Gov. Bryan requests emergency extension with WAPA still in crisis

As rolling blackouts continue to plague Virgin Islanders, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has requested another 60-day extension to the state of emergency first declared in April, because the V.I. Water and Power Authority is still failing to produce reliable electricity.

Bryan did not appear in person at Monday’s press briefing at Government House, and Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. spoke on his behalf. “I want to address the ongoing rolling blackouts in the St. Thomas-St. John District. These outages have been deeply frustrating and disruptive to our daily lives, and overall quality of life,” Motta said.

“The governor understands the impact on your homes, businesses, and families, and he shares your frustration. Reliable electricity is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. We know the root causes that are leading to these disruptions are complex, and the administration — alongside WAPA, their leadership, and the incident command team — has been working under the energy state of emergency to resolve these issues,” Motta said.