Gov. Bryan Back in USVI: Progress on Many Fronts

M.A. Dworkin

St. Thomas - Governor Albert Bryan Jr. held the Government House Weekly Press Briefing on Monday, March 2, 2026 on St. Thomas, marking his return to the Territory after nearly two weeks of traveling on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands to advance federal priorities, strengthen partnerships, and move critical projects forward.

Annual Governor’s Meeting

In Washington, D.C. Governor Bryan represented the Virgin Islands at the 2026 Senior Plenary Session of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas at the U.S. Department of the Interior where he participated in the Annual Winter meeting of the National Governors Association alongside fellow Territorial leaders. While in the nation’s capital, the Governor met with White House administration officials to advocate for the Territory’s federal priorities. 

“Our people deserve a strong voice wherever decisions are made that affect our recovery, our economy, and our future,” The Governor said, underscoring the importance of direct engagement with federal partners.

Renewable Energy Partnership

From Washington, the Governor traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, where he met with leadership at Arizona State University to advance a partnership aimed at strengthening renewable energy expansion in the Virgin Islands. Emphasizing the far-reaching impact of energy policy, Governor Bryan noted that energy costs influence the cost of living, public safety, business growth, education, health care, and overall quality of life. “That is why we are moving with urgency,” he said.

ACE Permitting Issues

The Governor also traveled to Jacksonville, Florida to meet with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) to address outstanding permitting issues tied to several critical infrastructure projects. Among the projects discussed were Veteran’s Drive Phase II in St. Thomas and the St. John Marina project. 

On Veteran’s Drive, the project is awaiting resolution of concerns raised by the U.S. Coast Guard related to real estate discussions being handled through the Department of Public Works. Regarding the Summer’s End marina project on St. John, Governor Bryan reported more encouraging news. The permit application, first submitted in 2004, is now approximately 97 percent complete, and the Corps has committed to issuing a final decision by April 2026.

Contract to Rebuild JFL

Turning to health care infrastructure, Governor Bryan announced that the Government of the Virgin Islands executed a contract last week with Suffolk Construction Company covering the preconstruction phase for the rebuilding of Juan F. Luis Hospital. The overall project is expected to take approximately five years to complete, with demolition anticipated to begin before the end of the year.

VIPD Milestone

The Governor also highlighted a major public milestone, announcing that the Virgin Islands Police Department has met compliance standards under the federal consent decree stemming from a 2008 U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit and subsequent 2009 court order. The decree has governed core policing reforms for more than a decade.

“This is a major step forward for public safety, public trust, and the credibility of our institutions.” Governor Bryan said. He explained that compliance reflects not just written policies, but systems that are operating as required and sustained over time - including standards for supervision, investigations, use-of-force review, accountability, and an accessible citizen complaint process.

VI Fire & EMS Grads

Governor Bryan also extended congratulations to the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Firefighter and EMT Recruit Class of 2025-01 from the St. Thomas-St. John District, known as R.E.D.L.I.O.N.S. - “Ready Everyday Living Individuals Offering Needed Services.”

     “That name says what you signed up to do,” the Governor said. “Your class motto says how you plan to do it. ‘A Dozen as One, Second to None.’ That is unity. That is discipline. That is service done the right way. On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, thank you for stepping up.”

Life Saving Efforts at the Pier

Finally, the Governor recognized the swift and courageous actions taken in Frederiksted at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility when a cruise passenger fell into the water. He publicly acknowledged Virgin Island Port Authority (VIPA) Chief Wharfinger Waynia Charles, Virgin Islands Police Department Officer Karima Liburd, and Community Service Officer Amoy Fredericks, as well as VIPA Dock Master Devante Edwards for calling in support, and the crew of the SV Juliet for responding. 

“That is public service at its best,” Governor Bryan said. “Thank you for your continued service.”

The weekly briefing reflected the Bryan-Roach Administration’s continued focus on federal advocacy, infrastructure modernization, public safety reform, health care rebuilding, and strengthening the partnerships necessary to secure a more resilient and prosperous future for the Virgin Islands.