Governor approves 15 measures addressing healthcare, infrastructure, public safety and economic development; vetoes legislation redirecting WAPA funding
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has approved 15 bills passed by the 36th Legislature, including measures providing $2.5 million for behavioral health services, $1.8 million for improvements to the St. Thomas abattoir and $500,000 for road repairs on St. John. The Governor also vetoed legislation that would redirect funding currently supporting the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), citing concerns about its potential impact on utility operations, financial stability of the authority, and ratepayers.
In an October 8 letter to Senate President Milton A. Potter, Governor Bryan outlined his actions on 16 measures passed during the Legislature’s September 25 session, addressing priorities ranging from healthcare and infrastructure to senior protection, public safety and economic development.
Among the measures signed into law is Bill No. 36-0393, which provides $2.5 million for behavioral health services through the Virgin Islands Department of Health. The Governor also approved Bill No. 36-0394, appropriating $1.8 million for repairs and improvements to the St. Thomas abattoir, supporting local agriculture and food production.
Other approved measures include legislation strengthening protections for seniors against financial exploitation, updating child passenger safety requirements for rental vehicles, prohibiting incarcerated individuals from possessing or using electronic communication devices, and establishing a uniform process for naming government-owned parks and recreational facilities.
Governor Bryan also approved $500,000 for resurfacing Rudolph A. Thomas Jr. Road and Contant Point Road on St. John, along with funding for pedestrian safety improvements near the former Addelita Cancryn Junior High School on St. Thomas.
While supporting the pedestrian safety measure, the Governor expressed concern about a provision requiring the Department of Public Works to submit an implementation plan to a legislative committee before proceeding with the authorized work. In his transmittal letter, he emphasized that while legislative oversight is essential, responsibility for administering and implementing enacted laws rests with the Executive Branch.
The Governor also signed legislation establishing the Virgin Islands Contractor Bonds Cost Revolving Loan Fund, while recommending additional legislative action to clarify its funding source, establish the associated loan program and identify the agency responsible for its administration.
Governor Bryan vetoed Bill No. 36-0391, which would redirect a portion of fuel-tax revenues currently supporting WAPA to help offset utility expenses at the Territory’s hospitals.
While reaffirming his Administration’s commitment to supporting the hospitals, the Governor cautioned that redirecting an established revenue source without providing replacement funding could weaken WAPA’s financial position, complicate its ability to secure financing, and potentially place additional burdens on ratepayers.
According to the Governor’s transmittal letter, the proposed hospital credits would cover less than half of the hospitals’ reported annual energy costs at current revenue collection levels and would not resolve their outstanding utility balances.
“Our hospitals need reliable electricity and the financial resources to provide the care our people depend on. But we cannot solve one financial challenge by creating another that could ultimately affect every household and business in the Virgin Islands,” Governor Bryan said. “We have to find a solution that supports our hospitals while protecting the stability of WAPA and the residents who depend on it. I am prepared to work with the Legislature and all stakeholders to get that done.”
The Governor urged lawmakers to work with the Administration, the hospitals, and WAPA on an alternative approach that provides meaningful, sustainable assistance to the hospitals while protecting the Territory’s essential utility services.
Among his other actions, Governor Bryan approved several government lease agreements supporting recreational activities and business development on St. Thomas, including agreements involving the St. Thomas Cricket Association, L.J. Auto Repairs, LLC, Paradise Paws VI, LLC, and Eight One Subbase, LLC which plans to develop a food court at Submarine Base.
He also approved a zoning variance allowing the construction and operation of a beauty salon at Estate Concordia on St. Croix and acknowledged the Legislature’s favorable action on nominations to the Virgin Islands Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation Board and the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System Board of Directors.
Governor Bryan thanked members of the 36th Legislature for their work on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in advancing the Territory’s priorities.
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