St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands — During this week’s Government House briefing held today on St. Croix, Communications Director Richard Motta provided key updates on Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s recent trip to Washington, D.C., as well as ongoing initiatives focused on energy resilience, federal funding, and hurricane preparedness. VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen provided a seasonal weather update, noting that while Invest 90L, an area of low pressure located about 600 miles east of Bermuda, is being monitored, there is no current threat to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Director Motta began by sharing highlights from Governor Bryan’s time in the nation’s capital last week, where the Governor continued his unwavering efforts to keep the federal priorities of the Virgin Islands front and center in national policy conversations.
While in Washington, Governor Bryan met with U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to advocate for continued federal support for public education, workforce development, and urgent school infrastructure upgrades—priorities that remain central to the Bryan-Roach Administration’s education reform agenda across all three islands.
In addition to meetings with top federal officials, the Governor addressed more than 100 clients and staff at the prestigious global law firm Winston & Strawn, presenting the U.S. Virgin Islands as a top-tier destination for investment. He highlighted the territory’s exceptional economic advantages, including the 90% federal income tax reduction for qualifying EDC program participants, exemption from the Jones Act, and its unmatched strategic location.
“Governor Bryan is making the case that St. Croix, in particular, is ripe for long-term investment, fueled by smart fiscal policy, infrastructure modernization, and a transformation toward renewable energy,” Motta said.
That energy transformation continues locally through several robust programs administered by the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO). Motta announced that since the April 11 launch of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Rebate Program, over $104,000 in rebate checks have been issued to residents purchasing Energy Star appliances.
Further, the Virgin Islands Battery Energy Storage Program (VIBES) has distributed more than $130,000 in rebates to help homeowners and small businesses install battery backup systems—providing both cost savings and increased energy reliability.
The Electric Mobility Rebate Program has also gained traction, offering $5,000 rebates for electric vehicles and $500 for electric bikes. To date, 33 rebates totaling $166,000 have been awarded since its 2024 launch.
“These programs aren’t just about savings,” Motta said. “They’re about equity, resilience, and sustainability. They are helping Virgin Islanders transition to cleaner, more reliable energy while reducing monthly costs.”
The VIEO’s Weatherization Assistance Program is also making a significant impact, with 153 approved applications and $672,000 of the $900,000 budget already invested in energy-efficient upgrades for the elderly, disabled, and low-income households.
These efforts align with the Bryan-Roach Administration’s broader Vision 2040 plan, which calls for 75% of the territory’s energy to come from solar sources.
In a significant development, Motta announced that the U.S. Department of the Interior has awarded over $2 million in FY 2025 Capital Improvement Project funding to the Virgin Islands. This funding will support public safety, health, and essential infrastructure services across the territory.
Hurricane Season Preparedness
Director Jaschen reminded residents to take proactive steps now in preparation for peak hurricane season in August:
- Decide whether to shelter in place or evacuate
- Prepare an emergency kit, including supplies for pets
- Inspect roofs and cistern drains for repairs
Additionally, Jaschen invited the public to attend this weekend’s Amateur Radio Field Day, hosted by the St. Croix Amateur Radio Club in partnership with VITEMA and BIT. The event will run from Saturday at 2:00 p.m. to Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the field across from Leatherback Brewing Company in the Williams R. Roebuck Industrial Park. Open house times are Saturday 2–5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
For more information, residents may contact Club President Reynaldo Bess at (340) 277-3117 or Director Jaschen at (340) 690-9264.
For details on energy programs, visit https://energy.vi.gov or call (340) 713-8436.
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