The Senate Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Committee, chaired by Sen. Angel L. Bolques Jr., heard testimony Friday addressing the growing challenges affecting the territory’s youth. Testifiers discussed youth violence, education, and workforce readiness—issues linked to broader concerns of public health, inequality, and community well-being,  the Virgin Islands Legislature announced in a press release.
Nicole Craigwell-Syms, assistant commissioner of the V.I. Health Department, testified on behalf of Commissioner Justa Encarnacion, calling youth violence a public health crisis rooted in poverty, trauma, and limited behavioral health resources. Nearly one-third of local children live below the federal poverty line, she said, contributing to chronic stress and aggression. Craigwell-Syms cited the lingering effects of hurricanes Irma and Maria, the COVID-19 pandemic, and community violence as major factors contributing to depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior among young people. She highlighted several ongoing prevention efforts, including the Behavioral Health Division’s school outreach programs, the “Zen Van” counseling service, and the “Positive Vibes Alone” campaign, the press release stated.
Antonio Emanuel, executive director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, said the agency continues to treat gun violence as a public health issue through partnerships with law enforcement, schools, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations. The office has held more than 100 prevention events, including anti-bullying and conflict resolution programs. Sergeant Danisha Samuel-Santos, representing the V.I. Police Department’s Juvenile Bureau, said the department supports stronger interagency coordination, increased school-based behavioral health services, and expanded youth mentorship programs, the release stated.
Attorney General Gordon Rhea said youth firearm incidents and juvenile reoffending remain concerns, despite national declines in youth arrests. The Justice Department urged investment in youth engagement programs, safe spaces, and technical training, the release stated.
Chystie Payne, program and development director at My Brother’s Workshop, testified that workforce training should be viewed as violence prevention. She recommended greater investment in community-based initiatives and sustainable funding for intervention programs, the release stated.
The committee also examined broader structural issues shaping youth success, including disparities in education, employment, and vocational training, it stated.
Haldene Davis, director of the V.I. Bureau of Economic Research, reported a youth unemployment rate of 25.3 percent in 2024 and a 4.6 percent dropout rate among 16- to 19-year-olds in 2022. There were 263 youth arrests for violent crimes in 2023, he said. Davis urged targeted, sustainable programs that offer living wages and early intervention for at-risk youth, according to the release.
Davis noted that the 2020 Census recorded a population decline to 87,146 residents, though 2025 estimates show growth to 103,792. The population is aging, with 37 percent over age 55 and just 15 percent under 14. Public school enrollment has dropped by 3,000 since 2017, and while graduation rates have climbed to 83.9 percent, academic proficiency remains low, the release stated.
V.I. Education Department Assistant Commissioner Victor Somme III reported 10,263 public school students across both districts. The 2024–25 dropout rate was 3 percent, down from previous years, which he credited to early intervention strategies that allow students to retake failed courses immediately. Somme also highlighted Career and Technical Education pathways that prepare students with practical skills and industry certifications. However, he said many classrooms lack updated equipment and sufficient resources, it stated.
CTE Board Executive Director Genevieve Whitaker said programs in high-demand sectors such as health sciences, hospitality, IT, construction, and finance have expanded despite persistent instructor shortages and infrastructure challenges. She renewed the board’s request for a $600,000 appropriation to establish the “Ms. Lena Schulterbrandt CTE Fund” to support internships, equipment repairs, and instructor training, the release stated.
Labor Commissioner Gary Molloy said the Virgin Islands Workforce Development System is focused on building a “talent pipeline” aligned with key industries through the American Job Center and apprenticeship programs for ages 14–25, the release stated.
Renee Hansen, assistant commissioner of the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, outlined initiatives to empower youth through safe spaces, mentorships, and recreation programs, including “Recreation-in-Motion” and the “Summer Cultural Arts Series.” She also cited challenges such as aging infrastructure, limited funding, and unequal access across islands, it stated.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has signed Act No. 9047, authorizing $2.77 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund to ensure Virgin Islanders receive half of their November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, according to a Government House press release.

“Washington may be stalled, but our responsibility to Virgin Islanders is not,” Bryan said in a press release statement. “This action makes sure families can put food on the table while Congress sorts itself out. We prepared the logistics in advance so help would move the moment the law allowed it.”

The 36th Legislature passed Bill No. 36-0202 Thursday. Anticipating approval, the departments of Finance and Human Services worked together to finalize operations before the measure reached the governor’s desk. Checks began going out by mail as Bryan signed the bill into law, the press release stated.

Bryan credited fiscal planning for making the funding possible. “Since taking office in 2019, we have budgeted deposits to the Budget Stabilization Fund, which for years was not prioritized or funded,” he said. “Responsible budgeting, and responsible use of those reserves, is for moments like this. The point is capacity to act when Virgin Islanders need us.”

Each SNAP household will receive a check equal to 50 percent of its normal November allotment, mailed to the address on file beginning Saturday. Standard postal delivery times apply, and households should verify mailing information with Human Services if their address has changed, the release stated.

For questions about November SNAP checks, residents can contact the Human Services Department hotlines at 340-772-7110 (St. Thomas/St. John) or 340-715-9090 (St. Croix), or email usvisnaprelief@dhs.vi.gov.

Bryan thanked the 36th Legislature for acting quickly and acknowledged Finance and Human Services teams for “executing an accelerated and accountable process.”

“This is what a Rainy Day Fund is for,” Bryan said. “We saved for tough moments so we could protect families when they need it most. Today, that promise is being kept.”