Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Photo Credit: GOV'T HOUSE.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has signed three bills establishing a temporary law-enforcement integration initiative to increase police manpower, moving the Water Island Hotel and Marina development forward and providing nearly $3 million to the University of the Virgin Islands for general operating expenses.
Bryan approved Bills 36-0332, 36-0340 and 36-0343, all passed by the 36th Legislature during its Aug. 4 session. The measures address public safety, economic development and higher education.
Bill 36-0332 establishes a temporary law-enforcement integration initiative designed to increase police manpower, strengthen public-safety operations and reduce violent crime across the territory.
The legislation follows action Bryan took in June through Executive Order 547-2026, which temporarily placed designated peace officers from several executive-branch agencies under the command of the V.I. Police Department commissioner.
The executive order was intended to quickly increase the number of trained law-enforcement personnel available to VIPD, improve coordination and provide additional support for public-safety operations territorywide.
“I appreciate the Legislature recognizing the need for this kind of coordinated approach and acting on this measure,” Governor Bryan said. “When public safety demands additional resources, government must be able to bring those resources together quickly and effectively. This legislation strengthens our ability to support VIPD, increase law enforcement presence and respond to violent crime.”
Bryan also signed Bill 36-0340, reinstating and amending the lease between the Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Department of Property and Procurement, and Water Island Development Company, LLC.
The lease covers development of the Water Island Hotel and Marina.
According to Government House, the agreement allows the project to move forward and supports the administration’s efforts to attract private investment and expand economic activity in the territory.
The third measure, Bill 36-0343, appropriates $2,917,519 to the University of the Virgin Islands for general operating expenses.
“UVI plays an important role in educating our people and developing the workforce and leadership our Territory needs,” Governor Bryan said. “Supporting the University is an investment in the future of the Virgin Islands.”
Bryan also thanked members of the 36th Legislature for their work on the three measures and their continued service to the territory.
Advertisements
