Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has authorized the release of more than $7 million in income tax refunds to 2,817 Virgin Islands residents, according to a Government House press release issued Monday.
Government House said the refunds are being issued to taxpayers who filed by April 9, 2024. The announcement follows the November release of $10 million ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and $15.7 million issued in July.
“These refunds matter,” Government House Communications Director Richard Motta said. “They help families cover groceries, rent, school expenses and the everyday costs that do not take a holiday break.”
Motta said the Bryan-Roach administration will continue processing refunds and will update the public as more batches go out.
The briefing also highlighted Tuesday’s groundbreaking for the new Dr. Donna M. Christian Christensen public health facility on St. Croix. The Health Department will host the ceremony at 9 a.m. at Estate Richmond, replacing the former Charles Harwood Memorial Complex. Construction will be led by Consigli/Benton Joint Venture, with completion expected in 2028. The event will stream live on the Government House Facebook page.
In addition, Agriculture Department Commissioner Louis Petersen announced the launch of the territorywide Fruit Tree and Native Tree Distribution Program. Distribution events will take place Wednesday on St. Croix, Friday on St. Thomas and Saturday on St. John. Trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis after participants complete a short registration form.
“I invite landowners to participate in this important project to assist with reforesting the territory with fruit and native tree species,” Petersen said.
