Governor calls for stronger federal-territorial partnership to bolster energy independence, economic growth and fair healthcare.
WASHINGTON — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. today joined federal officials and territorial leaders at the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) 2025 Mid-Year Plenary Session, where he made the case for stronger federal-territorial partnerships on energy, economic development and healthcare equity.
Governor Bryan stressed that the Virgin Islands plays a vital role in America’s national security because of its location at the gateway to the continental United States. He told officials that reliable and affordable energy is essential for the territory’s stability and for its ability to meet national defense needs.
“President Trump has a willing partner in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Governor Bryan said. “Our economic and energy stability go hand in hand with America’s national security.”
Bryan pointed to the Port Hamilton refinery on St. Croix as a critical piece of America’s energy future. The facility, currently idle, could generate more than $400 million annually, provide $45 million in revenue to the Virgin Islands government and create more than 400 jobs.
“With the right federal partnership, Port Hamilton can be more than a refinery,” Bryan said. “It can become a model for clean and innovative energy development that powers growth here at home and strengthens America’s energy supply.”
The governor noted that reopening and modernizing the refinery would also help stabilize the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, improving the local power grid and lowering costs for residents.
Bryan also called on federal partners to support full implementation of the Solar for All program in the Virgin Islands. The initiative is set to bring solar panels and battery storage to more than 4,300 households, adding 21 megawatts of solar capacity and 55 megawatts of storage across the territory.
“One thing we have in abundance in the Virgin Islands is sunshine,” Bryan said. “This resource can lower costs for families and make our energy system more reliable. We must make sure these funds are put to work where they are needed most.”
Bryan also spoke about the need to end Medicaid caps and outdated Medicare reimbursement schedules that unfairly penalize Virgin Islanders who choose to live at home instead of moving to the mainland. He described how hospitals in the territory are forced to operate under cost schedules frozen for more than 40 years.
At the same time, he urged greater collaboration among the territories to modernize health information technology, expand electronic medical records and lower costs through shared investments.
“Together, the territories can affordably and sustainably implement best-in-class technologies to improve healthcare delivery and align with federal mandates,” Bryan said.
The governor thanked the Trump administration and the 119th Congress for approving the permanent extension of the rum cover-over, calling it a major victory for the Virgin Islands economy. He urged continued collaboration with federal agencies to deliver similar wins in energy, infrastructure and healthcare.
“When America invests in its territories, it invests in its own security and prosperity,” Bryan said. “The Virgin Islands is ready to do our part.”
Bryan closed by reaffirming his commitment to standing at the forefront of the fight for Virgin Islanders.
“Our territory depends on the commitment of this group and on your willingness to champion our cause in the spaces where our voices are not always heard or invited,” Bryan said. “I look forward to continuing our partnership in building a greater United States Virgin Islands as part of a greater United States of America.”
The governor’s leadership at the IGIA underscored his determination to protect the Virgin Islands’ interests, seize new opportunities for growth and ensure that the people of the territory are treated with the dignity and fairness they deserve.
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