At the Government House Press Briefing in St. Croix, on March 24, 2025, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. stated in no uncertain terms that the Virgin Islands is not in any type of crisis due to the somewhat wild and chaotic changes occurring on the national and global stage.
“I wanted to share my earnest thoughts with Virgin Islanders on the impact of all these current changes taking place,” the Governor stated. “We have witnessed a number of policy announcements and sweeping administration changes from the Trump Administration in Washington. These developments have stirred an unease and anxiety as to what these shifts mean to families and individuals here in the Virgin Islands.
“I want every Virgin Islander that can hear the sound of my voice to know one thing for sure, I hear your concerns and I also share them. My administration is not only tracking these changes on a daily basis, but actively engaged on every level and that the priority is being placed on the welfare of Virgin Islanders. We remain front and center in all the conversations going on in Washington. Many of the newly found federal policies are already being challenged and scrutinized by the courts,”
The Governor went on to reassure the public.
“I want Virgin Islanders to know our posture has not changed. From day one the Bryan-Roach Administration has been steadfast in improving the quality of life for the people that live here and our guests. That commitment does not waver depending on who occupies the White House, Republicans or Democrats. We are not waiting for decisions to be made for us, we are demanding that decisions be made with us,” he stated unequivocally.
“Our administration continues to fight for you in Washington, even more now than ever before. We worked with this administration during President Trump’s first term, and we are working with them now,” the Governor assured the people.
“Let me say this with clarity and conviction, the Virgin Islands is not in any type of crisis, in fact the economic outlook for the Territory, despite the uncertainties we face globally and nationally, remains very strong and stable.”
The Governor went on to talk about the Spring Estimating Revenue Conference and the fact that the positive data that was presented was based on real numbers and real progress. He stated that the unemployment rate for 2024 was 3.4%, amongst the lowest in the nation. He believed that rate would continue to fall with the advent of new construction projects in the USVI that were scheduled in the near future. He added that revenue projections remained strong and are on matching track with 2024.
“We are continuing to grow, sometimes I think too fast,” he commented.
“But it’s not all rosy,” he conceded. “One area that demands attention is how we manage expenses. The challenge is not about making money, it’s about how we use it.”
Another point he spoke about was the responsibility of the government in subsidizing and shielding the most vulnerable in our community with the various programs designed to help families and individuals to maintain a quality lifestyle. “That’s a choice, a deliberate one, because our role has always been to put the people of the Territory first.”
He mentioned that he is calling on the Legislature to join him in employing practical and forward thinking reforms starting with a modest tax on internet sales.
“I know a lot of people have opinions about this but it’s just like the one you already pay when you buy a shirt from a local vendor,” he referred to the Gross Receipts Tax. “Every day the local businesses are losing ground to online giants like Amazon whose sales go untaxed to the Virgin Islands. In the meantime, our small businesses carry the burden of you and me in our time of need. That imbalance cannot continue. It is not just unfair, it is unsustainable.”
He also went on to mention a proposed tax on Airbnb rentals.
“All of this is not a cause for despair,” he reassured Virgin Islanders. “It is actually a call to action. We are not in decline, we are evolving. We are not isolated, we are engaged. We are not powerless, we are prepared. We have been through hurricanes, pandemic, federal shutdowns and still we have emerged stronger each time…
“I will continue to fight for this Territory. The best days are not behind us, but right in front of us. But we must have faith in leadership in moving forward and the will to make tough decisions, necessary decisions, to make sure we get there collectively,” the Governor concluded.
During the Press Questionnaire part of the briefing the Governor answered questions about the current status of the Refinery. He divulged the fact that once it was up and running there were a number of offerings that he had discussed with the current owners that went beyond oil refining that would eventually be on the Refinery’s agenda to greatly benefit Virgin Islanders.
Note: Interested parties contacted YCM after the Press Briefing to state that the Refinery was in good shape to perform the tasks needed to reopen in a safe manner.
M.A. Dworkin from Yellow Cedar Media (YCM) inquired about the formation in 2021 of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The Office was formed with a holistic approach to dealing with crime by, amongst other innovative methods, recruiting ex-gang members and other responsible parties to reach out and intermingle with the community in fighting and preventing crime. YCM was interested to know what the current ongoing activities were in this critical area of crime prevention.
“The idea is to go into communities after there is a shooting, to be on the scene and connect with the needs of the victims and the perpetrators, “ the Governor responded, as he explained the basic premise of the program. “The police need to be able to create better bonds with the community. The problem with measuring that success is that I can’t tell you how much gun violence has been prevented. But if you pay attention to the statistics there is a lot more random gun crime as opposed to gang crime. So I think we’ve made a dent in it.”
The Governor went on to say that there were a number of individuals and organizations that were involved with the program on a regular basis including three pastors from various churches.
“They are doing good work. But it’s a rough situation,” Governor Bryan admitted.
Note: A comment came in during the Press Conference by a resident familiar with the situation.
“The Office of Gun Violence Protection is in the community everyday, both districts, students, and families of victims.”
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