AGP Executive Report

New Direct Air Access: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop NYC-area flight to St. Croix, starting Oct. 31, 2026 (Saturdays from Newark to STX), a big boost for visitors and local tourism businesses. Regional Tourism Strategy: The Virgin Islands will host a Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing together tourism leaders and stakeholders to shape sustainable growth and investment direction. Caribbean Week in New York: Caribbean Week 2026 kicks off June 1 with ministers and industry leaders meeting in Manhattan to strengthen connectivity, resilience, and marketing across the region. BVI Tourism Policy Debate: Mark Vanterpool argues for decentralizing government services—suggesting moving the Ministry of Tourism to Virgin Gorda and other ministries to sister islands. Infrastructure Watch (BVI): Cox Heath seawall criticism continues as a West End road coastal defense project faces concerns about views and character. Power & Travel Disruption (USVI): WAPA says a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure triggered widespread St. Thomas/St. John outages, affecting government operations and businesses. Cruise Updates: Norwegian Viva cancels some San Juan sailings (2028) due to port availability changes, while NCL’s Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay is set to open Sept. 4, 2026.

Territory Power Update: WAPA CEO Karl Knight says St. Thomas and St. John outages were triggered by a failure at the Randolph Harley Power Plant, starting around 6 p.m. Saturday with a “fuel valve error,” leading to cascading technical issues and widespread disruption; government offices and the Legislature were affected, with a key hearing rescheduled. Tourism Leadership & Planning: The Virgin Islands will host a two-day Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing together regional and international tourism stakeholders to shape “Shaping the Future of Tourism in the Virgin Islands: Partnership, Investment & Direction,” with a focus on sustainable growth, resilience, and stakeholder alignment. Air Access Boost: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York City-area service to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026 (Saturdays), a major connectivity win for residents and visitors. Regional Tourism Momentum: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 with CTO-led meetings and events, including Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership, as ministers and commissioners from across the region gather to strengthen connectivity and competitiveness. Family Travel Trend: A new Caribbean Travel Trends report flags the Cayman Islands as the fastest-growing family destination, with the U.S. Virgin Islands also placing in the top three for family-sized travel growth. Cruise Watch: Norwegian Viva cancels select San Juan sailings (Jan–July 2028) due to port availability changes, affecting travelers planning Southern Caribbean trips.

VI Tourism Leadership: The Virgin Islands will host a Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing together tourism stakeholders, investors, policymakers and creatives to shape the future of tourism under the theme “Shaping the Future of Tourism in The Virgin Islands: Partnership, Investment & Direction.” Caribbean Week Buzz: Caribbean tourism ministers and leaders are in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 (June 1–5), with the CTO convening the region under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” including participation from the British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands. Air Access for Island Visitors: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop NYC-area service to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026—weekly Saturday flights from Newark to STX—adding a major new gateway for residents and travelers. Power & Disruption Watch: WAPA CEO Karl Knight says a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure triggered St. Thomas/St. John outages that disrupted government operations and businesses, with restoration issues addressed after the weekend. Cruise Fun Update: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with advance day-pass sales and cabana options for guests. Local Tourism Talent: BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission will hold the Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism competition June 4 at Maria’s by the Sea, with students competing for a chance to represent the VI at the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana.

Cruise & Island Fun: Norwegian Cruise Line says its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay will open Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes on sale starting today and optional private cabanas for up to six guests. Travel Advisories: The U.S. State Department updated its Caribbean travel advisory list, with most popular islands at Level 1–2 but some destinations flagged higher due to crime, unrest, or other risks. Aviation & Connectivity: ICAO’s top civil aviation directors meet in Antigua for the 14th NACC regional session, with officials stressing aviation as the lifeline for small island tourism economies. New Routes to the VI: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop Newark–St. Croix service this fall (starting Oct. 31), adding another direct gateway for U.S. travelers. Caribbean Week in New York: CTO’s Caribbean Week kicks off June 1 in Manhattan under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with regional tourism leaders, including VI representation, lining up strategy sessions and marketing talks. BVI Tourism Youth: The BVITBFC names 10 students for the June 4 Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism competition, sending the winner to the CTO youth congress in Guyana. BVI Infrastructure: BVI’s West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment faces delays after bids came in well above budget, forcing redesigns.

Airlift & Tourism Growth: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–St. Croix service this fall (starting Oct. 31), giving U.S. travelers a faster gateway into the U.S. Virgin Islands during peak season. Regional Aviation Talks: ICAO’s top civil aviation directors are meeting in Antigua for the 14th NACC regional session, with safety, security, sustainability and cooperation on the agenda. Caribbean Week in New York: The CTO kicks off Caribbean Week 2026 today under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with strong ministerial participation including the USVI’s Governor Albert Bryan Jr., plus a keynote from airline analyst Henry Harteveldt. BVI Infrastructure Watch: BVI Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer says delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are a major setback after bids came in far above budget, forcing redesigns. Cruise & Islands: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed two major cruise calls (Star of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond) bringing more than 14,000 passengers and crew during the off-season. Youth Tourism: BVI is set to crown its 2026 Junior Ambassador of Tourism finalists on June 4, sending the winner to the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana.

Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and commissioners from across the region are set to gather in Manhattan starting June 1 for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, themed “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with BVI and USVI leaders among the delegation and Governor Albert Bryan Jr. delivering opening remarks. Caribbean Marketing Conference: Henry H. Harteveldt will keynote the June 3 conference on airline trends and what they mean for Caribbean airlift, as CTO sessions focus on partnerships, branding, and measurable marketing. BVI Tourism Spotlight: Miss BVI 2026 contestants were revealed ahead of the Aug. 2 pageant, and the VI Junior Ambassador of Tourism competition is scheduled for June 4 with students set to represent the territory at a CTO youth congress. Youth Tourism Showcase: BVI students advanced to the CTO’s 2026 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase “Live Finals” on June 4 in New York, pitching investment-ready, sustainable tourism proposals. Aviation & Connectivity Watch: A regional aviation commentary points to new interline moves and shifting market focus as carriers realign around emerging hubs—relevant for travelers planning routes through the Eastern Caribbean. Cruise & Safety Notes: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed major cruise arrivals totaling 14,000+ passengers and crew, while authorities continue a search for a missing cruise hiker in the Mount Liamuiga area. Beach Buzz: Anguilla’s Shoal Bay East was named No. 1 in North America, with judges praising its calm, crystal-clear waters and powdery sand—another win for the wider Caribbean travel draw.

Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week returns to New York on June 1 with CTO-led meetings and workshops, featuring BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., plus a “60 Minutes” session and a Caribbean Marketing Conference keynote by airline analyst Henry Harteveldt. BVI Tourism Talent: Miss BVI 2026 contestants were revealed for the Aug. 2 pageant at Festival Village, with an $80,000 four-year scholarship reinstated as the top prize. Youth Tourism Spotlight: Ten students will compete June 4 for the Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism title, with the winner representing the territory at the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana. Cruise & Island Activity: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes and cabanas available from today. Local Aviation Update: Former BVIAA managing director Kurt Menal says he resigned and gave three months’ notice before leaving, citing work to boost air connectivity and passenger growth. Tourism Safety Watch: Authorities in St. Kitts and Nevis continue a search for a cruise guest missing after hiking in Mount Liamuiga.

Caribbean Week in New York: The CTO says Caribbean Week returns June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. leading a regional tourism delegation for a week of meetings on marketing, airlift, sustainability, and next-gen tourism. BVI Tourism Youth Spotlight: Ten students will vie for Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism on June 4 at Maria’s by the Sea, with the winner representing the VI at the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana. Miss BVI 2026 Set: Three contestants were introduced for the Aug. 2 Miss BVI pageant at Festival Village, with a reinstated $80,000 four-year scholarship and a new 2027 Haval Jolion prize. BVIAA Leadership Update: Former BVIAA Managing Director Kurt A.G. Menal says he resigned and gave three months’ notice, with the board paying in lieu, citing work on improving air connectivity. Cruise & Safety Watch: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed two cruise ships with 14,000 passengers during the off-season, while authorities also continue searching for a missing cruise hiker in the Mount Liamuiga area. St. John Celebration Dates: USVI announced St. John Celebration 2026 runs June 14–July 4, featuring steel pan nights, village events, parades, boat races, and fireworks.

Cruise & Safety: Coast Guard and Homeland Security teams in San Juan Harbor intercepted an inbound barge and removed eight stowaways (four Chinese, four Dominican Republic nationals), transferring them to CBP for processing. Cruise Demand: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed two cruise ships—Star of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond—bringing more than 14,000 passengers and crew to Port Zante during the off-season. Search & Rescue: Authorities are still searching for a Chinese cruise guest missing after going hiking alone in Mount Liamuiga, with contact lost after an emergency call. BVI Aviation & Tourism: Former BVIAA managing director Kurt Menal says he resigned and gave three months’ notice before leaving, citing work to boost air connectivity and passenger growth. Local Governance (BVI): Premier Natalio Wheatley called the current Virgin Islands governance arrangement “abnormal,” pushing for more constitutional authority and elected control over Cabinet and public service. USVI Events: The U.S. Virgin Islands announced the 2026 St. John Celebration dates (June 14–July 4) with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Tourism Industry (CTO): CTO named finalists for the 2026 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase at Caribbean Week in New York (June 4), including BVI student teams. Marine Tourism: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas sought an extension of EDC tax benefits while outlining major marina upgrades.

Cruise & Visitor Flow: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed two major cruise calls at Port Zante on May 28—Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond—bringing more than 14,000 passengers and crew during the off-season, a boost for the destination’s growing cruise profile. Tourism Talent: The CTO’s 2026 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase finals are set for June 4 in New York, with BVI students among the finalists presenting investment-ready, sustainable tourism proposals during Caribbean Week. BVI Aviation & Governance: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley and Deputy Premier Julian Fraser both criticized the territory’s constitutional limits in talks with the UK, pointing to stalled airport runway expansion as a key example of restricted control. USVI Events: The US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced St. John Celebration 2026 dates—June 14 to July 4—with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Marine Tourism: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, sought an extension of Economic Development Commission tax benefits, but the request was paused pending more details as the operator outlined major upgrades. Cruise Add-On: Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes and cabanas available for guests sailing on/after that date.

CTO Youth Tourism: British Virgin Islands students have advanced to the finals of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2026 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase, with “Live Finals” set for June 4 at InterContinental New York Times Square during Caribbean Week in New York. Cruise & Attractions: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes on sale starting May 28 and advance booking plus private cabanas. Regional Tourism Leadership: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley leading a high-level Caribbean tourism delegation. BVI Governance & Tourism: BVI Premier Wheatley calls the territory’s current constitutional setup “abnormal,” arguing for more elected control over Cabinet, public service, and security as UK talks continue. VI Tourism Calendar: The U.S. Virgin Islands announces St. John Celebration 2026 dates—June 14 to July 4—featuring steel pan nights, J’ouvert, parades, boat races, and fireworks. Trade Education Funding: The V.I. Board of Career and Technical Education moves to create an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit to fund trade students’ classroom supplies and competition travel.

Cruise & Attractions: Norwegian Cruise Line set Sept. 4, 2026 as the grand opening date for Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, with advance day passes starting May 28 and options like private cabanas for up to six guests. BVI Aviation & Tourism Governance: Former BVIAA managing director Kurt A.G. Menal said his resignation was for “personal and professional wellbeing,” while BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and Deputy Premier Julian Fraser continued pushing for constitutional changes that would give elected leaders more control over areas like airport expansion. USVI Culture & Travel Planning: The U.S. Virgin Islands announced the 2026 St. John Celebration dates—June 14 to July 4—featuring steel pan nights, village events, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Regional Tourism Spotlight: The Virgin Islands is named a finalist for the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase, with VI students pitching sustainable tourism proposals during Caribbean Week in New York on June 4. St. Croix Heritage: A community stewardship project restored the historic Estate Grove Baobab Tree site, adding interpretive signage and new benches. Health & Travel Safety: A new report highlights a sharp jump in U.S. dengue cases in 2024, with most linked to international travel, including Caribbean destinations like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Tourism Spotlight: The CTO has named Virgin Islands students as finalists for the 2026 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase, with the Live Finals set for June 4 during Caribbean Week in New York—an investment-ready pitch stage for sustainable tourism ideas. Regional Tourism Leadership: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with U.S. and BVI leaders including Premier Natalio Wheatley and Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Marine & Visitor Economy: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, is seeking an extension of Economic Development Commission tax benefits as it outlines major marina upgrades—though the request was paused pending more details. Climate & Safety for Travelers: NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are rolling out a revamped hurricane cone this season, expanding inland watch and warning coverage for the U.S. Virgin Islands and other areas. Credit & Confidence: The Virgin Islands retained investment-grade credit ratings from CariCRIS with a stable outlook, citing resilience and fiscal management—good news for tourism and investment planning. BVI Tourism Growth: The government is exploring reserving industries for BVIslanders, including marine and tourism-linked opportunities like day charters and water taxis. St. John Culture: Dates are set for the 2026 St. John Celebration (June 14–July 4), featuring steel pan nights, J’ouvert, and fireworks over Cruz Bay.

BVI–UK Talks: BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley is in the UK for high-level meetings on constitutional reform and economic cooperation, including talks with the Overseas Territories Minister and House of Commons officials. USVI Festival Dates: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has set the 2026 St. John Celebration for June 14–July 4, with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, parades, boat races and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Regional Tourism Leadership: The CTO’s Caribbean Week in New York returns June 1 at InterContinental Times Square, with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and BVI Premier Wheatley among the top Caribbean tourism leaders. Tourism Innovation Showcase: The Virgin Islands is named a finalist for the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase on June 4, pitching projects tied to the Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub. Connectivity for Travelers: American Airlines will roll out Starlink Wi‑Fi on more than 500 planes starting in early 2027, a boost for passengers across its Caribbean routes. Health & Travel Watch: A new report says U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most linked to international travel—often involving the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the USVI. Local Heritage Spot: A St. Croix community stewardship project has restored the historic Estate Grove Baobab Tree site with new interpretive signage and seating. Marine Safety: Police are investigating a vessel fire near Manuel Reef; no injuries were reported.

Epstein Fallout: Fresh reports claim Donald Trump Jr.’s wife Bettina Anderson’s father, Harry Loy Anderson Jr., worked as a banker for Jeffrey Epstein—adding new heat to the long-running Epstein story. St. Croix Heritage: The historic Estate Grove Baobab Tree site on St. Croix is now restored, with termite removal, a new interpretive sign, and benches built by youth groups. Regional Tourism Push: Caribbean tourism leaders are set for Caribbean Week in New York 2026 (June 1–), with VI named a finalist for the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase on June 4. Connectivity Upgrade: American Airlines plans Starlink Wi‑Fi on 500+ planes starting in 2027—big news for Caribbean routes. Health Watch: A new study says U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, mostly tied to travel, with many linked to the Caribbean (including USVI). BVI Local Life: Anegada’s promised ATM is delayed due to limited regional banking hardware support, officials say.

Caribbean Tourism Spotlight: The Virgin Islands just landed as a finalist for the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase at Caribbean Week in New York, with three HLSCC students pitching a Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub concept on June 4. Air Connectivity Upgrade: American Airlines says it will roll out Starlink Wi‑Fi on 500+ planes starting Q1 2027—big news for Caribbean routes where narrowbody aircraft dominate. Local Business & Access: Anegada’s promised ATM is still pending; Trade Minister Lorna Smith blames limited regional banking hardware and support, not local red tape. Local Economy Focus: Smith also says the government is exploring reserved industries for BVIslanders—especially marine and tech-linked opportunities tied to tourism, like day charters and water taxis. Regional Events: St. Maarten’s SMART trade show is on track for a record 2026 run, and VI leaders are in the UK discussing constitutional reform and economic cooperation. Travel Culture: Memorial Day ceremonies in Frederiksted emphasized gratitude and responsibility, while Sonny Rollins—“Saxophone Colossus”—died at 95.