Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. touted economic advancements and introduced new anti-corruption measures in his State of the Territory Address Monday evening.
Among a list of initiatives and accomplishments, Bryan told the V.I. Legislature he had signed a new code of ethics that he hoped would shield Virgin Islanders from being lumped in with government employees accused of corruption.
“All our progress, all our hard-fought victories, can be undone by the actions — or inaction — of just a few. This year, our community has been confronted with painful truths, as accusations of corruption have shaken both the private and public sectors within and beyond our government. As your governor, this reality has weighed heavily on me. I have poured over policies, scrutinized procedures, reviewed codes of conduct, and examined the indictments, searching for the fault lines that allow these encounters to happen,” Bryan said.
In recent weeks, now-resigned Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, Office Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal, and Sports and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White were indicted on corruption charges.
While all three have pleaded not guilty, Bryan said full transparency and accountability were more important than ever before.
“We have implemented clear, competitive bidding processes, modernized procurement processes, and required transparency from the government of the Virgin Islands for all significant projects. We have enforced strict bonding requirements and upheld standards for environmental, archaeological, and historical preservation — ensuring every project is not only legally compliant but aligned with our environmental and sustainability goals,” Bryan said. “These measures are not just symbolic; they reflect our unwavering commitment to integrity and ethical leadership. Further, the Division of Personnel has implemented mandatory training for government employees, including members of my cabinet, on the principles of ethical governance. This effort is supported by the updated Code of Conduct, replacing an executive order dating back to 1961.”
Bryan said he hoped the territory was not painted with a broad brush of corruption, that accusations against a few should not taint the whole.
“We are a people of integrity, resilience, and faith — hardworking individuals committed to creating better lives for our families and communities. What defines us should never be limited to the actions of any one group. In my reflections, I have come to a sobering realization: no policy, no procedure, no code of conduct can entirely guard against human weakness. Trust is the foundation of governance, and when that trust is violated, it plants a toxic seed of doubt. As your governor, alongside our administration, I am steadfast in my commitment to uproot this mistrust and restore faith in our institutions. Let me say unequivocally: we will have zero tolerance for corruption in any form.”
In his normally upbeat style, Bryan said, likewise, accusations of waste were unfair.
“We strive to create efficiency at every turn and while many complain about the cost of government, we have fewer employees than 20 years ago and 10 times more work. Salaries and fringe are the greatest increases in the budget — let me say that again: salaries and fringe are the greatest increases in the budget, which have risen over 25 percent since 2019. Not only have we increased salaries, but we have also paid them,” he said. “We have honored every contract that I have signed over the last six years, complete with retroactive pay, if applicable, which includes the ones I inherited when I first took office.”
Bryan said time had run out for VIGL Operations, LLC, tasked with rebuilding St. Croix’s horse racing operations. The governor said his administration had filed a breach of contract lawsuit against VIGL as racetrack repairs linger more than seven years after the devastating storms of 2017.
“ … [I]t should be evident to all that VIGL does not have the wherewithal, nor the resources, to rebuild the track. Today, the Department of Justice filed a suit against VIGL for breach of contract. We have the resources, and I am prepared to have the government rebuild the Randall ‘Doc’ James Racetrack and restore horse racing on St. Croix,” he said.
Bryan said an important part of the territory’s past and future was St. Croix’s oil refinery, now owned by Port Hamilton. He hoped it would reopen soon.
“The projected impact of Port Hamilton is extraordinary. Once operational, the facility will potentially generate over $400 million annually and contribute more than $45 million directly to the Virgin Islands government. Equally important, it will create over 400 well-paying jobs, further boosting the economy of St. Croix and supporting countless families and local businesses. Alongside other projects in the Trade Zone, this project will anchor the Virgin Islands as a hub for innovation, prosperity, and opportunity,” he said.
Bryan also reflected on struggles at the Water and Power Authority — as difficult as last year may have been, at least the power had been on more often than not thus far in 2025.
“I see a future where WAPA is interconnected with the refinery, with some power generation on the south shore of St. Croix. Thanks to the recent FEMA obligation of $661 million for the replacement of the Power Plant in St. Croix and an additional $206 million for new efficient generation in the St. Thomas/St. John district. I am committed to improving the grid infrastructure to the point where it’s on and cheap. Our efforts not only address current challenges but also pave the way for affordable and renewable energy while we seek to put WAPA on firm financial footing,” the governor said.
Bryan said dual efforts helped both modernize the Water and Power Authority and keep rates steady.
“Most notable is our effort to keep the energy bills from increasing. We have faced criticism and public browbeating on this issue. We have spent over $100 million in federal and local funds to keep local power rates from increasing,” he said.
Bryan declared a State of Energy Emergency in April 2024 that lasted most of the year. The declaration allowed the governor to appropriate funds to WAPA without legislative approval. WAPA officials said the ability to quickly put money in area of need was crucial as it struggled with fuel and maintenance costs.
“This declaration was not made lightly. As governor, I knew I had to act swiftly to mitigate the potential of staggering rate increases by the Water and Power Authority and prevent it from becoming financially insolvent. Since the declaration, we have remained current on our central government obligations, as well as paid the debts owed to WAPA by both hospitals and the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority,” Bryan said. “This past year, we successfully negotiated and closed the deal on the two propane facilities, eliminating a $140 million debt and adding a $180 million asset to the authority’s balance sheet. This move ensured that we could continue using propane — cheaper and cleaner than diesel oil.”
Bryan said WAPA had been able to purchase solar power between 8 and 11 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to the 21 cents it costs to generate power with fossil fuels, thanks to new solar farms.
The renewable energy efforts were also focused on a micro level.
“Our goal is to create energy independence in as many households as we can. Last year, we closed on the first of the one percent solar loans being administered by the Economic Development Authority and the Virgin Islands Energy Office,” Bryan said. “In order to make EV purchases more attractive, we have also installed eight free charging stations, with 26 more scheduled for summer of 2025. Likewise, homeowners are now taking advantage of low-cost energy loans to install batteries and solar systems in their homes.”
Aging infrastructure also plagued the Waste Management Authority, Bryan said, with deterioration of stormwater and sewer systems causing debris to “wreak havoc in our community, resulting in an untenable situation.”
“Sewer water in our towns and streets is a stark reminder of what is at stake,” Bryan said. “Our community is grappling with aging and failing wastewater infrastructure and mounting issues in solid waste management.”
Bryan acknowledged recent successes for changes to infrastructure in Estates Cotton Valley, Concordia, and Mon Bijou on St. Croix and on St. Thomas in Red Hook, Smith Bay, and Bourne Field.
“We must do more,” Bryan said. “This is not just an infrastructure problem but a public health, environmental, and economic crisis. The good news is that the funding exists, and we are on the job getting it fixed. Adding to this latest crisis is a fundamental and systemic issue. WMA has never been adequately funded nor empowered to charge the fees necessary to sustain its operations.”
Bryan said private haulers charge commercial and private entities for their services. Yet the Virgin Islands government expects the Waste Management Authority to maintain operations, pay its vendors, and serve the community without the same ability.
“How can we reasonably expect them to succeed without the necessary resources?” he asked. “We owe it to our people to act decisively and with courage. The time for rhetoric has passed. We must now deliver solutions. Trash must be collected. Wastewater must flow safely, and vendors must be paid.”
Although Bryan did not call out convicted child molester Bruce Smith by name, he acknowledged the challenges the territory faced.
“The growing social and emotional struggles faced by school-aged children demand our attention. At the same time, we must stand firm against those who threaten the safety and innocence of our youth. There is no place for such individuals or those who condone them in our community. We will continue to protect our children and ensure that our homes and our schools have the support they need. This last decade has brought tumultuous change for all of us, especially in the lives of young Virgin Islanders. Yet, in the face of this reality, they continue to adapt, persevere, and rise above the challenges before them. Our students are not just overcoming, they are excelling.”
