Bryan pressed for rum tax extension, refinery reopening and visa waiver at IGIA meeting

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. used testimony at the 2025 Interagency Group on Insular Areas meeting in Washington on Feb. 19, 2025, to press three priorities for the U.S. Virgin Islands: a permanent extension of the rum cover-over tax rate, the reopening of the St. Croix refinery and creation of a special visa waiver program.

According to Government House, Bryan told the meeting that the higher $13.25-per-proof-gallon rum cover-over rate expired in 2021, reducing territorial revenues. The administration said the funds account for nearly one-third of the territory's general revenue and support public services, debt obligations and infrastructure projects.

Bryan also said reopening the St. Croix refinery would restore jobs and tax revenue. Government House said the refinery has remained closed since 2022 following regulatory issues.

On immigration and tourism, Bryan advocated a visa waiver program for the Virgin Islands modeled on programs in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Government House said the proposal would allow short-term visa-free visits from neighboring Caribbean countries and some other markets, with the aim of increasing tourism and helping meet labor needs tied to recovery and construction work.

Government House said Bryan made the case during testimony before the Interior Department's interagency group on insular affairs.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-continues-push-for-permanent-rum-cover-over-refinery-reopening-and-visa-waiver-program-at-2025-igia-meeting/