Government House Update: Storm Shelters; Special Session; EV Deals; Ras Tafari Day

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. hosted the weekly Press Briefing from Government House St. Croix, highlighting the Bryan-Roach Administration’s continuing efforts to keep the Virgin Islands informed, prepared, and protected as the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season comes into full focus. Mr. Motta also commented about the agenda for the upcoming Special Session of the Legislature, a new partnership in the field of Electronic Vehicles, and the proclamation of Ras Tafari Day in the USVI.

Leading off the Briefing was VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, who was joined by the Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Averil George. 

Director Jaschen provided an update on tropical weather activity currently being monitored in the Atlantic where two tropical waves are under observation. Although both systems were being watched closely neither of the systems were suspected of being a threat to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Director Jaschen pointed out that it was still early in the season and that historically the peak occurs between August 15 and October 15. He did underscore VITEMA’s ongoing efforts to coordinate with federal and local partners, including the National Guard, FEMA, the ADA Coordinator’s Office, and the American Red Cross, to evaluate and prepare congregate shelter sites across all four Virgin Islands. 

Commissioner George spoke about her agency’s central role in shelter operations and support for vulnerable populations. DHS continues to coordinate shelter readiness and urges residents who are elderly, disabled, or living alone to register with the Elderly and Disabled Disaster Registry for pre-storm support. Residents may register by contacting: St. Thomas/St. John: 340-774-0930 ext 4109; and on St. Croix; 340-718-6935.

Currently designated shelters include:

• St. Thomas: Ivanna Eudora Kean High School; and Lockhart K-8 School Cafeteria (pet-friendly)

• St. John: Adrian Senior Center; and Gift Hill School Upper campus

• St. Croix: D.C. Canegata Community Center; and Educational Complex High School Gymnasium (pet-friendly)

As the hurricane season continues, officials urge all residents to stay prepared, remain vigilant, and follow updates from trusted government sources.

Mr. Motta announced that Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has called a Special Session of the 36th

Legislature for Friday, August 1, 2025, to address three major proposals:

• Health Insurance Reform - Exploring a self-funded model for government health insurance. Under this approach, the Government Employees Service commission would issue a request for proposals to compare the costs and benefits of moving away from a fixed-premium system to one that pays for actual health care services as they are used. This shift offers the potential for cost savings, greater transparency, and more flexibility.

• Double-Dipping Repeal Act of 2025 - Eliminating the practice of Legislators receiving both a government pension and a legislative salary while simultaneously accruing additional retirement benefits. Pension System Equity - Ending what the Governor called a “carve-out” that burdens the GERS and undermines public trust.

• Repeal of the Law - that forces government employees to take a leave of absence just to run for elected office. Instead, it would allow them to campaign while remaining in their positions, provided they do not use work hours or government resources for political activity. Violations under the proposed repeal act would be subject to strict penalties.

Support for EV Transition

Virgin Islands Energy Office Director Kyle Fleming announced a new partnership with TJ Ocean Auto Group to expand local Electric Vehicle (EV) service capacity, including new EV lifts and charging infrastructure. The partnership is funded by a federal sub-grant through the State Energy Program. 

Mr. Fleming also highlighted available EV incentives: 

• $7,500 Federal Tax Credit (which expires on September 30, 2025)

• $5,000 Local Rebate (no expiration at this time)

• Together, eligible Virgin Islanders can save up to $12,500 on a new EV purchase.

“These incentives help make EVs more affordable while supporting our long-term energy independence and sustainability goals,” said Director Fleming.

Income Tax Refunds

Over the past three weeks the Bryan-Roach Administration has been announcing the release of more than $15.7 million in income tax refunds to more than 3,700 tax filers across the USVI. These payments are being issued to individuals who filed their 2023 returns on or before March 5, 2024, and who have no outstanding issues that would delay the processing of their refund.

Ras Tafari Day

And finally, Governor Bryan has proclaimed Wednesday, July 23, 2025, as Ras Tafari Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands - a powerful acknowledgement that Ras Tafari is not just a religion, but a way of life. “It is a cultural movement deeply woven into the history, music, and social consciousness of these Virgin Islands,” stated Governor Bryan.

The Bryan-Roach Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in government operations, and will continue to focus on the work of improving the lives of Virgin Islanders.