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Governor Bryan Submits FY 2025 Budget, Grants Clemency to Five - Government of the United States Virgin Islands Governor Bryan Submits FY 2025 Budget, Grants Clemency to Five - 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 Submits FY 2025 Budget, Grants Clemency to Five Search Latest Comments No comments to show. June 3 Magistrate Ernest E. Morris Nominated to V.I. Superior Court U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. began the weekly briefing on Monday by saying that Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tai Hunte Caesar and Department of Defense IRT (Innovative Readiness Training) Officer in Charge Major Mu Zhang would be providing the latest on the Department of Health’s Health and Wellness Fair, which is ongoing this week on all three islands. The fair is taking place through June 9 th with nearly 300 military medical professionals providing free services to residents. Motta also acknowledged that government agencies have been preparing for the Atlantic hurricane season, which began Saturday. He said that the Virgin Islands government, in close collaboration with its federal partners, engaged in vital response and recovery workshops and on May 23 conducted a comprehensive hurricane readiness exercise that simulated a Category 3 hurricane. “This exercise not only tested our capabilities but also reinforced the collaboration between local and federal agencies, ensuring that we stand ready to protect and assist our residents and businesses effectively,” Motta said. “Looking ahead, our focus will be on implementing corrective actions identified during these exercises, ensuring that our responses and recovery strategies are as robust as possible.” Dr. Hunte Caesar brought greetings on behalf of Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion and said the fair is “a huge step” at reducing health disparities.  Free dental, medical, optometry and pediatric health screenings are being conducted https://vibewell.health The health fair is open to all USVI residents, with or without insurance; no ID or proof of citizenship is required. The main locations are: Educational Complex High School gymnasium on St. Croix. Ivanna Eudora Kean High School gymnasium on St. Thomas. Department of Health MCH Clinics for pediatric physicals and vaccinations. In other news, Governor Bryan has submitted the FY 2025 Executive Budget to the 35 th Legislature. Under the leadership of Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal, the budget details have been placed online at omb.vi.gov, enhancing transparency and public engagement. Motta announced that Magistrate Ernest E. Morris has been nominated to serve on the VI Superior Court. Motta said Governor Bryan is confident that Magistrate Morris’s nomination will strengthen the judiciary with integrity and wisdom. Governor Bryan has granted clemency to five individuals. The sentence of Alexander Viust, age 51, who has been imprisoned for 28 years for the crimes of First-Degree Murder and First-Degree Assault has been commuted. The sentence of Denise Donovan, age 64, who has been imprisoned for 20 years for the crime of First-Degree, has been commuted. The sentence of Michael K. Davis, age 50, who has been imprisoned for 8 years for the crime of Third-Degree Assault and the Unauthorized Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence, has been commuted. Additionally, Latoya Nicole Smith, age 27, was pardoned of her criminal conviction for Third-Degree Assault after having completed her incarceration and supervised probation in 2019. Also pardoned was Kevin Allong, age 53, who was pardoned of his criminal conviction for Accessory After the Fact to Murder, after having completed his incarceration in 1996. Motta said that by granting these pardons, Governor Bryan hopes to offer Smith and Allong a second chance to positively progress in their lives and unlock improved employment opportunities in the future. Governor Bryan also proposed new legislation that aims to change how people are sentenced for certain crimes. Motta said the legislation will remove mandatory minimum sentences, which are set penalties that must be given for specific offenses, and instead allows judges to use their judgment based on the details of each case. Motta said the proposed legislation reflects the Bryan-Roach administration’s commitment to a justice system that focuses on fairness and rehabilitation rather than punishment alone and is a step toward ensuring that penalties are just and appropriate for everyone. # # # TAGS No tags CATEGORIES Uncategorized Previous Next Comments are closed © 2026 Government of the United States Virgin Islands.