AGP Executive Report

Lottery Watch: Powerball climbed again after Monday’s drawing produced no jackpot winner; the next draw is set for Wednesday with an estimated jackpot topping $238 million, with Monday’s numbers 3, 24, 34, 43, 49 and Powerball 20 (Power Play 3x). Local Community & Health: St. Croix Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6 at the St. Croix Educational Complex track, with 35 teams and more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal, featuring survivor stories and American Cancer Society support. Territorial Affairs: The U.S. Virgin Islands urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use its “good offices” and visiting missions to help advance decolonisation for the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories, including pushing for visiting requests to assess progress on the ground. Public Safety: U.S. officials said there’s no tsunami threat after a 6.1 earthquake west of Cuba, though tremors were felt across much of Florida. Travel & Business: Hotels.com’s 2026 index says travelers can save by booking about a week ahead and starting stays on Sundays, while Southwest and Singapore Airlines launched a single-ticket partnership connecting Singapore’s long-haul network with Southwest flights. Federal Court/VI: A man faces federal charges after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami.

Decolonisation Push: VI Special Envoy E. Benito Wheatley urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use its “good offices” and visiting missions to help the territory’s decolonisation path, including more requests for on-the-ground assessment. Territory Democracy Debate: A bipartisan congressional briefing in Washington examined what “consent of the governed” means for the 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories, with VI Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett joining via video. Local Justice Update: A man faces federal charges after CBP found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Hurricane Watch: NOAA forecasts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, with 8–14 named storms and fewer hurricanes than average. Storm Tracking: Maps track Tropical Storm Cristina and Tropical Storm Boris in the Eastern Pacific. Workforce & Health: UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, enabling WIOA-funded EMT training; cohort 2 graduates are moving toward national certification. Privacy & Business: The 3rd Circuit offered guidance on data privacy and “replay code,” outlining steps businesses can take after dual rulings. Medicare Fraud Prevention: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights new scam tactics, including phone scams and AI voice-clone impersonations.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: The Senior Medicare Patrol is urging Virgin Islands seniors and families to watch for fake Medicare calls, unrequested tests, and suspicious charges, and to review Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits while reporting scams to local SMP at 1-877-808-2468. USVI Courts & Security: A man is facing federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas from Miami. Workforce & Health Care Training: 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; cohort 2 has completed the program and is moving toward national certification. Local Aviation & Travel: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to improve one-itinerary connections across the Caribbean, including access to San Juan via St. Maarten. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season with 8 to 14 named storms and 3 to 6 hurricanes, but officials stress preparedness still matters. Community & Culture: Caribbean Week in New York wrapped up with major tourism and entertainment events that included the US Virgin Islands among participating destinations.

Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to $212 million ahead of Saturday’s June 6 drawing, with a $94.5 million cash option; tickets are sold in 45 states, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Public Safety: A man is facing federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Military Update: The USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk after a historic 10-month deployment that included Caribbean operations supporting counter-narcotics and homeland security tasks. Local Workforce: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding as 10 EMT trainees complete the program and move toward national certification. Travel & Connectivity: United announced new nonstop service from St. Croix to Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026, ending the need for connections to reach the New York area. Hurricane Watch: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8 to 14 named storms expected.

Lottery Watch: Powerball climbed to $212 million ahead of Saturday, June 6, with a $94.5 million cash option; tickets are $2 and the jackpot is won by matching five white balls plus the red Powerball. Local Public Safety: A man faces federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Military & Security: The USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group returned to Norfolk after a historic 10-month deployment that included Caribbean counter-narcotics support. Workforce Development: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten residents completed Cohort 2. Travel & Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026—its only nonstop link between St. Croix and the New York area. Democracy & Governance: A bipartisan congressional briefing renewed calls for full democratic rights for U.S. territory residents, noting 3.6 million Americans still lack voting representation in Congress. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA forecasts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8–14 named storms expected and 3–6 hurricanes.

Local Justice: A man is facing federal charges after U.S. Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas from Miami, with the bags linked to the same record locator and searched after X-ray alerts. Military & Homeland Security: The USS Iwo Jima returned to Norfolk, Va., after a historic 10-month deployment that included Caribbean support for national-level tasking, including enhanced counter-narcotics operations. Territorial Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing in Washington 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 participating. Workforce & EMS: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, enabling residents to use WIOA funding for EMT training; ten graduates completed Cohort 2. Aviation & Travel: United Airlines announced new nonstop service from St. Croix to Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026, giving the island a direct link to the New York area. Public Safety: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but officials stress preparedness for any storm.

Territorial Democracy Push: A Guam-led briefing at Capitol Hill renewed pressure on Congress over the “consent of the governed” principle, arguing the Insular Cases still deny full democratic rights to about 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories. Local 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 residents completed Cohort 2 and are now positioned for national certification. Aviation for St. Croix: United Airlines announced a new nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one of the first direct options linking the NYC area to the island. Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, with 8–14 named storms and 3–6 hurricanes, including 1–3 major hurricanes. Public Service Spotlight: Acting Gov. Roach honored top government employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix. Caribbean Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to improve one-itinerary travel across the region, including access to San Juan via St. Maarten.

Air Travel & Tourism: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route from Newark to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026, giving the New York area a direct option to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Regional Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership that lets travelers book through St. Maarten to reach destinations across the Caribbean, including San Juan and St. Thomas. Workforce Development: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, enabling residents to use WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with 10 graduates on track for national certification. Local Government & Public Service: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored public employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix. Public Safety & Preparedness: Coverage highlights 2026 hurricane season planning and the need for residents to review emergency kits and plans. Community/Business Spotlight: Bobby’s Jewelers in Charlotte Amalie promoted its long-running service and jewelry selection for visitors. Health Fraud Alert: A Medicare scam using AI voice cloning is spreading, with officials urging beneficiaries to hang up and verify before sharing information.

Workforce & Health: The UVI Medical Simulation Center has been added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; the center also marked Cohort 2’s completion with 10 residents finishing the program and moving toward NREMT certification. Local Government: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored public servants at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the people behind day-to-day government services. Aviation & Travel: United Airlines announced a new nonstop weekly route between St. Croix and Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026—ending the need for connections for many travelers heading to the NYC area. Hurricane Readiness: With the Atlantic season underway, Coast Guard and NOAA guidance stresses that even a below-normal forecast means residents and mariners should review plans, supplies, and boat safety now. USVI in the News: A long-running legal dispute involving Google cofounder Larry Page’s USVI island holdings (Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik) is headed back to court after mediation stalled. Broader Context: A new push in Congress and online chatter continues to swirl around Epstein-related disclosures, including fresh photos and renewed scrutiny of payments tied to the case.

Epstein Fallout: New online scrutiny is back after newly released 2020 photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s Little St. James surfaced, including images of the “epstein temple” and interior details, reigniting calls for answers. Congress Oversight: Sen. Ron Wyden is pressing the House Oversight Committee to question billionaire Leon Black about paying Epstein $170 million for tax and estate planning, while a House committee also urged the DOJ to examine criminal conduct allegations tied to interviews with a former Epstein assistant. Local Travel & Economy: United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly flight that could reshape New York-area access to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hurricane Readiness: With the Atlantic season underway, NOAA and local agencies are urging Virgin Islands residents to prepare anyway, even with a below-normal forecast. Tourism Roundup: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is underway, bringing regional tourism leaders—including USVI officials—together to push connectivity and growth. Aviation Reliability: Newark Liberty is leading the Northeast for on-time performance in 2026 after FAA and staffing upgrades.

Territory Leadership: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored public servants at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year Recognition Ceremony on St. Croix, praising the “patience, discipline and…responsibility” behind daily government service. Air Access for St. Croix: United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix (STX)–Newark/New York (EWR) route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly Saturday flight—giving St. Croix direct access to the NYC market after a decades-long gap. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to $194 million ahead of the Wednesday, June 3 drawing; the game is open to players in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hurricane Readiness: The Coast Guard and hurricane forecasters are urging preparedness for the 2026 Atlantic season, which begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, even with a below-normal outlook. Safety at Sea: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas on May 31, with the passenger transferred to local emergency crews.

Air Travel for St. Croix: United Airlines will launch the first nonstop New York-area flight to St. Croix in more than 30 years, starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday service between Newark (EWR) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX). Hurricane Readiness: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season opens June 1 with forecasts calling for a quieter year, but the Coast Guard and hurricane center are urging residents and mariners across the U.S. Virgin Islands to prepare for even one potentially damaging storm. Local Governance (BVI): Mark Vanterpool is pushing for decentralizing government services in the British Virgin Islands, arguing ministries should be moved to sister islands to reduce Tortola-centric development. Military Families Benefit: The Lyman Museum in Hilo is again offering free admission to active-duty service members and up to five family members through Sept. 7 as part of the Blue Star Museums program. Rescue Off St. Thomas: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas, with the passenger transferred to local emergency services.

New Air Link for St. Croix: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop service between St. Croix and the New York area, starting Oct. 31, 2026 with weekly Saturday flights from Newark to St. Croix. Hurricane Season Prep: The Coast Guard and NOAA are urging U.S. Virgin Islands residents to get ready for the 2026 Atlantic season, which runs June 1 to Nov. 30, even with forecasts calling for a quieter year. Power and Blackouts: Reports say St. Thomas and St. John saw weekend blackouts tied to power instability. Coast Guard Rescue: Coast Guard crews rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas, with the passenger transferred to local emergency services. Tourism Roundup: Caribbean Week in New York is drawing regional leaders, including U.S. Virgin Islands officials, as the region competes for visitors. Local Military Perk: The Lyman Museum is offering free admission to active-duty service members and their families as part of the Blue Star Museums program. Epstein Files Spotlight: New Mexico’s Epstein “Truth Commission” issued its first subpoenas, while fresh DOJ-related reporting keeps “Epstein Island” in the public eye.

Air Access for St. Croix: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York-area service to St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2026, with Saturday flights from Newark (737-700, 126 seats). Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opens June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, bringing ministers and tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with USVI officials and United’s Caribbean Women in Tourism keynote dinner. Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA says the 2026 Atlantic season has a 55% chance of being below normal, but still forecasts 8–14 named storms and warns against complacency as the season runs June 1–Nov. 30. Local Power Reliability: Reports note weekend blackouts hit St. Thomas and St. John twice amid power instability. Coast Guard Rescue: Coast Guard crews rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas. Business/Infrastructure: USVI-related broadband planning highlights BEAD matching funds, while separate regional coverage flags delays and redesigns to ferry terminal work. Other Notables: Powerball jackpot climbed to about $181M after no Monday winner; a cross-border cocaine tunnel case in San Diego led to four charges.

Energy & Reliability: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts again over the weekend, with VI Water and Power citing loss of generation at a power plant and warning of outages that can last about two hours. Aviation & Travel: United will add the only nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, with weekly Saturday flights, giving another New York-area gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cruise Industry: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with advance day-pass sales and private cabanas; separately, Norwegian Viva canceled some San Juan departures in 2028 due to port availability. Hurricane Preparedness: NOAA forecasts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, with 8–14 named storms and 3–6 hurricanes, and the National Hurricane Center is expanding its inland warning cone to better show inland wind risks. Local Governance: Premier Natalio D. Wheatley (BVI) called for transferring security responsibilities from the UK to the territory with democratic accountability. Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas. Politics & Community: A VI election update shows 107-plus candidates filed so far, raising questions about how well parties are vetting and organizing.

Maritime Security: U.S. Coast Guard crews in San Juan, working with federal partners, intercepted a commercial barge in Puerto Rico’s San Juan Harbor and found eight stowaways—four Chinese nationals and four Dominican Republic nationals—who were transferred to CBP for processing. Power Reliability: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts twice over the weekend after a loss of generation at a power plant, leaving large portions of St. Thomas without electricity and highlighting ongoing energy instability. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA predicts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with a 55% chance of fewer storms overall and El Niño expected to play a role. Local Governance (BVI): Premier Natalio Wheatley called for transferring security responsibilities from the UK to the Virgin Islands government, arguing for democratic accountability through public oversight. Tourism & Airlift: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1, with U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. set to speak and regional tourism leaders meeting on marketing and air connectivity. Politics (USVI): A review of the November 2026 election filing field raises questions about whether USVI political parties are doing enough to vet candidates and improve governance. 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.