$6M Pafford SettlementGovernor Albert Bryan Jr. announced, at the weekly Press Briefing on April 14, 2025, at Government House, St. Croix, an appropriation of $6 million to support a settlement agreement with Pafford Medical Services, along with an appropriation to pay long-overdue wages to government employees. At the time of the Press Briefing, both measures were under active deliberation by the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands.
The Governor emphasized the significance of both actions.
“Today is about celebrating leadership and the important choices it requires. Leadership means having the vision and courage to tackle difficult issues head-on, prioritizing the immediate and urgent needs of our community above all else,” the Governor stated.
The Governor also expressed his appreciation to lawmakers for considering the reappropriation of $22 million from funds originally allocated to the proposed Nazareth Sports Complex, located adjacent to the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School in St. Thomas, in order to address retroactive pay.
“I appreciate the sensitivity surrounding the decision to redirect these resources,” the governor spoke of the difficult decision to redirect the funds. “However, leadership requires making responsible choices – prioritizing our community’s immediate, essential needs even when such decisions are difficult.”
The Pafford Medical Services settlement, which the Administration had successfully negotiated in order to resolve a long-standing obligation, which was tied to the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital, the Department of Health, Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Services, and the Bureau of Corrections for services rendered, had resulted in Pafford discontinuing vital services in August 2024.
Pafford had provided critical healthcare support, including staffing and emergency medical services, following the 2017 hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. The government struggled to cover the invoices at a time when federal funds were depleted and the debt had been accumulating for over a year. The sudden departure of Pafford left gaps in dialysis, ambulance, and other emergency services requiring the government to address the transition. The Bryan-Roach Administration quickly acknowledged the critical situation and began taking steps to transition away from the reliance that had been built up on Pafford services, including transferring dialysis staff to other facilities and exploring alternative arrangements for emergency medical services.
“This agreement not only resolves these important obligations but also saves our government – and ultimately you, the taxpayers – nearly $2 million,” Gov. Bryan stated referring to the negotiated settlement. “Fulfilling our obligations to them is not simply about paying a bill, it’s a reflection of our shared values, our sense of fairness, and our commitment to make whole those who have supported us in moments of challenge and crisis.”
Later in the afternoon, following the Governor’s remarks, the Legislature voted in favor of both appropriations – authorizing funding to cover retroactive wages and approving the settlement payment to Pafford.
“I sincerely thank the members of the 36th Legislature for their diligence and thoughtful consideration of these important matters,” Gov. Bryan said. “Through continued collaboration, shared vision, and decisive leadership, I remain confident that together we can continue to substantively address the critical issues confronting our community.”
The Governor also reported on the Virgin Islands’ continued leadership in the Caribbean tourism market following last week’s Seatrade Cruise Global Conference in Miami. “Our productive conversations with partners like Disney, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean confirmed our status as a premier destination and opened doors to exciting new initiatives,” he said.
The Governor noted that the Territory is projected to receive nearly 1.8 million cruise passengers this fiscal year – placing the Virgin Islands first in visitor spending in the Eastern Caribbean and second region-wide. He also outlined key initiatives to maintain this momentum, including providing solar energy to cruise ships while in port, targeted improvements to enhance visitor experience, and advancing the long-delayed dredging project in Charlotte Amalie Harbor to accommodate larger vessels.
The Governor went on to discuss progress on major infrastructure projects such as the Mahogany Road reconstruction on St. Croix and the continued work on Veterans Drive on St. Thomas, along with the plans to re-sand Frederiksted Beach. He also celebrated the recent reopening of the Reinholdt Jackson Sports Complex in Estate Whim on St. Croix, calling it “a space that holds deep meaning for many.”
“Places like the Reinholdt Jackson Sports Complex are places that matter,” the Governor remarked. “They are the heart of our neighborhoods. They are places where memories are made, values are shared, and the rhythm of community life unfolds each day.”
Earlier that day, the Governor toured two major recovery projects nearing completion: the Arthur A. Richards PreK – 8 School and the Paul E. Joseph Stadium ( which he believes will be finished by the end of the year).
“These are not just construction projects. They represent renewal. They reflect our commitment to education, to community, and to a future filled with possibility,” he said.
Governor Bryan spoke about an upcoming meeting with British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley on the shared marine charter industry.
“This industry is a key part of our regional economy. It supports local jobs, sustains small businesses, and creates opportunities for families across our islands,” he said. “Our focus remains clear. We are working together to strengthen regional collaboration and ensure that any agreement reflects a fair and balanced approach for both Territories.”
In his closing remarks, the Governor shared a personal reflection on the reopening of the Reinholdt Jackson Sports Complex.
“I saw little league baseball being played again on that field, heard the cheers of families in the stands, watched children laugh and play on the playground, and saw our local vendors back in the park sharing their crafts and talents. That is what community looks like and feels like,” he said.
He offered a reminder that while some may focus only on what is lacking, signs of meaningful progress are all around. “To them, I say respectfully, look again. Look at the child swinging a bat on a field that once sat quiet…These are the signs of progress. These are reasons to hope.”
As the Territory observes Holy Week, the Governor offered warm wishes to residents across the Virgin Islands.
“This is a sacred time. It is a time for reflection, for renewal, and for faith. It reminds us that in every season of challenge, there is the promise of change. In every trial, there is the possibility of hope,” he said. “On behalf of my family and the entire Bryan-Roach Administration, I wish you and your loved ones a blessed, joyful, and peaceful Holy Week.”
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