The State of the Territory 'is Stronger Than Ever,' Bryan Declares in Final Address Ahead of Reelection

Governor Albert Bryan opened his final State of the Territory Address ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election on a high note, declaring his pleasure to be at the Senate as he embarked on an ambitious speech that revealed at least two major announcements, highlighted accomplishments, and touched of ongoing challenges the governor vowed to address.

Mr. Bryan is expected to face at least one formidable challenge to his candidacy this year, and with many Virgin Islanders still trying to find their footing following the pandemic-induced whiplash on everything from their finances, employment and health, the stakes could not be higher.

The governor appeared a bit nervous at the beginning, but any anxiousness he experienced vanished as Mr. Bryan got into stride. Keen of the Senate's roll in getting his agenda moving, Mr. Bryan presented a gift to Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory and spoke of the importance of working together.

Setting the stage, the governor spoke of the economic rebound the U.S. Virgin Islands was experiencing following the 2017 storms spurred by post-hurricane construction activity, a booming housing market and growth in the tourism sector. But then came the sudden calamity of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, which forever changed the trajectory of the Virgin Islands and the world. Using this foundation as his backdrop, Mr. Bryan conveyed an administration that not only successfully managed a pandemic that was rapidly changing, but also delivered on his core agenda while taking advantage of opportunities brought about by the pandemic — including well over a billion dollars in Covid relief funds.

To that end, the governor declared, "As I stand here tonight, I am happy to report that the State of the Territory is stronger than ever and only getting stronger."

"By October 2021, the economy had regained almost 95 percent of jobs lost during the peak of the pandemic, and the unemployment rate fell to 8 percent—a full 5.6 percent from the initial height. Visitor volume recovered nearly 80 percent from its 2020 low, and we started to draw regional and national attention as to how well we were doing, despite Covid," Mr. Bryan said as he worked to convey that his handling of the pandemic has led to a resurgence in economic activity in the USVI.

From growth in the tourism sector, which he said has led to accolades from leading tourism publications, to fiscal policy that the governor stated has resulted in budget surpluses not seen in fifteen years, Mr. Bryan sought to convince Virgin Islanders that his leadership in the last three years has made the Virgin Islands a better place.

On tourism, he said, "Our hotel sector is also showing strong signs of recovery from the effects of the 2017 hurricanes and the impacts of the pandemic. According to reports from STR, a leader in hospitality data reporting, we have consistently led the Caribbean in Average Daily Rates throughout the pandemic. In 2020, our occupancy rate was 46 percent, an Average Daily Rate of $295. In 2021, our occupancy rate grew to 70 percent, an Average Daily Rate of $495."

On government finances, he stated, "Over the last three years of this Administration, we have seen the annual revenue collections exceed the revenue projections, creating budget surpluses that have not been seen in over 15 years, despite the pandemic. Furthermore, we have actually reduced the indebtedness of the government by over $500 million in the last three years."

Relative to Covid-19, the governor continued encouraging vaccination, and revealed that 62 percent of the eligible Virgin Islands population have been fully vaccinated against the virus, a percentage that considers the USVI 2020 Census that puts the territory's population at 87,146, representing a decrease of 18.1% from the 2010 Census population of 106,405.

Mr. Bryan highlighted his commissioners, directors and other leaders paramount to the successful handling of the pandemic. "We have been blessed with a strong leadership team that has assisted me in decision-making," he said.

The two big announcements of the night were focused on repaying gov't employees past and present, and bringing relief to Virgin Islanders struggling with V.I. Water and Power Authority bills. The governor announced that his administration has put together a plan that will pay the government’s outstanding debt in retroactive wages to former and present employees dating back to 1990.

He also announced a plan whose aim is to provide small residential WAPA customers with energy independence through the installation of solar panels at their homes. The program targets 1,000 WAPA customers per year, and these customers will still be connected to WAPA for standby power.

The announcements hit at the core of two major issues in the territory, and will bolster Mr. Bryan's reelection campaign if he's able to execute them. More broadly at WAPA, the governor said, "It is clear to me that WAPA has three urgent priorities: expedite the installation of the recently delivered Wartsila generators that will improve power plant efficiency; immediately refinance the debt owed to VITOL for the construction of the propane terminals; and fast-track the renewable energy projects in the pipeline."

Also addressed was funding to stave off collapse of the Government Employees' Retirement System with a solution that was made public late last month. "Our success in this endeavor will also send a powerful signal to the financial markets that the U.S. Virgin Islands is getting its financial house in order," he said. "Most importantly, there are nearly 17,500 retirees and active employees who are depending on our actions."

Mr. Bryan spoke of projects current and ongoing, and named many completed road projects in both districts. He mentioned work completed and others near completion at the V.I. Port Authority as well, led by Carlton Dowe who is known for getting things done.

Work at the oft-delayed Paul E. Joseph Stadium has recommenced, and Mr. Bryan asked the Legislature for an additional $3 million for further enhancements he said would add value to the finished project. The governor spoke of another troubled project, JFL North, and said it would be completed by summer.

Housing remains a major problem in the territory, and Mr. Bryan acknowledged that the shortage "threatens to derail the economic growth of the U.S. Virgin Islands." He spoke of a bill he signed into law whose aim is to help first-time homebuyers with their purchase. "This provides an additional tool in our efforts to financially support Virgin Islanders seeking to purchase land for home construction, build or purchase a house, or repair or rehabilitate an existing house for use as their primary residence," the governor said. "That measure supplements the $70 million for homeownership construction and first-time homebuyer assistance already earmarked in HUD funding by the Housing Finance Authority, as well as the $10 million we allocated in American Rescue Plan Act funding by the Office of Management and Budget for affordable housing."