Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has been actively promoting crucial economic initiatives for the U.S. Virgin Islands, primarily during the recent 2025 Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) meeting. His proposed measures aim to secure a permanent extension of the rum cover-over tax rate, facilitate the reopening of the St. Croix refinery, and establish a visa waiver program in order to bolster the territory’s economy and workforce.

During the meeting, the governor expressed gratitude to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for his leadership and emphasized the need for collaboration between the federal government and U.S. territories. Bryan highlighted the rum cover-over program, which channels federal excise taxes from rum produced in the Virgin Islands back to the territory’s treasury, as vital for the local economy. This funding has historically constituted roughly 33% of the USVI’s general revenue, essential for supporting public services and infrastructure projects. However, since the expiration of the $13.25 per proof gallon rate in 2021, revenues from this program have dropped by 20%, straining the territory’s budget. Bryan urged Congress to consider a permanent restoration of this tax rate to ensure financial stability and provide retroactive relief.

In addition to the rum tax, Bryan focused on the St. Croix refinery, which has been closed since 2022 due to regulatory hurdles, despite private efforts to revitalize its operations. Reopening the refinery could restore approximately $25 million in annual tax revenue and create numerous job opportunities in the region. Bryan asserted that doing so would not only revive local employment but also enhance energy security for the surrounding area.

Another significant component of Bryan’s strategy is the implementation of a visa waiver program designed to stimulate tourism and mitigate labor shortages. Modeled after existing programs in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, this initiative would facilitate short-term, visa-free visits from neighboring Caribbean countries and select international markets, thereby boosting tourism and providing essential labor for the territory’s recovery and construction initiatives.

Governor Bryan assures that appropriate security measures would be implemented to screen travelers as the Virgin Islands fall outside the U.S. customs zone.

Throughout his presentation, Bryan underscored the necessity of strong federal partnerships and commended Secretary Burgum’s insights based on his governance experience. He stated his commitment to advocating for the Virgin Islands in Washington, emphasizing that the rum cover-over, refinery reopening, and visa waiver program are key elements crucial to the territory’s economic resilience and long-term recovery. He expressed optimism about collaborating with federal partners to turn these initiatives into reality.

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