ST. CROIX – During Monday’s weekly briefing from Government House on St. Croix, Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. addressed several timely issues and shared significant updates on behalf of the Bryan-Roach Administration. From hurricane preparedness and health insurance reform to community lending and economic revitalization, the briefing offered a comprehensive snapshot of the work underway to strengthen the Territory.
Before welcoming his guest, VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, Motta opened with pointed remarks about a recent decision by the 36th Legislature that rejected Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s proposal to explore a self-funded health insurance model for government employees and retirees.
“The Governor’s proposal was cost-free, practical, and meant to inform—not change—our current health plan,” Motta explained. “The rejection of a simple fact-finding committee puts our public workers at risk. Last year, premiums rose 9 percent. This year, they’re projected to rise by 19 percent. Those costs fall directly on our employees and retirees.”
Motta expressed disappointment not only in the Legislature’s refusal to consider the proposal, but also in the absence of advocacy from the Government Employees Service Commission. “Choosing to do nothing,” he added, “preserves a broken model and weakens our ability to protect workers.”
Turning to the ongoing hurricane season, Director Daryl Jaschen provided an update on the fourth named storm of 2025—Tropical Storm Dexter, which formed last evening and is expected to remain north of Bermuda. Jaschen also noted a tropical wave moving off the west coast of Africa, which currently shows only minimal activity but has a medium (50%) chance of developing into a tropical depression by week’s end. He urged residents to remain vigilant and prepared. “If you haven’t already, please register for Alert VI at vitema.vi.gov to receive emergency updates via text, phone, or email,” Jaschen said. “And make sure your family has a plan—and has talked about it.”
In a major boost to the Territory’s economic development goals, Motta announced that the RTPark Community Impact Fund has been awarded a $3.6 million grant to launch the VI Leap Fund—a new initiative to support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and underserved communities.
“This is more than just a grant. It’s the start of something transformative—a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) right here in the Virgin Islands,” Motta shared. “It’s a milestone that brings us closer to the inclusive, resilient economy envisioned in the Bryan-Roach Administration’s Vision 2040 strategy.”
The program builds on the success of the VI Catalyst Revolving Loan Fund, managed by RTPark since 2022, and sets the foundation for a long-term financial resource that supports wealth-building and economic inclusion.
Motta also shared news of a major step forward in economic renewal. Earlier in the day, Governor Bryan signed Executive Order No. 542 of 2025, expanding enterprise zones in Frederiksted and Garden Street/Upstreet Charlotte Amalie, while creating new commercial zones in Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay, St. John.The action aligns with the Virgin Islands Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan and furthers the administration’s long-term commitment to sustainable, place-based economic growth.
As part of broader efforts to revitalize downtown Charlotte Amalie, the Department of Public Works has completed a full renovation of the Fort Christian Parking Lot, which reopened this week.
The project included resurfacing, ADA-compliant ramps, reflective signage, and utility improvements to support Carnival vendors. A new 24-hour automated payment system has also been introduced, with a pay-on-foot kiosk coming later this month. The lot now accepts cash, credit, and debit cards, and includes free EV charging stations—the first of their kind in the area.
“These aren’t flashy improvements,” said Motta. “But they make downtown more accessible, safer, and better connected to the economic and cultural heart of our community.”
The briefing concluded with a preview of two notable public events this week: The VIPD swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday at 10 am honoring the appointments of Chief Deborah L. Hodge (STT/STJ) and Chief Uston A. Cornelius (STX) and the Department of Finance building dedication on Thursday honoring Bernice Turnbull at 2 p.m. Both events will be livestreamed on GVI social media channels and rebroadcast on the Government Access Network (GAN).
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