AGP Executive Report

Marine Industry: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley criticized Governor Albert Bryan’s push to reopen talks on charter vessel fees, arguing the dispute should stay within the territories’ bilateral framework. The fees could affect operators on both sides of the Virgin Islands. Business Services: Impact PaySystem has begun offering payment processing in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, opening new options for local merchants and sales partners. Energy: A proposal to restart St. Croix’s idled refinery has drawn scrutiny over the backgrounds of people promoting the plan, raising questions about its credibility and prospects. Clean Energy: A new three-year partnership plans to develop renewable energy, resilient infrastructure and workforce training projects across Puerto Rico, the USVI and the Caribbean. Infrastructure: USDOT included the USVI among territories eligible for a share of more than $1.6 billion in disaster-repair funding for roads, bridges and other transport links; the announcement gave no territory-specific amount. Tourism and Food: The U.S. Virgin Islands is among the destinations competing at Taste of the Caribbean in Barbados in November, where new beef, seafood and vodka categories will spotlight regional culinary talent.

Inter-island Commerce: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley accused USVI Gov. Albert Bryan of applying pressure over charter-vessel fees, saying the dispute should be handled through the territories’ bilateral council rather than talks involving federal authorities. St. Croix Energy: A proposal to restart the island’s idled refinery is drawing scrutiny; a Politico report raised questions about the project’s backers and quoted an industry official who doubted its seriousness. Business Services: Impact PaySystem has begun offering payment processing in the USVI, opening services and sales opportunities for local merchants and partners. Clean Energy: IBTS and Green Solutions International signed a three-year agreement to pursue renewable energy, resilience, infrastructure and workforce projects across the USVI and Caribbean. Infrastructure: USDOT announced more than $1.6 billion in disaster-repair funding for roads and bridges across U.S. states and territories, including the USVI; no territory-specific amount was stated. Tourism: Charlotte Amalie was named an American World War II Heritage City, recognizing its wartime history and preservation efforts.

Charter Fees: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley accused USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. of applying pressure to reopen negotiations over charter-vessel fees, raising tensions over rules affecting the islands’ marine sector. Tourism & Food: The U.S. Virgin Islands will compete at Taste of the Caribbean in Barbados, where new beef, seafood and vodka contests offer more ways to showcase local culinary and mixology talent. Business Services: Impact PaySystem has begun offering payment processing in the USVI, opening another option for local merchants and sales partners. Clean Energy: A new regional partnership aims to advance renewable energy, resilient infrastructure and workforce training across the USVI and Caribbean. Infrastructure: USDOT included the USVI among territories eligible for a share of more than $1.6 billion in disaster-repair funding for roads and bridges; no territory-specific amount was announced. St. Croix Industry: A proposal to restart St. Croix’s idled refinery was pitched to the White House, but a POLITICO report said an industry official questioned the plan’s credibility.

Tourism and Culinary Talent: The U.S. Virgin Islands is among 15 destinations competing at Taste of the Caribbean in Barbados, Nov. 16–19. New beef, seafood and vodka contests expand the regional showcase. Business Services: Impact PaySystem has begun offering payment processing in the U.S. Virgin Islands, opening options for local merchants and sales partners. Clean Energy: A three-year partnership covering the territory and wider Caribbean will develop renewable energy, resilient infrastructure and workforce training projects. Infrastructure: The U.S. Virgin Islands is included in more than $1.6 billion in federal disaster-repair funding for roads and bridges; the territory’s share was not specified. St. Croix Industry: A proposal to restart the island’s idled refinery was brought to the White House, but one industry official cited in reporting questioned the project’s seriousness. Heritage Tourism: Charlotte Amalie has been named an American World War II Heritage City, recognizing its wartime history and industrial contributions.

Payments: Impact PaySystem has expanded processing services to U.S. Virgin Islands businesses, opening opportunities for merchants and local sales partners. Clean Energy: A new three-year partnership involving the U.S. Virgin Islands will pursue renewable-energy, resilience and infrastructure projects, with technical training for workers entering the clean-energy sector. Infrastructure: The U.S. territory is included in more than $1.6 billion in federal disaster-repair funding for roads, bridges and other transport links, though its share was not specified. Power Costs: A recent utility briefing puts USVI residential electricity rates near 43 cents per kilowatt-hour, citing the cost of operating small, isolated island grids as a major factor. St. Croix Refinery: A proposal to restart the refinery surfaced amid efforts to boost U.S. fuel production, but an industry official questioned the project’s credibility.

Payments & Merchant Services: Impact PaySystem has launched payment processing in the U.S. Virgin Islands, opening new options for local merchants and opportunities for sales partners. Clean Energy & Jobs: A three-year partnership will pursue renewable energy, resilient infrastructure and workforce training across the USVI and Caribbean. Transport Infrastructure: The territory is among the recipients covered by a $1.6 billion USDOT disaster-repair allocation for roads, bridges and other transport links; no USVI-specific amount was announced. Power Costs: A utility reform briefing says the USVI’s small, separate island grids help keep residential electricity rates near 43 cents per kilowatt-hour, underscoring the scale of the affordability challenge. St. Croix Refinery: A proposed restart of the island’s idled refinery is drawing scrutiny; a person familiar with discussions questioned the project’s seriousness, according to a report on the venture’s political backing. Agriculture Careers: USVI students are among those attending the National FFA Convention, where members explore agricultural careers and meet employers and colleges.

Payments: Impact PaySystem has begun processing payments for U.S. Virgin Islands merchants, creating new options for businesses and local sales partners. Clean Energy: A three-year partnership sets a framework for renewable energy, infrastructure resilience and workforce training across the USVI, Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean; no projects were announced. Power Costs: A utility briefing puts USVI rates near 43¢ per kilowatt-hour and says island-grid isolation limits how far reforms can narrow the gap with mainland prices. Air Links: Breeze plans twice-weekly Tampa–St. Thomas flights from Dec. 16, adding a route ahead of winter travel. Marine Industry: Federal shipyard grants total $35.18 million across 45 yards, including in the USVI, for equipment and capacity upgrades. Refinery Watch: A proposal to restart St. Croix’s idled refinery drew scrutiny, with one industry official questioning its seriousness; no restart is confirmed.

Clean Energy: The Institute for Building Technology and Safety and Green Solutions International have signed a three-year agreement to develop renewable energy, resilient infrastructure and workforce training across the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean. Air Service: Breeze Airways plans to launch twice-weekly flights between Tampa and St. Thomas on Dec. 16, adding a new link for travelers and businesses. Shipbuilding: A federal grant round totaling $35.18 million is supporting upgrades at 45 U.S. shipyards, including yards in the Virgin Islands; investments in cranes and boat lifts can help yards handle larger vessels and expand repair and construction work. Power Costs: A recent analysis says USVI residential rates near 43 cents per kilowatt-hour reflect the high costs of operating small, isolated island grids, while arguing that utility reform can still improve how fairly and efficiently the system is run.

Heritage & Industry: Charlotte Amalie has been named an American World War II Heritage City, recognizing its wartime service and industrial role and adding a potential draw for heritage tourism. Energy: A proposal to restart St. Croix’s idled refinery reached the White House, but an industry source questioned its credibility; the backers’ plans remain uncertain. Island Development: Little St. James’ owner has proposed a 25-room resort, but permits are pending as the site remains private property. Tourism & Marine Services: IGY opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, alongside expanded event space. Air Access: Breeze Airways plans twice-weekly Tampa–St. Thomas flights starting Dec. 16. Shipbuilding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 shipyards in 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands for capacity and equipment upgrades. Creative Industries: Jamaican film Stew Peas begins a Caribbean rollout Oct. 29, with screenings planned in St. Thomas and St. Croix.

Aviation: Breeze Airways plans twice-weekly Tampa–St. Thomas flights starting Dec. 16, adding another link to the territory. Screen Industry: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens in St. Thomas and St. Croix on Oct. 29 as part of a seven-territory Caribbean release. Marinas & Events: IGY opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club at Yacht Haven Grande, alongside an expanded Harbor360 event space in St. Thomas. Energy: A recent analysis says USVI power rates near 43 cents per kilowatt-hour reflect the high costs of small, isolated island grids, and argues reforms should focus on reliable service and fair pricing. Shipbuilding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million to 45 shipyards across 24 states and the USVI, supporting investments in equipment and capacity. Heritage Tourism: Charlotte Amalie is among 10 new National Park Service World War II Heritage Cities, recognizing the territory’s wartime history and preservation work.

Heritage Tourism: Charlotte Amalie is among 10 new American World War II Heritage Cities, recognized for its role in the war. The designation adds a new draw for history-focused visitors. Marina and Events: IGY Marinas has opened the Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, alongside an expanded Harbor360 event space — new amenities for residents, visitors and marina guests. Air Access: Breeze Airways plans to launch twice-weekly service between Tampa and St. Thomas on Dec. 16, widening the island’s air links. Creative Industries: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas begins a regional theatrical release Oct. 29, including screenings in St. Thomas and St. Croix — a milestone for Caribbean film distribution. Energy Costs: A policy analysis argues that the territory’s isolated island grids make electricity costs structurally high, even with better utility management, and says reforms should focus on fair pricing for island conditions.

Heritage Tourism: Charlotte Amalie has been named a World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service, a designation that could strengthen the territory’s history-based visitor appeal. Air Service: Breeze plans to launch Tampa–St. Thomas flights on Dec. 16, adding a new connection for travelers and local tourism businesses. Maritime & Hospitality: IGY Marinas has opened the Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, alongside an expanded event venue aimed at residents, visitors and yacht guests. Shipbuilding: Federal grants totaling $35.18 million went to 45 U.S. shipyards, including yards in the Virgin Islands; the announcement did not specify the local award amount. Creative Industries: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set to open in theaters in St. Thomas and St. Croix on Oct. 29 as part of a seven-territory Caribbean rollout. Energy Costs: A utility reform briefing says USVI power rates near 43 cents per kilowatt-hour reflect the high cost of serving small, isolated island grids, while arguing that better management and fair pricing remain achievable.

Tourism & Aviation: Breeze plans to start twice-weekly Tampa–St. Thomas flights on Dec. 16, adding a direct link to the island. Yacht Haven Grande has opened its Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club and expanded its Harbor360 event space, adding new amenities at the St. Thomas marina. Heritage & Culture: Charlotte Amalie is among 10 new World War II Heritage Cities designated by the National Park Service. The U.S. Virgin Islands is also among the territories represented in the 284 Excellence Film Festival’s 30 submissions; the BVI event runs Oct. 29 to Nov. 1. Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens in St. Thomas and St. Croix on Oct. 29, in a milestone regional release. Marine Industry: U.S. Virgin Islands shipyards are among the recipients of $35.18 million in federal small-shipyard grants awarded across 24 states and the territory.

Heritage Tourism: Charlotte Amalie has been named a new National WWII Heritage City, recognizing its wartime role and adding a fresh draw for history-focused visitors. Marina Investment: Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club, with courts, a pool and expanded event space aimed at residents and visitors. Air Connectivity: Breeze Airways plans twice-weekly Tampa–St. Thomas flights beginning Dec. 16, adding a new link for travelers. Film Distribution: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens Oct. 29 in St. Thomas and St. Croix as part of a seven-territory Caribbean release—the first Jamaican film distributed regionally by Caribbean Cinemas. Shipyard Capacity: A $35.18 million federal grant round included shipyards in the U.S. Virgin Islands, supporting equipment investments to expand repair and production capacity. Power Costs: A recent analysis says USVI electricity rates near 43 cents per kilowatt-hour reflect the high cost of operating small, isolated island grids, underscoring the limits of reforms alone in bringing rates down.

Creative Industries: The 284 Excellence Film Festival returns to Tortola Oct. 29–Nov. 1 with 30 submissions from 10 countries and territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Jamaican thriller Stew Peas also opens in St. Thomas and St. Croix on Oct. 29, marking Caribbean Cinemas’ first distribution of a Jamaican film. Heritage Tourism: Charlotte Amalie is among 10 new National WWII Heritage Cities, adding recognition for the capital’s historical legacy. Visitor Services: Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club, with tennis, pickleball and padel courts, a pool and an expanded event venue. Air Links: Breeze Airways plans twice-weekly Tampa–St. Thomas service beginning Dec. 16. Marine Industry: A $35.18 million federal Small Shipyard Grant round included the U.S. Virgin Islands among 24 states receiving support for capacity and equipment upgrades.

Heritage Tourism: Charlotte Amalie has been named a new World War II Heritage City, recognizing its historic role and adding a potential draw for visitors. Marina Investment: Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club and expanded its Harbor360 event space, adding recreation and event capacity at the superyacht marina. Tourism Leadership: WICO chief Joseph Boschulte joins the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board for 2026–28. Regional Connections: Breeze Airways plans to begin Tampa–St. Thomas flights on Dec. 16, boosting access for visitors and residents. Creative Industries: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set to open in St. Thomas and St. Croix on Oct. 29 as part of a seven-territory Caribbean release. Marine Industry: A federal shipyard grant round awarded $35.18 million across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands to support capacity and equipment upgrades. Energy Costs: A Virgin Islands utility reform brief argues that island geography keeps local electricity rates among the highest under the U.S. flag, making better management and fair pricing—not mainland-level rates—the practical goal.