Bryan Upbeat on New Airlifts, Tax Refunds, Infrastructure Upgrades

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced at the Monday Press Briefing on St. Croix, that Southwest Airlines will begin service to Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas in early 2026, marking the airline’s first entry into the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

“This is a major milestone and the result of years of deliberate outreach and relationship-building,” said Communications Director, Richard Motta Jr. “It speaks to growing national confidence in our tourism sector and broader economy.”

St. Thomas is one of only three new markets Southwest will add next year. The announcement follows American Airlines recent decision to launch nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare to both St. Croix and St. Thomas starting in December. The addition of new routes strengthens the Territory’s airlift, improves travel options, and creates new opportunities for local businesses and workers.    

$15.7 Million in Income Tax Refunds

Governor Bryan also announced the release of $15.7 million in income tax refunds to more than 3,700 Virgin Islanders who filed their returns on or before March 5, 2024.

“These payments represent another step in our ongoing work to return the people’s money and keep government promises,” said Mr. Motta. “The Bryan-Roach Administration remains committed to reducing the backlog of refunds and improving the efficiency of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue. 

DPW Infrastructure Updates

Commissioner Derek Gabriel delivered a comprehensive update on the Department of Public Works’ (DPW) ongoing projects to improve road conditions, manage vegetation, and support public safety and resilience throughout the Territory.

Mr. Gabriel emphasized the Department’s Territory-wide vegetation management and brush-clearing program, which is aimed at improving roadway visibility, protecting public safety, and supporting better stormwater drainage. 

“These efforts are critical not just for roadway safety but for our overall disaster preparedness,” Commissioner Gabriel stated. “We are taking a proactive approach to maintain clean and clear road corridors.” 

Commissioner Gabriel also noted that DPW is collaborating closely with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) to clear brush and overgrown vegetation from utility rights-of-way, especially around overhead power lines. This partnership helps prevent outages, improves service reliability, and reduces the risk of infrastructure damage during storms. 

“We are seeing real progress across the districts,” said Mr. Gabriel. “While there is still much to do, we are focused on rebuilding our roads to a standard Virgin Islanders can be proud of.”

Commissioner Gabriel also provided an update on the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project in Frederiksted, noting that construction is moving forward and remains an active priority for the Administration. 

“This project has faced delays in the past, but today it is real, it is funded, and it is progressing,” Mr. Gabriel said. “The people of St. Croix deserves a first-class recreational facility, and we are committed to delivering it.” 

Mr. Motta closed the Press Briefing with a reminder that 2024 real property tax bills are due by August 30, 2025. Property owners who do not pay by the deadline may face penalties and interest. 

Residents are encouraged to contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor with any questions or to request assistance with their property tax bills. 

“Paying on time helps fund the public services we all depend on - whether it’s education, emergency response, or road maintenance,” Mr. Motta concluded.