WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. addressed more than 100 clients and personnel of the international law firm Winston & Strawn during a virtual webinar on Tuesday, spotlighting the Territory’s exceptional advantages for business investment and economic growth.
Broadcasting from Washington, D.C., Governor Bryan made a compelling case for the Virgin Islands as a premier destination for enterprise, underscoring the Territory’s unmatched stability, pro-business policies, and strategic location.
“The Virgin Islands is not just a tropical paradise; it is a jurisdiction of opportunity,” Governor Bryan said. “Our Economic Development Commission (EDC) has operated for more than 50 years, offering a proven and resilient program that guarantees a 90% reduction in federal income tax and a 1% customs tariff—benefits found nowhere else in the United States.”
He also emphasized the Virgin Islands’ exemption from the federal Jones Act, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to ship goods directly to U.S. ports from the Territory.
“This gives us a logistical and commercial advantage that few jurisdictions can match,” the Governor noted.
Governor Bryan highlighted St. Croix as a key hub for economic expansion, calling it “a prime landscape for long-term investment.”
“We’re experiencing a perfect storm of opportunity,” he said. “With comprehensive fiscal incentives, major infrastructure modernization, and a full-scale transition to renewable energy, the Virgin Islands—especially St. Croix—is a place where business can thrive with predictability and vision.”
He went on to outline recent advancements in the Territory’s energy infrastructure, including solar power integration, expanded renewable generation, underground electrical distribution, and an overhauled energy delivery system led by the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA).
Governor Bryan concluded by inviting attendees to visit the Virgin Islands and explore opportunities firsthand:
“We are open for business and ready to welcome forward-thinking investors looking for stability, growth, and partnership.”
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