Bryan Blames Hospital Leadership, Legislature for Healthcare Crisis; Says Epstein Funds Should Be Released Instead of Declaring Emergency

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on Friday pushed back forcefully against calls from Senator Ray Fonseca to declare a hospital state of emergency in the U.S. Virgin Islands, arguing that the Legislature already holds the funds necessary to support the territory’s struggling hospitals and should take immediate action to release them. “Absolutely not,” Bryan said when asked by WTJX if he would consider issuing an emergency declaration. “There’s no need for a state of emergency. The Legislature has the money. They need to do their job.” The governor’s comments came on the same day that Senator Fonseca issued a press release reiterating his plea for a formal declaration, citing two recent letters signed by 106 doctors across the Virgin Islands. In his statement, Fonseca described what he called “overwhelming challenges and unacceptable conditions” faced by local healthcare professionals. He warned that shortages of staff, surgical supplies, and even access to blood through the Red Cross could l...