AGP Executive Report

Power and Water: Residents on St. Thomas and St. John reportedly endured nearly four days without electricity or running water after equipment failures at the Water and Power Authority, disrupting homes, schools and government offices and renewing anger over service and bills. Regional Security: Dominica police arrested and returned a man wanted in the U.S. Virgin Islands on firearm- and drug-related charges; he is expected to face the allegations in the territory. Public Safety: Seven earthquakes struck Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the USVI, with no tsunami threat to the East Coast. Time Change: The clocks fall back Sunday across much of the U.S., but the U.S. Virgin Islands stays on standard time year-round. Tourism: A 2026 review analysis named Virgin Islands National Park among the U.S. parks least likely to disappoint visitors.

National Park Appeal: A 2026 review analysis named Virgin Islands National Park among the country’s least disappointing parks, adding a fresh boost to the territory’s tourism profile. Regional Crime: Dominica police repatriated Jahai Grant to the USVI on Friday, where he faces firearm- and drug-related allegations. St. Thomas Talent: Teen performer Amaya Sapphire Marks is set to represent St. Thomas at the Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant in St. Kitts on Dec. 30. Utility Outages: Residents on St. Thomas and St. John reportedly endured nearly four days without power or running water after equipment failures at WAPA, with schools and government offices closed. Earthquakes: Seven tremors struck around Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the USVI; one magnitude 3.3 quake was near Cruz Bay, and no tsunami threat was reported. Clock Change: The USVI stays on standard time year-round, so clocks do not change when daylight saving time ends Sunday.

Time Change: Clocks turn back Sunday across much of the U.S., but the U.S. Virgin Islands stay on standard time year-round. Regional Crime: Dominica police arrested and returned Jahai Grant to the territory, where he is wanted on firearm- and drug-related charges. Power and Water: Residents on St. Thomas and St. John reportedly went nearly four days without electricity or running water after equipment failures at WAPA, with schools and government offices closing amid complaints about limited updates and continued bills. Public Safety: St. Croix recorded three homicides in less than four days, bringing the territory-wide toll to 44, according to a recent report. Travel Links: St. Maarten’s tourism bureau is promoting Contour Airlines’ new nonstop St. Thomas route, restored after more than 20 years. Youth Spotlight: St. Thomas performer Amaya Sapphire Marks, 15, will represent the island at the Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant in St. Kitts on Dec. 30.

Power and Water: Residents on St. Thomas and St. John reportedly went nearly four days without electricity or running water after equipment failures at WAPA, disrupting homes, schools and government offices and prompting complaints about communication and continued bills. Public Safety: St. Croix recorded three homicides in less than four days, bringing the territory-wide toll to 44, according to a recent report. Earthquakes: Seven quakes struck around Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands, including a magnitude 3.3 near Cruz Bay; no tsunami threat was reported. Travel Links: St. Maarten’s tourism bureau is promoting Contour Airlines’ nonstop St. Thomas route, relaunched in October after more than 20 years. Island Life: A new travel feature spotlights St. Thomas’ Lindquist Beach for its white sand, clear turquoise water and shaded picnic spots.

Power and Water: Residents on St. Thomas and St. John endured nearly four days without electricity or running water after major equipment failures at WAPA. Schools and government offices closed, and residents voiced frustration over limited updates and bills despite lost service. Regional Travel: St. Maarten’s tourism bureau is promoting Contour Airlines’ nonstop St. Thomas link, restored after more than 20 years, to encourage leisure, family and business trips between the islands. Seismic Activity: Seven earthquakes struck around Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the USVI; a magnitude 3.3 quake was recorded near Cruz Bay. No tsunami threat was reported. Health and Education: A recent heat advisory covered all three islands, urging residents to hydrate and limit time outdoors. St. Thomas native Kaleb Bellew is among students enrolled in Lipscomb University’s online PharmD program.

Seismic Activity: Seven earthquakes struck around Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands in 24 hours, including a magnitude 3.3 quake near Cruz Bay. No tsunami threat was reported. Regional Travel: St. Maarten’s tourism bureau is promoting Contour Airlines’ nonstop St. Thomas route, relaunched after more than 20 years, to encourage island visits and business travel. Public Safety: Three homicides were reported on St. Croix in less than four days, bringing the territory-wide toll to 44, according to a recent report. Postal Service: New USPS delivery standards affect packages to and from the Virgin Islands; Ground Advantage parcels may take longer under the changes that took effect Oct. 1. Territorial Affairs: New federal cryptocurrency rules clarify how Virgin Islands companies may be regulated, while Washington’s call to end the U.N. decolonization committee renews debate over the status of U.S. territories.

Seismic Activity: Seven earthquakes struck around Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands in 24 hours, including a magnitude 3.3 quake near Cruz Bay. The strongest was magnitude 4.1 near Puerto Rico; no tsunami threat was reported. Regional Travel: St. Maarten’s tourism bureau is promoting Contour Airlines’ new nonstop St. Thomas link, restored after more than 20 years, to boost leisure trips and business ties. Public Safety: St. Croix recorded three homicides in less than four days, bringing the territory-wide toll to 44, according to a recent report. Territorial Status: The United States is calling for an end to the U.N. decolonization committee while the political status of U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands, remains unresolved. USVI Finance: Court and probate records put Jeffrey Epstein’s fortune at roughly $634 million at its peak; reporting says companies he set up in the Virgin Islands benefited from local tax breaks and generated more than $800 million in revenue.

Regional Travel: St. Maarten is promoting Contour Airlines’ nonstop St. Thomas service, restored after more than 20 years, to encourage family visits, tourism and business travel. Public Safety: Three St. Croix homicides in less than four days brought the territorywide toll to 44, according to a recent report. Education: A Florida teacher-recruiting firm lists the USVI Department of Education among its programs, though the report does not say how many teachers it has placed in the territory. Territorial Status: The United States has called for ending the U.N. Decolonization Committee while the status of U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands, remains unresolved. Culture: UVI’s Jahman has received Grammy consideration. Tax Policy: The U.S. Virgin Islands remains on the European Union’s list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.

Regional Travel: St. Maarten’s tourism bureau is promoting Contour Airlines’ new nonstop St. Thomas route, restored after more than 20 years, to boost family visits, leisure travel and business ties. Health and Safety: The National Weather Service warned of dangerous heat across St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John on Tuesday, urging residents to hydrate, seek cool spaces and check on neighbors. Public Safety: Three St. Croix homicides in fewer than four days brought the territory-wide toll to 44, according to a recent report. Territorial Affairs: Washington has called for ending the U.N. decolonization committee while the status of U.S. territories remains unresolved. Business: The territory is proposing a $250 million bond sale, and new federal cryptocurrency rules clarify how Virgin Islands companies would be regulated. Culture and History: Charlotte Amalie has earned National Park Service recognition as a World War II Heritage City; St. Thomas singer Jahman is among the artists under consideration for a Grammy nomination. Regional Recognition: Two U.S. Virgin Islands contestants are among the finalists for the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant. Tax Policy: The U.S. Virgin Islands remains on the EU’s blacklist of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.

Weather: A heat advisory covered St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John on Tuesday, with forecasters warning of dangerous heat and humidity and urging residents to hydrate and seek cool spaces. Heritage: Charlotte Amalie was named a 2026 American World War II Heritage City, one of only 10 communities nationwide recognized for its wartime role and preservation efforts. Public Safety: Three St. Croix homicides in less than four days brought the territory’s homicide toll to 44, according to a report published this week. Territorial Status: The United States has called for ending the U.N. decolonization committee, as the status of U.S. territories remains unresolved. Arts: St. Thomas roots-reggae singer Jahman is among 119 albums being considered for a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album.

Public Safety: Three St. Croix killings in less than four days brought the territory’s 2026 homicide toll to 44, police said. Territorial Status: The United States called for ending the U.N. decolonization committee, which includes the U.S. Virgin Islands among 17 non-self-governing territories. Finance and Regulation: The territory is proposing a $250 million bond sale, while new federal stablecoin rules clarify how U.S. Virgin Islands companies may be regulated, effective Jan. 18, 2027. Local Recognition: Charlotte Amalie was named a 2026 American World War II Heritage City, honoring its wartime role and preservation work. Community and Culture: St. Thomas singer Jahman is among the contenders for Grammy consideration, and two young Virgin Islanders—one from St. Thomas and one from St. Croix—will compete in December’s Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant.**

Public Safety: Three St. Croix killings in less than four days pushed the territory’s 2026 homicide toll to 44. Hillman Faucher Jr., 35, was shot outside a Christiansted bar early Saturday; St. Croix has recorded 27 killings, St. Thomas 17 and St. John none. Federal Rules: New stablecoin regulations specifically address companies based in U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands. The rules take effect Jan. 18, 2027, and set standards for licensing, reserves and federal oversight. Local History: Charlotte Amalie was named a 2026 American World War II Heritage City, one of 10 communities recognized nationally for wartime contributions and preservation efforts. Territorial Status: The United States called for ending the U.N. decolonization committee, while the Virgin Islands remains among the territories listed as non-self-governing. Caribbean Stage: St. Thomas’s Amaya Marks and St. Croix’s La’Shonté Joseph will represent the territory at December’s Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant in St. Kitts. Music: St. Thomas singer Jahman’s album Alive is among 119 projects being considered for a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album.

Public Safety: Three St. Croix homicides in less than four days brought the territory’s 2026 toll to 44, with 27 killings on St. Croix and 17 on St. Thomas. Historic Recognition: Charlotte Amalie was named a 2026 American World War II Heritage City, one of 10 communities recognized by the National Park Service for wartime contributions and preservation work. Music: St. Thomas singer Jahman says he is elated that his album Alive is under consideration for a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. Youth: Two USVI teens, Amaya Marks of St. Thomas and La’Shonté Joseph of St. Croix, are among 10 finalists for the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant, set for Dec. 30 in St. Kitts and Nevis. Territorial Status: The United States called for ending the U.N. decolonization committee, even as the U.S. Virgin Islands remains among the territories recognized by the U.N. as non-self-governing. Digital Finance: New federal stablecoin rules address USVI-based companies, which may be classified as foreign issuers unless they meet requirements for permitted issuers.

Public Safety: Three St. Croix homicides in less than four days have pushed the territory’s 2026 toll to 44. Hillman Faucher Jr., 35, was shot outside a Christiansted bar early Saturday; St. Croix has recorded 27 killings this year. Caribbean Talent: Two USVI teens are among 10 finalists for the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant: Amaya Marks of St. Thomas and La’Shonté Joseph of St. Croix. The competition is set for Dec. 30 in St. Kitts and Nevis. National Recognition: Charlotte Amalie has been named a 2026 American World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service, honoring the harbor’s wartime role and local preservation efforts. Music: St. Thomas singer Jahman’s album Alive is among 119 projects under consideration for a Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category. Federal Policy: New Treasury rules for stablecoin issuers specifically address companies formed or based in U.S. territories, including the Virgin Islands; the regulations take effect Jan. 18, 2027. Self-Determination: The United States has called for dissolving the U.N. decolonization committee, despite the U.S. Virgin Islands’ status as a non-self-governing territory.

Public Safety: Three St. Croix homicides in less than four days brought the territory’s 2026 toll to 44. The latest victim, 35-year-old Hillman Faucher Jr., was shot outside a Christiansted bar early Saturday. Federal Rules: New U.S. stablecoin regulations address companies formed in the Virgin Islands. Under rules taking effect Jan. 18, 2027, territorial firms could be treated as foreign issuers unless they qualify for federal approval. Self-Determination: The U.S. called for ending the U.N. decolonization committee, which lists the Virgin Islands among 17 non-self-governing territories. Public Health: Dengue test results once took one to two months in the territory; a local lab now provides testing. Marine Resources: NOAA has proposed raising St. Croix’s spiny lobster catch limit by 28.8%.

Public Safety: Three St. Croix killings in less than four days have pushed the territory’s 2026 homicide toll to 44. Hillman Faucher Jr., 35, was shot outside a Christiansted bar early Saturday; police have recorded 27 killings on St. Croix and 17 on St. Thomas. Self-Determination: The U.S. is calling to end the U.N. Decolonization Committee, which lists the U.S. Virgin Islands among 17 non-self-governing territories. Territorial Finances: Gov. Albert Bryan proposes $250 million in gross-receipts-tax bonds to address overdue bills and needs at government agencies, hospitals and utilities; recipients would have to follow five-year financial plans. Health and Environment: A local lab has cut dengue test waits from one to two months, while NOAA proposes a 28.8% increase in St. Croix’s spiny lobster catch limit. Epstein Cases: Amid New Mexico’s lawsuit against Epstein’s lawyer and accountant, reporting notes that the U.S. Virgin Islands sued the pair in 2021 and secured a settlement exceeding $105 million, without admissions of wrongdoing. Workforce: A proposed agreement would bring teachers and nurses from Ghana to the territory.