Governor Bryan, Lt. Governor Roach ask Virgin Islanders to join them in praying for victims of weekend tornadoes that devastated six states
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – During the Government House weekly press briefing on Monday, Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. announced that the Bryan-Roach Administration has mailed another round of income tax refunds totaling $25 million.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has said he expects the Government of the Virgin Islands to become current on all outstanding income tax refunds in 2022. This latest run of refunds comprises 10,220 checks, most of which cover tax year 2020.
Prayers for tornado victims
Director Motta also asked, on behalf of Governor Albert Bryan Jr., Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, and everyone in the Bryan-Roach Administration, that the Virgin Islands community to join them in praying for everyone affected by the tornadoes that slammed through six states including the State of Kentucky this weekend.
Director Motta relayed the following statement from Governor Bryan:
“Virgin Islanders know all too well the power of Mother Nature and how her fury can, at a moment’s notice, change and shape our physical, social and economic landscape. Our hearts, today, are with the Americans this afternoon putting the pieces back together and with those who tragically lost loved ones as a result of this terrible ordeal.”
Daddies Day Out
Director Motta also invited the public out to the Agricultural Fair Ground at #1 Estate Lower Love for the 4th Daddy’s Day Out from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 18.
“Popular belief is that the fathers in our community are not as present as they should be and that our community is broken as a result. Well what this event has been successful over the years in showing us as a community is that is not the case and that to the extent that statement is true, it is more the exception rather than the rule,” Director Motta said. “There are a lot of fathers and father figures in our community doing their part to shape and guide our young sons and daughters—without fanfare and without the collective support of we, the village. Let’s big them up! Let’s say to each of them: ‘I see you,’ and ‘I appreciate you.’”
There will be obstacle courses, educational games, gifts and much more. For more information, contact Mr. Damian Lang who is the founder of Fathers in the Community, Inc. at 864-626-8236.
Veterans Drive Phase I Ribbon-cutting
Director Motta announced the completion and the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for Phase I of the Veterans Drive Project, which will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 16. The ceremony will be livestreamed for the public on the Government House Facebook page and broadcast on the Government Access Channel, which is Channel 27 for VIYA customers.
Rohlsen Airport Terminal Expansion ribbon-cutting
Director Motta also announced the completion and ribbon-cutting of the terminal expansion project at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, which will take place next Monday, December 20. Like the Veteran’s Drive groundbreaking, Monday’s ceremony will be livestreamed for the public on the Government House Facebook page and broadcast on the Government Access Channel.
Governor’s Millennial Council
Director Motta also announced a press conference at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14 to launch the first-ever Governor’s Millennial Council – a cohort of young Virgin Islanders who will serve as an advisory group to inform the Governor on issues confronting young Virgin Islanders. The Governor’s Millenial Council also will advise Governor Bryan on potential solutions to issues from young Virgin Islanders’ perspectives. The launch will be carried live on Government House Facebook page.
“As, many of you know, Governor Bryan launched the Virgin Islands Financial Fellows’ program earlier this year which gives young Virgin Islanders an opportunity to return home and work within the government of the Virgin Islands on rotation between the Department of Finance, the Office of Disaster Recovery, the Office of Management and Budget and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
The Governor’s Millennial Council is another initiative of the Bryan-Roach Administration to give voice to this emerging generation of residents who represent the Territory’s future.
Pop-up Vaccinations
St. Thomas – Noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Cost-U-Less parking lot.
St. John – 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays at the V.I. Port Authority Gravel Lot (also has free testing).
St. Croix – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at The Market (Formerly Plaza Extra West) and 7 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays at the Farmers Market at the Agriculture Festival Fairgrounds.
Residents can get vaccinated at no cost at the Community Vaccination Center (CVC) located in each district; both facilities accept scheduled appointments and walk-up requests for the vaccine.
Anyone 5 and older is eligible to receive the vaccine. Please make sure to have a parent or guardian accompany any minor wishing to get vaccinated and bring an ID for both the minor and the parent or guardian.
For information about the COVID-19 vaccines or to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated, call the VITEMA hotline Mondays-Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 340-777-VACS (8227). Vaccination appointments also can be scheduled online at covid19usvi.com/vaccines. The Department of Health will bring the COVID-19 vaccine to children and adults who are homebound.
Anyone who thinks they may have contracted COVID-19 can call the Epidemiology hotline at 340-712-6299 or 340-776-1519. For more information, visit covid19usvi.com.
COVID-19 cases as of December 11
- 1.24% seven-day positivity rate
- Currently tracking 66 active cases (45 STX; 20 STT; 1 STJ).
- 232,167 individuals tested to date.
- 7,605 individuals tested positive.
- 7,452 individuals have recovered.
- 88 fatalities.
- There is 1 COVID-19 patient hospitalized at Juan F. Luis Medical Center on St. Croix.
- There are no COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas.
The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov.