Government House Update

Gov. Bryan Goes to Washington

Leave it to the U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to warm up Washington D.C. in the winter time. The charismatic Governor recently visited the U.S. Capitol to shore up support for programs vital to the USVI as a new Republican administration is about to take over the Legislative and Executive branches. 

“I wanted to realign ourselves with the new Congress and push forth our issues,” Governor Bryan stated in a video, as he wore a stylish overcoat, from the Federal Government’s seat of power. “The number one issue is the rum cover over. We are making sure we are included in the tax bill that will push through sometime next year. It will put the three dollars and fifty cents back onto the rum cover over and most importantly that it is in effect retroactively,” the Governor stated adamantly. “That is equal to $80 million which would be contributed to the Government Employee  Retirement System.” 

“The second important issue on the agenda is the refinery. We have been having a lot of problems with the Biden administration especially from the regional director Mr. Regan. But now with the new administration we hope that we can negotiate a start-up to the refinery that is safe, first of all for our people, but doable in terms of making the refinery productive again,” he emphasized. 

Governor Bryan spoke on camera about  other crucial issues in which he would be attending meetings including the National Park Service, Medicaid and Visas into the Territory. He talked about a successful meeting with newly elected Puerto Rican Governor, Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon, and a series of discussions on a number of shared issues, vital to both islands, primarily dealing with high energy costs and the tourism sector, specifically cruise ships which have their home port in Puerto Rico and then make their first stops in St. Croix and St. Thomas. 

The Governor also said he was looking forward to meeting with Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett and her staff. 

“We need to both align ourselves with what we are going to be doing with the next administration. How we split up the 

workload and make it most effective for the people of the Virgin Islands… It’s been a really great week. It’s been cold but it’s been very productive here in Washington,” he concluded.          

Bryan-Roach Announce Major Road Work

The Bryan-Roach Administration, in collaboration with Senate President Novelle Francis and the 35th Legislature announced the commencement of long anticipated road work to mill and pave the East and West Airport Roads on St. Croix.

The essential project, which has been a high priority for the administration, is set to begin in mid-December and will be executed by Marco St. Croix.

The funding for this vital project came as a result of a collaborative effort between the Bryan-Roach Administration and the 35th Legislature, which approved an appropriation of more than $1.7 million from the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund. 

This initiative marks a significant milestone in enhancing the first impression of the island for visitors and improving the daily travel experience for residents.

“The East and West Airport Roads are the gateway to St. Croix, and we are committed to ensuring they reflect the pride and promise of our island,” Gov. Bryan stated at a press conference. “This project, along with others either in the planning or construction phases - such as the expansion of the intersection at Clifton Hill Road and the Melvin Evans Highway and the completion of street lighting installation along Melvin Evans Highway - demonstrates our administration’s unwavering dedication to improving the Territory’s infrastructure. Despite supply chain and manpower challenges, we continue to make tangible progress,” the Governor concluded as he emphasized the importance of the investment and the difficulties of the current local and worldwide economic obstacles the USVI has regularly had to overcome.