CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. issued the following statement Tuesday upon learning of the death of Virgin Islands Tax Assessor Ira Mills:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Ira Mills, a dedicated and principled public servant whose work has left an undeniable mark on the Virgin Islands. His decades of service to the people of this Territory, particularly in the area of financial management and tax administration, strengthened the financial standing of our government, dating as far back as the administration of former Governor, the Honorable Dr. Charles Wesley Turnbull. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues who are grieving this tremendous loss, especially his daughter, Ms. Macy Mills.
“Public service requires knowledge and expertise and a commitment to our community’s long-term progress and stability. Mr. Mills embodied these principles throughout his career. I can personally attest to this, having once been in the position of challenging his decisions and the policies he helped enforce. But as time and experience have shown, his steady and meticulous approach to tax administration was grounded in a deep understanding of the law and an unwavering commitment to fairness and fiscal responsibility. During my tenure as Governor, I have come to rely on his expertise and appreciate the immense value of his work in maintaining the integrity of our financial systems.
“His leadership in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, particularly as Tax Assessor since 2016, has been instrumental in ensuring that the government remains financially sound and that tax policies are implemented with fairness and consistency. His contributions reflect the very essence of what we have prioritized in this administration—continuity in governance. His work underscores why institutional knowledge and experienced public servants are vital to the success of any administration, regardless of leadership transitions.
“As we mourn his passing, we must also recognize our responsibility to uphold the standard he set. Our government and community rely on dedicated professionals like Mr. Mills, whose lifelong service ensures stability and progress. Let his legacy serve as a reminder that the work we do today has a lasting impact on the future of these Virgin Islands. It is now our duty to honor his service by committing ourselves to the same diligence, fairness, and dedication that he exemplified throughout his career.
“May we find comfort in the knowledge that his contributions will endure, and may he rest in eternal peace.”