AGP Executive Report

Local Lawmaking: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed several bills into law after the 36th Legislature’s May 28 session, including measures to strengthen elections operations, expand mental health education, provide paid leave for parents of children with diagnosed disabilities, support controlled incineration for green waste, and redirect certain hotel development bond proceeds to the Government Employees’ Retirement System and health facilities; he also issued two line-item vetoes and asked lawmakers to clarify parts of key legislation. Sentencing in VI Corruption Case: Former Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal was sentenced to seven years in federal prison in the Mon Ethos corruption case, with supervised release and restitution ordered; she was convicted alongside former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez. Tourism & Community: The U.S. Virgin Islands will spotlight St. John Celebration with a major TEMPO Networks partnership, and the territory released the Village lineup for the June 28–July 4 festival featuring Ashanti, Kes the Band, Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, plus local talent. Travel Convenience: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three additional USVI pre-departure airport locations, aiming to speed arrival processing. Sports Buzz: Google’s Doodle marked the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2026 opening, visible in the USVI among other places.

Corruption Case: Jenifer O’Neal, a former USVI Office of Management and Budget director, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison in the Mon Ethos corruption case, with three years of supervised release and $34,000 restitution; the case also involved former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez (10 years), and contractor David Whitaker (22 months, $600,000 restitution). Tourism & Culture: TEMPO Networks is expanding its 20th anniversary push with its first St. John Celebration partnership, adding a dedicated TEMPO Night in the Carnival Village for the June 14–July 4 festival. St. John Celebration Lineup: The Village stage lineup for June 28–July 4 features headliners Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, with additional acts including Tarrus Riley, Baby Cham, and Virgin Islands performers. Travel Access: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three more USVI pre-departure locations—Cyril E. King (St. Thomas), Cyril E. King General Aviation, and Henry E. Rohlsen (St. Croix). Business/Local Economy: Onity Group announced CFO Sean O’Neil will present at a Sidoti small-cap conference, noting the company’s operations include the US Virgin Islands.

Congressional Inquiry: Bill Gates testified behind closed doors to the House Oversight Committee that he never saw signs of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activity and said he did not visit Epstein’s U.S. Virgin Islands islands, as lawmakers press deeper into Epstein’s network and influence. Lottery Watch: Powerball climbed to a $238 million jackpot for the June 10 drawing (cash value $106.1 million); winning numbers were 12, 31, 38, 60, 66 with Powerball 14 and Power Play 2x. Immigration Enforcement: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Heriberto Hernandez repatriated 32 people to the Dominican Republic after an interdiction near Desecheo, Puerto Rico, as part of efforts targeting human smuggling and unlawful maritime migration. Tourism & Culture: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism unveiled the St. John Celebration Village lineup for June 28–July 4, headlined by Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, with local talent also featured. Travel Convenience: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to Cyril E. King Airport and two additional pre-departure locations in St. Thomas and St. Croix.

St. John Celebration lineup: The Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals unveiled the St. John Celebration Village schedule (June 28–July 4) in Knight’s Ville, headlined by Grammy-winning Ashanti, soca powerhouse Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons for the Independence Day finale, with additional performances from Tarrus Riley, Baby Cham, Pumpa, Pressure, and more, plus a spotlight on local VI talent. Travel and border updates: U.S. Customs and Border Protection expanded Mobile Passport Control to three VI airports—Cyril E. King (including General Aviation) and Henry E. Rohlsen—letting eligible travelers submit info in advance via a free app. Tourism spotlight: The VI used Caribbean Week in New York to highlight record visitor momentum and a new United nonstop flight between Newark and St. Croix. Airline partnership: Southwest and Singapore Airlines launched an interline deal for single-ticket journeys connecting Singapore’s network with nearly 120 Southwest destinations via shared U.S. gateways. Weather and climate: NOAA reported May 2026 as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 will rank among the four warmest years. Local health milestone: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, raising more than $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal.

Local Culture: At Coral Reef Elementary, 11-year-old Christopher Gay is turning into a “super moko jumbie” on stilts, helping carry Bahamian Junkanoo traditions forward during last weekend’s Goombay Festival in Coconut Grove. Regional Heritage: A Caribbean-wide dialogue on preserving cultural identity and historic structures highlighted projects like the Resilient Houses Project, linking traditional building practices to climate resilience across islands including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Governance & Rights: The VI urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to push decolonisation for the remaining non-self-governing territories, including support for visiting missions and peaceful paths to self-government. Federal/Local Security: In St. Thomas, a man faces federal charges after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving from Miami on American Airlines. Travel & Connectivity: Southwest announced a new interline partnership with Singapore Airlines/Scoot that lets passengers book single-ticket journeys connecting to St. Thomas service and other U.S. routes. Sports & Community: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, with survivors and volunteers rallying toward a $300,000 goal. Money Watch: Mega Millions climbed to $392 million ahead of the June 9 drawing, while Powerball rose to $225 million ahead of June 8.

Caribbean Culture & Heritage: A Caribbean-wide dialogue tied to the Caribbean Culture Fund’s digital heritage push examined how the region can better safeguard cultural memory, including historic structures and oral histories, with a focus on shared architectural know-how through projects like the Resilient Houses Project linking Saba and Dominica. USVI Courts & Property: Tech billionaire Larry Page remains locked in a long-running legal fight over ownership of Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands after mediation failed, sending the dispute back to further court proceedings. VI Federal Security: In St. Thomas, federal charges were filed after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving from Miami on American Airlines. Navy Update: USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a historic 10-month deployment supporting operations in the U.S. Fourth Fleet area, including enhanced counter-narcotics work in the Caribbean. Local Community Health: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, with survivors and volunteers gathering at the St. Croix Educational Complex track as organizers aimed to top a $300,000 fundraising goal. Territorial Self-Government: A bipartisan congressional briefing on “consent of the governed” highlighted ongoing democratic gaps for Americans in U.S. territories, including participation by U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.

Lottery Watch: Powerball climbed again after Monday’s drawing produced no jackpot winner; the next draw is set for Wednesday with an estimated jackpot topping $238 million, with Monday’s numbers 3, 24, 34, 43, 49 and Powerball 20 (Power Play 3x). Local Community & Health: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6 at the St. Croix Educational Complex track, with 35 teams and more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal, featuring survivor stories and American Cancer Society support. Territorial Affairs: The U.S. Virgin Islands urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use its “good offices” and visiting missions to help advance decolonisation for the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories, including pushing for visiting requests to assess progress on the ground. Public Safety: U.S. officials said there’s no tsunami threat after a 6.1 earthquake west of Cuba, though tremors were felt across much of Florida. Travel & Business: Hotels.com’s 2026 index says travelers can save by booking about a week ahead and starting stays on Sundays, while Southwest and Singapore Airlines launched a single-ticket partnership connecting Singapore’s long-haul network with Southwest flights. Federal Court/VI: A man faces federal charges after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami.

Decolonisation Push: VI Special Envoy E. Benito Wheatley urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use its “good offices” and visiting missions to help the territory’s decolonisation path, including more requests for on-the-ground assessment. Territory Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing in Washington examined what “consent of the governed” means for the 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories, with VI Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett joining via video. Local Justice Update: A man faces federal charges after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Hurricane Watch: NOAA forecasts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, with 8–14 named storms and fewer hurricanes than average. Storm Tracking: Maps track Tropical Storm Cristina and Tropical Storm Boris in the Eastern Pacific. Workforce & Health: UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, enabling WIOA-funded EMT training; cohort 2 graduates are moving toward national certification. Privacy & Business: The 3rd Circuit offered guidance on data privacy and “replay code,” outlining steps businesses can take after dual rulings. Medicare Fraud Prevention: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights new scam tactics, including phone scams and AI voice-clone impersonations.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: The Senior Medicare Patrol is urging Virgin Islands seniors and families to watch for fake Medicare calls, unrequested tests, and suspicious charges, and to review Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits while reporting scams to local SMP at 1-877-808-2468. USVI Courts & Security: A man is facing federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas from Miami. Workforce & Health Care 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; cohort 2 has completed the program and is moving toward national certification. Local Aviation & Travel: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to improve one-itinerary connections across the Caribbean, including access to San Juan via St. Maarten. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season with 8 to 14 named storms and 3 to 6 hurricanes, but officials stress preparedness still matters. Community & Culture: Caribbean Week in New York wrapped up with major tourism and entertainment events that included the US Virgin Islands among participating destinations.

Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to $212 million ahead of Saturday’s June 6 drawing, with a $94.5 million cash option; tickets are sold in 45 states, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Public Safety: A man is facing federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Military Update: The USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a historic 10-month deployment that included Caribbean operations supporting counter-narcotics and homeland security tasks. Local Workforce: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding as 10 EMT trainees complete the program and move toward national certification. Travel & Connectivity: United announced new nonstop service from St. Croix to Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026, ending the need for connections to reach the New York area. Hurricane Watch: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8 to 14 named storms expected.

Lottery Watch: Powerball climbed to $212 million ahead of Saturday, June 6, with a $94.5 million cash option; tickets are $2 and the jackpot is won by matching five white balls plus the red Powerball. Local Public Safety: A man faces federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Military & Security: The USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group returned to Norfolk after a historic 10-month deployment that included Caribbean counter-narcotics support. Workforce Development: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten residents completed Cohort 2. Travel & Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026—its only nonstop link between St. Croix and the New York area. Democracy & Governance: A bipartisan congressional briefing renewed calls for full democratic rights for U.S. territory residents, noting 3.6 million Americans still lack voting representation in Congress. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA forecasts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8–14 named storms expected and 3–6 hurricanes.

Local Justice: A man is facing federal charges after U.S. Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas from Miami, with the bags linked to the same record locator and searched after X-ray alerts. Military & Homeland Security: The USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk, Va., after a historic 10-month deployment that included Caribbean support for national-level tasking, including enhanced counter-narcotics operations. Territorial Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing in Washington 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 participating. Workforce & EMS: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, enabling residents to use WIOA funding for EMT training; ten graduates completed Cohort 2. Aviation & Travel: United Airlines announced new nonstop service from St. Croix to Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026, giving the island a direct link to the New York area. Public Safety: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but officials stress preparedness for any storm.

Territorial Democracy Push: A Guam-led briefing at Capitol Hill renewed pressure on Congress over the “consent of the governed” principle, arguing the Insular Cases still deny full democratic rights to about 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories. Local 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 residents completed Cohort 2 and are now positioned for national certification. Aviation for St. Croix: United Airlines announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one of the first direct options linking the NYC area to the island. Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, with 8–14 named storms and 3–6 hurricanes, including 1–3 major hurricanes. Public Service Spotlight: Acting Gov. Roach honored top government employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix. Caribbean Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to improve one-itinerary travel across the region, including access to San Juan via St. Maarten.

Air Travel & Tourism: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route from Newark to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026, giving the New York area a direct option to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Regional Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership that lets travelers book through St. Maarten to reach destinations across the Caribbean, including San Juan and St. Thomas. Workforce Development: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, enabling residents to use WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with 10 graduates on track for national certification. Local Government & Public Service: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored public employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix. Public Safety & Preparedness: Coverage highlights 2026 hurricane season planning and the need for residents to review emergency kits and plans. Community/Business Spotlight: Bobby’s Jewelers in Charlotte Amalie promoted its long-running service and jewelry selection for visitors. Health Fraud Alert: A Medicare scam using AI voice cloning is spreading, with officials urging beneficiaries to hang up and verify before sharing information.

Workforce & Health: The UVI Medical Simulation Center has been 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 residents finishing the program and moving toward NREMT certification. Local Government: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored public servants at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the people behind day-to-day government services. Aviation & Travel: United Airlines announced a new nonstop weekly route between St. Croix and Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026—ending the need for connections for many travelers heading to the NYC area. Hurricane Readiness: With the Atlantic season underway, Coast Guard and NOAA guidance stresses that even a below-normal forecast means residents and mariners should review plans, supplies, and boat safety now. USVI in the News: A long-running legal dispute involving Google cofounder Larry Page’s USVI island holdings (Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik) is headed back to court after mediation stalled. Broader Context: A new push in Congress and online chatter continues to swirl around Epstein-related disclosures, including fresh photos and renewed scrutiny of payments tied to the case.

Epstein Fallout: New online scrutiny is back after newly released 2020 photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s Little St. James surfaced, including images of the “epstein temple” and interior details, reigniting calls for answers. Congress 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, while a House committee also urged the DOJ to examine criminal conduct allegations tied to interviews with a former Epstein assistant. Local Travel & Economy: United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly flight that could reshape New York-area access to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hurricane Readiness: With the Atlantic season underway, NOAA and local agencies are urging Virgin Islands residents to prepare anyway, even with a below-normal forecast. Tourism Roundup: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is underway, bringing regional tourism leaders—including USVI officials—together to push connectivity and growth. Aviation Reliability: Newark Liberty is leading the Northeast for on-time performance in 2026 after FAA and staffing upgrades.