Government House Reports on Economic Progress and Infrastructure Renewal

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - At Monday’s weekly Press Briefing from Government House on St. Croix Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. addressed several timely issues that dealt with community lending and hurricane preparedness - as the height of the hurricane season barrels down on the USVI;  along with the initiation of new programs that present strong prospects of economic revitalization, the Communications Director presented a snapshot of work that is underway to strengthen the Territory. 

Mr. Motta led off the briefing with remarks about the 36th Legislature’s recent decision to reject Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s proposal to explore a self-funded health insurance model for government employees and retirees. 

“The Governor’s proposal was cost-free, practical, and meant to inform - not change - our current health plan,” explained Mr. Motta. “The rejection of a simple fact-finding committee puts our public workers at risk. Last year, premiums rose 9 percent. This year they’re projected to rise by 19 percent. Those costs fall directly on our employees and retirees.” 

Mr. Motta expressed disappointment not only in the Legislature’s refusal to consider the proposal, but also in the absence of advocacy from the Government Employees Service Commission. “Choosing to do nothing preserves a broken model and weakens our ability to protect workers,” he stated.

VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen provided an update on the hurricane season which currently shows a minimal amount of threatening activity coming across the Atlantic. It generally isn’t until mid-August when the storms originate off Cape Verde in Africa are the islands in the direct sights of tropical cyclones. Mr. Jaschen urged residents to remain vigilant and prepared. 

“If you haven’t already, please register for Alert VI at vitema.vi.gov to receive emergency updates via text, phone, or email,” Mr. Jaschen reminded residents. “And make sure your family has a plan - and has talked about it.”

In a major boost to the Territory’s economic development goals, Mr. Motta announced that the RTPark Community Impact Fund has been awarded a $3.6 million grant to launch the VI Leap Fund - a new initiative to support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and underserved communities. 

“This is more than just a grant, it’s the start of something transformative - a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) right here in the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Motta expounded on the award. “It’s a milestone that brings us closer to the inclusive, resilient economy envisioned in the Bryan-Roach Administration’s Vision 2040 strategy.”

The program builds on the success of the VI Catalyst Revolving Loan Fund, managed by RTPark since 2022, and sets the foundation for a long-term financial resource that supports wealth-building and economic inclusion.  

Mr. Motta also spoke of a major step forward in economic renewal. Earlier in the day, Governor Bryan signed Executive Order No. 542 of 2025, expanding Enterprise Zones in Frederiksted and Garden Street/Upstreet Charlotte Amalie, while creating new commercial zones in Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay, St John. The action aligns with the Virgin Islands Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan and furthers the administration’s long-term commitment to sustainable, place-based economic growth. 

As part of broader efforts to revitalize downtown Charlotte Amalie, the Department of Public Works has completed a full renovation of the Fort Christian Parking Lot, which reopened this week. 

The project included resurfacing, ADA-compliant ramps, reflective signage, and utility improvements to support Carnival vendors. A new 24-hour automated payment system has also been introduced, with a pay-on-foot kiosk coming later this month. The lot now accepts cash, credit and debit cards, and includes  free EV charging stations - the first of their kind in the area. 

“These aren’t flashy improvements,” said Mr. Motta. “But they make downtown more accessible, safer, and better connected to the economic and cultural heart of our community.”

The briefing concluded with a preview of two notable public events this week. The VIPD swearing-in ceremony honoring the appointments of Chief Deborah L. Hodge (STT/STJ) and Chief Uston A. Cornelius (STX). The other event was the Department of Finance building dedication honoring Bernice Turnbull on Thursday at 2 pm. Both events will be livestreamed on GVI social media channels and rebroadcast on the Government Access Network (GAN).