Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. has recently acknowledged a stark truth: our Territory is navigating perilous financial waters. It takes courage for any leader to admit such challenges, but this honesty is the first crucial step toward collective recovery. As we face these economic and financial hurdles, it is imperative that every level of our society—government, businesses, and individuals—adopts a mindset of intentional spending.
At the heart of a healthy economy lies the circulation of dollars. However, intentional spending does not mean freezing all expenditures; rather, it means prioritizing investments that deliver direct benefits to our residents and curtailing wasteful practices. Government departments must critically assess their budgets to eliminate unnecessary expenses. Unwarranted travel with no clear deliverables, for instance, stands as an insult to the very people our leaders are sworn to serve. Each department should streamline operations to ensure that every dollar spent contributes to tangible community benefits.
Legislative efforts, too, should be refocused on alleviating the burden on constituents rather than increasing fees and taxes that stifle economic activity. In some cases, reducing certain fees could stimulate a higher volume of transactions, which would eventually lead to a broader tax base and increased revenue for public coffers. Recent testimony from the V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs revealed that post-COVID, the issuance of new business licenses surged to approximately 13,000, only to decline by around 2,000 shortly thereafter. This fluctuation is a stark indicator of the economic tremors felt across our community—a reality that demands careful consideration and action.
My own years in government were deeply fulfilling, particularly in efforts to equip agencies with the tools needed to fortify our business sector and create more employment opportunities. Yet, even with these initiatives, local businesses continue to grapple with unreliable power and fluctuating costs—a critical barrier to their survival. The long-awaited stability of our Water and Power Authority remains an essential, albeit elusive, goal that we hope to realize in the future.
Another pressing issue that requires immediate reform is our probate system. Thousands of probate cases have accumulated, fracturing families and weakening community ties. Abandoned properties with crumbling foundations, coupled with escalating taxes, paint a grim picture of a system in dire need of overhaul. As properties are eventually “inherited” by the government and auctioned off for unpaid dues, the hard work and legacy of our ancestors are lost. Investors who can navigate this chaotic landscape often capitalize on familial discord, further eroding our communal heritage.
Ultimately, the message is clear: we must work together to save our community. The old adage—”Buckle up, buttercup. No one is coming to save you”—resonates now more than ever. While my days in government have passed and I now focus on my own business, the need for collective effort remains urgent. I offer no panacea here, only a call for unity and shared responsibility. It is only through genuine collaboration and deliberate action that we can steer our beloved Territory toward a more stable and prosperous future.
The time has come to set aside partisan silos and work together for the common good. Our future depends on it.
—Former Senator Janette Millin Young is a local author and celebrated communications professional.
Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com.
