AGP Executive Report

Medicare Payments: A bipartisan bill would raise Puerto Rico’s Medicare Advantage payment benchmark to match the U.S. Virgin Islands, citing similar conditions and a formula that undercounts care costs in Puerto Rico. Caribbean Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda now chairs the Caribbean Tourism Organization, while the USVI will represent U.S. territories. WICO chief Joseph Boschulte also joins the CTO Allied Board, where William “Billy” Griffith was reelected chair. New St. Thomas Flights: Breeze Airways plans twice-weekly nonstop service between Tampa and St. Thomas starting Dec. 16. Island Science: Resident photos from St. John and St. Thomas helped researchers document a spider type not previously recorded in the region’s scientific literature. USVI Film Release: Jamaican thriller “Stew Peas” is set to open Oct. 29 in the territory, with screenings planned on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Little St. James: Epstein’s two former U.S. Virgin Islands properties sold for $60 million in 2023; half the proceeds from Little St. James went toward a $105 million settlement with the territory, and resort plans remain stalled.

Tourism Leadership: The U.S. Virgin Islands will represent the U.S. territories on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Council of Ministers as Antigua and Barbuda takes the chair. WICO chief Joseph Boschulte also joins the CTO Allied Board, chaired again by William “Billy” Griffith. New Air Service: Breeze Airways plans to begin twice-weekly nonstop flights between Tampa and St. Thomas on Dec. 16, adding a new winter route. Island Connections: A new charter-vessel fee structure in the British Virgin Islands has drawn concern from USVI operators. BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley says the fees apply to all foreign-based commercial charters, not specifically USVI vessels. Caribbean Cinema: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set for Oct. 29 screenings on St. Thomas and St. Croix as part of its regional release.

Air Service: Breeze Airways will launch twice-weekly nonstop flights between Tampa and St. Thomas on Dec. 16, adding a winter connection from Florida’s Gulf Coast. Caribbean Cinema: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set to open Oct. 29 in the territory, with screenings planned for St. Thomas and St. Croix. Politics: Journalist Julie K. Brown criticized U.S. Virgin Islands delegate Stacey Plaskett’s reported gubernatorial ambitions, citing her past ties to Jeffrey Epstein; Plaskett has not responded in the coverage provided. Charter Fees: British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley says new commercial vessel license fees apply to all foreign-based charter operators, not specifically USVI boats, which may still face the charges. Small Business: The SBA is accepting nominations for its 2027 awards, including a territory-level small business honoree; the deadline is Dec. 7.

Caribbean Cinema: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set for an Oct. 29 release in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with screenings planned for St. Thomas and St. Croix. It’s the first Jamaican film distributed by Caribbean Cinemas. Travel and Tourism: December flight capacity to Puerto Rico and the USVI is up at least 7.6% combined despite Spirit Airlines’ closure. The territory is also among the Caribbean’s leaders in growth for stayover and cruise arrivals. Charter Fees: The British Virgin Islands’ premier says new yacht-licensing fees apply to all foreign-based commercial charters, not specifically USVI vessels; boats sailing through without chartering are not subject to the fees. St. Croix Update: Divi Resort remains closed without power after a fire, with 51 guests relocated and its casino reopened. St. Croix also hosted Saint Martin’s 6-0 Nations League win over the Bahamas, securing the team’s place in the next stage. Community Support: A GoFundMe campaign is seeking help to bring a St. Thomas shooting victim home.

Island Screens: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set for Caribbean Cinemas screenings in St. Thomas and St. Croix when it opens across seven territories on Oct. 29. Charter Fees: British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley says new commercial vessel license fees apply to all foreign-based charter operators, including those from the U.S. Virgin Islands—not to boats simply sailing through BVI waters. Tourism: U.S. Virgin Islands stayover and cruise arrivals are growing among the Caribbean’s fastest, while air-seat capacity to Puerto Rico and the USVI is projected to rise 7.6% combined despite Spirit Airlines’ closure. Resort Disruption: Divi Resort on St. Croix remains without power after a fire; 51 guests were relocated, while the casino has reopened. Regional Leadership: West Indian Company chief Joseph Boschulte has joined the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board for 2026–28.

Caribbean Cinema: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is reaching screens in St. Thomas and St. Croix, as Caribbean Cinemas distributes a Jamaican film across the region for the first time. Charter Fees: The British Virgin Islands premier says new commercial charter-boat fees apply to all foreign-based operators, not specifically to U.S. Virgin Islands vessels; boats not conducting charters are not subject to the licensing charges. Tourism and Airlift: The USVI is among the Caribbean’s leaders in growth in stayover and cruise arrivals. Puerto Rico and the USVI are also projected to see combined December flight capacity rise at least 7.6% despite Spirit Airlines’ exit. Football in St. Croix: Saint Martin routed the Bahamas 6-0 at Bethlehem Soccer Stadium, securing a place in the Concacaf Nations League League C Championship and play-in.

Governor’s Race: Epstein reporter Julie K. Brown raised concerns about Delegate Stacey Plaskett’s possible bid for governor, citing her past communications with Jeffrey Epstein and campaign contributions from him and associates. Charter Fees: British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley says new commercial yacht license fees apply to all foreign-based charters, not specifically USVI vessels; boats that do not conduct charters are not subject to the fees. Small Business: SBA nominations are open for its 2027 awards, including a USVI Small Business Person of the Year. The deadline is Dec. 7. Tourism: The USVI ranked second in Caribbean growth for both stayover arrivals, up 16.4%, and cruise arrivals, up 40.2%, according to Caribbean Tourism Organization figures. Air Travel: Puerto Rico and the USVI are set for a combined 7.6% increase in December seat capacity despite Spirit Airlines’ shutdown.

Small Business: The SBA is accepting nominations for its 2027 National Small Business Week awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands small-business honoree. Nominations are due Dec. 7. Charter Fees: British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley says new licensing fees apply to all foreign-based commercial charters, not specifically USVI vessels, and do not apply just for entering BVI waters. Tourism Growth: The USVI ranked second in the Caribbean for growth in both stayover arrivals, up 16.4%, and cruise arrivals, up 40.2%. Regional Tourism: The USVI will represent U.S. territories on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board as the group sets regional priorities.

Little St. James: Court records describe the U.S. Virgin Islands property as a base for Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual trafficking of underage girls. Sold in 2023, the island’s planned luxury resort has stalled. Charter Fees: British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley says higher yacht license fees apply to all foreign-based commercial charters, not specifically to USVI vessels; boats sailing without chartering are not subject to the fees. Tourism: The USVI ranked second in the Caribbean for growth in both stayover arrivals, up 16.4%, and cruise arrivals, up 40.2%. St. Croix Resort: Divi Carina Bay remains closed without power after a fire damaged its generator plant. Its 51 guests were relocated, though the casino has reopened. Regional Tourism: USVI’s Joseph Boschulte of West Indian Company Ltd. joins the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board, chaired again by William “Billy” Griffith.

Charter Fees: British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley says new yacht-licensing fees apply to all foreign-based charter operators, not specifically USVI vessels. The fees cover commercial activity, not simply sailing in BVI waters; foreign term charters pay $7,500 for seven entries, with extra charges for more trips. Caribbean Tourism: USVI tourism is growing in both major visitor categories: stayover arrivals rose 16.4% and cruise arrivals 40.2%, ranking second in the region for each. The territory will also represent U.S. territories on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s ministerial council, while WICO chief Joseph Boschulte joins its Allied Board. St. Croix Resort: Divi Carina Bay remains closed without power after a Sept. 30 generator fire. Its 51 guests were relocated, while the casino has reopened; inspections are underway. Regional Sports: Saint Martin routed the Bahamas 6-0 at St. Croix’s Bethlehem Soccer Stadium, with Axel Raga scoring a hat trick.

Tourism: The U.S. Virgin Islands ranked second in the Caribbean for growth in both stayover arrivals, up 16.4%, and cruise arrivals, up 40.2%. The territory will also represent U.S. territories on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board as Antigua and Barbuda takes the organization’s chairmanship. St. Croix Resort: Divi Carina Bay remains closed without power after a Sept. 30 fire damaged a generator. Its 51 guests were relocated, while the casino has reopened and the resort is assessing repairs. Consumer Alert: Virgin Islanders who bought certain generic drugs from May 2009 through December 2019 may qualify for a share of $96.5 million in settlements over alleged price-fixing. Claims are due March 8, 2027, at AGGenericDrugs.com. Soccer: Saint Martin beat the Bahamas 6-0 at Bethlehem Soccer Stadium in St. Croix, securing first place in its group and qualification for the League C Championship.

Tourism: The U.S. Virgin Islands ranked second in the Caribbean for growth in both stayover arrivals, up 16.4%, and cruise visits, up 40.2%. St. Croix Resort: Divi Carina Bay remains closed without power after a Sept. 30 fire damaged a generator. Its 51 guests were relocated, while the casino has reopened; inspections are underway and employees are still being paid. Soccer: The USVI beat the Bahamas 3-2 in Nations League play, while Saint Martin routed the Bahamas 6-0 at Bethlehem Soccer Stadium in St. Croix and secured a place in the League C Championship. Mail Service: USPS now estimates Ground Advantage deliveries to and from the USVI will take 10 days or longer, with some shipments taking more time. Consumer Alert: Virgin Islanders who bought certain generic drugs from May 2009 through December 2019 may qualify for compensation from a settlement; claims are due March 8, 2027. St. Thomas: A fundraiser is helping a family bring Jamiri Mannan Francis, killed in Jackson, Mississippi, home for burial.

Tourism: The U.S. Virgin Islands ranked second in the Caribbean for both stayover growth, up 16.4%, and cruise arrivals, up 40.2%. The territory was also elected to represent U.S. territories on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board. St. Croix Resort: Divi Carina Bay remains closed without power after a Sept. 30 generator fire; its 51 guests were relocated, while the casino has reopened. The resort is paying employees during inspections and assessing plans to reopen. Soccer: The USVI beat the Bahamas 3-2 in Christiansted for its third win in its Nations League group. Naqwan Henry scored twice. Mail Service: USPS delivery estimates for Ground Advantage packages to and from the territory are now 10 days or longer, with some shipments potentially taking longer. The change took effect Oct. 1.

Tourism: The U.S. Virgin Islands ranked second in the Caribbean for growth in both stayover visitors, up 16.4%, and cruise arrivals, up 40.2%. St. Croix: Divi Carina Bay Resort remains closed without power after a Sept. 30 generator fire; its 51 guests were relocated, while the casino has reopened. Regional Leadership: The USVI will represent U.S. territories on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board as Antigua and Barbuda takes the organization’s chair. Island Services: USPS now estimates Ground Advantage deliveries to and from the territory may take 10 days or longer. Community: The USVI beat the Bahamas 3-2 in Nations League play, with Naqwan Henry scoring twice. Benefits: SNAP maximums rose Oct. 1, with higher benefit levels for the Virgin Islands than for the contiguous states.

St. Croix Power Disruption: Divi Carina Bay Resort remains closed and without electricity after a Sept. 30 fire at its power plant; 51 guests were relocated, the casino reopened, and the resort is waiting on inspections and a safe restart plan. Ethics & Courts: Two Democratic senators asked federal court officials to review Judge Jennifer Mascott’s ethics after she led a Washington public affairs firm while serving on the bench. Maritime Rescue: Coast Guard and Dominican Republic Navy crews rescued 61 migrants from a sinking, overloaded vessel off the Dominican Republic. Local Crime: U.S. Marshals arrested a St. Thomas man wanted in connection with a fatal summer shooting in the territory, after he was found in central Florida. Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands beat the Bahamas 3-2 in CONCACAF Nations League action. Health Policy: SNAP benefit changes took effect, with higher maximums for many households and new cost-sharing rules for states. Drug Pricing: Attorney General Nick Brown joined a coalition seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing.

Drug Pricing Accountability: U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Nick Brown joined a 43-state coalition asking a Connecticut federal court to preliminarily approve a $400 million settlement with Sandoz and Fougera over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition; Brown said the VI share is more than $12 million, and consumers who bought certain generics from May 2009 to Dec. 2019 may be eligible to claim compensation (1-866-290-0182, AGGenericDrugs.com). Local Public Safety: U.S. Marshals arrested a St. Thomas man, Jah’Sheem Graham, in Central Florida, wanted in connection with a fatal summer shooting in the territory. Community & Health: Puerto Rico milk production rose 13% despite heat and fewer dairy farmers, while SNAP benefit changes are rolling out with higher inflation-adjusted maximums but new state cost burdens. Sports & Tourism: The Buccaneer Resort’s tennis facility on St. Croix earned a 2026 USTA Outstanding Facility Award, and U.S. Virgin Islands teams posted wins in CONCACAF Nations League action. Mail Service Update: USPS lengthened delivery expectations for packages to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands starting Oct. 1.