CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach began Monday’s Government House briefing on a solemn note after former Pres. Donald Trump was wounded by a gunman during a campaign event in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
“The attempt on the life of the former president has left so many of us shaken and deeply concerned about violence in our communities and easy access to deadly weapons,” he said. “Though we may differ in our opinions, violence is never the answer.”
Roach said the incident was a stark reminder that charged political rhetoric and the incitement of violence have dangerous consequences. The political climate — “both nationally and sometimes here at home” — has become far too divisive, he added.
“The rhetoric has gone too far, leading to actions that threaten the very fabric of our society,” he said, adding his condolences to those impacted by the shooting and gratitude toward the first responders who prevented further losses of life.
Roach called on Virgin Islands citizens as well as political and thought leaders to encourage unity and to reject the voices that incite hatred and division.
Aid for USVI neighbors
One apparent source of division, or at least disagreement, followed the Bryan-Roach Administration’s recent request of the 35th Legislature for a $200,000 appropriation to aid Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines following the impacts of Hurricane Beryl. Roach announced the request during a Government House briefing last week, saying that the U.S. Virgin Islands has a moral obligation to help those in need.
That request, Roach said on Monday, “has caused quite a stir in our community.”
“The dialogue has been rich among those who both support and disagree with our sending support to these stricken islands,” he said.
Sen. Samuel Carrión was among those to voice opposition to the appropriation. A press release from Carrión’s office last week noted that he “regrettably is unable” to support the request because the General Fund has “severely exceeded its capacity.”
“I genuinely sympathize with the urgent need for support and solidarity in the face of the widespread destruction impacting our neighboring Caribbean brothers and sisters,” he stated. “However, I also understand, all too well, the frustration and hardship of residents of the Virgin Islands and our Government’s own significant financial shortcomings.”
Roach renewed the administration’s call to action on Monday.
“I respect all of our residents who have come down on either side of the debate,” he said. “But I still encourage the Legislature to provide relief in the name of our territory to those in need. We have been there — we have been in their shoes.”
Governor Bryan is out of the territory until Sunday
Gov. Albert Bryan is out of the territory until July 21 after accepting an invitation to join in the inaugural sail of Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, which will be departing from Port Canaveral.
He is also expected to meet with Sint Maarten Tourism Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten and with representatives from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association while in Florida to discuss expanding cruise tourism in the territory and augmenting infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels.
Roach said on Monday that the meetings will be “pivotal in establishing stronger partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for our territory.” Roach said representatives from the V.I. Tourism Department — including Commissioner Joseph Boschulte — are also participating in the trip.