Government House briefing outlines St. Croix festival plans, tax refunds and new electric vehicles

Government House said in a weekly press briefing on December 16 that the 2024-25 Crucian Christmas Festival was scheduled to run from December 26, 2024, through January 4, 2025, and would include parades, cultural nights and competitions.

At the briefing, Deputy Tourism Commissioner Shamari Haynes outlined the festival schedule, while St. Croix Police Chief Sean Santos said the Virgin Islands Police Department was installing camera systems throughout Festival Village in Frederiksted and working with other law-enforcement agencies, including the Virgin Islands National Guard, on festival security.

Santos also advised residents to travel in groups, avoid loitering in parking lots and use designated drivers.

Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. also announced the release of nearly $15 million in income-tax refunds to 6,445 taxpayers who filed returns on or before April 25, 2023. Government House said 5,916 of those taxpayers were receiving 2022 refunds.

Government House said more than $67 million in refunds had been distributed in 2024.

The briefing also included the introduction of eight electric Ford F-150 Lightning trucks by the Virgin Islands Energy Office. Government House said the vehicles were funded through a U.S. Department of the Interior Energizing Insular Communities grant and would be distributed to government agencies.

Government House also said a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Estate Petronella Solar Farm was scheduled for December 17, 2024, at 3 p.m.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/communications-director-announces-more-tax-refunds-festival-safety-and-sustainability-initiatives/