Governor Albert Bryan Jr. addressed federal and territorial officials this week, urging them to support the U.S. Virgin Islands on energy, healthcare and economic development.
Speaking at the U.S. Department of the Interior's Interagency Group on Insular Areas mid-year session, Bryan framed the territory as a strategic partner in advancing American security interests. He said reliable, affordable energy matters not only to residents but to national defence, linking the islands' economic and energy security directly to U.S. interests.
The centrepiece of his pitch was the Port Hamilton refinery on St. Croix. Currently inactive, the facility could produce over $400 million in annual revenue, deliver $45 million to government coffers, and generate more than 400 jobs if restarted and upgraded, Bryan said. He added that modernizing Port Hamilton would strengthen the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, easing costs and service reliability for households.
Bryan also sought federal backing to complete Solar for All, a programme that would install solar panels and battery storage in over 4,300 homes and add 21 megawatts of solar generation and 55 megawatts of storage capacity across the territory. He noted that abundant sunshine in the islands could reduce family energy bills.
On healthcare, the governor called for an end to Medicaid caps and outdated Medicare payment rates that he said disadvantage Virgin Islanders. Hospitals remain bound by cost schedules unchanged for more than 40 years, he pointed out. Bryan also pressed for closer territorial cooperation to upgrade health technology systems and broaden electronic medical records.
Bryan commended the Trump administration and Congress for approving a permanent extension of the rum cover-over tax benefit, describing it as a significant economic win. He signalled his intent to secure similar backing for energy, infrastructure and health initiatives.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first.