AGP Executive Report

Tax & Financial Services: The EU removed Panama and Vietnam from its tax blacklist but kept the USVI and Turks and Caicos on it. Separately, BVI officials say the territory is on track to exit FATF’s grey list within its two-year timeframe. Crown Land: Updated forms aim to simplify applications for residential grants, commercial leases and other land use, with electronic submission planned. Maritime: The BVI has more than 3,000 internationally owned ships under its flag and plans to expand into merchant vessel registration. Tourism & Transport: Two companies bid on the first phase of the BVI airport expansion. The Premier says higher charter licensing fees apply to all foreign-based operators, not specifically USVI vessels. Energy: The NDP says electricity subsidies are unsustainable and calls for more fuel storage and renewable power to ease costs.

Digital Finance: A London court is hearing a $141 million dispute involving BVI-linked firms DWF Maas and Falcon Digital, which allege BitGo sold locked-up tokens early; the claims remain unproven. BVI entities also rank first by volume in the tokenized-stock market, while Jersey leads by value. Maritime Growth: The BVI says more than 3,000 internationally owned ships fly its flag and is pursuing merchant-vessel registrations to compete in a trillion-dollar global market. Financial Services: Junior Minister Lorna Smith says the Territory is on track to meet its two-year goal of leaving the FATF grey list, ahead of an update expected after this month’s plenary. Charter Fees: Premier Natalio Wheatley says higher commercial-vessel licence fees apply to all foreign-based charters, not specifically USVI boats; vessels not conducting charters are not subject to them. Tourism and Costs: Caribbean ministers say stronger regional connectivity can spread tourism’s gains to local communities. Meanwhile, the NDP says electricity subsidies are unsustainable and urges longer-term action on fuel storage and renewable energy.

Financial Services: Junior Minister Lorna Smith says the BVI is on track to leave the FATF grey list within its agreed two-year timeframe, pending the group’s upcoming review. Maritime Growth: More than 3,000 internationally owned ships fly the BVI flag, and the government plans to expand into merchant vessel registration to compete in the global maritime market. Charter Dispute: Premier Natalio Wheatley says higher commercial vessel licence fees apply to all foreign-based charters, not just USVI operators, and do not charge vessels simply for entering BVI waters. Digital Finance: BVI entities lead by volume in tokenized equities, while BVI, Jersey and the UAE together account for about 81% of the market’s distributed value. Tourism and Conservation: The National Parks Trust will raise entrance and mooring fees from November 1, its first park-fee increase since 1990, to fund upkeep and improvements. Energy Costs: The NDP says electricity subsidies cannot continue indefinitely and has called for more fuel storage and renewable energy to bring down costs. Infrastructure: Two companies have bid on the first phase of the BVI airport expansion.

Capital Markets: BVI-redomiciled WISeQey and SEALSQ signed a business-combination deal to take their planned quantum-technology platform, Quantisimo, toward a Nasdaq listing. Tourism & Connectivity: Caribbean ministers say stronger regional links are key to tourism growth and local economic gains. A new Trinidad–Dominica flight also offers connections to St. Thomas, while the BVI-USVI charter-fee dispute remains a concern for operators; Premier Wheatley says local governments must address it. Infrastructure: Two bids are in for the first phase of the BVI airport expansion. New park-entry and mooring fees take effect November 1—the first park-fee increase since 1990—with revenue set to support upkeep of 22 parks and about 155 moorings. Visitor Economy: The USVI reported 16.4% growth in stayover arrivals and 40.2% growth in cruise arrivals, ranking near the top of the Caribbean in both categories.

Tourism Costs: The National Parks Trust will raise entrance and mooring fees from November 1, the first park-fee increase since 1990. The added revenue is intended to support maintenance and conservation across 22 parks and about 155 moorings. Charter Dispute: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the BVI has authority to resolve its charter-fee dispute with the USVI, as operators warn that reduced access to BVI waters is hurting business. Infrastructure: Two companies have bid on the first phase of the BVI airport expansion, while the Ports Authority’s new PortVision conference focused on investment, trade and modernising seaport operations. Financial Services: BVI Finance is in Singapore for TOKEN2049, promoting the Territory’s role in digital assets, tokenisation and fintech.

Regional Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism minister, Charles Fernandez, was elected CTO chair; the BVI will represent British overseas territories on the board as the group focuses on local suppliers, infrastructure and workforce development. Airport Expansion: Two companies have bid on the first phase of the BVI airport project, a key step toward improving the territory’s transport links. Ports & Trade: The BVI Ports Authority’s first PortVision conference focused on investment, technology and sustainability, highlighting ports’ role in economic growth. Financial Services: BVI Finance is promoting the territory at Singapore’s TOKEN2049, while WISeKey’s redomiciliation to the BVI has taken legal effect. Water Infrastructure: Works Minister Kye Rymer says about $20 million is needed to fix the ageing water network; Premier Natalio Wheatley cited $8 million previously earmarked and another $5 million proposed. Road Town Development: Junior Minister Lorna Smith rejected a proposal to turn the administration complex into a mall and hotel, backing its return to use as a government hub.

Airport Expansion: Two companies have bid on the first phase of the BVI airport project, a key infrastructure investment. Road Town Property: Junior Minister Lorna Smith rejected a proposal to turn the administration complex into a small-business mall and hotel, arguing ministries should return to the building. Digital Finance: BVI Finance is promoting the territory’s role in tokenisation and fintech at Singapore’s TOKEN2049 conference. WISeQey’s redomiciliation to the BVI has also taken effect, with its shares now trading on Nasdaq and SIX as WQEY. Ports and Trade: The Ports Authority’s inaugural PortVision conference focused on modernising seaport operations and their role in economic growth; Reba Evans was named its first ambassador.

BVI Ports & Trade: The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority marked its 35th anniversary with the inaugural PortVision Conference 2026, themed “Innovation and Sustainability in Seaport Operations,” and named Reba Evans the territory’s first-ever BVIPA Ports Authority Ambassador—spotlighting investment, security, trade, tourism, and customer experience. BVI Finance & Digital Assets: BVI Finance is in Singapore for TOKEN2049, pitching the “VI Advantage” and its role in tokenisation and the wider fintech economy. BVI Corporate/Markets: WISeQey’s redomiciliation to the BVI is reflected in trading under the new symbol WQEY on Nasdaq and SIX, as the group continues expanding space cybersecurity and post-quantum strategy. USVI Tourism & Power: Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix remains closed after a Sept. 30 power-plant fire; 51 guests were relocated, the casino reopened, and the resort is awaiting inspections before restarting. USVI/Regional Policy: U.S. Virgin Islands tuition for full-time on-campus undergrads is set to jump about 56% for Spring 2027, after UVI acknowledged delayed notice to students. Air Connectivity: United Airlines announced 10 new nonstop routes starting in October, while Contour Airlines began twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica service. Antitrust/Consumer Impact: Attorney General Nick Brown joined a coalition seeking court approval for a $400 million settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition, with eligibility for consumers who bought certain generics from 2009–2019. Crypto/DeFi Tech: Firelight says its onchain DeFi protection is now live for Sentora’s USD Protected Vault and Protected RWA Vaults, aiming to separate cover payouts from covered assets.

BVI Ports & Trade: The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority wrapped its 35th anniversary with the inaugural PortVision Conference 2026 and gala, naming Reba Evans the territory’s first-ever BVI Ports Authority Ambassador, with talks focused on innovation, security, tourism, trade, and seaport resilience. Digital Assets & Finance: BVI Finance is in Singapore for TOKEN2049 to promote the “VI Advantage” and its role in tokenisation and fintech structures, following earlier outbound work in New York. Space Cybersecurity Investment: WISeSat.Space and WISeQey/WQEY-related entities announced a $10 million PIPE led by SEALSQ to expand satellite infrastructure and integrate post-quantum security tech. BVI Governance & Elections: Junior Minister for Financial Services Lorna Smith confirmed she will seek re-election and stay aligned with the VIP government. BVI Infrastructure Procurement: The BVI Airports Authority received two bids for the first phase of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport’s runway extension, with proposals now under evaluation. US Drug Pricing Fallout: A multistate coalition, including AG Nick Brown, is seeking court approval for a $400 million settlement tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing, with potential consumer claims for purchases from 2009–2019.

BVI Politics: People’s Leadership Movement (PLM) in the British Virgin Islands is naming new election candidates, including Road Town/Jost van Dyke resident Juan Richard Hatchett for Territorial At-Large, as talk swirls about “packages” for candidates ahead of the next general election. BVI Infrastructure & Procurement: Two bids have been submitted for the first phase of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport expansion—extending the runway by 787 feet on the western end—now moving to evaluation. VI Public Finance: U.S. Virgin Islands plans a “Third Wall Street” in Christiansted, including setting up an entity to issue municipal bonds for obligors across the U.S. UVI Costs: UVI says full-time undergraduate tuition for Spring 2027 will rise about 56% for on-campus students, after acknowledging delayed notice to families. Corporate/Markets (BVI-linked): WISeQey begins trading on Nasdaq and SIX under the new symbol WQEY following its BVI redomiciliation, while WISeSat.Space starts trading on Nasdaq as SAIQ after completing its business combination. Consumer/Policy: Skelton Cline renews calls for fuel price controls in the BVI, questioning how retailers adjust pump prices relative to fuel purchased and stored.

BVI Airport Expansion: Two bids were received for the first phase of Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport’s runway extension (787 feet at the western end), with proposals now under evaluation by an appointed team. Energy Costs & Fuel Policy: Cabinet approved an additional $2.5M in fuel subsidies for BV Electricity Corporation to carry support through year-end, while social/political commentator Skelton Cline renewed calls for fuel price controls and tighter monitoring of how retailers adjust pump prices. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Premier Natalio Wheatley blamed prior administrations for underinvesting in water and other basic infrastructure, arguing funds were diverted to Pier Park while residents now feel the strain. Tourism Business Signals: The BVI Tourist Board was shortlisted for Aspire Luxury Travel Club’s “Tourist Board of the Year 2026,” adding to recent luxury destination accolades. Education & Campus Safety (USVI): A UVI student worker sued after alleging inadequate campus security left him vulnerable to a violent assault, spotlighting risk management on campus. UVI Tuition: UVI announced a roughly 56% jump in full-time on-campus undergraduate tuition for Spring 2027, with the president saying notice to students came too late. Finance & Markets (USVI): USVI plans a “Third Wall Street” in Christiansted, including a new entity to enable municipal bond issuance for obligors nationwide. Corporate/Tech Listings (BVI-linked): WISeSat.Space completed its business combination and began trading on Nasdaq as SAIQ, underscoring continued BVI-linked capital market activity.

BVI Infrastructure & Procurement: The BVI government has received two bids for the first phase of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport expansion, covering a 787-foot western runway extension at Beef Island; bids opened Sept. 30 and will be reviewed by an evaluation team before details are released. Energy Costs Relief: Cabinet approved an additional $2.5 million in fuel subsidies for the BVI Electricity Corporation to carry support through year-end, with the measure heading to the House of Assembly next week. Tourism Business Signals: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board was shortlisted for Aspire Luxury Travel Club’s Tourist Board of the Year 2026, adding to recent luxury destination accolades. Local Economy & Household Impact: A Virgin Islands basket-of-goods initiative survey found households aren’t feeling savings, with limited awareness of which items qualify and products making up less than half of shoppers’ carts. Corporate & Capital Markets (BVI-linked): WISeSat.Space Holdings began trading on Nasdaq under ticker “SAIQ” after completing its business combination, while WISeKey’s redomiciliation to the BVI became legally effective Oct. 1. Community & Business Support: Republic Bank (BVI) donated essential food items to four school pantries across the territory to support student nutrition.

BVI Energy Relief: The BVI Cabinet approved an extra $2.5 million in fuel subsidies for the BVI Electricity Corporation to carry support through year-end, with the funding headed to the House of Assembly for approval. BVI Tourism Push: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board was shortlisted for Aspire Luxury Travel Club’s Tourist Board of the Year 2026, adding to recent luxury travel wins. BVI Airport Expansion: The government received two bids for the first phase of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport runway extension, and an evaluation team is reviewing submissions. Corporate & Markets: Chaince Securities was named exclusive sales agent for Magic Empire Global’s up to US$100 million at-the-market offering program. VI Legal & Safety: A UVI student worker sued after alleging inadequate campus security left him waiting nearly two hours before a violent assault. Community & Culture: A BVI culture workshop brought residents together to learn about local bush and medicinal plants, using hands-on samples and traditional knowledge. USVI Finance Plan: USVI officials discussed setting up a municipal bond issuer as part of the “Third Wall Street” push for a St. Croix financial center. Business Regulation Watch: Jamaica’s financial regulator warned that Delta Capital Partners and Delta Capital Holdings are not licensed to conduct securities business.

BVI Electricity Relief: The BVI Cabinet approved an extra $2.5 million in fuel subsidies for BVIEC to carry support through year-end, with the funding heading to the House of Assembly for approval next week. BVI Infrastructure: Two bids were received for the first phase of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport expansion, a 787-foot runway extension, as the evaluation team reviews submissions. BVI Tourism Push: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board was shortlisted for Aspire Luxury Travel Club’s Tourist Board of the Year 2026, adding to recent luxury travel accolades. BVI Business & Finance: WISeKey’s redomiciliation to the BVI became legally effective Oct. 1, while WISeSat.Space completed its business combination and began trading on Nasdaq as SAIQ on Oct. 2. USVI Economy & Markets: USVI plans to set up a municipal bond issuer for obligors as part of a “Third Wall Street” push to build a St. Croix financial center. Food Security Support: Republic Bank (BVI) donated essential items to four school pantries to help keep students fed and focused. Consumer Watch: A BVI survey found households aren’t feeling the government’s “basket-of-goods” savings, citing limited awareness of which items qualify.

BVI Energy & Infrastructure: The BVI Cabinet approved an extra $2.5M in fuel subsidies for BVIEC to carry support through year-end, with the House of Assembly set to review it Oct. 8. BVI Power & Cost of Living: The government also received two bids for the first phase of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport runway extension, with an evaluation team now reviewing submissions. BVI Tourism: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board was shortlisted for Aspire Luxury Travel Club’s Tourist Board of the Year 2026, adding to recent luxury destination wins. BVI Business & Finance: WISeQey’s space arm WISeSat.Space completed its business combination with Columbus Acquisition Corp and began trading on Nasdaq as SAIQ; WISeKey’s redomiciliation to the BVI also became legally effective, setting up the WQEY ticker. BVI Corporate/Markets: CZR Token launched CZR/USDT spot trading on CZR Exchange, with trading-fee discounts for eligible holders from launch. USVI Economic Policy: USVI plans to set up a municipal bond issuer for obligors as part of a “Third Wall Street” push to build a St. Croix financial center. Consumer Watch: A VI survey found households aren’t feeling benefits from the government’s “basket of goods” initiative, citing limited awareness of which items qualify. Community & Schools: Republic Bank (BVI) donated essential food items to four school pantries under its “Fueling Young Minds” program. Local Water Reality Check: In Jost van Dyke, community advocate Jahnai L. Caul criticized a House of Assembly remark implying residents were bathing in the sea due to water shortages.

USVI Finance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. says the “Third Wall Street” push for St. Croix will include setting up a municipal bond issuer entity so obligors across the U.S. can issue triple-tax-exempt munis, with Global Impact Assets planning to open in Christiansted and work with government on the structure. BVI Energy Relief: Cabinet approved an extra $2.5M in fuel subsidies for the BVI Electricity Corporation to carry support through year-end, heading to the House of Assembly next week. BVI Infrastructure: The government received two bids for the first phase of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport runway extension, with an evaluation team now reviewing submissions. BVI Tourism & Business: The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board was shortlisted for Aspire Luxury Travel Club’s Tourist Board of the Year 2026, and Republic Bank (BVI) donated food items to four school pantries. Corporate & Markets: WISeSat.Space (BVI) completed its business combination and began trading on Nasdaq as SAIQ, while WISeKey’s BVI redomiciliation became legally effective with a new WQEY ticker expected to start trading. Consumer Watch: A BVI survey found households aren’t feeling the government’s “basket-of-goods” savings, with limited awareness of which items qualify flagged as a key issue.