Bryan: Prayers for Jamaica; SNAP Funds; Affordable Housing Progress

M.A. Dworkin

St. Thomas - During his weekly Press Briefing held at the Westin Resort and Spa on St. Thomas, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. called on Virgin Islanders to join him in prayer for the people of Jamaica as they brace for a direct hit from Hurricane Melissa, the most severe storm in the nation’s history.

“We are asking all Virgin Islanders to lift up our Caribbean neighbors in prayer,” Governor Bryan said. “As we’ve seen ourselves, the strength of community and compassion makes all the difference in times like these.”

The Governor’s remarks preceded major updates on continued SNAP funding, housing, recovery, and economic development throughout the Territory.

Progress on Affordable Housing and Homeownership

Governor Btyan was joined by Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) Executive Director Dwayne Alexander and VIHA Chief Operating Officer Lydia Pelle to provide an update on the Bryan-Roach Administration’s continuing work to expand affordable housing across the Virgin Islands. 

“A home anchors a family, steadies a neighborhood, and strengthens our people,” the Governor said. “From the first day of this Administration, we have treated affordable homeownership as a core responsibility. Progress is being made.”

Governor Bryan highlighted ongoing redevelopment projects that are rebuilding and renewing historic communities, including the Walter M. Hodge Pavilion in Frederiksted. The project has earned three national awards for excellence in affordable housing revitalization.

“We are building homes, we are building resilience, and more importantly, we are building hope for families and our communities.” Executive Director Alexander stated. 

The VIHA team also discussed the success of the VI Slice Homeownership Program, designed to assist middle-income residents who struggle to qualify for traditional housing assistance. The program provides up to $200,000 in support for qualified first-time homebuyers to bridge the affordability gap. 

To date, more than 64 Virgin Islanders have become homeowners through the VI Slice initiative.

Industry Day: Connecting Local Contractors to Major Rebuild Projects 

Governor Bryan also acknowledged the ongoing progress of the Administration’s Industry Day initiative, led by Adrienne Williams-Octalien, which connects local contractors with major firms managing federally funded recovery projects. 

Calling it a “oncein-a-lifetime opportunity,” Ms. Williams-Octalien emphasized that Industry Day creates pathways for Virgin Islands contractors to participate in the rebuilding of the Territory’s hospitals, schools, and public facilities.

The second session of Industry Day will be held on St. Croix on October 29, 2025, at the University of the Virgin Islands. Bundled solicitations have been released, and negotiations are underway for contracts related to hospital and school reconstruction.

The Bryan-Roach Administration has also awarded contracts for every fire station across the Territory.

“We are putting at least $20 billion in motion for our rebuild efforts,” Governor Bryan said. “We are demonstrating to our federal partners that the Virgin Islands is ready to move forward with the full $24 billion in funding allocated after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.”

Local Funding Ensures SNAP Benefits Continue

Governor Bryan reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to ensuring no Virgin Islander goes hungry during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Last week, he announced that the Virgin Islands Government will use local funds to ensure that every SNAP household receives half of its November monthly benefit on time. 

“Washington may shut down, but hunger does not take a holiday,” Governor Bryan said. “We’ve coordinated this in lockstep with the 36th Legislature, to do it by the book - and at the speed of light.”

The Governor has also stated that the Virgin Islands Government has enough in ‘rainy day’  reserves to maintain SNAP benefits for the 24,000 Virgin Islanders through the end of the year and into early 2026 if the federal shutdown continues.

He thanked Senate President Milton Potter for his steady leadership and expressed appreciation to all Senators who have remained engaged and solution-oriented. 

SNAP households may contact the Department of Human Services for assistance:

• STT Hotline: 340-772-7110

• STX Hotline: 340-715-6909

• Email: usvisnaprelief@dhs.vi.gov