Sir Francis Drake Channel Fees: USVI and BVI are locked in a widening fight over BVI’s steep charter and day-use fees for vessels using the Sir Francis Drake Channel, with reports saying U.S. federal departments may step in as USVI Governor Albert Bryan escalates the dispute. Hotel Financing Watch: Virgin Islands Public Finance officials are reassessing bond-market conditions after a Federal Reserve rate move, warning that higher yields could block some USVI hotel financing deals. USVI Budget Momentum: On St. Thomas, senators advanced the FY2027 budget package, moving 28 bills forward after hearings and pushing the executive branch on revenue collection and accountability. BVI Crypto Roadmap: CZR Foundation published a phased $CZR utility roadmap through end-2027 ahead of its Oct. 1 launch, following a fast-subscribed public sale. BVI Finance Talent Pipeline: The BVI Financial Services Commission named the first Robert A. Mathavious Scholarship Grant recipients, covering tuition for AML and governance/risk/compliance training. USVI Health Survey Call: The VI Department of Health is running a territorywide BRFSS phone survey, urging residents who get calls on 340 numbers to participate. Mall of St. Croix Insurance Win: A shareholder dispute tied to Sunshine Shopping Center’s alleged mismanagement and embezzlement continues to play out in federal insurance litigation, with Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines scoring an appellate win. BVI/VI Trade Link: Fruit Attraction 2026 in Madrid (Oct. 6–8) is set to bring 2,500+ exhibitors and 121,000 trade professionals, with the British Virgin Islands listed among new participants.