AGP Executive Report

Air Links: Breeze plans twice-weekly Tampa–St. Thomas flights from Dec. 16, while December seat capacity to Puerto Rico and the USVI is set to rise 7.6% combined. Shipbuilding: A $35.18 million federal grant round includes U.S. Virgin Islands shipyards, funding equipment upgrades to expand capacity and handle larger vessels. Tourism Investment: Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas has opened a racquet and pool club and expanded its event venue, adding new visitor and event amenities. Regional Tourism: West Indian Company CEO Joseph Boschulte joins the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board for 2026–28, bringing a USVI-linked voice to regional tourism planning. Screen Industry: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens in St. Thomas and St. Croix on Oct. 29 as part of a seven-territory Caribbean release.

Marina Investment: IGY Marinas has opened the Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, alongside an expanded Harbor360 event space—adding recreation and event capacity to the island’s flagship marina. Tourism Leadership: WICO chief Joseph Boschulte joins the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board for 2026–28, bringing a U.S. Virgin Islands tourism operator into the regional industry’s leadership. Air Links: Contour Airlines’ new twice-weekly Dominica–Trinidad service offers same-plane connections to St. Thomas through Port of Spain, easing regional travel for businesses and visitors. Local Business: The SBA is accepting nominations for its 2027 small-business awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands honoree; submissions are due Dec. 7. Screen Industry: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens in St. Thomas and St. Croix on Oct. 29 as part of a seven-territory Caribbean release. Healthcare Readiness: Unannounced avian-flu drills at U.S. Virgin Islands healthcare facilities found uneven compliance with infection-control steps, underscoring room to improve outbreak response.

Tourism Investment: Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club, with tennis, pickleball and padel courts, a pool and new event space aimed at residents and visitors. Regional Tourism Leadership: WICO chief Joseph Boschulte is among three new members elected to the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board for 2026–28; William “Billy” Griffith was reelected chair. Air Links: December seat capacity to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is forecast to rise at least 7.6% combined, as other airlines add flights following Spirit’s exit. Hospitality Disruption: Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix remains closed without power after a September 30 generator fire; its casino has reopened, and the resort is assessing damage. Screen Industry: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set to open in St. Thomas and St. Croix on October 29, part of a seven-territory Caribbean release.

Tourism: Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix remains closed after a September 30 generator fire, though its casino has reopened. The resort says it is paying staff while inspections continue and reopening plans are prepared. Regional Air Links: Contour Airlines’ new twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica service offers same-plane connections to St. Thomas and San Juan, improving options for regional business and leisure travel. Film Industry: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens October 29 in St. Thomas and St. Croix as part of a seven-territory Caribbean release—the first Jamaican film distributed regionally by Caribbean Cinemas. Small Business: The SBA is accepting nominations for its 2027 awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands Small Business Person of the Year; submissions are due December 7. Tourism Leadership: WICO President and CEO Joseph Boschulte joins the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board for its 2026–28 term. Air Travel: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are set to gain combined December seat capacity of at least 7.6% year over year, as airlines add flights despite Spirit’s shutdown.

Tourism and Power: Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix remains closed after a fire damaged its power plant on Sept. 30, though the casino has reopened and all 51 hotel guests were relocated. Management is planning a resort reopening while inspections continue. Air Links: Seat capacity to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is projected to rise by at least 7.6% combined this December, despite Spirit Airlines’ exit. New Contour service between Dominica and Trinidad also offers same-plane connections to St. Thomas via Port of Spain. Regional Film: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens Oct. 29 in St. Thomas and St. Croix, part of Caribbean Cinemas’ first regional distribution of a Jamaican film. Small Business: The SBA is taking nominations for its 2027 small-business awards, including the U.S. Virgin Islands; the deadline is Dec. 7. Tourism Leadership: West Indian Company CEO Joseph Boschulte has joined the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board for 2026–28.

Mail Service: USPS has reset delivery expectations for Priority Mail and Ground Advantage shipments to and from locations outside the mainland, with some packages now estimated to take 10 days or more. That could mean longer waits for Virgin Islands businesses and customers. Caribbean Film: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens October 29 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with screenings planned for St. Thomas and St. Croix — part of the first Caribbean Cinemas distribution of a Jamaican film. Tourism Leadership: West Indian Company Ltd. CEO Joseph Boschulte joins the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board for 2026–28, bringing a U.S. Virgin Islands tourism executive into regional industry leadership. Small Business: SBA nominations are open for 2027 awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands Small Business Person of the Year; the deadline is December 7. Travel and Hospitality: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are set for higher December flight capacity despite Spirit’s exit. Meanwhile, St. Croix’s Divi Carina Bay Resort remains closed after a power-plant fire, though its casino has reopened and resort employees are still being paid.

Screen Industry: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens Oct. 29 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with screenings planned for St. Thomas and St. Croix. The regional release marks Caribbean Cinemas’ first distribution of a Jamaican film. Small Business: SBA nominations are open for its 2027 awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands Small Business Person of the Year. Apply by Dec. 7. Tourism Leadership: WICO chief Joseph Boschulte joins the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board for 2026–28, alongside re-elected chair Billy Griffith. Air Travel: December seat capacity for Puerto Rico and the USVI is forecast to rise at least 7.6% despite Spirit Airlines’ exit. Contour’s new twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica flights also offer same-plane connections to St. Thomas via Port of Spain. Hospitality: Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix remains closed after a fire damaged its power plant; 51 guests were relocated, while the casino has reopened. Shipping: USPS now estimates Ground Advantage deliveries to and from the USVI at 10 days or more, extending expected delivery times for local businesses and customers.

Small Business: The SBA is accepting nominations for its 2027 National Small Business Week awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands honoree. Nominations are due Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. ET. Hospitality: Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix remains closed after a fire damaged its power plant, and 51 guests were relocated. The casino has reopened, and the resort is continuing to pay employees during inspections. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines’ new twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica service offers same-plane connections to St. Thomas via Port of Spain. December seat capacity to Puerto Rico and the USVI is also up at least 7.6% combined, despite Spirit Airlines’ exit. Shipping: USPS now gives Ground Advantage packages traveling to or from the USVI an expected delivery time of 10 days or more, with some shipments taking longer.

Small Business: The SBA is accepting nominations for its 2027 awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands small-business honoree. Submit by Dec. 7. Tourism: Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix remains closed after a fire damaged its power plant; 51 guests were relocated, while the casino has reopened and staff are still being paid during inspections. Air Links: December seat capacity to Puerto Rico and the USVI is up at least 7.6% combined. Contour Airlines has also launched twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica flights, with same-plane connections to St. Thomas. Shipping & Logistics: USPS now estimates 10 days or more for Ground Advantage packages to and from the USVI, following changes that took effect Oct. 1. Telecom: The FCC partially cleared SpaceX to deploy 15,000 direct-to-phone satellites, but certain frequencies in the USVI remain restricted. Tourism Leadership: West Indian Company CEO Joseph Boschulte joins the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board for 2026–28.

Tourism Leadership: WICO chief Joseph Boschulte joins the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board for 2026–28, bringing a U.S. Virgin Islands voice to regional tourism planning. Air Connectivity: Contour Airlines’ new twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica flights offer same-plane connections to St. Thomas, improving regional access for travelers and businesses. Visitor Economy: St. Croix’s Divi Carina Bay Resort remains closed without power after a generator fire; its casino has reopened, and the resort is assessing damage and planning a safe restart. Small Business: SBA nominations are open for 2027 National Small Business Week awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands Small Business Person of the Year; the deadline is Dec. 7. Shipping: USPS now estimates Ground Advantage deliveries to and from the USVI at 10 days or more, a longer timeline businesses should factor into customer and inventory planning. Creative Industries: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas, nominated for six Caribbean Film Awards, is scheduled to open in the USVI on Oct. 29.

Tourism Leadership: William “Billy” Griffith will chair the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Allied Board for 2026–28. WICO chief Joseph Boschulte joins the five-member team, bringing a USVI voice to regional tourism planning. Air Travel: Puerto Rico and the USVI are set to gain a combined 7.6% in seat capacity this December, as other carriers add flights following Spirit Airlines’ exit. St. Croix Hospitality: Divi Carina Bay Resort remains closed without power after a generator fire. Its 51 guests were relocated, employees are still being paid, and the casino has reopened while inspections continue. Consumer Claims: USVI residents who bought certain generic drugs from May 2009 through December 2019 may qualify for settlement compensation. Claims are due March 8, 2027. Logistics: USPS has extended Ground Advantage delivery expectations to 10 days or more for packages to and from the USVI, a change that could affect island businesses and customers. Financial Services: Gov. Albert Bryan’s proposed “Third Wall Street” initiative would establish a St. Croix entity for municipal bond issuance, alongside efforts to attract finance and investment firms. Marine Events: USVI Sailing Week is planned for April 8–11, 2027, combining regattas, boating showcases and island-to-island sailing across St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.

Coastal Operations: NOAA’s ocean-observing program is providing $45.7 million in first-year funding for regional networks, whose data support shipping, port operations and coastal hazard planning. Tourism: Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix remains closed without power after a Sept. 30 generator fire; its casino has reopened, and management is developing a reopening plan. Air Links: Contour Airlines’ new twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica flights offer same-plane connections through Port of Spain to St. Thomas, easing regional travel for visitors and businesses. Shipping: USPS now estimates Ground Advantage deliveries to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands may take 10 days or more, a change that could affect retailers and customers. Small Business: SBA nominations are open for 2027 awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands business honoree; submissions are due Dec. 7. Marine Tourism: USVI Sailing Week is set for April 8–11, 2027, combining regattas, boating events and activities across St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.

Regional Aviation: Contour Airlines has launched twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica flights, with same-plane connections through Port of Spain to St. Thomas and San Juan, easing travel for regional businesses and visitors. Hospitality: St. Croix’s Divi Carina Bay Resort remains closed without power after a Sept. 30 generator fire; its casino has reopened, guests were relocated, and employees are still being paid during inspections. Financial Services: The territory is pursuing a Christiansted financial hub, including a proposed municipal bond issuer for borrowers across the U.S.; Global Impact Assets plans to open a local office. Shipping: USPS now gives Ground Advantage packages to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands delivery expectations of 10 days or more, effective Oct. 1. Small Business: SBA nominations are open for 2027 awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands Small Business Person of the Year; submissions close Dec. 7. Marine Tourism: USVI Sailing Week is set for April 8–11, 2027, bringing regattas, boating events and island-to-island sailing across St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.

Tourism: Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix remains closed after a Sept. 30 power-plant fire; 51 guests were relocated, the casino has reopened and resort employees continue to be paid during inspections. Small Business: SBA nominations are open for 2027 National Small Business Week awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands small-business honor; deadline is Dec. 7. Connectivity & Logistics: USPS now estimates 10 days or more for Ground Advantage parcels to and from the USVI. Separately, the FCC approved SpaceX’s 15,000-satellite direct-to-device network but limited access to some frequencies in U.S. territories. Marine Tourism: Inaugural USVI Sailing Week is set for April 8–11, 2027, combining regattas, island sailing and a boating expo across St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Financial Services: The territory is pursuing a Christiansted financial center and a municipal-bond issuer for borrowers nationwide, with Global Impact Assets planning a local office. Consumer Costs: The USVI joined a multistate $400 million Sandoz settlement over alleged generic-drug price fixing; eligible buyers from 2009–2019 can file claims by March 8, 2027.

Resort Operations: Divi Carina Bay on St. Croix remains closed without power after a Sept. 30 generator fire. Its 51 guests were relocated, employees are being paid during inspections, and the casino has reopened while management plans the resort’s return. Connectivity: The FCC approved SpaceX’s plan for 15,000 direct-to-device satellites, but limited access to some frequencies in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Small Business: The SBA is accepting nominations for its 2027 awards, including a U.S. Virgin Islands Small Business Person of the Year; entries are due Dec. 7. Shipping: USPS delivery estimates for Ground Advantage packages to and from the territory are now 10 days or longer, a change that may affect businesses relying on parcel shipments. Tourism and Boating: The first USVI Sailing Week is set for April 8–11, 2027, combining regattas, boating events and tourism activities across St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Financial Services: The territory is pursuing a Christiansted-based municipal bond issuer as part of Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s proposed “Third Wall Street” financial hub.

Ethics & Courts: Two Democratic senators asked a federal appeals court to review Judge Jennifer Mascott’s decision to lead a Washington public affairs firm while serving on the bench, citing concerns she spent extensive time managing Adfero after her 2025 confirmation. Resort Power Disruption: Divi Carina Bay Resort on St. Croix stayed closed and without electricity after a Sept. 30 fire at the power plant; 51 guests were relocated, the casino reopened, and the resort remains in an inspection and assessment period while generators are checked. Maritime Rescue: Coast Guard and Dominican Republic Navy crews rescued 61 migrants from a sinking, overloaded vessel off the Dominican Republic, warning that dangerous smuggling voyages are rising. Drug Pricing Accountability: U.S. Virgin Islands joined a multistate push for court approval of a $400 million settlement tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition; eligible buyers from May 2009–Dec. 2019 can file claims. Local Finance Push: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. outlined plans for a “Third Wall Street” in St. Croix, including setting up a municipal bond issuer for obligors nationwide as part of a broader financial center effort. Postal Logistics: USPS lengthened delivery expectations for packages to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands under Ground Advantage, effective Oct. 1. Tourism & Entertainment: Royal Caribbean announced “The SpongeBob Musical” as the first-ever at-sea production on Hero of the Seas, sailing from Miami in Aug. 2027 with Caribbean stops including St. Thomas and Charlotte Amalie. Community & Sports: The Buccaneer Resort’s tennis facility on St. Croix earned a 2026 USTA Outstanding Facility Award.