AGP Executive Report

Territorial Fraud Alert: The V.I. Police Department is warning residents about a text scam claiming they have unpaid traffic violations and must pay fines online, urging people not to click links or share personal or financial info and to delete the messages. Local Governance & Racing: On St. Thomas, the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming racetrack and gaming bill back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says effectively kills the deal—leading to the cancellation of the Labour Day races. Youth Safety & Tech Settlements: The U.S. Virgin Islands is among jurisdictions included in a sweeping $17.1 billion Meta settlement over alleged addictive design and misleading safety claims for Facebook and Instagram, with new child-safety requirements expected. Business & Workforce: Borton & Sons filed a WARN notice for 928 seasonal farmworker layoffs in Washington in November as the harvest winds down, highlighting how agricultural staffing swings can quickly reshape local labor needs. Tourism & Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for its Summer 2028 season, including Caribbean calls that could matter to regional travel demand. Media & Regulation: Broadcasters are watching September FCC deadlines, including the annual regulatory fee payment window and the Auction 114 short-form application filing period for new FM station permits.

Territorial Consumer Protection: The V.I. Police Department is warning residents about a traffic fine text scam, saying the messages are fake and urging people not to click links or share personal or financial information. Local Governance & Gaming: The 36th Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said effectively killed the planned Sept. 6 races on St. Thomas, leaving the project in limbo. Tech & Youth Safety: A sweeping multistate Meta settlement announced this week includes claims brought by Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Meta required to add child-safety changes for Facebook and Instagram. Disaster Finance: Puerto Rico’s governor says SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans are now available for drought-affected small businesses and nonprofits, following a federal drought disaster declaration. Tourism & Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for its Summer 2028 season, including calls at St. Thomas and other Caribbean ports, while Oceania Cruises marked a major construction milestone for Oceania Sonata ahead of its 2027 debut with Caribbean sailings from Miami. Community & Resilience: Phillies reliever Alex McFarlane, a St. Thomas native, is carrying a “VI STRONG” message tied to his community’s rebuilding after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

USVI Public Safety: VIPD is warning residents about a traffic fine text scam, urging people not to click links, respond, or share personal or financial info because the messages are not from any legitimate VI agency. Local Governance & Gaming: The 36th Legislature sent the Southland Gaming racetrack package back to committee, leaving the St. Thomas horse-racing plan in limbo after Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said the process effectively killed the deal. Territorial Economy & Budget: USVI’s Office of Management and Budget says revenues are running below forecast, projecting a $59 million deficit and pointing to legal settlement funds as a near-term cash option. Tourism & Travel Demand: Cruise lines are ramping up Caribbean capacity—Norwegian Escape is adding St. Thomas calls on its New York-based fall sailings, while Oceania Sonata construction milestones point to more luxury Caribbean itineraries starting in 2027. Digital Consumer Protection: A multistate Meta settlement tied to youth social media safety includes claims covering the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Meta agreeing to new child-safety measures and payments to participating jurisdictions. Business & Infrastructure: USDOT awarded $665 million to modernize ferry infrastructure, including projects that touch the broader regional connectivity businesses rely on. Community & Resilience: A Phillies rookie from St. Thomas, Alex McFarlane, is carrying “VI STRONG” after Hurricanes Irma and Maria reshaped his hometown and delayed his path to the majors.

Territorial Consumer Protection: The U.S. Virgin Islands is included in a sweeping $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive to minors and misled the public about safety. Oklahoma’s attorney general says the deal guarantees Oklahoma $235,578,728, with the total potentially rising if other major platforms (including Snapchat, YouTube and TikTok) reach similar agreements—meaning the broader settlement could reshape how social media companies build youth-facing features. Local Public Safety Scam Alert: The VIPD is warning residents about a traffic fine text scam that claims people have unpaid violations and urges them to pay online; police say the messages are not from any legitimate VI agency and warn against clicking links or sharing personal or financial information. VI Governance & Gaming: On St. Thomas, the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee instead of taking a final vote, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said effectively killed the deal—leaving the September 6 Labour Day races cancelled. Infrastructure & Mobility: The U.S. Department of Transportation announced $665 million to modernize ferry infrastructure, including projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of a broader effort to upgrade docks and vessels. Tourism & Business Travel: Norwegian Escape repositioned to New York for fall sailings that include St. Thomas as a port call, adding another cruise option for VI visitors and regional travel demand. Cruise Industry Investment: Oceania Cruises marked a major milestone on its new Oceania Sonata, floated out in Italy and set for an August 2027 debut with Caribbean sailings from Miami—potentially boosting future luxury travel interest in the region.

Cruise & Tourism: Oceania Cruises moved its new flagship, the 1,390-passenger Oceania Sonata, from dry dock to fitting-out at Fincantieri in Italy, a key step toward an August 2027 debut that will include Caribbean sailings from Miami—good news for regional travel demand and visitor spending. Territorial Governance & Gaming: On St. Thomas, the 36th Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee, leaving the planned Sept. 6 Labour Day races in limbo; Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said the legislative referral effectively killed the deal, and Southland Gaming confirmed the races were cancelled. Drought Relief for Local Economies: The U.S. declared a drought disaster for parts of Puerto Rico, unlocking SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for affected farmers and small businesses—an important model for how drought shocks can translate into working-capital support across the U.S. Caribbean. USVI Budget Pressure: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. warned lawmakers the territory faces a projected $59 million deficit by Sept. 30 as revenues lag forecasts, pointing to limited cash and urging approval of legal settlement funds to bridge the gap. Social Media Settlement With USVI in Scope: A multistate Meta settlement over alleged youth-safety failures includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Meta agreeing to child-safety changes and states receiving large payouts—raising the stakes for consumer protection and online safety policy in the territories.

Disaster Relief for Local Business: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix facing extreme dry conditions, a move that unlocks federal emergency loans for farmers and agricultural producers. Puerto Rico Drought Response: Puerto Rico also received a drought disaster declaration covering 26 municipalities, enabling small businesses and nonprofits to tap SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for working capital tied to drought-related losses. Territorial Budget Fight Hits Racing Plans: In St. Thomas, the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee, and Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said the referral effectively killed the deal—leading to the cancellation of Labour Day races at Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack. USPS Duties in Territories: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged the USPS to pause new duty-collection requirements for mail from U.S. territories, arguing legal and administrative concerns still need to be addressed. Meta Settlement With USVI in Scope: A sweeping multistate Meta settlement over Facebook and Instagram child-safety claims includes the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new platform safety requirements and major payouts to participating jurisdictions. USVI Fiscal Strain: USVI budget officials warned of a projected $59 million deficit for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 as revenues come in below forecast, pointing to limited cash on hand and potential use of prior legal settlement funds to bridge the gap. Ferry Modernization Funding: The U.S. DOT awarded $665 million to modernize ferry infrastructure, with projects selected in 14 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. AI Trading Webinar: Webot, licensed in the U.S. Virgin Islands, announced a live webinar on Aug. 27 on how AI is reshaping automated trading. Tourism/Business Links: Contour Airlines plans new flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct. 5, with onward connections to San Juan and St. Thomas.

Drought Relief for the USVI: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to apply for federal emergency loans as extreme dry conditions persist. USVI Budget Crunch: USVI officials say sharply lower-than-expected revenues are driving a projected $59 million deficit for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, with lawmakers urged to consider using Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds to cover near-term needs. Territorial Mail Costs: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged the USPS to pause new duty-collection requirements affecting mail from U.S. territories, arguing the system must align with territorial legal protections. USVI Senate Stalls Racetrack Plan: The 36th Legislature sent a Southland Gaming horse racing and gaming bill back to committee, leaving the St. Croix racetrack development in limbo. Meta Settlement With Territory in Scope: A landmark $17.1 billion Meta settlement over alleged youth harm and addictive design includes claims covering Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new child-safety requirements tied to court approval. Ferry Funding Boost: USDOT awarded $665 million to modernize ferry infrastructure, including projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands, aiming to improve service reliability and safety. Local Business & Tourism Watch: A proposed $130 million superyacht marina in Coral Bay, St. John, faces another legal setback after environmental groups sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over permitting and impact studies.

Territorial Finance: USVI officials say sharply lower-than-expected revenues are forcing tough choices, with OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. projecting a $59 million deficit for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 and pointing to limited operating cash plus a need for Senate action on legal settlement funds. Online Consumer Protection: The U.S. Virgin Islands is among the jurisdictions included in a landmark $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement over alleged addictive design and child-safety failures on Facebook and Instagram, part of a broader push for new platform limits and safeguards. Local Governance & Gaming: The USVI Senate sent the Southland Gaming racetrack bill back to committee, putting the St. Croix racetrack plan in limbo as lawmakers seek more review of exclusivity, revenue sharing, and the live racing agreement. Climate & Agriculture: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the USVI, enabling farmers and agricultural producers to pursue federal emergency loans as extreme dry conditions persist on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Transportation Funding: USDOT/FTA awarded $665 million nationwide to modernize ferry infrastructure, with the package including projects in multiple states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tourism & Risk: A Royal Caribbean guest filed a maritime injury lawsuit after a scuba excursion in St. Thomas allegedly went wrong when equipment failed underwater.

Meta Settlement: South Dakota is set to receive a minimum of $52.6 million from a $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal over claims involving addictive design for teens on Facebook and Instagram, with payments spread over 10 years and additional amounts possible under conditions; the settlement also requires new safety features and is pending federal court approval. Territory in the Mix: The same Meta case includes the U.S. Virgin Islands among participating jurisdictions, tying local consumers and regulators to a major national online-safety and consumer-protection outcome. USVI Budget Pressure: U.S. Virgin Islands officials say sharply lower-than-expected revenues could leave the territory facing a $59 million deficit, with lawmakers weighing options to cover near-term cash needs. Drought Disaster: The U.S. government declared drought disaster conditions for the U.S. Virgin Islands, enabling farmers and agricultural producers to seek federal emergency loans as extreme dryness persists on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Ferry Funding: USDOT/FTA awarded $665 million to modernize ferry infrastructure, including projects in multiple states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Yacht Marina Fight: A proposed St. John superyacht marina near Coral Bay is again in legal jeopardy after environmental groups sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over permitting and impact studies. Cruise Safety & Tourism: A Royal Caribbean guest lawsuit alleges scuba equipment failure during a St. Thomas dive excursion, while separate regional reporting highlights ongoing debate over cruise dependence and visitor growth metrics.

Territorial Budget Crunch: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. told senators revenues are running 9.4% below forecast, putting the territory facing a projected $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with about $34.5 million in operating cash as of Aug. 7 and lawmakers urged to consider using Epstein and Leon Black settlement funds to bridge the gap. Drought Relief for Farmers: The U.S. government declared an extreme drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, enabling farmers and ag producers to seek federal emergency loans as St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix face worsening dry conditions. Ferry Modernization Funding: USDOT/FTA awarded $665 million nationwide to modernize ferry infrastructure, including projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as agencies push for safer, more reliable inland and island water transport. Cruise Economy & Liability: A Royal Caribbean guest sued after a scuba excursion in St. Thomas allegedly involved a diving equipment failure that left him with lasting injuries, spotlighting risk management for tourism operators. Marina Development Fight: A proposed St. John superyacht marina backed by Louisiana-linked developers is facing a new legal challenge after environmental groups sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over permitting and impact studies. Business & Travel Links: Contour Airlines announced new flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct. 5, with onward one-plane connections to San Juan and St. Thomas aimed at boosting tourism and business travel. Google Play Antitrust Refunds: A multistate settlement approved by a federal court could send restitution to eligible consumers in the U.S. Virgin Islands for Google Play purchases made between Aug. 16, 2016 and Sept. 30, 2023.

Territorial Budget Crunch: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. told senators revenues are tracking 9.4% below forecast, projecting a $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with $34.5 million in operating cash as of Aug. 7 and lawmakers urged to tap Epstein and Leon Black settlement funds to bridge the gap. Drought Impacts Agriculture: The federal government declared a drought disaster for the US Virgin Islands, citing extreme conditions on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix; the move unlocks emergency loans for farmers as water stress also worsens in neighboring Puerto Rico. Ferry Modernization Funding: USDOT/FTA awarded $665 million for ferry infrastructure upgrades, with USVI included among 23 projects nationwide aimed at safer, faster, more reliable inland and island water connections. Google Play Settlement (USVI included): A federal court approved a $700 million multistate antitrust settlement over Google Play app distribution and billing; consumers who bought via Google Play between Aug. 16, 2016 and Sept. 30, 2023 may receive automatic refunds, with USVI part of the claimant pool. Marina Fight in St. John: A proposed Coral Bay superyacht marina near completion of permits is now facing a new lawsuit from local environmentalists challenging the Army Corps’ review of environmental and aesthetic impacts. Tourism & Travel Links: Contour Airlines announced new Trinidad–Dominica flights starting Oct. 5, 2026, designed to connect onward to San Juan and St. Thomas—potentially boosting regional business and visitor flows. Local Business Growth: SBA proposed simplifying small business size standards to expand access to federal programs, potentially adding 110,000+ firms to eligibility.

Territorial Finance Crunch: USVI lawmakers are bracing for a late-year cash squeeze as OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. warns revenues could land 9.4% below forecast, leaving a projected $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with only $34.5 million in operating cash as of Aug. 7 and lawmakers urged to approve use of Epstein and Leon Black settlement funds. Drought Disaster: The federal government declared drought conditions an emergency in the US Virgin Islands, enabling farmers and agricultural producers to seek federal emergency loans as St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix face extreme dryness. Maritime Funding Boost: USDOT’s FTA awarded $665 million to modernize ferry infrastructure, with USVI among the selected projects. Cruise-Linked Legal Risk: A Royal Caribbean guest alleges scuba equipment failed during a St. Thomas excursion, leading to lasting injuries and a maritime personal injury lawsuit tied to a Charlotte Amalie dive. Google Play Antitrust Refunds: A multistate antitrust settlement over Google Play app distribution and billing could send restitution to eligible consumers in the US Virgin Islands, with many payments expected to go out automatically. Local Tourism Oversight: Senators grilled Magens Bay Authority and West Indian Co. Ltd. over reserves, service shortfalls, and financial projections during budget hearings. Energy & Permitting Tension: A debate over “green” utility-scale solar and battery projects continues as environmental and safety concerns collide with local permitting expectations.

Territorial Budget Crunch: US Virgin Islands officials say sharply lower-than-expected revenues could leave the government facing a $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with only $34.5 million in operating cash as of Aug. 7; the administration is urging lawmakers to tap balances tied to the Epstein and Leon Black legal settlements to cover near-term needs. Drought Relief for Farmers: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the USVI, citing extreme dry conditions on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix and opening the door for federal emergency loans for agricultural producers. Tourism & Travel Links: Contour Airlines plans new flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct. 5, positioning Dominica as a one-stop connection point for onward travel to San Juan and St. Thomas. Cruise Safety Watch: A Royal Caribbean guest filed a maritime injury lawsuit after a scuba excursion in St. Thomas allegedly involved a diving equipment failure underwater. Local Governance Scrutiny: Senators questioned Magens Bay Authority and West Indian Co. Ltd. over reserves, service shortfalls at Smith Bay Park, and financial projections during a budget committee hearing. Small Business Policy: The SBA proposed simplifying small business size standards and raising thresholds, aiming to expand access to federal programs.

Air Travel & Tourism: Contour Airlines says it will launch twice-weekly flights between Trinidad and Dominica on Oct. 5, using a 30-seat Embraer ERJ-135 and offering one-stop connections onward to San Juan and St. Thomas. Disaster & Agriculture: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme conditions on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix and opening the door for federal emergency loans for farmers. Consumer & Antitrust: A multistate $700 million Google Play antitrust settlement has been approved, with U.S. Virgin Islands residents among those potentially eligible for refunds tied to purchases made through Google Play between Aug. 16, 2016, and Sept. 30, 2023. Cruise Economy: British Virgin Islands officials pointed to 20 marine accidents this year as cruise and charter demand grows, while St. Kitts welcomed major cruise arrivals that should boost local taxi, tour and vendor activity. Small Business Policy: The SBA proposed simplifying small business size standards, aiming to streamline classifications and expand access to federal programs for fast-growing firms. Local Governance & Oversight: Senators grilled Magens Bay Authority and West Indian Co. Ltd. over reserves, service shortfalls and financial projections during budget hearings.

Drought Relief for Local Farmers: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme conditions on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, a move that lets agricultural producers seek federal emergency loans. Consumer Refunds From Google Play Antitrust Case: A federal court approved a $700 million settlement tied to Google Play’s alleged app-store monopoly; the U.S. Virgin Islands is among the jurisdictions included, and many eligible consumers are expected to receive payments automatically. Tourism and Safety Watch: A Royal Caribbean guest filed a maritime injury lawsuit after a scuba excursion in St. Thomas allegedly involved equipment failure underwater, raising fresh questions about excursion oversight and operator practices. Cruise Business Pulse: Port Zante in St. Kitts welcomed major ships including Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond, boosting activity for local taxi, tour and vendor businesses. Local Governance and Reserves: Senators grilled Magens Bay Authority and West Indian Co. Ltd. over reserves, park conditions and financial projections during budget hearings. Small Business Policy: The SBA proposed simplifying small business size standards to expand access to federal programs and contracting opportunities. Marine Industry Funding: MARAD awarded shipyard grants that include U.S. Virgin Islands participation, continuing federal support for maritime infrastructure and workforce development. Water Scarcity Perspective: A commentary piece highlights how drought and limited water access are pushing communities to rethink conservation and water resilience planning.

Drought Relief for Local Farmers: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme dry conditions on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, a move that lets farmers and agricultural producers apply for federal emergency loans. Consumer Refunds From Google Antitrust Case: A federal court approved a $700 million settlement tied to Google Play’s app distribution and in-app billing practices; the multistate deal includes automatic payments for eligible consumers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and other jurisdictions. Tourism and Cruise Demand Watch: While the BVI reported strong cruise growth in Q1, the territory also issued a marine safety message after 20 accidents this year—an issue that matters for regional charter and excursion operators. Local Governance and Oversight: Senators questioned Magens Bay Authority and West Indian Co. Ltd. during a budget hearing, pressing on reserves, service shortfalls at Smith Bay Park, and projected financial performance. Small Business Policy: The SBA proposed simplifying small business size standards and expanding access to federal programs, a potential boost for fast-growing firms seeking contracting and capital. Energy and Permitting Friction: A commentary on “green” solar and battery projects highlights how local permitting and safety requirements can complicate utility-scale development near communities. Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD announced $35.1 million in grants for shipyards nationwide, including support tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands.