USVI Local Clips - April 22, 2026

M.A. Dworkin

• Feds set to Bailout Spirit Airlines

• Spirit Airlines is within a day or two of announcing a $500 million bailout from the Trump Administration. The deal is expected to include the federal government taking a stake in the troubled airline, which has struggled to make money since the Covid pandemic. Spirit would avoid becoming the first significant U.S. airline in 25 years forced to completely halt operations because of financial problems. Jet fuel costs have doubled since the start of the war in Iran, derailing Spirit's plans to emerge from its second BK since 2024. A shutdown would put thousands of Spirit employees out of work and leave millions of passengers with Spirit tickets scrambling to make other arrangements. Spirit runs two regular weekly flights from FLL into STX, and during the season adds one or two more into St. Croix's Henry E. Rohlsen Airport from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport..

• Program to Protect Medically Vulnerable During Power Outages

• The Bryan-Roach Administration announced the launch of VIRG (Virgin Islands Resiliency Gateway), a new initiative through the Virgin Islands Energy Office designed to provide portable backup battery systems to "Medically Vulnerable" eligible residents during power outages. It is part of a broader strategy to expand resilience, renewable energy, and long-term energy affordability. The portable battery systems can be recharged using an included solar panel or a standard wall outlet. The units can provide up to a day of backup power for essential needs such as CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, refrigerators used to store medications, and devices that help residents remain connected to loved ones and emergency information. Add'l info regarding VIRG eligibility, the application process and distribution timelines will be announced in the coming weeks.

• Ground-Breaking on Central High School Project

• The Bryan-Roach Administration broke ground today on the project to demolish and construct the New St. Croix Central High School project. The $789 million reconstruction effort to demolish and rebuild the hurricane-damaged campus features digital innovation hubs, improved fine arts spaces, and a climate-resistant design, which aims to create a state-of-the-art learning environment.

• Six-Term Senator John A. Bell Sr. Dies

• "It is with deep sadness that I join the people of the Virgin Islands in mourning the passing of former Senator John A. Bell Sr., a respected son of St. Croix and a devoted public servant who gave many years to this Territory," said Governor Albert Bryan Jr.

• Mr. Bell transformed his life from being a chronic truant in his younger years, and being placed in a school for delinquent boys, to serving six-terms in the USVI Legislature. Golden Grove Prison was officially renamed the John A. Bell Correctional Facility in 2022 to honor Mr. Bell. He was a founder of the Unity Movement which evolved into the Democratic Party in the USVI. The 30th Legislature bestowed upon him the Medal of Honor.

• VIPD Reminders: Drive Safe, Drive Sober; Also, Click It or Ticket

• On 420 (4/20/26), a day commonly associated with marijuana use observed across the Territory, the VIPD/Office of Highway Safety is urging residents and visitors to prioritize safety and look out for one another on our roadways. "Driving under the influence of marijuana or any impairing substance can affect judgement, slow reaction time, and reduce coordination," said Director Daphne O'Neal. "It's a common and dangerous misconception that people drive better when they are high."

• Also BUCKLE UP! Click It or Ticket! All Districts will be conducting enforcement initiatives along many roads in the Territory, which will coincide with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

USVI at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026

• Gov Bryan and the VI Department of Tourism headed to Miami, FL to attend Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 to engage directly with key cruise line partners and industry stakeholders to reinforce the Territory's position within the Eastern Caribbean as one of the premier tourist destinations. Meetings were held with the senior leadership of the various cruse lines to discuss itinerary planning, port operations, and the overall cruise experience across the Territory. Targeted media meetings were also held with travel, lifestyle and trade outlets. "Seatrade is where we engage directly with our cruise partners on the decisions that shape the itineraries and the overall cruise experience," said Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King. "This week we had focused conversations with our partners and reinforced the role the USVI continues to play within their planning."

• STX Hotel in Uptown C'sted Changes Scope of Project

• Peter Zielke, the developer who has transformed Hospital Street into what is now known as Uptown Christiansted, has asked the EDC to change the scope of his hotel/marina project, downsizing it from 66 rooms to 25 hotel rooms and 10 FT employees to start. Due to costly delays involving WAPA not turning on the power for 6 months, delays related to permits and construction/shipping, he has requested a phased approach to complete the project. "Some of the delays are incredibly long, like WAPA can take five or six months to hook up," said Mr. Zielke, noting other delays including weather-related and parts held up in shipping and customs.

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BK Trustee Says McClafferty Misused Company Funds

• A Court-appointed trustee alleged that Brett McClafferty used his company, MAC Private Equity, funds in an illegal manner, including for personal expenses, a social media effort to boost up his tarnished image, diverting monies to his Senatorial campaign, and failing to fully disclose his finances. The first status report filed by the Chapter 7 trustee overseeing his company's BK proceedings, following $500,000+ in lawsuits against MAC, paints a completely different picture than the one Mr. McClafferty has tried to portray in his recent social media blogs in ana attempt to white-wash his image as he prepares for a USVI Senatorial run. "Mr. McClafferty's recurring pattern of deceptive pleading and lack of candor with the court system suggests that the current filing is a continuation of that bad trajectory," the trustee stated noting his history of litigation misconduct. The trustee also alleges that McClafferty continues to spend lavishly on things "neither reasonable nor necessary for his support or maintenance."

• Judge Orders JFL to Pay $12M for Traveling Nurses

• Superior Court Judge Ernest Morris has ordered Juan F. Luis Hospital to pay over $12.1 million to Worldwide Staffing for overdue bills related to unpaid invoices for traveling nurses services. Following a decade-long dispute, the final judgement includes $4.2 million in unpaid invoices and $7.9 million in interest and fees. The ruling exacerbates the hospital's severe financial crisis which has caused operational challenges. Despite the debt, JFL had paid $13.4 million to Worldwide Travel Staffing between 2011 and 2013. JFL on STX along with Schneider Regional on STT have been facing severe cash-flow issues, with recent reports citing ongoing payroll direct-deposit delays and a need for $22 million to settle vendor debt.

• Bryan Applauds STX Plastics recycle Company

• STX based RePlastic Recycle LLC, a plastic fabrication company, that turns plastic waste into recycling that has local value, has been selected to present before heads of state, ministers, and environmental delegates, at the 2026 Global Sustainable Islands summit in the Canary Islands. The company is preparing to begin local production on STX of recycled plastic building materials, including interlocking blocks, dimensional lumber, pavers, and custom tiles made from plastic that would otherwise end up in the Territory's waste stream, landfills, guts, and coastal waters. "When a company born on St. Croix earns the opportunity to stand before the world and offer a real solution to a problem that affects island communities everywhere, that is something the Virgin Islands should take pride in," said Governor Bryan.

• Contract to Dredge Charlotte Amalie Harbor

• VIPA awarded a contract to Orion Marine Construction, Inc. not to exceed $42M to dredge Charlotte Amalie Harbor, including the turning basin and Yacht Haven Grande Marina in STT. The project, which began its planning process in 2008, is a major step forward in enhancing the Territory's maritime infrastructure and making it easier for larger cruise vessels to berth at the West Indian Co. Dock in Havensight. The project strengthens St. Thomas' position as a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean. Contracting and pre-construction activities are to begin ASAP, with construction to begin within the next 180 days. The work is not expected to impact cruise traffic.

• ICE Redefines Employer I-9 Forms & adds Substantial Fines

• ICE reclassified several common administrative Form I-9 errors as "substantive" violations with fines up to $2,861 per infraction if discovered during an audit. Employers are facing added pressure to make certain the paperwork on Form I-9 for new hires is totally accurate and without errors. Under the new rules, among other changes, I-9 forms submitted without an employee's date of birth, without a date next to the employee's signature, and without a USCIS number if applicable, are now not considered errors but "substantive I-9 violations." "Ensure that HR professionals, managers, or recruiters involved in I-9 completion understand the rules for completing I-9s and the importance of ensuring accurate dates and entries, The margin for administrative error during an I-9 audit has narrowed.," said one expert on I-9 issues.

• Sen. Marise James Calls for Full Investigation of Epstein Ties to USVI

• Sen. Marise James has called for a full investigation on the ties between the convicted sex predator Jeffrey Epstein and his interactions with various USVI agencies. In November 2025, the U.S. House Oversight Committee sent a subpoena to VI AG Rhea for all documents relating to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell from 2019, including matters related to the USVI lawsuit vs. JPMorgan Chase. The request was part of a wider effort to scrutinize the close ties between Epstein and USVI officials. Epstein owned Little St. James island (part of the USVI) off the coast of STT from 1998 to his death in 2019, where he entertained wealthy businessmen and politicians and sexually abused and trapped underage and teenage girls.

• USVI Minimum Wage Increase to $12 hour

• In January 2026, the 36th Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands unanimously passed Bill N0. 36-0030, which was signed into law by Gov. Bryan enacting a phased increase to the Territory's minimum wage. Under the new law, the minimum wage will increase from $10.50 per hour to $12.00 per hour on April 24, 2026. Phased increases: 2027 increase to $14.00/hr. 2028 increase to $15.00/hr. The bill was sponsored by Sen Franklin Johnson. First adjustment since 2018. Phased approach allows businesses time to adjust to higher labor costs.

• AG Rhea Joins forces with AGs on Fraudulent Investment Ads on FB

• VI AG Gordon C. Rhea joined a bipartisan coalition of 41 AGs who sent a letter to Meta Platforms urging the company to take immediate and meaningful action to address the proliferation of fraudulent investment advertisements on Facebook (FB) and WhatsApp. The letter outlines widespread concerns about deceptive ads that lure users into fraudulent investment groups, often impersonating well-known financial figures. The scams have resulted in significant economic losses for consumers across the country.

• CG Sends 60 Aliens Back to DR from PR Waters

• The Coast Guard Cutter Thetis repatriated 60 aliens(48 men and 12 women) to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, following the interdiction of an unlawful, poorly constructed, makeshift migration vessel en voyage in Mona Passage waters northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. "This interdiction resulted in sixty saved lives. If you're thinking of taking part in an unlawful migration voyage, don't take it by sea!" cautioned Cmdr, Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan Chief of Response. "These voyages most often involve unseaworthy and grossly overloaded makeshift vessels with no lifesaving equipment. They are highly unstable and could capsize without warning killing everyone onboard."

• DLCA Court Victory Allows Subpoenas on Fuel Investigations

• DLCA can now subpoena business records relevant to consumer pricing investigations including those of gas stations. "This ruling is a clear affirmation of the Department's responsibility and authority to protect consumers and ensure fairness in the marketplace," said DLCA Commissioner H. Nathalie Hodge. "The court has validated our efforts to obtain critical information necessary to understand fuel pricing and to ensure that consumers in the Virgin Islands are not subjected to unjustified costs.

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• Calls to Pass the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act

• VI AG Gordon C. Rhea joined 40 other AGs in calling on Congress to pass the Combating illicit Xylazine Act which would classify the animal tranquilizer Xylazine - often used in a mix with fentanyl and other opioids - as a federal controlled substance to better protect communities and reduce opioid overdose deaths.

• BIR New Tax Amnesty Program

• Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) Director Joel A. Lee, informs taxpayers with outstanding Gross Receipts and corporate and Individual income taxes that a new amnesty period will begin on Monday, April 13, 2026 and end on Wednesday May 6, 2026. The amnesty program will cover all delinquent periods up to tax year 2023. The taxpayer must pay outstanding tax and interest, and the penalties will be waived. Taxpayers must also file all delinquent returns. For more information 340-715-1040 or 340-773-1040

• 109th Anniversary of Transfer Day in USVI

• Transfer day marks the historic moment on March 31, 1917, when the islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John were formally transferred from Denmark to the United States. "Transfer Day is more than a date on a calendar," said Governor Bryan. "It is a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of the Virgin Islands people. For 109 years we have continued to shape our own identity while honoring the the complex history that brought us here." The United States acquired the islands for $25 million in gold under the Treaty of the Danish West Indies. .

• Joel Lee New head at CCC

• Joel Lee will serve as the new Chairman and CEO of the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission (CCC) as longtime civil servant Marvin Pickering retires from public service. "Mr. Lee brings the financial expertise, leadership experience and steady judgement needed to lead one of the Territory's most important regulatory bodies," said Governor Bryan of the nomination. Mr. Lee currently serves as Director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue.

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• Ava Penn Takes Charge at VIPA

• Ava Penn has been appointed by the VIPA Board as the interim Executive Director at the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) in the aftermath of Carlton Dowe submitting his letter of resignation to the VIPA Board as he faces federal charges of bank fraud. Ms. Penn has over 30 years of government service and recently served as Director of Financial Affairs and Acting Director of Property Management at VIPA.

• Gov. Employees Who seek Public Office Must Take Leave from their Job

• If Bill No. 36-0134 to allow government employees to reman on their jobs while running for public office is not enacted by April 2026, then government employees who wish to run for public office in November 2026, will be required to take leave from their positions in order to run for office. Since the bill was not placed on the agenda for the legislative session held on March 18, 2026, it seems unlikely that the present status will be overturned.

• Office of Veteran's Affairs Toasts Women Veteran's

• The Office of Veteran's Affairs hosted "A Tribute & Toast to Our Women Veterans" on Monday March 23, 2026 at the Government House Ballroom on STT. The event provided a opportunity for women who have served in the Armed Forces to share their reflections, be honored for their service, and connect with fellow women veterans. The celebration highlighted the vital contributions women veterans have made - and continue to make - in strengthening both the community and the nation. Speakers: Director, Patrick Farrell and Administrator, Kevin Rodriguez.

• CBP: PR and USVI Small Boaters Should Use ROAM for Arrivals

• The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) San Juan Field Office issued a reminder about the reporting requirements under federal law for small pleasure boaters navigating into the U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico and the USVI. They are to report their entry immediately via their personal smart phone. The ROAM app satisfies the boat operator's legal requirement to report for face-to-face inspection with some exceptions. Travelers requiring an I-94 cruising license or who must pay duties will still need to report in person to the nearest CBP facility.

• Beeston Hill Town Houses Get OK

• USVI Senators voted unanimously (14-0) to approve an amended version of Bill 36-0200, allowing a new residential development to be built at Estate Beeston Hill, St. Croix. The need for increased housing supply proved to be the justification for the zoning variance which overrode many Beeston Hill residents disapproval of the project. The property's owner proposed 24 town house units, of which 6 will be offered for sale and 18 designated for a mix of long and short term rentals.

• Taxpayer Eligibility for Trump Account

• Joel Lee, CPA, Director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is informing individual taxpayers about the eligibility for a new benefit called the Trump Account. Parents. Guardians, and other authorized individuals can establish this new individual retirement account for the exclusive benefit of certain children. If the child was born after 2024 and before 2029, is a U.S. citizen, and meets certain requirements, the authorized individual can receive a $1,000 federal contribution to the child's Trump Account. To open the account and receive $1,000 it must be by an authorized person (parent or guardian) with IRS Form 4547. and filed electronically on TrumpAccounts.gov.. or mail to: Dept of the Treasury, IRS, Austin, TX 73301-0215 USA. For more info: TrumAccounts.gov or call 340-715-1040.

• DPNR Buys 140 Acres Above Perseverance Bay STT

• DPNR has purchased 140 acres above Perseverance Bay - often the first thing Virgin Islanders see when flying into the STT airport. - formally incorporating the property into the Territorial Parks System as a significant cultural and ecological landscape. DPNR's Division of Territorial Parks & Protected Areas (TPPA) views the acquisition as a major step in its mission to steward the Territory's protected areas while keeping them open to all Virgin Islanders. "Perseverance Bay offers a remarkable natural setting for hikers, explorers, students, and researchers alike," said Kristina "Kitty" Edwards, Director of TPPA. "It stands as both an outdoor classroom and a vital environmental resource."

• UVI Celebrates 64 Years of Excellence

• The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will host a series of events throughout March to commemorate 64 years of service and excellence in higher education in the Virgin Islands. Charter Month celebrates the University's founding on March 16, 1962 and highlights its continued commitment to academic excellence, cultural enrichment and community engagement. This year's theme. "In Pursuit of Dreams: Celebrating Leadership and Virgin Island Excellence" reflects UVI's enduring mission to empower students and strengthen the region. "Charter Month is a celebration of our history, our impact and our future," said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. "For 64 years, UVI has helped generations of Virgin Islanders pursue their dreams through education, leadership and service. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence and to expanding opportunity for our students and our community."

• For a full schedule of Charter Month activities and additional info visit uvi.edu/Charter-1 Month.

• St. Thomas & St. Barts Sign Twinning Agreeme

• On March 10, 2026, Governor Albert Bryan Jr from St. Thomas (STT), and President Xavier Ledee of St. Barts (SBH) signed a twinning agreement at Government House STT to formalize, promote, and strengthen their deep, longstanding cultural, educational, economic and touristic ties. The partnership highlights the shared history specifically between the "Frenchies" of St. Thomas and the "local French people" of St. Barts. The agreement celebrates the shared ancestry between French settlers in St. Barts and the French community in St. Thomas - specifically in Frenchtown and the Northside. The partnership aims to foster collaboration in the tourism sector, potentially linking St. Barts' ultra-premium market with St. Thomas's larger, family oriented market. A direct flight route between STT and SBH which was launched in October 2025 helps support the initiative.

• GVI Employees of the Year 2026

• Office of the Governor

• On behalf of Governor Albert Bryan Jr. it is with great pride and appreciation that the Government of the Virgin Islands announces the GVI Employee of the Year Awards:

• Ms. Naydyeyah Acoy-Thomas - Administrative Coordinator, St. Croix

• Mr. Leonard Rabsatt - Dignitary Security Officer, ESU, St. Thomas

• This recognition reflects their exceptional dedication, outstanding performance, and unwavering commitment to the Office of the Governor. Throughout the year, Naydyeyah and Leonard have consistently gone above and beyond demonstrating teamwork, innovation, professionalism, and a positive attitude. GVI is truly grateful for their contributions and for the example they set every day. Congratulations to Naydyeyah and Leonard on this well-deserved honor.

• WAPA Sends Crew to Help Jamaica's Recovery Efforts

• WAPA has dispatched a 10-man crew, consisting of line workers and supervisory officers from all three USVI islands, to Jamaica to help in restoring electrical service to the island nation in the aftermath of devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The WAPA crew is there to support restoration efforts by JPS (Jamaica Public Service Co.) and pick up tips on how to strengthen preparedness, along with storm response and grid resilience in the USVI ahead of the upcoming 2026 Hurricane season.

• DPNR Issues Monthly Sargassum Update

• Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), on behalf of the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), is advising the public to prepare for another year of record Sargassum influx, as concentrations continue to travel across the Caribbean, consistent with early 2026 forecasts. "Sargassum amounts in most regions is set to increase in the coming month...Levels in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic regions recorded record-high Sargassum levels in January, exceeding 75% of historical measurements," officials reported. Sargassum is a brown, free-floating macroalgae. When beached, decomposing Sargassum releases hydrogen sulfide, producing a strong "rotten egg" odor and causing irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system. effects that are more severe for individuals with asthma. Note: Further reference St. Croix Times article in the Farming, Plants & Marine News section.

• USVI Touts Airlift at Routes 2026

• The USVI Department of Tourism (DOT) continued to advance airlift service development to the Virgin Islands at Routes Americas 2026 annual meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The delegation met with key airline and airport partners to reinforce collaboration, strengthen long-term relationships, and support continued connectivity growth for the Territory. During the 3-day forum, DOT Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King and her team met with Southwest, United, Delta, JetBlue, and airport officials from Denver and Copenhagen. "Routes Americas gives us a focused opportunity to sit down with the teams shaping airline network decisions and talk through what travelers are looking for, what markets are performing, and where the next opportunities are for the USVI," said the Commissioner. "We are continuing to work closely with airline partners that currently operate flights to St. Thomas while exploring opportunities to expand service to St. Croix, where strong demand and yield signal clear potential for additional airlift." Routes Americas is recognized as a leading platform for air service development in the Caribbean region.

• USVI 2050 Transportation Master Plan

• DPW held three public meetings by the 2050 Transportation Master Plan Project team as part of getting the community involved with what is on the future horizon for long-term transportation investments thru 2050 in the Territory, addressing roads, public transit, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and overall mobility throughout the USVI. "This project reflects our commitment to a safe. resilient,. and accessible transportation system for future generations," said Derek Gabriel, DPW Commissioner. "Public input remains critical to ensuring our investments align with the needs of the community." Residents who were unable to attend the meetings may still participate by visiting dpw.vi.gov to review the meeting presentation, detailed project lists, and complete the online survey. Submit feedback by 3/13/26 by 9pm.

• Fed Data Shows USVI Added 1,284 Jobs in 2nd Q 2025

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that issues quarterly jobs numbers, reports that in the USVI private-sector establishments added 3,514 jobs and lost 2,230 jobs between March and June 2025, equaling a net gain of 1,284 jobs for the Territory. The previous quarter showed a net loss of 496 jobs. Job gains include increases at existing businesses as well as newly opened establishments. Newly opened accounted for 1,759 jobs, while businesses that closed down equaled 1,201 jobs.

• Anguilla Landfill Fire Chokes West Side

• VIWMA is warning residents and commercial haulers of a fire that has broken out at the Anguilla Landfill (Garbage dump)and is affecting all areas west from the airport to the far West Side with heavy and trailing smoke. VIWMA officials say the early Friday afternoon blaze, parts of which have been extinguished, is still burning on the west side of the landfill. No cause for the fire has been determined. Residents are urged to take cautionary actions,

• Audit Shows VI Taxicabs Admin Failures

• An audit by the V.I. Inspector General from FY 2018-2022, shows a number of glaring administrative problems within the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission, and that the Commission failed to consistently follow established laws, policies and procedures governing medallion management, licensing requirements, inspections, enforcement and revenue collections. Glaring deficiencies included: There has not been a mandatory inspection of V.I. taxicabs in over ten years; there are hundreds of thousands of dollars in missing taxi medallions; and licenses have been issued to applicants that never took the required exams. The Inspector General issued 19 recommendations aimed at addressing the deficiencies, indicating that unresolved issues will be referred to its investigative unit.

• South Tender Pier Reopens At F'sted Cruise Port

• The rebuilt South Tender Pier at Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in F'sted, which was destroyed by Hurricane Maria in 2017 has reopened restoring full tender operations at the cruise port. It is designed to accommodate various maritime activities including tour boats, diving & snorkeling operators, excursion vessels and cruise tenders. Both north and south tender landing piers are operational. Standard docking fees for non-commercial small craft will be in place. Contact 340-778-3131 for access.

• Gov. Bryan Submits 2 Judicial Nominations

• Nominations transmitted to 36th Legislature: Judge Denise M. Francois to serve as a Justice on the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands; and Renee M. Andre to serve as a Judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands in the STT-STJ District. "Judge Francois has served our community with integrity, intellect, and a deep respect for the law," Gov. Bryan said. "Attorney Andre brings strong legal experience, which was honed in the USVI since her graduation from law school," the Governor added.

VIPD Ends Home Inspections on Licensed Firearms

• In coming into compliance with federal standards and Second Amendment issues, VIPD Commissioner Mario Brooks confirmed that the Department has put an end to their long-standing practice of conducting home inspections for licensed firearm holders. Nevertheless, the VIPD will continue to prosecute individuals who possess unlicensed firearms. "There are more unlicensed than licensed firearms," said Gov. Bryan. "But the Commissioner is working to make it a lot less difficult in order for you to license a firearm."

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• Sen, Blyden Asks USVI Gas Stations

  Sen. Marvin Blyden issued a polite warning to USVI gas station owners to not use the current war in the Mideast to raise gas prices. But the Senator admitted that there is little to be done in the way of enforcement due to the fact DLCA (the licensing authority of the gas stations) is not able to effect price controls unless the Territory is under a state of emergency.

• Carambola Resort to Close for Redevelopment

• Carambola Beach Resort will close this summer for redevelopment by an investor who plans to put $50 million investment into the glorious aging STX North Shore property while Senators work on tax incentives for hotels on STX.

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• WAPA Metering Roll-Out

• WAPA Board gives go-ahead to an increase of $2.8M on the existing $23M contract which will accelerate advanced metering installation by 6 months. Crews will now operate on STT & STX simultaneously to roll-out the new metering system project. Meter deployment is set to start in September 2026.

• VIPD in Compliance

• VIPD has established compliance with the federal consent decree that has governed core policing reforms since the US DOJ filed suit in 2008. The court supervised agreement required VIPD to strengthen the foundation of constitutional policing, with sustained standards for use of force, supervision, investigations, public complaint intake and resolution, risk management, and accountability. Compliance reflects verified performance in these areas over time and confirms that policies are being implemented through daily operations, documentation, supervisory review, and internal accountability. "This is a monumental achievement and the people of the Virgin Islands should understand what it represents," stated Gov. Bryan. "We stayed the course to make sure VIPD's systems are strengthened and sustained, so our community can have confidence in the work of the men and women in blue."

• Homegrown Bar & Grill

• District Court of the Virgin Islands Chief Judge Robert Molloy issued a Temporary Restraining Order granting emergency relief to Homegrown Bar & Grill LLC of STT, blocking the USVI Government from enforcing a provision of Act No. 9072 that requires licensed hemp retailers to surrender their inventory without compensation. Chief Judge Molloy found that Homegrown satisfied four elements required for temporary injunctive relief. Attorney Robert A. Leycock, counsel for Homegrown, said, "This is a significant victory , not just for our client, but for every licensed business in the Virgin Islands that has invested in compliance with Territorial law....The Government cannot seize a business's lawful inventory without paying for it. The Constitution is clear: the government must pay for what it takes." Homegrown's lawsuit stated the government seized $18,000 of their inventory.

• EPA Oversight on HazMat at Refinery

• In the final phase of a 2024 legal agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency has completed oversight of hazardous material removal operations at the Port Hamilton refinery on STX. Port Hamilton removed 16,493 gallons of liquified petroleum gas from two refinery units, destroyed residual vapors using a thermal oxidizer, and transferred hazardous material to ISO containers for shipment off STX by late February 2026.

  
  

• PENFED Opens on STT

  The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PENFED) opened its first location in the USVI at TuTu Park Mall on STT marking a major milestone for the Territory's service members, Veterans and military families. The new location represents progress in financial readiness, convenience, and overall support for those who have served our nation. Efforts will now focus on encouraging additional access points across the Territory. For additional info contact the VI Office of Veterans Affairs STX 340-773-8387.

  
  

• STT-STX Ferry

• Gov. Bryan announced design work on the long-anticipated STX-STT passenger & vehicle ferry is now 30% complete following technical site evaluations by international ferry design firm Incat Crowther.

  
  

• Ex-Sen. Payne Sentenced in FL

  Former USVI Sen. Steven Payne Sr. was sentenced to 25 yrs in a Florida prison for sexual battery of a Florida minor in which he was acting as the victim’s guardian. Payne was expelled from the USVI Legislature in 2022 after several women accused him of sexual STJ Senator.

  
  

• Homegrown Bar & Grill

  Homegrown Bar and Grill, an STT business that sold hemp products, filed a lawsuit against law enforcement and regulatory agencies accusing them of violating USVI and Federal laws when they seized over $18,000 of his hemp inventory in an April 2025 illegal raid.   

  
  

• Micro-Breweries on Farmland Bill Shelved

  After a heated debate on both sides of the issue, Senators voted to shelve a bill that would allow small scale distilleries/micro-breweries to be zoned on agricultural land. Despite presenting a case for the economic benefits of such a new approach to using farmland, Senators found that environmental and land-use concerns seemed to dominate the issue causing it to not advance. Senators voted 7-0 to hold Bill No. 36-0211 in committee. 

  
  

• Ray Martinez Going to Jail

  U.S. District Judge Mark Kearney denied former VIPD Commissioner Ray Martinez bid to postpone being taken to prison. Convicted in a wide-ranging public corruption scheme along with OMB former Director Jenifer O’Neal, Martinez was ordered to surrender his freedom by Feb 20, 2026.

  
  

• Flags at Half-Mast for Jesse Jackson

  Acting Governor Tregenza A. Roach has directed all flags to fly half-mast across USVI in memory of the life of civil rights icon and Presidential candidate Jesse Jackson Sr. Reverend Jackson died on February 17, 2026.

  
  

• GVI Owes WAPA $10M

  GVI owes WAPA $10 million for streetlights. “The check is in the mail.” No payments since 2024. 

  
  

• Bryan in Washington

• Gov. Bryan is in Washington to advance Medicaid equity, H-2B construction visas, de minimis exemption on small packages, and marine industry concerns involving excessive BVI charter yacht rate hikes.