AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Watch: The National Hurricane Center raised the odds of Atlantic cyclone formation to 90% for Invest 96L, with a closing development window and possible short-lived Tropical Storm Dolly advisories later today; Disaster Relief for Local Business: Puerto Rico’s drought declaration unlocked SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture, nurseries and nonprofits in 26 municipalities; USVI Horse Racing: Labour Day horse races on St Thomas were cancelled after the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming bill back to committee, leaving the September 6 plan in limbo; BVI Infrastructure: Long Bay Road on Virgin Gorda reopened after flooding damage, restoring a key route to North Sound for residents and visitors; Online Safety & Consumer Impact: Meta’s multistate settlement includes major child-safety requirements and payouts tied to court approval, with U.S. territories including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands named in the case; BVI Finance/Capital Markets: State Grid’s record dim sum bond issuance used a BVI-incorporated subsidiary, underscoring the territory’s role in international deal structuring; Energy Costs Debate: In the BVI, opposition leader Marlon Penn criticized sharp electricity bill increases and pushed for continued subsidies and faster relief.

USVI Horse Racing: The Labour Day races at Clinton E. Phipps Sr. Racetrack on St. Thomas were cancelled after the Legislature sent the Southland Gaming bill back to committee, leaving the September 6 plan without the needed license. Local Governance: The 36th Legislature also confirmed Water and Power Authority and Board of Pharmacy nominees and forwarded housing and land-use bills to the governor. Energy Costs: In the BVI, Opposition Leader Marlon Penn criticized sharp electricity bill increases after the fuel subsidy shift, saying relief should be adjusted immediately and warning higher power costs will ripple through food and services. Disaster Finance (Regional): Puerto Rico received a U.S. drought disaster declaration covering 26 municipalities, unlocking SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses and agricultural producers—an important regional signal for VI-area agriculture and small operators. Tourism & Transport: Long Bay Road on Virgin Gorda reopened after flood damage, restoring a key route for residents and visitors. Finance & Trade (BVI): The BVI pitched deeper cooperation with India, including a BVI-India investment corridor and stronger financial and legal ties. Online Safety (US/territories): Meta’s multistate settlement over Facebook/Instagram child-safety claims includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new safety measures and major payouts to states. Blockchain Security (BVI): TxFlow says an independent OpenZeppelin audit found zero critical and zero high issues in its bridge contract. Affiliate Travel Tech: Island Bookings BV launched an affiliate program to let travel publishers and agencies sell island ferry and hopping bookings through partner channels. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the Atlantic, expected to be short-lived and not a direct threat to the U.S., but with possible rain impacts toward the Virgin Islands.

USVI Policy Pressure: USVI congressional delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged USPS to pause new duty-collection requirements for mail from U.S. territories, arguing the system must fit each territory’s legal protections. BVI Energy Cost Fight: BVI Opposition Leader Marlon Penn and officials are trading blame over August electricity spikes after the fuel subsidy ended, with BVIEC citing July fuel surcharges and promising a September credit while government leaders warn repeated diesel subsidies aren’t sustainable. Local Infrastructure: Long Bay Road on Virgin Gorda reopened after flood damage, restoring a key bypass route to North Sound and easing congestion for residents and visitors. Gaming & Jobs Debate (USVI): St. Croix’s Southland Gaming racetrack bill was sent back for more review, as senators questioned VLT economic impact, exclusivity terms, and the live racing agreement. Finance & Deals (BVI-linked): State Grid’s record USD2.22bn “dim sum” bond issuance was routed through a British Virgin Islands subsidiary, underscoring BVI’s role in global capital markets. Tech/Compliance (BVI): TxFlow says an OpenZeppelin security audit of its bridge contract found zero critical and zero high issues. BVI-India Push: Premier Natalio Wheatley led a New Delhi mission pitching a dedicated BVI-India investment corridor and deeper financial, trade, legal, and digital payments cooperation. Industry/Trade: Bangshi Co. (BVI-registered) won approval to build a $23.45m fabric manufacturing plant in Vietnam, targeting high-end textile production for export. Meta Settlement Watch (USVI in the mix): A multistate Meta child-safety settlement includes U.S. territories including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with states receiving payouts over 10 years and new platform safety requirements.

VI Gaming & Jobs: USVI senators have sent the Southland Gaming racetrack bill (Bill 36-0313) back to committee, delaying a final vote as lawmakers question VLT exclusivity, revenue sharing, and whether projected economic gains are real or just a reshuffle of existing gambling spending. Local Infrastructure: Long Bay Road on Virgin Gorda has reopened after flood damage, restoring a key bypass route to North Sound and giving residents and tourism operators a second way in. Energy Costs Pressure: In the wake of higher BVIEC bills, BVI officials say repeated diesel subsidies aren’t sustainable and promise a September credit, while opposition leader Marlon Penn argues relief should be immediate and broader. BVI–India Finance Push: Premier Natalio Wheatley and a delegation pitched a dedicated BVI-India investment corridor and deeper cooperation with GIFT City, highlighting India’s UPI as a model for digital payments upgrades. UVI Economic Development Win: UVI Research and Technology Park earned six IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards, including gold for STEM enrichment, solar infrastructure, and community financing. Crypto Security Update (BVI-linked firm): TxFlow says an OpenZeppelin audit found zero critical/high issues in its bridge contract, with one medium finding resolved.

BVI–India Finance Push: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley led the BVI’s first trade mission to New Delhi, seeking a dedicated BVI-India investment corridor and deeper financial, trade, legal cooperation, with special interest in India’s UPI payments model and possible links with GIFT City for fintech, cross-border legal services, and investment protection. Energy Cost Pressure in the VI: Minister Kye Rymer said the government’s repeated fuel subsidies for electricity aren’t sustainable, pointing to the end of the three-month emergency support and urging a renewable transition as BVIEC prepares a credit for September bills after August spikes. Electricity Billing Update: BVIEC confirmed August bills reflect July’s record fuel costs tied to global shipping disruptions, and said the higher charges aren’t connected to the later targeted subsidy adjustment for usage above 1,500 kWh. Marine Industry Bottleneck: John M. Samuel warned the VI’s commercial recreational marine sector can’t grow without more hurricane-resilient marina berths, safer harbours, and better airlift/hotel capacity. Tourism Trade Spotlight: St. Kitts hosted the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase, featuring BVI junior tourism minister Luce Hodge-Smith and regional leaders discussing sustainable growth and airlift challenges. BVI Tourism Promotion: The BVI Tourist Board is inviting Puerto Rico residents to its 2026 “Unrushed Season” with special accommodation rates and quieter late-summer travel. UVI Economic Development Wins: UVI Research and Technology Park earned six 2026 IEDC awards, including gold for STEM enrichment, solar infrastructure, and community financing. Construction Procurement Move: The VI Recovery and Development Agency held a bidders’ conference for the territory’s first purpose-built immigration detention centre, with bids due Oct. 5, 2026.

Energy Costs & Relief: In Tortola, VI Minister Kye Rymer said repeatedly subsidising imported diesel isn’t sustainable, as BVIEC promised a credit to September bills after August spikes tied to July fuel costs; he pointed to renewables as the long-term fix. Tourism & Travel Trade: St. Kitts hosted the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase, with BVI Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith among regional tourism leaders and travel advisors discussing sustainable growth and airlift. BVI–India Financial Push: Premier Natalio Wheatley led the BVI’s first trade mission to India, seeking deeper financial services, FinTech, digital transformation, trade, investment and legal cooperation, including ideas for a BVI–India investment corridor. Marine Industry Bottleneck: VI Shipping Registry director John M. Samuel warned commercial recreational marine growth is being held back by limited hurricane-resilient marina berths, airlift and hotel capacity. Procurement Watch: A bidders’ conference moved forward for the Virgin Islands’ first purpose-built immigration detention centre, with bids due Oct. 5, 2026. Scholarships: BVI’s Asia Abroad Scholarship Programme is gearing up for a third cohort, with applications rising for priority fields.

VI Budget Watch: The Virgin Islands government is projecting a $58.997 million deficit to close fiscal year 2026, with revenue collections running behind forecast, as lawmakers move toward the fiscal year 2027 mark-up. UVI & Innovation: UVI Research and Technology Park scored a record six 2026 international economic development awards from the IEDC, including three Golds tied to STEM, renewable energy, and innovative financing. BVI–India Finance Push: BVI Premier and Finance Minister Natalio Wheatley is leading a VI–India trade mission, meeting India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and pitching deeper ties in financial services, FinTech, digital transformation, and investment. Electricity Relief: After extremely high August bills, BVIEC says it will apply a credit to September charges, blaming July fuel-cost spikes and clarifying it’s not tied to the approved targeted subsidy adjustment. Marine Industry Pressure: In the BVI, authorities issued a safety reminder after 20 marine accidents this year, with collisions and groundings making up most incidents—urging better preparation and judgment. Tourism & Travel Deals: The BVI Tourist Board is rolling out “Unrushed Season” rates for Puerto Rico residents, promoting a quieter late-summer visit. USVI Drought Disaster: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, enabling farmers to seek emergency federal loans. Immigration Detention Procurement: The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency hosted a bidders’ conference for the territory’s first purpose-built immigration detention centre, with bids due Oct. 5, 2026.

BVI–India Finance Push: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley met India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as a 12-member delegation explores deeper BVI links in financial services, FinTech, digital transformation, trade and capacity building. Power Bills Relief: BVIEC will issue a credit to customers’ September electricity bills after August bills spiked on record fuel costs, with the utility stressing the increase isn’t tied to the recently approved targeted subsidy adjustment. Marine Industry Pressure Points: A VI Shipping Registry director warned that commercial recreational marine growth is being held back by a shortage of safe, hurricane-resilient marina berths, plus limited airlift and hotel capacity—pushing boat owners out of the territory each summer. Cruise Tourism, BVI in the Mix: Norwegian Cruise Line detailed new wellness and dining features for Norwegian Aura, with Caribbean calls including Tortola and St. Thomas, adding fresh demand for local services. Tourism Marketing for Neighbors: The BVI Tourist Board is rolling out “Unrushed Season” rates for Puerto Rico residents, including discounted stays and quieter travel access via San Juan flights. Energy/Industry Deals: Orca Energy Group extended its Tanzania transaction deadline to Aug. 31 to secure regulatory approvals. VI Agriculture Under Strain: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, enabling farmers to seek emergency federal loans. Local Business Support: The VI government awarded US$165,000 in MSME grants to 18 entrepreneurs across sectors from food services to logistics and care for seniors. Marine Safety Reminder: BVI authorities issued a safety message after 20 marine accidents this year, with collisions and groundings making up most incidents. Education Funding: Ocean Point Terminals awarded $16,000 in scholarships to eight VI students heading to schools and technical programs across the U.S.

Tourism & Marine Safety: The Virgin Islands government is urging marine operators and charter companies to tighten safety after 20 accidents this year, with collisions and groundings making up 90% of reported incidents, as officials stress better reporting, situational awareness, and operator competence. Cruise Industry: Norwegian Cruise Line is rolling out more details on Norwegian Aura, including a major thermal spa experience, new dining concepts (including an Indian specialty restaurant), and Caribbean itineraries that will stop at Tortola and St. Thomas. BVI Visitor Push: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board is offering “Unrushed Season” exclusive rates for Puerto Rico residents, including discounted stays at Scrub Island Resort through Oct. 31. Immigration Infrastructure (VI): A bidders’ conference moved the procurement forward for the Virgin Islands’ first purpose-built Immigration Detention Centre, with bid submissions due Oct. 5, 2026. Trade & Finance (VI/BVI): Premier Natalio Wheatley is leading a VI-India trade mission (Aug. 24–31) aimed at financial services growth, while BVI officials are also promoting regional tourism ties through ASTA’s Caribbean Showcase in St. Kitts. Energy & Water Stress: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, enabling emergency loans for farmers as dry conditions persist. Local Business Support: The VI government awarded US$165,000 in MSME grants to 18 businesses, backing sectors from food services and logistics to auto mechanics and senior care.

BVI Tourism & Film: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board is rolling out “Unrushed Season” rates for Puerto Rico residents, including Scrub Island Resort stays from $399 a night with proof of residency, aiming for fewer crowds and more availability through Oct. 31. Immigration Infrastructure: The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency hosted a bidders’ conference for the territory’s first purpose-built Immigration Detention Centre; shortlisted firms are in the procurement pipeline with bids due Oct. 5, 2026. Marine Safety: VI and BVI marine operators are being urged to tighten safety after 20 marine accidents in the VI so far this year, with collisions and groundings making up 90% of reports. Local Business Support: The VI government awarded US$165,000 in MSME grants to 18 local business owners, backing sectors from food services and logistics to auto mechanics and senior care. Drought & Agriculture: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, unlocking federal emergency loans for farmers as dry conditions persist. Cruise Industry: Norwegian Cruise Line detailed Norwegian Aura’s Caribbean itineraries and onboard upgrades, including a major thermal spa and new dining concepts. Finance & Governance: Senators grilled VIHFA officials over a suspension of federal funds as the authority presented its FY2027 budget.

BVI Tourism & Travel: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board is rolling out “Unrushed Season” offers for Puerto Rico residents, including Scrub Island Resort rates from $399/night (breakfast for two) through Oct. 31, plus quieter late-summer travel with access to top attractions. BVI Marine Safety: The VI’s marine tourism sector is under the microscope after 20 accidents this year, with collisions and groundings making up 90%—officials are urging better operator competence, preparation, and reporting. VI Economic Development (MSMEs): The Virgin Islands government awarded US$165,000 in grants to 18 local MSMEs, backing start-up and growth costs across services like food, tours, trades, logistics, and senior care. VI Governance & Housing Finance: Senators grilled VIHFA officials over a suspension of federal funds, while VIHFA presented a $24.45M FY2027 budget and discussed impacts on staff and housing project pipelines. BVI/VI Trade & Finance: Premier Wheatley is leading a public-private financial services delegation to India (Aug. 24–31) to build regulatory ties and business leads for BVI providers. USVI Drought Disaster: The U.S. government declared drought disaster status for the U.S. Virgin Islands, unlocking federal emergency loans for farmers as dry conditions persist. Education & Scholarships: Ocean Point Terminals awarded $16,000 in scholarships to eight USVI students, supporting studies and technical training across the U.S. Small Business Policy (SBA): The SBA proposed simplifying small business size standards to expand eligibility and access to federal programs.

BVI Trade & Finance: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley will lead a first-ever Virgin Islands–India Trade Mission Aug. 24–31, aiming to deepen ties with Indian regulators and firms in corporate structuring, investment funds, private wealth, fintech, and cross-border business. Education & Workforce: Ocean Point Terminals awarded $16,000 in scholarships to eight USVI students for 2026-2027, including MIT, Howard, Florida A&M, and Tulsa Welding School. Drought & Agriculture: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, unlocking federal emergency loans for farmers as extreme dry conditions persist across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Marine Tourism Safety (BVI): BVI authorities issued a safety push after 20 marine accidents this year, with collisions and groundings making up 90%, urging better competence, preparation, lookout, and reporting. Charter Access (BVI): A charter operator called for restoring the finger pier at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park with paid pickup/drop-off to reduce delays and improve cruise visitor flow. Local Business Support (BVI): The VI government announced $165,000 in MSME grants to 18 owners, backing sectors from food services and tours to logistics, electrical work, and senior care. Energy & Housing Oversight (USVI): Senators grilled VIHFA officials over a suspension of federal funds during FY2027 budget hearings, while also reviewing the Virgin Islands Energy Office’s federal grant use. Cruise Industry (BVI/Region): Norwegian Cruise Line detailed Norwegian Aura’s Caribbean itineraries and onboard upgrades, including a major thermal spa and new dining concepts. Tech & Consumer Impact (USVI-linked): A $700 million Google Play antitrust settlement includes potential automatic payments for eligible consumers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and other jurisdictions.

Marine Tourism Safety: The British Virgin Islands issued a fresh warning to marine operators after 20 accidents were recorded this year, with collisions and groundings making up 90% of cases—officials say the numbers point to where training, lookout, and reporting need tightening. Marine Tourism Strategy: A policy analyst urged stronger public-private partnerships to grow marine tourism and the blue economy, stressing that locals want to be owners and investors, not just workers. Drought Relief for Farmers (USVI): The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, opening the door for federal emergency loans for agriculture as dry conditions persist across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Local Housing & Federal Funds (VI): Senators grilled VIHFA officials over a suspension of federal funds, while the agency presented its FY2027 budget and discussed staffing and housing-project impacts. Small Business Support (BVI/VI): The Virgin Islands rolled out US$165,000 in MSME grants to 18 businesses, backing sectors from food services and logistics to plumbing, electrical work, and senior care. Cruise Industry Watch: Norwegian Cruise Line detailed Norwegian Aura’s Caribbean itineraries and onboard upgrades, including a major thermal spa and new dining concepts. Tech & Consumer Impact (USVI): A $700 million Google Play antitrust settlement includes potential automatic restitution for eligible users in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Marine Tourism & Safety: The British Virgin Islands issued a pointed reminder to marine operators after recording 20 accidents this year, with collisions and groundings making up 90% of cases—urging better navigation prep, situational awareness, and operator competence. Local Governance & Housing Finance: Senators grilled VIHFA officials over a suspension of federal funds, pressing how it could affect staff and the housing project pipeline while VIHFA said it’s working through the impact and remedies. Disaster & Agriculture: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, enabling farmers and agricultural producers to seek federal emergency loans as extreme dry conditions persist. Small Business Support: The Virgin Islands government awarded US$165,000 in MSME grants to 18 local business owners, backing sectors from food services and tours to logistics, plumbing, and spa services. Cruise Industry: Norwegian Cruise Line detailed Norwegian Aura’s Caribbean deployment and onboard upgrades, including an expansive thermal spa and a new Indian-focused specialty restaurant. Consumer/Tech & Antitrust: A $700 million Google Play antitrust settlement could trigger automatic restitution payments for eligible consumers in the U.S. Virgin Islands who bought apps or in-app content during the covered period.

Marine Safety Push: The British Virgin Islands is urging marine operators to tighten safety after 20 accidents were recorded so far in 2026, with collisions and groundings making up 90% of cases—officials say the focus is on better navigation prep, situational awareness, lookout, and faster accident reporting. BVI Marine Policy: A VI marine industry forum heard that the National Sustainable Development Plan is being used to guide public-private collaboration for managing the marine space, with marine tourism sitting at the overlap of fisheries and tourism strategy. Cruise Growth Debate: New CTO figures show the BVI ranked third for cruise growth in the Caribbean in Q1, with 493,397 cruise passengers—up 29.3%—while critics question whether more cruise arrivals equal better tourism outcomes. Energy Watch: BVIEC says electricity rates won’t increase, even as it adjusts the fuel subsidy for customers using more than 1,500 kWh per month, aiming to protect essential consumption while reducing subsidy costs. Charter Access: A charter operator is calling to restore the finger pier at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park with paid pickup/drop-off options to reduce delays and improve visitor flow. Trade & Finance: Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley will lead a BVI financial services trade mission to India (Aug. 24–31) to build regulatory and business ties. Water & Business: Consolidated Water declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share for Q4 2026.

BVI Trade & Finance: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley will lead a public-private financial services delegation to India (Aug. 24–31), with meetings in New Delhi, GIFT City, Mumbai and Bengaluru aimed at regulatory talks and B2B leads for corporate structuring, funds, private wealth, fintech and cross-border business. Marine Safety Push: The VI government is urging marine operators and charter companies to tighten safety after 20 accidents this year, with collisions and groundings making up 90% of reported incidents, highlighted at the Marine Tourism Forum. Electricity & Cost Pressure: BVIEC says electricity rates won’t increase, but fuel-subsidy support will be adjusted for customers using more than 1,500 kWh monthly—aimed at protecting essential consumption while reducing subsidy burden. Cruise Economy Debate: New figures show the BVI ranked third for cruise growth in the Caribbean in Q1, with 493,397 cruise passengers (+29.3%), renewing questions about whether cruise arrivals translate into deeper local spending. Local Governance & Elections Funding: The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance heard FY2027 requests from the Elections System of the Virgin Islands and WTJX, as elections officials cited record turnout and warned about operational pressures. Industry & Jobs: Amazon opened a $37M last-mile delivery station in Puerto Rico, signaling faster shipping closer to USVI and potential knock-on logistics interest. Energy Deal Update: Orca Energy Group extended the longstop date for its Tanzania transaction to Aug. 31, 2026, to allow more time for regulatory approvals. Education Fundraiser: Make It Happen Foundation’s T-Off-4 Tuition weekend (Aug. 22–23) on St. Croix will pair a cocktail reception with a golf benefit to fund VI student scholarships. Water Dividend: Consolidated Water declared a $0.14 quarterly cash dividend for Q4 2026, payable Oct. 30.