USVI Gov't renews no-bid $70K contract for AG's daughter

The government of the US Virgin Islands (USVI) has renewed for another year a $70,000 no-bid contract for Kmisha Victoria Counts, the daughter of USVI Attorney General Denise George, to "represent the USVI as a tourism destination and to increase tourism and travel to the territory from various target market regions in the Continental United States."

The original contract invited controversy for a number of reasons. For one, the contract was awarded when the world was at the height of the coronavirus pandemic and countries were dissuading travel, or restricting tourism in other ways in an effort to minimise spread of Covid-19.

The contract on P&P, which does not outline a clear directive aside from the short description of attracting visitors to the territory, also had to receive a number of signatures before being approved, including a signature from the Dept. of Justice, led by Ms George, a situation that created an immediate appearance of impropriety even though someone else at D.O.J., Assistant Attorney General Carol McDonald, approved the deal by signing the contract. The contract was also signed by P&P Commissioner Anthony Thomas and Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte.

The second-year renewal only needed the signatures of Mr Boschulte, Mr Thomas, and Ms Counts. Its start date was June 1, 2021, and it expires on June 1, 2022.

Controversy

When the original contract was executed on June 1, 2020, it was not clear why the Government of the Virgin Islands approved a $70,000 sales representative contract to attract visitors to the USVI at the height of a global pandemic. Further unclear at the time was what the sales rep was able to accomplish when much of America was shut down. In California, where Ms Counts resides, the state was on lockdown on June 1, 2020, the day Ms Counts's contract with the Dept. of Tourism was executed. And California — which has had some of the most stringent Covid-19 restrictions — remained in various forms of lockdown for months.

The original contract came at a time when countries were curtailing travel to their destinations. In March 2020, Mr Bryan ordered occupancy businesses to stop accepting reservations. Bookings were eventually reopened, but were shutdown again in August following another of multiple outbreaks in 2020 in the territory.

Contract renewal

In a statement Tuesday, Mr Boschulte told the Consortium that the department looks forward to continuing its work with Ms Counts. He also said young and gifted Virgin Islanders should be supported. "Counts, a California-based sales representative for the Department of Tourism, has been part of the USVI Tourism team that has successfully engaged with travel partners to drive business to our destination throughout the pandemic," the commissioner said. "Boosting sales and marketing efforts during the pandemic has proven to be a winning tactic for the Territory, which benefited from an unprecedented quantity of airlift, new routes, and strong visitor arrivals and expenditures since the start of the 2020/2021 winter season."

He added, "Ms Counts, who has had a relationship with the Department of Tourism predating the current administration, has been busy over the past year helping to stimulate business for the destination, and we look forward to continuing working with her for another year as we strengthen our sales, marketing and film development strategy in an increasingly competitive environment. As a community, we should all seek to uplift and support our young and gifted Virgin Islands and Caribbean professionals as they contribute to the growth and development of our Territory whether they are at home or abroad."

The commissioner did not provide a metric relative to whether return on investment was achieved as part of the original contract to justify a renewal, or any other gauging data that encouraged the renewal for what now amounts to $140,000 in two years.

'Great personality, young & energetic'

In the Consortium's original story on the matter, Mr Boschulte said Ms Counts was given the no-bid contract because of her "great personality," and because she "is young and energetic." He added that such traits are what D.O.T. needs when attempting to attract people to the USVI. "Tourism is a people business; one of the most important traits is your personality and whether you like people and you could sell the territory to prospective visitors," Mr Boschulte said in March. He said Ms Counts went through an orientation process with the department.

The tourism commissioner said no request for proposal went out for the sales representative position. "It was a personnel move," he said, adding that D.O.T. had ended contracts with its sales representatives following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, and the department has since decided to hire new individuals.

Monthly reports

Mr Boschulte said DoT was attempting to capitalise on a trend that sees young, mostly African American travelers visiting the USVI, between the ages of 27-33. In March, the commissioner said DoT planned on hiring five new salespeople in total.

The contract on the P&P website did not include scope of work. Mr Boschulte provided the Consortium with a scope of work document that he said Ms Counts must follow. The document is a general guideline DoT provides its sales reps and was not specific to Ms Counts. In fact, the document does not include mid-west states as a target area, which Mr Boschulte said is the region Ms Counts will be covering.

Mr Boschulte said Ms Counts has been submitting monthly reports. Asked to see the reports in March, he said the department would not provide the reports as they may include trade secrets.

Asked whether he knew Ms Counts was the daughter of the attorney general, Mr Boschulte said he did. "I knew that the attorney general was her mother, but she didn't influence our decision," he said.

Mr Thomas, the P&P commissioner, told the Consortium in March that once the contract is on the P&P website, it was thoroughly vetted by his office. "A contract becomes valid when I sign it; they call it an execute," Mr Thomas said. He said his attorney and assistant commissioner of procurement are the ones who "validate the consistency of the contract as it relates to the policies or the laws of the Virgin Islands."

"That is further supported by the evaluation of the Office of the Attorney General," Mr Thomas said. "So when a contract becomes valid in all its forms then it's consistent with Virgin Islands law."

He later added, "If the contract has on my signature then the contract is a public contract, it is one of the contracts we reviewed for acceptable content and for services to be rendered to the government through the Dept. of Tourism."

Mr Thomas said he did not know Ms Counts was the daughter of AG George at the time of the original contract's execution.

'No conflict of interest'- AG

The Consortium asked Ms George in March whether she saw any ethical issues, including conflict of interest arising from the contract as her daughter is the subject of the contract which had to be approved or denied by the Office of the Attorney General. Ms George said she saw no conflict of interest as per VI law.

"No. If you examined VI conflict of interest laws, you would clearly see that this does not constitute a conflict of interest. This Division of Tourism contract, as other government contracts, was reviewed and approved for legal sufficiency by my office, which review is required by law for all executive branch agency contracts, without my involvement or input," she said. "As it pertains to contracts, VI conflict of interest law prohibits a public official or an employee from” being financially interested in any contract made or negotiated by him in his official capacity, or by any public agency of which he is a member.” The contract does not violate VI law or any ethical issues as the contract is with Tourism and negotiated with Tourism and my adult daughter, not the DOJ or AG. This contract, as all government contracts, are posted on the Property and Procurement website, transparent, and available for anyone to review."

Asked in March whether she had any conversations with anyone/staff at the Dept. of Tourism about the contract, Ms George did not respond to the question, though she responded to another asked in the same email.

Ms George further stated that her daughter has done business with the Department of Tourism in the past, including what she said was an agreement similar to Ms Counts's current contract that did not come to fruition in 2017 because of the storms.

Governor Albert A. Bryan told the Consortium in March that he had no knowledge of the contract. He did, however, state that general contracts are reviewed by the solicitor general, not the attorney general. The solicitor general, however, serves at the pleasure of the attorney general.

DOJ Statute

3 V.I.C. § 112

The Department shall be administered under the supervision and direction of the Attorney General.

3 V.I.C. § 114

(4) to investigate violations of the laws of the Virgin Islands for which the executive branch of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands may invoke penalties, fines or forfeitures, or deny, suspend or revoke licenses, and to initiate and conduct appropriate proceedings in relation thereto;

(7) to furnish legal advice to the Governor and all executive departments, boards, commissions, agencies, instrumentalities and officers of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands, concerning any matter arising in connection with the exercise of their official powers and duties, and to supervise and direct the legal business of every executive department, board, commission, agency, instrumentality and officer of the said Government.

The attorney general, according to statute, must supervise and direct the legal business of every agency, department and other instrumentalities. All other agency lawyers in the government are under the attorney general.

Said the governor, "Our procurement system is a multi-layered, check and balance system that reduces malintent. Every contract is reviewed by at least three lawyers in three separate departments before getting to Gov't House, where it is reviewed again by my legal team." A contract that is less than $1 million does not need the governor's signature, Mr Thomas told the Consortium, which was corroborated by Mr Bryan.

On her Facebook page, Ms Counts identifies as a recording artist, songwriter and actress. At the time of our first story on the matter, the Consortium reached out to Ms Counts for comment but did not hear back.

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UN's Top Court Declares Environmental Protection a Legal Obligation Under International Law

International Court of Justice rules that failure to act on climate change may breach legal duties and entitle affected nations to reparations

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a unanimous advisory opinion stating that countries may be violating international law if they fail to take adequate measures to address climate change.

The ruling, delivered on July 24 at The Hague, declared that a "clean, healthy and sustainable environment" constitutes a human right under international law.

The opinion, supported by all fifteen ICJ judges, found that a state's inaction on climate protection could amount to an "internationally wrongful act" and that countries harmed by the effects of climate change may be entitled to reparations.

The court emphasized that nations have legal obligations to take measures to prevent environmental harm, including from greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activity.

The case was initiated by Vanuatu and supported by over one hundred and thirty countries, including major greenhouse gas emitters.

The ICJ was tasked with addressing two central questions: the legal responsibilities of states under international law to mitigate climate change and the legal consequences for harm caused by inaction or insufficient measures.

During the hearing, ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa described climate change as "an existential problem of planetary proportions." The court’s opinion further affirmed that international legal instruments, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, oblige states to act in line with scientific consensus to limit global warming and environmental degradation.

The ruling builds upon a series of legal developments.

It follows earlier decisions by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights, which recognized the duty of states to protect populations from environmental harm.

In 2019, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands ruled that the government had a legal duty to safeguard its citizens from the effects of climate change.

Sea level rise and warming trends continue to affect low-lying nations.

Between 2013 and 2023, global sea levels rose by an average of 4.3 centimeters, with some Pacific regions experiencing higher increases.

Global temperatures have risen approximately 1.3 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times due to the continued burning of fossil fuels.

The ICJ opinion may serve as a legal foundation for future actions in both international and domestic courts.

Climate advocates have indicated that the decision could be used to press for stronger climate action at upcoming diplomatic meetings, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) scheduled for later this year in Belém, Brazil.

The advisory opinion is non-binding but may influence future legal interpretations and treaty negotiations.

While welcomed by many nations and environmental organizations, the ruling drew opposition from several major oil and gas-producing countries.

The United States, under the current administration, reiterated its focus on national energy priorities and dismissed binding international mandates on emissions reductions.

The court acknowledged that international law alone cannot fully resolve the climate crisis but emphasized the role of collective human effort and scientific advancement in addressing the global challenge.

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Thailand recalls ambassador to Cambodia amid border tensions

Gulf Development Acquires Full Ownership of Pak Lay Hydropower Project in Laos

Thailand’s Gulf Development completes $128 million takeover of 770 MW run-of-the-river plant, securing long‑term electricity supply to Thai grid

SET-listed Gulf Development has acquired the remaining sixty‑percent shareholding in the Pak Lay Hydropower Project in Laos from Sinohydro for approximately one hundred and twenty‑eight million US dollars, bringing its ownership to one hundred percent .

The Pak Lay facility, located on the Mekong River in Pak Lay district of Xayaburi province, is a run‑of‑the‑river hydropower plant with an installed capacity of seven hundred and seventy megawatts .

It is under development and slated to begin commercial operations in 2032 under a twenty‑nine‑year power purchase agreement to sell electricity exclusively to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand at an average tariff of approximately two point seven baht per kilowatt‑hour .

The project uses natural river flow without a large reservoir or water diversion, ensuring inflow equals outflow and the water volume of the Mekong remains unaffected .

The acquisition aligns with Gulf’s strategy to expand its renewable energy portfolio and support Thailand’s commitments to net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 .

Gulf aims for forty percent of its total power capacity from renewables by 2035 and net‑zero scope one and two emissions by 2050 .

The transaction was executed through Gulf’s wholly‑owned subsidiary, Gulf Hydropower Holdings, and includes both equity and shareholder loans .

Gulf previously held a forty percent stake in Pak Lay Power Co via a joint venture with Sinohydro, which had held the remaining sixty percent .

The Pak Lay acquisition is part of Gulf’s broader investment programme, comprising a ninety‑billion‑baht budget from 2025 to 2029, of which up to eighty percent is earmarked for renewable energy development, including solar, wind, biomass, waste‑to‑energy, and hydropower projects, as well as digital infrastructure .

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New Landmine Blast Escalates Thailand–Cambodia Border Tensions

Five Thai soldiers injured, diplomatic ties downgraded and border crossings closed amid disputed mine incidents

Thai and Cambodian relations have further deteriorated following a landmine explosion on July 23, 2025, which injured five Thai soldiers—including one who lost his right leg—during a patrol near the Chong An Ma border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani province.

The incident occurred around 4:55 pm local time in a disputed border zone under Thai Second Army jurisdiction.

Four other soldiers suffered shock symptoms and concussive injuries and are receiving treatment at Nam Yuen Hospital .

In response to the explosion, the Thai government took several diplomatic and security measures.

All northeastern border crossings were closed.

Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia’s ambassador, accusing Cambodia of planting newly laid Russian-made PMN‑2 anti-personnel landmines—devices not used by the Thai military—and lodging a formal protest via its Foreign Ministry .

The Thai army activated its “Chakrapong Phuwanart” emergency plan, reinstated during the 2011 Preah Vihear temple crisis, involving both the 1st (Central Plains) and 2nd (Northeast) Army Regions .

This latest incident follows a previous landmine blast on July 16, when three soldiers stepped on PMN‑2 mines near Chong Bok in Nam Yuen district.

One lost a foot and two others were injured.

Thai bomb-disposal teams recovered further devices, raising concerns that hundreds may lie buried within Thai territory.

Military officials initially believed the landmines might be remnant from decades-old conflicts, but later investigations found them to be newly planted .

Cambodia has denied responsibility, stating that Thai personnel strayed from agreed patrol routes into its territory, where unexploded ordnance remains.

The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority labelled Thai accusations “baseless” and expressed regret over the incident .

The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence echoed this position, attributing the explosion to an unauthorized Thai patrol incursion .

These mine incidents follow a broader escalation that began with a brief military skirmish on May 28, in which a Cambodian soldier was killed.

Since then, both countries have implemented border closures, trade restrictions, and media bans.

Cambodia has halted imports of Thai agricultural produce and broadcasts, while Thailand has limited crossing points and reinforced military presence in multiple provinces .

Domestic political reactions have intensified in both countries.

In Thailand, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and the ruling Pheu Thai Party cite the blasts as grave threats to peace.

Separately, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under an ethics probe over a leaked phone call in which she criticised the military—a controversy linked to the border dispute .

In Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the activation of a conscription law in 2026—dormant since its passage in 2006—citing rising tensions with Thailand and plans to augment Cambodia’s defence capabilities, including a proposed increase in defence spending from a national budget already allocating US $739 million to the military .

The law mandates 18 months of service for citizens aged 18–30 (voluntary for women), with indications that the training period may be extended to 24 months .

Despite continued calls from both governments for de-escalation and diplomatic engagement—including Cambodia’s intention to bring the matter before the International Court of Justice—neither country has fully disengaged.

Thai military authorities have signalled their intent to escalate the issue to the United Nations under the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the deployment of anti-personnel landmines .

The border remains a sensitive flashpoint, with both nations maintaining heightened military readiness and restricted patrol protocols.

The disputed zones near Ubon Ratchathani and Preah Vihear continue to feature contested geography, contested claims and the persistent threat of unexploded or newly emplaced ordnance.

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"Crazy Thing": OpenAI's Sam Altman Warns Of AI Voice Fraud Crisis In Banking

The Podcaster Who Accidentally Revealed He Earns Over $10 Million a Year

The popular host Joe Budden recently made headlines after accidentally sharing a screenshot that revealed he earns close to $900,000 per month—and later confirmed that his podcast network is on track to generate over $20 million in revenue by 2025. Budden represents a growing trend among independent audio creators who are trying to reduce their reliance on the industry’s major players—an industry that, according to new data, now generates $7.3 billion annually.

A Billion-Dollar Boom for Podcasts

According to a recent report from research firm Owl & Co, the global podcast industry brought in $7.3 billion last year—more than double most prior estimates. This surge reveals that podcasting, still a relatively young entertainment format, is bringing in far more money than many insiders had previously realized.

Advertising accounts for the bulk of these revenues, with the rest coming from paid subscriptions. These numbers do not include live events, such as the wildly popular British political podcast The Rest is Politics, which sold out London’s O2 Arena for a live taping.

Joe Budden’s Accidental Disclosure

In this booming market, one of the most surprising success stories is that of Joe Budden, a former rapper once dubbed “the Howard Stern of hip-hop.” Last month, Budden unintentionally posted a screenshot from Patreon—a subscription platform where fans can pay creators directly. The image showed over 30 million views in 30 days.

While the revenue figures were blacked out, internet sleuths edited the image and discovered that Budden had likely earned over $900,000 in that single month, backed by more than 154,000 active subscribers. The figures quickly made headlines. Budden’s latest Patreon update and podcast episode even referenced the leak with a title that cheekily reads “Blackout the Numbers.”

On Track for $20 Million+ in 2025

According to Ian Schwartzman, CEO of the Joe Budden Network, the platform is now averaging $1.04 million per month on Patreon. “We have around 70,000 paying subscribers, with subscription tiers ranging from $5 to $50 per month. Higher tiers offer access to more content, including exclusive spin-off shows,” Schwartzman told The New York Times.

Budden’s Patreon offers four subscription levels:

Homies ($5/month) – Ad-free episodes and bonus content.
Family ($10/month)
Friend of the Show ($25/month)
Part of the Show ($50/month) – Includes a chance to appear on-air and have your name in the credits.

These subscription revenues alone could exceed $12 million in 2025, making Budden one of the highest-earning creators on Patreon—a claim that a Patreon spokesperson has confirmed.

Advertising Still Adds Millions

But subscriptions aren’t Budden’s only income stream. Advertising also contributes millions in additional revenue, said Schwartzman. Notably, Budden’s team sells their own ads directly, instead of partnering with major networks like iHeart, Wondery, or SiriusXM, which often take a cut of ad revenues.

From $500 a Week to Industry Powerhouse

Budden’s journey hasn’t always been lucrative. Back in 2017, when he co-hosted a show on the media platform Complex, Schwartzman recalls that they were struggling to break even. Budden himself has said he was surviving on a $500-per-week stipend at the time.

From 2018 to 2020, The Joe Budden Podcast had an exclusive licensing deal with Spotify, which paid under $2 million per year and didn’t include ad revenue or equity.

Leaving Spotify: A Strategic Reboot

After a tense split with Spotify, Budden and Schwartzman began shopping for new distribution deals. But negotiations often broke down over exclusivity clauses. In one case, a potential $44 million deal was rejected because it required removing all content from YouTube.

“As the money goes up, so do the demands,” said Schwartzman. “We wanted someone who saw our value and would let us stay in the game.”

In 2021, they found their fit in Patreon—no guaranteed check, but equity in the company and advisory roles for both Budden and Schwartzman. “Joe is in a league of his own,” said Patreon CEO Jack Conte. “Earning $1 million a month on Patreon is extremely rare.”

A New Model for Creator Power

Since hitting that revenue milestone in November, the Joe Budden Network hasn’t slowed down. Conte credits Patreon’s creator-first model, noting: “Artists today have more leverage and control than ever before in the history of the arts.”

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Trump Announces $550 Billion Japanese Investment and New Trade Agreements with Indonesia and the Philippines

The U.S. President disclosed new trade deals that include reduced tariffs and investment pledges from key Asian economies, with Japan committing $550 billion in U.S.-based projects

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a series of new trade agreements with Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, detailing what he described as transformative developments for the American economy.

According to statements released on his social media platform, Japan has pledged to invest $550 billion in the United States, with 90% of profits reportedly expected to remain within the country.

The trade agreement with Japan includes significant tariff adjustments, with Japanese imports to the U.S. subject to duties ranging between 15% and 19%.

In return, the Japanese market will open further to U.S. goods, including automobiles, trucks, rice, and other agricultural products.

Trump stated that the investment deal would generate hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Following the announcement, Tokyo’s stock exchange experienced a 3.5% surge, marking the highest closing since July 2024.

Additionally, Japan's 10-year government bond yield rose by 9 basis points to 1.60%.

The agreement with Indonesia entails the removal of 99% of tariffs on American industrial, technological, and agricultural products entering the Indonesian market.

In contrast, Indonesian exports to the U.S. will be subject to a 19% import tariff.

The deal includes commitments by Indonesia to supply critical minerals to the United States and purchase American goods, including Boeing aircraft, agricultural exports, and energy products, in contracts valued in the tens of billions of dollars.

A similar framework has been established with the Philippines, where American products will be exported tariff-free, while Philippine goods entering the U.S. market will face a 19% tariff.

During a state visit by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Washington, the two countries signed a trade agreement that also includes military cooperation initiatives.

These agreements come two weeks after Trump previously announced plans to impose higher tariffs on several Asian nations—32% on Indonesia, 30% on Japan, and 25% on the Philippines—due to the expiration of a moratorium on his proposed trade measures.

The recent negotiations have led to revised terms and apparent withdrawal from those earlier tariff levels.

Japanese and regional media outlets have prominently covered the announcement, with front pages in Tokyo highlighting the scale of the trade and investment commitments.

The agreements mark a shift in bilateral economic relations between the United States and several Asian partners, following extended negotiations involving trade liberalization and strategic collaboration.

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