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GOVERNOR DELIVERS STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS Close About Us History Functions and Structure FY 2026 Budget Honor Roll Rules of the 36th Legislative Youth Advisory Council Application Careers Archives Legislative Archives Tours × St. Thomas Senators  St. John Senators  St.Croix Senators  Districts All Senators St. Croix St. Thomas - St. John Senator at Large × Committees Committee of the Whole Budget, Appropriation and Finance Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning Economic Development and Agriculture Education and Workforce Development Government Operations, Veteran Affairs and Consumer Protection Health, Hospitals and Human Services Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications Rules and Judiciary Session Folder × No event found! Calendars Bi-Weekly Senate Calendar Session Agenda × Dialog window Dialog window General Senators Committees Media Calendars Contact News | Observances | Press Releases | Special Events GOVERNOR DELIVERS STATE OF THE TERRITORY ADDRESS Published: Jan 24, 2023 Search for: ST. THOMAS – The 35 th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, led by Senate President Novelle E. Francis, Jr. reconvened into regular legislative session at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. The session then recessed to receive the Honorable Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s 5 th State of the Territory Address.  “We are excited by the opportunity to continue the work of improving the quality of life for all Virgin Islanders who call here home.”   Senate President Novelle E. Francis Jr. termed the Governor’s address as being comprehensive in regard to the state of the territory. “He talked about how promising it looks, and I agree with him that there are many opportunities that are available to Virgin Islanders.”   Governor Albert Bryan’s address spoke of the myriad of improvements in the territory, including, but not limited to the reduction of the unemployment rate, which stood at 5.3% in September 2022, more than halving Fiscal Year 2021’s average unemployment rate of 10%, considerably lower unemployment claims, and a boost in private sector hiring, especially in industries tied to tourism.    Governor Bryan’s address also spoke of the launch of the Catalyst Fund Gap Initiative, intended to spur small business development in the territory. A sharp rebound in tourism was also lauded, with the territory receiving 1.6 million visitors in 2022, a 116% increase from 2021. A renaissance in cruise ship arrivals has also been seen on the island of St. Croix. Various improvements to infrastructure, such as the rebuilding of highly traversed roads, the rehabilitation of parks, schools, and hospitals, as well as improvements in power generation were also celebrated.   Senators in attendance were: Senate President Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Marvin A. Blyden, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Diane T. Capehart, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Alma Francis Heyliger, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Kenneth L. Gittens, Javan E. James, Sr., Marise C. James, Franklin D. Johnson, Carla J. Joseph, and Milton E. Potter.   ####   Find More Search for: Categories News Observances Press Releases Special Events Related Content COMMITTEE REVIEWS FY 2027 EXECUTIVE BUDGET REQUESTS FOR GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, AND BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES July 23, 2026 ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., met in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room to receive testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budgets for... Read More COMMITTEE RECEIVES UPDATES FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT CONCERNING SEWAGE HEALTH RISKS, CANCER CARE IN THE TERRITORY                                   July 22, 2026 ST. THOMAS, VI – The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, led by Senator Ray Fonseca, met at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall.  Lawmakers received testimony concerning the potential and observed public... Read More SENATORS CONSIDER PROPOSED HORSE RACE LEGISLATION IN SPECIAL SESSION  July 22, 2026 Members of the 36th Legislature, led by Senate President Milton E. Potter, convened at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers met in special session by request of the governor to consider Bill No. 36-0313, an act approving lease and franchise agreements for the development and operation of the Randall “Doc”... Read More Quick Links Home Senators Committees Media News Contact Important Links Revised Organic Act of 1954 (PDF) 36th Oath of Office Booklet 100 Day Report Rules of the 36th Public Information or Archives Request Search for: Follow Follow Follow Follow