Security personnel at Havensight Mall may soon receive a significant boost in authority as Bill 35-0238, aimed at elevating their status to peace officers, has passed its initial legislative test. Sponsored by Senator Milton Potter, the bill specifically targets qualified enforcement officers from the Government Employees’ Retirement System (GERS) who are stationed at the mall.

Senator Potter highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security measures at Havensight, a prime destination for both locals and nearly a million tourists each year. He cited recent violent incidents, including a 2022 shooting during a robbery attempt and a fatal shooting in the parking lot in October 2023, as key drivers for the proposed security overhaul.

The bill advocates for peace officer training for these officers at the V.I. Police Academy, enabling them to respond to emergencies, enforce laws, and maintain order on the premises. Roy Moorehead, chief security officer of the mall, supports this move as a strategic step to strengthen the safety and security framework at Havensight Mall, enhancing its reputation as a secure venue and boosting local tourism and spending.

Support from GERS and the VIPD, including Assistant Commissioner Sidney Elskoe, underscores the initiative’s alignment with broader public safety goals. The financial impact on the government is minimal, as GERS plans to allocate Havensight Mall’s budget to train and increase the salaries of four to six officers.

During the legislative discussions, Senator Franklin Johnson reminded the GERS representatives of the extensive duties that come with peace officer status, applicable even beyond the mall’s boundaries. Senator Novelle Francis expressed support but cautioned about additional considerations such as insurance, retirement benefits, and training expenses.

Despite widespread legislative backing, Senator Kenneth Gittens opposed the bill, proposing instead to bolster the existing tourist-oriented police efforts by channeling funds directly to the V.I. Police Department and suggesting a merger between the V.I. Port Authority and the West Indian Company to enhance the police budget.

The bill now advances to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, moving one step closer to potentially transforming the security landscape at Havensight Mall.

Governor Albert Bryan has unveiled plans for an inaugural one-day summit aimed at gathering extensive feedback from stakeholders in the US Virgin Islands’ tourism industry. Announced during a Monday press briefing, the summit is envisioned as a post-season debrief to celebrate successes and identify opportunities for improvement.

Governor Bryan emphasized the importance of such a debrief, stating, “Following any major event, a thorough review of what worked, what didn’t, and how we can enhance operations is crucial.” He highlighted the summit’s goal to foster more cohesive operations across various sectors such as transportation, lodging, food & beverage, and excursions. The idea is to gather direct feedback from those closest to the tourism activities, encapsulating the experiences of both land-based and maritime visitors.

The governor drew upon his recent experience at the Seatrade convention in Miami, where the performance of the US Virgin Islands’ tourism was praised. “Our industry leaders are enthusiastic about our current trajectory,” he noted. Nevertheless, he sees the local summit as a strategic move to tailor discussions to the specific context and challenges of the USVI.

Governor Bryan has tasked Joe Boschulte and his team at the Department of Tourism with the summit’s organization, stressing the urgency of translating feedback into actionable plans. These actions, according to him, will involve collaborations among the executive branch, the legislature, and private sector partners to amplify the past season’s successes into future enhancements.

Highlighting the tourism sector’s significance, Governor Bryan remarked, “Tourism accounts for 70 percent of our economy, necessitating ongoing enhancement to maintain and boost our market position.” This new annual summit represents a proactive step in ensuring the US Virgin Islands remain a premier destination by aligning stakeholder efforts and directly addressing the industry’s unique challenges.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. recently highlighted the U.S. Virgin Islands’ significant role in global cruise tourism at the Seatrade Global conference in Miami, emphasizing the territory’s commanding 5 percent market share. At a Government House press briefing this Monday, Governor Bryan shared insights from his participation in the conference, which took place from April 8 to 11. This event annually attracts executives, stakeholders, and government officials worldwide to discuss cruise industry trends and partnerships.

Initially skeptical about the conference’s value, Governor Bryan was impressed by the productive discussions this year, including meetings with leaders from major cruise lines such as Disney, Norwegian, MSC, Holland America, and Princess Caribbean. “These discussions were pivotal in shaping the decisions we’re making to advance our tourism sector,” he stated. The governor pointed out the exciting opportunities for St. Croix, noting its high potential for growth in the cruise industry.

Governor Bryan also noted that cruising has broadened globally, reaching non-traditional destinations like Palau and South Korea. Despite growing competition, he proudly stated that the Virgin Islands attract 1.6 million passengers annually, maintaining a strong presence with a 5 percent share of the global market.

He praised the V.I. Port Authority and V.I. Department of Tourism for their efforts in upgrading the tourism infrastructure, from boardwalks to restrooms, enhancing the overall visitor experience. With tourism accounting for 70% of the territory’s economy, these enhancements are proving essential. “These initiatives and investments are really proving to be worthwhile,” he remarked.

The governor also hinted at upcoming legislative changes inspired by discussions at Seatrade, aimed at boosting the cruise and tourism sectors, particularly on St. Croix. He expressed optimism about future public-private partnerships that emerged from the event.

Concluding his reflections on the conference, Governor Bryan shared that it offered a valuable perspective on how the Virgin Islands positions itself in the international market and leverages data analytics. He expressed satisfaction with the territory’s ongoing success and its role in the broader trend of global tourism expansion.