Roach Announces New Airlift for STX & New Resort for STT

M.A. Dworkin

ST. Thomas - Acting Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. used the Monday press briefing at Government House St. Thomas to announce two major economic development initiatives: New nonstop United Airlines service between Newark, New Jersey, and St. Croix; and a proposed luxury hotel, marina and residential development on Water Island representing a minimum private investment of $300 million. 

“The announcements reflect the Bryan-Roach Administration’s continued work to expand opportunity across the Territory, strengthen the tourism economy, attract private investment and ensure that St. Croix, St. Thomas St. John and Water Island all share in the Virgin Islands long-term growth,” said Acting Governor Roach. 

Beginning October 31, 2026, United Airlines will launch a new nonstop service between Newark Liberty International Airport and St. Croix, with weekly Saturday flights. The route restores a long-sought direct connection between St. Croix and the northeastern United States, one of the Territory’s most important visitor markets.

“This is a major step for St. Croix,” Acting Governor Roach said. “We have long advocated for the return of a direct flight from the northeastern United States to St. Croix. I want to thank United Airlines for its confidence in the U.S. Virgin Islands and for investing in St. Croix. I also want to thank Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King and the Department of Tourism for their continued work to bring this major opportunity home for the Territory.”

Mr. Roach said the new airlift builds on the Administration’s broader efforts to position St. Croix for sustainable economic growth. Over the past seven years, the Administration has worked to increase cruise ship calls to St. Croix by more than 400 percent, strengthen Frederiksted as a cruise destination, improve the visitor experience through infrastructure investments, and market St. Croix as a distinct destination known for its history, culture, food, festivals, music and people.

“St, Croix remains a viable economy that requires additional momentum to achieve the level of growth we all deserve,” Mr. Roach said. “That is the work this Administration has been doing.”

The Acting Governor, who is filling in for Governor Albert Bryan Jr, who is out of the Territory, also announced that a major hotel and mixed use development project on Water Island is moving forward for consideration. The proposed development would transform a significant Water Island property into a branded luxury resort, marina and residential destination featuring at least 88 hotel rooms, restaurants, a spa, marina facilities and up to 100 private residences.

Preliminary projections place the minimum investment at $300 million, with total investment expected to reach approximately $440 million. The project is also projected to create roughly 200 construction jobs and approximately 300 permanent jobs once the resort and marina become operational.

“The Water Island project is more than a resort,” said Mr. Roach. “It is a development that combines tourism, infrastructure, employee housing and much needed community investment.”

The proposed project would include substantial infrastructure improvements on Water Island, including upgrades to roads, drainage systems, utilities and marine facilities.  Mr. Roach said those improvements are essential to ensuring that large scale private investment also delivers meaningful public benefit.

“Projects of this scale do not come around every day,” he said. “If we want a stronger economy, a broader tax base, better infrastructure and more large-scale private investment in the Virgin Islands, we must be prepared to move serious opportunities forward with care, urgency and confidence.”

Lt. Governor Roach said both announcements are part of the Administration’s larger strategy to move the Territory beyond recovery and toward durable economic growth. 

“These two announcements are part of the same larger story,” he said. “They are about making sure the Virgin Islands continues moving forward, with St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island all sharing the opportunities ahead.”