AGP Executive Report

Foster Youth & Housing Policy: HUD marked the seventh anniversary of First Lady Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future FYI initiative, rolling out new findings meant to strengthen support for young people exiting foster care—treating housing as a key investment in independence. Citizenship Fight in the Territories: A new push to end birthright citizenship in U.S. territories is heating up after Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced the End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act, with critics saying it targets Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and CNMI while raising alarms about fairness and consultation. Local Education & Public Health: Ten Virgin Islands undergraduate students wrapped up the CREW fellowship on St. Thomas, presenting five public health research projects tied to healthcare access and community health challenges. Reef Health Watch: A WHOI study using seawater chemistry and microbes found reef “signatures” in the U.S. Virgin Islands, suggesting earlier clues to changing coral health. Business Support for Women: The SBA launched a $6M competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, including support for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Community & Culture: Alpha Kappa Alpha named Tanesha D. Thompson to lead its Mid-Western Region, highlighting leadership and youth-focused programming. Sports & Youth: St. Croix is set to host the ISCA Sunfish Worlds in November, and the inaugural U15 Girls Goombay Cup is bringing regional youth soccer teams that include the U.S. Virgin Islands.

USVI Community & Health: Ten Virgin Islands undergraduate students wrapped up the third CREW (Cardiovascular Research Empowerment Workforce) cohort with five original public-health research projects presented at Government House on St. Thomas, a partnership among the VI Dept. of Health, UMiami Miller School of Medicine, and UVI. Local Sports & Youth: The inaugural Bahamas Football Association U15 Girls Goombay Cup begins Friday in Nassau, with the US Virgin Islands among six teams competing at the Roscow A.L. Davies Field. Regional Travel & Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service between St. Thomas and St. Maarten, plus a new Dominica–Trinidad route starting Oct. 5, 2026—aimed at boosting multi-island travel and tourism. Policy Watch (Citizenship): Opposition is growing to a bill that would end birthright citizenship in U.S. territories, with Guam and CNMI leaders warning it could create statelessness and arguing territories weren’t properly consulted. Business & Women Entrepreneurs: The SBA launched a $6M Women’s Business Center modernization competition, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, to expand counseling, training, and capital access for women-owned small businesses. Public Safety: A CDC update says a Salmonella outbreak tied to imported moringa leaf powder is officially over, but officials warn some recalled bottles may still be in homes.

Citizenship Fight: Opposition is growing to Rep. Morgan Griffith’s “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” which would limit automatic citizenship for babies born after Jan. 1, 2027 in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands—critics say it targets territories without fixing immigration fraud and could create statelessness. Local Impact: U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Stacey Plaskett says the territory is feeling real economic pain from a steep rise in maritime fees, arguing the federal response should be handled more carefully and phased in. Air Travel & Lifestyle: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service between St. Thomas and St. Maarten starting Oct. 5, 2026, plus connections via the same aircraft to San Juan—good news for multi-island trips. Youth Sports: The inaugural Bahamas Football Association U15 Girls Goombay Cup kicks off July 24–26 in Nassau, with the U.S. Virgin Islands among the teams. Health & Safety: CDC closed a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to imported moringa leaf powder; Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were among affected areas. Community & Education: Ten VI undergraduate students completed the CREW fellowship and presented public health research at Government House. Entrepreneurship: SBA launched a $6M Women’s Business Center modernization competition, including the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Local Health & Youth: Ten Virgin Islands undergraduate students wrapped up the third CREW (Cardiovascular Research Empowerment Workforce) fellowship with five public health research projects presented at Government House on St. Thomas, supported by the V.I. Dept. of Health, U. Miami Miller School of Medicine, and UVI. Community & Opportunity for Women: The SBA launched a $6M Women’s Business Center Modernization competition, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included among targeted places where demand outpaces existing support. Sports & Regional Pride: St. Croix is set to host the ISCA Sunfish Worlds (Nov. 4–14, 2026), bringing international sailors and a Meet & Greet July 29 at Hotel Comanche in Christiansted. Culture & Heritage: Artist La Vaughn Belle’s “The House That Freedoms Built” installation spotlights St. Croix history and memory at Rollins College. Citizenship Debate: A new push to limit birthright citizenship in U.S. territories—aimed at “birth tourism”—is drawing backlash, including from Guam and CNMI leaders, with questions raised about whether territories were consulted. Travel & Connectivity: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service linking St. Thomas and St. Maarten (starting Oct. 5, 2026), plus a Dominica–Trinidad route, boosting multi-island travel.

Citizenship Fight: Opposition is growing to Rep. Morgan Griffith’s “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” which would limit automatic citizenship for children born after Jan. 1, 2027 in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands—critics say it targets families, ignores better enforcement options, and could leave children in legal limbo. Local Education & Health: Ten Virgin Islands undergraduate students wrapped up the CREW Fellowship with five public health research presentations at Government House, part of a partnership aimed at building the next generation of local healthcare leaders. Community & Business Support: The SBA launched a $6M Women’s Business Center Modernization Initiative, with the U.S. Virgin Islands among the targeted territories, aiming to expand counseling, training, and capital access for women entrepreneurs (proposal deadline Aug. 10). Sports & Youth: St. Croix is set to host the ISCA Sunfish Worlds in November, while the Goombay Cup U15 Girls tournament brings regional teams including the U.S. Virgin Islands into the Bahamas this weekend. Travel & Lifestyle: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service connecting St. Thomas and St. Maarten starting Oct. 5, boosting multi-island Caribbean travel.

Citizenship Fight: Rep. Morgan Griffith’s “End Birthright Citizenship for the Territories Act” is drawing louder pushback across U.S. territories, with critics warning it could create a “subclass” of people born on U.S. soil but to noncitizen or permanent resident parents—an issue tied to Puerto Rico’s PROMESA-era governance and the broader question of whether territories were consulted. Local Impact: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, Delegate Stacey Plaskett says new steep maritime fees are hurting the boating industry and pushing vessels away, and she argues the federal rollout could have been phased in. Health & Safety: The CDC closed a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to imported moringa leaf powder after 131 illnesses across 38 states, with Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands among affected areas. Business Support: The SBA launched a $6M competition to modernize Women’s Business Centers, including support for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with proposals due Aug. 10. Community & Youth: Ten VI undergraduate students completed the CREW fellowship and presented public health research at Government House on St. Thomas. Travel & Lifestyle: Contour Airlines announced new Caribbean connectivity—nonstop St. Thomas to St. Maarten and a Dominica–Trinidad route—aimed at boosting multi-island trips. Sports: VI youth football is in the spotlight as the U15 Girls Goombay Cup begins in the Bahamas, featuring the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: Virginia Rep. Morgan Griffith’s “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act” would limit automatic citizenship for children born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and CNMI to those with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident parent starting in 2027—sparking backlash from territorial leaders who say the move targets families and ignores local input. Local Governance & Economy: USVI Delegate Stacey Plaskett says new maritime fees are hitting the boating industry hard and urges a more gradual approach. Regional Travel & Lifestyle: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service linking St. Thomas and St. Maarten (starting Oct. 5, 2026), plus a Dominica–Trinidad route, aiming to boost multi-island trips and connectivity. Public Health: CDC closed the multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to imported moringa leaf powder after 131 illnesses across 38 states, with Puerto Rico and USVI among distribution areas. Youth & Community: Ten USVI undergrads completed the CREW fellowship and presented public health research; and the inaugural U15 Girls Goombay Cup brings Caribbean teams including the USVI to the Bahamas this weekend. Entrepreneurship: SBA launched a $6M Women’s Business Center modernization competition, with the U.S. Virgin Islands among targeted territories.

Air Travel & Connectivity: Contour Airlines is expanding Caribbean routes with new nonstop service starting Oct. 5, 2026—Dominica to Trinidad and Tobago, plus an added air bridge between St. Thomas and St. Maarten (twice weekly), with same-plane connections onward to San Juan. Public Health: The CDC has closed a multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to imported moringa leaf powder after 131 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations; officials warn some recalled bottles may still be in homes. Local Youth & Health Careers: Ten US Virgin Islands undergraduate students finished the CREW fellowship and presented five public health research projects at Government House on St. Thomas, supported by the V.I. Department of Health and major medical partners. Business Support: The SBA launched a $6M Women’s Business Center Modernization Initiative, with funding opportunities that include the U.S. Virgin Islands and a proposal deadline of Aug. 10. Community & Culture: The inaugural U15 Girls Goombay Cup kicks off in the Bahamas this weekend with teams including the US Virgin Islands, spotlighting regional women’s youth soccer. Territory Politics: Rep. Morgan Griffith’s push to end birthright citizenship in US territories faces growing backlash, including questions about whether he consulted territorial leaders before introducing the bill. Housing & Federal Oversight: HUD suspended additional disaster aid to the US Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing corruption and mismanagement in a sweeping audit.

Local Sports Spotlight: Indiana men’s basketball rolled past the U.S. Virgin Islands 120-63 at the FISU America Games, taking control after a tight first quarter and pouring it on in the second before resting players late. Youth Football & Community Pride: The Bahamas Football Association’s inaugural U15 Girls Goombay Cup kicks off Friday in Nassau, with USVI among six teams; Bermuda’s squad even opens against the USVI on Friday. Small Business Support: The SBA launched a $6M Women’s Business Center Modernization Initiative, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included; proposals are due Aug. 10. Air Travel & Lifestyle: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service between St. Thomas (STT) and St. Maarten (SXM) starting Oct. 5, aiming to boost regional connectivity. Citizenship Debate Hits the Islands: Rep. Morgan Griffith introduced the End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act, targeting automatic citizenship in Guam, Puerto Rico, the USVI, and CNMI—prompting pushback from territorial leaders including Del. Moylan and Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero. Housing & Governance: HUD suspended future federal funding for the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing widespread mismanagement and fraud concerns, a move already fueling local political fallout. Regional Security: CBP and Border Patrol intercepted two maritime smuggling attempts off Puerto Rico, detaining 37 migrants and one U.S. citizen, including a case linked to a vessel departing from St. Thomas.

Maritime Fees & Local Economy: Delegate Stacey Plaskett says the new steep maritime fee structure is hurting the USVI economy, arguing the hikes could’ve been phased in and noting job losses tied to vessels shifting to benefit from lower taxes. Small Business Support for Women: The SBA launched a $6M Women’s Business Center Modernization Initiative, with the U.S. Virgin Islands among eight states/territories targeted; proposals are due Aug. 10 to expand counseling, training, and capital access. Youth Sports: The Bahamas Football Association’s inaugural U15 Girls Goombay Cup kicks off July 24–26 in Nassau, featuring teams including the USVI, as the region’s young players compete for development and bragging rights. Housing Funding Freeze: HUD suspended future funding to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing widespread financial mismanagement and fraud concerns, a move already fueling local political fallout. Regional Travel Boost: Contour Airlines announced new nonstop service between St. Thomas and St. Maarten starting Oct. 5, making multi-island Caribbean trips easier. Immigration Enforcement in the Region: CBP and Border Patrol carried out two maritime interdictions off Puerto Rico, apprehending 37 migrants and one U.S. citizen, including a case involving a vessel departing from St. Thomas. Culture & Community: A Goombay Cup-related regional talent showcase and other community-focused events are also in the mix this week, keeping the spotlight on Caribbean heritage and youth opportunity.

Regional Travel & Tourism: Contour Airlines says it will launch new nonstop service between St. Thomas (STT) and St. Maarten (SXM) starting Oct. 5, with flights twice weekly—an easier path for multi-island Caribbean trips. Local Business Support: The SBA announced a $6M competition tied to a Women’s Business Center Modernization Initiative, with the U.S. Virgin Islands among the territories eligible where existing funding hasn’t kept pace; proposals are due Aug. 10. Housing & Accountability: HUD has suspended future federal funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing “widespread financial mismanagement” and alleging disaster-recovery funds were largely left unused—an action already fueling local political backlash. Culture & Community: Artist La Vaughn Belle’s installation, “The House That Freedoms Built,” is spotlighting St. Croix history and memory at Rollins College. Youth & Education: A PSHS FFA adviser was selected as a 2026-27 National FFA Teacher Ambassador, joining a cohort supporting thousands of FFA advisers across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sports Spotlight: The U.S. Virgin Islands is set to compete in the Goombay Cup Under-15 girls tournament in Nassau, running July 24–26.

Federal Housing Crackdown: HUD has suspended future funding to the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, citing “widespread financial mismanagement, inadequate fraud controls, false certifications and improper payments,” and freezing access to part of the $1.9B disaster recovery pot after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Local Governance & Housing: The freeze is already fueling a political fight in the territory, with critics pointing to stalled recovery and officials warning of major impacts on families still waiting on housing and power restoration. Citizenship Fight: In the broader U.S. territories debate, Guam and CNMI leaders are rallying against H.R. 9724, the “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” arguing it threatens the Covenant and could leave future generations in legal limbo. Small Business Support: The SBA announced a $6M competition tied to a Women’s Business Center Modernization Initiative, with the U.S. Virgin Islands listed among eligible territories; proposals are due Aug. 10. Culture & Community: A new report highlights Rastafari cannabis policies worldwide, tracing how sacramental ganja use is treated unevenly across the Caribbean and beyond. Travel & Lifestyle: Southwest will add direct Nashville–Aruba flights in March 2027, and the route expansion also includes more service to St. Thomas.

Federal Housing Fallout: HUD has suspended the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority from receiving more federal disaster recovery funds, citing “widespread financial mismanagement, inadequate fraud controls, false certifications and improper payments,” and freezing access to the remaining $1.9 billion tied to Irma and Maria recovery. Women’s Entrepreneurship Push: The SBA announced a $6 million competition under its Women’s Business Center Modernization Initiative, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included among eligible territories; proposals are due Aug. 10, 2026. Citizenship Fight in the Territories: A new push to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in U.S. territories starting Jan. 1, 2027 is drawing backlash from territory leaders, including Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Gun Policy Shockwave: A federal appeals court ruling striking down New Jersey’s “assault weapons” ban could also knock out the Virgin Islands’ similar June semiauto ban. Caribbean Culture & Faith: A global look at Rastafari cannabis policies highlights how sacramental ganja use is treated unevenly across the Caribbean and beyond.

Housing & Accountability: The Trump administration says it suspended $1.3 billion in disaster recovery funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority after a HUD probe found “widespread financial mismanagement,” weak fraud controls, false certifications, and improper payments—an issue now fueling a major political fight in the territory. Citizenship Debate: A new push in Congress to end birthright citizenship for children born in U.S. territories starting Jan. 1, 2027 is drawing sharp backlash, with Del. James Moylan calling it a dangerous precedent and warning it targets future generations in places like the U.S. Virgin Islands. Travel & Lifestyle: Southwest Airlines plans to add direct Nashville–Aruba flights in March 2027, and it will also increase service from Nashville to St. Thomas, bringing more mainland-to-Caribbean options for island visitors. Community & Education: FFA’s 2026-27 National Teacher Ambassador cohort includes advisors from Gettysburg, Wall and Langford Area chapters in South Dakota, supporting agriculture education training that also reaches Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands beat The Bahamas 74-59 in Centrobasket qualifiers in Nicaragua, with Lashann Higgs sidelined by injury as the teams shift to classification play.

Housing Accountability: The U.S. government has suspended federal funding for the U.S. Virgin Islands’ housing authority, citing widespread corruption and poor spending of nearly $1.9 billion in disaster recovery funds—HUD says only $570,000 was used, with “financial mismanagement,” weak fraud controls, and improper payments flagged. Citizenship & Identity Politics: A new House bill would end automatic birthright citizenship for babies born in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands starting Jan. 1, 2027, arguing it targets “birth tourism” and drawing sharp condemnation from territorial leaders after the Supreme Court’s recent mainland ruling. Sports & Community Pride: The U.S. Virgin Islands women’s team knocked The Bahamas out of championship contention in the Centrobasket qualifiers, with Lashann Higgs sidelined by injury as the Virgin Islands surged after halftime. Local Life & Culture: A letter revisits the question “are we American enough?”—82 years after a major liberation milestone—adding fuel to ongoing debates about belonging and rights in U.S. territories.

Citizenship Fight Ahead of Liberation Day: A new House bill, H.R. 9724 “End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act,” would end automatic U.S. citizenship for babies born in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands starting Jan. 1, 2027, with the House Judiciary Committee now holding the measure. Legal Backdrop: The push follows the June 30 Supreme Court decision in Trump v. Barbara, which reaffirmed birthright citizenship on the mainland but left the territories’ status unclear. Sports & Community Spotlight: At the FIBA Women’s Centrobasket Qualifiers in Nicaragua, the U.S. Virgin Islands beat The Bahamas 74-59 in a quarterfinal, with Lashann Higgs sidelined by a knee injury; the Bahamas now shifts to classification play. Culture & Travel: Emerald Cruises is promoting a Caribbean rum-themed sailing from St. Thomas to San Juan, featuring rum sommelier Alejandro Ferris and stops across the region.