AGP Executive Report

Charter Yacht Fee Fight: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. escalated a dispute with the British Virgin Islands over rising charter yacht fees, meeting Interior officials in Washington and pressing for an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in the week of Oct. 12, while demanding Premier Natalio Wheatley respond in writing by Sept. 25. Federal Court Update: A federal judge dismissed a $5M lawsuit by Jerome Nibbs over 36 days detained on Coast Guard cutters after a 2022 cocaine interdiction, ruling maritime law barred recovery for emotional distress. Border Security: CBP and Puerto Rico authorities intercepted an alleged human smuggling attempt near Culebra after a vessel traveled from St. Thomas carrying a family of three Indian nationals; the operator, Kavon Wheatley, faces an alien-smuggling charge. CBP Hiring: CBP will host a virtual recruitment webinar Sept. 22 for Marine Interdiction Agent roles supporting operations across Puerto Rico and the USVI. Travel/Connectivity: American Airlines announced added Caribbean service that includes St. Thomas, signaling continued air network focus on the USVI region.

Charter Yacht Fee Fight: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. escalated a dispute with the British Virgin Islands over charter yacht fees, pushing for an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington and demanding Premier Natalio Wheatley respond in writing by Sept. 25. Border Security: U.S. CBP says it detained a British national from Tortola and charged him after an alleged alien-smuggling trip from St. Thomas to Culebra, where three Indian nationals were intercepted and processed. Courts & Coast Guard: A federal judge dismissed a $5 million lawsuit by Jerome Nibbs tied to 36 days detained aboard Coast Guard cutters after a 2022 cocaine interdiction, ruling maritime law barred his emotional-distress damages claim. CBP Hiring: CBP will host a Sept. 22 recruitment webinar for Marine Interdiction Agent roles covering work across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Travel/Connectivity: American Airlines is expanding Caribbean routes from Miami, including added service to St. Thomas, while Southwest continues nonstop Caribbean flying that includes the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Governance & Policy Context: A U.S. Virgin Islands-focused panel led by Rep. Stacey Plaskett examined how fintech and e-commerce can open economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, including capital access challenges in the territory.

Federal Courts & Public Safety: A federal judge dismissed a $5M emotional-distress lawsuit by Jerome Nibbs, who spent 36 days detained aboard U.S. Coast Guard cutters after a 2022 St. Thomas cocaine interdiction, ruling maritime law barred the claim. Territorial Governance & Trade: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan escalated a charter yacht fee fight with Premier Natalio Wheatley, proposing an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington and demanding Wheatley commit in writing by Sept. 25, as U.S. agencies scrutinize how Tortola’s maritime rules affect American-flagged vessels. Homeland Security: CBP will host a Sept. 22 virtual recruitment webinar for Marine Interdiction Agent roles, highlighting operations across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Regional Security: CBP and Puerto Rico police intercepted a suspected human smuggling attempt near Culebra, detaining a family unit and charging the vessel operator under U.S. alien-smuggling law. Politics & Democracy: A CBP/CBF panel led by USVI Rep. Stacey Plaskett examined how fintech and e-commerce could expand opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, pointing to capital access gaps in places like the Virgin Islands.

Federal Courts: A U.S. District judge dismissed a $5 million lawsuit by St. Thomas resident Jerome Nibbs over 36 days detained aboard U.S. Coast Guard cutters after a June 2022 cocaine-smuggling interdiction, ruling maritime law barred damages for emotional distress. Territorial Governance: As the VI charter yacht fee dispute drags on, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met with the U.S. Department of the Interior and pressed for an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington, setting Sept. 25 for Premier Natalio Wheatley to commit in writing and Oct. 2 for a follow-up meeting. Border & Security: CBP Marine Interdiction agents and Puerto Rico police intercepted a suspected human smuggling case near Culebra, detaining a family unit and charging the vessel operator under federal alien-smuggling law. Aviation & Travel: American Airlines is expanding winter Caribbean service from Miami, adding flights to St. Thomas and other nearby destinations, even as it deals with operational issues affecting business-class seating on some routes. Homeland Security Hiring: CBP will host a Sept. 22 virtual recruitment webinar for Marine Interdiction Agent roles, including work across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Border Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Marine Interdiction agents, with Puerto Rico Police, intercepted a suspected human smuggling vessel near Culebra after receiving a tip from a St. Thomas–to-Culebra route; three people were detained and the operator, Kavon Wheatly of Tortola, was charged under federal alien smuggling law, with the vessel and engine seized. Public Safety: A stronger-than-usual earthquake near Guanica, Puerto Rico (magnitude 4.8) prompted a tsunami information statement, but officials said there is no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the British Virgin Islands. Congress & Governance: A CBP recruitment push is underway for Marine Interdiction Agent roles, with a Sept. 22 virtual webinar aimed at explaining the mission and hiring process. Territorial Policy & Democracy: A University of Michigan panel on “Decolonizing imagination” examined shifting political narratives across U.S. territories, featuring U.S. Virgin Islands voices including delegate Imani Daniel. Regional Economic Ties: Liberia’s trade and investment envoy is set to pitch the country to Caribbean and diaspora investors during a St. Thomas summit, highlighting sectors like tourism, energy, infrastructure, and the blue economy.

Daylight Saving Time Deadline: With the Senate still not voting on the Sunshine Protection Act, Americans (including U.S. Virgin Islands residents who follow federal time rules) should still plan to “fall back” on Nov. 1, 2026 at 2 a.m.; clocks move back one hour to 1 a.m. Congress & Accountability: A House contempt action against billionaire Leon Black over defying subpoenas keeps the Epstein fallout in the political spotlight, as new court filings and estate-related disputes continue to churn online. USVI Security Hiring: U.S. Customs and Border Protection will hold a Sept. 22 virtual webinar for Marine Interdiction Agent recruitment, highlighting operations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. USVI Economic & Tourism Links: Liberia’s trade envoy Maisie Dunbar is set to pitch investment opportunities at the We Mean Business Summit in St. Thomas (Sept. 16–18), aiming to deepen Caribbean-Africa diaspora business ties. Digital Inclusion in the Territories: A CBFC panel led by Rep. Stacey Plaskett focused on how fintech and e-commerce can expand access to capital and opportunity for Black entrepreneurs, including in the Virgin Islands.

Congressional Oversight: The U.S. House moved to hold billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt of Congress after he defied subpoenas tied to the Jeffrey Epstein review, escalating pressure on lawmakers and the Justice Department. Court Filings: A new class action targets Epstein’s estate over alleged child sexual abuse images, naming former estate executives and seeking about $6 million for more than 40 claimants. USVI Context: The fallout keeps circling back to the U.S. Virgin Islands—where Epstein’s Little St. James is at the center of renewed public scrutiny as fresh documents and lawsuits re-ignite the “Epstein Island” debate. Federal Hiring: U.S. Customs and Border Protection will host a Sept. 22 virtual recruitment webinar for Marine Interdiction Agent roles, including operations across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Economy & Tourism: Southwest Airlines announced new nonstop service patterns across the Caribbean that include St. Thomas, positioning the USVI for more mainland travel demand. Civic & Policy: A CBBC Foundation panel led by USVI Rep. Stacey Plaskett highlighted how fintech and e-commerce could expand capital access for Black entrepreneurs.

U.S. Virgin Islands & Caribbean Diplomacy: Liberia is pitching itself to Caribbean investors at the 2026 We Mean Business Summit in St. Thomas (Sept. 16–18), with Ambassador Maisie Dunbar expected to highlight agriculture, fisheries, the “blue economy,” tourism, energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation. Local Tourism Leadership (BVI): The Caribbean Media Exchange will honor BVI tourism leader Natasha J. Chalwell at its Dec. 6 Leadership Awards, spotlighting her work modernizing the destination brand and integrating MindTrip AI into the BVI’s official website. Congressional & Voting Rights: A CBP recruitment webinar for Marine Interdiction Agent roles (Sept. 22) underscores ongoing federal security staffing tied to operations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Democracy & Access (Op-Ed/Policy): A Plaskett-led CB Foundation panel focused on how fintech and e-commerce can expand opportunity for Black entrepreneurs, including barriers to capital access in places like the Virgin Islands. Governance & Accountability: A class action targets Epstein’s estate over alleged child sexual abuse images, naming estate co-executors Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn. Public Interest & Oversight: Search traffic around Epstein’s estate filings continues to spike as new court documents circulate, keeping the U.S. Virgin Islands-linked probate story in the spotlight.

USVI Politics & Federal Democracy: A Congressional Black Caucus Foundation panel spearheaded by U.S. Virgin Islands Rep. Stacey Plaskett focused on how fintech and e-commerce can expand access to capital and opportunity for Black entrepreneurs, with Plaskett pointing to banking barriers in the territory. Territorial Narratives: A University of Michigan “Decolonizing imagination” panel examined shifting political narratives across U.S. territories, featuring VI delegate Imani Daniel and VI-linked civic work. International & Regional Economic Links: Liberia’s trade envoy Maisie Dunbar is pitching investment to Caribbean partners at the We Mean Business Summit in St. Thomas, highlighting agriculture, tourism, energy, infrastructure, and the blue economy. BVI Tourism Leadership: Caribbean Media Exchange will honor BVI tourism leader Natasha J. Chalwell, spotlighting her work modernizing the territory’s destination marketing, including MindTrip AI. Local Environment & Safety: USGS reported multiple earthquakes across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands over 24 hours, with no tsunami threat for the U.S. East Coast. Business/Tech (Not VI-specific): Mitesco’s Centcore says it’s advancing an edge-computing TC/DC prototype rollout and preparing a late Q4 RoboAgent sales automation release.

Voting Rights & Democracy: A new op-ed argues the right to vote is the core of democratic legitimacy, warning that federal actions—like citizenship proof requirements and moves that weaken DOJ oversight of local elections—could further restrict access. Territorial Political Narratives: A University of Michigan panel, “Decolonizing imagination,” brought together leaders including VI delegate Imani Daniel to discuss how U.S. territories can reclaim cultural and political storytelling. Local Economic Diplomacy: Liberia’s trade and investment envoy, Ambassador Maisie Dunbar, is set to pitch Liberia to Caribbean investors at the We Mean Business Summit in St. Thomas, highlighting agriculture, tourism, energy, infrastructure, and the blue economy. Tourism Leadership (BVI): CMEx will honor BVI tourism leader Natasha J. Chalwell, spotlighting her work modernizing destination marketing and using AI tools to personalize trip planning. Government & Procurement (VI relevance): A broader procurement debate surfaced around how competition and transparency affect public contracting outcomes, with implications for how governments buy services. Community Development Finance: Treasury announced $289 million in stalled CDFI awards, while proposed CRA reforms raise questions about the capital base CDFIs rely on.

International Spotlight: Liberia’s trade envoy Ambassador Maisie Dunbar is set to pitch investment opportunities at the 2026 We Mean Business Summit in St. Thomas (Sept. 16–18), highlighting agriculture, fisheries/blue economy, tourism, infrastructure, energy, and digital transformation. Territorial Culture & Civic Education: A University of Michigan panel on “Decolonizing imagination” featured Virgin Islands delegate Imani Daniel and St. John Heritage Collective co-founder Hadiya Sewer, focusing on how territories reclaim political and cultural narratives. Local Governance & Human Services: Human Services is seeking a contractor to operate the SNAP EBT system across the U.S. Virgin Islands, a move that could affect how benefits are delivered day to day. Tourism Leadership: Caribbean Media Exchange will honor BVI tourism leader Natasha J. Chalwell at its Dec. 6 Leadership Awards, spotlighting modernization efforts like AI-assisted trip planning. Disaster/Environment Watch: Groups are urging CNMI’s governor to oppose a federal deep-sea mining lease sale, with Virgin Islands and other territories joining the push for stronger public input. Public Safety/Seismic Activity: USGS reports multiple earthquakes across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in the past day, with no tsunami threat.

U.S. Virgin Islands & Caribbean Diplomacy: Liberia’s trade and investment envoy Ambassador Maisie Dunbar is pitching Caribbean investors at the 2026 We Mean Business Summit in St. Thomas (Sept. 16–18), highlighting agriculture, tourism, energy, infrastructure and the “blue economy,” with a fireside chat focused on women’s role in markets. Local Governance & Public Finance: The U.S. Treasury has announced $289 million in stalled CDFI awards after delays that risked expiration, while proposed Community Reinvestment Act reforms could affect the bank capital CDFIs depend on—an issue that matters for affordable housing and small-business lending. Public Safety & Health: A surge of earthquakes has hit Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands over the past day, with USGS reporting multiple quakes including in Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay, and no tsunami threat for the U.S. East Coast. Consumer/Regulatory Watch: A lawsuit follows Clorox’s recall of more than 6 million Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners over contamination concerns, renewing scrutiny of how major brands report and manage safety issues. Community & Culture: “Healthy Minds” returns for season 11 (premiere Oct. 1) tackling mental health topics including screen addiction, autism, cannabis addiction, and school-based support. Time Policy: Daylight saving time legislation still faces uncertainty in the Senate, leaving Nov. 1 as the expected “fall back” date unless Congress acts.

International Investment & Diplomacy: Liberia’s trade envoy Maisie Dunbar is set to pitch St. Thomas as a hub for new partnerships at the 2026 We Mean Business Summit, aiming to draw investors into agriculture, tourism, energy, infrastructure, and the “blue economy.” USVI Courts & Legal Process: A U.S. court dropped felony voter misconduct cases against American Samoans after an appeals ruling said a voter-registration mistake wasn’t enough to prove criminal intent—an outcome tied to how prosecutors must show “consciousness of wrongdoing.” USVI Public Safety: USGS reports 13 earthquakes in and around Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands over 24 hours, including quakes near Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay; no tsunami threat is expected for the U.S. East Coast. Territorial Tax Dispute: Stephen Deckoff, owner of former Epstein islands, sued the U.S. Virgin Islands seeking a refund of more than $5.7 million for the 2021 tax year, arguing he was a bona fide resident. Health & Procurement Watch: Human Services is seeking a contractor to operate the SNAP EBT system across the USVI, pointing to major back-end changes for benefits delivery. Local Environment & Governance: Groups are urging leaders in U.S. territories to oppose deep sea mining lease moves, including pressure on CNMI’s governor to recommend halting the Marianas PACM-2 process. Federal Travel Costs: DOD raised per diem rates for civilian travel to Guam, with the update also applying to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Public Interest (Broader): Powerball’s Sept. 14 draw produced an estimated $251M jackpot with no confirmed winner yet.

USVI Politics & Governance: A former Michigan GOP AG flagged concerns about Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit’s “side hustle” with a law firm in the U.S. Virgin Islands, keeping local legal ethics in the spotlight. Public Safety & Environment: USGS reports 13 earthquakes across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in 24 hours, including a 3.5 in Charlotte Amalie and a 3.5 near Cruz Bay, with no tsunami threat for the U.S. East Coast. Territorial Legal/Tax: Billionaire Stephen Deckoff sued the USVI for a $5.7 million tax refund, arguing IRS findings that he wasn’t a “bona fide resident” for 2021 should be overturned. Federal Oversight & Health Policy: Treasury’s FinCEN says it flagged about $17.5 billion in suspicious activity tied to health care fraud, based on thousands of financial reports. Local Economy & Procurement: Human Services seeks a contractor to operate the SNAP EBT system across USVI, a move that could affect how benefits are delivered. Regional Policy Watch: Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and USVI leaders urged CNMI Gov. David Apatang to oppose a deep-sea mining lease sale near the Marianas. Culture/International Attention: “Epstein net worth” and the Epstein Files continue to trend as new document releases and probate figures circulate, with the death-era estate repeatedly pegged around $578 million.

USVI Politics & Governance: A major procurement issue is getting attention in the territories, with a new discussion of how the U.S. Virgin Islands is seeking a contractor to operate the SNAP EBT system across USVI—an effort that could affect day-to-day benefits delivery. Territorial Environment & Policy: Environmental and community leaders from the Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands urged CNMI Gov. David Apatang to formally oppose a proposed federal deep sea mining lease sale near the Marianas, asking for suspension/termination of the leasing process and more public participation. Public Safety & Infrastructure: USGS reports multiple earthquakes across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands over the past day, including quakes near Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay, with no tsunami threat for the U.S. East Coast. Legal & Accountability: A billionaire owner of two Caribbean islands once linked to Jeffrey Epstein sued the U.S. Virgin Islands for a tax refund of more than $5.7 million, arguing he was wrongly treated as not a bona fide resident for the 2021 tax year. Federal Oversight: Treasury’s FinCEN says it identified about $17.5 billion in suspicious activity tied to potential health care fraud, signaling more enforcement focus that can ripple into territory-administered programs.

U.S. Virgin Islands Governance & Procurement: The V.I. Department of Human Services has opened bidding for the next SNAP EBT contractor, with proposals due Nov. 23; the current Fidelity contract runs through Nov. 30, 2026, and the new RFP is competitive rather than a guaranteed change. Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness: USGS reports 13 earthquakes in and around Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in the last 24 hours, including a 3.5 in Charlotte Amalie and a 3.5 near Cruz Bay, with no tsunami threat for the U.S. East Coast. Federal Oversight & Local Impact: A coalition of environmental and community leaders is urging CNMI Gov. David Apatang to formally oppose a proposed federal deep-sea mining lease sale near the Marianas, including calls for suspension or cancellation of the PACM-2 process. Courts & Data Security: Ontario’s court system says a cyberattack involving the C-Track case-management platform may have exposed personal and sealed/redacted court information. Legal/Justice Watch: A former Buckingham Palace protection officer, Paul Page, says he provided a written statement to the FBI about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after claiming UK police ignored his offer to testify. Health Policy & Fraud Enforcement: Treasury’s FinCEN says it flagged about $17.5 billion in suspicious activity potentially linked to health care fraud, based on thousands of financial reports.