Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on Monday defended his administration’s recent trip to Ghana, describing it as a targeted effort to secure new investment, build long-term trade pathways, and establish cultural and economic ties he says the territory has neglected for generations.
Speaking at Government House and later in a follow-up interview, Bryan said the official delegation met with the president of Ghana, key ministers, investors, bank executives, and regional leaders to explore opportunities tied to free-trade access, manufacturing, shipping, and data security. The governor framed the mission as the beginning of a deeper trans-Atlantic relationship — one he argues is necessary as global trade patterns shift and U.S. policy toward Africa evolves.
“This journey was not about pictures for social media,” Bryan said during his weekly briefing. “It was about opportunities for our people and preparing the Virgin Islands for the next lanes of global trade.”
The governor’s remarks come amid ongoing questions — some sharp — about the purpose, cost, and makeup of the delegation. In follow-up questions, he acknowledged the trip’s price tag prompted him to cut back the number of travelers, including his own security detail. “A lot of people asked to go, but it was too expensive,” he said. “This was a business trip. It was meetings every single day.”
Bryan said criticisms that the trip was unnecessary or recreational overlook the deeper economic rationale and ignore precedent. “Nobody asked the same questions when governors traveled to Denmark. We have gotten nothing from Denmark,” he said. “But we have real opportunities with Ghana.”
The Low-Hanging Fruit: Free-Trade Access, Manufacturing, Fiber, Cultural Exchange
At multiple points in the briefing, Bryan tied the trip to long-standing efforts to expand the territory’s economic footprint beyond tourism and rum. One focus: integrating Ghanaian imports into the Virgin Islands’ existing Economic Development Commission benefits and the federally recognized free-trade zone located on St. Croix.
The governor said the USVI’s zone operates similarly to stateside facilities, where manufacturers can import goods or components duty-free, assemble them locally, and reexport them as U.S. products. “It is an industry-recognized structure,” he explained, “and it could be more attractive than just telling companies we have land for lease.”
Bryan said several Ghanaian industries — from cocoa processors to agricultural exporters — are looking for footholds into the U.S. market as federal trade preferences under AGOA (the African Growth and Opportunity Act) expire. The USVI, he said, can offer lower shipping distances than East Coast ports, renewable energy options emerging through WAPA’s new solar build-out, and tax advantages through the EDC program.
The governor also said the administration is trying to align lower-cost power in the free-trade zone with companies committed to reducing their carbon footprint, particularly large manufacturers. “WAPA can sell renewable energy cheaper in the zone,” he said, noting that global brands now seek green-power sourcing to meet corporate mandates.
He added that recent interest in the shuttered Renaissance site on St. Croix could accelerate plans to develop the south shore into an industrial incubator. “I think the sale of that property is imminent,” Bryan said.
Another highlight, according to Bryan, was engagement with two major West African financial institutions — Access Bank Ghana and First Bank Ghana. Bryan said Access Bank, which already maintains regional activity in the Caribbean, expressed interest in creating a business presence in the USVI.
“They’re talking about doing business here,” he said. “It’s not just about the bank — it’s about the clients who would follow the bank. Those are investors, exporters, manufacturers looking for U.S. access.”
Bryan said he expects delegations from the president’s office in Ghana and from at least one bank to visit the territory in the first quarter of 2026.
Meanwhile, another proposal discussed during the trip involves a direct fiber-optic cable between the U.S. Virgin Islands and West Africa — an idea Bryan says has circulated for years but could now be viable.
Currently, data traffic between the Americas and Africa routes through South America and then across the Atlantic, often landing in North Africa before reaching West Africa. “There is no direct link from the U.S. to Africa,” Bryan said. “A dedicated connection creates security, speed, and economic advantage.”
If anchored in the territory, such a cable could position the USVI as a strategic data gateway — an opportunity Bryan says the Ghanaian government is eager to explore. He said his administration has asked Ghana’s president for a formal letter of support that could help secure federal backing in Washington.
Beyond trade, Bryan emphasized the importance of cultural recognition and historical reconciliation throughout the trip. He described visiting sites associated with the trans-Atlantic slave trade and called the experience “humbling.”
“We come from people who refused to give up,” he said. “Establishing cultural and educational exchange with Africa is essential if we’re going to understand who we are.”
He said the administration is exploring exchange programs involving teachers, nurses, artisans, and performers, and has invited Ghanaian groups to participate in Virgin Islands festivals. Discussions also began about culinary collaborations — particularly around seasoning traditions and rice dishes shared across the Caribbean and West Africa.
Who Went, and Why
Bryan confirmed the core delegation included himself, Labor Commissioner Garry Molloy, EDA Executive Director Wayne Biggs, Deputy Tourism Commissioner RoseAnne Farrigton, his deputy chief of staff Kevin Rodriguez, viNGN Executive Director Stephan Adams, and a limited security detail, among others. He said he originally planned a larger group but reduced the list due to cost.
He also indicated he did not personally select every attendee. “I didn’t even know the Labor commissioner was coming until later,” he said. “But it was good he came.”
Asked whether the administration offered seats to a broader mix of agencies or private-sector representatives, Bryan said cost and the mission’s diplomatic nature limited participation.
Pressed on next steps, Bryan said he wants to see “something established” before the end of his term to ensure future administrations build on the groundwork. That includes:
A formalized cultural partnership or “VI–Africa Week” tied to existing proclamation efforts
A framework for business exchange through the Ghanaian banking sector
Early-stage manufacturing or processing operations linked to the free-trade zone
Momentum on a direct fiber-optic connection
Continued dialogue with the African diaspora coalition and congressional supporters
“This is just the beginning stage,” he said. “But we need something concrete so the next administration continues this.”
He added that he expects two Ghanaian delegations — in government and banking — to visit the territory early next year.
The Source has asked in writing for the final financials of the trip, including the names of all those in the delegation and expense breakdown per person.
Broader Government House Updates
Earlier in the briefing, Bryan thanked the Legislature for passing three major bills — new hotel financing tools, solar-battery storage authorizations, and a partnership to redevelop the Crown Bay waterfront. He also outlined holiday schedules, upcoming ribbon cuttings, and ongoing recovery milestones, including FEMA-funded school and hospital projects.
But the governor returned repeatedly to the trip, saying the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot afford to sit on the sidelines as global markets evolve.
“We are carrying the memory of our ancestors,” he said. “But we also have to build new lanes of opportunity for the next generation of Virgin Islanders.”
