ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. hosted the weekly briefing today from St. Croix, highlighting the Bryan-Roach Administration’s continuing efforts to keep the Virgin Islands informed, prepared, and protected as the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season progresses.
Motta was joined by VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, Department of Human Services Commissioner Averil George and VI Energy Office Director Kyle Fleming.
Director Jaschen provided an update on tropical weather activity currently being monitored in the Atlantic. Two tropical waves are under observation. The first, located about 700 miles east-southeast of the Lesser Antilles, has a 20% chance of development over the next 48 hours. The second wave, located near 30W in the eastern Atlantic, is also being watched closely.
Director Jaschen emphasized that while we are still early in the season, historically the peak occurs between August 15 and October 15. He underscored VITEMA’s ongoing efforts to coordinate with federal and local partners, including the National Guard, FEMA, the ADA Coordinator’s Office, and the American Red Cross, to evaluate and prepare congregate shelter sites across all four Virgin Islands.
Currently, designated shelters include:
- St. Thomas: Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and Lockhart K-8 School Cafeteria (pet-friendly)
- St. John: Adrian Senior Center and Gift Hill School Upper Campus
- St. Croix: D.C. Canegata Community Center and Educational Complex High School Gymnasium (pet-friendly)
Commissioner George spoke about her agency’s central role in shelter operations and support for vulnerable populations. DHS continues to coordinate shelter readiness and urges residents who are elderly, disabled, or living alone to register with the Elderly and Disabled Disaster Registry for pre-storm support. Residents may register by contacting: St. Thomas–St. John: 340-774-0930 ext. 4109 and on St. Croix: 340-718-6935
UPCOMING SPECIAL SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE
Motta announced that Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has called a special session of the 36th Legislature for Friday, August 1, to address three major proposals:
- Health Insurance Reform – exploring a self-funded model for government health insurance. Under this approach, the Government Employees Service Commission would issue a request for proposals to compare the costs and benefits of moving away from a fixed-premium system to one that pays for actual health care services as they are used. This shift offers the potential for cost savings, greater transparency, and more flexibility.
- Double-Dipping Repeal Act of 2025 – eliminating the practice of legislators receiving both a government pension and a legislative salary while simultaneously accruing additional retirement benefits. Pension System Equity – ending what the Governor called a “carve-out” that burdens the GERS and undermines public trust.
- Repeal of the law that forces government employees to take a leave of absence just to run for elected office. Instead, it would allow them to campaign while remaining in their positions, provided they do not use work hours or government resources for political activity. Violations under the proposed repeal act would be subject to strict penalties.
SUPPORT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRANSITION
Virgin Islands Energy Office Director Kyle Fleming announced a new partnership with TJ Ocean Auto Group to expand local electric vehicle service capacity, including new EV lifts and charging infrastructure. The partnership is funded by a federal sub-grant through the State Energy Program.
Fleming also highlighted available EV incentives:
- $7,500 Federal Tax Credit (expiring September 30, 2025)
- $5,000 Local Rebate
Together, eligible Virgin Islanders could save up to $12,500 on a new electric vehicle purchase.
“These incentives help make EVs more affordable while supporting our long-term energy independence and sustainability goals,” said Fleming. As the hurricane season continues, officials urge all residents to stay prepared, remain vigilant, and follow updates from trusted government sources.
INCOME TAX REFUNDS
Over the past three weeks, the Bryan-Roach Administration has been announcing the release of more than $15.7 million in income tax refunds to more than 3,700 tax filers across the Virgin Islands. These payments are being issued to individuals who filed their 2023 returns on or before March 5, 2024, and who have no outstanding issues that would delay the processing of their refund.
And finally, Governor Bryan has proclaimed Wednesday, July 23, 2025, as Ras Tafari Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands — a powerful acknowledgment that Ras Tafari is not just a religion, but a way of life. It is a cultural movement deeply woven into the history, music, and social consciousness of these Virgin Islands.
The Bryan-Roach Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in government operations, and we will continue to focus on the work of improving the lives of Virgin Islanders.
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