Live Conversation with VI Consortium Publisher Offers Residents Unfiltered Insight into Administration’s Agenda
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. delivered a wide ranging and forthright interview Monday night during a live broadcast with Ernice Gilbert, publisher of the VI Consortium, providing Virgin Islanders with a direct and transparent look at the critical issues facing the territory and the priorities of the Bryan Roach Administration.
The 90 minute conversation, streamed live on Facebook, the VI Consortium and the Government Access Channel, covered everything from the recent controversy over salary increases for elected officials to broader concerns about fiscal responsibility, wage equity and the overall state of the Virgin Islands economy.
At the top of the interview, Governor Bryan addressed the statutory salary increases for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, clarifying that the pay adjustments were enacted automatically after the 35th Legislature failed to act within the 90 day window prescribed by law. “How much time did the Legislature have? Ninety days,” Bryan stated. “The governor has no role in this process. They took the governor out. Still, I brought it to the public’s attention because I believe in transparency.”
Gilbert noted that it was Governor Bryan who alerted the public to the missed legislative deadline, a move that raised pointed questions about the Legislature’s accountability in the process.
Turning to the recent passage of Bill No. 36 0053 by the 36th Legislature, which would implement sweeping wage increases across the government workforce including a 35,000 dollar minimum salary for entry level employees, Governor Bryan expressed support for better pay but warned of the bill’s potential 20 million dollar plus price tag. “I would have preferred the Senate meet to discuss a compromise and a responsible path forward,” he said.
Beyond personnel costs, the Governor highlighted key accomplishments and policy wins achieved under his leadership, underscoring the administration’s steady progress in areas ranging from financial management to energy and infrastructure development:
Fiscal Discipline
Vendors and contractors are now paid on time, income tax refunds are being distributed consistently, and more than 60 million dollars in retroactive wage payments, some dating back over three decades, are underway. The Bryan Roach Administration also fulfilled its promise to repay the 8 percent salary cuts imposed in 2011 under the Virgin Islands Economic Stability Act, eliminated millions in overdue government payments to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, and strengthened the territory’s cash reserves.
Energy Transformation
Two new solar energy sites totaling 20 megawatts have come online within the past six months, marking a historic first for the Virgin Islands transition to renewable energy.
Infrastructure Development
The Bryan Roach Administration has delivered on longstanding and long overdue infrastructure priorities across all three islands. These include upgraded water and sewer lines in towns and neighborhoods, dozens of road repair, resurfacing and drainage improvement projects, the undergrounding of utility lines to increase grid resilience, and the rebuild and renovation of several schools, Head Start centers and medical facilities. The administration has also restored and enhanced numerous public recreational spaces including the Vincent Mason Pool, Whim Ballpark and other community parks and completed major road and bridge projects such as the reconstruction of the container port road and First Avenue.
Household Relief
For over six years, the Bryan Roach Administration has subsidized residential utility costs through the WAPA Assistance Program, a record commitment to reducing the cost of living for working Virgin Islanders.
Economic Outlook
With inflation beginning to subside, the Governor pointed to signs of a more stable and promising economic trajectory for the territory.
Monday’s interview underscored the Bryan Roach Administration’s commitment to open dialogue, fiscal prudence and a results driven agenda. By engaging directly with the public, Governor Bryan reaffirmed his dedication to transparency, accountability and delivering tangible progress for all Virgin Islanders.
###