Bryan-Roach: Economic Stability Ahead

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - At the weekly Government House Press Briefing, conducted by Director of Communications, Richard Motta, held on St. Croix, the Bryan-Roach Administration announced that they foresee economic stabilization to the Territory’s finances for the 2026-2027 years ahead. 

At the recent annual Spring Revenue Estimating Conference held on St. Thomas, the Administration presented an encouraging outlook for fiscal year (FY) 2027, with overall revenues projected at approximately $870.7 million, up from $866.4 million in FY 2026. Gross estimated revenues are projected at $896.7 million. 

“That outlook reflects continued strength in key parts of the economy,” said Mr. Motta. “Tourism remains strong. Airlift is growing. Employment continues to recover. Major recovery and capital projects are also helping to support economic activity across the Territory. The conference also made clear that some areas require close attention. Gross receipts tax collections are projected to decline, due in part to shifts among a small number of top taxpayers. Even so, the overall picture remains stable, and the broader trend continues to move in the right direction.”

Mr. Motta went on to explain the importance of the Spring Conference.

“This is why the Revenue Estimating Conference matters. It gives the government a clear and disciplined view of where revenues are headed so budget decisions are grounded in facts, sound projections, and real economic conditions,” Mr. Motta stated. “The message from Friday’s conference was straightforward. The Virgin Islands economy remains stable. Recovery work continues to drive activity. The Administration is planning ahead with caution, discipline, and confidence.” 

During the Press Conference the Administration also highlighted continued progress in the long-term effort to rebuild and modernize the territory’s public schools. Mr. Motta spoke of several projects that are in varying stages of development and completion.

“Taken together, these projects show that the work to rebuild and modernize the Territory’s schools is moving. Arthur A. Richards is nearing the finish line. Boschulte (on St. Thomas) is entering construction. Charlotte Amalie High and Central High are next. That is what progress looks like, and it is what the community deserves to see,” Mr. Motta emphasized.

The Briefing also included an update from WAPA Chief Executive Officer Karl Knight, who addressed the rotational outages affecting the St. Thomas District. 

WAPA said the outages began after Unit 15 at the Randolph Harley Power Plant suffered an auxiliary equipment failure on Thursday, March 19, 2026, taking the unit offline and reducing available generation during peak demand hours. WAPA said repairs remain underway and that the rotational outages are expected to continue through Wednesday, when Unit 15 is expected to return to service. 

Mr. Motta concluded the Briefing with a reminder about the administration’s efforts to gather information connected to the increased postal fees many Virgin Islanders have faced since the federal de minimis exemption was suspended for shipments affecting the Territories since late August 2025. 

“We have already heard from many members of the community, and we are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share what these added costs have meant for their household or their business.That feedback matters. It helps build the record we need to keep advancing this fight with urgency and credibility,” Mr Motta spoke of  Governor Bryan’s recent efforts to appeal the issue directly to federal officials at White House meetings. 

The deadline for submissions is Friday March 27, 2026. Residents and businesses can send their information, receipts, photos, and a brief description of how these fees have affected them to: postalfees@go.vi.gov.