Government House briefing announced Southwest service, $15.7 million in tax refunds and public works updates

Government House said in its weekly press briefing on July 14, 2025, that Southwest Airlines plans to begin service to Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas in early 2026, the carrier's first service to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. also said $15.7 million in income tax refunds had been distributed to more than 3,700 taxpayers who filed returns on or before March 5, 2024.

Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel said the department was continuing vegetation management and brush clearing across the territory to improve roadway visibility, drainage and public safety. He said the department was also working with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to clear vegetation from utility rights-of-way, including around overhead power lines.

Gabriel said road reconstruction projects were continuing on St. Croix and St. Thomas and that work was progressing on the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project in Frederiksted.

Motta said 2024 real property tax bills are due by Aug. 30, 2025, and that penalties and interest may apply after the deadline.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-celebrates-new-airlift-to-the-territory-income-tax-refund-payout-and-infrastructure-upgrades-across-the-usvi/