AGP Executive Report

St. John Celebration Boost: TEMPO Networks is partnering with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals for expanded 2026 St. John Celebration coverage (June 14–July 4), including a dedicated TEMPO Night in the Carnival Village—bringing island culture, music, food, and stories to a wider Caribbean diaspora and global audience. Tourism Development: VI Premier Natalio Wheatley says Brandywine Bay will break ground “this year” to ease overcrowding and spread visitor demand, citing record tourism arrivals (about 1.2M in 2025). All-Inclusive Spotlight (St. Thomas): Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is highlighted as St. Thomas’ only true all-inclusive resort, with rates starting around $364/night for a July stay. Local Education & Hospitality: HLSCC alumna Kristin (Kirsten) C. Frazer designed new chef jackets for the Culinary Arts Programme—set to debut at the HLSCC 2026 Graduation Ceremony. Travel Convenience (USVI): CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three additional USVI pre-departure airport locations (St. Thomas and St. Croix), helping eligible travelers submit details in advance for faster arrival processing. Policy/Finance (Housing): Senators advanced a bill to redirect $4M from a dormant first-time homebuyer program toward affordable housing supports and St. Croix homeowner compensation.

Tourism Development: Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says the long-awaited Brandywine Bay development will break ground in 2026, as the government pushes new attractions to build on record visitor numbers (1.2 million in 2025, led by cruise). Local Governance: Ahead of his State of the Territory Address, Wheatley previews “marvellous progress” and priorities including airport expansion and the Tourism Plan. Air Access & Travel Ease: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three USVI airports (St. Thomas and St. Croix), speeding pre-departure processing for eligible travelers. USVI Events & Culture: The USVI is rolling out a major St. John Celebration Village lineup (June 28–July 4) featuring Ashanti, Kes the Band, Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, plus a strong roster of local talent. Connectivity Boost: USVI tourism leaders highlighted a new United nonstop route between Newark and St. Croix at Caribbean Week in New York. Community Spotlight: St. Croix Relay for Life marks 25 years, with organizers reporting $200,000+ raised toward a $300,000 goal.

St. John Celebration lineup: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals unveiled a star-studded St. John Celebration Village running June 28–July 4 in Knightsville, led by Ashanti, Kes the Band, and Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, with Tarrus Riley, Baby Cham, and more plus homegrown VI talent. USVI arrivals & travel ease: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three USVI pre-departure airport locations (St. Thomas and St. Croix), letting eligible travelers submit info in advance for faster processing. Caribbean Week in New York: The USVI highlighted new Newark–St. Croix nonstop service on United and other tourism partnerships during Caribbean Week, keeping the territory front and center for regional travel momentum. Regional tourism awards: BVI Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith and Barbados tourism leader Andrea Franklin won top CTO Women in Tourism Leadership Awards during Caribbean Week. Local governance & tourism planning: Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley previewed his State of the Territory Address, including updates on airport expansion and the Tourism Plan, plus climate and national parks priorities. Air connectivity boost: Southwest and Singapore Airlines launched a single-ticket interline partnership, expanding global connections into Southwest’s US network. Community spotlight: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary with major fundraising momentum toward a $300,000 goal.

VI Tourism & Policy Update: Ahead of today’s State of the Territory Address, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says he’ll deliver a “holistic, territory-wide” update on progress, with airport expansion, the Tourism Plan, Prospect Reef, school work, health initiatives and sewerage among the expected topics. Environment & Tourism Resilience: Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser urged residents to tune in, highlighting climate change work including the newly launched Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and potential National Parks Trust announcements tied to improving the tourism product. Budget & Housing: On St. Thomas, lawmakers advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homebuyer program, with proposed splits aimed at housing support and grants for eligible residents. Regional Tourism Recognition: British Virgin Islands Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith was named Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards during Caribbean Week in New York. Air Connectivity: Southwest and Singapore Airlines launched a single-ticket partnership linking Singapore’s long-haul network to Southwest flights via major U.S. hubs, boosting regional travel options. Community Events: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, with organizers targeting a $300,000 goal and sharing survivor stories. Travel Safety & Travel News: A man in USVI faces federal charges after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in checked luggage arriving from Miami. Tourism Culture: A poetry and critical essay competition launched for the Long Look 250th Freedom commemoration, inviting reflection on heritage, resistance and legacy.

Territory Update: Ahead of today’s State of the Territory Address, VI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says the government has made “marvellous progress” despite COI, pandemic, and hurricane recovery, with airport expansion, the Tourism Plan, and sewerage work among key topics. Environment & Tourism Resilience: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser urged residents to tune in for climate-focused updates, including the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and plans tied to protecting the territory’s tourism product. Tourism Recognition: British Virgin Islands Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith was named CTO Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at Caribbean Week in New York, highlighting regional leadership in tourism. Connectivity Boost: Southwest and Singapore Airlines launched a single-ticket partnership, giving travelers easier access to nearly 120 Southwest destinations via Singapore Airlines routes through LAX, SEA, and SFO. Community & Visitor Experience: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, raising over $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal, while a lost teddy bear “Bobby” was reunited with a family at American Airlines’ Admirals Club after a flight mix-up. Safety Watch: St. Croix police warned of armed carjackers using a “trap” tactic, urging drivers not to stop for hazards in the road.

Tourism Awards: BVI’s Luce D. Hodge-Smith was named CTO Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at the Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards during Caribbean Week in New York, while Barbados’ Andrea Franklin took Director of Tourism of the Year. Regional Tourism Spotlight: The Virgin Islands also won the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase, with a “Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” pitch linking marine restoration and land-based sustainability. Air Connectivity: Winair launched an interline partnership with Contour Airlines, improving one-itinerary connections through St. Maarten to more Caribbean destinations. Travel Planning Tips: Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index says the “sweet spot” is booking about a week ahead, with Sunday nights often the best value—plus savings from being flexible on dates and destinations. Community & Culture: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, raising toward a $300,000 goal, while the BVI launched a poetry and critical essay competition tied to the Long Look 250th Freedom commemoration. On-Island Updates: VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, with fines up to $1,000 for illegal dumping or misuse.

Tourism Awards: British Virgin Islands Junior Minister Luce D. Hodge-Smith was named CTO Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at the Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards during Caribbean Week in New York, with Barbados tourism CEO Andrea Franklin also taking a top regional award. Local Governance & Environment: Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser urged residents to tune in to the June 9 State of the Territory Address, highlighting climate change work including the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and updates on Crown Lands and a possible National Parks Trust announcement. Sustainable Tourism Innovation: VI students won the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase for a “Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept linking marine restoration with land-based sustainability. Travel Disruption/Family Travel: A lost teddy bear “Bobby” was recovered by American Airlines staff at DFW and reunited with a child traveling to the Virgin Islands—an upbeat reminder for travelers to double-check carry-ons. Safety & Visitor Readiness: VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning of fines up to $1,000 for illegal dumping and misuse.

Caribbean Tourism Awards: British Virgin Islands Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith picked up CTO “Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year” honors as CTO also named Barbados Tourism Marketing CEO Andrea Franklin “Director of Tourism of the Year” during Caribbean Week in New York. Regional Connectivity: Winair launched an interline partnership with Contour Airlines, giving smoother one-itinerary booking across the Caribbean via St. Maarten, including improved access to San Juan for VI travelers. VI Travel & Safety: A man faces federal charges after Customs found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in checked luggage arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Local Community & Tourism: The VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring up to $1,000 in fines. BVI Tourism Spotlight: Mary Joseph won BVI’s Junior Ambassador of Tourism title with a social-media strategy aimed at promoting the islands year-round. Sports & Travel Buzz: World Cup 2026 kicks off June 11 with Mexico vs South Africa, with every match set for live U.S. broadcast.

Caribbean Tourism Agenda: Caribbean Week in New York wrapped with fresh momentum for a “One Caribbean” tourism push, as ministers and industry leaders met to talk market resilience and a shift toward cultural and regenerative travel. BVI Tourism & Culture: The BVI launched a poetry and critical essay competition tied to the Long Look 250th Freedom commemoration, inviting community reflection on heritage and legacy. BVI Youth Spotlight: Mary Joseph was named the Virgin Islands’ new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching a “TAG” strategy using social media to promote smart, year-round travel. Sustainable Tourism Win: The VI team won the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept linking marine restoration and land-based sustainability. Travel Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines announced a new interline partnership, improving one-itinerary connections through St. Maarten to destinations across the region. Cruise Planning: SeaDream unveiled new fall 2028 and New Year 2029 Caribbean voyages that include multiple Virgin Islands calls and overnight-focused itineraries. On-the-Ground Ops: The VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, with fines up to $1,000 for illegal dumping. Local Travel Disruptions: VIPD set parking and traffic restrictions for Christiansted PRIDE parade and Frederiksted Women’s Race this weekend. Safety & Security: Police issued alerts after armed carjackers used a deceptive “trap” tactic on St. Croix roads, and a St. John driver faces serious charges after a fatal water truck plunge.

New Air Access for USVI: United Airlines will launch a nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026, making it the only nonstop link between St. Croix and the NYC area (weekly Saturday service). Tourism Talent Spotlight: BVI’s Mary Joseph was named Junior Ambassador of Tourism after pitching “TAG: Target. Authenticate. Guide,” using social media to promote smart, year-round travel. Sustainable Tourism Win: The VI team won the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept tying marine restoration to tourism funding. Local Events & Traffic: VIPD announced parking and traffic restrictions for Christiansted PRIDE Parade (June 6) and Frederiksted Women’s Race (June 7). Waste Enforcement: WMA is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000. Safety & Crime Alerts: St. John faces serious charges after a fatal water truck plunge; St. Croix police warned of armed carjackers using a “trap” tactic on roads. Aviation/Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to improve one-itinerary connections across the Caribbean via St. Maarten.

New nonstop to St. Croix: United Airlines launches a weekly Newark–St. Croix nonstop starting Oct. 31, 2026—an easier New York-area gateway for USVI travelers. Air travel growth: United also announced four new fall/winter routes, including seasonal Newark–St. Croix service and year-round flights to Mexico’s Chiapas. BVI tourism spotlight: Mary Joseph was named BVI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching “TAG” strategies to promote the islands year-round. Sustainable tourism win: The VI team won CTO’s 2026 Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept. Local safety & community: VIPD issued alerts on armed carjackers using a “trap” tactic on St. Croix roads, and set parking/traffic restrictions for Christiansted PRIDE and Frederiksted Women’s Race. Environment enforcement: WMA is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, with fines up to $1,000 for illegal dumping. Cruise planning: SeaDream announced new 2028–2029 Caribbean voyages featuring multiple Virgin Islands calls.

Safety & Crime: St. Croix police warned drivers after armed carjackers used a “trap” tactic in Frangipani—flat tire in the road, victim steps out, then gunmen rush in and steal the vehicle. Local Justice: St. John saw a commercial driver charged with vehicular homicide and aggravated child abuse after a fatal water truck plunge on Centerline Road killed his 6-year-old daughter. Traffic for Visitors: VIPD set parking and traffic restrictions for Christiansted PRIDE (June 6) and Frederiksted Women’s Race (June 7), with no-parking zones and reroutes around key streets. Tourism Talent: Mary Joseph was named VI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching a “TAG” strategy using social media to promote smart, year-round travel. Regional Tourism Wins: The VI team won champions at the 2026 CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase for a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept. Waste & Cleanliness: WMA is increasing enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000. Air Connectivity: United announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026, adding a major one-stop option for New York-area travelers.

Air Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched a new interline partnership, letting travelers book seamless itineraries through St. Maarten to reach San Juan, St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Dominica on one ticket. Tourism Talent: Mary Joseph was named the VI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism after winning a BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission competition with her “TAG: Target. Authenticate. Guide” strategy for social-media-led tourism promotion. Sustainable Tourism Showcase: The Virgin Islands won CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase in New York, pitching a “Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” focused on linking marine restoration with tourism revenue for conservation. Waste & Cleanliness: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000. Visitor Planning: VIPD announced parking and traffic restrictions for the Christiansted PRIDE Parade and Frederiksted Women’s Race this weekend. Cruise News: SeaDream Yacht Club revealed new Fall 2028 and New Year 2029 Caribbean sailings that include multiple overnight stays in the Virgin Islands and St. Barths. Local Environment Science: NOAA and partners deployed ocean robots from the U.S. Virgin Islands to study hurricanes, including sending vehicles into extreme conditions like hurricane eyewalls.

Air Access Boost for USVI: United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly flight that finally ends the need for connections for NYC-area travelers. Regional Tourism Networking: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 (June 1–5) brings CTO ministers and officials together, with BVI and USVI among the delegations, as the region pushes “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences.” VI Tourism Planning: The Virgin Islands is set to host a Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, aiming to align stakeholders on sustainable growth and a validated national tourism policy. Cruise Season News: SeaDream Yacht Club revealed winter 2028 and New Year 2029 sailings with 13 voyages that include multiple Virgin Islands stops and overnight stays in smaller ports. Power & Travel Disruption Watch: WAPA reported a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure triggered outages across St. Thomas and St. John, affecting government operations and businesses. Local Governance & Tourism: BVI political commentary is calling for decentralizing ministries—specifically moving the Ministry of Tourism to Virgin Gorda to spread opportunity and attention.

Tourism Policy & Industry: The Virgin Islands is set to host a Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, aiming to align stakeholders on “Shaping the Future of Tourism in the Virgin Islands: Partnership, Investment & Direction,” with regional and international leaders expected. Regional Tourism Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 (June 1–5) is drawing tourism ministers and officials across the region, including the BVI, under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” as leaders push for stronger connectivity and resilience. Local Tourism & Jobs: In the BVI, Labour Department cronyism allegations are being raised over alleged fast-tracked work permits for the yachting sector, with critics saying locals are being sidelined. Travel Access (VI): United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly flight that could make New York-area travel to the island much easier. Cruise & Sailing: SeaDream Yacht Club revealed winter 2028 and New Year 2029 sailings featuring 13 voyages that include multiple Virgin Islands stops and overnights in St. Barths. Hurricane Research (VI link): NOAA’s uncrewed surface robot program is using data gathered off the U.S. Virgin Islands to improve hurricane forecasting, including plans to study how the new measurements affect intensity predictions.

Air Access Boost: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York-area route to St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2026—weekly Saturday flights Newark (EWR) to Henry E. Rohlsen (STX), a big win for visitors and island businesses. Tourism Planning: The Virgin Islands will host a Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing together regional and international leaders to shape sustainable growth and align stakeholders. BVI Governance & Tourism: Mark Vanterpool argues for decentralizing BVI ministries—suggesting Tourism move to Virgin Gorda and Fisheries/Environment to Anegada—to spread opportunity across the territory. Local Infrastructure Debate: A West End seawall project sparks public pushback over views and road character, with critics calling it “shiggity.” Power & Travel Disruption: WAPA says a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure triggered St. Thomas/St. John outages, affecting government operations and businesses. Caribbean Travel Demand: A new report flags the Cayman Islands as a top family destination, with the USVI also showing growth in family travel.