Gov. Bryan Sends Well Wishes to President Biden

M.A. Dworkin

St. Thomas - Governor Albert Bryan Jr. opened his remarks at the weekly press briefing at Government House on St. Thomas, by extending well wishes to President Joseph R. Biden Jr., expressing hopes for a full and speedy recovery from his recent diagnosis of stage 4 prostate cancer. 

The Governor praised the President as “a steadfast public servant and a friend to the Virgin Islands,” noting President Biden’s long standing personal connection to the Territory, especially St. Croix.

“Mr. President, we are keeping you in our prayers and look forward to welcoming you back to St. Croix in good health very soon. Godspeed,” said Governor Bryan.

The Governor went on to share a series of impactful announcements underscoring the Bryan-Roach Administration’s ongoing commitment to economic development, fiscal responsibility, and community investment across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Governor Bryan announced the appointment of Dr. Haldane Davies as the new Director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Economic Research (BER), a move he described as a major step in advancing the Territory’s economic future through “thoughtful, data-driven solutions.” 

Dr. Davies is a respected economist and leader who brings a wealth of experience, including his role on the board of the International Economic Development Council in Washington, D.C.

“I am indeed honored and privileged to have the opportunity to be back home again,” said Dr. Davies. “Together, we will work with all partners to advance the cause of economic development.” 

The Governor also extended heartfelt appreciation to Bernesha Liburd for her nearly four years of dedicated service as Acting Director of BER, commending her leadership during a time of transition.

The Governor then went on to provide a significant update on the Administration’s commitment to honoring retroactive wage obligations. He announced an additional $22.5 million in retroactive wage payments, benefitting approximately 2,000 current and former government employees. Those owed $2,500 or less will be paid in full, while others will receive a 14% partial payment toward their balance. After this most recent payment, the government will have paid more than 60 percent of the total owed in retroactive wages including the $45 million paid during the Governor John P. deJongh Jr. Administration.

“With this latest round, 25 percent of all who were owed will now be paid in full,” the Governor stated. He highlighted that more than $44 million has been paid under his Administration toward the $225 million total obligation. 

He encouraged eligible recipients to visit dof.vi.gov to submit direct deposit information for expedited payments. 

"This payout represents not only a measure of relief, but a recognition of sacrifice and service,” Gov. Bryan added.

In addition to the retroactive payments, Governor Bryan shared that $5 million in income tax refunds were issued this past Friday to 1,700 taxpayers. For calendar year 2025 alone, over $15 million has been disbursed in tax refunds, and $35 million since the start of the fiscal year in September 2024. 

“Over the course of my Administration, we have paid over $410 million in tax refunds. That’s brought us from a backlog of up to five years to nearly current,” remarked the Governor. 

Gover Bryan went on to unveil a major infrastructure milestone: The signing and execution of a $319 million contract for the complete demolition, design, and reconstruction of St. Croix Central High School. The new school will accommodate up to 1,200 students and feature state-of-the-art facilities to include modern classrooms, a media room, gymnasium, music room and a track.

“The project is more than just a construction effort  - it’s a direct investment in our people, our students, and our future,” said Gov. Bryan. “We are rebuilding smarter and laying the foundation for the next generation.” 

The phased construction approach will allow the school to remain operational during the rebuild. This effort is part of a broader Territorial initiative to modernize educational infrastructure, including projects at Arthur Richards School and Charlotte Amalie High School.

At the conclusion of the press briefing, Governor Bryan emphasized the Administration’s steadfast commitment to meeting obligations without deferring payments or neglecting essential services.

“We’re still paying raises, funding hospitals, managing waste, supporting port projects, and covering retirement system contributions - all at the same time. It’s a burden, but it’s a commitment we have to keep,” he said.

Governor Bryan went on to thank the 36th Legislature, local agencies, and federal partners, including FEMA, for their collaboration in bringing these initiatives to fruition. 

“This is what progress looks like - and we are just getting started.”