During Monday’s weekly Government House press briefing, Director of Communications Richard Motta Jr. shared an update regarding funds allocated for community cleanups and beautification. Officials also conveyed news about tax refunds and provided a tropical weather update.
Community Enhancements
Motta began Monday’s press briefing by congratulating the work completed by individuals who participated in a cleanup of the King Street area of Frederiksted last weekend.
“It’s inspiring to take the initiative to enhance our towns,” Motta said. “This event reflects the spirit of collaboration and care for our environment that is essential for our community’s growth,” he said.
“I want to emphasize that Governor Bryan’s administration wholeheartedly supports these community-led efforts, [and] it is [the administration’s] belief that together we can create a cleaner, more inviting environment for both residents and visitors.”
Motta noted the collaboration between government agencies and public organizations, including the nonprofit organization “Our Town Frederiksted,” which helped to organize the cleanup. Motta also stated that additional funds had been allocated to the V.I. Public Works Department to be used for community beautification, including the grass-cutting of overgrown areas.
Motta also reminded the public of a recent investment approved by Gov. Bryan for community improvements. An investment of $1 million will be divided among organizations, such as the St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce, Our Town Frederiksted, and The Christiansted Retail and Restaurant Association.
Weather Information
Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Daryl Jaschen began the weekly press briefing with information about several tropical systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center.
Jaschen explained that while several systems are being monitored across the Atlantic Basin, none of the storms are expected to impact the U.S. Virgin Islands directly. However, powerful swells generated by storms to the northeast of the local islands will continue to affect the marine conditions around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands this week, including causing a high risk of rip currents. Rip currents are “powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore [and] typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Jaschen also provided detailed information on Hurricane Milton, an extremely powerful Category 5 cyclone in the Gulf of Mexico, which is expected to make landfall along the west coast of Florida later this week. While the storm could fluctuate in intensity before landfall, the system is expected to cause widespread damage, including an inundation of storm surge.
Jaschen explained that air travel to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida will likely be affected.
“One of the concerns for the territory is the impact [on] air travel,” Jaschen said. “Please look at your flight conditions, [including any flight] delays,” he advised, while noting that several airlines are already waiving rebooking fees due to the storm.
“Tampa, Florida, is going to be closing their airport on Tuesday,” Jaschen added.
Both Jaschen and Motta urged individuals in Florida to follow local authorities’ advice to remain safe.
In other weather-related news, Jaschen invited the public to participate in the “Great Shakeout” exercise – an earthquake drill set for Thursday, Oct. 17.
“This year’s International ShakeOut Day is October 17, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home,” according to ShakeOut.org. “At 10:17 a.m. (local time) on 10/17, you can join millions of people across the world practicing earthquake safety,” the website continued.
Jaschen also encouraged school-aged children to join a VITEMA contest highlighting emergency preparedness across the territory. More information is available here.
Finally, Jaschen said that the risk of excessive heat across the islands will continue, and he advised individuals in the territory to remain hydrated and cool to help avoid heat-related illnesses.
Residents can sign up for emergency alerts from VITEMA, and information about building an emergency preparedness kit is available on the agency’s website here.
The Source Weather Page also publishes a daily weather forecast and offers readers the opportunity to view weather forecast videos and disaster preparedness video segments.
Tax Refunds
Motta stated that thousands of USVI residents can expect tax refunds shortly.
“I am pleased to stand before you today to share some significant news that underscores [the Bryan/Roach] administration’s commitment to the financial wellbeing of Virgin Islands residents,” Motta said. “Over the past 30 days, our administration has successfully completed the payout of more than $27 million in income tax refunds to the hard-working people of our territory,” Motta continued.
“A total of $27.4 million has been paid out to 9,350 tax filers who filed their income taxes on or before March 22, 2023,” he added.
“Each of these refunds represents not just numbers on a balance sheet but real relief for families who have been waiting for what is rightfully theirs,” Motta said. “This payout is part of our ongoing efforts to make good on past obligations and to address the pressing financial challenges faced by Virgin Islanders as we navigate the effects of inflation,” Motta added.
Workforce Summit
Motta concluded Monday’s briefing by reminding residents to attend the 2024 Governor’s Workforce Summit this week.
“This year, our theme is ‘Sun, Sand and Success: Strategies for Work Excellence in the U.S. Virgin Islands,’” Motta explained. “This summit is more than just an event; it’s a chance to take charge of your professional future and unlock your potential,” he added.
The Workforce Summit, which is free of charge for all attendees, will feature skill-building workshops for individuals entering the workforce and those looking to advance in the workforce. Opportunities to learn from industry experts will also be provided.
“The Governor’s Workforce Summit 2024 brings together industry leaders and local experts, representatives from small businesses, the University of the Virgin Islands, training providers, government departments, and agencies to address workforce challenges and provide innovative solutions that will ensure the Virgin Islands has a well-trained, well-skilled and well-prepared workforce for now and in the future,” according to information from the Workforce Development Board website.
Individuals interested in attending the Summit can sign up online here. The dates and times of the events are as follows:
St. Croix:
Caribbean Cinemas
Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
St. Thomas:
Caribbean Cinemas
Thursday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
St. John:
Legislature Building
Friday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
