President Joe Biden was back for a week on St. Croix Wednesday and primed for Crucian Christmas Festival, according to national news reports and local speculation.
Biden reportedly landed at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport and headed to Two Palms Villas on the island’s east end. It’s the second yearend visit for Biden as president, having taken the same New Year holiday in 2022. The former senator and vice president also popped in while out of office in 2019, stopping for selfies with lucky Crucians.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. released a statement Wednesday expressing his joy:
“Today, it is with immense pride and profound gratitude that we welcome President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to the beautiful island of St. Croix. Their visit marks a significant and proud moment not only for the residents of St. Croix but for the entire U.S. Virgin Islands community. The President’s choice of our island as his retreat for some well-deserved downtime speaks volumes about the unique charm and warmth that St. Croix offers. We are always thankful for President Biden’s support and commitment to our islands, and it is an honor to host him and the First Lady. Their presence here reinforces the strong bond between our U.S. Virgin Islands and the rest of the United States, and we are delighted to share the best of our culture, hospitality, and natural beauty with them.”
The White House did not release Biden’s itinerary while on island — which may or may not contain Crucian Christmas Festival events. He, First Lady Jill Biden, and granddaughter Natalie will be staying in a three-bedroom villa with an infinity pool.
The Bidens are longtime friends with St. Croix residents Bill and Connie Neville, according to the New York Times.
