Bryan briefing cites Jamaica storm threat, housing projects and SNAP funding

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said during a weekly briefing on October 27, 2025, at the Westin Resort and Spa on St. Thomas that Virgin Islanders should pray for Jamaica as the country prepared for Hurricane Melissa.

The briefing also included updates on affordable housing, recovery projects and food-assistance funding.

Bryan appeared with Virgin Islands Housing Authority Executive Director Dwayne Alexander and Chief Operating Officer Lydia Pelle to discuss housing work across the territory. Government House said the VI Slice Homeownership Program provides up to $200,000 for qualified first-time homebuyers and that more than 64 Virgin Islanders had become homeowners through the program.

The administration also said redevelopment work was continuing at the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion in Frederiksted.

Bryan said a second Industry Day session for local contractors was scheduled for October 29, 2025, at the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix. Government House said bundled solicitations had been released and negotiations were underway on contracts tied to hospital and school reconstruction. It also said contracts had been awarded for every fire station in the territory.

Bryan also said the Virgin Islands government would use local funds to ensure that SNAP households received half of their November 2025 monthly benefit on time during the federal government shutdown.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-calls-for-prayer-for-jamaica-highlights-progress-in-affordable-housing-and-rebuilding-efforts-territory-wide/