WAPA's Richmond Power Plant. By. V.I. CONSORTIUM
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is currently attending the National Governors Association (NGA) Energy Security, Resilience and Recovery Roundtable in Hawaii, accompanied by key territorial emergency management officials. The announcement was made by Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. during the weekly press briefing from St. Croix.
The governor's trip aims to address critical energy security challenges that affect the U.S. Virgin Islands and other remote territories and states, Gov't House said. These challenges include natural threats, isolated and remote networks, fuel supply delays, and utility governance issues. The roundtable also includes federal officials and leaders from Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, Northern Marianas Islands, and Puerto Rico.
The timing of the meeting aligns with the current state of emergency in the Virgin Islands, triggered by the ongoing issues with the local Water and Power Authority's generating capacity. Governor Bryan's involvement in the roundtable is expected to enhance collaborative efforts to bolster energy resilience in the territory.
In Mr. Bryan's absence, Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach will serve as acting governor until Bryan's scheduled return on May 18th.
In addition to the governor's activities, Motta also highlighted the upcoming USVI 2024 Wellness Fair, slated for June 1-9. This event, sponsored by the VI Department of Health, the Governor’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Health and Innovative Readiness Training Program, will offer free dental, optometry, and medical screenings. Over 270 health professionals from across the nation will provide services including mental wellness checks.
The health fair will serve residents of all ages at the St. Croix Educational Complex and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas. Free back-to-school vaccinations will also be available at Maternal and Child Health clinics across all three islands.
Lastly, Motta conveyed Governor Bryan's congratulations to the recent graduates of the University of the Virgin Islands. Commencement ceremonies held last Thursday and Friday on St. Thomas and St. Croix marked the transition of these students into future leaders and innovators of the territory. Motta emphasized the Governor's pride in their accomplishments and his anticipation of their positive impact on both the local community and beyond.
