BVI Water Policy for Farmers: Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says the British Virgin Islands is developing a new water policy with assistance and subsidies for farmers, alongside plans to build reservoirs at the Paraquita Bay Agricultural Station, with the project expected to be completed next year. USVI Agriculture Hit by Drought Costs: In Puerto Rico, drought is squeezing forage supplies, pushing hay prices up sharply and cutting production—forcing some producers to import feed at steep costs, a reminder of how climate stress can ripple through island food systems. BVI Port Upgrade Moves Forward: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is progressing a $22.4 million design-phase upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal in St. Croix, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14 and works including repairs, mooring/fender replacement, and container yard pavement reconstruction. Housing Affordability Pressure: In the BVI, talk show host Elvin Grant argues the failed Joe’s Hill Manor project exposed the wider USVI affordability crisis, citing high build costs and loan qualification barriers that left units unable to be purchased. Cannabis Implementation Update (USVI): USVI regulators say licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially opening before year-end, but commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected by October. Mortgage Escrow Legal Fight (US): States led by Oregon and New York sue the OCC over rules that would limit banks’ obligations to pay interest on mortgage escrow accounts. AI Data Center Deal (BVI-linked company): Alpha Compute says it signed a binding term sheet to acquire Pennsylvania mineral and gas assets for a planned 200 MW data center campus, with potential expansion to 1 GW.