Bryan Thanks VI for Unforgettable Crucian Fest

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - In a statement from Government House, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. thanked the people of the Virgin Islands for an unforgettable 2025-2026 Crucian Christmas Festival, praising the cultural pride on display throughout the season, commending the strong turnout for the children’s parade, and recognizing the coordination that helped keep residents and visitors informed during Federal Aviation Administration air travel restrictions over the weekend.

“Crucian Christmas Festival is the heartbeat of St. Croix on full display,” the Governor stated in his thankful message. “It is music and motion, history and heritage, friends and families, and culture carried forward in real time. I thank the people of the Virgin Islands for an unforgettable 2025-2026 Crucian Christmas Festival and for showing the world, once again, what it means when St. Croix comes alive.

“I was especially eager and delighted to see the participation and joy on full display during the children’s parade. Watching our young people step into tradition with pride is a reminder that our culture is not just something we remember, it is something we live, teach, and pass on.

“Each year brings its share of challenges, and this year was no different. We faced air travel restrictions on Saturday imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration. I want to thank every traveler for your patience and understanding, and I want to recognize the coordinated work of VITEMA, the Virgin Islands Port Authority, the Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association, and other key government and private sector partners who worked diligently to manage logistics and keep residents and visitors updated as information became available.

“I am proud and grateful that our first responders, volunteers, vendors, participants, sponsors, promoters, and spectators rose to the occasion. You answered the call to protect the spirit of the season while looking out for one another. That is what makes our Virgin Islands community special. 

“To every troupe, every band, every vendor and every family who came out night after night, thank you for making this festival successful and worthy of the people of these islands. Congratulations to this year’s Road March winner, VIO International, whose winning song was performed alongside our St. John Administrator Shikima Jones Sprauve.

“No year is without its unique obstacles, and we will meet new challenges again. What gives me confidence is the way our people continue to work together, solve problems in real time, and learn from each year, so next year is better, smoother and stronger. Thank you, Virgin Islands, for carrying our culture forward with pride and joy.”