AGP Executive Report

USVI Corruption Case: Former USVI Office of Management and Budget director Jenifer O’Neal was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison in the Mon Ethos corruption case, with 3 years of supervised release and $34,000 restitution; she was convicted alongside former VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, while contractor David Whitaker received 22 months. Travel & Border Updates: U.S. Customs and Border Protection expanded Mobile Passport Control to three US Virgin Islands pre-departure locations—Cyril E. King (St. Thomas), Cyril E. King General Aviation, and Henry E. Rohlsen (St. Croix)—letting eligible travelers submit info and use MPC lanes on arrival. Tourism Spotlight: The US Virgin Islands took center stage at Caribbean Week in New York with a new United nonstop route between Newark and St. Croix, plus major marketing partnerships and record visitor momentum. Infrastructure Contract: AECOM won a nationwide U.S. DHS infrastructure modernization contract covering work across all 50 states and US territories including the US Virgin Islands, supporting facility upgrades and design-build services. Sports & Culture: VI-related Google Doodle coverage highlighted the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2026 opening, while a regional heritage dialogue focused on preserving Caribbean identity through historic structures and cultural memory.

Local Justice: Former USVI Office of Management and Budget director Jenifer O’Neal was sentenced to seven years in federal prison in the Mon Ethos corruption case, with three years of supervised release and $34,000 in restitution; the case also involved former VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez (10 years), contractor David Whitaker (22 months), and allegations tied to bribery, money laundering, and handling public funds. Travel & Border Services: US Customs and Border Protection expanded its Mobile Passport Control app to three USVI pre-departure airport locations—Cyril E. King (St. Thomas), Cyril E. King General Aviation, and Henry E. Rohlsen (St. Croix)—to speed arrival processing using free mobile submissions and MPC lanes. Tourism & Regional Spotlight: The US Virgin Islands took center stage at Caribbean Week in New York, highlighting record visitor momentum and new marketing partnerships, plus a new United Airlines nonstop route between Newark and St. Croix. Sports & Culture: A Google Doodle marked the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2026 opening, and the USVI was listed among select places where the doodle will appear.

Local Justice: Jenifer O’Neal was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison in the Mon Ethos corruption case, with 3 years of supervised release and $34,000 restitution; the case also involved former VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez (10 years), contractor David Whitaker (22 months), and allegations tied to bribery, money laundering, and misuse of public funds. Travel & Border Tech: U.S. Customs and Border Protection expanded Mobile Passport Control to three USVI pre-departure airport locations—Cyril E. King (including General Aviation) and Henry E. Rohlsen—letting eligible travelers submit passport details in the free MPC app and use designated lanes on arrival. Tourism & Air Access: The US Virgin Islands highlighted its push at Caribbean Week in New York, including a new United nonstop flight route between Newark and St. Croix on United Airlines, plus record visitor momentum and marketing partnerships. Sports & Culture: A Google Doodle marked the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2026 opening day, visible in the USVI, while the territory also appears in broader Caribbean heritage and identity conversations. Global Business (Less VI-Focused): A major USVI-linked legal saga resurfaced as Google co-founder Larry Page remains stuck in a long-running dispute over Hans Lollik islands.

Local Justice: Former USVI Office of Management and Budget director Jenifer O’Neal was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison in the Mon Ethos corruption case, with 3 years of supervised release and $34,000 restitution; the case also involved former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez (10 years), contractor David Whitaker (22 months), and allegations tied to bribery, money laundering, and mishandling public funds. Travel & Border Updates: US Customs and Border Protection expanded Mobile Passport Control to three USVI pre-departure airport locations—Cyril E. King (St. Thomas), Cyril E. King General Aviation, and Henry E. Rohlsen (St. Croix)—letting eligible travelers submit passport info and use designated MPC lanes on arrival. Tourism Spotlight: The US Virgin Islands drew attention at Caribbean Week in New York, highlighting a new United nonstop flight between Newark and St. Croix on United Airlines plus record visitor arrivals and tourism partnerships. Sports & Culture: Google’s Doodle for June 12 marks the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2026 opening day, with the doodle visible in select countries including the US Virgin Islands. Regional Heritage: A Caribbean-wide heritage dialogue tied to the Caribbean Culture Fund focused on preserving historic sites and cultural memory, including architectural history involving the USVI. Business & Courts: Tech co-founder Larry Page remains locked in a long-running legal fight over his Hans Lollik islands in the US Virgin Islands after mediation failed.

Local Justice: Former USVI Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal was sentenced to seven years in federal prison in the Mon Ethos corruption case, with three years of supervised release and $34,000 restitution; the case also involved former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez (10 years), contractor David Whitaker (22 months), and allegations tied to bribery, money laundering, and mishandled public funds. Tourism & Travel: The US Virgin Islands took center stage at Caribbean Week in New York, highlighting record visitor momentum and a new United nonstop flight between Newark and St. Croix. Border Processing: US Customs and Border Protection expanded Mobile Passport Control to three USVI pre-departure airport locations—Cyril E. King (including general aviation) and Henry E. Rohlsen—letting eligible travelers submit info in advance via a free app. Regional Politics: The VI urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use good offices and visiting missions to help the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories move toward integration, free association, or independence. Business/Property Courts: Google co-founder Larry Page’s long-running fight over Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik in the USVI hit another snag after mediation failed, sending the dispute back toward further court action.

Tourism & Air Access: The U.S. Virgin Islands made a big splash at Caribbean Week in New York, with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King highlighting record visitor momentum and new partnerships, including a fresh weekly nonstop United Airlines route between Newark and St. Croix. Border Processing: U.S. Customs and Border Protection expanded Mobile Passport Control to three additional USVI airport locations—Cyril E. King (St. Thomas), Cyril E. King General Aviation, and Henry E. Rohlsen (St. Croix)—letting eligible travelers submit passport info in advance via a free app to speed arrival clearance. Culture & Heritage: A Caribbean-wide heritage dialogue tied to the Caribbean Culture Fund spotlighted preserving historic sites, oral histories, and traditional knowledge, with USVI participants joining discussions on safeguarding cultural identity amid development and climate pressures. Local Spotlight (Legal/Business): Google co-founder Larry Page’s long-running court fight over Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik in the USVI hit another snag after mediation failed, sending the dispute back toward further proceedings. Sports (Regional): North Leeward Predators (SVGFF) earned a spot to face SCSA Eagles of St. Maarten in the CFU Club Shield, with USVI clubs among those competing.

Tourism & Travel Boost: The US Virgin Islands took center stage at Caribbean Week in New York, with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King highlighting record visitor momentum and new partnerships, including a new weekly nonstop United Airlines route between Newark and St. Croix. Border & Airport Updates: US Customs and Border Protection expanded its Mobile Passport Control app to three USVI airports—Cyril E. King (St. Thomas), Cyril E. King General Aviation, and Henry E. Rohlsen (St. Croix)—letting eligible travelers submit passport info and use designated MPC lanes on arrival. Culture & Heritage: A Caribbean-wide heritage dialogue tied to the Caribbean Culture Fund spotlighted preserving historic sites, oral histories, and traditional building knowledge, with USVI voices included. Local Governance & Decolonisation: The VI urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to push decolonisation for the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories, including support for visiting missions and “good offices.” Legal & Business Watch: Larry Page’s long-running court fight over USVI islands (Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik) hit another snag after mediation failed, sending the dispute back to further proceedings.

Caribbean Heritage & Culture: A Caribbean Culture Fund digital heritage launch, “Artefacts of Jamaica,” brought together practitioners from Jamaica, Dominica, the US Virgin Islands, and Saba to discuss protecting historic sites, oral histories, and traditional knowledge—spotlighting the Resilient Houses Project on shared wooden building practices and climate resilience. USVI Courts & Property Dispute: Google co-founder Larry Page’s long-running effort to own Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik in the US Virgin Islands hit another snag after mediation failed, with the matter set for further Superior Court proceedings. VI Decolonisation Push: The Virgin Islands urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to help the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories advance toward integration, free association, or independence. BVI Governance Debate: Mark Vanterpool called for decentralising BVI government services—arguing ministries should be moved to Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke to reduce Tortola-centric development. Sports (Regional): North Leeward Predators will face SCSA Eagles in the CFU Club Shield first round, with USVI clubs among the teams competing in the July 23–August 2, 2026 tournament. Community & Youth Sailing: The 2026 Optimist North American Championship wrapped in Halifax Harbour, featuring 172 young sailors from across the Americas and the Caribbean.

Local Governance & Culture: A Caribbean-wide heritage dialogue tied to the Caribbean Culture Fund’s digital initiative “Artefacts of Jamaica” brought together practitioners from Jamaica, Dominica, the US Virgin Islands and Saba to discuss protecting historic sites, oral histories and traditional knowledge as development and climate pressures mount, with the Resilient Houses Project spotlighting shared wooden building practices and climate resilience. USVI Courts & Property: Google co-founder Larry Page’s long-running fight over the Hans Lollik and Little Hans Lollik islands in the US Virgin Islands hit another snag after mediation failed, sending the dispute back for further court action over ownership claims. Decolonisation Push: The VI urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to help the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories advance toward integration, free association or independence, echoing similar calls from the BVI. Hurricane Season Watch: The Atlantic hurricane season opened June 1 with no storms yet, but forecasters still warn that even a quieter year can bring a life-changing hit, with NOAA projecting a below-normal season. Safety at Sea: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a charter vessel caught fire and sank near St. Thomas, with aircrew spotting the emergency and local responders assisting.

U.S. Virgin Islands UN push: VI Special Envoy E. Benito Wheatley urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) to use “good offices” and visiting missions to help the 17 remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories advance toward self-government, including integration, free association, or independence. BVI governance debate: Mark Vanterpool is calling for decentralizing BVI ministries by moving key departments to sister islands—like Tourism to Virgin Gorda and Fisheries/Environment to Anegada—to reduce Tortola-centric development. Sports (regional): North Leeward Predators (SVG) won their club championship and will face SCSA Eagles of St Maarten in the CFU Club Shield first round in Trinidad and Tobago (July 23–Aug. 2), with USVI clubs among the field. Local safety at sea: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a charter vessel caught fire and sank near St. Thomas; the passenger was transferred to local emergency crews. Hurricane season watch: The 2026 Atlantic season opened June 1 with no storms, but NOAA still forecasts a below-normal season that can still bring a life-changing hurricane.

Decolonisation Push: VI Special Envoy E. Benito Wheatley urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) to use its “good offices” and visiting missions to help the VI and other remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories move toward self-government through integration, free association, or independence. Privacy & Business Risk: The 3rd Circuit offered guidance on session replay code (SRC) tracking claims, stressing that plaintiffs must show real injury and standing—useful for VI businesses facing website tracking lawsuits. Hurricane Season Watch: The 2026 Atlantic season opened June 1 with no storms, but NOAA still forecasts a below-normal year that can still bring a life-changing hurricane. Local Safety: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas sank an overturned dinghy, with quick air and boat response credited for saving the passenger. Governance Talks: Virgin Islands officials are holding public consultations ahead of constitutional negotiations with the UK, including calls for transferring security responsibilities to the VI government with democratic accountability.

Youth Sports & Community: The 2026 Optimist North American Championship wrapped up in Halifax Harbour, bringing 172 young sailors from across North and South America, the Caribbean, Japan, and Hong Kong; Canada’s William Keilty won overall, while Puerto Rico’s Ines Mendez-Larminaux topped the North American girls. Caribbean Culture in Focus: Caribbean Week in New York’s Rum & Rhythm ended with major island participation, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, as tourism boards and hoteliers turned Lower Manhattan into a high-energy celebration of Caribbean music, food, and fashion. Local Maritime Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a boater after a charter vessel fire near St. Thomas; the passenger was transferred to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services and a helicopter plus local units helped locate the person. BVI Governance & Security Talks: BVI Premier/Finance Minister Natalio Wheatley urged transferring security responsibilities from the UK to the BVI government, arguing for democratic accountability ahead of constitutional negotiations later this year. Hurricane Season Watch: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season opened June 1 with no storms yet, but NOAA still forecasts a below-normal season with 8–14 named storms—enough to still pose serious risk. USVI/Caribbean Spotlight on Travel Demand: A new Caribbean travel trends report flags the U.S. Virgin Islands among the top three for family travel growth, even as Cayman leads the region. Epstein Island Echoes: New DOJ file releases and renewed online interest keep “Epstein Island” in the spotlight, including fresh coverage tied to the island’s 2023 sale and ongoing public curiosity.

Power Outages: A total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John early Sunday, the second in days, after a power plant generation loss; VI Water and Power said crews restored service overnight but another outage followed, adding to mounting frustration as the utility struggles with aging equipment and deferred maintenance. Local Justice: A federal judge refused to overturn jury verdicts in the Mon Ethos corruption case, denying new trials or acquittals for former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neal. Infrastructure Delays: In the BVI, Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer called the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment delay a major setback after bids came in far above the approved budget, forcing redesigns. Governance & Security (BVI): Premier Wheatley urged transferring security responsibilities from the UK to the BVI government, arguing for democratic accountability; public consultations continue ahead of constitutional talks. Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a charter vessel caught fire and sank near St. Thomas. Youth Sailing: The 2026 Optimist North American Championship wrapped in Halifax Harbour, with Puerto Rico’s Ines Mendez-Larminaux named Top North American Girl. Caribbean Culture: Caribbean Week in New York’s Rum & Rhythm drew major regional tourism players, including the US Virgin Islands.

Blackout Watch: St. Thomas and St. John saw a total power outage early Sunday, the second in the weekend, after generation was lost at a power plant—leaving thousands without electricity and reigniting public frustration. Courtroom Update: Federal judge Mark Kearney denied new trials or acquittals for former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case. Local Infrastructure: West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment faces a major delay as bids came in far above budget, forcing redesign after the project was taken over with designs already completed. Public Safety at Sea: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a charter vessel caught fire and sank near St. Thomas, with the passenger transferred to local emergency services. Hurricane Season: The 2026 Atlantic season opened June 1 with no storms yet, but forecasters still warn that even a below-normal year can bring a life-changing hurricane. Governance Debate (BVI): BVI Premier Wheatley urged transferring security control from the UK to the territory for more democratic accountability. Epstein Files Fallout: New DOJ releases and ongoing online obsession keep “Epstein Island” in the spotlight, while reports say Epstein’s cryobank sperm whereabouts remain unknown.

Power Outages: A total blackout struck St. Thomas and St. John early Sunday, the second outage this weekend, after loss of generation at a power plant; crews restored power overnight but it failed again hours later, leaving thousands affected and adding to long-running frustration with VI Water and Power’s aging, storm-damaged infrastructure. Court & Corruption: Federal judge Mark Kearney denied new trials or acquittals for former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB Director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case, saying the trial record supported the convictions. Hurricane Watch: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season opened June 1 with no storms yet, but NOAA still forecasts a below-normal season with 8–14 named storms—reminding residents that even fewer storms can still bring major impacts. Local Governance & Security: BVI Premier Wheatley called for transferring security responsibilities from the UK to the BVI government as part of constitutional talks, arguing for democratic accountability. Transportation: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are a major setback after bids came in far above the approved budget, forcing redesigns. Epstein Files Fallout: New DOJ releases and renewed online interest keep the Epstein story in the spotlight, including claims about missing cryobank sperm and fresh scrutiny around Epstein-linked connections.

Power & Utilities: A total blackout struck St. Thomas and St. John early Sunday—its second outage this weekend—after a loss of generation at a power plant, leaving thousands without electricity and reigniting frustration over the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s struggling service. Courts & Corruption: A federal judge denied new trials or acquittals for former USVI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former OMB director Jenifer O’Neil in the Mon Ethos corruption case, saying the trial evidence supported the convictions. Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a charter vessel caught fire and sank near St. Thomas, with the passenger transferred to local emergency crews. Hurricane Outlook: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season opened June 1 with no storms yet, but NOAA is still forecasting a below-normal season that could still bring a life-changing hurricane. Local Governance (BVI): BVI Premier Wheatley called for transferring security responsibilities from the UK to the territory, arguing for democratic accountability. Regional Economy (BVI): Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are a major setback after bids came in far above budget. USVI Legal/Property (Larry Page): Google cofounder Larry Page’s long-running effort to resolve a US Virgin Islands island ownership dispute hit another mediation impasse, setting up further court action.