VITEMA Director Jaschen updates community on Tropical Storm developing in the Atlantic.
CHRISTIANSTED — Governor Albert Bryan said Monday that approximately $5 million in tax refunds will be issued this week.
Government House said refunds will be issued to 1,745 taxpayers who filed their income tax returns by May 19, 2022.
“This action reflects our ongoing dedication to ensuring that the people of the Virgin Islands receive what is rightfully theirs in a timely manner,” spokesman Richard Motta said. “We understand the importance of these funds to you and your families, and we are working diligently to process refunds as efficiently as possible.”
The briefing began with a welcome to students and teachers marking the beginning of the new school year.
“Governor Albert Bryan extends a warm and enthusiastic welcome back to our students, parents, and the dedicated educators, faculty, and staff of our public schools,” Motta said.
Motta extended the governor’s deepest gratitude for teachers’ unwavering dedication and hard work, calling them “the backbone of our educational system,” whose passion for teaching and commitment to student success is inspirational.
VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen joined Motta, urging Virgin Islanders to remain vigilant as a new tropical depression is forecast to approach the territory by the end of the week.
Jaschen said sandbag distribution took place last week and over the weekend. Opportunities continue for residents to obtain six sandbags per residence, including individuals with functional needs, who are able to have sandbags delivered to their homes. Reservations can be made by calling (on St. Thomas and St. John) 340-715-6935 or on St. Croix at 340-713-6825. More sandbag pickup dates are planned on Water Island.
Residents are urged to sign up for VITEMA Alerts and visit www.vitema.vi.gov to learn more about hurricane preparedness and sandbag distribution.
In other news, Motta said the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources has secured a $69 million grant from the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge that will help make the territory more resilient to climate change and coastal hazards.
This grant comes from the Biden Administration’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, which is a $575 million program under the Biden-Harris Administration.
DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol highlighted that this grant is an incredible opportunity for the people of the Virgin Islands, creating jobs, supporting community partners, and expanding the Territorial Park System.
Kevin A. Williams Sr.
Motta announced that Kevin A. Williams Sr. has been appointed Chief of Staff in the Bryan-Roach
Administration, succeeding Karl Knight, who previously served in that position.
Commissioner of Finance Kevin McCurdy will assume the role of Incident Commander for the Energy State of Emergency.
The 175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee, in collaboration with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ State Historic Preservation Office and the Friends of Denmark will recognize the historical contributions of Anna Heegaard as her remains are reinterred at the family plot in the Aldershvile Cemetery in Estate Orange Grove on Wednesday, July 31 at 11:00 a.m.
For additional Information, please contact Carol Burke at 340-513-7159 or Denisha Emanuel at 340-277-6075.
Meanwhile, Motta warned commuters on St. Croix to slow down along the Queen Mary Highway and pay close attention to the various road signs and warnings, especially when approaching the newly constructed bridge just west of the Superior Court.
