AGP Executive Report

BVI Electricity & Cost of Living: BVI lawmakers approved amendments to the Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges Act to adjust electricity tariffs for high users above 1,500 kWh, with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley saying the move is needed to cut government subsidy pressure on BVIEC and avoid future bailouts—while opposition leaders warn it will raise operating costs for supermarkets and push food prices up. Water Bill Amnesty Dispute: In the same House debate, Deputy Premier Julian Fraser denied any promise of an amnesty for outstanding or disputed water bills tied to the transfer of water and sewerage services to VIEWCO, after Opposition Leader Marlon Penn argued legislators had agreed to relief. VI Education Infrastructure: The Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix after a $264 million rebuild, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities with a 139,000-square-foot campus featuring classrooms, labs, maker spaces, solar power, and a gym that can serve as a storm shelter. VI Health Tech Launch: ELEHEAR rolled out ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology service for OTC hearing device owners, offering a 45-minute remote session with licensed professionals and device optimization. VI Sports: The VI women’s senior volleyball team notched its first win at the ECVA championships, beating Grenada 3-1 and moving into second place in Pool A. Tourism Leadership: Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) completed its 2026 Leadership Laureates roster, including BVI’s Deputy Director of Tourism Natasha Chalwell, ahead of its Dec. 6 awards and fundraiser in Miami.

BVI Electricity & Cost of Living: BVI lawmakers debated amendments to the Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges Act that would adjust electricity rates for customers using over 1,500 kWh per month, with Opposition figures warning the change could push up supermarket and food costs even if only a small share of customers are directly hit. BVI Water Transition Dispute: The BVI government denied agreeing to an amnesty on disputed or outstanding water bills as water and sewerage services transition to VIEWCO, after Opposition Leader Marlon Penn pressed for relief tied to the transfer legislation. USVI Education Infrastructure: The new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix, part of a $264 million redevelopment effort to replace hurricane-damaged facilities, featuring solar power, water storage, and a gym that can serve as a storm shelter. Health Tech for Islanders: ELEHEAR launched ElePro Plus, a live tele-audiology service for OTC hearing device owners, offering remote one-on-one sessions with licensed professionals. Tourism Leadership Spotlight: Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) completed its 2026 Leadership Laureates roster, including BVI’s Deputy Director of Tourism Natasha Chalwell, ahead of its Dec. 6 awards and fundraiser in Miami. Local Culture & Emancipation Messaging: A Tortola businessman urged officials to separate music-festival-style events from core Emancipation celebrations so the historical and educational message stays clear. Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, upgrades, and workforce training.

BVI Water Bills Row: The BVI government denied agreeing to an amnesty on disputed or outstanding water bills as the territory transitions water and sewerage to VIEWCO, with Opposition Leader Marlon Penn pressing for relief after customers were told to start paying through VIEWCO from July 15. BVI Electricity Costs: In the House of Assembly, lawmakers debated BVIEC tariff changes that remove a fuel subsidy for usage above 1,500 kilowatt-hours, with Opposition warning the move could push up supermarket and food prices. VIEWCO Water Rates Signal: Premier Julian Fraser said water rates may rise under the new model to keep the utility financially viable, drawing questions about whether increases are being telegraphed “through the back door.” Tourism Industry Recognition: Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) completed its 2026 Leadership Laureates roster, including a BVI tourism deputy director, ahead of the Dec. 6 awards in Miami. Food Safety for the Region: 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 federal import reinspection—prompting Caribbean distributors to audit freezer stock. Local Sports: VI Women won their first ECVA championship match, beating Grenada 3-1, and are set to face Bermuda next.

Public Safety: USVI police say a Glock 19 fell from Quasheem Christian’s waistband during a chase; a magistrate found probable cause and ordered 24-hour house arrest with GPS monitoring, while dropping charges tied to a rifle found in a backpack. BVI Electricity & Cost of Living: In the BVI House, lawmakers debated BVIEC rate amendments aimed at cutting the government’s subsidy; opposition leaders warned the changes could hit supermarkets and push up food prices, while the Premier signaled water rates may rise when water and sewerage move under VIEWCO. Water Bills Dispute: Government denied promises of amnesty on disputed water arrears tied to the VIEWCO transfer, even as residents are told to start paying through the new corporation. VI Education Leadership: St. Croix educator Mrs. Zubida K. H. O’Neal-George is set to replace Ashkisha N. Maduro as principal of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School starting Sept. 1. Sports: VI women won their first ECVA championship game, beating Grenada 3-1, and are set to face Bermuda next. Marine Careers: BVI youth are being left out of marine jobs, with calls for earlier, hands-on training in schools to match charter-company needs. Food Safety: A Class I recall flagged about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported into the US, with Caribbean distributors urged to audit affected lots. Maritime Industry: MARAD awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards, including the USVI, for equipment, upgrades, and workforce training.

Electricity & food costs in the BVI: The House of Assembly approved amendments to BVIEC’s Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges Act, targeting higher charges for high-usage consumers and aiming to cut the government’s BVIEC subsidy by half—Opposition leaders warn this could raise supermarket operating costs and push up food prices. Water policy pressure: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley signalled water rates may rise when water and sewerage services move to VIEWCO, while the government denied an amnesty/forgiveness of disputed water bills despite calls from the Opposition. Local education leadership: In the VI, Mrs Zubida K. H. O’Neal-George is set to replace Ms Ashkisha N. Maduro as principal of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School starting Sept. 1, 2026. Marine careers gap: BVI voices say young Virgin Islanders are being left out of marine jobs because schools aren’t building the practical skills charter companies need. Shipbuilding support: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, for equipment, infrastructure and workforce training. Food safety alert: A Class I recall was issued for about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported into the U.S., with Caribbean distributors urged to check freezer stock.

BVI Electricity Rates Debate: The BVI House approved amendments to the Statutory Rates, Fees and Charges Act to cut the government’s BVIEC subsidy by half, with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and Minister Kye Rymer saying it’s about BVIEC’s “financial survival” and avoiding future public bailouts. Food & Business Cost Concerns: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn and Hon Ronnie Skelton warned the tariff change removing the fuel subsidy above 1,500 kWh could hit supermarkets and raise food prices, while Skelton said the formula may drive up bills for small businesses. Water Transfer Fallout: As water and sewerage services move to VIEWCO, Premier Wheatley signaled higher water rates may be needed for viability, and the government denied an amnesty on disputed water bills. VI Women’s Volleyball Breakthrough: The VI Senior Women beat Grenada 3-1 to secure their first ECVA championship win, setting up a match vs Bermuda Saturday. Shipyard Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, upgrades, and workforce training. Food Safety Recall: A Class I recall flagged about 29,628 pounds of raw frozen boneless beef imported into the U.S. without mandatory reinspection, with Caribbean distributors urged to check freezer stock.

BVI Electricity Rates Debate: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn says BVIEC’s new tariff structure—removing the fuel subsidy for high users above 1,500 kWh—will hit major supermarkets and food importers, pushing up prices across the Virgin Islands. BVI Water Transfer Watch: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley signalled water rates could rise when water and sewerage services move to VIEWCO, while the government denied any amnesty/forgiveness of disputed water arrears despite calls from the Opposition. BVI Power Cost Concerns: Opposition Hon Ronnie Skelton warned the electricity rate amendments could drive up costs for small businesses and even food bills, arguing electricity is the “lifeblood” of the economy. BVI Water Infrastructure Repairs: Hannah Hill reservoir is getting a new floor and resealing work, with a 4–5 week timeline and access upgrades to support the contractor’s equipment. BVI Marine Skills Gap: A BVI industry veteran says young people are missing marine career opportunities because charter companies need practical skills and experience before graduation. U.S. Virgin Islands Cruise Momentum: The VI ranked third among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026 up 29.3% year-on-year. Regional Shipping Cost Shock (Guam): USPS now requires third-party duty/tax payment via the Zonos Prepay app for mail to U.S. states, and local shippers say rates have increased. Puerto Rico Water Crisis: Puerto Rico’s drought-driven rationing is worsening an already fragile system, with residents facing shutoffs every 48 hours and calls for better water management. Food Safety Recall (Puerto Rico): Federal authorities issued a Class I recall for imported raw frozen boneless beef after it entered commerce without mandatory reinspection—urging Caribbean distributors to audit freezer stock. Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, to boost equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Private Wealth/Trust Expansion: Osiris Group secured Guernsey fiduciary licences, adding trustee and corporate administration services across its BVI and other offshore footprint.

Electricity & Food Costs: In the BVI House, Opposition Leader Marlon Penn warned that removing the fuel subsidy for high-usage electricity (above 1,500 kWh) will hit supermarkets and food importers, pushing up prices for shoppers. Utility Rates & Business Impact: Opposition Hon Ronnie Skelton also questioned the BVIEC rate amendments, arguing the formula will raise bills for small businesses that rely on everyday power like refrigeration. Water Policy Pressure: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley signalled water rates may rise as water and sewerage services shift to VIEWCO, saying the model must charge rates that cover costs and keep the utility viable. No Amnesty on Water Bills: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser denied promises of an amnesty for disputed water arrears tied to the transfer, after Penn pressed for forgiveness of questionable bills. Marine Skills Gap: BVI youth are being sidelined from technical and marine careers, with industry voices calling for earlier, practical training while students are still in school. Cruise Growth: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with strong passenger growth tied to Tortola’s pier activity. Food Safety Alert: A Class I recall flagged nearly 30,000 pounds of imported beef over missed inspection steps, urging Caribbean distributors to audit freezer stock. Shipbuilding Support: MARAD awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, for equipment, upgrades, and workforce training.

BVI Youth Skills Gap: BVI News reports young Virgin Islanders are being sidelined as employers lean on expatriates for technical roles, with a lack of TVET alignment blamed for the mismatch. Marine Careers Pipeline: Marine industry veteran Compton Wintz says charter companies need practical skills now, urging training during school so students graduate job-ready. Cruise Growth: The VI ranks third fastest-growing Caribbean cruise destination, up 29.3% in Jan–Mar 2026 with 493,397 passenger arrivals, helped by the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. Water Infrastructure: Tortola’s Hannah Hill reservoir repairs continue with a new floor, resealing and panel work expected to take 4–5 weeks. Shipping/Shipbuilding: MARAD awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands to boost equipment, upgrades and workforce training. Energy/Finance (BVI): Orca Energy Group declared a $0.10 (Cdn) quarterly dividend and filed Q2 2026 interim results. Food Safety: A Class I recall flagged about 29,628 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef over missed USDA import reinspection, with Caribbean distributors urged to audit freezer stock. Clean Water Act (Puerto Rico): Federal prosecutors unsealed charges tied to an alleged slaughterhouse wastewater discharge into waters near a public beach. Maritime/Industry Watch: Alpha Compute advanced a $55M plan for a Pennsylvania data center campus tied to power and Marcellus gas rights.

BVI Skills Gap: BVI youth are being left out of the territory’s skilled labour market as employers lean on expatriate technical workers, with a local education mismatch blamed on long-running gaps in TVET training. Marine Careers: A marine industry veteran says charter companies want practical experience, so students should start hands-on training while still in school to avoid being forced into lower-paying entry roles. Water Infrastructure: In Tortola, repairs are continuing on the Hannah Hill reservoir, including resealing and a new floor, with a fence and access road work already underway to restore service for nearby residents. Cruise Growth: The VI is ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with strong early-2026 passenger arrivals tied to activity around the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. Food Safety Alert: A Class I recall was issued for nearly 30,000 pounds of imported raw frozen boneless beef after it entered commerce without mandatory reinspection, prompting Caribbean distributors to check affected lot numbers. Energy & Finance (BVI-linked): Orca Energy Group (Tortola) declared a quarterly dividend and filed its Q2 2026 interim results, citing changes in gas deliveries and revenue. Private Sector Security: WRAP Technologies and XINSURANCE announced a Safe Response Program aimed at standardizing training and preparedness for private security across sectors. Corporate Moves: Home Depot announced leadership changes to accelerate innovation and Pro-focused growth, while CEO Ted Decker is taking a temporary medical leave.

BVI Energy & Finance: Orca Energy Group (Tortola) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.10 (Cdn) per share and said it has completed Q2 2026 interim filings, with six-month revenue up 5% and gas deliveries to industrial customers supporting results. VI Water & Infrastructure: In Tortola, works are underway to reseal and replace the floor at the Hannah Hill reservoir, with a new floor and panel cleaning expected to bring relief to nearby residents over 4–5 weeks. Cruise & Tourism: The Virgin Islands placed third among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, welcoming 493,397 passenger arrivals in Q1 2026—up 29.3% year over year. Shipping & Ports: VIPA is moving ahead on a $22.4m upgrade of the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal in St. Croix, with design-stage repairs including mooring/fender replacement and container yard pavement reconstruction. Agriculture & Education: A USDA grant of $200,000 is backing a greenhouse and expanded ag education at Jewell School District, supporting year-round food production and school meals. Clean Water Enforcement (Regional): U.S. prosecutors unsealed Clean Water Act charges against a Puerto Rico slaughterhouse operator, alleging illegal wastewater discharges into waters leading to a public beach.

Water Infrastructure: Tortola’s Hannah Hill reservoir is getting a new floor, resealing and panel cleaning, with work expected to take 4–5 weeks as crews move in heavy equipment. Cruise Tourism: The Virgin Islands placed third among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, adding 29.3% more passenger arrivals in early 2026. Port & Shipping: St. Croix’s Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal is set for a $22.4 million upgrade, with design underway and a public meeting scheduled for Aug. 14. Agriculture & Education: A USDA Farm to School grant will fund a greenhouse and expand ag education programming in the Jewell School District, boosting year-round food production for students. Energy & Jobs: U.S. oil and gas extraction employment hit its lowest level so far in 2026, signaling continued pressure in the sector. Business & Investment (BVI-linked): Alpha Compute, incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, signed a binding term sheet for a Pennsylvania 200 MW natural gas-powered data center campus with potential expansion to 1 GW. Housing Affordability (BVI angle): A BVI housing project failure is being cited as proof of a wider affordability crisis for first-time buyers.

BVI Water & Farming Support: BVI Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says a new water policy for farmers is nearing completion, with planned reservoirs at the Paraquita Bay Agricultural Station to tackle drought-hit supply and high water costs. St. Croix Port Upgrade: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4 million upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14 and works focused on structural repairs, mooring/fender replacement, and container-yard pavement reconstruction. BVI Data Centers & Energy Deals: Alpha Compute, incorporated in the BVI, signed a binding term sheet to secure northern Pennsylvania mineral and gas rights and power/data capacity for a planned 200 MW data center campus, with potential expansion to 1 GW. Housing Affordability Pressure (USVI): In the wake of the Joe’s Hill Manor project’s struggles, Elvin Grant argues the wider Virgin Islands affordability crisis is being exposed—high build costs and loan qualification barriers left intended buyers unable to move in. Local Business/Construction Help (USVI): J. Benton Construction will donate parts and labor to finish a long-delayed Claude O. Markoe Elementary School gas line connection and add an ice machine ahead of the school opening. Global Industry Watch: Sherwin-Williams ended paint manufacturing in Jamaica, shifting production to overseas plants and importing to keep distribution running. Marine Sector M&A: MarineMax agreed to be bought for $1.5 billion in an all-cash deal by Blackstone-backed Safe Harbor Marinas.

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.

BVI Water & Farming Support: Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says the British Virgin Islands is developing a new water policy for farmers, with assistance and subsidies expected “soon,” alongside plans to build reservoirs at the Paraquita Bay Agricultural Station under the RDA, aiming for completion next year. St. Croix Port Upgrade: The Virgin Islands Port Authority is moving ahead with a $22.4 million design-phase upgrade to the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal, including structural repairs, new mooring and fendering, and container-yard pavement reconstruction, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14. USVI Cannabis Rollout: In the US Virgin Islands, licensed cannabis cultivation could start within weeks, and at least two dispensaries may be ready before the end of 2026, but commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected to be operational by October. Health & Food Safety: Health officials report a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to imported jalapeños, with cases across 27 states and restaurants removing affected peppers while supplies are pulled. Storm Planning: NOAA cut its 2026 Atlantic storm outlook to 7–13 named storms, but warns the Caribbean’s peak risk period opens this week. Pharma Pricing Crackdown: Attorney General Ford announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price inflation and reduced competition.

Port Infrastructure: St. Croix’s Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Marine Terminal is getting a $22.4 million upgrade, now in design, with a public meeting set for Aug. 14; the plan includes structural repairs, new mooring and fendering, and container-yard pavement reconstruction to boost safety and reliability. Agriculture & Water Policy: BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says a new water policy for farmers is being developed, alongside reservoir plans at Paraquita Bay Agricultural Station overseen by the RDA, aimed at easing drought and high water costs. Public Health & Food Safety: US health officials report a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños, with cases across 27 states and restaurants removing affected peppers as batches are pulled. Cannabis Regulation (USVI): The VI Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially opening before year-end; commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected by October. Consumer Protection (VI): DLCA warns businesses not to pay anyone claiming to collect licensing fees in the field, stressing payments must go through official channels. Crypto/Finance: Syntetika opened deposits for its hBTC vault token tied to Hilbert Group’s BTC Basis+ strategy on Base, while separate reporting links a World Liberty token buyer to an active UK money laundering investigation. Industry/Logistics: VIWMA will temporarily relocate the Concordia Bin Site starting Aug. 10 to build a new Convenience Center, with strict rules on what residents can dispose of at the temporary location.