Government

St. Croix Is “Dying Slowly,” Vialet Says, Calls for Airport, Hotel and Manufacturing Push

Senator Kurt Vialet says St. Croix is falling further behind St. Thomas economically and needs a far more aggressive development strategy centered on airport investment, hotel growth, airlift recruitment, manufacturing and stronger executive leadership. During a Monday night interview with V.I. Consortium, Mr. Vialet said the difference in commercial activity between the two islands is visible and troubling. He described St. Croix as an island that has been repeatedly asked to accept less investment, less urgency and smaller development plans while St. Thomas continues to receive larger-scale attention. “The island dying slowly,” Mr. Vialet said of St. Croix, while discussing why he chose to seek reelection to the Senate rather than enter the 2026 gubernatorial race. Asked to elaborate, Mr. Vialet said the economic contrast between St. Croix and St. Thomas is stark for anyone who travels between the islands. He said St. Croix needs leaders willing to challenge development decisions ...