AGP Executive Report

U.S. Territories & Decolonization Push: The U.S. Virgin Islands urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to help the remaining 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories move toward integration, free association, or independence, with Acting Premier’s office highlighting the need for more on-the-ground engagement. Congressional Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing at the U.S. Senate examined what “consent of the governed” means for the 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories, with U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett joining via video and lawmakers arguing colonial-era limits still deny full democratic rights. Privacy & Enforcement Watch: A 3rd Circuit ruling offered guidance for businesses facing website tracking lawsuits tied to session replay code, while a separate FTC action finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education over alleged failures to secure student data. Local Workforce & EMS Training: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with 10 graduates now eligible for national certification. Navy Presence in the Caribbean: USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a 10-month deployment that included Caribbean operations and enhanced counter-narcotics support. Legal Battle in the VI: Tech billionaire Larry Page remains locked in a long-running court fight over ownership of Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands after mediation failed. Community Health Milestone: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, raising more than $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal with survivors and volunteers spotlighting hope and support.

Territorial Self-Government Push: The U.S. Virgin Islands urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance decolonisation for the remaining 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, with integration, free association, or independence on the table. Congressional Democracy Debate: A bipartisan briefing at the U.S. Senate examined what “consent of the governed” means for people in U.S. territories, highlighting that 3.6 million residents still lack full democratic rights. Privacy/Business Compliance: The 3rd Circuit issued guidance on session replay code and website tracking lawsuits, focusing on standing and injury—signals for local businesses watching federal privacy enforcement. Workforce Training Update: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten graduates completed Cohort 2 and are positioned for national certification. Community Health Milestone: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, with organizers reporting more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal. Local Legal/Property Watch: A long-running dispute involving Larry Page’s USVI island holdings (Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik) hit another mediation impasse, setting up further court action. Travel Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to improve single-itinerary connections across the Caribbean, including routes involving San Juan and St. Thomas via St. Maarten. Sports & Service: USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a 10-month deployment that included Caribbean operations supporting counter-narcotics and humanitarian missions.

UN Decolonisation Push: VI Special Envoy E. Benito Wheatley urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) to use “good offices” and visiting missions to help the remaining 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories move toward integration, free association, or independence. Territorial Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing at the U.S. Senate examined what “consent of the governed” means for the 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories, with U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett joining via video and Guam advocates pressing lawmakers on the Insular Cases’ legacy. Workforce & Public Safety: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with 10 graduates on track for national certification. Local Government Recognition: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top public servants at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting government service and leadership across agencies. Privacy/Business Compliance (3rd Circuit): A legal explainer on Third Circuit rulings involving session replay code highlights steps businesses can take to reduce tracking-related website litigation risk.

Territorial Democracy Push: A bipartisan congressional briefing on June 4, featuring U.S. Virgin Islands Rep. Stacey Plaskett and others, renewed the fight over “consent of the governed,” arguing 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories—including the USVI—still lack full voting rights in Congress. Workforce & EMS Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with ten graduates now eligible for NREMT certification. Local Governance & Service Delivery: In the BVI, Mark Vanterpool called for decentralizing government by moving key ministries to sister islands like Virgin Gorda and Anegada to reduce Tortola-centric development. Military Presence in the Caribbean: USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a 10-month deployment that included Caribbean operations supporting counter-narcotics and homeland security tasks. Transportation Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026, ending decades of needing connections for that corridor. Public Service Spotlight: Acting Gov. Tregenza Roach honored top VI government employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix.

Territorial Democracy Push: A bipartisan congressional briefing in Washington, organized with Right to Democracy and U.S. Virgin Islands Rep. Stacey Plaskett, pressed lawmakers on why 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories lack full voting rights—no senators and only nonvoting House representation—revisiting the legacy of the Insular Cases. Local Governance & Workforce: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top VI public servants at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the day-to-day work that keeps government running. Public Safety & Training: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten residents completed Cohort 2 and are positioned for national certification. Military Presence in the Region: USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a historic 10-month deployment supporting Operation Southern Spear, including counter-narcotics and humanitarian missions in the Caribbean. Transportation & Connectivity: United announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly flight—aimed at improving access between the NYC region and the VI. Aviation Reliability: Newark Liberty topped Northeast airports for on-time performance in 2026, citing FAA upgrades, staffing increases, and schedule adjustments.

Territorial Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing in the U.S. Senate revisited what “consent of the governed” means for 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands—highlighting that residents lack full voting power in Congress and remain constrained by the Insular Cases. Local Government & Workforce: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top public employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the day-to-day work that keeps services running. Emergency Medical Training: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with graduates now positioned for national certification. Military Presence in the Region: The USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group returned to Norfolk after a 10-month deployment that included counter-narcotics support in the Caribbean. Transportation Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026, a major boost for travel between the New York area and the territory. Public Safety/Health Systems: U.S. Navy and Coast Guard updates included regional readiness and a reported Coast Guard rescue near the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball Reminder: Powerball’s Saturday, June 6 jackpot was estimated at $212 million—check your tickets.

Epstein Files & Little St. James: New DOJ/House Oversight material keeps fueling scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein’s U.S. Virgin Islands footprint, including fresh “epstein temple” photos showing a blue-and-white striped structure and a missing golden dome that don’t match earlier permit descriptions, plus new questions from lawmakers about how photos were handled in the public file release. Territorial Democracy Push: A bipartisan congressional briefing led by Right to Democracy and U.S. Virgin Islands Rep. Stacey Plaskett pressed the case that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories lack full democratic rights—no senators and only nonvoting House representation—raising “consent of the governed” concerns. USVI Workforce & EMS Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten graduates completed Cohort 2 and are positioned for national certification. Military Presence: The USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group wrapped a historic 10-month deployment, with Marines and sailors already returning home, including Caribbean-focused counter-narcotics support. Local Governance & Service: Acting Gov. Roach highlighted public service at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting government workers’ day-to-day impact. Travel & Connectivity: United announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026, ending decades of needing connections for NYC-area travel.

Territorial Democracy Fight: Guam advocates held a June 4 congressional briefing on what “consent of the governed” should mean for U.S. territories, arguing the Insular Cases still leave about 3.6 million Americans without full constitutional rights. Local Workforce & Health Capacity: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten graduates completed Cohort 2 and are positioned for NREMT certification. Public Service Spotlight: Acting Gov. Tregenza Roach honored top government employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, emphasizing professionalism and service delivery. Aviation Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route from Newark to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly Saturday flight—boosting New York-area access to the island. Federal Oversight & Sex Abuse Referrals: A House oversight committee advised DOJ on “criminal conduct” allegations tied to the Epstein orbit, based on interviews with a former Epstein assistant. Privacy Enforcement Watch: The FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education over a major student-data breach, underscoring how privacy promises can trigger binding federal obligations.

USVI Workforce & Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; the center also marked Cohort 2’s completion with 10 graduates on track for national certification. USVI Government Operations: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach highlighted public service during the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, praising frontline government workers across departments. USVI Transportation & Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026, a major boost for New York-area travel to the territory. USVI Infrastructure & Resilience (Broader Region): The Coast Guard Southeast District urged mariners and residents across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, to prepare for the 2026 hurricane season. US Territories in Congress: A new analysis revisits how residents of U.S. territories—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—have no senators and only nonvoting House representation, tying it to the Insular Cases. Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 convened tourism leaders, including USVI officials, to coordinate marketing and strengthen regional travel. Aviation Reliability (Regional): Newark Liberty’s on-time performance surge was credited to FAA staffing and technology upgrades, underscoring the importance of operational stability for travel.

Workforce & Health Policy: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; the center also marked Cohort 2’s completion with ten graduates on track for national certification. Disaster Readiness: The Coast Guard Southeast District reminded mariners and residents across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, to prepare for the 2026 hurricane season as NOAA forecasts a below-normal season. Local Government & Service Delivery: In the BVI, Mark Vanterpool renewed calls for decentralizing ministries—arguing key departments should be moved to sister islands to reduce Tortola-centric development. Territorial Representation Debate: A new push highlights the democratic gap for U.S. territories—residents have no senators and nonvoting House representation—prompting a congressional briefing on what “consent of the governed” should mean. Public Safety Incident: The Coast Guard reported rescuing a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas, with local emergency services assisting. Tourism & Regional Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 convened tourism leaders under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with USVI participation among regional ministers and commissioners.

Epstein Temple Photos: Newly released 2020 images from Jeffrey Epstein’s Little St. James—shared via a DOJ/House Democratic document dump—show the blue-and-white “temple” with its golden dome, zodiac ceiling mural, and interior details, reigniting online searches and renewed scrutiny of how Epstein-related materials were handled. Congressional Oversight: Sen. Ron Wyden is pressing the House Oversight Committee to question billionaire Leon Black about paying Epstein $170 million for tax and estate planning, arguing the sums dwarf what Black paid other professionals. DOJ Referral on Abuse Claims: A House committee advised DOJ to examine “criminal conduct” allegations tied to what a former Epstein assistant told lawmakers, setting up another potential federal review. U.S. Virgin Islands Governance & Services: Acting Gov. Tregenza Roach highlighted public workers at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, underscoring the administration’s focus on day-to-day government performance. Territory Representation Debate: A congressional briefing is set to revisit what “consent of the governed” means for U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, where residents lack full voting representation. Military & Travel: The USS Iwo Jima is set to return to Naval Station Norfolk, while United announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026.

Territorial Governance & Public Service: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach marked the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, praising public workers as the engine behind day-to-day government service. Local Infrastructure & Accountability: In the BVI, Premier Wheatley’s government faced major West End Ferry Terminal delays after bids came in far above budget, forcing redesigns tied to a CDB loan. Security & Self-Determination: BVI Finance Minister Natalio Wheatley urged transferring security responsibilities from the UK to local control, arguing for democratic accountability in how security is delivered. USVI Emergency Response: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas, coordinating with local emergency services. Federal Policy & Rights Debate: A June 4 congressional briefing will examine “consent of the governed” for residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, the USVI, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Elections & Party Politics: A USVI election filing update highlights a crowded November 2026 field and raises questions about whether local political parties are doing enough to improve governance. Tourism & Connectivity: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened with USVI participation, while United announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026.

Air Connectivity: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday service—another sign airlines are racing to add direct Caribbean flights. Local Governance: BVI political hopeful Mark Vanterpool is pushing decentralization, arguing key ministries should be moved to sister islands like Virgin Gorda and Anegada to reduce Tortola-centric development. Public Safety & Emergency Prep: The Coast Guard is urging U.S. Virgin Islands residents and mariners to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Maritime Incident Response: Coast Guard units rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas. Security Governance (BVI): Premier/Finance Minister Natalio Wheatley says the BVI should take over security responsibilities from the UK as part of constitutional talks, emphasizing democratic accountability. Tourism & Regional Policy: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened with ministers and commissioners, including the USVI, focused on boosting connectivity and tourism resilience. Cybersecurity: A new NASCIO-Deloitte study finds state CISOs’ confidence in protecting public data has fallen sharply, including concerns relevant to U.S. territories.

Power and Reliability: St. Thomas and St. John saw a total blackout early Sunday, the second in days, after generation was lost at a power plant; officials cite storms, equipment shortages, weak capacity, breakdowns, and years of deferred maintenance, while Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. points to about $100 million in federal support. Local Infrastructure: In the BVI, Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are a major setback after bids came in far above the CDB-funded budget, forcing redesign. Elections & Parties: A new look at USVI’s November 2026 filing surge raises questions about whether the territory’s political parties are doing enough to vet candidates and build coherent platforms. Public Safety at Sea: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas, crediting fast aircrew spotting and coordinated response. Regional Tourism: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened with USVI participation, as tourism leaders push connectivity and resilience amid shifting travel markets. Cyber Readiness: A NASCIO-Deloitte study finds USVI and state CISOs’ confidence in protecting public data has fallen sharply, with third-party breaches and AI-enabled attacks flagged as top threats. Federal/Legal Noise: A judge denied new trials or acquittals for USVI officials in the Mon Ethos corruption case.

U.S. Virgin Islands Power Crisis: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts twice over the weekend, blamed on loss of generation and tied to long-running reliability problems at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority; Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has pointed to roughly $100 million in federal help, but residents are still demanding faster fixes. Local Courts/Corruption: A federal judge denied new trials or acquittals for former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case, saying the trial record supported the convictions. Territorial Governance: A congressional briefing is set to examine what “consent of the governed” means for residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, the USVI, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Regional Spotlight (Tourism): Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off with USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and other Caribbean leaders, as the region pushes for stronger airlift, marketing, and resilience. Security/Constitution Talks (BVI): BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley called for transferring security responsibilities from the UK to the territory, arguing for democratic accountability. Caribbean Week + Air Connectivity: United Airlines announced nonstop Newark–St. Croix service starting Oct. 31, adding another direct gateway for USVI travelers. Crime/Border: Coast Guard units helped rescue a boater near St. Thomas after a vessel fire and also reported stowaway apprehensions tied to a barge entering San Juan Harbor. Politics/Parties (USVI): With the Nov. 2026 election filing deadline passed, coverage highlights how many candidates are running and raises questions about whether USVI political parties are doing enough to vet and organize. Broadband Funding (USVI Exclusion): A BEAD matching-funds analysis says Puerto Rico and the USVI had no eligible locations due to other enforceable commitments. Epstein “Island” Fallout (Online + Legal): New Mexico’s Epstein “Truth Commission” issued first subpoenas, while USVI-linked “Epstein Island” coverage keeps trending as DOJ releases and renewed public attention collide with ongoing legal questions.

Power and Infrastructure: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts twice this weekend, with VI Water and Power citing loss of generation and pointing to aging equipment, deferred maintenance, and storm damage; Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has pledged about $100 million in federal help, but residents are still frustrated. Legislative Action: The VI Senate advanced a measure (Bill No. 36-0232) to manage green waste via controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, adding smoke/fire-safety limits and operational rules. Local Governance & Security Talks: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley called for transferring security responsibilities from the UK to the BVI government, arguing for democratic accountability—an issue tied to constitutional negotiations expected later this year. Elections & Parties: With the Nov. 2026 filing deadline approaching, coverage highlights how many candidates are running and questions whether USVI political parties are doing enough to vet candidates and build coherent platforms. Regional Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York kicks off June 1 with USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and other regional leaders, as airlines expand nonstop Caribbean routes including a new Newark–St. Croix service. Maritime Safety & Border: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas, and separately helped apprehend eight stowaways aboard a barge entering San Juan Harbor.