AGP Executive Report

Air Travel & Tourism: United Airlines says it’s adding the only nonstop New York–St. Croix route this fall (starting Oct. 31 from Newark), part of a broader push for more Caribbean nonstop service. Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism leaders from across the region—including the British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands—are gathering June 1–5 for Caribbean Week 2026 at InterContinental New York Times Square under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with strategy sessions on airlift, sustainability, and marketing. Local Governance: BVI political hopeful Mark Vanterpool argues for decentralizing government by moving key ministries to sister islands, including Tourism to Virgin Gorda and Fisheries/Environment to Anegada. Power & Community Impact: St. Thomas and St. John saw another total blackout over the weekend, with the utility citing generation loss and pointing to long-running infrastructure strain. Military & Culture: The Lyman Museum’s Blue Star Museums program offers free admission to active-duty service members and families through Sept. 7. Hurricane Readiness: Coast Guard and NOAA updates urge VI residents to prepare now despite a below-normal 2026 Atlantic forecast. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to $194M for Wednesday’s drawing, with Mega Millions also rolling after no jackpot winner.

Sunscreen & sustainability: A new column argues that this summer’s best sun protection may be what you already own—long-sleeve shirts, wide-brim hats, and shade—calling out how clothing can be kinder to oceans than lotion. Caribbean events in the spotlight: Ahead of Father’s Day and the June 21 World Cup match, South Florida’s Island SPACE Mango Festival is set to bring Caribbean food, live music, and family fun. Local governance idea: BVI political hopeful Mark Vanterpool says key ministries should be moved to sister islands to boost local economies, including proposals to relocate Tourism to Virgin Gorda and Fisheries/Environment to Anegada. Military culture perk: The Lyman Museum is again a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active-duty service members and families through Sept. 7. Travel & access: United is adding the only nonstop New York–St. Croix service this fall, putting the island “one flight from New York.” Power & preparedness: Coast Guard and hurricane-season coverage urges residents to plan now, even with a below-normal forecast. Power outages: A total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John twice this weekend, highlighting ongoing grid struggles. Money watch: Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots continue to climb with no grand-prize winners reported in the latest draws.

USVI Power & Infrastructure: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts twice this weekend, with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority citing loss of generation and pointing to long-running issues like aging equipment and deferred maintenance. Caribbean Tourism in the Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 with CTO events in Manhattan, bringing together regional tourism leaders including USVI officials to push connectivity, marketing, and resilience. New Airlift for the Islands: United Airlines plans a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, adding another direct gateway for travelers. Hurricane Season Prep: The 2026 Atlantic season begins June 1 with forecasts calling for below-normal activity, but Coast Guard and NOAA-style reminders stress planning for even a single major storm. Local Community Events: WRGN’s “More Than a Yard Sale” returns June 6, with proceeds supporting the station’s programming. Politics & Governance Talk: A new discussion piece asks whether USVI political parties are doing enough to vet candidates and improve governance as the election season heats up.

Caribbean Tourism in Focus: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is underway, bringing ministers and tourism leaders from across the region (including the U.S. Virgin Islands) to InterContinental New York Times Square for strategy talks on connectivity, marketing, and resilience. Air Travel Watch: United is adding more nonstop Caribbean routes, including weekly Newark–St. Croix service starting Oct. 31, giving travelers a second direct gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Power & Daily Life: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts again this weekend, with officials pointing to generation loss and long-running grid strain. Local Governance & Environment: The VI Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure that allows controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available. Entertainment/Community: The St. John Celebration 2026 was announced, promising steel pan nights, J’ouvert, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Travel Safety: Updated U.S. travel advisories list which Caribbean destinations are safest and which carry higher-risk warnings.

USVI Power Reliability: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts twice this weekend, with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority citing loss of generation and pointing to long-running capacity and maintenance issues. Local Politics & Governance: A judge denied new trials or acquittals for Ray Martinez and Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case, keeping their convictions in place. Territorial Infrastructure: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer called delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment a major setback after bids came in far above budget, forcing redesigns. Caribbean Tourism Buzz: Caribbean Week in New York returns June 1 at InterContinental Times Square, with USVI leadership among regional tourism ministers and commissioners. Entertainment & Culture Calendar: The USVI Department of Tourism announced the 2026 St. John Celebration runs June 14–July 4, featuring steel pan nights, J’ouvert, fireworks, and more. Arts & Lifestyle: Sandbox VR opened a new Las Vegas location (its third there), pushing immersive group entertainment further into the mainstream. Sports/Community Spotlight: A youth soccer team from San Benito reached the championship match at the Disney Memorial Day Cup, with ESPN+ coverage. Odds & Ends: Powerball climbed to $180 million for Monday’s drawing after no Saturday winner.

Travel & Airlift: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–St. Croix service this fall, starting Oct. 31 with weekly Saturday flights from Newark—another sign airlines are racing to lock in Caribbean demand. Power & Daily Life: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts twice this weekend, with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority citing generation loss and pointing to long-running infrastructure strain. Politics & Governance: Premier Natalio Wheatley is calling for security responsibilities to shift from the UK to the Virgin Islands, arguing for democratic accountability as constitutional talks are set to begin later this year. Courts: A federal judge denied new trials or acquittals for Ray Martinez and Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case. Culture & Community: Caribbean Week in New York returns June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and regional tourism leaders set for strategy sessions and events. Entertainment Buzz: The Scripps National Spelling Bee finals hit tonight at 8 pm ET, with ESPN’s Mina Kimes hosting. Sports/Travel Fun: The 2026 St. John Celebration runs June 14–July 4, featuring steel pan nights, J’ouvert, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Lottery: Powerball climbs to $180M for Monday’s drawing after no Saturday winner.

Caribbean Week in New York: Caribbean tourism leaders are set to converge in Manhattan for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, with USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. delivering opening remarks and a full slate of workshops and networking under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Marketing spotlight: Henry H. Harteveldt will keynote the Caribbean Marketing Conference June 3, focusing on airline trends and how destinations can strengthen airlift and connectivity. Power troubles: St. Thomas and St. John suffered a total blackout early Sunday—its second outage this weekend—after generation was lost at a power plant, renewing calls for faster fixes to the territory’s struggling grid. Local justice update: A federal judge denied new trials or acquittals for former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case. Culture calendar: The USVI Department of Tourism announced the 2026 St. John Celebration dates (June 14–July 4), promising steel pan nights, village events, parades, and fireworks. Sports/TV buzz: The Scripps National Spelling Bee finals are set for tonight at 8 pm ET, with ESPN analyst Mina Kimes joining Paul Loeffler.

Court Update: A federal judge denied new trials or acquittals for former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case, saying the trial evidence supported the convictions. Power & Daily Life: A total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John early Sunday—twice in the weekend—after generation was lost at a power plant, adding to growing frustration over outages. Caribbean Tourism: Caribbean Week returns to New York on Monday, June 1, with USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley leading a regional delegation for meetings, workshops, and events under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” St. John Celebration: The USVI Department of Tourism announced St. John Celebration 2026 runs June 14–July 4, with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Entertainment Spotlight: Sandbox VR opens a new Las Vegas location June 12, expanding immersive group entertainment with new experiences. Local Culture: IYRS School of Technology & Trades hosts its Grad­uation and Launch Day May 30, sending students’ restored Beetle Cats into Newport Harbor. Sports/TV Buzz: ESPN analyst Mina Kimes says the Scripps National Spelling Bee is like the Super Bowl as finals air tonight at 8 pm ET. Lottery Check: Powerball (May 30) numbers: 1, 27, 35, 44, 52; Powerball 12; Powerplay 2x.

St. John Celebration Dates: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals confirmed the 2026 St. John Celebration runs June 14–July 4, with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades, fireworks, and a “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix” theme. Caribbean Week in New York: Caribbean tourism leaders—including USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and VI Premier Natalio Wheatley—head to the InterContinental New York Times Square for Caribbean Week starting June 1 under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Local Arts & Culture: A new Decanter wine photography competition is open for entries, offering camera gear, a wine system, and magazine subscriptions. Sports Spotlight: The Scripps National Spelling Bee finals are set for tonight at 8 pm ET, with ESPN analyst Mina Kimes hosting alongside Paul Loeffler. Community & Health: A BVI-focused commentary tackles food security and healthy eating as the foundation for wellbeing. Quick Hits: Mega Millions climbs to $346M for Tuesday’s drawing; authorities also continue a search after a cruise guest went missing in St. Kitts’ Mount Liamuiga mountains.

Mega Millions Fever: No one matched all numbers in Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing, so the jackpot keeps climbing to $331 million for Friday night (numbers: 19, 24, 47, 59, 65; Mega Ball 7). Local Arts & Culture: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has set the 2026 St. John Celebration dates—June 14 through July 4—featuring steel pan nights, J’ouvert, village showcases, boat races, parades, and fireworks under the theme “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.” Sports Spotlight: A Hurricanes FC Academy youth soccer squad from San Benito reached the championship match at the Disney Memorial Day Cup in Orlando, with the final broadcast on ESPN+. Music Loss: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95, remembered for his bridge practice that helped shape “The Bridge.” Weather Readiness: NOAA’s hurricane “cone of uncertainty” is getting tweaks for 2026, with an expanded approach being tested to better explain forecast errors. Community Safety: St. Thomas police say a man punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding, leading to domestic-violence-related charges. Entertainment Tech: Sandbox VR opened its third Las Vegas location, adding more immersive group experiences ahead of summer. Local Governance: The USVI Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure, approving controlled incineration only when safer options like composting and mulching aren’t available.

St. John Celebration Dates: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, with the Division of Festivals, announced the 2026 St. John Celebration runs June 14–July 4, themed “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix,” with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Local Governance: The St. Thomas/St. John Senate advanced Bill No. 36-0232 to manage green waste via controlled incineration, but lawmakers added guardrails—incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, plus tighter smoke/fire protections. Sports & Community: A St. Thomas-area youth soccer story highlights local talent reaching the championship match at the Disney Memorial Day Cup, broadcast on ESPN+. Arts & Culture: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95, remembered for marathon bridge practice and a career that reshaped modern improvisation. Entertainment Tech: Sandbox VR opened its third Las Vegas location, expanding immersive group entertainment. Media Watch: The FCC reminded broadcasters of June deadlines, including Annual EEO Public File Reports and foreign sponsorship ID compliance. Public Safety: A St. Thomas man faces domestic violence charges after police say he punched his partner, leaving her unconscious and bleeding.

St. John Celebration 2026: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals announced the St. John Celebration runs June 14–July 4, 2026, themed “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix,” with village nights, boat races, parades, steel pan nights, J’ouvert, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Local Sports on ESPN+: San Benito’s girls’ youth soccer squad (Hurricanes FC Academy) reached the championship match at the Disney Memorial Day Cup in Orlando, with the final broadcast on ESPN+. Music & Culture Loss: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95, leaving a legacy of fearless improvisation and Caribbean-rooted work. Entertainment Tech: Sandbox VR opened its third Las Vegas location (June 12) as immersive entertainment demand keeps climbing. Kids Online Safety: AG William Tong announced a multistate investigation into Roblox over alleged harm to children. USVI Community Spotlight: CAHS athletic icon Arthur “Jimo” Jamison died at 91, remembered for decades shaping Virgin Islands sports.

USVI Festival Spotlight: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals set the 2026 St. John Celebration for June 14–July 4, themed “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix,” with village nights, cultural showcases, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Immersive Entertainment: Sandbox VR opened its third Las Vegas location (Town Square) on June 12, expanding its full-body virtual reality outings that now top 80 global sites. Music & Culture Loss: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95, remembered for fearless improvisation and a career shaped by reinvention. Media & Regulation: The FCC’s June schedule keeps rolling with broadcaster EEO public file reports due June 1 and foreign sponsorship ID compliance deadlines for TV/radio stations. Online Safety Push: AG Letitia James and CT AG William Tong joined a bipartisan push urging Congress to reject the KIDS Act, backing the Senate’s KOSA instead. Local Community News: CAHS athletics icon Arthur “Jimo” Jamison died at 91, leaving a legacy as a longtime coach and territorial tackle football commissioner.

St. John Celebration Dates: The US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has set the 2026 St. John Celebration for June 14–July 4, with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Jazz Loss: Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95, remembered for fearless improvisation and for shaping modern jazz, including his bridge-practice era that produced “The Bridge.” USVI Public Safety: A St. Thomas woman was left unconscious and bleeding after police say her partner punched her in the face; D’Quan Rogers faces domestic-violence-related charges. Epstein Files Watch: New reporting and released materials keep spotlighting Little St. James structures tied to Jeffrey Epstein, including the “epstein library” and the “temple” building’s permit-versus-reality details. Caribbean Tourism in NYC: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 returns June 1 at InterContinental Times Square, with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Premier Natalio Wheatley among leaders. Online Kids Safety: AG William Tong says Connecticut is investigating Roblox after reports of child harm, joining broader pressure on platforms. Sports Pop Culture: ESPN analyst Mina Kimes compares the Scripps National Spelling Bee to the Super Bowl, as the event moves to DAR Constitution Hall.

Caribbean Week in New York: U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley, and CTO chair Ian Gooding-Edghill will lead a high-level Caribbean tourism delegation at InterContinental New York Times Square starting June 1, kicking off Caribbean American Heritage Month under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Sports & Tech: Fanatics Markets and ADI Predictstreet launched an official FIFA World Cup 2026 prediction hub for U.S. fans, available in the Fanatics app and website across 23 states plus U.S. territories including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Sports Legacy: Arthur “Jimo” Jamison, longtime Charlotte Amalie High School athletic director and coach, died at 91 after decades shaping athletes and the territory’s tackle football scene. Music Loss: Jazz legend Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus,” died at 95, remembered for marathon bridge practice and a career that reshaped modern improvisation. Community & Safety: VI recovery planning spotlighted workforce and subcontractor gaps at a St. Croix Economic Development Summit, while national food recall alerts were flagged for VI shoppers relying on mainland supply lines.

Mega Millions Buzz: No jackpot winner yet—Tuesday’s Mega Millions is up to an estimated $311 million (cash $136.4M). Winning numbers: 1-5-49-51-59, Mega Ball 7. Next draw is Friday, May 29. Tourism Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is set to bring top regional leaders to the InterContinental Times Square starting June 1, with “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” as the theme. Online Kids Safety Fight: U.S. Virgin Islands–relevant headlines keep coming—Connecticut AG William Tong says it’s investigating Roblox over reports of child harm, while New York AG Letitia James joins a bipartisan push to block the KIDS Act. Jazz Legend: Sonny Rollins—the “Saxophone Colossus”—died at 95, remembered for his bridge practice that reshaped modern jazz. Local Watch: USVI recovery planning is being tied to a simple reality: workers, housing, and transport have to show up for projects to move.