Government House, U.S. Virgin Islands — As the Crucian Christmas Festival reaches its height, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach took the opportunity during Monday’s weekly press briefing to reflect on the progress made in 2024, share their hopes for the year ahead, and warmly welcome President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to St. Croix.
“On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I am delighted to welcome President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden back to St. Croix,” Governor Bryan said. “Their visit is one Virgin Islanders, especially the St. Croix community, look forward to each year with great anticipation and pride. We are honored to host them once again and wish them an enjoyable and restful stay in our beautiful paradise.”
In this week’s briefing, Virgin Islands Police Department St. Croix Deputy Chief Uston Cornelius addressed safety concerns as we near the end of the year, emphasizing the importance of avoiding celebratory gunfire on New Year’s Eve. He reported that the Virgin Islands Police Department had successfully started the Crucian Christmas Festival 2024-2025, collaborating seamlessly with the Department of Public Works and the Department of Tourism to ensure community safety with initiatives in place, such as ‘Flashing Blue Lights’ designating safety zones, where families could enjoy the festivities without worry. The area will be patrolled, and a high visibility presence will be maintained throughout the event. Deputy Chief Cornelius urged residents to cease the dangerous practice of discharging firearms, reminding everyone that what goes up must come down, and the community’s well-being is a shared responsibility.
The governor also highlighted the accomplishments of 2024, including significant progress on hurricane recovery projects, the rebuilding of homes and schools, and critical upgrades to infrastructure such as roads and water systems. These milestones, he emphasized, are the result of collective effort.
“This year has been pivotal for our Virgin Islands. The strides we’ve made are not just achievements of this administration but of our entire Virgin Islands family,” Governor Bryan said. “As we step into 2025, we remain committed to keeping this momentum and continuing the work needed to rebuild and transform our territory.”
Lieutenant Governor Roach echoed the governor’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the resilience and determination of the Virgin Islands community.
“None of this progress would have been possible without the trust and shared commitment of our people,” Lieutenant Governor Roach said. “As we enter the new year, let us recommit to unity and continue working together to build a stronger, more resilient Virgin Islands.”
The governor also took a moment to celebrate Virgin Islands track and field star Michelle Smith, whose recent Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal underscores her exceptional talent and dedication.
“We are incredibly proud of Michelle Smith,” Governor Bryan said. “Her success inspires us all, and we look forward to seeing everything she will achieve in the future.”
As the territory looks forward to 2025, Governor Bryan encouraged all Virgin Islanders to remain engaged and committed to the progress being made, noting that he will detail the administration’s accomplishments and vision for the future in his 7th State of the Territory Address on January 27, 2025.
In closing, Governor Bryan wished all Virgin Islanders a Happy New Year filled with hope, progress, and unity.
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