Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is asking residents and businesses across the Virgin Islands to document the financial impact of new postal fees following the suspension of the federal de minimis exemption, as his administration intensifies efforts to secure tailored relief for the territory.
Announcing a territory-wide outreach initiative, Governor Bryan said the effort is aimed at gathering detailed, real-world examples of increased shipping costs and related burdens that began affecting the U.S. territories in late August 2025. The de minimis exemption had previously allowed many low-value shipments to move without added duties and processing charges. Its suspension has led to what the Bryan-Roach Administration described as sharp and unexpected cost increases for households and businesses in the Virgin Islands.
The governor noted that the outreach is not a new effort, but a continuation of sustained advocacy that began when the federal policy change disrupted commerce and daily life in the territory.
“This is about fair treatment for the people of the Virgin Islands and relief that reflects our reality as an island community that depends on shipping for daily life and commerce,” Governor Bryan said. “We are going to meet this moment with facts and documentation that cannot be brushed aside.”
The documentation campaign is being led by Teri Helenese, Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the Office of the Governor, working in coordination with the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel. The administration said submissions will be organized and verified when possible to ensure they are presented effectively as part of ongoing federal advocacy.
Since the exemption was lifted, Mr. Bryan said he has raised the issue repeatedly in direct engagement with federal officials. In October 2025, he met with senior officials at the U.S. Department of the Interior to press for relief and coordinate a territorial response. Days later, he led territorial governors in formally requesting that the President grant a customs duty exemption on small packages shipped to and from the territories, according to Government House.
Most recently, during high-level meetings at the White House, Governor Bryan met with Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair. According to the governor, that engagement moved the administration’s advocacy into a more targeted phase. He said the White House encouraged the Virgin Islands to submit documented, case-specific examples demonstrating the actual cost impacts on residents and businesses, creating a clear record of harm and disruption to support the territory’s request.
To assist in building that record, the Office of the Governor is requesting submissions from residents and businesses on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John detailing how new fees have affected household budgets, reduced small business margins, delayed essential goods, caused packages to be left behind, or resulted in unexpected charges at local post offices.
Submissions should be sent to [email protected].
To strengthen the government’s advocacy efforts, participants may be asked to provide their name and contact information, island and post office location, the date the package was mailed or picked up, whether the shipment was personal, business-related, or essential goods, copies or photos of any notices, invoices, or receipts if available, and a brief description of the impact, including unexpected costs, inability to send or retrieve a package, business interruption, or delays in essential items.
Governor Bryan noted that participation is voluntary but said more detailed submissions will help the territory’s case.
“If this has impacted your household or your business, tell us what happened and show us what it costs,” he said. “We will compile this information and take it directly where it needs to go to keep pressing for the outcome our people deserve.”
The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 27. For additional information, residents may contact the Office of the Governor at [email protected]
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