ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands — Communications Director Richard Motta conducted the Government House weekly briefing today from St. Croix, recapping a week of major milestones for the Bryan-Roach Administration in the areas of energy reform, housing recovery, and hurricane preparedness.
Last week, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and members of his administration celebrated the commissioning of the territory’s largest solar farm, located at Estate Hogensborg on St. Croix. The facility adds over 22 megawatts of renewable energy capacity to the grid, marking a major step in the administration’s ongoing efforts to transform the Virgin Islands’ energy landscape.
“This milestone is part of a broader strategy to modernize WAPA and increase affordable access to solar energy for all residents,” Motta said. He highlighted the administration’s programs like Solar Plus Financing, Solar for All Ah Wee, and the VI Battery Energy Storage Program—all managed by the Virgin Islands Energy Office under the Office of the Governor.
The Hogensborg solar farm complements the existing 10-megawatt Petronella solar farm on the South Shore of St. Croix and the ongoing construction of a 43-megawatt solar project in Estate Fortuna on St. Thomas. Motta extended thanks to VIWAPA, VI Electron, Honeywell, and other key stakeholders for their roles in these critical energy developments.
Also last week, Governor Bryan joined ODR Director Adrienne Williams Octalien in visiting newly completed homes under the Envision Tomorrow program on St. Croix. With more than 55 homes rebuilt or renovated to current code standards, and 100 more under construction, the Governor praised the program’s impact in restoring resilient housing for Virgin Islanders.
Another notable moment came with the 250th birthday celebration of the U.S. Army at Government House, recognizing the military’s enduring presence and partnership in the Virgin Islands.
USVI Capstone 2025: Disaster Response Drill a Success
VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen provided an important update from the just-completed USVI Capstone 2025 exercise, a two-week hurricane response simulation involving FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard, the VI National Guard, EMAC partners from New Jersey, New York, and Puerto Rico, and private sector participants.
The drill simulated the territory’s response to a fictional Hurricane Indigo, a Category 3 storm bringing 115 mph winds, 8–10 inches of rain, and a 10-foot storm surge. Prioritizing life-saving, life-sustaining, and incident stabilization actions, Jaschen praised the unified response and coordination across agencies.
“We’ve proven that when a major storm threatens our islands, we are ready,” said Jaschen. “The people of the Virgin Islands can be confident that their government and partners will respond swiftly and effectively as soon as conditions are safe.” Residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert VI for emergency updates.
Governor Bryan Heads to Washington
Governor Bryan is en route to Washington, D.C., where he is scheduled to meet on Wednesday with U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. As national education policies continue to evolve, the Governor is advocating to keep the needs of Virgin Islands students, teachers, and families front and center.
“This is about keeping our seat at the table,” Motta emphasized. “The Governor is determined to ensure that no matter who is in power in Washington, Virgin Islanders are not left behind.”
The meeting will explore how the Virgin Islands can continue leveraging federal support for local education initiatives.
While Governor Bryan is out of the territory, Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. is the acting governor.
Honoring Eldred “Edgie” Christian
Governor Bryan has ordered that all Virgin Islands flags on government buildings be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, June 20, in honor of Eldred “Edgie” Christian, a revered culture bearer and musical ambassador of Virgin Islands pride.
“We pay tribute to a man whose voice and instrument elevated the soul of our islands,” said Motta.
VIHFA Housing Expo Comes to St. Thomas
Following the successful Housing Expo held June 15 on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority will host the next Expo on Saturday, June 22 on St. Thomas under the theme: “Building Homes, Creating Communities: From Concept to Concrete.”
The free public event aims to connect individuals and families with Local and national lenders, contractors, and realtors, Government agencies and housing assistance programs, energy efficiency options, VIHFA staff and homeownership experts.
The Expo is designed to help Virgin Islanders navigate homeownership, secure rental assistance, and invest in safe, affordable housing.
The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov
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