During Monday’s weekly Government House press briefing, officials urged residents to be prepared as the peak of hurricane season approaches, announced additional tax refunds, and shared updates from the Virgin Islands Police Department on efforts to keep the local community safe.
Government House Director of Communications Richard Motta Jr. opened the press briefing by honoring educators, students, and parents as public schools opened across the territory today.
“The excitement and energy of a new academic year fill the air, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and opportunity for our students, teachers, faculty, and staff,” Motta said.
“Governor Bryan extends his heartfelt welcome to all our students. Your resilience and determination are truly inspiring. As we step into this new school year, embrace each opportunity to shine and every lesson as a step closer to your dreams,” Motta added.
Motta noted that Bryan personally attended several schools on Monday morning to offer wishes for a successful school year.
“[Gov. Bryan’s] visits [to the schools] highlight our administration’s unwavering commitment to education and the belief that our students are the key to a brighter future for the Virgin Islands,” Motta stated.
Virgin Islands Police Department News
St. Croix Chief of Police Sean Santos Sr. spoke on Monday regarding VIPD updates across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“The Virgin Islands Police Department has begun a territory-wide traffic violation-focused initiative,” Santos explained. “This initiative helps us to deal with several situations [including] vehicles that are traveling our roadways that [have] heavily tinted [windows], [occupants] operating vehicles without [wearing] seatbelts, unregistered vehicles, and [enforcement of] our Child Occupancy Protection [regulations], with children riding in motor vehicles that are being operated without proper safety seating or restraints,” Santos continued.
Santos stated that the department is working to combat illegal all-terrain vehicles on the roadways while noting that some ATV models can be registered, provided that the legal requirements and criteria described in Virgin Islands Code Title 20 are met.
Santos praised VIPD officers who responded to reports of shots fired in the Gallows Bay area of St. Croix on Sunday night. He explained that two individuals were arrested, and two “ghost guns” (which are unregistered, privately built firearms) were seized.
“I want to say thank you to our officers in blue from our Patrol Division, the Marine Unit, and the Criminal Investigation Team,” Santos stated.
Santos also expressed gratitude to individuals across the islands who monitor the VIPD Facebook account. According to Santos, this can be extremely helpful in assisting the agency, including locating missing persons.
Hurricane Season Preparedness and Weather Updates
Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Daryl Jaschen joined the press briefing to provide a weather update and to encourage residents across the territory to be prepared as the peak of hurricane season approaches. (According to the National Hurricane Center, “The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is September 10, with most activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October.”)
“[Because we are] in the month of August, this should remind us to complete any hurricane preparations for our homes, families, and businesses,” Jaschen advised.
Jaschen mentioned that the Blue Skies Sandbag Distribution program, an initiative to distribute sandbags to elderly individuals and those with special needs, has been completed. If necessary, additional sandbags will become available before a severe weather event.
Details were shared about the locations of emergency storm shelters across the USVI if they need to be opened during this hurricane season. (A previous Source article with shelter information is available here.)
Jaschen explained that a tropical wave is forecast to move near the Virgin Islands this week. However, according to the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, most of the precipitation should remain south of the local islands. However, Jaschen said that Saharan dust and hot temperatures are expected across the region again this week. Staying hydrated and cool is essential to help avoid heat-related illnesses.
Residents and visitors can sign up for emergency weather alerts from VITEMA. The Source Weather Page also publishes a daily weather forecast and offers readers the opportunity to view weather forecast videos and disaster preparedness video segments.
Tax Refunds and Community Updates
In other community news, Motta revealed additional tax returns headed to taxpayers.
“I am pleased to announce the release of more than $5.1 million in income tax refunds to 1,260 Virgin Islands residents who filed their returns by June 27, 2022,” Motta stated. “This follows last week’s payout of over $5 million to more than 1,700 tax filers.
“Governor Bryan prioritizes ensuring [that] residents receive their refunds promptly, and these recent payouts are a testament to our commitment to transparency and responsiveness,” Motta said.
Motta also shared information about a town hall meeting hosted by the St. Thomas-Water Island Territory Administrator at Market Square in downtown Charlotte Amalie on Thursday, Aug. 8, at 6 p.m. The meeting will provide details about plans to clean up the Market Square area. Individuals interested in attending the conference can call 340-774-0001 or the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority at 340-715-9100.
Congratulations!
Finally, Motta congratulated Virgin Islands Olympians and Democratic Primary candidates on behalf of the Bryan/Roach administration.
“[To the Virgin Islands Olympians,] your hard work, determination, and excellence inspire us all, [and] the entire Virgin Islands community stands behind you, cheering you on [as you] represent our territory with honor and distinction,” Motta stated. “Governor Bryan and the Bryan/Roach Administration are incredibly proud of each of you. You embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines the Virgin Islands,” he continued.
“The governor also extends his congratulations to the Democratic Primary candidates who were successful in Saturday’s Democratic Primary Election,” Motta said. He also acknowledged the service and commitment of all the candidates who participated in this primary.
