ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on Monday provided a wide-ranging update during a briefing from Government House, announcing major progress in the territory’s financial accountability, outlining next steps in cannabis regulation, addressing recent public reporting related to Jeffrey Epstein, and calling for urgent action to improve roadway safety.
Governor Bryan announced that the Government of the Virgin Islands has completed its audited financial statements and Single Audit for Fiscal Year 2023, which were officially issued on January 26, 2026. He noted that the administration is now moving forward with audits for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, with the goal of completing both by the end of the year. Once those audits are finalized, the territory will be current for the first time since before the 2017 hurricanes. The governor emphasized that this milestone strengthens the foundation for the work of the Bryan-Roach Administration, explaining that audits provide independent verification of how public dollars are managed, strengthen oversight and accountability, and build confidence with federal partners, vendors, and financial institutions. He added that clearing the long-standing audit backlog signals improved capacity, stronger financial controls, and a commitment to keeping the public informed with verified information.
Addressing recent reporting related to the federal investigation involving Jeffrey Epstein, Governor Bryan cautioned that the documents cited include raw investigative records and unverified information attributed to sources, not prosecutorial findings or established facts. He stressed that none of the claims are new and that repeating them does not make them true. The governor stated unequivocally that the Epstein estate received zero concessions from his administration, emphasizing that there was no special treatment, no favors, and no backroom deals, calling the matter a non-issue being portrayed as a crisis.
The governor also thanked the public for tuning in to the recent State of the Territory Address and for the feedback that followed. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining urgency and focus through the remainder of the term, stating that the work ahead will be approached with the same drive and determination as before, with the goal of finishing strong and leaving the territory better, stronger, and more secure.
During the briefing, Governor Bryan introduced Joanne Moorhead, Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Regulation, who outlined key developments in the implementation of the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act. Moorhead announced that commercial cannabis cultivation is expected to begin between late February and early March. The Office of Cannabis Regulation is issuing 14 conditional dispensary licenses across the territory, including eight on St. Croix, one on St. John, and five on St. Thomas. She also reported that, with assistance from the Department of Property and Procurement, a certified cannabis testing laboratory has been selected for the Virgin Islands market, and that Cana First Financial has committed as a fully accredited financial institution to provide banking services to cannabis businesses. In addition, Act No. 9072 has been signed into law, establishing clear rules governing the sale and enforcement of intoxicating cannabinoid products, and requiring permits from the Office of Cannabis Regulation for any event involving cannabis consumption. Governor Bryan described this moment as a critical transition from legislation to full implementation.
On public safety, Governor Bryan announced that the Department of Justice has drafted a comprehensive Public Safety Act to modernize laws governing the acquisition, possession, and carrying of firearms in the Virgin Islands. He explained that the measure is designed to safeguard the constitutional rights of responsible, law-abiding adults while minimizing administrative delays and enabling the Virgin Islands Police Department to better protect residents from gun violence. The administration expects to transmit the proposed firearms legislation to the Legislature within the next two days and expressed hope that senators will sponsor the bill.
The governor also offered condolences to the family and friends of Karl Ceasar, an employee of the Office of the Governor who recently passed away, and again expressed sympathy to the family and loved ones of Kyle Thomas. Reflecting on attending Thomas’s funeral service over the weekend, Governor Bryan spoke forcefully about the alarming number of traffic incidents across the territory. He called the loss of life on the roads unacceptable and urged residents to change their behavior, citing speeding, distracted driving, and disregard for traffic signals as dangerous actions that are costing lives. The governor appealed directly to the public to slow down, obey traffic laws, wear seatbelts, put phones away, and recognize that no errand or appointment is worth a life.
The briefing underscored the administration’s continued focus on accountability, implementation of new laws, public safety, and shared responsibility in protecting the lives and well-being of all Virgin Islanders.
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