St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – During the weekly briefing today on St. Croix, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. addressed pressing issues affecting the Virgin Islands community, including school safety, a landmark environmental acquisition, and upcoming fiscal challenges facing the Government of the Virgin Islands.
Governor Bryan began by condemning the threat that earlier in the day forced the closure of the St. Croix Educational Complex, the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), and Central High School.
“This reckless act disrupted the lives of students, parents, and educators, and it will not be tolerated,” Governor Bryan said. “There is no place in our community for threats that endanger our children or undermine their education. We will pursue every avenue to hold accountable the individual—or individuals—responsible for this disruption.”
He commended faculty, staff, and administrators for acting swiftly to protect students, thanked parents and students for their patience, and recognized the Virgin Islands Police Department for its rapid response.
The Governor also addressed the sickout by school monitors that followed, which led to the closure of other public schools across the St. Croix district. While acknowledging their right to raise concerns, Governor Bryan emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in education.
“Our children need and deserve consistency, stability, and the assurance that school is a safe place for them to learn and grow,” he said. “Taking actions that add to interruptions does not serve the best interests of our students.”
Historic Land Acquisition at Maroon Ridge and Annaly Bay
In a significant milestone for environmental preservation, the Governor was joined by Department of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol and Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas Director Kristina “Kitty” Edwards to announce the acquisition of 2,469 acres at Maroon Ridge and Annaly Bay on St. Croix.
This $17.5 million investment—funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Inflation Reduction Act—represents the largest expansion in the history of the Virgin Islands Park System.
“This acquisition is not just historic in size but in meaning,” Governor Bryan said. “It ensures the protection of some of the most treasured natural landscapes on St. Croix for generations to come.”
Commissioner Oriol thanked those who made the acquisition of Maroon Ridge possible.
“I want to congratulate Director Edwards and all the members of her team for this historic achievement,” he said. “I’d like to thank NOAA for believing in this project and providing the funding necessary, the Trust for Public Lands for all the work behind the scenes, and all the other departments and partners for their role in getting us to closing.”
Kitty Edwards also praised those whose support of the expansion made the expansion a reality.
“So to all of the community organizations, to all of the Virgin Islanders who believed in this project and knew that we could protect this land, I would be remiss not to mention the constant guiding voice of Professor Olasee Davis and Ms. Frandelle Gerard,” Director Edwards said. “I know that I can always go to either of them looking for information and encouragement, but within our department at DPNR, within our government, it has been truly remarkable to see this be accomplished.”
Fiscal Concerns and Budget Priorities
Looking ahead, Governor Bryan highlighted several major financial obligations that will take effect in the coming weeks, including:
- An increase in the minimum salary for government employees to $35,000.
- A 3% rise in employer contributions to the Government Employees’ Retirement System, amounting to an additional $12–14 million annually.
- A $10–20 million increase in the government’s share of health insurance premiums under the new agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI), CIGNA, and the GESC Board.
While reaffirming his commitment to fair wages and benefits, Governor Bryan expressed concern about sustainability and called for legislative action.
“My concern is that I have not yet seen proposals from the Legislature that fully address how we will close these gaps while still meeting the needs of our people,” he said.
The Governor concluded by reminding the community that the safety and well-being of Virgin Islands children must remain the top priority.
“When we put their well-being first—when we choose unity over division and action over disruption—we move closer to the Virgin Islands we all want for them,” Governor Bryan said.
# # #