Governor Albert Bryan Jr. in Washington over the weekend. Photo Credit: GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Government House announced on Friday that Governor Albert Bryan joined President Donald Trump and fellow governors at the White House today for a high-level discussion on shared priorities and opportunities for federal-state collaboration. The meeting focused on crucial topics such as economic development, regulatory reform, education funding, and public safety.
According to the administration, one of the central issues Governor Bryan raised was the economic significance of restarting the oil refinery in the Virgin Islands. He emphasized that this initiative holds immense potential for job creation and economic growth in the territory. However, he also pointed out the challenges posed by federal regulations, which often slow down progress on large-scale projects. The governor advocated for streamlining these regulations to facilitate faster approvals and implementation, thereby allowing the refinery to become a driving force for the local economy.
During the meeting, Bryan and other state leaders voiced concerns over the often cumbersome federal regulatory process, which has led to delays in essential projects. Mr. Bryan joined his counterparts in calling for a reduction in bureaucratic red tape that hinders infrastructure and economic initiatives. One of President Trump's campaign promises was to slash regulations. He signed an executive order that requires that whenever an agency promulgates a new rule, regulation, or guidance, it must identify at least 10 existing rules, regulations, or guidance documents to be repealed.
Education was another key issue Governor Bryan addressed, particularly the need for block granting federal education funds to the territory. He explained that the current system is weighed down by administrative complexities that make it difficult for the Virgin Islands Department of Education to allocate resources effectively. By allowing for block grants, the territory would gain more flexibility in directing funds where they are needed most, ensuring that students and schools benefit without unnecessary federal oversight.
Governor Bryan also stressed the importance of federal-local cooperation in addressing public safety concerns. He highlighted the need to remove individuals who are in the territory illegally and called for stronger federal efforts to combat the inflow of drugs, particularly fentanyl, which poses a serious threat to the community. Ensuring that those who engage in criminal activities face appropriate consequences was a key point in his discussions on security.
Following the meeting, the governor reiterated his commitment to fostering strong partnerships between the Virgin Islands and the federal government. “Today’s meeting was a productive opportunity to ensure that the Virgin Islands’ needs are understood at the highest levels of government,” he stated. “By working together with the federal government, we can drive economic growth, improve public safety, and ensure that our residents receive the resources they deserve.”
