AGP Executive Report

Local Cancer Care: St. Croix’s 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. Naval Update: The USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) returned to Norfolk, Va. on June 6 after a historic 10-month deployment in the U.S. Fourth Fleet area, including Caribbean missions with counter-narcotics and humanitarian assistance. Territories & Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing on “consent of the governed” highlighted that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories still lack full democratic rights, with U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett participating. Travel Connections: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to let passengers book single-ticket itineraries through St. Maarten, improving access across the Caribbean. Powerball Watch: Powerball climbed to $230M+ after no jackpot winner Monday; next drawing is Wednesday, June 10.

Lottery Watch: Powerball kept rolling after no jackpot winner in Monday’s June 8 drawing; the jackpot climbed to $225 million (cash value $100.3 million) for the next Wednesday, June 10 draw, with Monday’s numbers 3-24-34-43-49 and Powerball 20. Cancer Community: St. Croix’s 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, as survivors shared stories of hope and survival. Territory Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing on “consent of the governed” highlighted that 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories still lack full voting rights, with U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett participating. Local Workforce: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the VI Eligible Training Provider List, opening WIOA funding for EMT training; 10 residents completed Cohort 2 and are eligible for NREMT certification. Travel Connections: United Airlines announced new routes including seasonal Newark–St. Croix service starting Oct. 31, 2026.

Territorial Democracy Push: 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 joining via video and advocates arguing colonial-era limits still deny full democratic rights. Hurricane Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Cristina and Tropical Storm Boris in the Eastern Pacific, warning that even weaker storms can bring dangerous inland flooding. Workforce & EMS 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; ten residents completed Cohort 2 and are eligible for NREMT certification. Travel Connectivity: Winair launched an interline partnership with Contour Airlines, aiming to make it easier to book through St. Maarten to destinations across the Caribbean. Local Aviation Reliability: Newark Liberty International Airport was ranked No. 1 in the Northeast for on-time performance so far in 2026, citing FAA upgrades and staffing changes. Medicare Fraud Reminder: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights common scams and urges beneficiaries to review notices and report suspicious activity.

Air Travel for the U.S. Virgin Islands: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route from St. Croix (STX) to Newark (EWR) starting Oct. 31, 2026—once a week on Saturdays—giving VI travelers a direct link to the New York area. Local Workforce & Health Care: 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; 10 residents completed Cohort 2 and are now eligible for NREMT certification. Public Safety: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of two armed and dangerous escapees, Jose Almestica and John Burgos. Medicare Fraud Prevention: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights new scam tactics, including phone fraud schemes that can use AI voice cloning to trick beneficiaries into sharing Medicare information. Territorial Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing renewed calls for full democratic rights for Americans in U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, who have no voting representation in Congress. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8 to 14 named storms expected.

Lottery Watch: Powerball climbed to $212 million for Saturday, June 6, with a $94.5 million cash option; tickets cost $2 and can be bought in 45 states, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Government: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach marked the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, praising public workers for the day-to-day service that residents feel. Public Safety: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of escaped prisoners Jose Almestica and John Burgos, described as armed and dangerous. Workforce & Health Care: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, opening WIOA funding for EMT training; 10 residents completed Cohort 2 and are eligible for NREMT certification. Aviation & Travel: United announced a new nonstop route between St. Croix and Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026, aiming to make the NYC-area trip easier for Virgin Islands travelers. Hurricane Prep: NOAA forecasts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8 to 14 named storms expected and 3 to 6 hurricanes.

Lottery Watch: Powerball climbed to $212 million for Saturday, June 6, with a $94.5 million cash option; tickets cost $2 and are sold in 45 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with drawings at 10:59 p.m. Travel & Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop between St. Croix and Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026 (Saturday-only), giving VI travelers a direct link to the New York area. Local Public Safety: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of escaped prisoners Jose Almestica and John Burgos, both described as armed and dangerous. Workforce & Health: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, enabling WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 has completed the program and graduates are eligible for NREMT certification. Hurricane Prep: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8 to 14 named storms and 3 to 6 hurricanes. Caribbean Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is underway, bringing tourism leaders and ministers together, including participation from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Local Governance & Public Service: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top VI public employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the people behind day-to-day government services. 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; cohort 2 completed the program with 10 graduates on track for NREMT certification. Territorial Democracy: A bipartisan congressional briefing in Washington examined what “consent of the governed” means for U.S. territories, noting 3.6 million territorial residents still lack full voting representation. Military & Security: The USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group returned to Norfolk after a historic 10-month deployment, including Caribbean support tied to counter-narcotics and homeland protection. Travel & Connectivity: United Airlines announced a new nonstop between St. Croix and Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026, and Winair launched an interline partnership with Contour to improve one-itinerary Caribbean connections. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, with 8–14 named storms and 3–6 hurricanes.

Territorial Democracy Push: A congressional briefing in Washington, D.C. renewed the fight over “consent of the governed,” arguing the Insular Cases still leave about 3.6 million Americans in U.S. territories—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—without full voting rights. Workforce & EMS Training: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training, as 10 graduates complete Cohort 2 and move toward national certification. Public Safety Alert: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of escaped fugitives Jose Almestica and John Burgos, both described as armed and dangerous. Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with 8 to 14 named storms and 3 to 6 hurricanes—still a reminder to prepare. Travel Update: United Airlines announced new nonstop service from Newark to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026, a major boost for New York-area travelers.

Air Travel & Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched a new interline partnership linking San Juan, St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), and Dominica via St. Maarten, letting passengers book through on one itinerary. Local Workforce & Health Care: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 just finished with 10 graduates eligible for NREMT certification. Public Safety: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of escaped fugitives Jose Almestica and John Burgos, both described as armed and dangerous. Hurricane Readiness: With the Atlantic season underway, NOAA’s outlook still warns that even a below-normal year can bring a major storm—so residents are urged to prepare now. Community & Government: Acting Gov. Roach honored public employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting the territory’s frontline service workers. Culture & Media: Caribbean Week in New York continues to draw tourism leaders, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, as ministers push “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences.”

Workforce & Health: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was 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 graduates now eligible for NREMT certification. Public Safety: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of escaped, armed fugitives Jose Almestica and John Burgos, warning the public not to approach them. Transportation: United Airlines announced a new weekly nonstop between St. Croix and Newark starting Oct. 31, 2026—closing a long gap in direct service to the New York area. Hurricane Readiness: With the Atlantic season underway, NOAA and the Coast Guard are urging residents and mariners across the region—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—to prepare now, even if forecasts call for a below-normal season. Tourism & Community: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is underway, bringing regional tourism leaders together with the U.S. Virgin Islands among the delegations.

Epstein Probe Fallout: New online attention is being driven by newly released 2020 photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s Little St. James, including the “epstein temple” structure, after a DOJ/House Democrat document dump. Congressional Oversight: Sen. Ron Wyden is pressing a House panel to question billionaire Leon Black about paying Epstein $170 million for tax planning, while a House committee also urged DOJ to examine sexual abuse allegations from a former Epstein assistant. Public Safety in the Region: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of escaped prisoners Jose Almestica and John Burgos, both described as armed and dangerous. Local Government: Acting Gov. Tregenza Roach honored public servants at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix. Travel & Tourism: United Airlines announced a new St. Croix–Newark nonstop starting Oct. 31, 2026, a major boost for direct New York-area access. Hurricane Readiness: With Atlantic season underway, NOAA and Coast Guard officials are urging VI residents to prepare even if forecasts call for a quieter year.

Public Service Spotlight: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top government workers at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, praising public servants whose daily work supports families, students, and residents. Air Travel & Tourism: United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark/New York route starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday service—boosting direct access for residents and visitors. Manhunt Update: The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of escaped prisoners Jose Almestica and John Burgos, both described as armed and dangerous, with tips routed through RVIPF or Crime Stoppers. Hurricane Readiness: Coast Guard officials urged mariners and residents across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic season as forecasts call for a below-normal year but still warn that any storm can be severe. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to $194 million for Wednesday’s drawing, with players in the U.S. Virgin Islands eligible to buy tickets at licensed retailers.

Crime Alert (British Virgin Islands): The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is offering a $50,000 reward for tips leading to the capture of escaped fugitives Jose Almestica and John M. Burgos, described as armed and extremely dangerous. Hurricane Readiness (U.S. Virgin Islands): The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season opened June 1 with forecasters calling for a quieter-than-usual year, but the Coast Guard is urging residents and mariners across the region—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—to prepare now. Air Access (St. Croix): United Airlines announced the only nonstop New York-area route from St. Croix, launching Oct. 31, 2026 with Saturday flights from Newark. Local Safety (Coast Guard): Coast Guard crews rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas. Tourism & Travel: Caribbean Week in New York kicked off with regional leaders, while Norwegian Cruise Line canceled some Norwegian Viva sailings from San Juan due to port availability changes. Health & Outdoors: A column argues that clothing can be a more planet-friendly sunscreen option than lotion. Weather (Eastern Pacific): Tropical Storm Amanda formed in the Eastern Pacific, with warnings about inland flash flooding.

U.S. Virgin Islands Hurricane Readiness: The 2026 Atlantic season opened June 1 with forecasters calling for a quieter year, but the Coast Guard is urging residents and mariners in the U.S. Virgin Islands to prepare anyway, stressing emergency plans, proper gear, and monitoring weather and VHF-FM 16. Air Access for St. Croix: United Airlines announced a new nonstop route from Newark to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026, with Saturday flights, giving the island a direct New York-area connection. Caribbean Tourism Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1, bringing regional tourism leaders together in Manhattan, including U.S. Virgin Islands officials, to push connectivity and growth. Local Community & Culture: The Lyman Museum in Hilo is offering Blue Star Museum free admission to active-duty military and families through Sept. 7, and the program includes U.S. Virgin Islands participation. Lottery Buzz: Mega Millions climbed to $346 million ahead of the June 2 drawing, while Powerball sits around $181 million after no jackpot winner on June 1.

Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA says the 2026 Atlantic season is likely below normal, with a 55% chance of fewer storms but still 8–14 named storms and up to 3–6 hurricanes, including 1–3 major ones. Air Access for St. Croix: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York-area route to St. Croix—starting Oct. 31, weekly Saturdays from Newark to STX. Caribbean Tourism in NYC: Caribbean Week 2026 is underway in Manhattan, bringing regional ministers and industry leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with USVI officials attending. Energy Woes: St. Thomas and St. John saw blackouts over the weekend tied to power-plant instability, with the utility warning customers to expect outages while repairs continue. Crime & Courts: Four people were charged in a cross-border tunnel case in Otay Mesa tied to more than $45 million in cocaine. Local Politics: A new look at USVI party politics argues parties have fallen short on vetting and governance renewal. Business/Tech: A cybersecurity study finds confidence among state CISOs has plunged, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included in the survey.

Tourism & Travel: United Airlines will add the only nonstop New York-area to St. Croix route, starting Oct. 31 with weekly Saturday flights from Newark, boosting direct access to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cruise Industry: Norwegian Viva canceled certain San Juan departures for 2028 due to port availability and a redeployment plan, with affected passengers moved to refunds or incentives. Local Energy Woes: St. Thomas and St. John saw total blackouts again over the weekend, blamed on loss of generation at a power plant; officials point to aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA predicts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, with 8–14 named storms and 3–6 hurricanes, citing El Niño and other factors. Caribbean Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off today with USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and regional tourism leaders meeting under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas. Lottery: Powerball jackpot climbs to $180 million for Monday’s drawing.