AGP Executive Report

Affordable Housing Funding: The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York awarded $70.9 million via its Affordable Housing Program to 47 affordable housing initiatives, targeting 2,440 units across multiple states and Puerto Rico—an $850 million ripple expected in broader housing investment. Local Governance & Accountability: Massachusetts A.G. Andrea Campbell is facing scrutiny over travel expenses charged to taxpayer-funded procurement cards, with watchdogs calling for more transparency and tighter spending controls. USVI Public Finance Oversight: The Senate committee grilled the Magens Bay Authority and West Indian Co. Ltd., pressing questions on Magens Bay’s reserves versus service gaps at Smith Bay Park, and challenging WICO’s projected net loss and payments to the territory. Tourism Policy Watch: The Marianas Visitors Authority is monitoring a Trump executive order aimed at birth tourism, weighing how enforcement could affect visitor markets while stressing safeguards for legitimate travel. Maritime & Workforce Investment: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced $35.1 million for infrastructure and workforce development at 45 shipyards, including support tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Electricity Costs Debate: In the BVI, opposition member Ronnie Skelton warned proposed electricity rate changes could raise costs for small businesses, arguing power is the “lifeblood” of the economy. Retail Logistics: Home Depot rolled out nationwide express delivery using 2,000+ stores as fulfillment hubs, offering three-hour-or-less delivery for a flat fee.

Tourism & Travel: The BVI posted the third-fastest cruise growth in the Caribbean in Q1, welcoming 493,397 cruise passengers (+29.3%) and 113,318 stayover visitors (+6.2%), even as critics question whether cruise-heavy growth is the best measure of success for the territory. Local Governance & Public Finance: A Senate committee session put Magens Bay Authority and WICO under pressure over reserves, service gaps, and projected financial performance, including concerns that higher electricity costs could hit smaller businesses. Maritime & Economic Development: The U.S. Transportation Department’s Maritime Administration is pushing a major small-shipyard push, awarding $35.1 million to 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with workforce and equipment upgrades highlighted. Retail & Supply Chains: Home Depot rolled out nationwide express delivery using its stores as fulfillment hubs, offering three-hour-or-less service across U.S. markets including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Weather Watch: The NHC says no new Atlantic tropical development is expected, but local forecasts for the Puerto Rico–USVI region point to a passing tropical wave with limited impacts and breezy conditions. Health Tech: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology service for OTC hearing device owners, aiming to close the gap between buying devices and getting professional fitting support.

Cruise Tourism Watch: The BVI posted the third-fastest cruise growth in the Caribbean in Q1, welcoming 493,397 cruise passengers from January to March—up 29.3% year over year—while overnight visitors rose 6.2% to 113,318, renewing debate over whether cruise arrivals are the best measure of tourism success. Local Budget Scrutiny: USVI lawmakers grilled Magens Bay Authority and West Indian Co. Ltd. over reserves, electricity and food service gaps at Smith Bay Park, and WICO’s projected net loss and expected payments. Maritime Jobs & Infrastructure: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced MARAD funding totaling $35.1 million for 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the USVI, including support for Tampa’s Gulf Marine Repair for training equipment and berth upgrades. Shipping Costs Hit Insular Mail: USPS is requiring Guam residents to use a third-party app (Zonos Prepay) to pay duties and fees before shipping to the 50 states, raising costs for local exporters. Food Safety Alert: A Class I recall was issued for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without mandatory reinspection, prompting Caribbean distributors to audit freezer stock. Air Service Growth: Southwest will add new nonstop routes from Nashville, including weekly service to Aruba (AUA) and St. Thomas (STT) starting March 2027.

USVI Budget Scrutiny: The Senate committee grilled Magens Bay Authority and WICO officials over reserves, service gaps at Smith Bay Park, and WICO’s projected net loss and payments—highlighting how territory spending decisions are landing on day-to-day public services. Maritime Jobs Boost: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program push, sending about $35.1 million to 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands to fund equipment upgrades and workforce training. Local Governance & Utilities: In BVI, lawmakers debated electricity rate changes and warned the formula could raise costs for smaller businesses—an issue that echoes across the islands where power is tightly linked to operating expenses. Food Safety Alert: A Class I recall flagged roughly 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without required import reinspection, with Caribbean distributors urged to check freezer stock. Business & Travel: Southwest announced new Caribbean route growth from Nashville, including St. Thomas (STT) and Aruba (AUA), while Home Depot reported strong Q2 sales and rolled out faster express delivery options.

Budget Oversight: The Senate committee grilled the Magens Bay Authority and WICO officials during FY2027 budget hearings, pressing Magens Bay on why it holds more than $10 million in reserves while parts of Smith Bay Park reportedly lack electricity and food, and questioning WICO’s projected net loss and expected payments. Local Infrastructure & Energy: The same week’s debate echoes broader electricity concerns in the region, with BVI lawmakers warning that power is the “lifeblood of the economy” and questioning how rate changes could hit smaller businesses. Weather Watch: A tropical wave is moving through the Puerto Rico–USVI area, with the National Weather Service flagging possible moisture and rainfall later in the week even as conditions are expected to turn drier afterward. Maritime & Shipbuilding Funding: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discussed a roughly $1 million investment tied to Port Tampa Bay and noted federal Maritime Administration support for shipyards and workforce development that includes the U.S. Virgin Islands. Food Safety: Federal health authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without mandatory reinspection, urging Caribbean distributors to audit affected stock. Business & Travel: Southwest announced new nonstop routes from Nashville, including service to St. Thomas (STT) and Aruba (AUA), signaling continued Caribbean network growth. Health Tech: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live tele-audiology sessions for licensed fitting support for OTC hearing device users.

Aviation & Tourism: Southwest Airlines says it will add two Caribbean routes from Nashville—new weekly service to St. Thomas (STT) and Aruba (AUA)—as part of seven total route launches planned through March 2027, a move that could boost USVI travel demand. Energy & Local Business: In the BVI, opposition lawmaker Ronnie Skelton warned proposed electricity rate changes could raise costs for small businesses, arguing electricity is the “lifeblood of the economy” and higher bills could hit food prices. Health Tech & Consumer Access: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a $99 per-session live tele-audiology option for OTC hearing device owners, aiming to close the gap between buying devices and getting professional fitting support. Food Safety: Federal health authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without required federal import reinspection, with Caribbean distributors urged to audit affected stock. Public Safety & Security: WRAP Technologies and XINSURANCE announced a partnership to roll out the WRAP Safe Response Program, a certified standard for training and preparedness for private security personnel. Local Justice: A St. Thomas man faces felony assault charges after a violent multi-person brawl following the St. John Festival left a woman hospitalized with severe facial fractures and head trauma.

Telehealth & Hearing Care: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, adding live tele-audiology for OTC hearing device owners—45-minute remote sessions with licensed professionals, device optimization, and follow-up, priced at $99 per session. Weather & Risk: The NHC says no Atlantic or Caribbean cyclone development is expected, but a tropical wave is moving through the Puerto Rico–USVI area with limited shower impacts, while breezy conditions ease later. Local Energy Policy: In the BVI, opposition member Hon. Ronnie Skelton warned proposed electricity rate amendments could raise costs for small businesses, calling electricity “the lifeblood of the economy.” Ferry Rates: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on a St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate report after operators alleged a hearing examiner conflict and urged commissioners to discard findings; the report recommended about a 21% rate-base cut. Food Safety: Federal health authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without mandatory import reinspection—urging Caribbean distributors to audit affected stock. Cruise & Tourism: VI is highlighted as a top-fastest-growing Caribbean cruise destination, while Norwegian Cruise Line outlined a broader 2028 Caribbean deployment that includes St. Thomas. Public Finance & Infrastructure: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Security Industry: WRAP Technologies and XINSURANCE partnered to launch the WRAP Safe Response Program, aiming to standardize training and readiness for private security personnel. Business Leadership: UTIC named Donald McCormack board chair after Debbie Proffitt’s retirement, as the undersea innovation consortium looks ahead to its next decade.

Ferry Rates: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred its decision on a St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate report after operators challenged the hearing examiner’s findings, including a proposed ~21% cut to the rate base tied to how the Red Hook–Cruz Bay route is separated from the Charlotte Amalie–Cruz Bay route. Electricity Costs (BVI): BVI opposition member Hon. Ronnie Skelton warned that amendments to BVIEC electricity rates could raise bills for smaller businesses, arguing most customers use far more than the 1,500 kWh threshold and that electricity is “the lifeblood of the economy.” Food Safety (PR/VI supply chain): Federal authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without required reinspection; Caribbean distributors serving Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were urged to audit freezer stock. Maritime Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Cruise Economy: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026, up 29.3%, as cruise activity continues to center on Tortola’s pier park. Aviation Expansion (USVI): Southwest announced new nonstop Caribbean routes, including St. Thomas (STT), as part of its broader network growth. Business Leadership (UTIC): UTIC named Donald McCormack board chair following Debbie Proffitt’s retirement, keeping focus on undersea innovation and Navy-linked collaboration. Weather Watch: Tropical disturbances that had been monitored through the week have faded from the NHC outlook, but a Puerto Rico–USVI tropical wave and another moisture-bearing wave could bring limited rain later in the week.

Energy & Cost Pressure: In the BVI, Opposition Member Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton warned that amendments to BV Electricity Corporation’s statutory rates could drive up bills for small businesses, arguing most customers use far more than the 1,500 kWh threshold cited in the debate and that electricity is “the lifeblood of the economy.” Local Regulation & Transit Rates: The VI Public Services Commission deferred action on a final report on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators alleged a conflict of interest and asked commissioners to discard the examiner’s findings; the report recommended cutting the rate base about 21%. Maritime & Industry Funding: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program, targeting equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Undersea Tech Leadership: UTIC named Donald McCormack board chair after Debbie Proffitt retired; Proffitt is moving to St. John and focused on sea turtle conservation. Cruise Economy: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026 up 29.3%, as cruise activity centered on the Tortola pier park. Food Safety Alert: A Class I recall was issued for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without mandatory import reinspection; Caribbean distributors and kitchens were urged to audit affected stock.

Ferry Rates Under Review: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on its final St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate report after operators alleged a conflict of interest and urged commissioners to discard the examiner’s findings; the proposed rate-base cut was about 21%. Cruise Momentum: New data cited by Caribbean Tourism Organization shows the VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in Jan–March 2026—up 29.3% year over year. Electricity Cost Debate: In the BVI, Opposition Member Ronnie W. Skelton warned proposed electricity rate changes could raise bills for small businesses, arguing electricity is “the lifeblood of the economy.” Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program. Food Safety Alert: Federal health authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina, urging Caribbean distributors to audit affected stock. Local Public Safety: A St. Thomas man faces felony assault charges after a violent multi-person brawl following St. John Festival left a woman hospitalized with severe facial fractures and head trauma. Aviation Expansion: Southwest announced new nonstop routes from Nashville, including service to St. Thomas (STT) and Aruba (AUA). Education Recognition: UVI received a national Student Journey Award from EAB for improving the student experience and support from enrollment through graduation.

Ferry Rates Under Fire: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred its decision on a final report on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators alleged a conflict of interest and urged commissioners to discard the findings; the examiner’s recommendation would cut the rate base about 21% (from roughly $7.3 million to $5.7 million), tied to separating the Red Hook–Cruz Bay route from the Charlotte Amalie–Cruz Bay route. Cruise Momentum: New data highlighted the Virgin Islands as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, ranking third among the 10 fastest growers, with 493,397 cruise passenger arrivals in Jan–March 2026—up 29.3% year over year. Electricity Costs Debate (BVI): BVI opposition member Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton warned proposed electricity rate changes could raise bills for smaller businesses, arguing many customers use far more than the threshold cited in the formula and that higher power costs could hit everyday food prices. Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program, supporting equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Food Safety Watch (Puerto Rico): Federal authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported from Argentina after it entered commerce without mandatory reinspection, prompting Caribbean distributors and kitchens to audit affected stock. Aviation Expansion (VI): Southwest announced new nonstop routes from Nashville, including Caribbean service to St. Thomas (STT) launching in March 2027.

Local Energy Costs: BVI opposition member Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton warned that proposed amendments to the Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges Act could raise electricity bills for small businesses, arguing most customers use enough power (often around 2,500 kilowatt-hours) that the new formula would “carry up their bill,” while noting electricity is the “lifeblood of the economy.” Territorial Shipping Rates: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred its decision on a final report on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators alleged a conflict of interest, with the report recommending about a 21% reduction to the rate base. Cruise Momentum: New data highlighted the Virgin Islands as the third-fastest-growing cruise destination in the Caribbean, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026—up 29.3% year over year. Food Safety Alert: Federal health authorities issued a Class I recall for about 29,628 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef from Argentina after it entered commerce without required reinspection, urging Caribbean distributors to audit affected stock. Public Safety & Justice: A St. Thomas man faces felony assault charges after a violent post–St. John Festival terminal brawl left a woman hospitalized with severe facial fractures and head trauma. Undersea Industry Leadership: UTIC named Donald McCormack board chair after founding chair Debbie Proffitt retired, as the consortium continues prototype projects and undersea workforce support.

Electricity Costs Debate in BVI: Opposition Hon. Ronnie Skelton says proposed changes to BVI Electricity Corporation’s rates could raise bills for smaller businesses, warning that higher power costs can ripple into food prices and the broader economy. Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program, targeting equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. VI Ferry Rates: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on a St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate report after operators alleged a conflict of interest and urged commissioners to discard the examiner’s findings. Cruise Demand Signal: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026—up 29.3% year over year—highlighting the role of Tortola’s cruise port activity. Food Safety Alert: A Class I recall flagged nearly 29,628 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef after it entered commerce without required reinspection, prompting Caribbean distributors to audit affected stock. Local Public Safety Tech: UTIC elected Donald McCormack as board chair as Debbie Proffitt retired, while WRAP Technologies and XINSURANCE announced a WRAP Safe Response Program aimed at standardizing training and readiness for private security. Business Leadership Watch: Home Depot announced CEO Ted Decker is taking temporary medical leave, with Ann-Marie Campbell and Richard McPhail stepping in for day-to-day and financial oversight.

Maritime & Local Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards in 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program, backing equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and workforce training to boost productivity and hiring. St. Croix Dining in DC: Donohoe Hospitality will open Croix, a Caribbean restaurant and Botanic Bar in Washington, D.C., Friday, Aug. 14, built around Crucian culinary heritage and ingredients like breadfruit, callaloo, sorrel, and cassava. Home Improvement Retail: Home Depot CEO Ted Decker is taking a temporary medical leave, with Ann-Marie Campbell overseeing day-to-day operations and Richard McPhail running finance and Pro subsidiaries. Food Safety: A Class I recall was issued for about 29,628 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef after it entered commerce without mandatory reinspection, with Caribbean distributors urged to check affected stock. Ferry Rates: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred a decision on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators alleged a conflict of interest tied to the hearing examiner’s recommended ~21% rate-base cut. Cruise Momentum: The VI ranked among the fastest-growing cruise destinations in the Caribbean, with 493,397 passenger arrivals (Jan–Mar 2026) up 29.3% year over year. Public Safety: A St. Thomas man faces felony assault charges after a violent post-festival terminal brawl left a woman hospitalized with serious facial fractures and head trauma.

Local Transportation: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred its decision on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators challenged the hearing examiner’s report, which recommended about a 21% rate-base cut. Tourism & Travel: The territory ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 cruise passenger arrivals in early 2026—up 29.3% year over year—highlighting the role of Tortola’s cruise pier. Business & Jobs: Norwegian Cruise Line outlined a bigger 2028 Caribbean deployment, including new itineraries calling at St. Thomas. Retail & Corporate Moves: Home Depot announced CEO Ted Decker will take a temporary medical leave, with Ann-Marie Campbell and Richard McPhail stepping in for day-to-day and financial oversight. Public Health & Food Safety: Federal health authorities issued a Class I recall for nearly 30,000 pounds of imported beef after it entered commerce without required reinspection—urging Caribbean distributors to check freezer stock. Education: UVI received national recognition for student success efforts, winning an EAB Student Journey Award.

Lottery Fever: Powerball has climbed to a $1 billion jackpot for tonight’s drawing, with the latest set of numbers reported as 4, 26, 66, 67, 69 and Powerball 9 (Power Play 2x), and a cash option estimated around $433.1 million before taxes—while the game expands to the U.K., letting players there compete for the same shared jackpot. Local Justice: A St. Thomas man, T-Kori Deshatlo, faces felony assault charges after a violent post–St. John Festival terminal brawl left a woman hospitalized with severe facial fractures and head trauma. Ferry Rates & Governance: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred a decision on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators alleged a conflict of interest, with a report recommending about a 21% rate-base cut. Cruise Momentum: The territory ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, posting 29.3% growth in cruise passenger arrivals (Jan–Mar 2026). Business & Operations: Home Depot announced CEO Ted Decker will take a temporary medical leave, with Ann-Marie Campbell and Richard McPhail stepping in for day-to-day and financial oversight. Education Recognition: UVI received national recognition for student success, earning an EAB Student Journey Award.