AGP Executive Report

Education & Community: A brand-new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School opened on St. Croix for the first time in 27 years, replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and now serving up to 735 students with classrooms, labs, maker spaces, and early-learning areas. Local Events & Wellness: Christiansted is set for the Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose on Oct. 2, featuring Rob Malloy and programming focused on domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness. Travel & Access: Southwest Airlines announced nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027—another boost to easier Caribbean getaways from the U.S. Cruise Economy: New data shows the VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026 and a big jump year over year. Sports & Culture: Labour Day horse racing returns to Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on St. Thomas on Sept. 6, with “Speed, Style, Culture” as the theme and tickets already on sale. Maritime Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to small shipyards nationwide, including grants tied to the U.S. Virgin Islands, aimed at equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training.

Local Education: St. Croix opened the Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School—its first new VI school in 27 years—replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and now serving up to 735 students. Community & Wellness: Christiansted’s Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose is set for Oct. 2, pairing domestic violence awareness with trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness. Sports & Travel: Labour Day horse races return to Clinton E. Phipps Sr Racetrack on Sept. 6, with tickets already on sale and a “Speed, Style, Culture” theme. Tourism & Getting Here: Southwest Airlines will launch nonstop Nashville–St. Thomas service on March 13, 2027, adding another easy route for visitors. Cruise Economy: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026 (+29.3%). Maritime Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18 million in Small Shipyard Grants to 45 shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Culture & Faith: Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard, VI-born, was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, starting Sept. 1, 2026.

Education & Community: A brand-new U.S. Virgin Islands school opened on St. Croix for the first time in 27 years—Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School replaces hurricane-damaged facilities and can serve up to 735 students. Local Culture & Wellness: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart Recipient Community Fund are set to host “Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose” on Oct. 2 in Christiansted, spotlighting domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness. Travel & Tourism: Southwest Airlines will launch nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027—another boost for easier weekend getaways and cruise-and-stay planning. Maritime & Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands to fund equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Cruise Economy: New data shows the VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with strong passenger growth tied to the Tortola pier area. Sports & Pride: VI-born Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, starting Sept. 1, 2026.

Education & Community: St. Croix opened the territory’s first new school in 27 years—Arthur A. Richards PreK-8—replacing hurricane-damaged facilities and designed for a hurricane-ready, student-centered campus. Local Culture & Wellness: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart fund are bringing the Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose to Christiansted Oct. 2, pairing domestic violence awareness with trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness. Travel & Lifestyle: Southwest Airlines will launch nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027—another boost for easy weekend getaways and cruise-and-stay planning. Cruise Economy: New data puts the VI among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with strong early-2026 passenger growth tied to Tortola’s cruise hub. Maritime & Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million in Small Shipyard Grants, including support for the U.S. Virgin Islands to upgrade equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Sports & Pride: The U.S. Virgin Islands Dolphins connection shows up again as a St. Croix Dolphins coach lands on Army West Point’s swimming and diving staff. Recognition: UVI earned a national Student Journey Award for improving the student experience and support from enrollment through graduation.

Travel & Tourism: Southwest Airlines is adding a new nonstop route from Nashville to St. Thomas, starting March 13, 2027—another boost for easy weekend Caribbean getaways. Cruise Economy: The U.S. Virgin Islands is ranking among the fastest-growing cruise destinations, with strong early-2026 passenger growth tied to activity around the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. Community & Wellness: Christiansted hosts the Purple Carpet Bash on Oct. 2, pairing domestic violence awareness with veterans’ wellness and men’s mental health, featuring Rob Malloy. Education & Student Success: The University of the Virgin Islands earns a national Student Journey Award for improving the student experience and outcomes. Local Culture & Faith Leadership: Virgin Islands-born Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard is named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, set to assume office Sept. 1, 2026. Maritime & Jobs: MARAD awards $35.18 million to small shipyards, including funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands aimed at equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training.

Community & Safety Event: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart Recipient Community Fund are set to host the “Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose” on Oct. 2 in Christiansted, with programming focused on domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, men’s mental health, and veterans’ wellness—featuring celebrity guest Rob Malloy. Local Education & Student Success: The University of the Virgin Islands received national recognition for student success through EAB’s 2026 Student Journey Award, highlighting a more seamless, student-centered path from enrollment to graduation. Tourism & Travel: Southwest Airlines announced a new nonstop route from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027, adding another easy option for Caribbean getaways. Maritime & Jobs: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program. Cruise Economy: The VI ranked among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with 493,397 cruise passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026—up 29.3% year over year. Sports & Coaching: Army added Scott Fortier to its swimming and diving coaching staff for the 2026–2027 season; Fortier previously coached the U.S. Virgin Islands National Team. Culture & Faith Leadership: Virgin Islands-born Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, starting Sept. 1, 2026.

Travel & Tourism: Southwest Airlines will add a new nonstop route from Nashville to St. Thomas starting March 13, 2027—another boost to easier weekend getaways and connections across the Virgin Islands. Community & Wellness: H.O.P.E. Incorporated and the Sgt. Bruce T. Gordon Purple Heart Recipient Community Fund are set to host the “Purple Carpet Bash: Fashion with Purpose” Oct. 2 in Christiansted, spotlighting domestic violence awareness, veterans’ wellness, trauma recovery, and men’s mental health with guest Rob Malloy. Local Culture & Faith: Virgin Islands-born Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard has been named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands by the Church of God of Prophecy, taking office Sept. 1, 2026. Education & Student Success: The University of the Virgin Islands earned a national Student Journey Award from EAB for improving the student experience and outcomes from enrollment through graduation. Cruise Economy: New data places the Virgin Islands among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise destinations, with strong early-2026 passenger growth. Maritime & Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands to fund equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Sports: Army West Point added Scott Fortier to its swimming and diving coaching staff, bringing experience that includes coaching the U.S. Virgin Islands National Team. Business & Hospitality: Preferred Hotels & Resorts welcomed 10 new independent luxury properties, including The Botany in St. Thomas.

Cruise & Tourism Momentum: The U.S. Virgin Islands is climbing fast in Caribbean cruise traffic, ranking among the top fastest-growing destinations with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026—up 29.3% year over year—boosted by activity around the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park and the territory’s island-hopping appeal. Local Hospitality Growth: Preferred Hotels & Resorts added 10 new independent luxury properties, including The Botany in St. Thomas, bringing more villa-style stays and nature-focused experiences to the VI. Education & Student Success: The University of the Virgin Islands earned national recognition for student success through EAB’s CONNECTED Awards, highlighting efforts to support learners from enrollment through graduation. Community & Culture: St. Croix culture bearer Bradley Christian has died; tributes remember his decades of work preserving quadrille, head-tie traditions, Crucian cuisine, and the official VI madras. Faith Leadership: Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard, born in the VI, was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, starting Sept. 1, 2026. Sorority Leadership: Alpha Kappa Alpha installed Nichole C. Wilson as Central Regional Director, overseeing thousands of members across multiple states and territories. Powerball Buzz: A Powerball jackpot surged toward $1 billion after no winner matched Monday’s numbers, keeping the territory’s lottery fans watching Wednesday’s draw.

Cruise & Travel: The U.S. Virgin Islands is being flagged as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cruise stops, with 493,397 passenger arrivals in early 2026—up 29.3%—as more activity centers around the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park and the region’s island-hopping appeal. Education & Student Life: The University of the Virgin Islands earned national recognition for student success, winning EAB’s 2026 Student Journey Award for improving support from enrollment through graduation. Local Culture & Community: St. Croix is mourning Bradley Christian, a longtime cultural guardian who helped preserve quadrille, Crucian cuisine traditions, and the territory’s official madras, and taught generations through the St. Croix Heritage Dancers. Sports & Pride: VIPD Officer Cindy Claudio is back home after winning a bronze medal in women’s boxing at the 2026 CAC Games—making her the first USVI female to medal in boxing at the event. Hospitality & Lifestyle: Preferred Hotels & Resorts added 10 independent luxury properties worldwide, including The Botany in St. Thomas. Powerball Buzz: The jackpot keeps climbing toward a possible $1 billion draw, with no grand-prize winner in the latest round and players watching the next Wednesday drawing.

Cruise & Tourism: The U.S. Virgin Islands is surging in Caribbean cruise traffic, ranking third fastest-growing destination with 493,397 cruise passenger arrivals Jan–Mar 2026—up 29.3% year over year—boosted by activity around the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. Hospitality: Preferred Hotels & Resorts added 10 independent luxury properties worldwide, including The Botany in St. Thomas, an intimate villa-style retreat with pools, spa services, and nature-focused experiences. Local Faith Leadership: Virgin Islands-born Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, taking office Sept. 1, 2026. Sports & Community Pride: VIPD Officer Cindy Claudio returns home after winning a bronze medal in women’s 65kg boxing at the 2026 CAC Games—first female USVI boxing medalist at the event. Culture Loss: St. Croix cultural guardian Bradley Christian—quadrille leader, madras developer, and heritage teacher—has died. Public Safety: A St. Croix man’s case dismissal was followed by a fatal shooting 34 days later, according to local reporting.

Territory Spotlight—Culture Loss: St. Croix culture bearer Bradley Christian has died. He spent decades preserving quadrille, head-tie traditions, Crucian cuisine, and helped develop the official Virgin Islands madras, including years with the St. Croix Heritage Dancers and Fort Frederik Museum. Local Sports Pride: VIPD is planning a hero’s welcome for Officer Cindy Claudio, the first female USVI boxer to medal at the CAC Games, after winning bronze in Santo Domingo. Regional Arts & Identity: Montserrat’s De Bear reclaimed the Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch crown in Anguilla, with Queen Roxxy (Anguilla) and King Young Destroyer (Antigua) placing next. Community & Safety: A St. Croix man was killed in a Castle Coakley shooting 34 days after charges were dismissed with prejudice—an incident VIPD is investigating. Money & Lifestyle: Powerball keeps rolling toward a possible $1B+ Wednesday drawing, with the jackpot estimated near $975 million after Monday’s no-winner draw. Church Leadership: USVI-born Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard was named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, taking office Sept. 1, 2026.

Powerball Fever: No jackpot winner again, but the Powerball prize keeps climbing—estimated $905M for Monday after Aug. 8 ended with no match; winning numbers were 5-9-35-54-63 with Powerball 7 (Power Play 3x), and several tickets still cashed $1M or $2M. Local Culture Loss: St. Croix mourns Bradley Christian, a longtime quadrille and madras guardian who spent decades preserving Crucian traditions and served in public service. Faith Leadership: USVI-born Bishop Dr. Carswell Adolph Leonard named General Presbyter-Select for the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, set to assume office Sept. 1, 2026. Sports Pride: VIPD Officer Cindy Claudio returns home after winning a bronze medal in women’s 65kg boxing at the 2026 CAC Games in Santo Domingo. Regional Music Spotlight: De Bear of Montserrat reclaims the Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch crown after a big win in Anguilla, with USVI among the participating islands. Citizenship Q&A: A guide breaks down how the real U.S. citizenship test works—an in-person USCIS exam during the naturalization interview—plus free civics practice options. Community Safety Tech: Reports highlight Flock Safety camera thefts and vandalism in multiple states, including incidents tied to anti-surveillance protests. Travel & Hospitality: Preferred Hotels & Resorts adds The Botany (Saint Thomas) to its lineup, signaling a fresh winter arrival for travelers.

Citizenship & Community: USCIS says the real U.S. citizenship test is only given in person during the naturalization interview, and the free online civics practice test is for studying—not replacing the exam. Health & Policy: Health experts warn Trump’s push for permanent daylight saving time could disrupt sleep and harm health, as the Senate debates the Sunshine Protection Act. Local Culture Loss: St. Croix mourns Bradley Christian, a cultural guardian who preserved quadrille, head-tie traditions, Crucian cuisine, and helped develop the territory’s official madras. Sports Pride: USVI boxing officer Cindy Claudio returns with a CAC Games bronze, and the territory is also celebrating Officer Claudio’s historic podium moment. Regional Music: Montserrat’s De Bear wins the 2026 Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch, with USVI among the islands represented. Powerball Buzz: With no jackpot winner, Powerball climbs again for Monday’s estimated $905M prize; tickets are sold across the U.S. Virgin Islands. Public Safety & Justice: A St. Croix man’s case dismissal was followed by a deadly shooting 34 days later, reigniting questions about how quickly violence can follow legal outcomes.

U.S. Virgin Islands Culture Loss: St. Croix culture bearer Bradley Christian has died. He spent decades preserving quadrille, head-tie tying, Crucian cuisine, and helped develop the territory’s official madras, including through the St. Croix Heritage Dancers and Fort Frederik Museum. Local Crime & Community Safety: A St. Croix man’s case was dismissed with prejudice—then just 34 days later, Delli Eduardo and his brother were killed in a pre-dawn shooting outside La Terraza Bar in Castle Coakley. Territorial Pride in Sports: VIPD Officer Cindy Claudio is set for a hero’s welcome after winning a bronze medal in women’s 65kg boxing at the 2026 CAC Games in Santo Domingo, marking the first female USVI boxing medalist at the event. Citizenship & Rights Watch: A new Trump executive order targets birthright citizenship and birth tourism, drawing fresh alarm from groups focused on U.S. territories like the USVI. Daylight Saving Debate: Trump is pushing to make daylight saving time permanent, but lawmakers’ recess and Senate uncertainty keep the clock-change fight alive. Powerball Buzz: The jackpot climbs to about $905 million for Monday after no one matched all numbers Aug. 8; tickets sold in several states still won $1 million. Music & Youth Development: St. Mary’s Drum Camp is drawing young drummers from the U.K., New Zealand, and Vietnam, expanding its international reach.

U.S. Virgin Islands Culture & Community: St. Croix cultural guardian Bradley Christian has died, remembered for decades preserving quadrille, head-tie traditions, Crucian cuisine, and even helping shape the territory’s official madras. Local Sports Pride: VIPD Officer Cindy Claudio returns home Sunday after winning a bronze medal in women’s 65kg boxing at the 2026 CAC Games—an historic first for USVI women medaling in boxing at the event. Regional Arts & Identity: Montserrat’s Keithroy “De Bear” Morson reclaimed the Leeward Islands calypso crown in Anguilla with a record fifth title, reigniting talk of when he’ll retire. Territory Citizenship Fight: A new Trump executive order targets birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, drawing sharp criticism from groups like Right to Democracy and raising fresh legal questions. Daylight Saving Time: With the Senate in recess, Americans are still set to “fall back” Nov. 1—despite renewed push to make daylight saving permanent. Environment & Public Input: The Refaluwasch Journal of Knowledge and Culture joined other territories urging the Supreme Court to protect environmental review and public participation in Guam’s hazardous military waste burning/detonation case. Quick Hits: Powerball keeps climbing after no Aug. 8 jackpot winner; winning numbers were 5-9-35-54-63, Powerball 7.

St. Croix Culture Loss: Bradley Christian, a longtime cultural guardian who preserved quadrille, head-tie traditions, Crucian cuisine, and helped develop the territory’s official madras, has died; leaders remembered him as a teacher who spent decades in public service, including at Fort Frederik Museum and as a cultural specialist with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Local Sports Pride: VIPD Officer Cindy Claudio returned to the territory after winning a bronze medal for USVI in women’s 65kg boxing at the 2026 CAC Games in Santo Domingo—making history as the first female USVI medalist in boxing at the CAC Games. Territorial Rights Watch: A new Trump executive order renews pressure on birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, with advocates calling it troubling and warning of fresh legal battles over citizenship rules and “birth tourism.” Community & Culture: Refaluwasch Journal of Knowledge and Culture joined other territorial groups filing a Supreme Court brief supporting Guam’s challenge to the U.S. Air Force’s proposed open burning and open detonation of hazardous waste. Island Lifestyle: Preferred Hotels & Resorts announced The Botany in St. Thomas as a new member property, set to debut this winter at Botany Bay.