USVI Public Safety Community Conversations Launch Across the Territory October 29 and 30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Oct. 22, 2026 

Residents and community stakeholders invited to discussions on St. Croix and  St. Thomas to help develop solutions to violence and strengthen public safety 

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Office of the Governor, in partnership with the Virgin  Islands Police Department (VIPD), the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the University  of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL), is  inviting residents and community stakeholders to participate in the USVI Public Safety  Community Conversations, a territory-wide initiative aimed at strengthening partnerships,  preventing violence and developing practical, community-driven solutions to public safety  challenges. 

The first two community conversations are scheduled as follows: 

St. Croix 

• Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026 

• Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

• Location: Great Hall, University of the Virgin Islands Albert A. Sheen Campus 

St. Thomas 

• Date: Friday, October 30, 2026 

• Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

• Location: Government House, Charlotte Amalie 

The initiative reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing crime and violence that  combines law enforcement, prevention, intervention and community engagement, while  recognizing that lasting progress requires the active participation of the people and  communities most affected. 

“Public safety is not the responsibility of law enforcement alone. It is a shared responsibility  that requires all of us to be part of the solution,” Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said. “We know  the concerns that our residents have about crime and violence, and we recognize that government cannot address these challenges on its own. We need to hear from the people  who live in our communities, understand their experiences and work together to develop  solutions that make a real difference. These conversations are about turning community  voices into meaningful action.” 

The community conversations will bring together residents, law enforcement officials,  elected leaders, faith-based organizations, educators, mental health professionals, youth  advocates, business owners, nonprofit organizations, violence prevention practitioners,  survivors and families affected by violence. 

Participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences, identify gaps in services and  resources, and explore opportunities for greater collaboration between government agencies,  community organizations and neighborhood leaders. 

Discussions will focus on several key priorities: 

• Strengthening coordination between law enforcement, government agencies and  community partners. 

• Expanding violence prevention, intervention and support services for individuals and  families affected by crime. 

• Ensuring that residents, particularly young people and those directly impacted by  violence, have a meaningful voice in shaping solutions. 

• Identifying gaps in community resources and opportunities for more effective support. • Developing practical, sustainable strategies to make neighborhoods safer and  strengthen community well-being. 

The initiative also seeks to build stronger connections between government resources and  grassroots organizations already working to address violence and its underlying causes. Organizers emphasized that the conversations are intended to go beyond identifying problems  by encouraging collaboration, shared responsibility and actionable recommendations that can  help guide future public safety efforts throughout the Territory. 

Residents, community organizations and interested stakeholders are encouraged to  register in advance at: Registration Link: https://forms.gle/qRWzEGMu3UvDJicn6 

Participants are also encouraged to share the invitation with others whose experiences,  perspectives and expertise can contribute to the discussions. 

Building safer communities requires more than government action. It requires stronger  partnerships, greater trust and a shared commitment to ensuring that every Virgin Islander can  live, work and raise a family in a safe and thriving community. 

The USVI Public Safety Community Conversations aim to translate that shared commitment  into meaningful collaboration and community-driven solutions that help build a safer future  for the Virgin Islands. 

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