During Monday’s weekly Government House press briefing, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. shared an update regarding a new Head Start Center on St. John. Officials also provided news from the Virgin Islands National Guard, as well as a tropical weather update.
Bryan, who held Monday’s briefing from Cruz Bay, St. John, expressed optimism after witnessing the completion of a new Head Start Center on the island, which will have a grand opening in October or November and should be ready for students in January.
According to information in a previous Source article, “The Head Start Program [under the Human Services Department] was launched in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson as an eight-week demonstration project designed to help break the cycle of poverty. The program promotes the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in a variety of settings, including centers, family childcare, and children’s homes. Furthermore, it engages parents or other key family members in positive relationships, with a focus on family well-being, and creates opportunities for participation in leadership roles, including feedback on program operations.”
He had an opportunity to walk through the newly constructed Head Start Center in Cruz Bay, Bryan revealed on Monday.
“This is one of several [centers] that we are building throughout the Virgin Islands, [and the Head Start Center] is more than just a center. It is a community setting stone [and is] the foundation for [lots] of training and meetings, especially on the island of St. John,” where this is currently lacking, Bryan continued.
“I’m very excited about this project, [along with] six of the [centers which] are being built,” Bryan said. Additionally, “other support facilities are under various stages of construction throughout the territory,” Bryan explained.
“I’m particularly proud of the progress that has been made at the facility and the progress that we all are making on our infrastructure projects and the [territory] recovery and rebuilding process,” Bryan stated.
V.I. National Guard Update
Maj. Gen. Kodjo Knox-Limbacker, Adjutant General for the Virgin Islands National Guard, provided an update on the status of VING in the territory.
“I am here to announce great news about the Virgin Islands Army National Guard, who continue to be deployed abroad as well as serving locally in the Virgin Islands,” Knox-Limbacker said. “As of Sept 12, 2024, the Virgin Islands Army National Guard has been released from the National Guard Bureau Assisted Program,” he continued.
Details in a previous Source article noted that VING would obtain “assistance and resources offered by the federal government to restore the VING to optimal performance” following sexual harassment and assault issues, as well as additional reported misconduct within VING several years ago.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment, [and was] due to our change in performance culture, hard work, proper governance, and our tremendous progress, which enabled a higher state of combat readiness,” Knox-Limbacker proclaimed.
“VING’s progress in managing and sustaining a system of effective governance and accountability through [the Assistance Program] enabled VING to close 140 of the 167 action plans identified by the Army National Guard for its initial findings in an investigation in 2018,” Knox-Limbacker declared.
Bryan commended VING, noting that he is proud of the work done to correct the troubles occurring within VING.
“We went on a course to correct [all the troubled issues that were going on in VING,] and today I have to say that I’m so proud of our officers, our soldiers, airmen [and airwomen,] and everybody [involved with] this accomplishment,” Bryan stated.
Tropical Weather Update
Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Daryl Jaschen joined the weekly press briefing with information about several tropical systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center.
Jaschen explained that a disturbance near the Gulf of Mexico, currently called “Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine,” is expected to intensify as it moves toward the Gulf Coast of the United States. He also mentioned that an area in the Atlantic is being monitored by the NHC for possible development later this week.
While there is no imminent direct threat of cyclones to the USVI, Jaschen urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant throughout the remainder of hurricane season.
The VITEMA director reminded individuals that September is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s “National Preparedness Month.” Jaschen advised residents to be ready for emergencies and disasters, including hurricanes, and stressed that “we are not out of the woods yet.” He also encouraged individuals to sign up for severe weather alerts from the VITEMA website.
Jaschen also provided tips to residents and visitors regarding the ongoing risks of excessive heat across the region. He advised individuals to stay hydrated, cool, and look out for each other, while Gov. Bryan mentioned that the administration is looking into the possibility of opening cooling centers across the territory.
Building Trust
Finally, the governor asked Virgin Islanders to reaffirm trust in the Bryan/Roach Administration and avoid misinformation, explaining that the administration is working to benefit individuals and families across the territory.
“I ask you today to trust us a little more, and to ignore the noise [of misinformation], and trust in the work that we are doing to serve a greater good for our community — a [greater] good that includes you and your family,” Bryan said, while encouraging positive feedback from community members.
“We are in this together, and together we will continue to build a stronger, more resilient Virgin Islands for all of us,” Bryan stated.
