U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. issued a statement Thursday addressing public remarks made during a Senate Committee hearing regarding the absence of Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel. The Governor emphasized that the Commissioner’s absence was neither deliberate nor disrespectful but the result of previously approved personal leave and prior coordination efforts with the Legislature.
“The Bryan-Roach Administration has always taken seriously its responsibility to engage with the Legislature and the public, particularly on matters of critical community interest,” Governor Bryan said. “Any implication that Commissioner Gabriel intentionally disregarded the Senate’s authority is simply untrue.”
Government House confirmed that, in the weeks leading up to the hearing, it engaged in direct communication with Committee Chair Sen. Angel Bolques Jr. to coordinate a suitable date for Commissioner Gabriel’s appearance. During those discussions, it was made clear that the Commissioner would be unavailable due to personal leave on the date the hearing was ultimately scheduled. Despite that, the hearing proceeded without adjusting for the Commissioner’s schedule even though he is the principal government official equipped to provide a complete and accurate update on the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project.
“There was never any intent to avoid the hearing,” Governor Bryan said. “In fact, we were actively working with the Committee Chair to ensure the Commissioner could appear at a time that would allow for a meaningful and productive exchange. It is unfortunate that these facts were not acknowledged during the hearing.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in government operations, including the redevelopment of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium. He also acknowledged the longstanding frustrations surrounding the project and reiterated that many of the early delays and cost increases were rooted in decisions made under the previous administration, including a complete reorientation of the stadium and the costly addition of deep foundation piling, which added more than $14 million to the project’s cost.
“Despite those setbacks, our administration resolved major permitting issues, secured FEMA’s conditional approval in 2021, and resumed construction,” Governor Bryan said. “The progress made on the Paul E. Joseph Stadium to date has occurred under this administration, and we remain committed to completing it.”
Governor Bryan called for continued cooperation between the executive and legislative branches to ensure the successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects.
“Accountability is important, but so is accuracy. The people of the Virgin Islands expect and deserve both,” Governor Bryan concluded. “We welcome continued dialogue with the Legislature and look forward to Commissioner Gabriel’s testimony at the rescheduled hearing.”
###