Proposals would phase in a $15 minimum wage and open new avenues for small-scale distilleries and breweries tied to local agriculture
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS— Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has submitted two substantive measures to the 36th Legislature that build on his administration’s commitment to growing the Virgin Islands economy, creating opportunity for working families, and revitalizing local industries.
The first proposal, An Act to Support Small-Scale Distilleries and Breweries, would amend existing zoning laws to allow microbreweries and microdistilleries as a conditional use in agricultural and certain residential districts. These operations would be permitted only after public notice, community input, and regulatory approval by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.
“This measure is about empowering Virgin Islands farmers and entrepreneurs to innovate and expand their businesses,” Bryan said. “By allowing microbreweries and microdistilleries directly tied to agriculture, we are giving our farmers the ability to add value to their crops, preserve our cultural heritage of rum production, and create new experiences that attract visitors, while ensuring strong oversight and community protections.”
The second proposal, An Act to Increase the Minimum Wage, would raise the minimum wage across the territory from $10.50 to $15 an hour over three years — to $13 in 2026, $14 in 2027, and $15 in 2028.
Bryan drew a clear contrast between this plan and the Legislature’s earlier decision to raise government employees’ minimum salary from $27,000 to $35,000 in one stroke.
“I objected to that approach because it bypassed union negotiations, created unsustainable budgetary pressures, and risked triggering inflation,” Bryan said. “What we are proposing here is the opposite: a phased, responsible increase that strengthens the private-sector workforce, lifts wages for all, and does so in a way that supports long-term economic stability.”
The governor emphasized that his plan prioritizes fairness and sustainability, ensuring that wage growth benefits not only public employees but also the thousands of Virgin Islanders working in restaurants, tourism, retail, and other private-sector jobs.
“This phased minimum wage increase balances compassion with common sense,” Bryan said. “It delivers meaningful raises to our people while giving businesses time to plan and adapt. It is about dignity, fairness, and ensuring the entire economy grows together.”
Bryan also underscored that higher wages will stimulate the economy by increasing consumer spending, reducing poverty, and creating opportunities for families to build generational wealth.
“These proposals reflect a pragmatic and forward-looking vision,” he said. “They balance economic growth with fairness and accountability, and they chart a path toward a stronger, more resilient Virgin Islands economy.”
Both measures are now before the Legislature for consideration. Bryan urged senators to act swiftly, noting that these initiatives are central to advancing economic mobility, entrepreneurship, and prosperity across the territory.
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