Regional Disaster Response: Back-to-back major earthquakes rocked northern Venezuela, collapsing buildings in and around Caracas and triggering tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands before warnings were later canceled; Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez said the death toll has climbed to at least 235 with thousands injured, as rescue crews continue and authorities warn it could rise further. Local Relevance: The quake’s impact was felt across the Caribbean, and the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center briefly flagged USVI coastal areas, underscoring the territory’s exposure to regional seismic events. USVI-Linked Travel & Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line is promoting summer deals on close-to-home Caribbean voyages, while a separate report notes St. Thomas is projecting 1.25 million cruise passengers next season with 359 ship calls. Community & Health: A disaster-preparedness initiative tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands is expanding “Disaster Smart” educational tools, and a telehealth partnership aims to expand affordable online substance use disorder treatment. Epstein Files Watch: New releases and flight-log discussions continue to fuel scrutiny around Jeffrey Epstein’s network and related records.
AGP Executive Report
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Earthquakes & USVI Tsunami Watch: Back-to-back powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela late Wednesday, collapsing buildings in Caracas and nearby areas and triggering brief tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands before they were later canceled. Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez said at least 164 people died and hundreds were injured, with officials warning the toll could rise as rescue crews continue. Local Finance: The Virgin Islands Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation issued Bulletin 2026-04 after Act No. 9100 increased the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund funding level from $50 million to $55 million, and raised the maximum payout in insurer insolvency cases to $75,000 less $50. Disaster Preparedness: Stacy Bourne expanded her Disaster Smart™ preparedness initiative, building on her experience surviving Hurricane Marilyn in the U.S. Virgin Islands and focusing on practical tools for families, schools and communities. Community Grants: AARP announced Community Challenge grants nationwide, including projects that support livability for older adults and residents of all ages, with the program’s 10th anniversary round totaling $8.3 million for 750 quick-action projects.
Disaster Preparedness: Stacy A. Bourne is expanding her “Disaster Smart” education push, built on 35 years of architecture experience and firsthand recovery after Hurricane Marilyn in the U.S. Virgin Islands, aiming to help families, schools, and communities build practical habits before emergencies hit. Earthquakes & Tsunami Alerts: A pair of major earthquakes struck Venezuela near Morón, with the first reported around magnitude 7.2 and a stronger quake about a minute later near 7.5; officials say deaths and injuries are rising, and tsunami advisories briefly included Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands before being canceled. Local Finance: The Virgin Islands Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation issued Bulletin 2026-04 after Act No. 9100 increased the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund funding level to $55 million and raised the insolvency payout limit for future claims. Community Grants: AARP announced 2026 Community Challenge grants, including projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands, plus separate grant lists in Indiana, Arkansas, and Wisconsin focused on livable communities for older adults. Lottery Watch: Powerball climbed to $327M for the June 24 drawing, with Mega Millions at $467M for June 23.
Seismic Alert: The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami warning for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Venezuela’s coast, with the quake felt across parts of the country. Insurance Update: The VI Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation says Act No. 9100 raises the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund funding level from $50 million to $55 million and increases the maximum payout in future insurer insolvency claims from $50,000 less $50 to $75,000 less $50. Cruise Boom: St. Thomas is projecting about 1.25 million cruise passengers next season with 359 ship calls, and the West Indian Company says several major lines will add first-time vessels. Local Business & Grants: Verizon and LISC are offering $10,000 grants to small businesses nationwide (including the U.S. Virgin Islands) through 2026, with monthly selections. Community Support: AARP’s Community Challenge grants are expanding across the U.S. and Puerto Rico/USVI, backing quick-action projects aimed at improving mobility, housing, and public spaces. Public Health Tip: A new report and dermatologist advice highlight that many sunscreens don’t meet safety standards, and proper SPF use matters—especially reapplying after swimming or sweating. Education & Youth: KIDS COUNT USVI data shows gains in graduation and employment, but flags ongoing concerns with math scores, wages, dropouts, and housing pressures. Scholarship Win: St. Croix student Adaina Smith was named the first Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship recipient, earning full tuition, fees, housing and mentorship at NC State.
Cruise & Tourism: St. Thomas is projecting about 1.25 million cruise passengers next season with 359 ship calls, and five vessels are set for first-time stops at the WICO dock. Local Sports: St. Croix’s Adaina Smith was named the first Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship recipient, earning full tuition, fees, housing and mentorship at NC State. Water Policy: Rep. José “Che” Pérez Cordero filed a measure to study residential rainwater collection and storage as a drought-resilience move. Education & Youth: KIDS COUNT USVI data shows gains in unemployment, graduation and English scores, but continued concerns over wages, math, dropouts and housing pressures. Lottery Watch: Mega Millions is estimated at $467M for Tuesday, June 23 (cash $211M), and Powerball is at $312M for Monday, June 22 (cash $141.2M). Epstein Files: New details keep resurfacing around Little St. James, including renewed focus on the island’s “temple” and related records.
Cruise Boom for St. Thomas: The West Indian Company Limited is projecting 1.25 million cruise passengers next season with 359 ship calls, including five first-time vessels at the WICO dock. Local Retail Expansion: Nicci’s Boutique opened at Gosman’s Dock in Montauk, its first expansion outside the Caribbean, bringing limited-quantity women’s apparel and locally inspired items. SNAP Timing: July SNAP benefit dates vary by territory and state, with deposits landing on different days between July 1 and July 28 depending on local schedules. Caribbean Heritage in Congress: U.S. Rep. Stacey Plaskett highlighted National Caribbean American Heritage Month, pointing to Caribbean Americans’ impact on U.S. history and culture. Water Resilience Proposal: A measure filed by Rep. José “Che” Pérez Cordero would study rainwater collection systems for residences to reduce pressure on aqueducts. Sports: St. Thomas and St. Croix athletes posted results at the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in the Dominican Republic. Education Spotlight: Adaina Smith of St. Croix was named the first Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship recipient to attend NC State. Lottery Watch: Powerball climbed to $312M for Monday, June 22.
Legal Aid & Education: A program that brings law students to underserved rural communities is marking its 10th year, with more than 400 fellows placing students with legal services groups and serving over 14,000 rural residents since 2016. Water Resilience: Rep. José “Che” Pérez Cordero filed a measure to study residential rainwater collection and storage as drought and possible rationing loom, pointing to benefits like easing pressure on aqueducts and cutting runoff. Sports: St. Croix athletes Kyle Hamilton and Sean Tucker (men) and Megan Hands and Natalie Gazzard (women) wrapped up NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour play in the Dominican Republic, with the men finishing 15th and the women 12th. Local Education & Scholarships: St. Croix’s Adaina Smith was named the first Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship recipient, covering full tuition, fees, housing and mentorship at NC State. Public Data on Kids: KIDS COUNT USVI shows mixed results—unemployment and graduation improved, but math scores, wages, dropouts and housing pressures remain concerns. Crime & Courts: A Florida fugitive was arrested in Frederiksted after a housing assistance application triggered an NCIC warrant hit, according to court records. Powerball: The jackpot climbed to $312 million for Monday, June 22, with a cash value of $141.2 million.
Local Education & Economy: New KIDS COUNT data for the U.S. Virgin Islands shows unemployment improving (6% to 4%) and graduation rising (70.9% to 81%), plus gains in English Language Arts—while math scores, wages, dropout rates, and housing pressures remain major concerns. Scholarship Win: St. Croix student Adaina Smith was named the first recipient of the Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship, covering full tuition, fees, housing and mentorship for up to four years at NC State. Public Safety: A Florida fugitive wanted on an outstanding felony warrant was arrested in Frederiksted after a housing assistance application triggered an NCIC hit; the local charge was later dismissed. Sports: Langley’s Morgan Reimer (pitcher) and Kaitlyn Cameron (coach) will represent Canada at the 2026 Canada Cup Women’s International Softball Championship in Surrey. Tourism/Hotels: IHG signed a Kimpton-branded hotel in Madrid, marking the brand’s Madrid debut with a planned mid-2030 opening. Epstein Files Watch: New reporting continues to focus on how U.S. Virgin Islands records and Epstein-related documents—plus court rulings—are shaping what the public learns about Little St. James and related cases.
Local Sports: The 33rd International Optimist Regatta wrapped at the St. Thomas Yacht Club, with USA’s Joshua Wenokur taking overall honors after 10 races, edging Florida’s Jonah Watson and Connecticut’s Brooks Pardi. Energy Watch: ARA fuel oil stocks in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp hub stayed mostly steady in June so far, with fuel oil up to 3.63 million bbls and gasoil down to 13.59 million bbls, while prompt availability remains tight. VI Legal/Records: In the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Epstein-related probate fight, a judge denied the estate’s bid to keep Epstein Victims’ Compensation Program monthly reports sealed, saying safeguards are already in place. Epstein/Maxwell Fallout: New Epstein temple interior photos from government files have reignited online speculation about Little St. James, while coverage continues around Ghislaine Maxwell’s legal moves and the Prince Andrew connection. Community & Culture: A Caribbean Heritage Month reading list highlights 10 novels spanning the region, including stories tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lottery: Powerball is back above $300 million for Saturday, June 20 (numbers: 16-20-44-48-50, Powerball 15).
Local Crime: A 29-year-old mainland man, Alan Beyer, was arrested after high-definition surveillance and forensics linked him to back-to-back commercial break-ins in Susannaberg and Coral Bay, including forced entry at Paradise Lumber and Hardware and the Heading East Bar and Grill. USVI Court Watch: The Epstein Victims’ Compensation Program is back in focus after a probate judge denied the estate’s bid to keep monthly administrator reports sealed, saying existing safeguards are enough; the program paid out more than $121 million to about 150 survivors. Epstein Records & Little St. James: New interior photos of the “temple” on Little St. James are fueling fresh online speculation, following earlier government file releases that moved discussion from exterior views to close-ups. Lottery: Powerball climbs to an estimated $302 million for Saturday, June 20 (16-20-44-48-50, Powerball 15; Power Play 2x). Culture Reads: For Caribbean Heritage Month, a roundup highlights 10 novels spanning the region, including titles connected to the U.S. Virgin Islands and nearby Caribbean experiences.
Epstein Probate Fight in USVI: Jeffrey Epstein’s estate asked a U.S. Virgin Islands probate judge to keep monthly victim-compensation reports sealed, but Judge Carolyn P. Hermon-Percell denied the request, saying safeguards were already in place and noting two reports had already been released. The compensation program ran from June 2020 to August 2021, paying more than $121 million to about 150 survivors, after the territory’s 2020 racketeering suit settled in 2022 for $105 million, including terms tied to future island-sale proceeds and environmental repairs on Little St. James. Lottery Buzz: Powerball is back over $300 million for Saturday, June 20, estimated at $302 million (cash option about $135.3 million), with winning numbers reported as 16-20-44-48-50 and Powerball 15, Power Play 2x. Local Crime Update: A mainland man was arrested after high-definition surveillance linked him to back-to-back commercial burglaries in Susannaberg and Coral Bay, with investigators identifying him as Alan Beyer.
Local Crime: A 29-year-old mainland man is jailed after high-definition surveillance helped link him to back-to-back commercial burglaries in Susannaberg and Coral Bay, with investigators pulling footage from Paradise Lumber and Hardware and Heading East Bar and Grill to identify the suspect. U.S. Virgin Islands & Travel: A new report on Medicare coverage abroad highlights a common gap for Original Medicare users traveling outside the U.S. Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories, where routine care is often not covered. America250 / Time Capsule: Wisconsin sealed items for “America’s Time Capsule,” including an eagle feather and a photo of “Old Abe,” ahead of the July 4 burial in Philadelphia. Sports: Green Bay coach Doug Gottlieb won a contract extension through the 2030-31 season. Lottery: Mega Millions for June 19: 13-16-21-26-50, Megaball 12.
Epstein Files and VI Fallout: New document reporting keeps spotlighting Jeffrey Epstein’s financial web and its reach into the U.S. Virgin Islands, including how major banks faced sustained legal pressure over alleged compliance failures and how the estate’s money trail has been reshaped by settlements and IRS refunds. Little St. James Updates: Coverage also revisits Little St. James, including who controls it now and what new footage and interior photos have added—while the island remains off-limits to the public. Banking Pressure in Court: JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank are again in focus for large victim settlements tied to claims they profited while red flags were allegedly ignored. Local Politics: Janelle K. Sarauw launched an aggressive bid for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Virgin Islands delegate seat, with deep St. Kitts and Nevis family ties drawing attention ahead of the Aug. 1 primary. Sports (Regional): St. Thomas Yacht Club hosted major sailing events, with LISOT Black winning the TOTE Team Racing Championships. Travel & Lifestyle: A separate travel piece points to summer flight value timing, and another highlights a St. Thomas banana cocktail tradition.
Epstein Scrutiny in the U.S. Virgin Islands: New document releases keep spotlighting Jeffrey Epstein’s Little St. James, including renewed focus on the island’s interior photos, visitor travel records, and how communications and operations may have been controlled. Civil Case Updates: The U.S. Virgin Islands’ civil fight tied to Epstein’s estate remains active in discovery, with subpoenas seeking records involving Glenn Dubin and his family, as prosecutors and attorneys continue sorting financial and communications links. Local Politics: Pamela Evette released a list of nine potential running mates ahead of her June 23 runoff, while in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sandy Point-born Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach formally entered the 2026 governor race with a Roach–Francis ticket. Regional/Travel: Summer travel demand stays strong, with new data showing U.S. travel agency air ticket sales rising year over year, and a travel report pointing to specific August weeks for cheaper flights.
America250 Time Capsule: The 900-pound “America’s Time Capsule” was officially sealed for the U.S. 250th birthday and will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4, with all 50 states plus five territories and institutions contributing 200+ items meant to be opened in 2276; Minnesota sent Walz’s Minnesota250 order and the state flag, while other states included items like NASA photos, a copper ingot, and a whale bone. Epstein Files & USVI Links: New Mexico’s Truth Commission approved a fresh round of subpoenas, including to U.S. Attorneys’ offices in the U.S. Virgin Islands, seeking any internal communications about why prosecutors may have declined to charge Jeffrey Epstein; the broader DOJ releases continue to keep Little St. James and flight/visitor records in the spotlight, though presence on logs alone doesn’t prove wrongdoing. Tourism/Hotels: Club Med and VICI Properties say they’ve acquired and will redevelop St. Croix’s Carambola Beach Resort, returning the brand to U.S. shores with a future all-inclusive operation. Sports (St. Thomas): LISOT Black won the TOTE Team Racing Championships at the St. Thomas Yacht Club, with the event week also featuring a TOTE clinic and the International Optimist Regatta. Lottery: No one won the June 17 Powerball jackpot; next drawing is estimated at $302 million.
Epstein Probe Expands to USVI: New Mexico’s “Truth Commission” subpoenaed U.S. Attorneys’ offices in multiple states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, seeking internal communications tied to whether prosecutors chose not to pursue Jeffrey Epstein after investigating his alleged crimes. Epstein Island Records Still Driving Scrutiny: New federal disclosures keep spotlighting Little St. James and the “Lolita Express” flight logs, with renewed focus on who visited and what the records show—while the official death ruling remains suicide. Tourism Watch: Club Med is returning to U.S. shores with a planned redevelopment of St. Croix’s Carambola Beach Resort under a long-term lease with VICI Properties. Travel Business: Travel Planners International says it’s replacing its back-office system with Tern AI for booking and commission tracking. Lottery: No one won the June 17 Powerball jackpot; next drawing is estimated above $300 million.
Local Justice & Media Scrutiny: A new editorial raises alarms after drone footage was broadcast from inside an active St. Croix homicide perimeter, questioning VIPD leadership, evidence handling, and due process. U.S. Virgin Islands Crime & Courts: A former Virgin Islands police chief was sentenced to 10 years for a corruption scheme, adding to the territory’s ongoing accountability push. Tourism & Development: Club Med is moving into St. Croix, taking over the historic Carambola Beach Resort with plans for a major redevelopment under a long-term lease with VICI Properties. Community Spotlight: Miss Jenna Monet-Queeley was crowned Miss Universe U.S. Virgin Islands 2026 on St. Croix, and will prepare to represent the territory at Miss Universe. Territory Education & Youth: The VI’s agriculture education community celebrated as a Dolores teacher was named a National FFA Teacher Ambassador for a second year. National/Regional Odds & Ends: Powerball climbed to $283M for Wednesday’s drawing, with U.S. Virgin Islands players eligible to buy tickets at licensed retailers. Ongoing Epstein Coverage: Multiple stories continue to revisit Little St. James and the wider Epstein case, including new accusers and renewed focus on the island’s alleged operations.
Tourism & Culture: Royal Caribbean says it’s expanding its Artist Discovery Program for the Legend of the Seas, selecting six emerging artists from across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America to create large-scale installations onboard and at destination partners like Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Local Spotlight: Miss Universe U.S. Virgin Islands 2026, Jenna Monet-Queeley, was crowned on St. Croix, with plans to represent the territory at the 75th Miss Universe pageant. Economic Development: Club Med and VICI Properties announced they’re buying and redeveloping the Carambola Beach Resort on St. Croix, with Club Med set to operate the transformed 150-key property under its Exclusive Collection standards. Public Safety: St. Thomas saw another fatal shooting Tuesday at Hospital Ground, pushing the territory’s 2026 homicide count to 16. Justice & Accountability: Former Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Ray Martinez was sentenced to 10 years for procurement fraud, bribery and money laundering tied to a government contractor. Community & Recognition: Joseph Boschulte of The West Indian Company received a Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation Appreciation Award for his long-running contributions to VI tourism.
Gun Violence & Public Safety: A 23-year-old, Asani Henry, was fatally shot in the Hospital Ground area of St. Thomas on Tuesday, pushing the territory’s 2026 homicide count to 16, as VIPD urged the public to share tips via WhatsApp and Crime Stoppers. Local Justice & Corruption: Former VIPD Commissioner Ray Martinez was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a procurement fraud, bribery, and money laundering scheme tied to inflated invoices and personal benefits for a contractor. Territory Politics & Gun Laws: The U.S. Virgin Islands legislature passed Bill 36-0144, which would ban AR-15s, suppressors, and high-capacity magazines, while Attorney General Gordon Rhea backs it and gun-rights groups warn of legal battles. Tourism & Development: Club Med is returning to U.S. shores with plans to acquire and redevelop St. Croix’s Carambola Beach Resort under a long-term lease with VICI Properties, aiming for Club Med’s Exclusive Collection standards. Energy & Shipping: Water Spirit Freight Services resumed cargo operations at Pier 14 in San Juan, restoring service links to St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Tortola. Community Health: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate June 19, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, with events across the region including the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Tourism Recognition: Joseph Boschulte, CEO of The West Indian Company, won a Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation Appreciation Award for his long-running impact on U.S. Virgin Islands tourism. Resort Development: Club Med and VICI Properties announced plans to redevelop St. Croix’s Carambola Beach Resort into a Club Med Exclusive Collection property, with Club Med running operations at the 150-key site. Local Crime & Safety: A 15-year-old student, Tre’Vante Etienne, died after a Friday afternoon shooting in Savan, St. Thomas; VIPD says the investigation is early. Gun Policy Pushback: A bill banning AR-15s, suppressors, and high-capacity magazines passed the VI legislature and heads to the governor; gun rights groups warn of legal fights as a DOJ civil rights lawsuit is already in motion. Public Corruption Sentencing: Former VIPD Commissioner Ray Martinez was sentenced to 10 years for bribery and related charges tied to a contractor scheme. Health Awareness: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate June 19, with events spanning the region including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Shipping Update: Water Spirit Freight resumed cargo operations at Pier 14 in San Juan, restoring service links to St. Croix, St. Thomas and Tortola. Energy/Water Debate: A local radio host renewed claims that BVIEC provides better service than WAPA, as the VI moves toward merging BVIEC and W&SD into VIEWCo. Consumer Watch: A St. Croix “Consumer Corner” story highlights “Sabra Switch” shrinkflation on local shelves.
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