Albert Bryan Jr. (D) has been the governor of the United States Virgin Islands since January 2019. Prior to his time in office, Bryan served his community in a variety of ways. He co-founded a nonprofit, worked for the Department of Labor, and held a position at the Economic Development Authority. Bryan’s experience in economics has allowed him to dedicate significant time to the economy of the US Virgin Islands. This is an overview of Bryan’s background, accomplishments, and impact. It will also aim to develop a better understanding of the relationship between Bryan’s beliefs and his actions as governor.Â
Bryan was born on February 21, 1968, in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Wittenberg University. He later obtained a Master of Arts in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of the Virgin Islands. Between the time he completed his two degrees, Bryan co-founded his nonprofit organization—Generational Now!—and started acting as executive in 2002. His organization holds events that educate, mentor, and provide professional leadership for young people of the US Virgin Islands. After college, he undertook positions at HESS Oil Corporation, Virgin Islands Housing Authority, and Innovative Communications. From 2007 to 2015, he worked as the commissioner of the US Virgin Islands Department of Labor. In addition, Bryan served as the Chairman of the Economic Development Authority Board during his term as commissioner. In 2015, Bryan returned to the private sector and began the CEO role of the Aabra Group.
In January 2019, Bryan assumed his first elected position as the governor of the US Virgin Islands. He completed his first term in 2022 and ran for re-election. Bryan defeated Kent Bernier Sr. and has been serving his second term as governor since January 2023.
Bryan identifies with the Democratic Party on a national level. He supports the legalization of medical cannabis. He believes that “a properly regulated medicinal cannabis industry can provide relief to those seeking alternatives to conventional medicine.” Bryan is also a supporter of LGBT rights. He signed the Equality Act in 2023, preventing gender identity and sexual orientation-based discrimination.
A spirited advocate for the political and economic development of the US Virgin Islands, Bryan has fought to mitigate unemployment, steer economic growth, and help small businesses in the responsibilities he has held. As Commissioner of Labor, he spearheaded the Jobs for America’s Graduates Initiative. It allowed for over $14 million in funding for training and advancement of services at the Department of Labor and $150 million in federal unemployment benefits.Â
As governor, Bryan launched a multi-billion-dollar recovery effort in response to hurricanes Irma and Maria. He reconstructed the previously underfunded Government Employees Retirement System into one that could efficiently provide pensions for government employees.
In April 2024, Bryan went on the podcast “Recovery in Focus” and shared some of his goals for the islands in terms of recovery from hurricanes Irma and Maria. These goals included rebuilding infrastructure, expanding housing, and finding a solution to the islands’ energy problem. The reshaping of the energy system is especially a priority for Bryan. He cited that “when we fix the energy problem in the Virgin Islands, it opens up so much more opportunities.” He proposes a solar panel network as an alternative to the islands’ current energy system.
Bryan has spent the majority of his life aiming to benefit the community around him. He has been a leader, not only as governor, but as a nonprofit executive and Commissioner of Labor. Bryan’s experience in economics is shown through his policies as governor and his future goals. By working towards hurricane recovery and reshaping underfunded government agencies, he continues to hold a passion for improving the lives of the people of the US Virgin Islands.
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