AGP Executive Report

Police Update: RVIPF says Kai de Castro “was not wearing” a bullet-resistant vest at the time of his fatal Brewers Bay shooting, as investigators continue the case. Accountability in Government: Premier Natalio Wheatley says $2.4m was invested in Delta Capital Partners in 2025 without required approval, calling it unacceptable and saying investigations are ongoing. BVI Business & Finance: Soulpower and SWB Holdings report BVI High Court approval tied to the Bank of Asia (BVI) transaction, with remaining conditions including banking licensing and deposit protection steps. Drugs at the Port: Customs intercepted a package of suspected cannabis at the Road Town Ferry Dock, reportedly destined for the USVI; no arrests were announced. Local Politics & Roads: Opposition Leader Marlon Penn blasts the government for neglecting East End, citing long-running works at Little Dix Hill and Ridge Road issues. Sports (Commonwealth Games): Adaejah Hodge (BVI) qualified for the women’s 200m final with a Games record 22.01; Singapore’s Shanti Pereira also advanced. Community Event: “Pray Over the U.S. Virgin Islands” is set for Point Udall Aug. 8, with free admission and shuttles.

Commonwealth Games: British Virgin Islands sprinter Adaejah T. Hodge stormed into the Women’s 200m final in Glasgow, posting a Commonwealth Games record 22.01s in her semi-final. BVI Sports: Fellow Virgin Islands athlete Beyoncé A. Defreitas missed the men’s 200m semis, while Jaleel N. Croal and Wanye Belle were also in action. Gun Violence & Politics: The NDP and the BVI Chamber of Commerce both condemned the July 28 killing of businessman Kai de Castro at Brewers Bay, renewing calls for an end to gun violence. Mental Health Law Reform: The BVI government has launched a review of mental health legislation and policy, aiming for a modern Mental Health Act with PAHO support. Local Governance: Opposition legislator Myron Walwyn says the territory’s water crisis should be handled by the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) instead of ministries. Housing: The Ministry of Health and Social Development signed a contract for a new social home in Virgin Gorda for the Leonard family. Regional Business & Finance: Premier Wheatley says the BVI is seeking greater access to concessional CDB financing, including talks on airport runway extension funding. OECS Athletics History: BVIOC and HLSCC unveiled “History of OECS Athletics,” a new regional athletics publication.

Juvenile justice in the spotlight: Tortola social commentator Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline says the British Virgin Islands is “hand-tying” magistrates because there’s no juvenile detention centre and no recovery programmes for minors, calling for a reset in priorities. Local business loss: The BVI Chamber of Commerce mourns the “senseless” killing of respected entrepreneur Kai de Castro, urging the community to stand in solidarity with his family and business partners. Youth skills gap: Dr Arlene L. Smith-Thompson warns that the TVET Council has not been functioning for over 20 years, leaving young people feeling marginalised and widening the gap between what schools teach and what industry needs. Regional connectivity: Tradewind Aviation opened reservations for added seasonal Caribbean flights through Spring 2027, including Virgin Gorda, Tortola and Anguilla. St. Thomas cruise upgrade: WICO says dredging is planned to fix a “depth problem” at Havensight so it can handle larger ships safely, with work starting September 2026. Public safety and health: A nationwide FDA Class II recall was issued for subpotent Levothyroxine tablets, while sargassum continues to be flagged as a growing Caribbean beach hazard.

BVI Business & Cost of Living: The BVI Chamber of Commerce is urging government to extend temporary business and cost-of-living relief measures past July 31, recommending they run until Dec. 31 as import costs and logistics pressures keep rising. Local Governance & Skills: Dr. Arlene L. Smith-Thompson says the territory’s TVET Council has effectively been non-functioning for over 20 years, widening the gap between what schools teach and what industry needs—leaving young people feeling marginalised. Elections Watch: Virgin Islands election officials have been invited to observe the USVI Democratic Primary on Aug. 1, shadowing operations and voting-tabulator technology without handling ballots. Community & Culture: Roberto “Tico” Harrigan was named 2026 Emancipation Festival Parade Marshal for more than 25 years promoting moko jumbie culture and mentoring youth. Sports Spotlight: Virgin Islands sprinters Jaleel N. Croal and Beyoncé A. Defreitas advanced to the women’s 200m semis at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Public Safety & Health: FDA issued a nationwide Class II recall for multiple lots of Levothyroxine tablets after stability testing found subpotent doses.

BVI Business & Cost of Living: The BVI Chamber of Commerce is urging government to extend temporary business and cost-of-living relief measures beyond July 31, recommending they run until Dec. 31 as import costs and shipping disruptions keep squeezing local firms. Gun Licensing Debate: Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says the territory has limited say over gun licensing because it falls under the Governor’s remit, and any major change would likely require constitutional reform. Emancipation Festival Culture: Roberto “Tico” Harrigan has been named 2026 Parade Marshal for the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival, honoured for more than 25 years promoting moko jumbie culture. Territory Spotlight (Community): The 2026 Soca Monarchs were crowned in two segments: LJ won the Power category, while J’Versatile took the Groovy title. Public Safety (Local Tragedy): Police in Tortola say the man fatally shot in Brewers Bay on July 28 has been identified as Kai de Castro, with investigators seeking details about a car seen nearby.

Brewers Bay shooting (Tortola): Police confirmed shots fired in Brewers Bay after 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, with reports of at least one fatality; investigators say circumstances are unclear and are seeking details including who was in a car seen near the scene. Robocall crackdown push: A coalition of U.S. attorneys general, including AGs William Tong and others, is urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to help stop illegal robocalls by tightening how phone providers verify customers. Lottery fever: Mega Millions climbed to an estimated $800 million ahead of Tuesday’s draw, while Powerball had no winner in the July 27 drawing and is set for an estimated $663 million next. Regional spotlight: Cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers’ state funeral in Barbados is set for July 29, with CARICOM and major sporting figures attending, including U.S. Virgin Islands Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett. Local development: UVI’s RTPark says it has surpassed its FY2026 tenant target and expanded youth tech training and internships on St. John. Marine careers push (BVI): Julian Willock and the District Three committee will host a one-day marine workshop on July 30 to guide young residents into marine-sector jobs and qualifications.

BVI Financial Probe: The British Virgin Islands Government is investigating a US$2.5 million investment made in 2025 with Jamaica-linked Delta Capital Partners without required approvals, with Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley saying he was unaware at the time and pointing to wider Ministry of Finance failures. USVI Public Safety: In St. Croix, police say Samuel Rivera Jr. (“Pilie”) has been taken into custody after escaping while in handcuffs during a search for an alleged firearm offence. Crime Update (St. Croix): VIPD is also asking the public to help locate Angel Rodriguez III (“Two Bricks”), wanted in connection with an active homicide investigation. Mail Service: BVI Postal Service says delivery to letter boxes on Administration Drive has resumed after a temporary disruption, but only for customers with rental fees fully paid. Sports (Virgin Islands): Commonwealth Games sprinting news includes Beyoncé A. Defreitas advancing to 100m semis, while Jaleel N.J. Croal and Rikkoi A.R. Brathwaite missed 100m semis. Community & Travel: The Virtual Island Summit returns Sept. 15–17, 2026 as a free online event for island communities worldwide. Lottery Buzz: Powerball climbed to $663M for the next drawing after no Monday winner.

FISU America Games: Indiana’s men’s basketball, playing as Team USA, beat the Virgin Islands 99-57 to win gold in Lima, Peru, finishing 4-0; Aiden Sherrell was named tournament MVP after a 10-point, 10-rebound, two-block title-game performance. Local Justice: In St. Thomas, court records confirm both sides in an Estate Wintberg domestic altercation face felony assault charges after a knife-involved brawl that police say included choking and head-banging. St. Croix Manhunt: VIPD is asking the public to help locate 21-year-old Angel Rodriguez III (“Two Bricks”) in connection with an ongoing St. Croix homicide investigation. Weapons Crackdown: VIPD says a multi-agency search tied to the Williams Delight homicide led to the arrest of a suspect after firearms were recovered, with federal partners involved. Community Updates: BVI Postal Service says mail delivery to Administration Drive letter boxes has resumed, but only for customers with fully paid rental fees. Sports (Commonwealth Games): Virgin Islands athlete Beyoncé A. Defreitas advanced to the 100m semifinals in Glasgow after running 11.33 seconds.

Local Infrastructure: Road Town’s de Castro Street is set for a Sidewalk Improvement Project, with a contract signing due Thursday (July 30) and work aimed at safer, wider, wheelchair-accessible sidewalks meeting ADA standards; Tree Replacement: the plan includes removing shade trees with aggressive roots that are damaging sidewalks and roads, with replacements promised; Local Telecom & Culture: CCT named Virgin Islands recording artist Raul “Jougo” Sprauve as its newest brand ambassador ahead of the 72nd Emancipation Festival; Sports (VI Spotlight): Virgin Islands archer Winnette Lawrence wrapped her first CAC Games appearance in Santo Domingo, and the VI also featured in FISU America Games coverage as Team Virgin Islands reached the championship after an upset; Public Safety (USVI): St. Croix is mourning VIPD Executive Security Officer Eustace Charles, killed in an early-morning ambush in Williams Delight, with the VIPD and FBI investigating and arrests already made; Tourism Buzz (USVI): Trunk Bay in St. John was crowned the world’s best beach in a Beach.com ranking, beating out top contenders like Greece’s Elafonissi.

Violence in St. Croix: VIPD is investigating the fatal shooting of Executive Security Officer Eustace Charles, 51, found with multiple gunshot wounds inside a vehicle in Williams Delight early Sunday; Governor Bryan says Charles was ambushed while heading to work, and authorities used surveillance tracking as arrests and “persons of interest” were detained, with the FBI joining the homicide probe. Road Town safety upgrades: Trees with aggressive roots on de Castro Street are set to be removed and replaced as part of a Sidewalk Improvement Project, with the goal of widening, leveling sidewalks and making them wheelchair accessible to ADA standards. Local culture & business: Caribbean Cellular Telephone (CCT) named recording artiste Raul “Jougo” Sprauve as its newest brand ambassador ahead of the 72nd Emancipation Festival. Sports spotlight: In the FISU America Games, Indiana set up a championship Monday after beating Team Chile 107-40, while the U.S. Virgin Islands advanced after an upset over Argentina. Community watch: RVIPF and the City Manager warned residents and contractors to use weed cutters responsibly after reports of damage from flying debris, noting potential criminal penalties.

Epstein Fallout: A 69-year-old modelling scout linked to Jeffrey Epstein has died in suburban Paris, and prosecutors have ordered a post-mortem as investigators probe whether the death was natural or something more—adding fresh fuel to the long-running Epstein questions. BVI Governance & Development: Opposition Member Hon. Myron Walwyn backed the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency’s work in the House of Assembly debate, while urging the agency to take on more of the projects government avoids. Public Safety: RVIPF and the City Manager warned residents and contractors to use weed cutters responsibly after reports of flying debris damaging vehicles and windows, noting potential criminal penalties for reckless property damage. Local Education: PHSU BVI held a White Coat Ceremony for its second cohort of medical students, marking another milestone in the territory’s medical training partnership. Sports (Regional): Bermuda’s U15 women’s team drew the U.S. Virgin Islands 2-2 and later played a goalless draw with Turks & Caicos at the Goombay Cup in the Bahamas. Community & Culture: HLSCC will mark the Fancy Me maritime disaster’s 100th anniversary with a special exhibition tied to the reimagined Virgin Islands Maritime Museum.

FISU America Games: Indiana men’s basketball steamrolled Chile 107-40 to reach the gold-medal game Monday against the Virgin Islands, after the Hoosiers also beat the VI 120-63 earlier in the tournament. Local Governance & Accountability: Virgin Islands residents are reacting strongly to whistleblower litigation tied to the V.I. Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA), with allegations of procurement irregularities, spending issues, and retaliation. BVI Development Debate: Opposition Member Hon. Myron Walwyn backed the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) bill’s intent, praising recruitment and leadership while urging the agency to do more of the projects the ministries can’t handle. Public Safety: RVIPF and the City Manager issued an appeal after reports of property damage from weed cutters across Road Town, warning of criminal consequences for reckless damage. Sports & Community: H. Lavity Stoutt Community College marked the Fancy Me centennial with a special exhibition at the Virgin Islands Maritime Museum. Tourism & Culture: “Xmas in July 2026” is set for Pond Bay, Virgin Gorda, with organizers expecting 400 boats and 4,000+ attendees and a portion of proceeds going to Beyond the Reef.

St. Croix Nightlife: Island Vybez Promotions is bringing a rodeo-themed “Boots & Bottles” Sunny Side Up to Prosperity Farm on Sunday, July 26, with Jamaican dancehall star Nigy Boy making his first St. Croix appearance, plus DJs and live entertainment. Public Safety: RVIPF and the Office of the City Manager are warning residents and contractors after reports of weed-cutter debris damaging vehicles and windows, reminding the public that reckless property damage can carry serious criminal penalties. Governance & Development: Opposition Hon Myron Walwyn says the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has “done a good job,” while arguing ministries should handle more projects and pushing for clearer roles as the agency becomes permanent. AI & Parliament: Deputy Speaker Dr Karl Dawson joined a regional AI workshop in Anguilla to discuss how artificial intelligence can support parliamentary work and governance. Water & Accountability: Premier Natalio Wheatley ruled out a cabinet reshuffle, saying the real issue is implementation and accountability gaps, not individual ministers. Water Crisis Critique: Bishop John I. Cline again blamed the territory’s water situation on the Biwater agreement, citing ongoing costs and delivery failures. Crime Update: A Friday shooting at Moe’s Service Station in Estate Glynn left a man critically wounded and a woman grazed, with detectives investigating. Business/Travel: The BVI Tourist Board says “Xmas in July 2026” at Pond Bay, Virgin Gorda, is set for July 25 with expected turnout of 400 boats and 4,000+ attendees.

VI Governance & Finance: Premier Natalio Wheatley admitted $2.4M was invested in Jamaica’s Delta Capital Partners in 2025 without required approvals, saying the FIA is investigating and comparing it to the Bank of Asia fallout. Local Accountability: Wheatley ruled out a cabinet reshuffle, but said the real problem is weak implementation and accountability across government. Water Crisis Fallout: Opposition Bishop John I. Cline blamed former Communications and Works Minister Julian Fraser for the territory’s water woes, citing a Biwater contract costing about $1.5M monthly. Cost-of-Living & Consumer Rules: NDP leader Marlon Penn questioned whether $3M in subsidies is actually lowering grocery and electricity bills, and accused government of sidelining consumer protection reforms. Public Safety: VIPD Special Operations arrested a 26-year-old St. Croix man, Jahneal Gilbert, after officers found an unlicensed handgun and ammunition near Midland Road; bail was set at $50,000. Regional/International: Acting Governor David Archer Jr sent condolences to Guyana after the M/V Barima ferry disaster, where the death toll rose to 72. Community Events: “Xmas in July 2026” in Virgin Gorda is set for July 25 at Pond Bay, targeting 400 boats and 4,000+ attendees. Sports & Culture: MrBeast married Thea Booysen on Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the BVI.

Territory Mental Health Crisis: The Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections is still acting as the territory’s default psychiatric facility, with officials saying about 40% of inmates receive mental health treatment while lawmakers continue to push for a secure treatment centre. Local Politics: Opposition Leader Marlon A. Penn criticised the government for moving the Question-and-Answer segment on the House order paper during the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (Amendment) Bill debate, arguing the change blocks regular scrutiny of the executive. USVI Courts & Guns: The U.S. Department of Justice asked a federal judge to block the Virgin Islands’ modern semiautomatic firearms ban, calling it “glaringly unconstitutional,” as another lawsuit over nonresident concealed-carry licensing heads to court. BVI in the Spotlight: YouTube megastar MrBeast married Thea Booysen in a private ceremony on Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. Health & Safety: Federal officials issued a nationwide recall warning for nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs over possible Salmonella risk. Sports (VI ties): At the FISU America Games in Lima, Indiana beat the U.S. Virgin Islands 120-63, while VI athletes and regional youth squash and football events continue to build momentum.

Virgin Islands Politics: Opposition Leader Marlon A. Penn says the government’s move to push the Question-and-Answer segment down the House of Assembly order paper over the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency bill is an abuse of power, and he argues the Opposition has been shut out of asking questions for 11 months. USVI Courts & Guns: The DOJ has asked a federal judge to block the U.S. Virgin Islands’ semiauto firearms magazine ban, calling it “glaringly unconstitutional,” in a new push after earlier court action. Birthright Citizenship Fight: U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced a bill aimed at ending automatic birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, framing it as a way to stop “birth tourism.” Local Crime: A St. Croix mother was arrested after an off-duty detective witnessed her allegedly assaulting her 8-year-old daughter at Five Corners. BVI Community & Culture: The BVI is also in the spotlight for Emancipation Festival planning, with the Ports Authority announcing operating hours for the event. Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands is set to compete in the FISU America Games, with athletes and matchups drawing regional attention.