Ghana-USVI Economic Development Mission

M.A. Dworkin

St. Thomas - The Bryan-Roach Administration used Monday’s Government House Press Briefing on St. Thomas to highlight a couple of key developments moving across the Territory, including the upcoming Ghana-U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Mission in July and progress toward issuing tax refunds ahead of the Carnival Holiday. 

At the onset of the briefing, Government House Director of Communications Richard Motta delivered a message on behalf of Governor Albert Bryan Jr. who asked the people of the Virgin Islands to keep the Roach family in their thoughts and prayers on the passing of Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach’s sister, Violette Roach Browne.

The briefing also spotlighted an important international initiative tied to the Administration’s broader vision for economic growth and long-term resilience. In July, the U.S. Virgin Islands will host the Ghana-U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Mission, a multi-day engagement that will bring together government leaders, private sector partners, and innovators to explore practical opportunities for investment, collaboration, and shared growth. Areas of focus will include digital infrastructure, affordable housing, energy, construction, labor, tourism, financial services, and cultural exchange. 

Officials said the mission is intended to produce meaningful outcomes for the people of the Virgin Islands by advancing serious discussions in the areas where strategic partnerships can create real value. During the engagement, representatives are expected to meet with leadership from across the Virgin Islands government, including the Economic Development Authority, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, the Virgin Islands Housing Authority, the Department of Public Works, the Office of Disaster Recovery, the Virgin Islands Energy Office, the Department of Labor, and members of the Legislature. 

Participating in Monday’s briefing were U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Authority Chief Executive Officer Wayne Biggs Jr., joined in St. Thomas by Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Kunmi Demuren of GreenHouse Capital, and St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce President John P. Woods. Their participation underscored the Administration’s commitment to building smart partnerships that support innovation, workforce development, infrastructure growth, and broader economic opportunity. 

$15 Million in Tax Refunds

During the briefing, the Administration also provided an update on its plan to issue $15 million in income tax refunds ahead of the Carnival holidays. At this stage, approximately $10.29 million in refunds has been identified for release, representing 3,827 tax returns processed from filings received through April 15, 2024. Officials noted that not every return filed by that date is included in this round and urged taxpayers not to assume that the absence of a refund at this stage means they have been excluded from future disbursements. 

According to the update, the initial processing was completed before the April 15 filing deadline, based on the funding then available. The additional $5 million approved just before Tax Day is still being incorporated into the broader refund process, and more information  on that portion is expected later this week. The Administration said it remains focused on moving those refunds out as promptly and responsibly as possible.