aviation Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route between Newark and St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday service—an upgrade for business and tourism travel.

Territorial Democracy Push: A bipartisan congressional briefing at the U.S. Senate on June 4 examined what “consent of the governed” means for the 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories, with U.S. Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) joining via video and advocates pointing to the Insular Cases and lack of full constitutional rights. Privacy & Compliance for Local Businesses: The 3rd Circuit issued guidance tied to website “replay code” tracking litigation, stressing that businesses should review how they handle user data and whether claims can be dismissed for lack of injury or standing. Public Safety/Justice in the VI: In St. Thomas, a man faces federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving from Miami. Workforce Development: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, enabling residents to use WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with graduates on track for national certification. Air Service & Tourism: United Airlines announced new nonstop service from Newark to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026, a major connectivity boost for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Consumer Protection: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights rising scam losses and urges beneficiaries to review notices, watch for phone scams, and report suspicious activity.

U.S. Virgin Islands Federal Case: A man facing federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami, with the bags linked to the same record locator and seized after a secondary inspection. USVI Workforce & EMS Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; UVI MSC also reported 10 EMT graduates completing Cohort 2 and preparing for NREMT certification. USVI Business & Travel Links: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route between St. Croix and Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026, a major connectivity boost for the territory’s tourism and business travel. Territorial Governance & Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing highlighted that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories—including USVI—lack voting representation in Congress, renewing pressure to address the “consent of the governed” gap. Hurricane Outlook & Preparedness: NOAA forecast a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but local preparedness reminders emphasized that even a lighter season can still bring disruptive storms. Local Legal/Property Watch: A long-running dispute involving Google cofounder Larry Page’s USVI island holdings (Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik) hit another snag after mediation failed, setting up further court action.

Aviation & Tourism: United Airlines announced a new nonstop between St. Croix and Newark, starting Oct. 31, 2026, giving the island a direct link to the New York region for the first time in decades. Local Business & Workforce: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; the center also reported 10 EMT graduates completing Cohort 2 and moving toward national certification. Public Safety & Federal Courts: A man is facing federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Policy & Governance: A bipartisan congressional briefing renewed debate over “consent of the governed,” highlighting that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories—including USVI residents—lack full voting representation. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8 to 14 named storms and 3 to 6 hurricanes, but officials urged residents to keep preparing. Consumer Protection: The FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education over a major student-data breach, underscoring stricter federal expectations for companies handling sensitive information.

USVI Aviation & Tourism: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route linking St. Croix (STX) with Newark (EWR), starting Oct. 31, 2026, with Saturday-only service—an overdue boost for business travel and visitor access to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Workforce Development: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; UVI MSC also reported 10 EMT graduates completing Cohort 2 with strong progress toward national certification. Public Safety & Risk: NOAA and the National Weather Service are forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but local guidance still stresses preparedness for businesses and residents across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Security Case: A man faces federal charges after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Policy & Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing highlighted that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories—including USVI residents—have representation without voting power in Congress, renewing pressure to address “consent of the governed.” Business/Privacy Enforcement: The FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education Inc. over alleged failures to secure sensitive student data, a reminder for any VI companies handling consumer or student information. Hurricane Research: NOAA and partners deployed uncrewed surface vehicles off the U.S. Virgin Islands to improve hurricane forecasting, including plans to study how real-world measurements affect intensity predictions.

Air Travel & USVI Connectivity: United Airlines announced new nonstop service from Newark Liberty to St. Croix, starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday flights—an overdue boost for the New York–USVI market. Workforce Development: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed the program with 10 graduates on track for national certification. Local Security: A man faces federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Hurricane Outlook & Preparedness: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season (8–14 named storms; 3–6 hurricanes), while the Coast Guard and local emergency guidance urged residents and businesses to review plans and supplies now. Privacy & Consumer Data: The FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education over a breach affecting 10.1 million students, underscoring stricter federal expectations for companies handling sensitive data.

Territorial democracy push: A coalition including Guam advocates briefed Congress on why U.S. territories—home to about 3.6 million Americans, including the U.S. Virgin Islands—still lack full voting power, tying the fight to the Insular Cases and the “consent of the governed” principle. Air travel for St. Croix: United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix (STX)–Newark (EWR) route starting Oct. 31, 2026, a major connectivity upgrade for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Workforce training boost: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with 10 graduates on track for national certification. Hurricane planning: NOAA and the National Weather Service forecast a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, but local and Coast Guard guidance urged residents and businesses in the region—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—to keep emergency and continuity plans ready. Coastal energy durability: A new corrosion-focused design framework for coastal solar-plus-storage projects highlights how salt air and humidity can shorten equipment life, pushing developers to plan beyond standard code assumptions. Business & compliance: A Federal Trade Commission order against Illuminate Education underscores that privacy promises won’t protect companies when security practices fall short—especially when sensitive data is involved.

Air Connectivity: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–area route to St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday flights between Newark (EWR) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX), a move St. Croix officials say could boost tourism and local business. Workforce Development: The UVI Medical Simulation Center has been added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, enabling EMT trainees to use WIOA funding; ten residents completed Cohort 2 and are now positioned for NREMT certification. Hurricane Readiness & Research: Coast Guard and NOAA updates keep the focus on preparation for the 2026 Atlantic season, while NOAA-backed uncrewed ocean robots deployed off the U.S. Virgin Islands are advancing hurricane eyewall data collection. Caribbean Tourism Economy: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is drawing tourism ministers and industry leaders, with the U.S. Virgin Islands among participants as regional travel demand shifts toward more authentic, cultural experiences. Local Business Spotlight: Bobby’s Jewelers in Charlotte Amalie highlights its long-running, family-owned fine jewelry business and personalized service for visitors. Fraud Warning: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week coverage flags a fast-growing 2026 phone scam using AI voice cloning to impersonate family members and push victims for Medicare information. Legal/Finance Watch: A long-running U.S. Virgin Islands court fight involving Google cofounder Larry Page’s island holdings continues after mediation failed, keeping high-value local property disputes in the headlines.

Air Connectivity for St. Croix: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–area route to St. Croix, starting Oct. 31, 2026 with weekly Saturday flights from Newark (Boeing 737-700). Workforce & EMS Training: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, enabling WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with 10 graduates on track for national certification. Tourism Industry Pulse: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is drawing regional ministers and tourism leaders, including USVI officials, as the sector pushes “one Caribbean” branding and connectivity amid shifting traveler preferences. Hurricane Readiness: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, while the Coast Guard and local emergency messaging urge residents and businesses to review plans and supplies now. Broadband Funding Match: A new analysis of BEAD spending shows internet providers are putting up more than 37% in private match for approved territory proposals, highlighting how funding rules shape rollout. Local Business Climate: The Virgin Islands’ workforce and training pipeline is getting a boost, but the week’s broader policy signals—from disaster prep to federal funding mechanics—underscore how quickly external decisions can affect local operations.