Monday, January 2nd signaled a new period of governance for Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach, who took the oath of office for their second term.

Emancipation Garden in St. Thomas was abuzz with activities to recognize the inaugural ceremony of the 9th elected governor and 12th lieutenant governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In their second term, both executive leaders hope to concretize the work they started when they were first elected to office four years ago.

Mr. Bryan looked on proudly, smiling as his second in command swore the oath of office. 

Cheers of jubilation, aided by rounds of applause closed Mr. Roach’s oath and opened the podium for his inaugural address. 

Much like in 2019, he recognized the sacrifices of his parents, who chose decades ago to relocate from their homeland in St Kitts and Nevis and to make the USVI their home.

“I know throughout the course of their lives they must have wondered if they had made the right decision.”

“But I recall my mother saying to me as a child, just don’t dishonor your name or mine, and learn to cherish and appreciate the place you call home and all will be well and you,” he said.

Reflecting on his first inauguration, Mr. Roach remarked, “The first time was overwhelming, this time it’s even more so.”

“The journey from there to here has been remarkable; a study in pride, a study in humility, a study in gratitude for the privilege to serve my people, my home,” he said. 

In his speech, he also recognized the people who have died over the past four years but who were instrumental throughout this journey as lieutenant governor. 

It was then Governor Bryan’s turn to take the oath of office followed by his inaugural address, which focused on the work ahead to build a better quality of life in the territory. 

“Be assured that I fully understand the assignment,” he said. “Yes, we have won a lot of battles in the last four years and we have overcome some formidable obstacles.”

“We are proud of our work in stabilizing the government’s finances and in sharing in that success … but in our vision of accountability, there is still so much work to be done,” he insisted. 

He encouraged residents and community leaders to work together for this to happen, saying “we are who we’ve been waiting for.”

“The strength of our community is not a singular determination but it is a collective of individuals that is more than the sum of their parts. Together we are stronger that ever,” Mr. Bryan declared, using a campaign slogan.

The official swearing-in ceremony was followed by a military parade, a reception at Fort Christian, and the Legacy Inaugural at Yacht Haven Grande.

The swearing ceremony was one of three days of activities across the territory commemorating their re-election.

Today, they will be welcomed in St. John at the Frank Powell Sr. Park, Cruz Bay at noon, with a reception at Meada’s Garden at 2 p.m.

On Wednesday, January 4, St. Croix’s events begin in Frederiksted with a military parade at 11 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 12 noon at Buddhoe Park. 

An open house at Arthur Abel Complex, is at 2 p.m.  The inaugural ball, at 8 p.m. will be held at the Polo Grounds, Estate Cane Garden, Christiansted.

On November 8, 2022, the Bryan-Roach team secured 55.85 percent of votes to become two-term leaders.

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