AGP Executive Report

Ferry Rates Fight: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on a St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate investigation after the two franchised operators challenged hearing examiner Jed JonHope’s conflict-of-interest concerns, with his final report recommending about a 21% cut to the rate base (from roughly $7.3 million to $5.7 million) and tying the math to a prior PSC directive separating the Red Hook–Cruz Bay route from the Charlotte Amalie–Cruz Bay route. Housing Aid Scrutiny: A Right to Democracy analysis says nearly 4 in 5 Sinlaku housing-aid referrals in CNMI were not awarded, citing low eligibility and award rates (21.5%) and pointing to major differences versus Yutu and Hurricane Maria outcomes. Public Safety & Courts: A 75-year-old California man, Kenneth Burford, faces a felony charge in St. Thomas for allegedly failing to register as a sex offender after spending months on the island without registering. Federal Enforcement in the Region: U.S. prosecutors unsealed Clean Water Act charges against a Puerto Rico slaughterhouse operator and employees, alleging illegal wastewater discharges into waters flowing to the Caribbean Sea. Travel/Connectivity: Southwest is adding more Caribbean service, including a new nonstop Nashville–St. Thomas route launching March 13, 2027. Community & Service: Fort Buchanan held a Change of Responsibility ceremony in Puerto Rico, marking the transition between senior enlisted leaders.

Housing & Disaster Aid: Right to Democracy says nearly 4 in 5 Sinlaku housing aid referrals in the CNMI weren’t awarded, with a 21.5% success rate—far below the 65.3% rate after Yutu and below U.S. Virgin Islands performance after Hurricane Maria (40.7%). Federal Oversight & Local Impact: The U.S. Department of Justice unsealed Clean Water Act charges against a Puerto Rico slaughterhouse operator, alleging illegal wastewater discharges toward a creek that reaches the sea and a public beach. Territorial Costs & Shipping: USPS policy changes are driving higher mail costs for Guam residents shipping to the 50 states via a third-party duty-payment app—an issue that also affects U.S. Virgin Islands residents. Public Safety & Courts: A St. Thomas man faces felony assault charges after a violent multi-person brawl following St. John Festival left a woman hospitalized with severe facial fractures and head trauma. Community & Service: The Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart Recipient Community Fund and H.O.P.E. Incorporated plan the Oct. 2 “Purple Carpet Bash” in Christiansted for domestic violence awareness, veterans’ wellness, and men’s mental health. Maritime Economy: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Transportation Policy: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on its St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate report after operators challenged the hearing examiner’s findings, including claims of conflict of interest. Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands won the Nike RBI Softball World Series championship in Vero Beach, Florida.

USVI Justice & Public Safety: A 75-year-old California man, Kenneth Burford, was charged in St. Thomas with failing to register as a sex offender after authorities say he lived on the island for about six months without registering; bail was set at $5,500. Territorial Transportation Oversight: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on its final St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate report after operators challenged the hearing examiner’s findings, including claims of a conflict of interest; the recommended rate-base cut was about 21%. Local Crime & Courts: A St. Thomas resident, T-Kori Deshatlo, faces felony assault charges tied to a violent multi-person brawl after St. John Festival that left a woman hospitalized with severe facial fractures and head trauma. Community & Veterans/Health: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart fund will host “Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose” Oct. 2 in Christiansted, focusing on domestic violence, trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness. Federal Funding for Maritime Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Sports & Youth: The U.S. Virgin Islands won the Nike RBI Softball World Series championship, while Team Canada’s Pan-American men’s lacrosse roster includes a VI-linked player and coach competing in Jamaica Aug. 16–23.

Transportation & Access: Southwest Airlines is adding more nonstop service to the U.S. Virgin Islands, with new Nashville-to-St. Thomas flights launching in March 2027, building on earlier Southwest St. Thomas routes. Public Safety & Courts: A 75-year-old California man, Kenneth Burford, faces a felony charge for allegedly failing to register as a sex offender after spending months on St. Thomas. Ferry Governance: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on its final St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate report after operators raised conflict-of-interest concerns and urged commissioners to discard the examiner’s recommended 21% rate-base cut. Community & Health: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart fund will host the Purple Carpet Bash on Oct. 2 in Christiansted, focused on domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, veterans’ wellness, and men’s mental health. Maritime & Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards nationwide, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Youth Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands won the Nike RBI Softball World Series title in Vero Beach, Florida.

Ferry Rates Fight: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred its decision on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators challenged the hearing examiner’s report, which recommended cutting the rate base about 21%—a move tied to separating the Red Hook–Cruz Bay route from the Charlotte Amalie–Cruz Bay route. Sex Offender Registration: A 75-year-old California man, Kenneth Burford, was charged with failing to register as a sex offender after authorities say he spent about six months on St. Thomas without registering; bail was set at $5,500. Air Service Growth: Southwest announced it will add a new nonstop Nashville–St. Thomas route starting March 13, 2027, expanding the airline’s Caribbean network. Maritime Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program. Community & Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands won the Nike RBI Softball World Series; and a Purple Carpet Bash in Christiansted is set for Oct. 2 to support domestic violence awareness, veterans wellness, and men’s mental health.

Territorial Justice: A 75-year-old California man, Kenneth Burford, was charged after authorities say he spent about six months on St. Thomas without registering as a sex offender, with bail set at $5,500. Public Safety & Courts: A St. Thomas woman, Ulissa George, was arrested after police say she stabbed her boyfriend with kitchen scissors during a dispute at an Annas Retreat residence; she faces domestic-violence-related charges. Transportation Oversight: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on a proposed St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate-base cut after operators challenged the hearing examiner’s findings, alleging a conflict of interest. Maritime Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Community & Culture: The Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose is set for Oct. 2 in Christiansted, supporting domestic violence awareness, veterans’ wellness, and men’s mental health. Sports & Representation: The U.S. Virgin Islands won the Nike RBI Softball World Series championship, and Team Canada’s Pan-American men’s lacrosse roster includes a U.S. Virgin Islands connection. Travel & Access: Southwest announced a new nonstop route from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027.

Local Justice: A 75-year-old California man, Kenneth Burford, was charged after authorities say he spent about six months on St. Thomas without registering as a sex offender; a magistrate found probable cause and set bail at $5,500. Public Safety & Community: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart fund will host the “Purple Carpet Bash” Oct. 2 in Christiansted, with programming focused on domestic violence awareness, veterans’ wellness, and men’s mental health, featuring Rob Malloy. Transportation & Regulation: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on its ferry-rate investigation after operators challenged the hearing examiner’s final report, which recommended cutting the rate base by about 21%. Maritime Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program. Travel & Connectivity: Southwest announced nonstop Nashville–St. Thomas service starting March 13, 2027, adding another direct link to Cyril E. King Airport. Sports & Youth: The U-12 regional tennis competition in Trinidad and Tobago (Aug. 13–21) includes the U.S. Virgin Islands among 19 nations.

Transportation & Economic Development: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program, targeting equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training to boost productivity and local jobs. Aviation & Tourism: Southwest Airlines announced a new nonstop route from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027 (Saturday service), adding to its growing St. Thomas network. Public Safety & Courts: A 75-year-old California man, Kenneth Burford, was charged after authorities say he spent about six months on St. Thomas without registering as a sex offender; bail was set at $5,500. Local Justice & Violence: A St. Thomas man was charged in a violent post-festival terminal brawl that left a woman hospitalized with severe injuries. Ferry Policy: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on a proposed 21% reduction to St. Thomas–St. John ferry rate base after operators raised concerns about a hearing examiner’s conflict of interest. Community & Wellness: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart Recipient Community Fund will host the Oct. 2 “Purple Carpet Bash” in Christiansted, focused on domestic violence awareness, veterans’ wellness, trauma recovery, and men’s mental health.

Territorial Justice & Public Safety: A St. Thomas man, T-Kori Deshatlo, faces felony assault charges after a violent multi-person brawl following St. John Festival left a woman hospitalized with severe facial fractures and head trauma, with police tracing the fight to a crowded Red Hook ferry line and escalating tensions. Local Transportation Governance: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred action on its ferry-rate investigation after operators challenged the hearing examiner’s final report, which recommended about a 21% reduction to the rate base, citing alleged conflict-of-interest concerns. Cruise Economy: New data highlights the VI as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, ranking third for growth in early 2026 arrivals, underscoring the territory’s expanding role in regional tourism. Regional Environmental Enforcement: Federal prosecutors unsealed Clean Water Act charges against a Puerto Rico slaughterhouse operator and employees for alleged illegal wastewater discharges into waters flowing to a public beach—an enforcement spotlight for the broader Caribbean. Federal Citizenship Politics: Trump signed new executive orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship in “birth tourism” and other specified cases, reviving debate in U.S. territories about how citizenship protections are applied.

Ferry Rates Under Fire: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred a decision on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after operators challenged the hearing examiner’s report, which recommended cutting the rate base by about 21% and reshaping how savings are allocated. Cruise Boom Watch: New data says the VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026—up 29.3% year over year—highlighting the territory’s growing role in the regional cruise market. Local Court News: A St. Thomas man faces felony assault charges after a violent multi-person terminal brawl following St. John Festival left a woman hospitalized with severe facial fractures and head trauma. Public Safety—Domestic Violence: A St. Thomas woman was arrested after police say she stabbed her boyfriend with kitchen scissors during an argument tied to marijuana, with charges filed under domestic violence laws. Regional Environment: Federal prosecutors unsealed Clean Water Act charges against a Puerto Rico slaughterhouse operator and employees, alleging illegal wastewater discharges into waters flowing to the Caribbean Sea. Big Prize Buzz: Powerball hit the $1 billion mark for Wednesday’s drawing, with winning numbers reported as 4, 26, 66, 67, 69 and Powerball 9 (Power Play 2x). Church Leadership: A VI-born bishop was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, set to assume office Sept. 1, 2026.

Public Utilities: The V.I. Public Services Commission deferred its decision on St. Thomas–St. John ferry rates after the franchised operators alleged a conflict of interest tied to hearing examiner Jed JonHope; JonHope’s final report had recommended cutting the rate base about 21% (from roughly $7.3 million to $5.7 million), with the calculation shaped by separating the Red Hook–Cruz Bay route from the Charlotte Amalie–Cruz Bay route. Cruise Economy: The territory ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in Jan–Mar 2026—up 29.3% year over year—highlighting the role of the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. Local Crime & Courts: St. Croix saw two more homicides after an early-morning shooting near La Terraza Bar and Restaurant in Castle Coakley killed brothers Delli Eduardo (25) and Yordani Eduardo (30); the case follows a prior court dismissal that left one brother legally cleared just weeks earlier. Culture & Community: Tributes followed the death of Bradley Christian, a longtime St. Croix cultural guardian who preserved quadrille, Crucian cuisine, and the territory’s official madras, including decades of public service. Regional Note: Vin Blaine—who previously served as director of football for the U.S. Virgin Islands—was appointed director of football for Belize’s federation.

USVI Public Safety: A St. Thomas woman was arrested after police say she stabbed her boyfriend with kitchen scissors during an argument at an Annas Retreat residence, with charges tied to domestic violence and a dangerous weapon. St. Croix Violence: Two brothers were killed in an early-morning shooting near La Terraza Bar and Restaurant in Castle Coakley; police say the territory’s homicide total rose to 30 for the year. Local Culture & Government Service: St. Croix cultural guardian Bradley Christian—known for quadrille, madras development, and decades of public service—died, prompting tributes from territorial leaders. Cannabis Regulation: The Office of Cannabis Regulation told senators licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially ready before year-end, pending a product-testing lab. Sports & Community: VIPD Officer Cindy Claudio is set for a hero’s welcome after winning a bronze medal in women’s boxing at the 2026 CAC Games. Regional/International: A USVI-born bishop was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands. Federal/Policy Watch: A coalition of states sued the OCC over a rule that would block banks from paying interest on mortgage escrow accounts.

USVI Cannabis Rollout: The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start “within weeks,” with at least two dispensaries potentially ready before year-end 2026, but commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected to be operational “by October.” Territorial Public Safety: St. Croix saw a deadly double shooting outside Castle Coakley early Sunday, killing brothers Delli Eduardo (25) and Yordani Eduardo (30); the case follows a prior court dismissal order entered 34 days earlier. Local Culture & Service: The territory mourns Bradley Christian, a St. Croix cultural guardian who preserved quadrille, head-tie traditions, Crucian cuisine, and helped develop the official Virgin Islands madras, including decades of public service. Federal Policy Watch: A new executive order on birthright citizenship is drawing pushback from a nonprofit group, which says it’s troubling for people in U.S. territories after the Supreme Court’s Trump v. Barbara decision. Sports & Pride: VIPD Officer Cindy Claudio returns to a hero’s welcome after winning a bronze medal in women’s 65kg boxing at the 2026 CAC Games. Religion: A USVI-born bishop, Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard, was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, taking office Sept. 1, 2026. Odds & Ends: Powerball keeps climbing toward $1 billion ahead of the next drawing.

U.S. Virgin Islands Law & Public Safety: St. Croix saw a deadly early-morning double shooting outside Castle Coakley, killing brothers Delli Eduardo (25) and Yordani Eduardo (30) and pushing the territory’s 2026 homicide total to 30. Criminal Justice & Courts: A separate report revisits how bail works in the territory, responding to public frustration over repeat offenders and pre-trial release decisions. Local Governance & Regulation: The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation in the USVI could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially opening before year-end—though commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab being operational. Federal Policy Watch: A new Trump executive order renews pressure on birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, following the Supreme Court’s Trump v. Barbara ruling—setting up likely legal fights. Health Policy: Medicare Part D subsidy support is ending early, raising concerns about 2027 premiums and costs for beneficiaries. Community & Culture: Tributes followed the death of Bradley Christian, a longtime St. Croix cultural guardian who preserved quadrille and helped develop the territory’s official madras. Sports & Pride: VIPD Officer Cindy Claudio returned after winning a bronze medal in women’s boxing at the CAC Games.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: President Trump signed new executive orders aimed at narrowing birthright citizenship and restricting “birth tourism” after the Supreme Court’s Trump v. Barbara decision, drawing fresh alarm from U.S. territories and civil-rights groups. USVI Cannabis Rollout: The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially opening before year-end, but sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected to be ready by October. St. Croix Violence: Two brothers were killed in an early-morning shooting outside Castle Coakley, pushing St. Croix’s 2026 homicide count higher and renewing scrutiny of public safety and court processes. Local Culture Loss: St. Croix cultural guardian Bradley Christian died, remembered for decades preserving quadrille, madras development, and public service at Fort Frederik Museum. Sports & Service: VIPD Officer Cindy Claudio returned to USVI to celebrate a bronze medal at the CAC Games—boxing history for a territory woman. Federal Policy Watch: Attorneys general, including Pennsylvania’s Dave Sunday, urged Congress to preserve 2025 hemp reforms and keep intoxicating hemp restrictions in place. Powerball Buzz: The $905M Powerball jackpot rolls into Monday, with cash value reported at about $391.9M.

Daylight Saving Time Fight: With the Senate in recess until Sept. 14, Americans are still set to “fall back” on Nov. 1, even as President Donald Trump pushes the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving permanent—raising fresh uncertainty about whether the clock-change endgame can happen before the deadline. USVI Governance & Public Safety: The Office of Cannabis Regulation says licensed cultivation could start in the Virgin Islands within weeks, with at least two dispensaries potentially opening before year-end, but commercial sales hinge on a product-testing lab expected to be ready “by October.” Territorial Crime: A St. Croix double homicide outside Castle Coakley Bar left two brothers dead, bringing the territory’s 2026 murder total to 30. Local Culture Loss: St. Croix cultural guardian Bradley Christian—known for quadrille, madras development, and decades of public service—has died. Sports & Pride: VIPD Officer Cindy Claudio earned a bronze medal at the CAC Games, and the territory is rallying for her return. Broader Rights Debate: Trump’s new executive orders targeting birthright citizenship are drawing renewed pushback from groups warning about impacts in U.S. territories. Regional Environment Watch: Refaluwasch Journal of Knowledge and Culture joined other territorial groups filing a Supreme Court brief over Guam’s proposed open burning and detonation of hazardous military waste.