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Last updated at 7:33 a.m. on Wed. July 28, 2021.
Government House announced Tuesday that Governor Albert Bryan has joined a delegation of Virgin Islands senators led by Senator Kenneth Gittens for a series of meetings outside of the territory aimed at expanding the transportation and distribution industry in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Lawmakers on the trip include Mr. Gittens, who chairs the Committee on Economic Development & Agriculture, Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory, chairman of the Finance Committee Kurt Vialet, vice chair of the Committee on Economic Development & Agriculture, Milton Potter, Majority Leader Marvin Blyden, Franklin Johnson and Novelle Francis — the chief sponsor of the South Shore Enterprise Zone legislation.
In the release, Mr. Gittens said, “The growth and stability of the Virgin Islands economy is linked to our ability to adapt and act proactively. We have learned we cannot rely on tourism, refining or any single industry here in the Virgin Islands. It is critical that we focus on bringing new and sustainable enterprises to the Territory, particularly St. Croix.”
The senator said this week’s trip was the result of “very exhilarating discussions” with global industry leaders that he initiated in January and that it was important that the territory’s leaders present a united front and a coordinated plan to bring in major investors to the Virgin Islands.
“The effort continues this week with an official visit to the Ports of Miami and Palm Beach to explore transhipment, global freight operations and some of the many opportunities created under our new South Shore Free-Trade Zone designation, Mr. Gittens said. “We will also move forward with an ongoing initiative to bring in new private sector partners to the territory.”
Governor Bryan left the territory Tuesday morning and will accompany the delegation for a series of meetings with transportation and shipping companies and other stakeholders located in Florida. He is scheduled to return to the territory on Sunday August 1, 2021, according to Gov't House.
Also on the trip are V.I. Port Authority staff and board and officials of the V.I. Economic Development Authority, according to the release.
Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach will serve as acting governor until Mr. Bryan returns.
