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Governor Bryan Launches Territory-Wide Outreach to Strengthen White House Push on Postal Fees and Restore De Minimis Relief - Government of the United States Virgin Islands Governor Bryan Launches Territory-Wide Outreach to Strengthen White House Push on Postal Fees and Restore De Minimis Relief - Government of the United States Virgin Islands Government of the United States Virgin Islands Home Governor Albert Bryan Jr Pressroom Executive Orders The Cabinet Government of the United States Virgin Islands Home Governor Albert Bryan Jr Pressroom Executive Orders The Cabinet © 2026 Government of the United States Virgin Islands Governor Bryan Launches Territory-Wide Outreach to Strengthen White House Push on Postal Fees and Restore De Minimis Relief Search Latest Comments No comments to show. March 2 U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced today a new territory-wide outreach effort to collect detailed, real-world documentation of postal fees and related impacts tied to the suspension of the federal de minimis exemption, as the Bryan-Roach Administration intensifies its push for tailored relief for the U.S. Virgin Islands.  The de minimis exemption, which previously allowed many low-value shipments to move without added duties and related processing costs, was suspended for shipments affecting the territories beginning in late August 2025, driving sharp and unexpected cost increases for Virgin Islands households and businesses.  Governor Bryan said this latest outreach is not a first step. It is the next step in a sustained, high-level advocacy effort that has been pressed consistently since the federal policy change began disrupting commerce and daily life in the territory.  Governor Bryan said the outreach and documentation effort is being led by Teri Helenese, Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the Office of the Governor, in coordination with the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel, to ensure submissions are organized, verified when possible, and presented effectively in ongoing federal advocacy.  Since the exemption was lifted, Governor Bryan has elevated the issue repeatedly in direct federal engagement, including meetings with senior federal officials, coordinated territorial advocacy, and formal appeals to the President for an exemption recognizing the unique realities of the U.S. territories.  In October 2025, Governor Bryan met with senior U.S. Department of the Interior officials to press for relief and to organize a coordinated territorial response. Days later, he led territorial governors in a formal request to the President seeking a customs duty exemption on small packages shipped to and from the territories.  Most recently, during high-level meetings at the White House, Governor Bryan met with Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair, where the administration’s advocacy advanced to a more targeted phase. Governor Bryan said the White House encouraged the Virgin Islands to submit documented, case-specific examples showing the actual cost impacts on residents and businesses, so the territory’s request is supported by a clear record of harm and disruption.  “We are going to meet this moment with facts and documentation that cannot be brushed aside,” Governor Bryan said. “This is about fair treatment for the people of the Virgin Islands and relief that reflects our reality as an island community that depends on shipping for daily life and commerce.”  To support this effort, the Office of the Governor is requesting that residents and businesses across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John submit their experiences, including how new fees have affected household budgets, squeezed small business margins, caused packages to be left behind, delayed essential goods, or resulted in unexpected charges at the post office.  Submissions should be sent to  postalfees@go.vi.gov .  To help the Government of the Virgin Islands use each submission effectively in advocacy with federal officials, participants may be asked to include the following:  Name and contact information  Island and post office location  Date the package was mailed or picked up  Whether the shipment was personal, business-related, or essential goods  Copies or photos of any notices, invoices, or receipts, if available  A brief description of the impact, including unexpected costs, inability to send or retrieve a package, business interruption, or delays in essentials  Governor Bryan emphasized that providing information is voluntary, but noted that more complete submissions will strengthen the territory’s case for relief.  “If this has impacted your household or your business, tell us what happened and show us what it costs,” Governor Bryan said. “We will compile this information and take it directly where it needs to go to keep pressing for the outcome our people deserve.”  The deadline for submissions is  Friday, March 27 .  For more information, residents may contact the Office of the Governor through  postalfees@go.vi.gov .  ### TAGS No tags CATEGORIES Uncategorized Previous Next Comments are closed © 2026 Government of the United States Virgin Islands.