Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., the national media who accompanied President Joe Biden to St. Croix were invited to a reception at Government House. In addition, members of the governor’s cabinet, commissioners and other local dignitaries attended.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. was unable to attend. Chief of Staff Karl Knight gave the opening remarks. He was followed by First Lady Yolanda Bryan, who welcomed the national press members to St. Croix and the USVI. Both were seen interacting with the press during the reception.
Mingling with each other and with those from St. Croix were representatives of the Associated Press, Reuters, CNN, ABC, NBC, and CBS, as well as freelance journalists and others. It was estimated that 75 were in attendance.
Dignitaries from the territory enjoying the evening included former Delegate Donna Christian Christiansen; Labor Commissioner Gary Malloy; VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen; Adjutant Gen. Kodjo S. Knox-Limbacker; St. Croix Administrator Sammuel Sanes; Agriculture Commissioner Positive Nelson and many others.
A beautiful and delicious buffet was prepared by Burton Peterson and his staff from Top Class Catering. Plates were filled and filled again as members of the press tasted some of the great food of St. Croix. Favorites seemed to be the lobster pate and lollipop lamb chops. Small tables provided an intimate atmosphere for socializing.
Outside, in the Government House quadrangle, Christmas decor could be seen as people came into the event. Kevin Williams Jr. provided a background of steelpan music all evening.