Bryan on the Road to Promote USVI

M.A. Dworkin

Miami & D.C. - Governor Albert Bryan Jr. went to Washington, D.C. this week for the U.S. Department of Interior’s Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) 2025 Mid-Year Senior Plenary Session. The Governor will once again press the Virgin Islands’ case directly to the federal government. 

Governor Bryan has attended the IGIA sessions in the past in order to stress various issues vital to the USVI, most recently for the permanent extension of the rum cover over excise tax, protecting hundreds of millions in annual revenue. He also fought for and won a lower federal match for disaster recovery projects saving the Territory more than $1.1 billion by cutting the federal match requirement from 90/10 to 95/5 and 98/2 for large scale projects. 

“The IGIA is where we fight for results, not promises,” Governor Bryan said. “We have delivered before, and I intend to keep delivering for the people of the Virgin Islands.” 

In Washington, Governor Bryan will also meet with White House officials and members of the U.S. Congress to secure continued federal support for energy transformation, disaster recovery, and economic growth initiatives.

Before arriving in Washington, the Governor was in Miami, Florida, this past weekend for a series of targeted tourism events that promoted the Virgin Islands as a premier destination for visitors and investors. He also participated in the annual Urban Golf Weekend in Miami, a premier gathering that combines networking, community building, and business engagement. The event drew entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders from across multiple industries.

As part of the conference, Governor Bryan sat down with a diverse group of entrepreneurs to discuss the many advantages of doing business in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He highlighted the Territory’s unique position as a hub for trade and entrepreneurship, particularly the benefits available to individuals and businesses engaged in exporting and importing goods. The Governor underscored that leveraging the Territory’s free trade zone status offers opportunities to avoid costly tariffs while tapping into broader markets. 

Governor Bryan also shared how the Virgin Islands continues to focus on policies that promote entrepreneurship, foster economic growth, and create pathways for new investment. He emphasized the Territory’s commitment to building partnerships that support both local and global commerce. 

In recognition of his leadership and public service, Governor Bryan was presented with the prestigious Eagle Award by Urban Golf Weekend founder Clifford Addison and his partners. The award acknowledges his accomplishments in advancing economic development and championing opportunities for underserved communities. 

“The event was not only a tremendous success but also an important moment to share the Virgin Islands story,” Governor Bryan said. “We are excited about the interest and enthusiasm we received, especially from the African-American community, and we look forward to welcoming new entrepreneurs and investors to our shores.” 

The Urban Golf Weekend is not only a space for dialogue and networking, but also a fundraiser dedicated to investing in the next generation. Proceeds from the tournament go toward scholarships that help students pursue their education and career goals. 

Governor Bryan noted that this work aligns with the Territory’s Vision 2040 strategy to build a high-value tourism sector, expand entrepreneurship, and foster a resilient economy rooted in opportunity for all Virgin Islanders.