St. Thomas – During his weekly Press Briefing at Government House on St. Thomas, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. spoke about his recent legislative actions in signing crucial legislation, while also addressing the matters of retroactive wages and hospital funding.
Governor Bryan announced that he signed several measures into law, passed by the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Those measures represent substantial progress for the Territory and reinforce the Bryan-Roach Administration’s steadfast commitment to addressing long-standing obligations and strengthening public trust.
Among the key actions, Governor Bryan highlighted the appropriation of an additional $22 million for the payment of retroactive wages owed to public employees – a debt stemming from collective bargaining agreements negotiated nearly 40 years ago. The latest funding brings the total payout under the Bryan-Roach Administration to over $64 million. Despite this achievement, the Governor noted that over $120 million in retroactive wages remains outstanding.
“Our Administration has chosen to confront this long-standing challenge head-on,” said Governor Bryan. “Today’s signing is not simply a financial transaction, it is a reaffirmation of the values that guide our work every day – honoring service, fulfilling promises, and leading through action.”
The Governor praised the 36th Legislature for its decisive action, noting that the new funding comes from existing revenues rather than speculative future earnings. “This is real money – money already in the bank – put to work for the people of the Virgin Islands,” the Governor emphasized.
In addition to the retroactive wages, Governor Bryan also signed into law emergency funding for the Territory’s hospitals. However, he cautioned that the infusion of funds addresses immediate bills but does not solve the deeper systematic issues facing healthcare in the Virgin islands.
“We must make a long-term decision as a community to properly fund our hospitals and hold leadership accountable,” he stated. “Patchwork fixes are not enough. Sustainable healthcare requires serious investment and collective responsibility.”
The Governor went on to state that new initiatives aimed at ensuring the financial sustainability of the hospitals would be presented in the coming months, urging public and legislative support for these crucial reforms.
Governor Bryan also celebrated the spirit of the Virgin Islands as the St. Thomas Carnival festivities get under way. Joined by Ian Turnbull, Director of the Division of Festivals, and Chief Deborah Hodge of the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Governor previewed the vibrant events underway and emphasized safety as a top priority.
Chief Hodge shared key safety measures being implemented to ensure a secure environment for all attendees, while Director Turnbull highlighted the wide array of activities scheduled throughout the Carnival season.
“We celebrate not just our progress but the spirit and resilience that define us as Virgin Islanders,” Governor Bryan concluded.
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