In her biweekly column, “State of the Territory,” former Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw delves deeper into issues of concern for V.I. residents.
As Governor Albert Bryan Jr. prepares to deliver his 2025 State of the Territory Address, Virgin Islanders find themselves asking familiar questions: Does this address reflect the realities of life on our islands? Are the promises of progress translating into tangible improvements in our daily lives? Or are we left navigating a widening gap between the administration’s vision and the challenges we face?
The address is an annual moment of reflection, but it’s also an opportunity to assess whether the path laid out by our leaders is aligned with the lived experiences of the people. This year’s address, perhaps more than any before, will need to confront the growing disconnect between policy goals and the pressing realities of our territory.
Outstanding Debt: A Strain on the Backbone of the Economy
One of the most pressing challenges facing the territory is the millions in outstanding debt owed to vendors, many of which are small businesses. These businesses are the backbone of the local economy, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and contributing to the vibrancy of our communities.
How do we reconcile this debt with claims of economic stability? For small business owners, delayed payments mean tighter margins, reduced capacity, and an inability to reinvest in their operations. Can we truly say the economy is improving while so many businesses face financial uncertainty due to government inaction?
Progress or Plateau?
Governor Bryan lauded economic growth in 2024, citing record-low unemployment rates and significant investment in tourism and infrastructure. However, these macroeconomic figures don’t always capture the full picture. How many families are still struggling to meet basic needs despite job creation? Has the promised relief from inflation materialized in a meaningful way, or do the rising costs of food and housing continue to erode purchasing power? Virgin Islanders are also likely to reflect on the ambitious infrastructure projects highlighted last year. Did these projects stay on track, or were they delayed by the all-too-familiar hurdles of bureaucracy and funding constraints? The economic growth figures may look promising on paper, but are they making a meaningful impact in the daily lives of Virgin Islanders?
Education: A Generation Waiting
Education reform remains at the heart of any thriving community, and the 2024 address set bold goals. New school projects, enhanced teacher resources, and expanded programs for students were all touted. But how much progress has been made in reducing the achievement gap or improving learning environments? Do Virgin Islander children and educators feel the impact of these initiatives, or are they still waiting for promises to become reality? As we reflect on this year’s address, will the governor be able to offer measurable improvements, or will education reform remain yet another promise deferred?
WAPA and Energy Promises
Perhaps no issue touches Virgin Islanders more directly than the cost and reliability of electricity. Governor Bryan’s vision for energy independence and renewable solutions resonated in 2024, but is it closer to realization? Over a five-month span, residents have endured recurring power outages, often lasting more than six hours at a time. Utility bills remain astronomically high, compounding the frustration. While solar and wind energy offer potential solutions, hope alone does not power a household. Will the governor address these persistent challenges, or will energy independence remain a distant aspiration?
The State of Our Roads
For many residents, the state of our roads tells a story far more compelling than any speech. Potholes have grown so large that they’re now marked by bright orange barricades—a symbol of neglect that has outlasted many promises of repair. Overgrown bushes spill onto roadways, forcing drivers into the middle of the road and creating dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians alike. Poor lighting on many roads exacerbates these hazards, making night travel a perilous experience.
Infrastructure isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety, livelihoods, and the basic quality of life. How can we call this progress when navigating our roads feels more dangerous than ever?
Federal Dependency and the Recovery Stalemate
The influx of $12 billion in federal disaster recovery funds presents an incredible opportunity to rebuild and strengthen infrastructure. Yet, the pace of recovery has been slow, with only $474 million slated for spending in FY2025. How do we reconcile these billions in available funding with the crumbling public facilities and the continued vulnerability to future disasters?
Moreover, the territory’s reliance on federal support has grown dramatically, with federal aid now accounting for 29% of the total budget—up from 16% during the Mapp administration. Is this reliance sustainable? What happens when the flow of federal dollars slows or stops? Will we have built a resilient local economy by then, or will we find ourselves scrambling to fill the gaps?
Promises Deferred
The absence of $25 million in retroactive pay from the FY25 budget raises questions about the administration’s commitment to public sector workers. These funds, diverted last year to bolster the General Fund, have now disappeared entirely. This omission erodes trust and morale, particularly when wage increases for pending contracts also remain unfunded. Are we taking care of the people who keep our public services running, or are we asking them to shoulder the burden of budgetary shortfalls while receiving empty promises in return?
A Data Crisis and Economic Stagnation
The Bureau of Economic Analysis recently announced it would discontinue GDP reporting for the Virgin Islands due to “severe data issues.” This is more than an administrative failure—it’s a blow to transparency, governance, and the territory’s ability to attract investment. Without reliable data, how can we make informed decisions about our economic future?
At the same time, the economy shows troubling signs of stagnation. Private investment has slowed to a trickle, population decline continues, and the workforce is shrinking. With negative growth rates (-1.3% in 2022) and limited new projects on the horizon, are we doing enough to reverse these trends? Or are we standing still while the world moves forward?
Crime and Corruption: The Silent Crises
Homicides have neared 50 this year—a stark reminder of the urgent need for solutions to address crime and public safety. Meanwhile, corruption scandals continue to plague the local government, eroding trust and making it harder to address the deeper issues that affect us all. Are these systemic issues being tackled, or are they simply being managed to avoid headlines?
An Invitation to Reflect
The State of the Territory Address is more than a speech—it is a mirror held up to our government and the governed. As Virgin Islanders, we must listen carefully, not just to the governor’s words but to the reality they claim to represent. Does this address speak to your struggles, your hopes, and your lived experiences? Are the achievements celebrated on stage the same ones you feel in your everyday life?
It is easy to be captivated by the optimism of a well-delivered speech. But progress is not measured by words alone; it is felt in the small but meaningful changes that improve lives. As the governor outlines his vision for the future, let us ask ourselves: Is this vision grounded in the realities we face? Are we moving forward, or are we treading water?
The answers to these questions lie not just with our leaders but with all of us. The road to a better Virgin Islands requires accountability, transparency, and a collective commitment to turning promises into action. As we reflect on this year’s address, let’s hold space for these questions and the conversations they inspire.
Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com.
Yes, let’s talk about corruption, since it’s in the news today. How can a competent government possible fail to account for all these federal funds? Clearly, the corruption runs deep. Where is the $2 million in Medicaid money that Rep. Plaskett announced? The doctors and pharmacies haven’t been paid in more than a year.
We can do better – we must do better!