AGP Executive Report

U.S. Virgin Islands Court Fight: Stephen Deckoff, described as the billionaire owner of two Caribbean islands once linked to Jeffrey Epstein, has sued the U.S. Virgin Islands for a tax refund of more than $5.7 million, arguing he was a “bona fide resident” for the 2021 tax year. SNAP Administration: The V.I. Department of Human Services has opened bidding for a new contractor to run the territory’s SNAP EBT system, with proposals due Nov. 23 as the current Fidelity contract nears its end. Public Safety/Justice: A Vermont man, Todd Hoyte, was sentenced to 36 months after admitting he made more than 10 threatening calls to a state attorney while living in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Maritime Compliance: CBP says multiple vessels were seized in the U.S. Virgin Islands after operators failed to report arrivals. Tech for Travelers: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro eSIM rules vary by market, and the eSIM-only list includes the U.S. Virgin Islands—meaning no SIM tray for some buyers. Powerball: No jackpot winner again; the prize is set to top $232 million for the next drawing Saturday.

U.S.-Canada Trade: Canada’s counter-tariffs are now in effect, with new U.S. surtax orders taking hold Sept. 8 and applying 15%, 25% or 50% charges across hundreds of tariff items. USVI Public Safety: A Vermont man living in the U.S. Virgin Islands was sentenced to 36 months for threatening and cyberstalking a state’s attorney, including more than 10 threatening voicemails. Territorial Procurement: The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services opened bidding for a new contractor to run the SNAP EBT system, with proposals due Nov. 23 as the current Fidelity contract nears expiration. SNAP System Watch: Human Services is seeking the next EBT operator for territory-wide benefits delivery, with the RFP set up as a competitive procurement. Maritime Compliance: U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it seized multiple vessels in the USVI and issued penalties after operators failed to properly report arrivals. Deep Seabed Mining: Leaders from the Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands urged Gov. David Apatang to oppose a proposed deep-seabed mining lease sale near the Northern Mariana Islands. Travel & Tourism: Royal Caribbean’s new Icon-class ship Hero of the Seas is headed for a 2027 debut and will include calls at Charlotte Amalie. Health & Fraud: Treasury says FinCEN flagged about $17.5 billion in suspicious activity tied to potential health care fraud. Lottery: Powerball climbed to an estimated $207 million for the Sept. 9 drawing after no jackpot winner.

Deep-Seabed Mining Push: Mariana and territorial leaders, including U.S. Virgin Islands advocates, urged Gov. David M. Apatang to formally oppose a federal deepseabed mining lease sale near the Northern Mariana Islands, calling for action before an Oct. 19 deadline and more public input. SNAP EBT Contract: The V.I. Department of Human Services opened bidding for a contractor to run the territory’s SNAP EBT system, with proposals due Nov. 23 as the current Fidelity agreement nears its scheduled end. CBP Crackdown on Boat Reporting: U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized “multiple vessels” in the U.S. Virgin Islands and issued penalties after operators failed to properly report arrivals, warning fines can reach $10,000 and vessels may be forfeited. Tourism Spotlight: A travel feature highlights St. John’s national-park scenery, Cruz Bay nightlife, and villa-and-beach stays. Health & Safety Watch: A broader report notes rising dengue activity in the U.S., with Florida stepping up mosquito-control efforts as locally acquired cases climb. Community & Culture: Alicia Barnes, a V.I. legislator and committee chair, is set to be the featured speaker at the Nevis Reformation Party’s Oct. 4 national convention.

USVI Travel & Compliance: U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it seized “multiple vessels” in the U.S. Virgin Islands and issued penalties after boat operators failed to properly report arrivals, warning that first-time violations can bring a $5,000 civil penalty and later offenses can lead to $10,000 plus seizure/forfeiture. Local Consumer Safety: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs urged residents and visitors to stop using recalled scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the USVI, after Clorox Manufacturing Company of Puerto Rico recalled about 6.3 million bottles over possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination. USVI Business & Cash Rules: DLCA reminded businesses that pennies already in circulation remain legal tender and that companies can’t routinely round cash transactions upward, refuse cash, or drop required payment options due to penny shortages. Caribbean Travel Buzz: Southwest announced it’s opening its first airport lounges, with early locations including Baltimore/Washington—key for its new nonstop service to St. Thomas—and other major hubs tied to Caribbean routes. Tourism Spotlight: A travel feature highlights St. Croix as an “underrated” island with fewer cruise crowds, plus beaches, tide pools and local culture.

Air Travel & Tourism: Southwest Airlines says construction has started on its first-ever airport lounges, with early locations including Baltimore/Washington, a key gateway for its new daily nonstop service to St. Thomas. Local Compliance: U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it seized multiple vessels in the U.S. Virgin Islands and issued penalties after operators failed to properly report arrivals, warning boaters that first offenses can bring $5,000 civil penalties. Public Health: Florida mosquito-control agencies are stepping up surveillance and spraying as locally acquired dengue cases rise, including dozens statewide. Consumer Alert: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs reminded residents that pennies remain legal tender and businesses can’t refuse cash or routinely round up due to penny shortages. Community & Culture: Alicia Barnes, a VI legislator and committee chair, will be the featured speaker at the Nevis Reformation Party’s national convention. Sports & Entertainment: Royal Caribbean floated out its fourth Icon-class ship, with a route that includes Charlotte Amalie. Lottery: No one matched all Powerball numbers Monday; the jackpot climbed to an estimated $207 million for Wednesday’s drawing.

Local Travel & Safety: CBP says it seized multiple vessels in the U.S. Virgin Islands and issued penalties after operators failed to properly report arrivals, warning that first-time violations can bring $5,000 civil penalties and possible vessel seizure. Consumer Alert: The VI Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs reminded residents to stop using recalled scented Clorox Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the USVI, after a federal recall tied them to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa risk for people with weakened immune systems. Business & Cash Rules: DLCA reiterated that pennies remain legal tender in the USVI and businesses can’t use penny shortages to routinely round up, refuse cash, or remove required payment options. Public Health Watch: Florida mosquito-control agencies are stepping up surveillance and spraying as locally acquired dengue cases rise, with officials expecting more in coming weeks. Community & Youth: Johnson Bayou High School FFA in the USVI received a $4,650 grant to build a small hydroponic lab for hands-on agricultural education. Sports & Culture: St. Croix and St. Thomas tourism features continued to circulate, while Powerball numbers were posted after Monday’s $190M Labor Day jackpot draw.

Local Consumer Watch: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs says pennies still count as legal tender, and businesses can’t use the one-cent coin shortage to justify rounding up, refusing cash, or dropping required payment options. Public Health Recall: Clorox Puerto Rico recalled about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with the biggest risk for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Safety & Compliance: U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s San Juan office reminded boat operators that they must report arrivals and present travelers for inspection, using its ROAM mobile tool when applicable. Local Crime: A Dominican Republic woman was arrested in Charlotte Amalie after allegedly stabbing her partner in the thigh during a confrontation over alleged infidelity. VI in the News Beyond: A new Miss America winner will receive access to a New York City apartment, and a St. Thomas travel/history feature highlights Charlotte Amalie’s cruise-driven growth. Money & Travel: Delta announced a limited-time loyalty offer for new SkyMiles Reserve cardholders, including Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel within the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Sports/Entertainment: Bad Bunny won seven Emmys for his Super Bowl halftime show, and the Miss America pageant crowned Regan Hutsell of Texas.

Consumer Protection: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs reminded businesses that pennies still count as legal tender in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and they can’t routinely round cash transactions upward, refuse cash, or drop required payment options just because one-cent coins are harder to find. Public Health: Clorox is recalling about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the biggest risk for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters disclosed a cybersecurity incident tied to its C-Track case management system that exposed court records in multiple U.S. jurisdictions, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with personal information potentially affected. Local Crime: A Dominican Republic woman was arrested in St. Thomas after police say she stabbed her partner in the thigh during an argument over alleged cheating. Sports (USVI audience): Labor Day weekend Powerball is at an estimated $173 million for Saturday’s drawing, and the Phillies are set for a key stretch against the Braves. Community/Youth: Johnson Bayou High School FFA in the U.S. Virgin Islands received a $4,650 grant to build a small hydroponic lab for students.

Public Safety & Health: The VI Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs urged residents to stop using recalled scented Clorox Mistolin Dilutable Cleaners and Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, after a Sept. 3 recall tied the products to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination—posing serious infection risk mainly for people with weakened immune systems or external medical devices. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters confirmed a cyberattack on its C-Track case management system, with unauthorized access reported in March and discovered June 30; the affected jurisdictions include the U.S. Virgin Islands, and court records may include sensitive personal data. Consumer Guidance: DLCA reminded businesses that pennies already in circulation remain legal tender in the U.S. Virgin Islands and that shortages don’t justify refusing cash or routinely rounding up transactions. Local Crime: VIPD reported a Dominican Republic woman arrested after allegedly stabbing her partner in the thigh following a confrontation over alleged infidelity. Trade & Development: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to strengthen trade and investment ties. Sports: The Phillies’ push for the NL East heats up as they return to face the Braves over Labor Day weekend.

Local Crime: A Dominican Republic woman, Asly Olivo, was arrested after police say she stabbed her partner in the thigh during a confrontation over alleged infidelity; he was treated at Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center and she faces assault charges. Public Safety/Health: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs warned residents to stop using recalled scented Clorox Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; the recall covers about 6.3 million bottles that may contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria that can cause serious infections for people with weakened immune systems or external medical devices. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters confirmed a cyberattack involving its C-Track case management system that exposed court-related files in multiple U.S. states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with potential exposure of personal information. Federal/Legal: The U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint against the Virgin Islands over the territory’s June semiauto firearm and magazine bans, arguing the changes violate Second Amendment protections. Community/Youth: Johnson Bayou High School FFA received a $4,650 Tractor Supply “Grants for Growing” award to build a small hydroponic lab for hands-on agriculture education. Lottery: Powerball’s Labor Day weekend jackpot is estimated at $173 million (cash option about $74.6 million) for the Sept. 5 drawing.

Violence in Paradise: A Dominican Republic woman was arrested in Charlotte Amalie after allegedly stabbing her partner in the thigh during a confrontation over alleged cheating; police say the victim was treated at the Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center and the suspect was later charged with third-degree assault and simple assault. Consumer Safety: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after possible bacteria contamination, warning higher risk for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters disclosed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track court case management system, discovered June 30, that may have exposed sensitive court records and personal data across 11 U.S. states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Ontario, Canada, with no misuse reported yet. Local Cash Rules: The Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs said pennies remain legal tender and businesses can’t use penny shortages to routinely round up or refuse cash. Economy & Trade: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to boost trade and investment ties.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters confirmed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track case management system, later discovered June 30, potentially exposing court records with names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license data, dates of birth, and medical/health insurance info across 11 U.S. states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Ontario; officials say courts weren’t disrupted and no misuse has been reported, but monitoring is being offered. Consumer Safety: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible bacteria contamination, with higher risk for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Local Money Rules: The DLCA reminded VI businesses that pennies already in circulation remain legal tender and they can’t routinely round up or refuse cash just because one-cent coins are scarce. Gun Law Fight: The DOJ filed a complaint against the Virgin Islands over the territory’s June semiauto and magazine bans, arguing VIPD enforcement and permit rules violate Second Amendment protections. Business & Trade: Ghana’s GEA CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with USVI’s economic development authority to strengthen trade and investment ties. Health & Housing: DOJ/USVI foster youth housing discussions highlighted support for youth transitioning out of care. Sports: The Phillies’ late-season push keeps the NL East race tight as they return to face the Braves.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters says an unauthorized party accessed its C-Track case management system, affecting court records in 11 U.S. states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada; the company says some files may include sensitive personal data, and it offers identity monitoring while jurisdictions investigate. Public Safety & Law: The DOJ filed a complaint against the Virgin Islands over the territory’s June gun law changes, including bans on modern semiautomatic firearms and standard-capacity magazines, arguing the rules violate Second Amendment limits. Local Justice: A federal jury convicted 73-year-old St. Croix man James Lealand Johnston (“JJ Rocks”) of possessing child pornography; he faces up to 10 years in prison. Consumer Alert: Clorox recalled about 6.3 million bottles of Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible bacterial contamination, with higher risk for people with weakened immune systems. Business & Trade: Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to strengthen trade and investment ties. Sports: The Phillies’ late-season push toward the postseason continues as they face the Braves with the NL East race tightening.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters confirmed a breach of its C-Track court case management system, with unauthorized access reported from March and discovered June 30; affected systems include the U.S. Virgin Islands Supreme and Superior Courts, plus courts in 11 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada, and officials say some records may include names and sensitive personal data such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license details, medical info, dates of birth, and health insurance information. Federal Gun Laws: The U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint against the Virgin Islands over the territory’s June 2026 semiautomatic firearm and magazine restrictions, arguing VIPD enforcement uses standards the Supreme Court rejected in Bruen. Local Justice: A federal jury convicted 73-year-old St. Croix man James Lealand Johnston (“JJ Rocks”) of possessing child pornography; he faces up to 10 years in prison. Epstein Fallout: Billionaire Leon Black sued the House Oversight Committee to block subpoenas tied to the Epstein investigation, after refusing to testify about nondisclosure agreements. Consumer Safety: The CPSC recalled 6.3 million bottles of certain Clorox Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible bacterial contamination. Community & Sports: The Ernest Grundy Tennis Center received an Outstanding Facility Award. Entertainment/Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled Norwegian Aura, its newest and largest ship, built around relaxation and wellness, with a Miami sailing planned. Lottery: No Powerball winner pushed the jackpot to an estimated $173 million for Saturday’s drawing.

Consumer Safety: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of 6.3 million bottles of Clorox Scented Mistolin Dilutable Cleaners and Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands due to possible bacterial contamination. The affected products have date codes starting with “PR01” and specific number ranges, and exposure could be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters confirmed a March 2026 breach of its C-Track court case management system, discovered June 30, affecting court systems in at least 12 U.S. states plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ontario, Canada. The company says some records may include sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers and medical details, and that courts were not functionally impaired. Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard Southeast District warned residents and visitors about illegal passenger-for-hire charter operations ahead of Labor Day, urging passengers to verify credentials and safety inspections before boarding. Local Relevance: The breach specifically includes the U.S. Virgin Islands Supreme and Superior Courts, meaning residents may be among those receiving notifications.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters’ C-Track case-management platform was hit by an unauthorized access incident on June 30, with files “affected” in multiple U.S. states including the U.S. Virgin Islands, raising concerns about possible exposure of sealed or confidential court material and personal data. Maritime Safety: Ahead of Labor Day, the Coast Guard Southeast District warned residents in the U.S. Virgin Islands and nearby areas about illegal passenger-for-hire charters, urging travelers to verify credentials, a safety plan, and a Certificate of Inspection before boarding. Local Policy Watch: A coalition of state attorneys general sued to block an OCC mortgage escrow rule tied to interest-on-escrow requirements, arguing it unlawfully preempts state consumer protections. Citizenship Debate: A Pence-linked think tank urged Congress to restrict birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, citing the Insular Cases and congressional control over territorial citizenship. Travel Perks: Delta’s limited-time American Express offer includes guaranteed extra-legroom Delta Comfort certificates plus bonus miles, with a Nov. 4 deadline to claim.