During Monday’s weekly Government House press briefing, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. praised U.S. President Joe Biden for his service to the country and his commitment to the USVI. The governor also shared details regarding territory infrastructure funding and an upcoming tourism summit.
The governor began the briefing by honoring Biden, sharing comments from a previously shared press release.
“I want to start by expressing my deep appreciation for our current President, Joe Biden, and his decision and his announcement not to seek reelection,” Bryan stated. “This decision underscores who he is at the core: a true public servant who has had a career which has spanned the majority of his life, [and] it has all been dedicated to the betterment of the nation and the American people,” the governor continued.
Bryan commended the president’s commitment to the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Biden Administration’s support of projects, including disaster relief efforts. On Monday morning, the governor issued a statement explaining that he would “fully support whoever becomes the Democratic nominee.”
“I would like to say a personal thank you to Mr. Biden, and I wish him well as he serves out his last months as president and into his retirement,” Bryan said.
2024 USVI Tourism Summit
Bryan shared news about the 2024 USVI Tourism Summit, the first annual event to energize the tourism sector across the islands. The event will be held Thursday at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef on St. Thomas.
“This afternoon, I am very excited to announce a major event for our territory: the 2024 USVI Tourism Summit,” Bryan declared. “This is the first of its kind event on St. Thomas and it is a big deal for us–a really big deal. Our tourism industry, which makes up 70 percent of our local economy, has been booming for the past five years, and this summit is about keeping that momentum going,” Bryan added.
The governor shared the summit’s theme: “One Band, One Sound––Let’s Grow, Learn, and Build Together.” Attendees will include professionals from the tourism industry, travel agencies, and marketing firms who will support tourism in the USVI.
“We’re [planning] to make sure that the Virgin Islands continue to shine as a premier destination befitting of all Virgin Islanders,” Bryan noted.
Interested individuals in the tourism sector are invited to attend the event in person or virtually via the Government House Facebook page, YouTube, or the Government Access Network on cable television.
Bryan explained that industry experts who would like to attend the free event in person will need to register online, and registration is limited.
U.S. Housing and Urban Development Grant
Bryan celebrated a significant grant provided by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department to enhance infrastructure and renewable energy across the USVI.
Details about the grant were provided in a GVI press release on Tuesday, July 16.
“After years of diligent efforts and strategic negotiations with HUD, White House officials, and congressional leaders, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. proudly announces the approval of $100 million in funding from HUD through the Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation program,” according to the press release.
“This critical funding is allocated for the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to acquire vital fuel storage infrastructure on St. Thomas and St. Croix from Vitol, marking a significant milestone in the governor’s administration’s ongoing commitment to securing the energy future of the Virgin Islands,” the statement continued.
“The securing of this grant is the culmination of persistent advocacy and collaboration at the highest levels of government,” Bryan stated in the press release. “This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it’s a foundational step towards the strategic resilience of our energy systems. I extend my profound thanks to HUD, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, and our dedicated outside counsel in Washington, D.C., whose unyielding support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” the statement said.
The press release also explained that the “grant enables WAPA to advance its strategic plan by acquiring essential fuel storage facilities, crucial for enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of energy delivery to Virgin Islands ratepayers [and] represents a significant victory in the territory’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following devastating hurricanes.”
Bryan also reassured residents on Monday that work is ongoing across the territory to help reduce the number of WAPA power interruptions, focus on renewable energy and propane, and rely less on diesel fuel. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving WAPA and the reliability of electricity.
“[The Bryan administration] has remained steadfast and committed to doing what’s necessary to steer WAPA [in the right direction], provide efficient and affordable energy, and improve our [power] grid’s resilience,” Bryan said.
St. Croix Water Infrastructure Enhancement
Bryan also announced news of a major commitment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to improve wastewater facilities on St. Croix, which were heavily damaged during the 2017 hurricanes.
“In other big news, I am pleased to announce another pivotal step in our recovery. We have just negotiated a $989 million settlement and obligation to enhance [St. Croix’s] critical water infrastructure,” Bryan said.
Information obtained from a GVI press release on Friday, July 19, provided details regarding FEMA’s financial pledge.
“FEMA has obligated $989 million toward enhancing the robustness of the wastewater system on St. Croix. This award, part of FEMA’s ongoing partnership with the Government of the Virgin Islands, aims to fortify our critical infrastructure that suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Maria,” the press release said.
“This funding will facilitate the comprehensive overhaul of the majority of St. Croix’s wastewater sewer lines and the reconstruction of 14 crucial pump stations. Enabled by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, this initiative is a testament to FEMA’s commitment to work alongside the territory to renew and strengthen facilities and infrastructure devastated by the destructive hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017,” the statement explained.
