AGP Executive Report

Citizenship Fight in Congress: A conservative think tank is urging Congress to limit birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, arguing Congress can change citizenship rules there under the Insular Cases—prompting sharp criticism from civil-rights groups. Local Governance & Elections: V.I. Attorney General Gordon Rhea issued an opinion on election disputes, saying the Supervisor of Elections has primary responsibility for candidate eligibility while the Board handles appeals with procedural protections. Public Safety Scam Alert: VIPD warned residents about a traffic-fine text scam that pushes people to pay online via fake links, urging residents to delete messages and avoid sharing personal or financial info. Immigration Court Ruling: A federal appeals court said ICE’s policy of detaining nearly all undocumented immigrants without hearings is unlawful, and the ruling takes effect in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Territory Budget Pressure: The OMB director told senators the government faces a projected $59 million deficit as revenues run below forecast, pointing to cash reserves and possible use of legal settlement funds to bridge the gap. Meta Settlement Fallout: The multi-state Meta child-safety settlement includes the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new limits aimed at reducing addictive features for minors. St. Croix Mourning: The territory concluded official observances for VIPD dignitary security officer Eustace Charles after his death in July.

USVI Election Law: Attorney General Gordon Rhea issued an opinion on election matters, saying the Supervisor of Elections has primary responsibility for candidate eligibility and can investigate up to the point ballots are printed, while the Board of Elections handles appeals with “procedural protections.” Horse Racing/Gaming: The 36th Legislature sent the Southland Gaming racetrack package back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. called effectively killing the deal—prompting cancellation of the Labour Day races on St. Thomas. Territorial Budget Pressure: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. warned lawmakers to plan for a projected $59 million deficit, citing revenue coming in below forecast and pointing to possible use of legal settlement funds to cover near-term needs. Drought Disaster: The U.S. government declared drought disaster conditions affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands, enabling farmers and agricultural producers to seek emergency federal loans. Meta Settlement Spillover: Multi-state Meta child-safety settlement terms continue to land in the territory’s orbit, including election-related uncertainty and broader pressure for platform safeguards. Citizenship Fight in Congress: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said a bill to end automatic birthright citizenship in U.S. territories has little chance this session, calling it an ideological push from a narrow faction. Regional Security: CBP expanded maritime interdiction enforcement areas near Puerto Rico and other regions, extending jurisdiction to better counter smuggling tactics. Local Nature/Access: Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix is set to reopen with limited weekend access starting Sept. 5, timed to protect nesting leatherback sea turtles.

Drought Relief for USVI: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to seek federal emergency loans as dry conditions persist. Local Governance & Money Pressure: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. told senators the territory may face a $59 million deficit by Sept. 30 after revenues came in below forecast, and urged lawmakers to approve use of Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds to cover near-term cash needs. Legislature & Gaming: The 36th Legislature sent the Southland Gaming horse-racing and gaming bill back to committee, a move Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. called effectively killing the deal, leaving the Sept. 6 Labour Day races on St. Thomas cancelled. Courts & Freedom Bid: The Third Circuit denied Jenifer O’Neal’s latest request to be released pending appeal of her fraud and money laundering convictions, using a one-page standard form with no written explanation. Territorial Policy Fight: Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged the USPS to pause new duty collection requirements for mail from U.S. territories, arguing legal and administrative concerns still need to be addressed. Child-Safety Settlement: Meta’s landmark multistate settlement includes the U.S. Virgin Islands, with added child-safety limits for Facebook and Instagram. Community & Tourism: Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix will reopen Sept. 5 with weekend-only access, timed to protect nesting leatherback sea turtles.

Horse Racing/Gaming: The 2026 Labour Day horse races at Clinton E. Phipps Sr. Racetrack on St. Thomas were cancelled after the Legislature sent Bill 36-0313 back to the Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee—an outcome Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. called effectively killing the Southland Gaming deal, leaving the St. Croix racetrack plan in limbo. Territorial Governance: Senators also confirmed gubernatorial nominees—Lynton Scotland to WAPA’s board and Dr. Kisha Christian to the Board of Pharmacy—while forwarding housing and land-use bills to the governor. Federal Policy/Trade: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds urged the USPS to pause new duty-collection requirements for mail from U.S. territories, arguing legal and administrative concerns still need to be addressed. Online Safety/Settlements: Meta’s $17.1B child-safety settlement is set to reach the U.S. Virgin Islands and other territories, with states describing new limits and safeguards for Facebook and Instagram. Water Security/Disaster: The U.S. government declared drought disaster conditions for the U.S. Virgin Islands, allowing farmers to seek emergency federal loans as St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix face extreme dryness. Maritime Enforcement: CBP expanded maritime interdiction by creating new customs enforcement areas, extending enforcement jurisdiction in key coastal regions including near Puerto Rico.

USVI Budget Crunch: OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. told senators the territory is staring at a projected $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with revenues running about 9.4% below forecast and only $34.5 million in operating cash as of Aug. 7—prompting calls to use Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds to bridge the gap. Drought Disaster: The U.S. government declared drought disaster conditions for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme dryness across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix; the move unlocks emergency federal loans for farmers as El Niño-linked rainfall shortfalls continue. Southland Gaming Stalls: The USVI Senate sent the Southland Gaming racetrack bill back to committee, leaving key provisions—like electronic-gaming exclusivity, revenue sharing, and the live racing agreement—in limbo. Meta Settlement Ripples: While not USVI-specific, the multistate Meta child-safety settlement—$17.1 billion total, with USVI included among covered claims—adds pressure for stronger platform limits and safety requirements that could shape future local policy conversations. Border Enforcement: CBP expanded maritime interdiction by doubling customs enforcement areas from 12 to 24 nautical miles in key regions, including Puerto Rico—an enforcement shift with potential spillover for regional maritime activity. St. Croix Sailing Showcase: St. Croix will host the ISCA World Championship Nov. 4–14, a Pan American Games qualifier that spotlights the territory’s sailing and maritime profile.

Drought Disaster: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix facing extreme dry conditions and no quick relief—opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to seek emergency federal loans. Territorial Finance: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. told senators the territory is staring at a projected $59 million deficit as revenues run below forecast, and urged lawmakers to consider using Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds to cover near-term needs. Maritime Enforcement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expanding maritime interdiction by creating four new “Customs Enforcement Areas,” extending enforcement jurisdiction from 12 to 24 nautical miles near South Florida, Southern California, Puerto Rico, and the Gulf Coast of Texas. Tourism & Travel: A new Contour Airlines route will connect Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct. 5, with one-stop onward connections to San Juan and St. Thomas. Legal/Local Environment: A proposed superyacht marina in Coral Bay, St. John—backed by Louisiana-linked developers and defended by former Rep. Garret Graves—faces a new setback after local environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Public Safety (Cruise): A Royal Caribbean guest filed a maritime injury lawsuit after a scuba excursion in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, allegedly left him hurt when diving equipment failed underwater.

Territorial Finance Crunch: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. told senators the territory faces a projected $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with revenues running 9.4% below forecast and only $34.5 million in operating cash as of Aug. 7, while lawmakers weigh options including use of Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds. Disaster Response: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme drought on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, unlocking federal emergency loans for farmers as El Niño-linked dry conditions persist. Citizenship Politics: CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds says the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act” has little chance this session and reflects an ideological push from a narrow GOP faction, while the bill would strip automatic citizenship for children born in USVI and other territories after Jan. 1, 2027 unless a parent is a citizen or lawful permanent resident. Local Legal/Development Watch: A proposed St. John superyacht marina in Coral Bay is again in court after local environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, arguing the agency didn’t adequately study environmental and aesthetic impacts. Tourism Safety & Travel: A Royal Caribbean guest filed a maritime injury lawsuit over a scuba excursion in Charlotte Amalie after a diving equipment failure, while Contour Airlines announced new flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct. 5 that can connect onward to San Juan and St. Thomas.

USVI Budget Crunch: OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. told senators the territory faces a $59 million deficit as revenues run 9.4% below forecast, leaving about $34.5 million in operating cash and prompting calls to use proceeds from the Epstein and Leon Black legal settlements. Climate & Water Emergency: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme dry conditions on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix and unlocking federal emergency loans for farmers. Federal Permitting Fight (St. John): Environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to block permits for a proposed Coral Bay superyacht marina, arguing the agency didn’t adequately study environmental and aesthetic impacts. Citizenship Policy Watch (CNMI/USVI/Guam): CNMI delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said the push to end automatic citizenship for children born in U.S. territories is unlikely to move this session, calling it an ideological effort from a narrow GOP faction. Tourism & Travel Links: Contour Airlines announced new flights between Trinidad and Dominica starting Oct. 5, with onward connections to San Juan and St. Thomas. Local Governance Oversight: The Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance pressed Magens Bay Authority on reserves and questioned West Indian Co. Ltd. over projected losses and payments to the territory. Public Safety/Health: A Royal Caribbean guest filed a maritime injury lawsuit over an alleged scuba equipment failure during a St. Thomas excursion in 2025.

Territorial Budget Crunch: USVI OMB Director Julio Rhymer Jr. told senators revenues are running about 9.4% below forecast, putting the territory facing a roughly $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with only $34.5 million in operating cash as of Aug. 7; he urged lawmakers to approve use of Epstein and Leon Black legal settlement funds to plug near-term gaps. Disaster Declaration: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme drought on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix; the move unlocks federal emergency loans for farmers and agricultural producers. Local Governance Oversight: The Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance grilled Magens Bay Authority and WICO, pressing Magens Bay on why it holds more than $10 million in reserves while parts of Smith Bay Park reportedly lack electricity or food, and questioning WICO’s projected net loss and payments to the territory. Environment & Development: A proposed St. John superyacht marina in Coral Bay—linked to Louisiana developers and defended by former Rep. Garret Graves—faces a new legal fight after local environmentalists sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over alleged gaps in environmental and aesthetic review. Tourism & Travel: While the BVI reported strong cruise growth in Q1, the Marianas Visitors Authority said it’s monitoring the Trump administration’s birth-tourism crackdown for potential spillover effects on visitor markets. Public Safety: A Royal Caribbean guest filed a maritime injury lawsuit after a scuba excursion in Charlotte Amalie allegedly went wrong when diving equipment failed underwater.

Territorial Finance Crunch: USVI budget officials say sharply lower-than-expected revenues are putting the territory on track for a roughly $59 million deficit by Sept. 30, with operating cash at $34.5 million as of Aug. 7 and lawmakers urged to consider using Epstein and Leon Black settlement funds to plug the gap. Disaster Response: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme dry conditions on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix; the move opens the door for emergency federal loans for farmers and agricultural producers. Local Governance & Environment: A proposed St. John superyacht marina near Coral Bay—linked to Louisiana developers and defended by former Rep. Garret Graves—faces a new legal fight after environmental groups sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over alleged gaps in environmental and aesthetic review. Tourism & Safety: A Royal Caribbean guest filed a maritime injury lawsuit after a scuba excursion in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, allegedly went wrong when diving equipment failed underwater. Budget Oversight: Senators grilled the Magens Bay Authority and WICO in a budget hearing, pressing questions about reserves, service shortfalls at Smith Bay Park, and WICO’s projected finances.

Disaster Preparedness & Water Security: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme drought on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix and opening the door for federal emergency loans for farmers and agricultural producers. Local Governance & Public Finance: Senators on the Budget, Appropriations and Finance committee grilled the Magens Bay Authority and WICO over reserves, service shortfalls, and financial projections, including questions about why parts of Smith Bay Park lack electricity or food while Magens Bay holds more than $10 million in reserves. Courts & Accountability: A Royal Caribbean passenger filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit after alleging scuba equipment failed during a St. Thomas dive, with the claim tied to a Charlotte Amalie excursion. Transportation & Connectivity: Contour Airlines says it will launch flights between Trinidad and Dominica on Oct. 5, 2026, with one-stop connections onward to San Juan and St. Thomas. Tourism & Risk Management: The BVI issued a pointed marine safety message after recording 20 marine accidents this year, emphasizing that collisions and groundings dominate and that charter access doesn’t replace safe navigation. Federal Policy & Community Impact: SBA proposed simplifying small business size standards, aiming to streamline classifications and expand access to federal programs.

Drought Relief for VI Farmers: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands after extreme dry conditions hit St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, unlocking federal emergency loans for farmers and agricultural producers—Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said it won’t end the drought but gives another tool to withstand it. Disaster Planning Lessons: Siela Bynoe’s commentary ties the VI water-scarcity experience to broader island resilience, arguing conservation and preparedness matter before the next crisis hits. Tourism & Legal Exposure: A lawsuit filed by Miami pediatrician Hector Trujillo alleges a Royal Caribbean “Discover Scuba Diving” excursion in Charlotte Amalie went wrong when scuba equipment failed underwater, raising questions about operator problems and cruise line responsibility. Budget Oversight at Magens Bay: The VI Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance committee grilled Magens Bay Authority and WICO over reserves, service shortfalls at Smith Bay Park, and financial projections—highlighting how public money and priorities are being scrutinized. Federal Maritime Funding: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced MARAD is sending $35.1 million to 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, part of a push to upgrade infrastructure and workforce training. Cruise Growth Debate (BVI): The BVI reported strong Q1 cruise passenger growth, while critics question whether cruise-heavy tourism is the best measure of success—an argument that will likely resonate across the VI region.

Drought Relief for VI Farmers: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme dry conditions across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, which will let local farmers and agricultural producers apply for federal emergency loans. Disaster Preparedness Lens: Siela Bynoe argues that planning for scarcity and extreme weather now can make recovery easier later. Maritime Safety in the Region: A St. Thomas-area Royal Caribbean scuba excursion lawsuit alleges a diving equipment failure during a Charlotte Amalie dive, while the BVI issued a marine safety warning after 20 accidents this year, with collisions and groundings dominating. Local Government Oversight: Senators on the VI Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance committee grilled the Magens Bay Authority and WICO over reserves, service shortfalls, and financial projections. Tourism Watch: The Marianas Visitors Authority says it’s monitoring a Trump birth-tourism executive order’s impact on CNMI visitor markets. Federal Policy Signals: SBA proposed simplifying small business size standards, and SNAP-related changes are in the spotlight as states prepare for fee impacts tied to payment error rates.

Disaster Relief & Water Security: The U.S. government declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme dry conditions on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix and opening the door for farmers and agricultural producers to seek federal emergency loans—while Puerto Rico also faces worsening drought and water rationing. Local Governance & Public Accountability: A Senate committee hearing pressed the Magens Bay Authority and West Indian Co. Ltd. on reserves, service gaps at Smith Bay Park, and WICO’s projected financial performance, with lawmakers questioning how visitor-driven revenue is being managed. Tourism & Legal Exposure: A Royal Caribbean guest filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit alleging scuba equipment failure during a St. Thomas excursion, raising fresh questions about excursion oversight and operator responsibility in Charlotte Amalie. Budget & Oversight: The territory’s SNAP-related policy environment remains in the spotlight nationally, with states facing potential cost-sharing tied to payment error rates—an issue that could matter for VI program administration and compliance planning. Maritime & Infrastructure: MARAD announced major small shipyard funding that includes the U.S. Virgin Islands, underscoring continued federal investment in shipyard upgrades and workforce development. Cruise Economy Debate: New cruise growth figures show the BVI leading the region’s surge in passenger arrivals, renewing the broader Caribbean debate over whether cruise-heavy tourism is translating into stronger local outcomes.

Disaster Relief: The U.S. government has declared a drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing extreme dry conditions on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, which will let local farmers and agricultural producers apply for federal emergency loans. Local Governance & Water Security: The drought is worsening across the region, with Puerto Rico also moving into water rationing, underscoring how quickly water stress can turn into a political and economic problem. Courts & Accountability: A Royal Caribbean passenger has filed a maritime injury lawsuit tied to a St. Thomas scuba excursion, alleging a diving equipment failure during a Charlotte Amalie stop; the cruise line has not yet responded. Budget Oversight: In St. Thomas, senators grilled the Magens Bay Authority and WICO at a budget hearing, pressing questions about reserves, service gaps, and projected financial performance. Tourism & Risk: The British Virgin Islands issued a marine safety warning after recording 20 marine accidents this year, with collisions and groundings driving most incidents—an issue that will resonate across the cruise-and-charter economy. Federal Policy Watch: The SBA proposed changes to small business size standards, aiming to simplify classifications and expand access to federal programs—relevant for local entrepreneurs watching how Washington defines “small.”

Drought Relief: The U.S. government has declared an extreme drought disaster for the U.S. Virgin Islands, covering St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, unlocking federal emergency loans for farmers and agricultural producers as dry conditions persist. Disaster Readiness: Siela Bynoe highlights how water scarcity and disaster planning can ease the hardest parts of recovery afterward. Local Oversight: The Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance committee grilled the Magens Bay Authority and WICO, focusing on reserves, service gaps at Smith Bay Park, and WICO’s projected financial picture. Marine Safety Watch: The British Virgin Islands issued a pointed marine tourism safety message after 20 marine accidents this year, with collisions and groundings driving most incidents. Federal Maritime Funding: MARAD is pushing major small-shipyard grants that include U.S. Virgin Islands participation, as part of a broader push to upgrade facilities and train workers. Tourism & Travel Pressure: Southwest Airlines plans new Caribbean routes, including St. Thomas, while cruise growth debates continue across the region. Citizenship Policy: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith says his Guam citizenship bill is still active despite Guam’s delegate saying it’s stalled. SNAP Administration: National SNAP payment guidance continues, while separate reporting shows how states’ SNAP error rates can trigger cost-sharing penalties.