AGP Executive Report

USVI Political Voice: A new explainer says residents of U.S. territories—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—can vote in presidential primaries but lack voting power in the general election, with no senators and only nonvoting House representation. BVI Immigration Reform: British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley says the government will remove visas for work permit holders in the coming weeks to improve the investment climate and help businesses fill vacancies faster. VI Governance & Economy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. approved a package of bills covering mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, controlled incineration for green waste, and elections operations, among other measures. Energy & Safety: BVIEC is urging heavy equipment operators and contractors to contact the utility before working near electrical infrastructure after recent incidents caused damage and service disruptions. Education & Workforce: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College received accreditation to launch internationally accredited four-year degree programmes, starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Tourism & Media: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a partnership to expand digital and broadcast storytelling to boost Caribbean tourism. Consumer Watch: A St. Croix report highlights “shrinkflation” via a Sabra hummus container size change while shelf prices reportedly stay high.

USVI Governance & Economy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met horsemen groups, the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission and Southland Gaming to address concerns over a proposed St. Croix racetrack rebuild and a territory-wide horse racing framework, with legislation previously sent to the 36th Legislature. BVI Business & Workforce Policy: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the British Virgin Islands will remove visas for work permit holders in the coming weeks to improve the investment climate and help employers fill vacancies faster. VI Consumer Watch: A St. Croix “Consumer Corner” report alleges shrinkflation is hitting grocery shelves quietly, pointing to Sabra hummus downsizing while shelf prices stay high. Education & Skills: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College received accreditation to launch internationally accredited four-year degree programmes, including a Bachelor of Arts in Education, starting locally. Energy & Safety: BVIEC urged anyone using heavy equipment near electrical infrastructure to contact the utility first after recent incidents damaged lines and disrupted service. BVI Legal & Talent Pipeline: Appleby BVI says its first Appleby BVI Legal Scholarship recipient, Akeya Herbert, has been called to the Bar and sworn in as a barrister of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Tourism & Regional Media: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a 20-year partnership expansion to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through digital, social and broadcast collaboration. BVI/VI Public Policy: Premier Wheatley announced a Virgin Islands Decolonisation Commission will be established later in 2026, with constitutional negotiations with the UK set to begin in July.

BVI Labor & Investment Reform: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the British Virgin Islands will remove visa requirements for work permit holders in the coming weeks to help businesses onboard staff faster, alongside digital upgrades to work-permit processing and expanded labour outreach. Energy Safety: BVIEC is urging heavy equipment operators and contractors to contact the utility before working near electrical infrastructure after a rise in incidents that have damaged lines and caused service disruptions. Higher Education Expansion: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College received accreditation to launch internationally accredited four-year degree programmes, starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, keeping more teacher training local. Tourism Development: Premier Wheatley says Brandywine Bay will break ground this year to ease visitor overcrowding as arrivals hit record levels. Housing Finance Shift: VI lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homebuyers program to Williams Delight and the VI Slice homeownership programs. Corporate Growth (BVI-linked): Ocean Capital Acquisition Corporation, incorporated in the BVI, closed its $100m IPO (10m units at $10) on the NYSE. Regional Business & Jobs: Cambodia approved 37 investment projects worth $570m in May, with the British Virgin Islands listed among sources of investment.

Tourism Media Partnership: CTO and TEMPO Networks renewed a 20-year collaboration with expanded digital, social, and broadcast coverage aimed at boosting Caribbean tourism and global storytelling. Education & Workforce: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College received accreditation to launch internationally accredited four-year degree programmes, starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, while top students were recognized at its 33rd graduation. Skills for Hospitality: HLSCC also rolled out newly designed chef jackets by alumna Kristin C. Frazer for its Culinary Arts Programme, linking training to industry standards. Energy Safety: BVIEC urged heavy equipment operators and contractors to contact the utility before working near electrical infrastructure after recent damage incidents that disrupted service. BVI Investment Push: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley said the territory will remove visa requirements for work permit holders in coming weeks to help businesses onboard staff faster, with digital work-permit improvements already underway. Tourism Capacity Plan: Premier Wheatley added that Brandywine Bay is set to break ground this year to ease overcrowding and spread visitor demand. Housing Finance Move: VI lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homebuyer program to other housing initiatives, including support for Williams Delight residents. Public Infrastructure & Waste: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. approved measures including controlled incineration for green waste disposal, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, and changes tied to hotel development bond proceeds.

BVI Finance & Markets: Ocean Capital Acquisition Corporation, a BVI-incorporated blank-check company, has closed its $115 million IPO on the NYSE (OCACU), with units priced at $10 and trading starting June 9. BVI Business Climate: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the BVI will remove visa requirements for work permit holders in the coming weeks to help businesses onboard staff faster, alongside other investment-climate reforms. VI Housing & Budget: St. Thomas lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homebuyers fund to the Williams Delight and VI Slice homeownership programs, after testimony that the money sat unspent for years. VI Governance & Accountability: Former contractor David Whitaker was sentenced to 22 months in a public corruption case tied to ex–Police Commissioner Ray Martinez. Tourism & Development: Premier Wheatley says Brandywine Bay will break ground this year to ease visitor overcrowding and add attractions as arrivals hit record levels. Cruise & Travel: Royal Caribbean added a La Romana port call to a July 4 sailing from San Juan, while MSC Opera begins Europe cruises before repositioning to the Southern Caribbean. Community & Skills: HLSCC launched new chef jackets designed by alumna Kristin C. Frazer for its Culinary Arts Programme, and NAGICO donated $10,000 to YEP after its inaugural 2-Mile Run/Walk. Legal & Disputes: AMRL Cayman appointed Stephen Leontsinis to lead a new Corporate Disputes, Insolvency & Restructuring practice.

Tourism & Development: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the long-awaited Brandywine Bay development will break ground in 2026, pitching it as a boost to visitor growth after a record 1.2 million arrivals in 2025. Business Climate: Wheatley also announced the removal of visa requirements for work permit holders, aiming to make it easier for employers to bring in staff while broader investment reforms are planned. Youth & Community Finance: NAGICO Insurances donated $10,000 to the Youth Empowerment Project after its inaugural 2-Mile Run/Walk, supporting free after-school programmes and mentorship. Local Governance & Housing (USVI): St. Thomas lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homeowner programme, alongside measures tied to taxi commission modernization and compensation for LBJ Gardens residents. Public Safety & Courts (USVI): A federal judge sentenced former VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez to 10 years over a bribery and fraud scheme involving federal funds. Regional Business & Trade: A Cayman Islands conference of Overseas Territories speakers highlighted governance reform and AI’s role in legislatures. Tech & Finance (Global): ExpressVPN’s FIFA World Cup 2026 partnership and Ledger/Ondo tokenized-stock swaps point to continued momentum in digital services and markets.

Work Permit Reform: Premier and Minister of Finance Natalio Wheatley says the Virgin Islands will remove visa requirements for work permit holders, aiming to make it easier for businesses to bring in staff while broader investment-climate reforms (including an Investment Act and a trade/investment promotion one-stop shop) move forward. Youth & Community Investment: NAGICO Insurances donated $10,000 to the Youth Empowerment Project after its inaugural 2-Mile Run/Walk With A Purpose, supporting free after-school programmes and mentorship for young people. Local Governance & Housing Finance: Lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homebuyer programme, with proposed splits including support for moderate-income homeownership and grants tied to cistern/slab assistance. Public Sector Accountability: A federal judge sentenced former VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez to 10 years for bribery and fraud tied to former OMB Director Jenifer O’Neal, ordering restitution and forfeiture. Business & Capital Markets: Basel Medical Group approved a 1-for-12 reverse share split effective June 22 to meet Nasdaq’s $1 minimum bid rule. Entrepreneurship Funding: The VI Purpose Fund increased 2026 Impact Challenge catalytic funding to $250,000 for ocean-health solutions, with applications due June 10. Investor Outreach: Onity Group CFO Sean O’Neil will present at the Sidoti Small Cap Conference June 17 and meet investors.

State of the Territory Address: Premier Natalio Wheatley used his June 9 remarks to acknowledge cost-of-living pressure and past shocks, while pitching “marvellous progress” and a territory-wide plan covering airport expansion, schools, tourism, health and sewerage. Housing & Budget: St. Croix lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4M from a dormant first-time homeowner program, with proposed splits aimed at housing support and relief for affected residents. Public Safety & Justice: Former V.I. Police Commissioner Ray Martinez was sentenced to 10 years over a bribery and fraud scheme tied to federal funds. Governance & Compliance: Melissa K. Brewley was appointed Information Commissioner, bringing legal and regulatory experience from the Virgin Islands International Tax Authority. Trade & Imports Data: BVI customs brokers and retailers met government to improve import declarations feeding the Protected Basket of Goods, aiming for better consumer pricing decisions. Entrepreneurship & Oceans: The VI Impact Challenge boosted catalytic funding to $250,000 for ocean-health solutions, with applications due June 10. Hurricane Readiness: Works Minister Kye Rymer urged residents to review evacuation plans and emergency supplies as the 2026 Atlantic season begins. Corporate Moves: Ocean Capital Acquisition Corporation priced a $100M IPO in the BVI, while Robseek and Ming Shing reported merger and acquisition closings tied to BVI entities.

BVI Corporate Moves: Ocean Capital Acquisition Corporation, a BVI-incorporated blank-check company, priced a $100 million IPO of 10,000,000 units on the NYSE, with trading expected to begin June 9. BVI Dealmaking: Robseek Intelligence announced an agreement and plan of merger with QuasarEdge, while Ming Shing Group closed its $110 million acquisition of BVI-based PMA Nano Carbon Tech and issued unsecured convertible notes. Entrepreneurship & Environment: The VI Purpose Fund boosted the 2026 Impact Challenge to $250,000 in catalytic funding for ocean-health solutions; BVI applicants have until June 10. Local Governance & Policy: Premier Natalio Wheatley previewed his State of the Territory Address, pointing to airport expansion, tourism planning, and sewerage progress; Deputy Premier Julian Fraser also discussed Anegada’s path toward district status and possible local council control. Public Service & Trade Data: BVI placed 217 students through a summer apprenticeship programme, and the government met customs brokers and retailers to improve import declarations tied to the Protected Basket of Goods. Finance Leadership: Melissa K. Brewley was appointed Information Commissioner effective May 11, 2026.

BVI Finance & Markets: Ocean Capital Acquisition Corporation, a blank-check company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, priced a $100 million IPO of 10,000,000 units at $10 each, with units expected to start trading on the NYSE June 9 under “OCACU.” BVI Governance & Utilities: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger cleared the House of Assembly and received assent, setting up a unified Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo) and a single public notification platform for service interruptions. BVI Constitutional Reform: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser told Anegada residents district status is “in the very near future,” while a proposed local council could expand day-to-day control before then. BVI Politics & Banking: Mark Vanterpool declined to comment on the Bank of Asia saga, saying regulators should handle bank failures through the FSC, and argued the National Bank of the Virgin Islands should expand its footprint. VI Community & Fundraising: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary with teams, survivor stories, and fundraising targeting $300,000, with organizers citing a promised $100,000 government contribution. VI Public Safety & Business Impact: A St. Croix outreach event (“Cabinet Connect”) drew attention for including VIPD among agency partners amid ongoing criticism of the territory’s public safety response. Tech, Crypto & Compliance: Russia signaled new fees, trading limits, and safeguards aimed at “unfriendly” crypto assets, naming USDT, USDC, and BNB, with restrictions starting July 1 for non-qualified retail investors. USVI Security: Federal prosecutors charged a man after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in checked bags arriving in St. Thomas on an American Airlines flight from Miami.

Capital Markets: Ocean Capital Acquisition Corporation, a blank-check company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, priced a $100 million IPO of 10,000,000 units at $10 each, with units expected to start trading on the NYSE June 9 under “OCACU.” Governance & Rights: A bipartisan congressional briefing in the U.S. Senate examined what “consent of the governed” means for people in U.S. territories, featuring participation from U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett. BVI Policy & Constitutional Reform: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser said Anegada’s separate electoral district status is coming “in the very near future,” while a proposed council system could give residents more local control before then. Financial Services Oversight: Mark Vanterpool declined to comment on the Bank of Asia saga, saying such matters should be handled by regulators and the FSC, not politics. Environment & Resilience: In the State of the Territory Address, the Deputy Premier is expected to focus on climate change, including the newly launched Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and its role in disaster mitigation. Utilities & Business Continuity: BVI’s House of Assembly approved the BVIEC and W&SD merger, setting up VIEWCo and moving to a unified public notification platform for service interruptions. Water Sector Growth: Consolidated Water appointed water-industry veteran Sachin Chawla as senior vice president, strategy and growth, aiming to expand business development and marketing. Tourism Recognition: BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith won CTO’s Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at Caribbean Week in New York. Security & Public Safety: A St. Croix report criticized VIPD guidance during carjacking incidents as potentially dangerous for drivers.

BVI Utility Reform: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger law has cleared the House and been assented by Governor Daniel Pruce, setting up a single Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo) and a unified public notice platform for outages and service advisories. BVI Tourism Recognition: CTO awards during Caribbean Week in New York honored British Virgin Islands Junior Minister of Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge-Smith as Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year, alongside Barbados’ tourism chief Andrea Franklin. BVI Youth Tourism Branding: Mary Joseph won the BVI Junior Ambassador of Tourism title with a “TAG” strategy (Target, Authenticate, Guide) built around Instagram/TikTok campaigns like “BVI Beyond the Horizon” and “BVI 365.” VI Business & Finance: Alpha Compute Corp. (BVI-linked) reported Q1 momentum, including live “Own Your Data” campaigns and the GAMEE acquisition, with projected annual revenue of $23M. USVI Security & Trade: A man faces federal charges after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas on an American Airlines flight from Miami. Public Safety Governance: On St. Croix, a “Cabinet Connect” outreach drew scrutiny after VIPD participation amid ongoing public concerns about carjacking response guidance. Food Safety: Salmonella-related and allergen-related grocery recalls were flagged for VI shoppers relying on mainland supply chains.

BVI Utilities Overhaul: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger cleared the House and was assented by the Governor, setting up a unified VIEWCo and a single public notification platform for service advisories and interruptions. Public Safety & Accountability: On St. Croix, the Bryan administration’s “Cabinet Connect” photo-op at a community complex drew criticism as residents continue to face a public safety crisis and scrutiny of VIPD guidance. Food Safety Alerts: Federal recalls tied to Salmonella risk and other serious food issues are reaching VI shelves via mainland supply chains, prompting urgent checks by shoppers. Tourism & Talent: The VI won CTO’s Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” pitch, while BVI named a Junior Ambassador of Tourism focused on social-media-driven “TAG” strategy. Business & Finance: Orca Energy filed Q1 2026 interim reports, and Consolidated Water approved a quarterly dividend for shareholders. Waste Enforcement: WMA is stepping up enforcement at bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring up to $1,000 in fines.

Public Safety & Governance: The Bryan administration held a St. Croix “Cabinet Connect” photo-op at the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex, serving residents and highlighting health and grooming support, but critics are zeroing in on the VIPD’s role amid ongoing scrutiny of its street-level performance. Food Safety & Imports: Federal recalls are hitting territory shelves and supply chains, including Salmonella-linked frozen bread and other grocery issues tied to contamination or undeclared allergens—residents are urged to check labels and batches. Utilities & Infrastructure: In the BVI, Governor Daniel Pruce assented to the BVIEC and W&SD merger law, setting up VIEWCo and moving customer notices to a unified public platform. Tourism & Business Innovation: The VI won the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase in New York with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept aimed at tying marine restoration to tourism revenue. Waste Enforcement: The VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000. Aviation & Travel Demand: United announced new nonstop routes including Newark–St. Croix and Houston–Chiapas, adding more fall/winter connectivity for travelers and businesses.

BVI Utilities Merger: Governor Daniel Pruce has assented to the BVIEC and W&SD merger law, clearing the way for a new Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo) and a single public notification platform for service interruptions and advisories. Local Governance & Public Safety: A VIPD public directive on carjacking tactics on St. Croix is being criticized as dangerous and impractical, with calls for safer, physics-based guidance for drivers. Citizenship & Culture: Fifty-eight people were naturalised as British Overseas Territories citizens at Government House, while a poetry and critical essay competition was launched for the Long Look 250th Freedom commemoration. Tourism & Business Development: The VI won champions status at the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase for a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept, and the BVI named a Junior Ambassador of Tourism focused on social-media-driven “TAG” strategy. Waste Enforcement: The VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring up to $1,000 in fines. Finance & Markets: Orca Energy Group filed its Q1 2026 interim reports, citing revenue growth and higher gas volumes.

BVI Energy & Water Merger: Governor Daniel Pruce has assented to the law merging the BVI Electricity Corporation and the Water & Sewerage Department, paving the way for a new unified utility body, VIEWCo, aimed at better efficiency and coordinated infrastructure planning. Tourism Talent: Mary Joseph won the VI Junior Ambassador of Tourism title, pitching a “TAG” strategy to use social media for smarter, year-round destination promotion. Public Service Training: The BVI launched the Excellence in Customer Service CXC® programme to upgrade service delivery across the public sector through structured training with CXC and Customer 1st Caribbean. Waste Enforcement: The VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping and misuse can bring fines up to $1,000 and other penalties. Business Update (Orca Energy): Orca Energy Group filed its Q1 2026 interim reports, citing revenue growth and higher gas volumes tied to power-customer consumption in Tanzania. Local Finance (Consolidated Water): Consolidated Water approved a $0.14 per-share quarterly dividend for Q3 2026, payable July 31. Workforce Pathways: UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training and national certification access. Tourism Innovation Win: The VI team won the CTO Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept linking marine restoration funding to tourism revenue. Air Travel (United): United announced new fall/winter routes including Newark–St. Croix service and year-round Houston–Chiapas flights. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA forecasts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with a 55% chance of fewer storms and 3–6 expected hurricanes.