AGP Executive Report

Military Travel Perk: Blue Star Museums is kicking off free summer admission for active-duty service members and up to five family members, running May 16 through Sept. 7, with the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (OMAM) among participating stops and featuring exhibits like “Tradewinds” and “Quiet Light.” USVI Music Buzz: US Virgin Islands dancehall recording artist Kruziano is teaming up with producer BL Tha Hook Slaya on a new single, “I’ll Be There for the Weekend,” dropping May 22 after a St. Croix video shoot. Border & Boating Reminder: U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding small-boat operators traveling between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to report arrivals or face penalties, with the ROAM mobile app available. Tourism Spotlight: Caribbean POSH named its 2026 ICON Woman Awards honorees, including VI Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, ahead of the June 26 event in the British Virgin Islands. Caribbean Travel Context: A CDC report flags a sharp rise in dengue cases tied to travel, noting Caribbean-linked cases including Puerto Rico and the USVI.

USVI Music Spotlight: Kruziano is gearing up for Memorial Day weekend with a new single, “I’ll Be There for the Weekend,” dropping May 22 after BL Tha Hook Slaya worked with him in St. Croix on the official video shoot. Border & Sea Safety: In western Puerto Rico, Air and Marine Operations helped stop a suspected smuggling attempt—64 migrants were apprehended and processed for removal proceedings. Travel Rules for Islanders: CBP is reminding small-boat operators that trips between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands require arrival reporting—miss it and penalties can follow. Military Perks: Blue Star Museums is back for the summer, offering free admission for active-duty U.S. military and up to five family members at participating sites. Tourism Buzz: Caribbean POSH named honorees for its 2026 ICON Woman Awards in the British Virgin Islands, with U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King among them. Caribbean Culture Online: IShowSpeed is touring 15 Caribbean destinations, leaning on live-stream hype to boost global attention for local travel. Ongoing Context: The Epstein Files reading room opened in Manhattan, keeping the Caribbean-linked headlines simmering.

Maritime Security: U.S. Air and Marine Operations, with Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations, intercepted a suspected Yola-type vessel off western Puerto Rico carrying 64 migrants (58 Dominican Republic, 6 Haiti) and transferred them to the Mayagüez Port of Entry for removal proceedings. Military Travel Perk: Blue Star Museums is offering free summer admission (up to five family members) for active-duty U.S. military at participating sites, running May 16 through Sept. 7. USVI Spotlight: Caribbean POSH named its 2026 ICON Woman Awards honourees for June 26 in the British Virgin Islands, including Jennifer Matarangas-King of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Epstein Files Fallout: A new Manhattan reading room is displaying 3.5 million pages from the Epstein Files, while a former assistant told House Oversight she was abused for years—keeping the Caribbean-linked case in the headlines. Travel Rules Reminder: CBP warned small-boat operators traveling between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to report arrivals or face penalties, with ROAM available on smartphones. Tourism & Safety Watch: A new CDC report flags a sharp rise in travel-associated dengue, including cases tied to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and USVI.

Travel Deals: A “travel hack” is pushing a bonus value of up to $9,000 on select Norwegian cruise packages, with perks like return flights, all-inclusive dining, and onshore credit—aimed at cutting the hidden costs that can quietly blow up budgets. Hurricane Readiness: The National Hurricane Center updated its 2026 cone of uncertainty to show more about impacts like high winds/rain and to better reflect inland watches and warnings, including for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Flight Watch: Delta is advertising nonstop New York (JFK) to St. Thomas for about $387 roundtrip (June 1–8), a rare early-summer fare from the Northeast. Health & Safety: A CDC report flags a sharp rise in travel-associated dengue, with the Caribbean (including USVI) a major source region. Local Disruption: San Juan port rules tightened after a cargo vessel was restricted from docking, raising concerns for freight relied on by USVI residents and businesses. On-Island Tech: A reef-survey robot tested near USVI can track marine life autonomously, including shrimp and barracuda.

Hurricane Preparedness: The National Hurricane Center updated the 2026 hurricane “cone of uncertainty” to show a wider picture of impacts—especially high winds and rain—and to better flag inland areas under watches and warnings, including for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Flight Deals: Delta is advertising nonstop New York (JFK) to St. Thomas for about $387 roundtrip for June 1–8, a rare early-summer price that avoids the usual connection hassle. Sun Safety: A new EWG 2026 sunscreen guide says only about 20% of tested products are both safe and effective, with separate picks for babies, kids, and everyday use. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in nearby islands; no damage was reported, but officials urged calm and updates. Local Logistics: San Juan docking restrictions tied to a cargo vessel are raising concerns about knock-on effects for U.S. Virgin Islands freight. Travel Health: CDC reporting highlights a sharp rise in travel-associated dengue cases, with the Caribbean (including U.S. territories) featuring prominently. USVI in the Spotlight: The Jeffrey Epstein “Little St. James” story keeps resurfacing as new claims and transcripts fuel fresh attention on the island’s ongoing controversy.

Cruise Season Picks: Summer cruise planning is heating up, with “best of” lists spotlighting popular itineraries for families, solo travelers, and couples looking for an easy, all-in-one getaway. Sun Safety: A new EWG sunscreen guide says only about 20% of tested products are both safe and effective, with special picks for kids and everyday wear. Flight Deal Watch: Delta is advertising nonstop New York (JFK) to St. Thomas for $387 roundtrip for early June travel (June 1–8), a rare sub-$400 nonstop option that could mean less crowding and softer hotel pricing. Travel Risk Reminder: CDC data shows a sharp rise in travel-associated dengue cases, with the Caribbean (including US territories like the USVI) a major source—mosquito bite prevention matters. Local Disruption Watch: San Juan docking restrictions tied to a cargo vessel have raised concerns for USVI-linked freight routes. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt regionally and no reported damage. Epstein Spotlight: Little St. James remains in the headlines again as new owner-related reports fuel fresh attention on the USVI’s most infamous connection.

Cruise Season Picks: Summer cruises are getting the spotlight again, with one fresh roundup highlighting top voyages for families, solo travelers, and couples. Sunscreen Safety: A new EWG 2026 guide says only about 20% of tested sunscreens are both safe and effective, with special picks for kids and outdoor use. Flight Deal for USVI: Delta is running nonstop New York (JFK) to St. Thomas for $387 roundtrip (June 1–8), a rare sub-$400 nonstop into the early-summer sweet spot. Earthquake Watch (Eastern Caribbean): A magnitude 6.1 quake shook the region; no damage reported, but residents flagged unusual coastal water changes and officials urged sticking to verified updates. Local Logistics Alert: San Juan docking restrictions tied to Water Spirit Freight Services are raising cargo disruption concerns for USVI supply lines. Travel Health Note: CDC data shows dengue cases in the U.S. jumped sharply in 2024, with many cases linked to travel—including the Caribbean and US territories like USVI. Epstein Island Fallout: Little St. James (Epstein’s former island) remains in the news as new owner-related reports and House Oversight transcripts keep the USVI tied to the global story.

Sunscreen Reality Check: A new EWG 2026 guide says only about 20% of tested sunscreens are both safe and effective, with warnings against inflated SPF claims and spray/powder products. Nonstop Flight Deal: Delta is advertising nonstop New York (JFK) to St. Thomas for $387 roundtrip (June 1–8), a rare under-$400 option that skips connections. Earthquake & Beach Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean; in Nevis, residents watched shoreline changes at Oualie Beach while officials say no confirmed tsunami threat. USVI Cargo Disruption Risk: San Juan docking restrictions tied to Water Spirit Freight Services could affect USVI cargo routes, with VIPA saying it’s outside its jurisdiction. Epstein Island Spotlight: Little St. James (USVI) remains in the headlines as new visitor reports and House Oversight transcript details keep the controversy—and attention—staying local.

Earthquake Watch: A strong magnitude 6.1 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean Sunday morning, with tremors felt in St. Kitts and Nevis and no reported damage—though residents are watching coastal changes after reports of unusually low water levels at Oualie Beach, with authorities urging calm and only official updates. USVI Port Disruption: In San Juan, the VIPA says a cargo vessel linked to Water Spirit Freight Services has been restricted from docking after Coast Guard orders over mooring safety—raising concerns for USVI supply lines while VIPA says it can’t control Puerto Rico harbor rules. Epstein Spotlight: Little St. James (the “Epstein islands”) remains in the headlines as House Oversight transcripts add new details about Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s 2012 visit and his account of what he found “sexual in nature,” while reports also describe ongoing trespasser drama around the property. Travel Health: The CDC reports a sharp rise in dengue in the US tied mostly to travel, with the Caribbean (including US territories like USVI) a major source—another reason to pack mosquito protection. Tourism Angle: Curaçao is being highlighted for steadier, year-round family travel demand, a contrast to more seasonal Caribbean markets.

TIME’s Travel Spotlight: Asia scored big on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026 list, with 21 entries across attractions, stays, and even a sleeper train—Thailand leads with five picks. USVI Travel Watch: A new CDC report flags a sharp jump in dengue in the U.S., with most cases travel-linked—and the Caribbean (including USVI) showing up as a key source. Port Disruption Risk: San Juan is restricting a cargo vessel, Water Spirit Freight Services, after Coast Guard orders tied to safe navigation concerns—an issue USVI shippers are watching closely. Local Costs Under Pressure: Fuel and shipping pressures in the USVI are being blamed on the US-Iran impasse, with energy-market strain raising prices. Caribbean Tourism Context: Curaçao is being singled out for steadier, more year-round tourism demand, while the USVI continues to feel the region’s shifting travel patterns. Epstein Island Update: Little St James (Little St Jeff’s) remains under intense public scrutiny after reports of trespassers and confrontations tied to the island’s notoriety.

Dengue Alert for Travelers: The CDC says U.S. dengue cases jumped 359% in 2024 versus the 2010–2023 average, with 97% travel-linked and a big share tied to the Caribbean—explicitly including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—pushing a Level 1 travel notice for 12 countries. USVI Port Disruption Watch: In San Juan, the VIPA says a Water Spirit Freight Services vessel was restricted from docking after Coast Guard orders, raising concerns for cargo routes that USVI residents rely on. Epstein Island Fallout: The new owner of “Little St. James” (Epstein’s former hideaway) is facing fresh trespasser drama, with reports of aggressive incidents as curious visitors keep showing up. Fuel Costs Under Strain: USVI fuel prices are climbing again as the U.S.-Iran standoff threatens shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. St. Croix Pride Dates: St. Croix’s 7th Annual Pride Parade is set for June 6, with events running from May 28 through June 20.

CDC Travel Notice: Dengue is surging again—CDC data shows US cases jumped 359% in 2024 vs the 2010–2023 average, with 97% tied to travel, and Caribbean links including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. USVI Port Disruption: In San Juan, a Coast Guard order restricts two Water Spirit Freight Services vessels after navigation concerns, raising worries for cargo routes that USVI residents rely on. Epstein Island Fallout: Little St. James (aka “Epstein Island”) is still drawing trespassers and voyeur activity after a new owner bought the islands—reports include alleged assaults and staff “lawful citizen arrests.” Travel Costs Pressure: Fuel and shipping pressures in the USVI are being blamed on the US–Iran impasse, with oil prices climbing after a rejected peace response. Caribbean Tourism Signal: Curaçao is being singled out for steadier, year-round tourism growth—good news for regional travel planning. Staying Safe Tip: With dengue risk tied to travel, pack mosquito protection before you go.

USVI Travel Watch: A cargo disruption concern is bubbling up after the Water Spirit Freight Services vessel was restricted from docking in San Juan, Puerto Rico—VIPA says it’s a San Juan-specific issue outside its control, while the U.S. Coast Guard issued orders to two Togo-flagged ships after they obstructed a key channel while moored. Epstein Island Fallout: Meanwhile, the new owner of “Little St. James” in the USVI, Stephen Deckoff, is facing escalating trespasser drama tied to the island’s notorious past, with reports of aggressive “voyeur” visits and claims of mistreatment during confrontations. Caribbean Tourism Context: Curaçao is getting spotlight for steadier, more year-round family tourism demand, a contrast to destinations still riding heavy seasonal peaks. St. Croix Pride: St. Croix’s 7th Annual Pride Parade is set for June 6, with events running from May 28 through June 20—another reason to plan a USVI stop soon.

Epstein Island Fallout: Stephen Deckoff’s purchase of Little St. James/“Epstein Island” is turning into a magnet for trespassers and viral “voyeur” visits, with reports of people trying to storm the islands by jet ski and even using drones—while Deckoff’s team says it will keep making lawful citizen arrests. USVI Travel Disruption Watch: In Puerto Rico, a San Juan docking restriction tied to Water Spirit Freight Services is raising cargo-supply concerns for USVI shippers and residents, with the issue linked to Coast Guard orders affecting two vessels. Caribbean Tourism Signals: Curaçao is being highlighted as a steadier, more year-round family destination in the 2026 Caribbean Travel Trends report, while the wider Caribbean faces slower overall growth and sharper competition for visitors. Cost Pressure Reminder: USVI fuel and living costs remain sensitive to global shipping and energy shocks as the US-Iran impasse drags on. St. Croix Pride Dates: St. Croix’s 7th Annual Pride Parade is set for June 6, with events running from May 28 through June 20.

USVI Supply Chain Watch: The VI Port Authority says a San Juan docking restriction tied to Water Spirit Freight Services could disrupt cargo relied on by USVI residents and businesses, but VIPA stresses the issue is specific to Puerto Rico’s port and outside its control—while the U.S. Coast Guard says two Togo-flagged vessels were ordered not to re-enter San Juan Harbour until they can moor without affecting safe navigation. Tourism Signals: Curaçao is being singled out in a new Caribbean Travel Trends report for unusually steady, year-round tourism demand—an outlier in a region still fighting heavy seasonality. Cost Pressure: USVI fuel and living costs remain under strain as the US-Iran standoff drags on shipping, with oil prices rising after a US rejection of Iran’s peace proposal. Local Interest: St. Croix’s Pride Parade is set for June 6, with events running late May into mid-June.

Epstein Island Under Siege: The new owner of “Little St Jeff’s,” Stephen Deckoff, is facing escalating trespasser drama on USVI’s Little St James, with reports of people being chased off by staff and allegations of serious assaults involving visitors and even police presence—while the property says it will keep making lawful citizen arrests. Epstein Probe Updates: In Washington, House Oversight released Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s transcript, including his account of a 2012 USVI lunch visit and his testimony that Epstein’s “massage table” comment sounded “sexual in nature.” Travel & Cost Pressure: USVI travelers are also feeling the squeeze as fuel, shipping, and living costs rise amid the US-Iran impasse. On-Island Interest: Meanwhile, scouts and sailing crews are still finding ways to get out on the water across the territory.