AGP Executive Report

Kids & Families Watch: New KIDS COUNT USVI data (2019–2024) shows gains in unemployment (6% to 4%) and public school graduation (70.9% to 81%) plus better English Language Arts, but math scores slipped, dropout numbers rose (546 students), wages stayed 24% below the U.S. average, and housing pressures remain a concern. Public Health Recognition: The VI Department of Health Epidemiology Division earned national honors at CSTE in Boston, with Dr. Hannah Cranford winning a Rising Leader Award for applied epidemiology work. Traffic Safety & Health Impact: A St. Thomas hit-and-run on Veterans Drive left one pedestrian dead and another injured; VIPD says Michelle Donastorg faces vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter charges. Violence & Community Safety: Police reported multiple homicides over a short span, pushing the 2026 total higher, including killings on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Sickle Cell Awareness: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate around June 19 with events across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Medicare Abroad Reminder: A new explainer warns Original Medicare typically pays almost nothing for care outside the U.S. Virgin Islands and other covered areas, with only narrow emergency exceptions.

Public Health Recognition: The Virgin Islands Department of Health’s Epidemiology Division earned national honors at the 2026 CSTE Annual Conference in Boston, with Dr. Hannah Cranford winning the CSTE Rising Leader Award for standout innovation and impact. Maternal & Infant Health: New national data shows the U.S. infant mortality rate in 2024 was 5.52 per 1,000 live births, with causes including congenital malformations and low birth weight—an encouraging but still uneven picture. Community Health Campaign: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” initiative is set to culminate June 19, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, with events across the region including the U.S. Virgin Islands aimed at better access to care and a cure. Local Safety & Health Impact: VIPD reports a serious alcohol-related hit-and-run on St. Thomas that left one pedestrian dead and another critically injured, with a woman facing felony charges—another reminder that road safety is public health. Health System Planning: VI senators reviewed FY 2027 budgets for major agencies, including staffing and federal funding delays, with OMB also discussing hospital consolidation planning tied to Schneider Regional Medical Center and Luis Hospital.

Territory Safety Update: VIPD says a Louisiana tourist died and a St. Thomas woman, Michelle Donastorg, faces felony vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter charges after a drunk-driving hit-and-run on Veterans Drive that struck two pedestrians; police allege she fled, then drove onto the sidewalk before being stopped. Violence Watch: Another surge of gun violence left multiple people dead across St. Thomas and St. Croix, pushing the 2026 homicide count higher, with victims including 23-year-old Asani Henry and 20-year-old Amani Daley. Public Health Spotlight: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate around June 19, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, with events and blood drives reaching the U.S. Virgin Islands. Medicare & Travel Costs: A new explainer warns Original Medicare often pays almost nothing for care abroad, with only narrow emergency exceptions—important for VI residents who travel. Community & Wellness: A Burnham Library art show highlights the holistic-health background of artist Carol O’Toole, including her licensed acupuncture and massage training.

Violence & Public Safety: VIPD says a Louisiana tourist died and a St. Thomas woman, Michelle Donastorg, faces felony charges after a drunk-driving hit-and-run on Veterans Drive that left one pedestrian dead and another critically injured. Local Health & Care Access: A new Medicare travel explainer warns that Original Medicare often pays almost nothing for care abroad, with only narrow exceptions—important for USVI residents who travel. Health Equity Spotlight: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate around World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, with events and blood drives across the region including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Territory Health System Funding: Senators reviewed proposed FY2027 budgets, including staffing and recruitment challenges at OMB and funding tied to a hospital consolidation strategy involving Schneider Regional Medical Center and Luis Hospital. Community Impact: LISOT Black won the TOTE Team Racing Championships at St. Thomas Yacht Club, highlighting youth sailing opportunities in the territory.

Courts & Corrections: Former USVI Office of Management & Budget director Jenifer O’Neal is asking a federal judge to reconsider an order requiring her to surrender to custody Tuesday, and to delay the start of her seven-year prison sentence by eight weeks so she can keep qualified counsel for her appeal. Public Safety: In St. Thomas, a Louisiana tourist died and a St. Thomas woman faces felony charges after a drunk-driving hit-and-run on Veterans Drive that involved multiple collisions and pedestrians; VIPD says probable cause was found for vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter. Violence Watch: The territory reported a sharp spike in gun violence, including three homicides in four hours and 11 minutes on Tuesday, pushing the 2026 homicide count higher. Health Access Abroad: A new Medicare explainer highlights that Original Medicare typically pays almost nothing for care outside the USVI and other US areas, with only narrow exceptions for certain emergencies. Community Health: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate around June 19, with events and blood drives aimed at improving access to sickle cell care across the region, including the USVI. Local Governance & Budgets: Senators reviewed proposed FY 2027 budgets, with OMB citing staffing shortages and ongoing delays tied to federal guidance for major programs.

Violence & Public Safety: A Louisiana tourist died and two pedestrians were critically hurt after a drunk-driving hit-and-run on St. Thomas’ Veterans Drive; VIPD says Michelle Donastorg faces felony vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter charges. Territory-Wide Homicides: Police also reported a rapid surge of shootings and killings across St. Thomas and St. Croix, pushing the 2026 homicide count higher. Health Access Abroad: A new Medicare explainer warns that Original Medicare usually pays almost nothing for care overseas, with only narrow emergency exceptions—important for Virgin Islands travelers. Sickle Cell Awareness: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate around June 19, highlighting education, blood drives, and improved access to care across the region including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Health System Funding: MUSC Health approved a $10B+ budget, with pharmacy costs cited as a major driver. Community & Wellness: A local exhibition at Burnham Library features an artist who is also licensed in acupuncture and massage therapy.

Road Safety & Public Health: VIPD arrested a St. Thomas woman, Michelle Donastorg, on felony vehicular homicide and manslaughter charges after an alcohol-fueled hit-and-run on Veterans Drive left one pedestrian dead and another fighting for her life. Violence & Community Health: Police reported three homicides in one day—two on St. Thomas (including 23-year-old Asani Henry in Hospital Ground) and one on St. Croix (20-year-old Amani Daley in Profit Hills)—pushing the 2026 total to 20. Mental Health & Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. approved measures expanding mental health education and adding paid leave for parents of children with diagnosed disabilities, alongside waste-management and elections/infrastructure updates. Sickle Cell Awareness: The territory is set to join the eighth annual “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign culminating June 19, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, with education and blood drive activities across the region including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Medicare Abroad Costs: A new explainer highlights how Original Medicare typically pays almost nothing for care outside the U.S. Virgin Islands and other U.S. territories, with only narrow exceptions for certain emergencies and transport situations. Local Governance: Senators reviewed FY 2027 budgets, including staffing shortages and funding delays affecting major health-related programs like hospital consolidation planning.

Territory Violence Update: Three homicides were reported in the U.S. Virgin Islands on Tuesday, June 16, pushing the 2026 total to 20—two on St. Thomas (including 23-year-old Asani Henry at Hospital Ground) and one on St. Croix (20-year-old Amani Daley at Profit Hills). Local Public Health & Care Access: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. approved measures tied to health and family support, including mental health education and paid leave for parents of children with diagnosed disabilities to attend medical appointments, plus a bill redirecting hotel development bond proceeds to the Government Employees’ Retirement System and the Virgin Islands Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation. Sickle Cell Awareness: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate on June 19, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, with events across the region including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Infant Health (National): New U.S. data shows infant mortality hit a new low in 2024 (5.52 per 1,000 live births), though the story is mixed and the U.S. still lags behind some comparable countries. Budget Oversight: Senators reviewed FY 2027 budgets for major agencies, including staffing shortages and federal funding delays affecting programs tied to health and recovery. Epstein Files (Non-local, but widely shared): New document releases and renewed questions continue to circulate around Jeffrey Epstein’s death and his U.S. Virgin Islands island, Little St. James.

Territory Violence: St. Thomas and St. Croix saw a rapid surge in gun violence, with three homicides reported in one day and the 2026 total rising to 20, including 23-year-old Asani Henry killed in Hospital Ground and 20-year-old Amani Daley found shot dead in Profit Hills. Local Public Safety: Another St. Thomas shooting left a 15-year-old student, Tre’Vante Etienne, dead after reports of gunfire near Vester Gade, with police urging patience as the investigation is early. Health Policy & Access: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed measures expanding mental health education and adding paid leave for parents of children with diagnosed disabilities to attend medical appointments, while also moving forward on waste-burning and hospital-related funding provisions. Sickle Cell Awareness: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate around June 19, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, with events across the U.S. Virgin Islands and the wider region. Infant Health Data: New national reporting shows infant mortality hit a new low in 2024 (5.52 per 1,000 live births), though the picture remains mixed and U.S. rates still lag behind some peers. Epstein Files Resurface: New rounds of Epstein-related claims and document releases keep spotlighting Little St. James in the U.S. Virgin Islands, even as official reviews continue to treat the death as suicide.

Territory Health & Safety: Three homicides were reported in the U.S. Virgin Islands on Tuesday, June 16—two on St. Thomas and one on St. Croix—pushing the 2026 total to 20, with victims identified as 23-year-old Asani Henry (Hospital Ground), an unidentified man in Sanchez Town, and 20-year-old Amani Daley (Profit Hills). Community Violence Impact: A separate report describes a 15-year-old student killed in Savan, St. Thomas, after ShotSpotter alerts and a response that led to death at Roy Lester Schneider Hospital, underscoring the need for stronger local prevention and mental health support. Sickle Cell Awareness: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate June 19, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, with events including blood drives and education across the region that includes the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Health Policy & Services: Senators reviewed proposed FY 2027 budgets, including staffing shortages and federal funding delays, while OMB outlined a hospital consolidation strategy tied to Schneider Regional Medical Center and Luis Hospital and Medical Center. Maternal & Infant Health (U.S. trend): New national data shows infant mortality hit a new low in 2024 (5.52 per 1,000 live births), though the overall picture remains mixed.

Territory Safety Crisis: The Virgin Islands Police Department reported a rapid, cross-island spike in gun violence Tuesday, with three murders in about four hours—starting with the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Asani Henry in St. Thomas (Hospital Ground), followed by a Sanchez Town killing, and ending with a St. Croix death in Profit Hills—pushing the 2026 homicide count to 16 as investigators ask the public for tips. Local Health Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed multiple bills into law, including mental health education and paid leave for parents of children with disabilities to attend medical appointments, plus a measure allowing controlled incineration of green waste and changes tied to hotel development funding. Maternal & Infant Health: New U.S. data shows the infant mortality rate in 2024 was 5.52 per 1,000 live births, with causes including congenital malformations and low birth weight, and notes that linked birth/death data wasn’t available for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sickle Cell Awareness: The “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate June 19, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, with events including education and blood drives across the region that includes the U.S. Virgin Islands. Budget Watch: Senators began reviewing FY 2027 budgets, hearing about staffing shortages, federal funding delays, and recovery projects, including broadband implementation hurdles and hospital consolidation planning. Community Wellness & Care Access: Proposed reforms discussed at a Puerto Rico health policy conference focused on healthcare funding inequities and steps toward more stable, fairer support for island residents.

Territory Violence: A 23-year-old man, Asani Henry, was killed in a shooting at Hospital Ground on St. Thomas, pushing the 2026 homicide count to 16 as police urged the public to share WhatsApp and Crime Stoppers tips while the investigation remains early. Community Grief & Mental Health: A separate St. Thomas shooting in Savan killed 15-year-old Tre’Vante Etienne, and the territory deployed mental health resources in response to the tragedy. Sickle Cell Awareness: The eighth annual “Shine the Light on Sickle Cell” campaign is set to culminate June 19, World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, with events spanning education and blood drives across the region including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Health Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. approved measures expanding mental health education and adding paid leave for parents or guardians of children with diagnosed disabilities to attend medical appointments. Health-Related Federal Funding Talk (Regional): Puerto Rico’s health policy conference highlighted how capped Medicaid funding for territories can limit stability, with calls for reforms to improve access to care. Public Safety & Health Infrastructure: Bryan also signed legislation tied to waste disposal and hospital-related funding streams, alongside broader infrastructure and elections operations updates.

Territory Health & Safety: A 15-year-old student, Tre’Vante Etienne of Charlotte Amalie High School, died after a Friday afternoon shooting in the Savan area of St. Thomas; VIPD Major Crimes is investigating, while officials deployed territory-wide mental health resources in response to the community trauma. Local Health Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed multiple bills into law, including mental health education and paid leave for parents of children with diagnosed disabilities, plus a measure allowing controlled incineration of green waste and funding redirects tied to hospital facilities and a hotel development bond. Cancer Care in the Community: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6, with survivors and supporters raising more than $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal to help Virgin Islanders confront cancer through direct support and remembrance. Nutrition Assistance Push (Puerto Rico): Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera announced Sen. Roger Wicker is co-sponsoring the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, a step toward bringing SNAP to Puerto Rico and building on recent funding increases for nutrition aid.

Violence & Community Health: St. Thomas is mourning after a 15-year-old, Tre’Vante Etienne of Charlotte Amalie High School, was killed in a Friday afternoon shooting in Savan; VIPD says the Major Crimes Unit is investigating and urges caution as details circulate online, while the territory deployed mental health resources in response. Local Health Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. approved several measures from the 36th Legislature, including bills expanding mental health education, adding paid leave for parents of children with diagnosed disabilities to attend medical appointments, and authorizing controlled incineration for green waste—plus funding-related changes tied to government hospitals and health facilities. Cancer Support: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary on June 6, with survivors, volunteers, and American Cancer Society officials raising more than $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal and highlighting hope and recovery for people living with cancer. Health Equity (Puerto Rico): A Puerto Rico health policy conference focused on how capped federal Medicaid funding leaves the territory at a disadvantage versus states, with speakers calling for reforms to improve stability and access.

Violence & Community Health: A 15-year-old student, Tre’Vante Etienne, was killed in a Friday Savan shooting in St. Thomas; VIPD says the Major Crimes Unit is investigating and motives/suspects shared online are unconfirmed, while territory-wide mental health resources were deployed after the tragedy. Local Policy & Mental Wellness: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed multiple bills into law, including measures expanding mental health education and paid leave for parents of children with diagnosed disabilities to attend medical appointments. Cancer Care & Support: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th anniversary with survivors and volunteers raising more than $200,000 toward a $300,000 goal, highlighting ovarian cancer survivor Wendy Graham’s message of hope and healing. Medicare Fraud Prevention: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week spotlights how beneficiaries can protect themselves—watch for fake calls, review Medicare Summary Notices/Explanation of Benefits, and report suspicious activity to the Senior Medicare Patrol.

Violence & Community Health: A 15-year-old student, Tre’Vante Etienne, was killed in a Friday Savan shooting on St. Thomas; VIPD says the Major Crimes Unit is investigating and urges caution as social media speculation grows, while territory-wide mental health resources were deployed in response. Local Health Policy: Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed multiple bills to expand mental health education, add paid leave for parents of children with diagnosed disabilities to attend medical appointments, and authorize controlled incineration of green waste; he also approved measures affecting hospital funding tied to hotel development bond proceeds. Cancer Support: St. Croix’s Relay for Life marked its 25th year, with survivors sharing ovarian cancer stories and organizers reporting more than $200,000 raised toward a $300,000 goal. Medicare Fraud Prevention: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights common scams and urges beneficiaries to review notices, track appointments, and report suspicious activity to the Senior Medicare Patrol. Health & Access (Broader U.S.): A national Kids Count report flags gaps in child reading and math proficiency and notes pediatric health ranking plus rising uninsured rates in New Jersey, raising concerns about coverage for eligible children.