After a contentious process which pitted the hopes and desires of St. Johnians for a full K-12 public school on the island against the reticence of handing over more Virgin Islands land to the National Park Service, Governor Albert Bryan on Monday announced that the land exchange agreement between the local and federal governments is now complete.
“This achievement is not just a milestone,” said Governor Bryan during his weekly press briefing, “it’s a testament to our dedication to addressing a longstanding educational and community need for the residents of St. John.”
Mr. Bryan said the exchange “signifies a giant leap forward in providing equitable educational opportunities for our students.” Noting that the path to an expanded Julius Sprauve School has been paved with “many failed attempts” over the past five decades, the governor celebrated the long-awaited completion of this initiative.
Despite Whistling Cay now being owned by the federal government under the management and supervision of the National Parks Service as part of the deal, Governor Bryan reassured the public that NPS “will continue to ensure the protection of wildlife and uphold local access laws” so that Virgin Islanders can continue to enjoy traditional recreational activities in the area.
He highlighted the $133 million obligated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the construction of the new Julius Sprauve School, which Mr. Bryan says will serve as an educational institution, storm shelter, and “valuable community space for all the residents of St. John.
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