Bryan says FY2023 audit was issued, cannabis rollout is advancing and firearms bill is planned

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said during a Government House briefing on Feb. 2, 2026, that the Virgin Islands had completed its audited financial statements and Single Audit for fiscal year 2023, which were issued on Jan. 26, 2026.

Bryan said the administration was moving ahead with audits for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 and aimed to complete both by the end of 2026.

The governor also addressed reporting tied to the federal investigation involving Jeffrey Epstein, saying the documents cited included raw investigative records and unverified information rather than prosecutorial findings. He said the Epstein estate received no concessions from his administration.

Joanne Moorhead, executive director of the Office of Cannabis Regulation, said commercial cannabis cultivation was expected to begin between late February and early March 2026. She said the office was issuing 14 conditional dispensary licenses, including eight on St. Croix, one on St. John and five on St. Thomas.

Moorhead said a certified cannabis testing laboratory had been selected with assistance from the Department of Property and Procurement, and that Cana First Financial had committed to provide banking services to cannabis businesses. She also said Act No. 9072 had been signed into law, setting rules for the sale and enforcement of intoxicating cannabinoid products and requiring permits from the Office of Cannabis Regulation for events involving cannabis consumption.

On public safety, Bryan said the Justice Department had drafted a Public Safety Act to update Virgin Islands firearms laws. He said the administration expected to send the proposal to the Legislature within two days.

Bryan also offered condolences to the family and friends of Karl Ceasar, an employee of the Office of the Governor, and to the family of Kyle Thomas. Referring to Thomas's funeral service over the weekend, Bryan urged residents to slow down, obey traffic laws, wear seatbelts and avoid distracted driving amid a series of traffic incidents across the territory.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/government-house-briefing-highlights-progress-on-audits-cannabis-regulation-public-safety-and-roadway-responsibility/