USVI News
Governor Declares State of Energy Emergency in the US Virgin Islands
In response to escalating energy challenges, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. of the United States Virgin Islands has issued Executive Order No. 537-2024, declaring a State of Energy Emergency.
The proclamation comes amidst mounting concerns over the stability of the territory’s power supply, exacerbated by global geopolitical tensions and local financial strains.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the price of oil has been in a constant state of flux, impacting vital resources like diesel fuel and liquid propane. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East further compounds uncertainties surrounding crude oil prices. These fluctuations have placed immense strain on the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), hindering its ability to meet financial obligations to critical vendors.
As a consequence of payment delays, critical vendors have begun withholding services, precipitating rotating power outages across the territory. These outages not only threaten the health, safety, and economic stability of Virgin Islanders but also jeopardize the operation of essential services, including medical facilities and social service providers.
In response to the crisis, Governor Bryan has invoked his authority under Title 23, Section 1005 of the Virgin Islands Code to declare a State of Energy Emergency, effective immediately. The declaration empowers the Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) to activate the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) on St. Croix.
Furthermore, Governor Bryan has designated Daryl D. Jaschen as the Territorial Coordinating Officer (TCO) and Jenifer O’Neal as the Incident Commander to oversee the territorial response. Their directives include safeguarding public health, safety, and economic stability, as well as activating disaster preparation, response, and recovery plans.
To expedite the procurement of essential resources, Governor Bryan has suspended the provisions of Title 31, Chapter 23, Section 236 of the Virgin Islands Code pertaining to formal advertising of competitive bids. This measure aims to streamline the acquisition of goods and services crucial to energy production.
Governor Bryan calls upon all agencies under his direction to collaborate fully with the Incident Commander and TCO, emphasising the importance of a unified response to the energy crisis.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), working alongside the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other federal agencies, has initiated immigration enforcement actions in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. These efforts are part of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” signed on January 20, 2025.
Governor Albert Bryan informed the Virgin Islands Consortium on Sunday that ICE agents have been monitoring ferry operations in the St. Thomas-St. John district. Residents have also reported sightings of enforcement activities in the area.
In a statement released Sunday, ICE highlighted the importance of enforcing immigration laws, stating that the agency plays a key role in “safeguarding national security and public safety.” The agency said it works closely with other law enforcement entities to achieve the objectives outlined in the executive order.
The enforcement efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are part of broader operations across the mainland United States. Since the executive order was signed, thousands of arrests have been reported.
On Sunday, tensions arose between the United States and Colombia over immigration policies. Colombia initially refused entry to two U.S. military aircraft carrying deported Colombian nationals. In response, President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Colombian goods and threatened to raise it to 50%, along with implementing visa restrictions and enhanced border inspections.
Following the announcement of these measures, Colombia agreed to accept its nationals, utilising the presidential plane to facilitate their return.
USVI News
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Declares January 9 a Local Holiday in Honor of President Jimmy Carter
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has declared Thursday, January 9, a local holiday in the U.S. Virgin Islands, joining the nation in observing a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter. This announcement follows President Joseph R. Biden’s declaration honoring Carter’s extraordinary life of service.
President Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away recently, leaving a legacy of compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to humanity. Known for his humility and commitment to global peace, democracy, and human rights, Carter’s impact transcended political boundaries and continues to inspire.
“President Jimmy Carter was a statesman whose legacy of humility, courage, and boundless compassion will forever inspire us all,” Governor Bryan said in a statement. “His leadership extended beyond politics, reminding us that true service to humanity transcends personal ambition. The Virgin Islands joins the nation in honoring his remarkable life and contributions.”
The Governor’s Executive Order officially designates January 9 as a holiday for residents to reflect on and commemorate Carter’s contributions to the nation and the world. All government offices in the Virgin Islands will be closed on this day.
This observance aligns with President Biden’s National Day of Mourning, a solemn occasion to honor Carter’s decades-long devotion to public service, from his presidency (1977–1981) to his humanitarian work through the Carter Center.
Governor Bryan also announced that he will attend President Carter’s State Funeral from January 8 to January 10 at the invitation of President Biden. During his absence, Commissioner of Finance Kevin McCurdy will serve as Acting Governor, while Senate President Novelle E. Francis Jr. will take on the role of Acting Lieutenant Governor, as Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach will also be traveling.
Carter’s presidency and post-presidential work focused on championing human rights, promoting democracy, and addressing global health challenges. His efforts earned him widespread admiration and the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
“His life was a testament to the power of compassion and perseverance,” Governor Bryan remarked, extending condolences to the Carter family, the people of Georgia, and the nation.
The U.S. Virgin Islands joins the United States and the world in remembering President Carter, a leader whose influence will resonate for generations.
President Jimmy Carter
– Linked to 28-Person Trafficking Case in BVI
A citizen of the Dominican Republic, who holds Belonger Status in the British Virgin Islands, was arrested in the U.S. Virgin Islands on Wednesday night, September 25, after being caught trafficking two individuals into the territory.
Danny Dennevil, already facing charges in the BVI for human trafficking, was apprehended following a tense pursuit involving U.S. law enforcement. According to the Virgin Islands Consortium, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents had been monitoring a 12-foot dinghy operated by Dennevil as it left Little Thatch Cay and Frenchman Cay in Tortola on the night of September 25, 2024.
The boat, powered by a single 25-horsepower Yamaha engine, crossed into U.S. waters and was tracked into Leinster Bay on St. John. Law enforcement agents, observing the vessel’s movements, pursued the boat into Annaberg, where two individuals disembarked. These individuals, later identified as nationals of the Dominican Republic, were taken into custody for entering the USVI without legal documentation.
As agents attempted to stop Dennevil from fleeing back to Tortola, he allegedly ignored their commands, prompting officers to disable his boat’s engine, forcing him to stop.
While court documents do not specify Dennevil’s nationality, reports indicate he informed U.S. agents that he was already facing trial in the British Virgin Islands for a separate human trafficking case. Dennevil had previously been arrested in November 2021 for allegedly facilitating the illegal entry of 28 individuals, including Haitians and South Americans, who were discovered in a Baughers Bay apartment on Tortola. He had spent a year in remand before being released pending trial.
During that 2021 incident, Dennevil reportedly admitted to assisting the group, claiming that one of the individuals was his girlfriend, “Blondie,” whom he had met at a strip club. According to his statements, he expected to be compensated with sexual favors. Blondie, however, told investigators she had offered Dennevil $1,000 for his help, while her male cousin, another passenger, claimed he paid $5,150 to be smuggled from the Dominican Republic to St. Thomas via Tortola.
Dennevil is now facing new charges in the U.S. Virgin Islands, adding to the legal troubles he already faces in the British Virgin Islands. The case underscores the region’s ongoing challenges with human trafficking, as local and U.S. authorities work to clamp down on smuggling operations that exploit vulnerable individuals.
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