Bryan addresses weekend violence during Government House briefing

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. used the Government House weekly briefing on St. Thomas on April 17, 2023, to address a series of violent incidents that occurred over the weekend and to urge residents and visitors to observe Carnival festivities peacefully and safely.

Bryan said the community was grieving after separate homicide incidents and offered condolences to the victims and their families. He said many people in the territory were dealing with stress and other issues.

The governor said the administration had invested in recreation, behavioral health services, law enforcement efforts and gun-violence prevention programs. He also called on the community to look out for one another and to support young Virgin Islanders.

Bryan was joined at the briefing by Assistant Police Commissioner Mario Brooks and Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull. Brooks provided an update on Police Department investigations into the weekend shootings, and Turnbull outlined the schedule for the 2023 St. Thomas Carnival.

Bryan also commented on actions taken by the 35th Legislature during the previous week, including approval of his nominees and a $100 million line of credit. He said part of the borrowing would be used to address issues facing the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-addresses-tragic-weekend-of-violence/