Bryan Pushes for Rum Tax Extension, Refinery Reopening, and Visa Waiver at IGIA Meeting

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. continued his administration’s advocacy for the U.S. Virgin Islands at the 2025 Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) meeting in Washington, D.C., calling for a permanent extension of the rum cover-over tax rate, the reopening of the St. Croix refinery, and a special visa waiver program to boost tourism and support the territory’s recovery, Government House announced.

Speaking at the Department of the Interior in Washington, Bryan emphasized the need for stable federal policies that impact the Virgin Islands economy. He congratulated Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, a former North Dakota governor and his colleague at the National Governors Association on his leadership role and highlighted the importance of federal collaboration with the territories, according to the press release.

“The IGIA remains a critical platform for the Territories to share their priorities and challenges,” Bryan said. “For the Virgin Islands, the rum cover-over program, the refinery, and a targeted visa waiver are vital to securing our economic future and supporting our recovery efforts.”

Bryan pressed for a permanent extension of the rum cover-over tax rate, which returns federal excise taxes on rum produced in the Virgin Islands to the territory’s treasury. The funds support public services, infrastructure, and debt obligations, making up nearly 33 percent of the USVI’s general revenue. The higher $13.25 per proof gallon rate expired in 2021, reducing revenues by 20 percent and straining the budget. Bryan urged Congress and the administration to make the rate permanent and provide retroactive relief for lost revenue, the press release stated.