Administration extends condolences to Lt. Governor Roach’s family, outlines international economic initiative, and congratulates Carnival honorees as celebrations continue on St. Thomas
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Bryan-Roach Administration used Monday’s Government House press briefing to highlight several key developments moving across the Territory, including the upcoming Ghana-U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Mission in July, progress toward issuing tax refunds ahead of the Carnival holidays, and continued momentum on major public school construction projects. The briefing also opened with a message of condolence to Lt. Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., and his family on the passing of his sister, Violette Roach Browne.
At the outset of the briefing, Government House Director of Communications Richard Motta delivered a message on behalf of Governor Albert Bryan Jr., who asked the people of the Virgin Islands to keep the Roach family in their thoughts and prayers during this time of profound loss. The administration remembered Violette Roach Browne as a devoted supporter of her brother and a familiar presence at many public moments throughout the Bryan-Roach Administration.
The briefing also spotlighted an important international initiative tied to the administration’s broader vision for economic growth and long-term resilience. In July, the U.S. Virgin Islands will host the Ghana-U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Mission, a multiday engagement that will bring together government leaders, private-sector partners, and innovators to explore practical opportunities for investment, collaboration, and shared growth. Areas of focus will include digital infrastructure, affordable housing, energy, construction, labor, tourism, financial services, and cultural exchange.
Officials said the mission is intended to produce meaningful outcomes for the people of the Virgin Islands by advancing serious discussions in areas where strategic partnerships can create real value. During the engagement, representatives are expected to meet with leadership from across the Virgin Islands government, including the Economic Development Authority, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, the Virgin Islands Housing Authority, the Department of Public Works, the Office of Disaster Recovery, the Virgin Islands Energy Office, the Department of Labor, and members of the Legislature.
Participating in Monday’s briefing were U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Wayne Biggs Jr., joined in St. Thomas by Maame Efua Houadjeto, chief executive officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority; Kunmi Demuren of GreenHouse Capital; and St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce President John P. Woods. Their participation underscored the administration’s commitment to building smart partnerships that support innovation, workforce development, infrastructure growth, and broader economic opportunity.
The administration also provided an update on its plan to issue $15 million in income tax refunds ahead of the Carnival holidays. At this stage, approximately $10.29 million in refunds has been identified for release, representing 3,827 tax returns processed from filings received through April 15, 2024. Officials noted that not every return filed by that date is included in this round and urged taxpayers not to assume that the absence of a refund at this stage means they have been excluded from future disbursements.
According to the update, the initial processing was completed before the April 15 filing deadline, based on the funding then available. The additional $5 million approved just before Tax Day is still being incorporated into the broader refund process, and more information on that portion is expected later this week. The administration said it remains focused on moving those refunds out as promptly and responsibly as possible.
Monday’s briefing also included a reminder that the Bryan-Roach Administration will join the Virgin Islands Department of Education, the Office of Disaster Recovery, and project partners on Tuesday, April 21, for the groundbreaking of the new St. Croix Central High School. The ceremony will mark the third major school infrastructure project launched in the Territory in the last 30 days, following the March 26 kickoff of the Bertha C. Boschulte PreK-8 modernization project and the April 9 groundbreaking for the new Charlotte Amalie High School.
Administration officials pointed to that pace as clear evidence that recovery dollars are beginning to translate into visible construction and tangible progress across the Territory. The Central High project is a full demolition and rebuild effort designed to support modern instruction, stronger career and technical education, and a safer, more resilient campus for students and staff. The project includes the Department of Education, the Office of Disaster Recovery, FEMA, DLR Group, and MCN Build among its key partners.
As the briefing concluded, Government House noted that Carnival is now in full swing on St. Thomas and extended congratulations to Safiyah Wharton, who was crowned the 2026 St. Thomas Ambassadorial Carnival Queen, and Daniella “Lioness” Richardson, winner of the Bouy Ah Bouy Calypso Competition. The administration praised both women for their talent, preparation, and cultural pride, while also recognizing all contestants and performers whose contributions continue to keep Virgin Islands culture vibrant and strong.
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