AGP Executive Report

USVI-BVI Maritime Clash: The U.S. Virgin Islands is pushing for federal involvement in a growing dispute with the British Virgin Islands over cruising fees and rules for vessels using the Sir Francis Drake Channel, after BVI sharply raised charter and day-trip charges—up to $24,000 per vessel for annual multi-night licenses—prompting USVI Governor Albert Bryan to escalate the fight. Housing Funding: The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York announced a $10.3 million Housing Impact Grant to support affordable housing in its district, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. SNAP Boost: Starting Oct. 1, SNAP maximum benefits rise, with the U.S. Virgin Islands set to have its own benefit levels due to higher grocery costs. Consumer Drug Payouts: Attorneys general across the U.S., including actions tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands, are urging people to file claims for compensation from settlements over alleged generic drug price inflation, with a March 8, 2027 deadline. Sports: Saint Martin routed the Bahamas 8-0 in a CONCACAF Nations League match played in St. Croix. Powerball: Jackpot estimates climbed again after no winner, topping $360 million for the next drawing.

Lottery Watch: Powerball is climbing again after no jackpot winner Monday, with Wednesday’s estimated prize now at $332 million (about $141.7M cash); the next drawing is Saturday, Sept. 26. Consumer Protection: U.S. Virgin Islands residents are among those urged to check eligibility for compensation tied to multistate settlements over allegedly inflated generic drug prices, with claims tied to purchases made between May 2009 and Dec. 2019. Local Governance: USVI says a maritime charter-vessel fee dispute with the British Virgin Islands is nearing a key stage, with USVI requesting high-level talks and a response by Sept. 25. Community & Youth: Two USVI-linked National FFA Convention performers were highlighted this week—one selected for the National FFA Talent Competition and another for the National FFA Band—showcasing youth leadership across the territory. Travel & Lifestyle: A roundup notes Americans can visit U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands without a passport, making fall getaways easier.

Generic Drug Antitrust Claims: U.S. Virgin Islands residents are among those urged to check eligibility and file claims for compensation tied to a multistate settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing, with the claims process open after a federal court granted preliminary approval; the coalition says eligible purchases fall between May 2009 and December 2019, and consumers are directed to use AGGenericDrugs.com or the toll-free line. USVI-BVI Maritime Tensions: The USVI is pushing for high-level talks with the British Virgin Islands over a charter-vessel fee and licensing dispute, with a response reportedly due Sept. 25 and a proposed summit the week of Oct. 12 involving USVI, BVI, and U.S. federal agencies. Coral Reef Funding for the Territory: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced $2.1 million in grants to improve coral reef resilience, including projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands, aimed at growing heat-tolerant corals and reducing sediment pollution. Local Health & Travel Notes: A reminder that indoor air quality matters for children’s health, plus a travel explainer noting Americans can visit U.S. territories like the USVI without a passport.

USVI-BVI Maritime Talks: The USVI says it wants high-level talks with the British Virgin Islands over a charter-vessel fee and regulatory dispute, with a response requested by Sept. 25 and a proposed summit week of Oct. 12. Coral Reef Funding: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded $2.1 million in grants to support heat-resilient coral work in Florida, Hawai‘i, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, leveraging $1.2 million in matching funds. Cancer Benefit in Cruz Bay: Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar announced “Turn The Tide” blood-cancer benefit events Saturday, Sept. 26, including a tropical trip giveaway that includes a six-night stay in Cruz Bay, St. John. Generic Drug Claims: Attorneys general across the U.S. are urging eligible consumers to file claims for compensation tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing; the deadline cited is March 8, 2027. Powerball Update: Powerball’s jackpot is climbing again ahead of the Wednesday, Sept. 23 drawing, after Monday’s numbers produced no grand-prize winner.

Antitrust & Consumer Relief: U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General William Tong is urging residents to check eligibility and file claims tied to a multistate plan after settlements over alleged generic-drug price-fixing, with purchases between May 2009 and Dec. 2019 potentially qualifying. Regional Maritime Tensions: USVI officials are pushing for high-level talks with the British Virgin Islands over charter-vessel licensing fees and entry limits, setting a Sept. 25 written response deadline and targeting an Oct. 12 summit. Local Environment: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded $2.1 million to coral reef resilience projects, including work in the U.S. Virgin Islands, aimed at heat-tolerant coral restoration and reducing sediment pollution. Public Safety & Travel: U.S. Customs and Border Protection marine agents, with Puerto Rico police, intercepted a suspected human smuggling case near Culebra after a vessel was spotted traveling from St. Thomas. Health & Cost of Living: SNAP recipients nationwide are starting October benefit payments next week, with schedules varying by state.

USVI Charter Yacht Fee Fight: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met with the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington over the Virgin Islands’ charter yacht fee dispute, proposing an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in the capital during the week of Oct. 12 and demanding Premier Natalio Wheatley respond in writing by Sept. 25. Coral Reef Funding for USVI: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded $2.1 million in grants to support coral reef resilience, including projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with matching funds bringing total impact to $3.3 million. Powerball Update: No one matched all six numbers in Saturday’s Powerball drawing, pushing the jackpot to an estimated $313 million for Monday, Sept. 21 (cash value $133.6 million). Energy Leadership: Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón was elected chair of the Southern States Energy Board for 2026–2027, highlighting generation upgrades and resilience efforts. Local Sports/Regional Play: The U.S. Virgin Islands is set to face Bahamas and Saint Martin twice in the CONCACAF Nations League group stage, with matchups beginning this week. Safety & Travel: CBP marine interdiction agents and Puerto Rico police stopped a suspected human smuggling case near Culebra, detaining a family unit and charging the vessel operator.

Coral Reef Funding for USVI: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded $2.1 million in grants to boost coral reef resilience in Florida, Hawai‘i, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, using matching funds to reach $3.3 million total, with projects testing heat-tolerant corals and reducing sediment pollution. USVI Charter Yacht Fee Fight: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met with the U.S. Department of the Interior and pushed for an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington, setting a Sept. 25 written-commitment deadline for Premier Natalio Wheatley amid escalating charter yacht fee disputes. Powerball Rolls Again: After no jackpot winner, Powerball’s estimated prize climbed to $313 million for Monday’s drawing; Saturday’s numbers were 18-30-41-45-68 with Powerball 10. Daylight Saving Time Reminder: For areas that observe it, clocks “fall back” on Nov. 1, 2026 at 2 a.m.; U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and Guam stay on standard time year-round. CBP Hiring Webinar: U.S. Customs and Border Protection will host a Marine Interdiction Agent recruitment webinar Sept. 22 for candidates interested in Air and Marine Operations work across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

USVI Charter Yacht Fee Fight: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met with the U.S. Department of the Interior over the Virgin Islands’ charter yacht fee dispute and proposed an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington during the week of Oct. 12, while setting a Sept. 25 written-commitment deadline for Premier Natalio Wheatley. Border Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Marine Interdiction agents, with Puerto Rico Police, intercepted a suspected human smuggling case near Culebra after a vessel was spotted traveling from St. Thomas; three people were detained and the operator was charged, with the boat and engine seized. Tsunami Update: After a 4.8 earthquake near Guanica, Puerto Rico, the Tsunami Warning Center said there is no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the British Virgin Islands. Local Community & Youth: St. Croix’s Alonzo Mourning was honored at a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation event, and two local students were selected for national recognition—one for the National FFA Chorus and another for the National FFA Chorus spotlight. Sports & Travel: The U.S. Virgin Islands climbed in the latest FIBA World Ranking for Women, and American Airlines announced expanded Caribbean service that includes St. Thomas. Epstein Island Buzz: New document releases and fresh trespass lawsuits keep “Epstein Island” in the headlines, with ownership and legal fights still driving viral attention.

Local Governance: The U.S. Virgin Islands is escalating a charter yacht fee dispute with the British Virgin Islands, with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. pushing for an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington and demanding Premier Natalio Wheatley provide a written commitment by Sept. 25. Public Safety: A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck near Guanica, Puerto Rico, but the National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Center said there’s no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the British Virgin Islands. Border Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Marine Interdiction agents, with Puerto Rico police, intercepted a suspected human smuggling case near Culebra; a British national from Tortola was charged and the family unit was processed for removal proceedings. Community & Health: U.S. Virgin Islands basketball news hits the sports radar as the territory climbed in the latest FIBA World Ranking for Women. Everyday Life: Lightning safety guidance notes that many old rules are outdated, and it highlights that the U.S. Virgin Islands is among the places reporting no lightning deaths since 2006. Sports & Travel: American Airlines is expanding Caribbean flights, including St. Thomas, as it adjusts service amid aircraft seat issues.

Charter Yacht Fees: U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. escalated a dispute over Tortola’s commercial recreational vessel license fees, meeting the U.S. Department of the Interior and pushing for an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington the week of Oct. 12, with Premier Natalio Wheatley facing a Sept. 25 written commitment deadline. Public Health: A CDC report on two separate Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in St. Croix found Legionella in hotel guest-room water systems, including cold lines that can warm in tropical conditions, underscoring the need for warm-climate guidance and for travelers with pneumonia to share where they stayed. Border Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Marine Interdiction agents, with Puerto Rico police, intercepted a suspected human smuggling attempt near Culebra; three people were detained and the vessel operator was charged. Travel & Air Service: American Airlines says it’s expanding Caribbean flights from Miami this winter, including added service to St. Thomas and Tortola. Community & Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands climbed 16 spots in the latest FIBA World Ranking for Women, landing at No. 48. Lottery: Powerball’s estimated $298 million jackpot rolled after Saturday’s drawing; winning numbers were 18-30-41-45-68 with Power Play 10.

Local Governance: USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is escalating a charter yacht fee dispute, pushing the U.S. Department of the Interior for action and demanding Tortola Premier Natalio Wheatley respond in writing by Sept. 25, with Bryan also proposing an emergency Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington the week of Oct. 12. Public Safety: CBP Marine Interdiction agents and Puerto Rico police stopped a suspected human smuggling attempt near Culebra after a vessel was spotted traveling from St. Thomas; three people were detained and the operator, Kavon Wheatly of Tortola, faces alien smuggling charges. Health & Travel: A CDC report on two St. Croix Legionnaires’ disease clusters found Legionella in hotel guest room water systems, including cold lines that can stay warm in tropical conditions. Community & Sports: Jamaica’s U15 FIFA World Cup and Festival squad includes the U.S. Virgin Islands in Group AB, with matches in Azerbaijan running Oct. 22–31. Money & Benefits: October Supplemental Security Income payments worth up to $994 are set to go out in about 12 days. Time Change: Daylight saving time ends Nov. 1, 2026 at 2 a.m., when clocks “fall back” one hour.

Earthquakes & Tsunami Watch: A stronger-than-usual magnitude 4.8 quake struck just outside Guanica, Puerto Rico, prompting the National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Center to issue an information statement—saying there’s no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the British Virgin Islands. Border Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Marine Interdiction agents, with Puerto Rico Police, stopped a suspected human smuggling vessel near Culebra; three people were detained and the operator was charged, with the vessel and engine seized. Public Health: A CDC report on two Legionnaires’ outbreaks in St. Croix found Legionella in hotel guest-room water systems, including cold lines that can warm enough in tropical conditions for bacteria to grow. Local Travel & Safety: Travelers are reminded to check phone service coverage in the U.S. Virgin Islands and enable Wi‑Fi calling before trips. Community & Environment: Volunteers have removed more than 162,000 pounds of garbage from Washington beaches this year, with more cleanups planned. Sports (Regional): The U.S. Virgin Islands climbed in the latest FIBA World Ranking for Women, moving up 16 spots to No. 48.

Local Health & Safety: A new CDC report on two separate Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in St. Croix found Legionella in guest room water systems, including cold lines that can stay warm enough in tropical conditions—urging travelers with pneumonia after a trip to tell clinicians where they stayed. Caribbean Sports: The latest FIBA Women’s World Ranking shows a big jump for the U.S. Virgin Islands, climbing 16 spots to No. 48, while the Bahamas surged to No. 67. Aviation & Travel: Southwest Airlines says it’s serving 10 Caribbean destinations nonstop, including St. Thomas, with routes from major U.S. gateways. U.S. Virgin Islands in the Spotlight: A class action lawsuit targets Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, alleging images of child sexual abuse were found in his collection; the filing seeks about $6 million for more than 40 people. Public Safety (BVI): BVI Acting Police Commissioner Richard Ullger says gun crime is “rife,” with officers seizing 18 illegal firearms since the start of the year. DST Reminder: Daylight saving time is still set to end Nov. 1, 2026, at 2 a.m. local time, unless Congress changes course.

Epstein Island Spotlight: New court filings and fresh trespass-related developments have pushed “Epstein Island” back into the headlines, with outlets trying to separate sworn court facts about Little St. James from viral, recycled claims. Daylight Saving Time: Unless Congress acts, Virgin Islands residents should still plan to “fall back” on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, when clocks move back one hour at 2 a.m. Travel & Safety: A CDC-linked federal report found Legionella in U.S. Virgin Islands hotel water systems, including cold lines that can warm enough for bacteria to grow—reminding travelers to share where they stayed if they develop pneumonia. Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands women’s team jumped 16 spots to No. 48 in the latest FIBA World Ranking. Security Hiring: U.S. Customs and Border Protection will host a virtual recruitment webinar Sept. 22 for Marine Interdiction Agent roles, with operations spanning Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Health & Tourism Watch: Southwest Airlines says it’s flying nonstop to St. Thomas and other Caribbean destinations, while travelers are urged to check cell service coverage before trips.

Basketball Rankings: The latest FIBA World Ranking for women shows a big jump for the U.S. Virgin Islands, climbing 16 spots to No. 48 with 138.1 points—now the third-highest-ranked Caribbean team. Public Safety Hiring: U.S. Customs and Border Protection will hold a virtual recruitment webinar Sept. 22 for Marine Interdiction Agent positions, covering the hiring process and AMO’s mission across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Health Watch: A CDC report on two Legionnaires’ disease hotel outbreaks in St. Croix found Legionella in guest room water systems, including cold lines that can warm enough in tropical conditions—reminding travelers to report where they stayed if they develop pneumonia. Community & Culture: The National FFA Chorus selected Josephine Gifford, an Licking FFA senior, to perform at the 2026 National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. Tourism Leadership: CMEx will honor Natasha J. Chalwell, deputy director of tourism for the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission, at its 2026 Leadership Awards and Fundraiser.

Public Health: A CDC report on two separate Legionnaires’ disease clusters on St. Croix found Legionella in hotel guest-room water systems, including cold lines that can warm in tropical conditions, underscoring the need for warm-climate tailored control guidance. Tourism & Travel Tips: With cell service not guaranteed across the U.S. Virgin Islands, travelers are urged to check their phone carrier coverage before arrival and turn on Wi‑Fi Calling ahead of time. Local Sports: The Scout Jacksonville Classic announced its inaugural basketball tournament schedule, noting Vanderbilt’s matchups that include a prior U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam connection. Territorial Governance & Culture: A University of Michigan panel on “Decolonizing imagination” featured Virgin Islands voices, including delegate Imani Daniel, as it examined shifting political narratives across U.S. territories. Community & Recognition: American Kidney Fund honored retiring members of Congress and Del. Stacey Plaskett (D‑U.S. Virgin Islands) during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation conference for kidney-health work. Business & Policy: Lawmakers and industry leaders continued pushing a federal film tax incentive, pointing to existing territory and state credits, including the U.S. Virgin Islands.