Bryan Sees Bright Future for STX

      Bryan Sees Bright 

        Future for STX

M.A. Dworkin

     Panama - Governor Albert Bryan Jr. recently traveled to Panama to take part in regional discussions aimed at strengthening Caribbean trade, expanding investment and positioning the USVI and particularly St. Croix for long-term growth.

     A major part of Governor Bryan’s vision is the continued development of the St. Croix industrial corridor and the Territory’s free trade zone infrastructure. The Governor stated that St. Croix has the potential to support logistics, transshipment, ship repair, aviation and marine services, light manufacturing, energy development and digital infrastructure. 

     “The future of St. Croix can be much bigger than what we have known before,” Governor Bryan said. “With the right planning and the right partners, St. Croix can help connect the Caribbean, the Americas and Africa through trade, energy, technology and industry.”

     The Governor maintains the Virgin Islands are well positioned for this type of advancement because of its location, deep-water ports, U.S. jurisdictional status, access to American markets, and ongoing investments in infrastructure, energy transportation and communications. 

     “Recovery funding has helped drive historic activity across the Virgin Islands, but we know those dollars will not last forever,” said the Governor. “Our work now is to prepare the Virgin Islands for what comes next. That means building an economy that creates good jobs, attracts investment and gives people more opportunity here at home.”

     The discussions in Panama focused on the planned creation of the Caribbean Special Economic Zone Association, a new regional group designed to bring Caribbean governments, free trade zones, investment agencies and private sector partners together to compete more effectively in the global economy. 

     Governor Bryan pointed to the Administration’s recent work to build stronger trade and investment ties with African nations, including Ghana. Those efforts are aimed at positioning the Virgin Islands as a bridge between African markets and the United States through trade, tourism, investment, logistics and digital connectivity. 

     One key component discussed was the proposed “Diaspora Link” transatlantic fiber optic cable project, that would create a direct digital connection between West Africa, the Virgin Islands and the U.S. mainland.

     “In the new economy, data is as important as cargo,” Governor Bryan said. “If we can help connect Africa, the Caribbean and the United States through modern fiber infrastructure, the Virgin Islands can become part of the future of global digital trade and technology.”

     The Caribbean Special Economic Trade Zone Association is expected to formally launch during the World Free Zones Organization Annual Congress in Panama later this year.

     “When we talk about trade, ports, fiber, energy and manufacturing, we are talking about opportunity,”the Governor stated. “We are talking about jobs for electricians, welders, truck drivers, dock workers, IT workers, contractors, small businesses and young people who want to build a future without leaving home.”