USVI/BVI Friendship Day; Local SNAP Payouts; USVI Women’s B-Ball Champs; Williams to Superior Court

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - The weekly Press Briefing from Government House St. Croix on November 17, 2025, was hosted by Richard Motta, Government House Communications Director. Mr. Motta covered topics that included the celebration of USVI/BVI Friendship Day, Local SNAP stop-gap payments that do not have to be repaid, the Lady Eagles B-Ball Champs, and the nomination of Pedro K. Williams Esq. to the Superior Court Bench.   

The Briefing began with a recap of the 51st Annual USVI/BVI Friendship Day Celebration which took place in Charlotte Amalie this last weekend. 

“This observance has reminded us that the waters between our islands do not divide us. They connect families, faith communities, businesses, and cultures that have always been people in two jurisdictions. This year’s celebration in Charlotte Amalie felt like the best of who we are,” said Mr. Motta. “From the music and the mocko jumbies, Quadrille and Bamboola dancers, and other cultural performers, our streets came alive with the shared heritage of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Friendship Day is a living testimony that our future prosperity depends on our ability to work together, trade together, celebrate together and support one another when times are hard. I want to thank the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands for showing up in such strong numbers, for bringing your families, for participating in the program, and for opening your hearts to our guests. Your presence made it clear that this day still matters; that we still believe in being good neighbors and that we are proud of the ties that bind our islands. I also extend my deep appreciation to the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, the Honorable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley and Deputy Premier Kye Rymer for accepting our invitation and joining us on this important occasion. They did not come alone. They were accompanied by their cabinet and an official delegation of more than 60 residents of the BVI who took the time to travel here and stand with us in friendship and solidarity. We are grateful for their presence and for the ongoing partnership between our islands and our people.” 

Mr. Motta then spoke of the fact that the federal SNAP benefits, as of November 14, 2025, have now been fully restored and that all participants in the program should have their full November benefits posted to their account across the Territory. He addressed the matter of the emergency funds that were issued by check on the 1st of November from the USVI government, as a stop-gap measure, to make sure no resident of the Virgin Islands went hungry during the federal shutdown.  

“In regards to the emergency checks that went out earlier this month for half of the November benefits, those funds are yours to keep. They were funded with local dollars to bridge the gap created by the Federal government shutdown. Put simply, the local payout was an extra lifeline in a time of crisis. The federal payout you received was what you are entitled to…So, when we talk about responsible government in the USVI, this is what we mean.”    

Mr. Motta went on to state that Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has nominated longtime St. Thomas attorney Pedro K. Williams, Esq. to serve as a judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands for the St. Thomas-St. John District. 

“This nomination reflects our commitment to a strong and efficient judiciary,” Governor Bryan said in making the nomination. “Attorney Williams brings nearly 40 years of legal experience and a deep command of the law. His record shows discipline, sound judgement, and respect for the judicial process.”

A graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, he earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas. He returned to the Territory to begin his legal career and has since practised across a broad range of matters. He served as counsel to the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management program at DPNR, prosecuting violations, drafting rules and regulations and advising CZM commissions on all three islands. 

In private practice, Mr. Williams has handled criminal, commercial, family and personal injury cases, as well as real estate development and general litigation.

Mr. Williams currently serves as Chairman of the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission and as an administrative law judge for the Virgin Islands Department of Labor. He is admitted to practice before the District Court of the Virgin Islands, the Superior and Supreme Courts of the Virgin Islands and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. 

“Taken together, this record demonstrates rigorous legal training, broad practice experience and proven decision making in roles that demand impartiality,” Governor Bryan said. “I am confident Attorney Williams will serve the Superior Court with integrity and professionalism.”

The nomination has been submitted to the 36th Legislature for its advice and consent.

Mr. Motta issued congratulations to the USVI Women’s Basketball Team.

“On behalf of Governor Albert Bryan Jr. I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the USVI Women’s National Basketball Team, Our Lady Eagles, winning the 2025 FIBA Caribbean Women’s Championship this weekend in Georgetown, Guyana. The team ran the table in a competitive five team tournament and brought home the Caribbean Championship title and secured a place in next year’s FIBA Central Basket Championship.This victory is not an isolated moment,” the Governor’s statement read. “It is the second major tournament Championship for this program in as many years… You competed against much larger countries and showed again the talent from a small Territory can stand tall on the international stage. You’ve given young girls and boys a powerful example of what is possible through hard work, teamwork and belief…On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, Congratulations Lady Eagles and thank you for making us proud.”