US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. delivers final State Of The Territory Address

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. (D) delivered his eighth and final State of the Territory Address before the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands, outlining what he described as a seven-year shift from fiscal instability to sustained progress, while previewing a 2026 agenda centered on healthcare, education, energy, housing, and public safety.

Speaking in the Earl B. Ottley Legislative Chamber, Bryan framed the address around the theme “Anchored in Progress,” citing economic growth, debt reduction, and the transition of federal disaster recovery from planning into active construction. He acknowledged ongoing challenges, including inflation, utility reliability, cybersecurity threats, and shifting federal conditions.

According to the governor, the territory’s gross domestic product increased from $3.9 billion in 2018 to an estimated $5 billion, while unemployment declined from 10.7% to 3.6%. He said overall government debt was reduced by 25%, from $2.2 billion to $1.6 billion, and that the government will end his term with more than $70 million in cash reserves and a budget stabilization fund exceeding $10 million.

Bryan highlighted the permanent restoration of the rum cover-over rate to $13.25 per proof gallon, describing it as critical to the long-term stability of the Government Employees’ Retirement System. He also noted that the administration has paid approximately $500 million in income tax refunds during its tenure and restored the historic 8% salary cut for government employees, alongside more than $66 million in retroactive wages.

On disaster recovery, the governor said more than $11.8 billion in federal funds are now under contract, supporting construction across schools, hospitals, roads, and utilities. He cited progress on multiple school rebuilds, healthcare facilities including the Juan F. Luis Hospital transition, and senior care infrastructure.

Among the largest policy announcements, Bryan said the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Center is expected to reopen in 2026 and endorsed the creation of a single territorial hospital system. He also outlined energy initiatives aimed at lowering electricity rates, expanding utility-scale solar and battery storage, and improving billing accuracy through automated metering.

Education and infrastructure plans include the permanent closure of John H. Woodson Junior High School and the relocation of students to the new Arthur A. Richards PreK–8 campus, along with major road projects across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Housing initiatives highlighted workforce and affordable housing construction and an expansion of the VI Slice Moderate Income Homeownership Program.

Bryan also announced judicial nominations, including Judge Denise M. Francois to the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands and attorney Renee M. Andre to the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.

In a separate statement, Delegate Stacey Plaskett (D) of the United States Virgin Islands said the address reflected years of coordinated federal and local effort, emphasizing that several initiatives cited by the governor required congressional action, including disaster recovery funding, Medicaid reforms, and the restoration of the rum cover-over rate.

Plaskett said progress should be measured by outcomes residents can feel, while cautioning that energy reliability and ethical governance remain pressing concerns as recovery projects move into active construction.

The governor closed his address by calling on residents to remain engaged in self-governance and urging lawmakers to consider a voter referendum on dedicating income tax revenues to hospitals and road maintenance.