AGP Executive Report

Democracy & Representation: A new look at the Insular Cases highlights how about 3.6 million people in U.S. territories—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—can vote in presidential primaries but not in the general election, and they lack voting senators. Local Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed a package of 36th Legislature bills covering mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, controlled incineration for green waste, and election operations and infrastructure updates—along with two line-item vetoes. Courts & Public Safety: A pro–Second Amendment group warned Virgin Islands lawmakers that proposed gun restrictions could be struck down in court, pointing to pending Supreme Court and Third Circuit rulings. Anti-Corruption: Former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal was sentenced to seven years in federal prison in the Mon Ethos corruption case, with restitution ordered, as the case continues to unfold. Travel & Tourism: U.S. Virgin Islands tourism got a boost as CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to additional St. Thomas and St. Croix airport locations, and the territory highlighted new nonstop Newark–St. Croix service during Caribbean Week in New York.

Government & Elections: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed a slate of 36th Legislature bills, including measures on mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, controlled incineration for green waste, and elections operations—plus line-item vetoes and calls for clarifications. Courts & Corruption: Former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal was sentenced to 7 years in the Mon Ethos corruption case; the judge also ordered supervised release and restitution, following earlier sentencing for Ray Martinez and David Whitaker. Public Safety & Gun Policy: A pro–Second Amendment group warned Territorial Senate President Milton Potter that proposed gun laws could be struck down by pending federal court rulings. Federal/Regional Policy: Resident Commissioner Pablo Hernández Rivera announced Sen. Roger Wicker joined as a co-sponsor of the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, a move tied to momentum for bringing SNAP to Puerto Rico. Travel & Border Operations: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to additional USVI airports, and the USVI highlighted new nonstop Newark–St. Croix service during Caribbean Week in New York. Infrastructure/Procurement: AECOM won a DHS nationwide infrastructure modernization contract covering work in US territories including the USVI.

Local Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed a slate of bills from the 36th Legislature, including measures on mental health education, paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, controlled incineration for green waste, and election-operations and infrastructure support—plus two line-item vetoes and calls for clarifying parts of key legislation. Courts & Corruption: Former USVI OMB director Jenifer O’Neal was sentenced to seven years in federal prison in the Mon Ethos corruption case, with restitution ordered; the case also involved former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and contractor David Whitaker. Public Safety & Rights: A pro–Second Amendment group warned Virgin Islands lawmakers that proposed gun laws could be struck down in court, pointing to pending Supreme Court and Third Circuit rulings. Federal/Regional Policy: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera said Sen. Roger Wicker joined as a co-sponsor of a Puerto Rico SNAP bill, a notable GOP step toward expanding nutrition assistance. Immigration Enforcement: The Coast Guard repatriated 32 people after an interdiction near Desecheo, Puerto Rico, as part of Homeland Security Task Force efforts. Tourism & Travel: USVI highlighted Caribbean Week momentum, including new nonstop service between Newark and St. Croix, and CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to additional USVI airports. Community & Civic Life: AARP’s Community Challenge continues to fund quick, visible improvements, with USVI included among jurisdictions benefiting from the program’s grants. Business/Development Watch: Fresh filings and reports keep attention on “Epstein Island” in the USVI, including ownership details and stalled resort plans, as public debate swirls around what’s documented versus what’s rumored.

Local Governance: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed a package of bills from the 36th Legislature, including measures to burn solid waste, expand mental health education, add paid leave for parents of children with disabilities, strengthen elections operations, redirect hotel development net bond proceeds, and bolster public infrastructure—along with two line-item vetoes and calls for clarifying key provisions. Public Corruption: Former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal was sentenced to seven years in federal prison in the Mon Ethos case, with three years of supervised release and $34,000 restitution; her co-defendant, former VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, received 10 years earlier this week. Federal/Legal Access: A new free website, Territorial Review, is live in Guam to make laws and court opinions easier to search for the public, starting with Supreme Court opinions and the Guam Code. Elections & Policy: Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera announced Sen. Roger Wicker has joined as a co-sponsor of the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act to bring SNAP to Puerto Rico, citing momentum after a recent funding increase. Immigration Enforcement: The Coast Guard repatriated 32 people to the Dominican Republic after a makeshift-vessel interdiction near Desecheo, Puerto Rico, as part of Homeland Security Task Force efforts. Tourism & Travel: CTO and TEMPO Networks announced a renewed 20-year collaboration to expand digital, social, and broadcast storytelling for Caribbean tourism; separately, CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to additional USVI airport locations. Regional Politics/Status: Right to Democracy hosted a House briefing on “consent of the governed” in U.S. territories and pushed a “Declaration to End Colonialism in U.S. Territories.”

Public Corruption Sentencing: Jenifer O’Neal was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison in the Mon Ethos corruption case, with restitution ordered, after a trial that also convicted former VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez (10 years). Legal & Governance: A Third Circuit ruling rejected “overtime gap time” claims under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, though workers may still pursue unpaid straight-time under state wage laws. Territorial Policy & Decolonization: The VI urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to push concrete steps for the remaining non-self-governing territories, including support for visiting missions and peaceful paths to self-government. Federal-Local Justice Access: California AG Rob Bonta joined a coalition urging Congress to keep funding the Legal Services Corporation, which supports civil legal aid across states and U.S. territories. Immigration Enforcement: The Coast Guard repatriated 32 people after intercepting an overloaded vessel near Desecheo, Puerto Rico, as part of efforts to deter unlawful maritime migration. Tourism & Travel Connectivity: The VI highlighted new nonstop Newark–St. Croix service and other Caribbean Week momentum, while CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to additional VI airports. Community Spotlight: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, with survivors, volunteers, and fundraising aimed at a $300,000 goal. Regional Legal/Professional Exchange: Florida and VI legal leaders met in St. Croix for training, collaboration, and community service. Aviation/Trade Winds: Southwest and Singapore Airlines launched an interline single-ticket partnership, and Royal Caribbean added a La Romana port call on a St. Thomas–area itinerary.

Congressional Inquiry: Bill Gates told a House Oversight Committee he never saw signs of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and said he never visited Epstein’s U.S. Virgin Islands islands, as lawmakers press for details on Epstein’s network and alleged leverage tactics. VI Governance & Rights: The VI government urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance self-government options for the remaining non-self-governing territories, including the VI. Territories in Congress: A bipartisan congressional briefing focused on what “consent of the governed” means for U.S. territories, with VI Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett warning that second-class citizenship is being treated as precedent. Customs & Travel: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three VI airports (St. Thomas and St. Croix), aiming to speed arrivals for eligible travelers. Tourism & Connectivity: VI leaders highlighted Caribbean Week in New York, including new United nonstop service between Newark and St. Croix. Public Safety & Migration: The Coast Guard repatriated 32 people after an interdiction near Desecheo, Puerto Rico, part of efforts to curb human smuggling in the region. Local Community: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th year, with organizers targeting a $300,000 goal and survivors sharing cancer recovery stories.

Travel & Border Operations: CBP expanded Mobile Passport Control to three U.S. Virgin Islands airports—Cyril E. King (St. Thomas), Cyril E. King General Aviation, and Henry E. Rohlsen (St. Croix)—letting eligible travelers submit passport info and use designated MPC lanes on arrival. Tourism & Connectivity: The U.S. Virgin Islands used Caribbean Week in New York to spotlight a new United nonstop between Newark and St. Croix, plus record visitor momentum and fresh marketing partnerships. Regional Governance & Rights: A bipartisan congressional briefing on “consent of the governed” highlighted how U.S. territories lack full democratic rights; U.S. Virgin Islands delegate Stacey Plaskett participated, tying the issue to constitutional protections and second-class citizenship. International Affairs: The VI urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to push forward decolonisation for the remaining non-self-governing territories, including support for visiting missions. Privacy & Business Compliance: A 3rd Circuit update on session replay code claims offered practical guidance for businesses facing website tracking lawsuits. Military: USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a 10-month deployment supporting operations in the Fourth Fleet area, including counter-narcotics and humanitarian missions in the Caribbean.

U.S. Territories & Decolonization: The Virgin Islands urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to help the 17 remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories move toward integration, free association, or independence. Territorial Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing on “consent of the governed” highlighted that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories still lack full democratic rights, with U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett participating. Local Workforce & Health Care: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten graduates completed Cohort 2 and are eligible for NREMT certification. Navy Presence in the Caribbean: USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a 10-month deployment supporting Operation Southern Spear, including enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean. Courts & High-Profile Islands: Google co-founder Larry Page remains locked in a long-running legal fight over Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with mediation failing and the dispute headed back to court. Community Spotlight: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, raising more than $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal and featuring survivor stories.

U.S. Territories & Decolonization Push: The U.S. Virgin Islands urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to help the remaining 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories move toward integration, free association, or independence, with Acting Premier’s office highlighting the need for more on-the-ground engagement. Congressional Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing at the U.S. Senate examined what “consent of the governed” means for the 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories, with U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett joining via video and lawmakers arguing colonial-era limits still deny full democratic rights. Privacy & Enforcement Watch: A 3rd Circuit ruling offered guidance for businesses facing website tracking lawsuits tied to session replay code, while a separate FTC action finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education over alleged failures to secure student data. Local Workforce & EMS Training: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with 10 graduates now eligible for national certification. Navy Presence in the Caribbean: USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a 10-month deployment that included Caribbean operations and enhanced counter-narcotics support. Legal Battle in the VI: Tech billionaire Larry Page remains locked in a long-running court fight over ownership of Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands after mediation failed. Community Health Milestone: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, raising more than $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal with survivors and volunteers spotlighting hope and support.

Territorial Self-Government Push: The U.S. Virgin Islands urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance decolonisation for the remaining 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, with integration, free association, or independence on the table. Congressional Democracy Debate: A bipartisan briefing at the U.S. Senate examined what “consent of the governed” means for people in U.S. territories, highlighting that 3.6 million residents still lack full democratic rights. Privacy/Business Compliance: The 3rd Circuit issued guidance on session replay code and website tracking lawsuits, focusing on standing and injury—signals for local businesses watching federal privacy enforcement. Workforce Training Update: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten graduates completed Cohort 2 and are positioned for national certification. Community Health Milestone: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary, with organizers reporting more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal. Local Legal/Property Watch: A long-running dispute involving Larry Page’s USVI island holdings (Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik) hit another mediation impasse, setting up further court action. Travel Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to improve single-itinerary connections across the Caribbean, including routes involving San Juan and St. Thomas via St. Maarten. Sports & Service: USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a 10-month deployment that included Caribbean operations supporting counter-narcotics and humanitarian missions.

UN Decolonisation Push: VI Special Envoy E. Benito Wheatley urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) to use “good offices” and visiting missions to help the remaining 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories move toward integration, free association, or independence. Territorial Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing at the U.S. Senate examined what “consent of the governed” means for the 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories, with U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett joining via video and Guam advocates pressing lawmakers on the Insular Cases’ legacy. Workforce & Public Safety: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with 10 graduates on track for national certification. Local Government Recognition: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top public servants at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting government service and leadership across agencies. Privacy/Business Compliance (3rd Circuit): A legal explainer on Third Circuit rulings involving session replay code highlights steps businesses can take to reduce tracking-related website litigation risk.

Territorial Democracy Push: A bipartisan congressional briefing on June 4, featuring U.S. Virgin Islands Rep. Stacey Plaskett and others, renewed the fight over “consent of the governed,” arguing 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories—including the USVI—still lack full voting rights in Congress. Workforce & EMS Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with ten graduates now eligible for NREMT certification. Local Governance & Service Delivery: In the BVI, Mark Vanterpool called for decentralizing government by moving key ministries to sister islands like Virgin Gorda and Anegada to reduce Tortola-centric development. Military Presence in the Caribbean: USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a 10-month deployment that included Caribbean operations supporting counter-narcotics and homeland security tasks. Transportation Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026, ending decades of needing connections for that corridor. Public Service Spotlight: Acting Gov. Tregenza Roach honored top VI government employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix.

Territorial Democracy Push: A bipartisan congressional briefing in Washington, organized with Right to Democracy and U.S. Virgin Islands Rep. Stacey Plaskett, pressed lawmakers on why 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories lack full voting rights—no senators and only nonvoting House representation—revisiting the legacy of the Insular Cases. Local Governance & Workforce: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top VI public servants at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the day-to-day work that keeps government running. Public Safety & Training: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten residents completed Cohort 2 and are positioned for national certification. Military Presence in the Region: USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a historic 10-month deployment supporting Operation Southern Spear, including counter-narcotics and humanitarian missions in the Caribbean. Transportation & Connectivity: United announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly flight—aimed at improving access between the NYC region and the VI. Aviation Reliability: Newark Liberty topped Northeast airports for on-time performance in 2026, citing FAA upgrades, staffing increases, and schedule adjustments.

Territorial Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing in the U.S. Senate revisited what “consent of the governed” means for 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands—highlighting that residents lack full voting power in Congress and remain constrained by the Insular Cases. Local Government & Workforce: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top public employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the day-to-day work that keeps services running. Emergency Medical Training: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with graduates now positioned for national certification. Military Presence in the Region: The USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group returned to Norfolk after a 10-month deployment that included counter-narcotics support in the Caribbean. Transportation Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026, a major boost for travel between the New York area and the territory. Public Safety/Health Systems: U.S. Navy and Coast Guard updates included regional readiness and a reported Coast Guard rescue near the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball Reminder: Powerball’s Saturday, June 6 jackpot was estimated at $212 million—check your tickets.

Epstein Files & Little St. James: New DOJ/House Oversight material keeps fueling scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein’s U.S. Virgin Islands footprint, including fresh “epstein temple” photos showing a blue-and-white striped structure and a missing golden dome that don’t match earlier permit descriptions, plus new questions from lawmakers about how photos were handled in the public file release. Territorial Democracy Push: A bipartisan congressional briefing led by Right to Democracy and U.S. Virgin Islands Rep. Stacey Plaskett pressed the case that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories lack full democratic rights—no senators and only nonvoting House representation—raising “consent of the governed” concerns. USVI Workforce & EMS Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten graduates completed Cohort 2 and are positioned for national certification. Military Presence: The USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group wrapped a historic 10-month deployment, with Marines and sailors already returning home, including Caribbean-focused counter-narcotics support. Local Governance & Service: Acting Gov. Roach highlighted public service at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting government workers’ day-to-day impact. Travel & Connectivity: United announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026, ending decades of needing connections for NYC-area travel.

Territorial Democracy Fight: Guam advocates held a June 4 congressional briefing on what “consent of the governed” should mean for U.S. territories, arguing the Insular Cases still leave about 3.6 million Americans without full constitutional rights. Local Workforce & Health Capacity: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten graduates completed Cohort 2 and are positioned for NREMT certification. Public Service Spotlight: Acting Gov. Tregenza Roach honored top government employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, emphasizing professionalism and service delivery. Aviation Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route from Newark to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly Saturday flight—boosting New York-area access to the island. Federal Oversight & Sex Abuse Referrals: A House oversight committee advised DOJ on “criminal conduct” allegations tied to the Epstein orbit, based on interviews with a former Epstein assistant. Privacy Enforcement Watch: The FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education over a major student-data breach, underscoring how privacy promises can trigger binding federal obligations.