AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Readiness: Works Minister Kye Rymer kicked off the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season by urging residents to review evacuation plans, supplies, and communications readiness, including steps already underway like clearing drains and strengthening alert systems. Ocean & Climate Innovation: The VI Purpose Fund boosted its 2026 Impact Challenge to up to $250,000 for entrepreneurs tackling ocean health—from sargassum management and sustainable fisheries to waste reduction and plastic alternatives—with applications due June 10. Local Environment Governance: Deputy Premier and Environment Minister Julian Fraser highlighted the climate-change work ahead of the State of the Territory Address, including the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and its role in disaster mitigation. Utilities & Water/Sewer: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger cleared the House and was assented to, setting up a unified VIEWCo and a single public notification platform for service interruptions. Housing Funds Redirected: Senators advanced a bill to redirect $4 million from a dormant first-time homeowner program toward housing supports, including cistern and slab grants and assistance for Williams Delight residents. Tourism Development: Brandywine Bay is set to break ground in 2026 as BVI pushes new attractions to build on record visitor numbers. Community & Skills: HLSCC alumna Kirsten C. Frazer designed chef jackets for the Culinary Arts Programme, linking training with industry standards.

Climate & Heat: NOAA reports May 2026 as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 ranks among the four warmest years. Local Governance: Premier Wheatley says the VI will remove visa requirements for work permit holders, alongside broader investment-climate reforms. Hurricane Readiness: Works Minister Kye Rymer urges residents to review evacuation plans and supplies as the 2026 Atlantic season starts; Agriculture and Fisheries also advises farmers and fishers on storm prep. Ocean Health & Funding: The VI Purpose Fund boosts the 2026 Impact Challenge to $250,000 for ocean-protection ventures, with a June 10 deadline. Utilities & Water/Sewer: BVI lawmakers approve merging BVIEC and W&SD to form VIEWCo, aiming for more coordinated service and public notices. Housing & Water Infrastructure: A VI committee advances a bill to redirect $4M from a dormant first-time homeowner program toward housing and cistern/slab support. Environment Policy: Deputy Premier Fraser highlights the new Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and its role in disaster mitigation ahead of the State of the Territory Address.

Climate Watch: NOAA reports May 2026 as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with a high chance 2026 lands among the four warmest years—an ominous backdrop for the U.S. Virgin Islands’ climate and disaster planning. Local Climate Policy: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser says the State of the Territory Address will spotlight the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and its role in cutting climate-disaster risk. Hurricane Readiness: Works Minister Kye Rymer urges residents to review evacuation plans and supplies as the Atlantic season starts; the Agriculture and Fisheries Department also pushes farmers and fishers to secure livestock, gear, and crops. Ocean Health Funding: The VI Purpose Fund boosts the 2026 Impact Challenge to $250,000 for entrepreneurs tackling sargassum management, sustainable fisheries, waste reduction, and ocean restoration—deadline June 10. Waste & Clean Communities: The Waste Management Authority ramps up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000. Housing & Water: Budget lawmakers advance a bill to redirect $4M from a dormant first-time homebuyer program, including support tied to cistern and slab assistance. Tourism & Connectivity: The U.S. Virgin Islands highlights Caribbean Week in New York, including a new United nonstop Newark–St. Croix route. Utilities Merger: BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage merger legislation moves forward toward a unified VIEWCo, with a single public notification platform for outages.

Hurricane Readiness: VI Works Minister Kye Rymer urged residents to review evacuation plans, supplies, and alerts as the 2026 Atlantic season starts, with crews clearing drains and ghuts, managing vegetation, inspecting infrastructure, and boosting the cellular broadcasting network for emergency messages. Waste & Public Health: The VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning that illegal dumping and misuse can damage infrastructure, worsen pest problems, and harm the environment, with fines up to $1,000. Ocean-Focused Startup Funding: The VI Purpose Fund increased the 2026 Impact Challenge to up to $250,000 in catalytic support for entrepreneurs building solutions that protect ocean health and strengthen the local economy, with applications due June 10. Climate & Heritage Policy: A regional heritage dialogue highlighted how Caribbean communities can safeguard historic sites, oral histories, and traditional knowledge amid development pressures and climate change, including work on resilient housing practices. Local Governance & Utilities: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger cleared key steps toward creating VIEWCo, aiming for more coordinated utility service delivery and public notification.

Youth & Community Development: The Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) says its new Virgin Gorda building at Handsome Bay will open this summer, starting with about 50–70 children and adding spaces like a kitchen, arts and innovation lab. Climate & Disaster Readiness: VI officials are urging residents to stay ready for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with NOAA forecasting below-normal activity but still calling for clear drains, vegetation management, and stronger emergency communications. Environment & Public Health: The Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites to curb illegal dumping and misuse, warning fines can reach $1,000 and stressing proper disposal to reduce pests and environmental harm. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger has cleared key approvals, paving the way for a unified energy and water corporation and a single public notification platform for outages. Coastal Resilience & Energy: A new discussion highlights why corrosion matters for coastal solar and battery storage projects, pushing for better design choices in salty, humid island conditions. Hurricane Research: NOAA is using uncrewed ocean robots to collect data inside hurricanes, including work launched from the U.S. Virgin Islands to improve forecasting.

Climate & Disaster Readiness: The U.S. dismissed tsunami risk after a 6.1 quake west of Cuba, while VI officials urged residents to stay ready as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season began June 1, with NOAA forecasting below-normal activity but still calling for early preparation. Storm Tracking: The National Hurricane Center issued updates as Tropical Storm Cristina formed in the Eastern Pacific and Tropical Storm Boris was also tracked. Local Environment Policy: Deputy Premier Hon. Julian Fraser highlighted the State of the Territory Address on June 9, including the newly launched Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and work on climate disaster mitigation. Waste & Public Health: The VI Waste Management Authority stepped up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can harm communities and raise cleanup costs, with fines up to $1,000. Sustainable Tourism: VI students won a CTO regional showcase with a “Green & Blue Economy” tourism hub concept linking marine restoration and land sustainability. Utilities & Resilience: In the BVI, lawmakers cleared a BVIEC–W&SD merger to create VIEWCo, aiming for more coordinated service delivery for electricity, water, and sewerage.

Climate Policy & Resilience: Deputy Premier Julian Fraser urged residents to tune in Tuesday, June 9 for the State of the Territory Address, where the Premier is expected to highlight climate change work including the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and efforts to mitigate climate-related disasters. Hurricane Readiness: With the Atlantic season underway (NOAA forecasting 8–14 named storms, 3–6 hurricanes), the Agriculture and Fisheries Department is pushing farmers and fishers to secure supplies, protect livestock, harvest early, and remove or secure gear. Storm Alerts & Infrastructure: Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer says teams are clearing drains and ghuts, managing vegetation, inspecting roads, and strengthening emergency communications so alerts reach people during severe weather. Waste & Public Health: The Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can harm communities and bring fines up to $1,000. Food Safety: Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey flagged cleaning and sanitation as the biggest day-to-day problem in food establishments, urging residents to check for clean practices and pests. Sustainable Tourism: VI students won CTO’s Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept linking marine restoration to land-based sustainability. Utilities Update: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage merger is moving forward toward a unified VIEWCo model for electricity, water, and sewerage service delivery.

Hurricane Readiness: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season (8–14 named storms; 3–6 hurricanes; 1–3 major), but VI officials are still urging residents to prepare now—clear drains and ghuts, manage vegetation, inspect roads and strengthen emergency communications so alerts reach people during severe weather. Waste & Public Health: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites to curb illegal dumping and misuse, warning fines can reach $1,000 and stressing proper disposal (break down cardboard, secure bags, and never dump hazardous materials). Utilities & Resilience: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger has been assented into law, setting up a unified Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo) to coordinate electricity, water, and sewerage service updates and interruption notices. Food Safety: Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey says cleaning and sanitation are the biggest daily problems in food establishments, urging residents to check for handwashing, cleanliness, and pests before buying. Sustainable Tourism: VI students won CTO’s Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept linking marine restoration to land-based sustainability and conservation funding. Coastal Tech Durability: A corrosion-focused design framework for coastal PV and battery storage highlights how salt air and humidity can shorten equipment life if not planned for upfront.

Hurricane Readiness: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season (8–14 named storms; 3–6 hurricanes; 1–3 major), but local agencies are urging VI residents not to get complacent—clear drains and ghuts, manage vegetation, inspect roads and strengthen emergency alerts and cellular broadcasting. Farm & Fishing Prep: The VI Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is pushing farmers and fishers to secure livestock, store feed, harvest mature crops early, and remove or secure gear ahead of the season. Waste & Public Health: The Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at bin sites, warning that illegal dumping drives overflowing areas, pests, and environmental harm, with fines up to $1,000. Utilities Merger: In the BVI, the BVIEC and W&SD merger law has been assented, setting up a unified VIEWCo to coordinate electricity, water, and sewerage service notices. Food Safety: An Environmental Health Officer flagged cleaning and sanitation as the biggest daily problem in food establishments, urging residents to watch for hygiene and pests when buying food. Coastal Tech: A corrosion-focused design framework aims to extend the life of coastal PV and battery storage systems.

Hurricane Readiness: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season (8–14 named storms; 3–6 hurricanes; 1–3 major), but VI officials are still urging farmers, fishers, and residents to prep now—secure livestock and gear, clear drains/ghuts, and keep emergency alerts working. Waste & Public Health: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping drives overflowing areas, pests, and environmental harm, with fines up to $1,000. Utilities & Resilience: Governor Daniel Pruce assented to the BVIEC and Water & Sewerage merger law, paving the way for VIEWCo and a unified platform for water/electric interruption notices. Food Safety: Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey says cleaning and sanitation are the biggest day-to-day problems in food establishments, urging shoppers to check hygiene and pest control. Coastal Tech: A corrosion-focused design framework is being promoted to extend the life of coastal solar PV and BESS systems exposed to salt air and humidity. Training & Emergency Care: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the eligible training provider list, enabling WIOA-funded EMT training and boosting local emergency response capacity.

Hurricane Readiness: VI officials are urging farmers and fishers to get ready for the 2026 Atlantic season, which runs June 1–Nov. 30, with NOAA forecasting 8–14 named storms and warning that even a “below-normal” year can still bring damaging impacts. Local Utilities & Water: The BVI Electricity Corporation and Water & Sewerage Department merger has cleared key steps toward creating VIEWCo, aiming to streamline electricity, water, and sewerage service and unify public outage notices. Waste & Public Health: The VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can drive overflowing, pests, and environmental harm, with fines up to $1,000. Food Safety: Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey says cleaning and sanitation are the biggest day-to-day problems in food establishments, urging residents to check hygiene and pest control before buying. Coastal Resilience Tech: A corrosion-focused design approach is highlighted as crucial for extending life of coastal solar PV and battery storage systems. Democracy & Environment Governance: A congressional briefing on “consent of the governed” spotlights how federal decisions shape life in U.S. territories—an issue tied to local control over disaster response and environmental outcomes.

Hurricane Watch: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season (55% chance), with 8–14 named storms and 3–6 hurricanes—still a reminder that one storm can hit hard. Local Preparedness: VI officials say teams are clearing drains and ghuts, managing vegetation, inspecting roads, and boosting emergency communications so alerts reach people fast. Road Safety Tragedy: A St. John commercial driver faces vehicular homicide and aggravated child abuse charges after a water truck plunge killed his 6-year-old daughter. Food Safety: A VI Environmental Health Officer flags cleaning and sanitation as the biggest daily problem in food establishments, urging residents to check for handwashing, pests, and overall cleanliness. Waste Enforcement: Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000 and more cleanup and environmental harm. Sustainable Tourism Win: VI students won CTO’s Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” pitch linking marine restoration and land-based sustainability. Utilities Merger: Gov. assents to the BVIEC–WSD merger law, paving the way for a new Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation (VIEWCo). Coastal Tech Note: A corrosion design framework aims to extend the life of coastal solar-plus-storage equipment by accounting for salt, humidity, and UV stress.

Food Safety & Public Health: Environmental Health Officer Susan Sealey says cleaning and sanitation are the biggest day-to-day problems in many food establishments, urging residents to check where they buy food, whether hands are being washed, and whether pests or dirty conditions are present. Waste & Illegal Dumping Crackdown: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning that illegal dumping and misuse drive overflowing areas, damage infrastructure, raise cleanup costs, and increase pests; fines can reach $1,000. Hurricane Season Readiness: As the 2026 Atlantic season begins, Hon. Kye M. Rymer urges proactive steps—clearing drains and ghuts, managing vegetation, inspecting roads and strengthening emergency communications—while NOAA forecasts a below-normal season. Utility Restructuring: Gov. Daniel Pruce has assented to a law merging BVIEC and the Water and Sewerage Department, paving the way for VIEWCo to unify electricity, water, and sewerage services. Coastal Energy Durability: A corrosion-focused design framework aims to extend the life of coastal PV and BESS systems by accounting for salt, humidity, wind-driven rain, and UV exposure. Sustainable Tourism Showcase: The VI won the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept linking marine restoration funding to land-based sustainability.

Workforce & Health: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten residents completed Cohort 2 and are set up for NREMT certification. Hurricane Readiness: NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are flagging a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season (55% chance), but officials stress preparedness anyway, including updates to the hurricane forecast cone to better show inland watches and warnings for places like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Power & Resilience: Another total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John, with VIWAPA citing loss of generation and renewed calls for faster fixes as outages keep recurring. Green Waste Policy: The VI Senate advanced a bill to allow green waste disposal via controlled incineration, but lawmakers added guardrails—incineration only when safer options (mulching, composting, reuse) aren’t available, plus limits to smoke and particulate impacts.

Hurricane Readiness: NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season (55% chance), but U.S. Virgin Islands residents are still being urged to prep now—because even one storm can upend communities. Local Resilience & Power Reliability: Another blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John, with VI Water and Power citing generation loss; the outages add pressure to long-running grid and maintenance problems. Storm Forecasting Tools: The National Hurricane Center is expanding its “cone” warnings to better show inland tropical storm and hurricane risks, including for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Green Waste Policy: The VI Senate advanced a measure to manage green waste via controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available—aiming to cut smoke and particulates. Wildlife & Climate Research: NOAA and partners deployed uncrewed ocean robots off the U.S. Virgin Islands to study hurricanes from extreme conditions, feeding real-time data to forecasters. Sustainable Sunscreen Tip: A column argues for sun-protective clothing over some chemical sunscreens to reduce impacts on waterways. Tourism Week in NYC: Caribbean Week in New York begins with VI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. among featured leaders, spotlighting sustainable tourism growth.

Power Reliability Crisis: A total blackout hit St. Thomas and St. John early Sunday, the second outage in the weekend, after loss of generation at a power plant; officials cite weak capacity, equipment shortages, breakdowns, and years of deferred maintenance, with many generating units over 25 years old and major damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria still shaping the grid. Hurricane Readiness: Even with NOAA forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic season (8–14 named storms; 3–6 hurricanes), the Coast Guard and NOAA/NHC are urging preparation now, and NHC is expanding the hurricane “cone” warnings to better show inland wind risks. Green Waste Policy: The VI Senate advanced a bill to authorize controlled incineration for green waste only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, adding limits to reduce smoke and particulate impacts. Local Environment & Learning: The VI Board of Career and Technical Education voted to create a nonprofit to fund trade classrooms—aimed at keeping instructors supplied so students can build skills that support local jobs, including in hands-on sectors.