AGP Executive Report

Workforce Crunch: At the VI Economic Development Summit, contractors and officials warned the recovery buildout needs thousands more workers plus housing, transportation, and stronger local subcontractor capacity to keep major projects moving. Softball Spotlight: The 4th Clasico Torneo Softball Tournament wrapped in Tortola as a big success, with teams from across the Caribbean and the U.S. battling for titles. Community Notes: A new obituary for Karen Prince was published, and sports fans got a Fulham vs Newcastle viewing guide. Money Watch: Powerball climbs to a $131M jackpot for Saturday’s May 23 draw (numbers: 4-16-41-48-66, Powerball 26; Power Play 2x). Local Culture & Music: USVI dancehall artist Kruziano is gearing up to release “I’ll Be There for the Weekend” with producer BL Tha Hook Slaya backing the push. Ongoing Concern: CBP is reminding small-boat operators to report arrivals between Puerto Rico and the VI to avoid penalties.

Powerball Fever: Saturday’s Powerball jackpot is up to $131M (cash $57.6M) and the winning numbers are 4-16-41-48-66, Powerball 26, Power Play 2x—check your tickets. Mega Millions Momentum: After Friday’s no-winner draw, Mega Millions sits at $311M (cash $136.4M) ahead of Tuesday’s drawing. USVI & PR Watch: CBP is reminding small-boat operators to report arrivals when traveling between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or face penalties. Caribbean Spotlight: IShowSpeed is turning heads across the region with live-streamed tourism stops, proving social media can outshine big ad budgets. Music & Local Pride: St. Croix dancehall artist Kruziano is teaming up with BL Tha Hook Slaya for a new single, “I’ll Be There for the Weekend,” dropping May 22. Military Perks: Blue Star Museums is offering free summer admission for active-duty families at participating spots across the USVI and beyond.

Mega Millions: No one matched Friday’s Mega Millions numbers (3, 22, 34, 54, 61; Mega Ball 8), so the jackpot is climbing to $311M for Tuesday, May 26—good news if you’re planning a weekend dream. Pan & Culture: In Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Savitri Rampersad’s new book, Steelpan Vibrations, is pitching steelpan as more than performance—an entry point into emotion, cognition, and wellness. USVI Summer Perks: Military families can get free museum admission nationwide this summer through Blue Star Museums, with participating spots that include the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Music Spotlight: USVI dancehall artist Kruziano is gearing up to drop “I’ll Be There for the Weekend” on May 22, backed by producer BL Tha Hook Slaya. Epstein Island Fallout: A man accused of trespassing on “Epstein Island” says he was hogtied and thrown in a dungeon—another twist in the ongoing Little St. James saga. Travel Buzz: Americans are leaning more toward easier, stateside getaways this summer as costs and stress push big international trips down the list.

Mega Millions Fever: The jackpot is climbing again, now at $296M ahead of Friday’s May 22 draw, with the next Mega Millions set for Tuesday, May 26. Blue Star Museums: Military families get a summer break with free museum admission through Labor Day—participating spots include the U.S. Virgin Islands. USVI Music Spotlight: St. Croix dancehall artist Kruziano is gearing up to drop a new single, “I’ll Be There for the Weekend,” with a video shoot already underway. Royal Investigation Update: Police say their probe into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has widened beyond the initial focus, now looking at broader claims. Caribbean Culture & Tourism: Caribbean POSH has named honourees for its 2026 ICON Woman Awards in the BVI, while IShowSpeed keeps proving influencer travel can move the needle fast. Local Watch: CBP is reminding small-boat operators to report arrivals between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands or face penalties.

Blue Star Museums Free Summer Pass: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens is offering free summer admission to active-duty U.S. military and up to five family members through Labor Day, with new exhibits like “Tradewinds” and “Quiet Light” plus “The World We Make” on the way. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: The Trump administration is pushing harder on state Medicaid Fraud Control Units, warning some states—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—could lose federal funding if oversight doesn’t improve. Royal Investigation Update: Police say their probe into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has widened, looking at alleged misconduct tied to his time as a UK trade envoy, alongside other claims. USVI Music Spotlight: St. Croix dancehall artist Kruziano is gearing up to drop “I’ll Be There for the Weekend” for Memorial Day weekend, backed by producer BL Tha Hook Slaya. Caribbean Tourism Buzz: IShowSpeed’s Caribbean tour is turning heads as tourism boards lean into influencer marketing instead of big ad buys. Local Travel Rules: CBP is reminding small-boat operators to report arrivals when traveling between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—or face penalties.

Military & Arts Access: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens is joining Blue Star Museums, offering free summer admission (up to five family members) for currently serving U.S. military personnel, running May 16 through Sept. 7. Regional Spotlight: Caribbean POSH has named the 2026 ICON Woman Awards honourees ahead of Caribbean POSH Weekend 2026 in the British Virgin Islands on June 26, with VI tourism commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King among the honourees. Epstein Fallout: A former Jeffrey Epstein assistant, Sarah Kellen, told the House Oversight Committee she was abused by Epstein for more than a decade, as the Epstein Files continue to fuel new scrutiny, including a Manhattan library opening that displays millions of pages. Travel & Safety: CBP is reminding small-boat operators to report arrivals when moving between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, warning of penalties—especially with festival traffic expected. Tech & Privacy: The FBI is seeking nationwide access to license plate reader data across U.S. states and territories, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Blue Star Museums: The Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens is joining the Blue Star Museums free-admission program for active-duty U.S. military families this summer, running May 16 to Sept. 7 (up to five family members). Epstein Files Watch: A new Manhattan library exhibit is spotlighting the 3.5 million-page Epstein Files, while a former assistant told the House Oversight Committee she says she was abused by Epstein for over a decade. FBI Tech Push: The FBI is seeking contracts up to $36M to tap into a nationwide network of license plate readers, aiming to track vehicle movement “in near real time” across U.S. states and territories including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Freight Concern: In the VI–Puerto Rico cargo ripple, Delegate Stacey Plaskett says her office is engaging federal and Puerto Rico authorities over Water Spirit’s San Juan docking restrictions and possible impacts on island goods movement. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to $115M (May 20 numbers: 10-28-30-46-57, PB 25, Power Play 3x).

Lottery Fever: Powerball is up to a $113M jackpot (cash value $49.6M) for the May 20 draw—here’s your reminder to check the winning numbers after the official posting. Monument Watch: New York City has revealed six finalist proposals for a Billie Holiday monument in Queens, with the winner expected over the summer. Privacy vs. Policing: The FBI is pushing to buy nationwide access to license plate reader data “in near real time,” including coverage across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—raising fresh concerns about how far surveillance can reach. USVI Logistics: VI officials are staying on top of docking restrictions tied to Water Spirit Freight Services in San Juan, with residents worried about delays to essential goods. Local Finance: Ascentis Wealth Management welcomed Ryan Uszenski, now an equity partner, serving clients from St. Thomas.

Mega Millions Fever: The jackpot just jumped to $277M for Tuesday’s May 19 drawing (cash option $120.4M), with numbers 10-26-34-56-64 and Mega Ball 6. USVI Legal/Insurance Watch: A Delaware court ruled an AIG unit doesn’t have to cover $2.5M in older pollution-defense costs tied to a USVI oil refinery and terminal. Privacy vs. Policing: The FBI is shopping for access to nationwide license plate reader data via private vendors, including coverage in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Health & Safety Spotlight: A new EWG sunscreen guide says only about 20% of tested products are both safe and effective, urging shoppers to pick carefully. Local Freight Pressure: USVI Delegate Stacey Plaskett is pushing federal and Puerto Rico officials over Water Spirit docking restrictions that could disrupt cargo routes. Entertainment/Travel Buzz: Summer cruise picks are out, and F1 Academy returns in Montreal May 22–24.

Mega Millions Fever: The jackpot just jumped to $277M for the May 19 drawing (cash option $120.4M), with numbers 10-26-34-56-64 and Mega Ball 6—next draw is May 22. USVI Legal Watch: A Delaware court ruled an AIG unit doesn’t have to cover $2.5M in defense costs tied to older pollution-suit expenses in the territory. Epstein Aftershocks: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a Jericho native, downplayed ties to Jeffrey Epstein during congressional testimony. FBI Privacy vs. Power: The FBI is pushing to buy nationwide access to license plate reader data from private vendors, including coverage in USVI and other territories. Local Freight Tension: San Juan docking restrictions on Water Spirit are still raising cargo disruption concerns for USVI businesses and residents. Health & Safety Buzz: A new EWG sunscreen report says only about 20% of tested products are both safe and effective. Money Moves: Ascentis Wealth Management welcomed Ryan Uszenski, now an equity partner, serving clients from St. Thomas.

Powerball Fever: The jackpot just jumped to $101M (cash value $44.5M) for Monday’s drawing, with winning numbers 4, 13, 34, 61, 65 and Powerball 12 (Power Play 2x). Wealth & Local Talent: Ascentis Wealth Management added Ryan Uszenski, a St. Thomas-based advisor with 20+ years’ experience and about $160M in client assets, bringing him in as an equity partner. Health & Safety Watch: A new EWG sunscreen guide says only about 20% of tested products are both safe and effective, with special picks for kids, daily wear, and outdoor use. USVI Freight Pressure: In the background, USVI officials are still pushing on docking restrictions tied to Water Spirit Freight in San Juan, with residents worried about ongoing cargo disruption. Tech & Privacy Tension: The FBI is seeking access to nationwide license plate reader data, including coverage that would reach Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Powerball Fever: The jackpot just jumped to $100M (cash value $43.9M) for the May 18 drawing—tickets are open in USVI and Puerto Rico for anyone meeting the age rules. Public Safety Tech: The FBI is seeking up to $36M for nationwide access to license plate reader data, including coverage that could reach USVI. Trade & Ports: Stacey E. Plaskett says she’s pushing federal and Puerto Rico authorities over Water Spirit’s San Juan docking restrictions, warning it could disrupt freight relied on across St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola, and San Juan. Big Story Still Unfolding: The New York Times keeps digging into Jeffrey Epstein, including fresh court-released material tied to his case. Travel Watch: F1 Academy returns in Montreal (May 22–24) after a Saudi cancellation, with live coverage on F1 TV and YouTube. Earthquake Update: A 6.0 quake hit off the Leeward Islands; no tsunami expected.

World Travel Buzz: TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026 just crowned 21 Asian spots, with Thailand leading the pack—good news for anyone planning a big trip. USVI Politics: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the territory’s U.S. relationship may not be permanent, and floated the idea of deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake hit Saturday off the Leeward Islands; light shaking was reported and no tsunami is expected. Shipping & Daily Life: A San Juan docking restriction tied to Water Spirit Freight is raising cargo disruption concerns for USVI residents and businesses. Island Drama: The new owner of “Epstein Island” (Little St. James) says trespassers are escalating, as the public fascination turns into reported confrontations. Caribbean Travel Pulse: A new travel trends report points to shifting tourist demand and growing competition across the region. Quick Hits: Powerball is back at $69M, and Blue Star Museums continues offering free summer museum visits for military families.

USVI Future Talk: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the territory’s U.S. relationship isn’t set in stone, pointing to Congress’s “plenary” control and hinting at possible deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. Regional Jolt: A magnitude 6.0 earthquake shook the Leeward Islands area Saturday; reports said light shaking across nearby islands and no tsunami threat. Cargo Headache: In San Juan, a vessel tied to Water Spirit Freight Services was restricted from docking, raising concerns for USVI cargo—VIPA says it’s a Puerto Rico port issue outside its control. Island Spotlight: The “Epstein Island” saga around Little St. James is back in the headlines, with fresh claims of trespassers and escalating confrontations. Cost of Living Pressure: USVI fuel and shipping pressures remain elevated as the US-Iran standoff drags on. Quick Hits: Powerball climbed to $69M; and Blue Star Museums continues offering free summer museum entry for active-duty military and families.

Territory Talks: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates the U.S. Virgin Islands’ political relationship with the U.S. isn’t set in stone—and floated the idea of deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.0 quake hit Saturday off the Leeward Islands; reports said light shaking, and no tsunami is expected. Local Travel Headache: In San Juan, a cargo vessel tied to Water Spirit Freight Services was restricted from docking, raising concerns for USVI supply lines. Epstein Island Drama: Little St. James (aka “Epstein Island”) remains under siege from trespassers and voyeurs, and the current owner is now suing people arrested on the island. Blue Star Museums: Military families can get free museum admission across the U.S. Virgin Islands starting May 16 through Labor Day. Caribbean Spotlight: IShowSpeed’s Caribbean tour reportedly racked up tens of millions of views, with the U.S. Virgin Islands among the streamed stops.

Territory Talks: Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach told UVI graduates on St. Croix that the U.S. Virgin Islands’ political relationship with the U.S. isn’t set in stone—and floated the idea of deeper ties with the British Virgin Islands. Earthquake Watch: A 6.0 quake hit Saturday morning off Antigua and Barbuda, with only light shaking reported nearby and no tsunami risk for the U.S. Port Disruption: In San Juan, a cargo vessel linked to Water Spirit Freight Services was restricted from docking, raising worries for USVI shipping—though VIPA says Puerto Rico docking rules fall outside its control. Epstein Island Fallout: Little St James (aka “Epstein Island”) remains under siege from trespassers, and the current owner is now suing people arrested there. Caribbean Culture & Travel: A travel trends report points to shifting tourist demand across the region, while a new exhibit spotlights Black summer stories in Cape Cod. Quick Hits: Powerball is back at $69M, and Blue Star Museums continues offering free summer admission for military families.