VIHFA Board Selects DPW Commissioner Derek Gabriel as Executive Director; Governor Names Reuben Jennings Acting DPW Commissioner
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on Monday announced that he has formally requested a federal drought disaster declaration for the U.S. Virgin Islands, while Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority Board of Directors Chairman J.P. Oriol announced the Board’s selection of Department of Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel as VIHFA’s new Executive Director.
In light of Commissioner Gabriel’s departure from Public Works, Governor Bryan announced that Assistant Commissioner Reuben Jennings will serve as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Works effective August 24.
The announcements came during a Government House press briefing on St. Croix, where Governor Bryan also addressed the start of the 2026-2027 school year, current drought and fire conditions across the Territory, emergency shelter readiness and the passing of beloved Virgin Islands culture bearer Bradley Christian.
Governor Requests Federal Drought Declaration
Governor Bryan has formally requested that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issue a Secretarial drought disaster declaration for St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John.
The request comes as the Territory continues to experience extreme drought conditions, according to a Drought Information Statement from the National Weather Service. The prolonged dry conditions are placing significant strain on the Territory’s agricultural community, particularly livestock producers.
A federal drought disaster declaration would help eligible Virgin Islands livestock producers qualify for assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Forage Disaster Program and provide access to additional federal disaster support.
“Drought conditions across our Territory are serious, and our farmers, particularly our livestock producers, are feeling the effects,” Governor Bryan said. “We are taking the necessary steps to ensure they have access to every resource available to help them weather these conditions. A federal disaster declaration would provide critical assistance to those who are being impacted.”
Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Daryl Jaschen reported that a burn ban remains in effect for St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix and Water Island as the Territory continues to contend with extremely dry conditions.
Jaschen also reported that there are currently no hurricane watches, warnings or advisories for the U.S. Virgin Islands.
VIHFA Board Selects Gabriel as Executive Director
Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner J.P. Oriol, who also serves as Chairman of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority Board of Directors, announced during the briefing that the VIHFA Board has selected Department of Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel to serve as the Authority’s next Executive Director.
Gabriel will depart his role as Commissioner of Public Works to lead VIHFA, where he will oversee the Authority’s work to expand housing opportunities, administer housing and financing programs, and advance affordable housing and community development initiatives throughout the Territory.
Governor Bryan thanked Gabriel for his service at Public Works and credited his leadership, along with the work of the DPW team, with advancing major road, construction and infrastructure projects across the Virgin Islands.
“Derek has been an important part of the progress our Administration has made on infrastructure across this Territory,” Governor Bryan said. “Under his leadership and with the hard work of the team at Public Works, we have moved critical road, transportation and infrastructure projects forward from planning to construction and, in many cases, to completion. I thank Derek for his service to our Administration and the people of the Virgin Islands, and I congratulate him on being selected by the VIHFA Board for this new responsibility.”
Governor Bryan said Gabriel’s transition comes as VIHFA continues its important work to address the Territory’s housing needs and advance housing and community development initiatives.
“VIHFA has an enormously important mission, particularly at this moment in our Territory’s recovery and development,” Governor Bryan said. “I am confident Derek will bring the same energy, professionalism and focus on getting results to this new role.”
To ensure continuity at Public Works, Governor Bryan has appointed Assistant Commissioner Reuben Jennings to serve as Acting Commissioner effective August 24.
The Governor said Jennings will be tasked with maintaining the momentum of the Department’s ongoing infrastructure program, including several major projects now underway or preparing to begin across the Territory.
“We have made tremendous progress, but there is still important work ahead,” Governor Bryan said. “From the paving of streets in Frederiksted town beginning this week, to the Spring Gut project in Christiansted and Mahogany Road on St. Croix, along with projects across the Territory, our work continues. Reuben knows the Department, he knows these projects, and I have every confidence in his ability to keep that work moving forward.”
Preparing for the New School Year
Governor Bryan also marked the first day of the 2026-2027 school year and welcomed students across the Territory back to the classroom.
“Today also marks a new beginning for thousands of young Virgin Islanders as our students return to school across the Territory,” Governor Bryan said. “To every student stepping back into a classroom today, I want you to know that we are proud of you, we believe in you and we are excited about what this school year can bring.”
Last week, Governor Bryan joined the Virgin Islands Department of Education for the official opening of the new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School on St. Croix, the first newly constructed public school in the Territory in more than 30 years.
On Monday morning, the Governor returned to the school to welcome its inaugural students as they entered the new facility for the first day of classes.
“That was a powerful moment,” Governor Bryan said.
The Governor noted that Arthur A. Richards School represents the beginning of a broader investment by the Bryan-Roach Administration in rebuilding and modernizing the Territory’s public school infrastructure.
Later this month, the Administration will celebrate the opening of two additional state-of-the-art public school facilities at Estate Concordia and Estate Anna’s Hope on St. Croix. Another new school facility at Bolongo on St. Thomas is also nearing completion.
“Arthur A. Richards is only the beginning,” Governor Bryan said. “We are continuing to invest in modern, safe and inspiring learning environments for our children because our young people deserve nothing less.”
Remembering Bradley Christian
Governor Bryan also acknowledged the passing of Bradley Christian, whom he described as one of the Territory’s treasured culture bearers.
The Governor expressed condolences to Christian’s wife, children, grandchildren, family, friends and the many Virgin Islanders mourning his passing and whose lives were touched by his commitment to preserving and sharing the Territory’s culture and heritage.
Emergency Shelter Readiness
Department of Human Services Commissioner Averil George provided an update on the department’s preparations and readiness for emergency shelter operations.
The update was provided as part of the Territory’s ongoing preparedness efforts, particularly in light of the current drought and fire conditions and the continuing need to remain prepared throughout the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
Governor Bryan emphasized that while there are currently no hurricane watches, warnings or advisories affecting the Virgin Islands, residents should remain vigilant, stay informed and be prepared to respond to changing conditions.
The Bryan-Roach Administration continues to coordinate across agencies and with federal partners to address the Territory’s immediate needs while advancing long-term investments in infrastructure, housing, education and resilience.
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