WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. (D-USVI) is in the nation’s capital this week — representing the U.S. Virgin Islands at the National Governors Association winter meeting.
The governor said the trip is about more than handshakes — it’s about delivering for the people back home.
This week — a vibe like no other, in Washington, D.C. Some familiar faces were naturally in rhythm in our nation’s capital as government officials, federal partners and advocates for the USVI gathered to celebrate USVI culture, policies and progress — while also advocating for the future.
Gov. Bryan and representatives from the USVI are in D.C. meeting one-on-one with Trump administration cabinet members and officials — pushing for federal policies and partnerships that could have a real impact on life in the territory.
“And you get one-on-ones with the cabinet members. So the issues that are plaguing us, we can get that cooperation,” said Gov. Bryan.
A lot of those conversations will be focused on an exemption for federal policies that Bryan says have driven up costs at the post office.
“A lot of our residents are being plagued right now because when they go to the post office, they have to pay this extra tariff tax,” said Bryan. “Organizing these meetings to get the president to give us a waiver from that so we won’t have to pay those taxes anymore.”
Governor Bryan — who is term-limited — will leave office later this year. He was honored and celebrated at a USVI reception Thursday evening. He reflected with our Washington bureau on his two terms leading islanders through tough times.
“Biggest thing was COVID. I tell people COVID made me the governor. before that, people questioned whether I had the knowledge or the grit to lead. But COVID made it come to a decision where it was like sink or swim,” he said. “We had to make tough decisions regardless of the politics.”
As for his next chapter — time will tell. But it’s safe to say it’s one that will be deeply tied to the Virgin Islands.
“I really love the Virgin Islands and policy. I would love to do some policy work and consultation. I want to do some stuff helping the next governor to bring hard things across the line because there’s no support when you go out there trying to get tough things done.”
His message to his constituents as he prepares to leave office:
“I want people to know that we have to stay the course,” said Bryan.
“We have $25 billion, 11 billion in contracts right now out there. Schools, hospitals on the ground- all moving along. We cannot afford for it to be disrupted. Let’s make sure that we stick to our 2040 plan and we fulfill on all the hard work we’ve done for the last seven years,” he added.
This will likely be one of the final trips to Washington as governor for Bryan. But the message to America’s leaders will remain: The U.S. Virgin Islands are open for growth and partnership — and while staying the course and remaining resilient.
