Governor Bryan Highlights Additional $4 Million for Administration’s VI Slice Homeownership Program

Funding will expand a Bryan-Roach Administration initiative that has helped more than 73 Virgin Islands families purchase homes

During the weekly Government House press briefing, Bryan said the additional funding will allow the program to continue assisting residents who earn too much to qualify for traditional housing assistance but still face difficulty purchasing a home in today’s market.

Since its launch, VI Slice has helped more than 73 Virgin Islands families become homeowners.

“Homeownership remains one of the most effective tools for building wealth and strengthening communities,” Bryan said. “It creates stronger neighborhoods, greater economic security and a deeper investment in the future of our Territory.”

The administration created VI Slice to address a longstanding gap for working residents with stable incomes who need additional support to meet the cost of purchasing a home.

“Through VI Slice, more than 73 Virgin Islands families have already achieved the dream of homeownership,” Bryan said. “That means more families building equity, creating stability and laying the foundation for future generations.”

Bryan said he remains committed to the program’s continued success and hopes to work with the Legislature to establish a permanent funding source that will allow VI Slice to serve Virgin Islands families for years to come.

Governor to Meet With 36th Legislature

Bryan also announced that he will meet Wednesday with members of the 36th Legislature to discuss the proposed horse racing agreement, the Water Island hotel development proposal and other legislative and economic priorities.

The governor described the meeting as part of the necessary dialogue between the executive and legislative branches as they work through complex policy matters on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands.

The administration intends to provide a public readout after the meeting to keep residents informed about the discussions and their outcome.

Governor Reviews Federal Progress After Final Senate Testimony

Bryan also reflected on his June 17 appearance before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, his eighth and final appearance before the committee as governor.

The hearing provided an opportunity to outline the progress the Virgin Islands has made in advancing its federal priorities over the past seven and a half years.

That progress includes increased federal disaster recovery support and significantly reduced local matching requirements for projects rebuilding schools, day care centers, health care facilities and other critical public infrastructure.

The federal cost share for eligible Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria recovery projects increased from 90% to 95%. Many critical infrastructure projects also became eligible for a 98% federal share, reducing the burden on the territory’s General Fund and preserving hundreds of millions of dollars for other public needs.

The administration has also advanced efforts to secure permanent certainty for the rum cover-over program, strengthened the territory’s Medicaid position and continued advocating for equitable treatment under federal health care programs.

Bryan said federal support for the territory’s energy transformation has helped advance renewable energy generation, storm-resistant utility infrastructure and efforts to build a more reliable and resilient electrical system.

During the hearing, committee members recognized the Virgin Islands’ investments in composite utility poles, underground electrical infrastructure and expanded solar energy generation.

“These are not simply infrastructure projects,” Bryan said. “They are investments in resilience, reliability and the future of our people.”

The governor said significant federal priorities remain unresolved. The administration will continue advocating for Supplemental Security Income parity, TEFRA rebasing, fair federal reimbursement for the territory’s hospitals and policies that account for the unique economic and geographic realities of insular areas.

“At the same time, I made clear to members of the committee that our work is not finished,” Bryan said. “We will continue pursuing policies that allow the Virgin Islands to compete on a level playing field with the states.”

Battery Backup Distribution Continues

Bryan reminded residents that the administration continues to distribute portable battery backup systems through the Virgin Islands Resiliency Gateway Program.

The systems provide qualified residents with an emergency source of electricity to support critical medical equipment and preserve temperature-sensitive medications during outages and other emergencies.

Since distribution began, the Virgin Islands Energy Office has provided 23 portable backup battery systems to medically vulnerable residents across the territory. The Energy Office is also prioritizing the delivery of units to eligible St. John residents.

The administration will provide a more detailed update on the program during next week’s Government House briefing.

VITEMA Advises Residents of Heat, Saharan Dust and Burn Ban

Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Daryl Jaschen advised residents to prepare for hazy skies, elevated heat and passing showers as Saharan dust and a tropical wave affect the region through Friday.

Heat index values could reach 100 to 108 degrees, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Jaschen encouraged residents to remain hydrated and limit prolonged exposure to the heat.

He also reminded residents that a territorywide burn ban remains in effect because low humidity and strong winds continue to create conditions favorable for brush fires.

Although several weak tropical waves are moving across the Atlantic, Jaschen said the National Hurricane Center does not expect tropical cyclone development during the next seven days.

Bryan also proclaimed June 22-28 as Amateur Radio: A Virgin Islands Territorial Resource Week in recognition of volunteers who provide critical backup communications during emergencies.

Amateur radio operators will hold public Field Day demonstrations Saturday at the former Viya parking area at Tutu Mall on St. Thomas and at Island Center on St. Croix. Activities on St. Croix will continue Sunday and will include emergency equipment testing by VITEMA, the Bureau of Information Technology and the Virgin Islands Energy Office.

Jaschen encouraged residents to use the early weeks of hurricane season to inspect their homes, service generators, secure important documents and assemble at least seven days of food, water, medication and other essential supplies.

Residents can register for weather alerts through VITEMA’s Alert VI system at vitema.vi.gov.

Cruz Bay Roadwork Scheduled This Week

Bryan also advised St. John residents and motorists of milling and repaving work scheduled in Cruz Bay this week.

Department of Public Works contractor Island Roads Corp. will mill and repave Hill Street between Julius E. Sprauve School and The Tap & Still. Work will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Crews will also mill and repave Store Kongens Gade between Wharfside Village and the Slim Man’s Parking Lot. That work will take place overnight from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. to reduce the impact on daytime traffic.

Motorists should expect temporary delays, follow posted signs and the directions of traffic control personnel, and use alternate routes when possible.

Bryan thanked residents and motorists for their patience as the work moves forward to improve road conditions and safety in Cruz Bay.

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