AGP Executive Report

Local Military Leadership: Fort Jackson’s 81st Readiness Division held a change of command ceremony Sunday, marking its first female-to-female leadership transition, with Maj. Gen. Patricia Wallace handing over to Maj. Gen. Karen Monday-Gresham; the unit supports more than 50,000 Army Reserve soldiers across nine southeastern states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. USVI Legal/Tax: Stephen Deckoff, owner of two Caribbean islands once linked to Jeffrey Epstein, is suing the U.S. Virgin Islands for a tax refund of more than $5.7 million, arguing he was a “bona fide resident” for the 2021 tax year. Caribbean Earthquakes: USGS reports 13 earthquakes in and around Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in the past 24 hours, including quakes near Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay, with no tsunami threat for the U.S. East Coast. Health & Safety Lawsuit: A Puerto Rico resident’s class-action suit targets Clorox over the Sept. 3 recall of more than 6 million Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners contaminated with a potentially harmful bacterium. Community & Culture: Mama Maisa’s Pepper Sauce highlights a family recipe rooted in the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Lucia, now expanding across the U.S. Sports: UVU men’s basketball released its 2026-27 schedule, including a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam.

USVI & Caribbean Earthquakes: USGS reports 13 quakes in and around Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands over 24 hours, including a 3.5 in Charlotte Amalie and a 3.5 near Cruz Bay; no tsunami threat for the U.S. East Coast. USVI Courts/Tax: Stephen Deckoff, described as the billionaire owner of Caribbean islands once linked to Jeffrey Epstein, sued the U.S. Virgin Islands for a $5.7M+ income tax refund tied to whether he was a “bona fide resident” in 2021. Public Health/Consumer Safety: A lawsuit targets Clorox over the Sept. 3 recall of 6M+ bottles of Mistolin and Lestoil after contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Local Economy/Community: Bank of Nevis recognized long-time customers CARIB Brewery and LEFCO Equipment & Rental, highlighting local business ties. Tech & Travel for USVI Buyers: Apple says iPhone 18 Pro is eSIM-only (no SIM tray) in 12 markets including the U.S. Virgin Islands, with carrier selection still happening at checkout. Lottery: Powerball jackpot climbs to $251M after no top-tier winner; next drawing Monday.

Local Weather & Safety: Multiple earthquakes shook Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands over the past 24 hours, with USGS reporting 13 quakes in/around the region and no tsunami threat for the U.S. East Coast. Territory News: A billionaire owner of Caribbean islands tied to Jeffrey Epstein is suing the U.S. Virgin Islands for a tax refund of more than $5.7 million, arguing he was wrongly denied “bona fide resident” status for the 2021 tax year. Public Health Fraud Watch: The U.S. Treasury’s FinCEN flagged about $17.5 billion in suspicious activity potentially linked to health care fraud, based on thousands of Bank Secrecy Act reports. Tech & Travel: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro is eSIM-only in 12 markets, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, meaning no SIM tray at purchase and carrier setup still happens at checkout. Lottery: Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $232 million for Saturday’s drawing after Wednesday’s numbers (9-40-42-55-65, Powerball 23) produced no jackpot winner.

Local Courts & Safety: A Vermont man who was living in the U.S. Virgin Islands admitted to making more than 10 threatening calls to a state’s attorney in Vermont, and was sentenced to 36 months in prison plus supervised release. Territory Watch: The U.S. Virgin Islands is named in Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro eSIM-only rollout—Apple lists 12 markets with no SIM tray, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, meaning travelers must plan for eSIM support. Health Care Fraud: The U.S. Treasury says FinCEN flagged about $17.5 billion in suspicious activity tied to possible health care fraud, signaling more enforcement work ahead. Tourism & Nature: Buck Island Reef National Monument near St. Croix is highlighted for its shallow, marked snorkeling trail and rich reef life, including sea turtles and stingrays. Sports (USVI connection): Utah Valley University’s men’s basketball schedule includes a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam, with games starting Nov. 20.

Local Public Safety & Courts: A Vermont man, Todd Hoyte, who was living in the U.S. Virgin Islands at the time, was sentenced to 36 months for threatening and cyberstalking Grand Isle State’s Attorney Doug DiSabito, admitting he left more than 10 threatening voicemails while DiSabito was prosecuting him. Territorial Government Services: The V.I. Department of Human Services has opened bidding for the next SNAP EBT contractor, with proposals due Nov. 23, as the current Fidelity contract runs through Nov. 30, 2026. Health & Fraud Watch: The U.S. Treasury says FinCEN flagged about $17.5 billion in suspicious activity tied to potential health care fraud, based on thousands of Bank Secrecy Act reports. Caribbean Culture & Business: Mama Maisa’s Pepper Sauce is spotlighted for bringing a four-generation St. Croix recipe—rooted in St. Lucia—into U.S. markets through festivals and partnerships. Sports (USVI-linked): UVU’s men’s basketball schedule includes a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the Paradise Jam, starting Nov. 20. Travel/Tech (USVI markets): Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro rollout notes the U.S. Virgin Islands among eSIM-only markets, meaning no SIM tray for those models.

Local Government & Services: The V.I. Department of Human Services has opened bidding for the next contractor to run the territory’s SNAP EBT system, with proposals due Nov. 23; the current Fidelity contract runs through Nov. 30, 2026. Territorial Courts & Cybersecurity: Ontario’s court system warned that a cyberattack on the C-Track case management platform may have exposed personal information for affected courts. USVI Legal News: A U.S. Virgin Islands man was sentenced for making interstate threats and stalking. Business/Travel: Delta rolled out a limited-time rewards offer for eligible cardholders, including two round-trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates and bonus miles, with travel that can include the U.S. Virgin Islands. Environment & Tourism: Buck Island Reef National Monument near St. Croix is highlighted for its shallow, marked snorkeling trail through a coral reef lagoon. Sports: West Ham hosts Wrexham Friday, with U.S. viewers able to watch via Paramount+. National/Global: The DOJ released millions of pages tied to the Epstein Files, renewing debate over what’s actually in the records.

Local Courts & Privacy: Ontario’s court system says a cyberattack on Thomson Reuters’ C-Track platform may have exposed personal and sealed court information for affected courts. USVI Legal News: A U.S. Virgin Islands man was sentenced in a separate case involving interstate threats and stalking. Territorial Governance & Food Security: The V.I. Department of Human Services is seeking a new contractor to run the SNAP EBT system across the territory, with proposals due Nov. 23. Business & Travel: Delta is rolling out a limited-time rewards offer for new card members, including Delta Comfort Flight Certificates usable on routes that include the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tech Watch: Apple says iPhone 18 Pro is eSIM-only in 12 markets, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, meaning no SIM tray for those buyers. Environment & Tourism: Buck Island Reef National Monument near St. Croix highlights a shallow snorkeling trail through coral habitat.

USVI Tax Fight: Stephen Deckoff, the billionaire owner of two former Jeffrey Epstein islands, has sued the U.S. Virgin Islands seeking a refund of more than $5.7 million tied to a 2021 income tax dispute, arguing the IRS found he wasn’t a “bona fide resident.” Public Safety & Justice: A U.S. Virgin Islands resident, Todd Hoyte, was sentenced to 36 months for interstate threats and cyberstalking a Vermont state’s attorney, including threatening voicemails. Territorial Services: The V.I. Department of Human Services is seeking a new contractor to run the SNAP EBT system, with proposals due Nov. 23 as the current Fidelity contract nears its end. Health Care Fraud Watch: The U.S. Treasury says FinCEN flagged about $17.5 billion in suspicious activity potentially linked to health care fraud. Tech for Travelers: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro eSIM rules vary by market, with the U.S. Virgin Islands listed among eSIM-only regions. Local/Regional Notes: Environmental and community leaders urged Gov. David M. Apatang to oppose a deep-seabed mining lease sale near the Northern Mariana Islands.

Local Justice: A U.S. Virgin Islands man, Todd Hoyte, was sentenced in Vermont to 36 months for threatening and cyberstalking Grand Isle State’s Attorney Doug DiSabito, including more than 10 threatening voicemails left while DiSabito was prosecuting him. Territorial Food Security: The V.I. Department of Human Services has opened bidding for a new contractor to run the SNAP EBT system across USVI, with proposals due Nov. 23 as the current Fidelity contract nears its end. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: Environmental and community leaders from the Marianas, American Samoa, Puerto Rico and USVI urged Gov. David M. Apatang to oppose a proposed deep seabed mining lease sale near the Northern Mariana Islands, asking him to use authority to suspend or cancel the process. Public Safety/Health Policy: Treasury says FinCEN flagged about $17.5 billion in suspicious activity tied to potential health care fraud, based on thousands of reports. Travel & Connectivity: Delta rolled out a new rewards offer tied to Delta Comfort Flight Certificates, while Southwest announced its first airport lounge network, including a Caribbean-relevant hub in Baltimore/Washington. Odds & Ends: Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $207 million for Wednesday’s drawing after no winner on Sept. 7.

SNAP EBT Procurement: The V.I. Department of Human Services has opened bidding for a new contractor to run the territory’s SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer system, with proposals due Nov. 23; the current Fidelity contract runs through Nov. 30, 2026, and the new RFP doesn’t guarantee Fidelity will be replaced. Deep Seabed Mining Pushback: Leaders and environmental groups from the Marianas, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are urging Gov. David M. Apatang to formally oppose a federal deep-seabed mining lease sale near the Northern Mariana Islands, calling for the process to be suspended or canceled ahead of an Oct. 19 deadline. Caribbean Travel & Aviation: Southwest Airlines says it’s launching airport lounges starting late 2027, including at Baltimore/Washington, a key gateway for its new nonstop service to St. Thomas. Public Health Watch: Florida mosquito-control agencies are stepping up surveillance and spraying as dengue cases rise, including locally acquired infections in the Tampa Bay area. Powerball Rollover: No jackpot winner in Monday’s $190 million Powerball drawing; the prize is set to climb to about $207 million for Wednesday. Local Spotlight: Nevis Reformation Party announced U.S. Virgin Islands legislator Alicia Barnes as a featured speaker at its Oct. 4 national convention.

Local Consumer Alert: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs says to stop using certain scented Clorox Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after a recall of about 6.3 million bottles over possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with higher risk flagged for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Tourism & Travel: Southwest Airlines says it’s launching airport lounges for the first time, with early locations including Baltimore/Washington—key for its new nonstop service to St. Thomas—plus Austin, Honolulu and Nashville. Community & Youth: Johnson Bayou High School FFA in the U.S. Virgin Islands received a $4,650 Tractor Supply “Grants for Growing” award to build a small hydroponic lab for hands-on agricultural education. Sports & Culture: The Virgin Islands sports community mourns Elroy Claxton Mills, known as “Manjaker,” a longtime cricket and football coach and official. Powerball: No jackpot winner Monday; the prize is set to climb to about $207 million for Wednesday’s drawing.

Travel & Aviation: Southwest Airlines is launching its first-ever airport lounges, with construction underway at Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Honolulu and Nashville, and the first guests expected in late 2027—an especially big deal for Caribbean travelers since Southwest recently added daily nonstop service from Baltimore to St. Thomas. Local Community & Events: Alicia Barnes, a USVI legislator and committee chair, will be the featured speaker at the Nevis Reformation Party’s National Convention Oct. 4. Sports & Community Loss: The cricket and football community mourns “Manjaker,” Elroy Claxton Mills, a longtime USVI resident, coach and official. Public Health Alert (USVI): Clorox Puerto Rico recalled about 6.3 million scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the USVI due to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination, with higher risk for people who are immunocompromised or have external medical devices. Consumer Guidance: The USVI DLCA reminded businesses that pennies remain legal tender and retailers can’t routinely round cash transactions upward just because one-cent coins are scarce. Lottery Watch: No one matched all numbers in Monday’s $190M Powerball drawing; the jackpot is now estimated at $207M for Wednesday.

Public Health Alert: Clorox is recalling about 6.3 million bottles of scented Mistolin and Lestoil cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after possible contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause serious infections for people with weakened immune systems or certain medical devices. Lottery Watch: Powerball’s Labor Day jackpot rolled on after no winner matched all six; Monday’s drawing produced numbers 15-19-28-39-56 with Powerball 3, and the next drawing is Wednesday for an estimated $173 million. Local Consumer Guidance: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs says pennies remain legal tender and businesses can’t refuse cash or routinely round up just because one-cent coins are scarce. USVI Travel & Trade: A Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to boost trade and investment ties. Maritime Compliance: U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s San Juan office reminded boaters that mandatory arrival reporting rules apply to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Community Spotlight: Johnson Bayou High School FFA received a $4,650 Grants for Growing award to build a small hydroponic lab for hands-on agriculture education. USVI in the News (Culture/Travel): St. Croix is highlighted as an underrated island with beaches, tide pools, and less cruise traffic than St. Thomas and St. John.

Mosquito-borne health alert: Florida officials are ramping up surveillance and spraying as locally acquired dengue cases are expected to rise, with Hillsborough and Pinellas under mosquito-borne illness alerts. Local consumer safety: The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs warned residents to stop using recalled scented Clorox Mistolin Dilutable Cleaners and Lestoil Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaners sold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, after a CPSC recall tied the products to possible Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination—especially risky for people with weakened immune systems or medical devices. Travel & community: A USC Keck infectious-disease doctor discussed West Nile virus spread and what to watch for as mosquito season continues. Local governance & compliance: U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s San Juan field office reminded small-vessel operators in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands of mandatory arrival reporting rules, including using the ROAM app. Economy & trade: Ghana’s Enterprises Agency signed an MoU with the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to boost trade and investment ties. Airline perks: Delta announced a limited-time offer for new SkyMiles Reserve cardholders, including Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sports: Labor Day weekend coverage includes a Stanford vs. CSUN match preview and broader U.S. sports interest.