Office of the Lieutenant Governor - US Virgin Islands

11/11/2024

VETERANS DAY MESSAGE
FROM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TREGENZA A. ROACH, ESQ.

Today I join the nation and our beloved Territory in celebrating Veterans Day to honor the courageous men and women who served in the United States armed forces. I extend special commendations to the distinguished Veterans who served in the Virgin Islands National Guard, and I express my gratitude for their service and contributions.

Each day that we enjoy the many freedoms and privileges afforded to us is a reminder of the profound significance of this most noteworthy holiday. Veterans Day honors our Veterans for their service and sacrifice during peacetime and during times of war. Their unwavering patriotism and love of country is most befittingly reflected in this year’s theme, “Loyalty.”

Loyalty, and its companions, courage, commitment, and confidence, are all demonstrated in the various ways that our Veterans have served in their respective disciplines. Notably, our Veterans’ dedication to this great nation extends even beyond their terms of service. Thus, their level of loyalty is both immeasurable and uncompromised. I am often inspired by our Veterans’ strong sense of pride, and I remain humbled during my daily encounters with these courageous former military men and women, while being continuously grateful for their service.

We acknowledge the many reasons why we are obligated to honor our Veterans on this special day of observance. Further, I pray for the safety and protection of our military men and women who continue to serve. You have admirably lived up to your oath of service and pledge of allegiance to this great Nation, and you are most worthy of our prayers and adulation.

On behalf of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and with a grateful heart, I wish everyone a blessed and memorable Veterans Day.

07/11/2024

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor is proud to celebrate Notary Public Day on November 7, 2024, as proclaimed by The Honorable Governor Albert A. Bryan, Jr.

Please join us in recognizing and applauding Public Notaries throughout the Territory for their outstanding work and invaluable service they provide in the welfare of the whole family, commerce, immigration, and social equity.

Happy Notary Public Day!

01/11/2024

LIBERTY DAY MESSAGE FROM
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TREGENZA A. ROACH, ESQ.

On this Liberty Day, I join the people of the Virgin Islands in remembering the life and legacy of David Hamilton Jackson, a local hero and advocate for justice. David Hamilton Jackson was a distinguished publisher, educator, attorney, judge, politician, and labor rights leader. He was known as “the Black Moses” because he courageously led the efforts to liberate Virgin Islands laborers from an environment of oppression and unfair treatment under Danish colonial rule.

This year’s celebration commemorates the 109th anniversary of the publication of “The Herald”, a four-page newspaper first written and edited by Mr. Jackson on November 1, 1915. Annually, Virgin Islanders proudly come together on Liberty Day to observe this historic and significant accomplishment, including the repeal of the prohibition of independent newspapers which followed his travels to Denmark and advocacy there.

As a local union leader, David Hamilton Jackson, led plantation workers on St. Croix in a strike to protest working conditions and wages. As a result of his advocacy and leadership, plantation owners were forced to respond by reducing the work hours and increasing wages. This action also ignited a strike by the laborers in St. Thomas who were able to achieve improved working conditions and wages as well.

David Hamilton Jackson was a courageous Virgin Islander who effectively utilized his newspaper to protest against the oppressive social and economic conditions that were affecting the people of the Virgin Islands. His actions have motivated many Virgin Islanders over the years to advocate for the betterment of laborers and to take a stance against injustice.

I remain inspired by the varied contributions of David Hamilton Jackson and will continue to keep his legacy alive for the benefit of many generations of Virgin Islanders to follow. I pray that everyone in attendance at the Bull & Bread festivities in Estate Grove Place will have a joyful and memorable occasion.

19/10/2024

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. gave the keynote speech at the St. Croix Board of Realtors 2024 Fall Social.

Lieutenant Governor Roach provided engaging updates from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor specific to accreditation, succession planning, division relocations, real property reappraisals, real estate data, property auctions, unclaimed properties and insurance.

“I look forward to additional conversations and collaborations.” stated Lieutenant Governor Roach.

14/10/2024

VIRGIN ISLANDS PUERTO RICO FRIENDSHIP DAY MESSAGE
FROM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TREGENZA A. ROACH, ESQ.

In recognition of October as Hispanic Heritage Month, it is my distinct honor to offer this message in commemorating the 60th anniversary of Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Day. This milestone signifies the historic legislative action to redesignate Columbus Day as a day to reflect on the strong relationship and the numerous cultural and historic connections between the Virgin Islands and our neighboring island of Puerto Rico.

I join the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Committee in honoring Luz Maria Guadalupe Luis during this year’s celebrations. Mrs. Luis, former First Lady of the Virgin Islands, holds the distinction for opening Government House to host the Reception Recognition Gala, which was held traditionally at a local private establishment. The Luz Maria Luis Friendship Village is appropriately named in her honor, in recognition of her love and devotion to the people of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and her many acts of service.

I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Committee’s past chairpersons/presidents, who are the 2024 honorees, along with Miss Chaselle Vianet McConnell Torres, St. Croix District Teacher of the Year. Your leadership and varied contributions to the Virgin Islands community are appreciated and demonstrate your commitment to service. You are well deserving of this prestigious honor.

I look forward to a jubilant series of celebrations as we come together in love and unity. Happy Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Day to all!

08/10/2024

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH ADVISES RESIDENTS OF
MEDICARE PART D OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. advises all Medicare beneficiaries and persons newly eligible for Medicare, that the open enrollment period for Medicare Part D is October 15, 2024 to December 7, 2024. Medicare beneficiaries are able to join or drop their prescription drug plan by the scheduled December deadline.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) offers prescription drug coverage to all Medicare beneficiaries, with some exceptions. Beneficiaries with employer or union health coverage or with the USGVI Medicare Advantage plan do not need to enroll in a prescription drug plan. Joining the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan may result in a loss of union or employer or Medicare Advantage plan health coverage.

To receive Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare beneficiaries are required to join a plan provided by a private insurance company approved by Medicare. Each year the plan sets the cost and determines which prescription drugs are covered.

In preparation for open enrollment, beneficiaries are encouraged to review their current Medicare coverage to ensure that the plan adequately meets their needs in terms of cost, coverage, and convenience. Individuals satisfied with their current plan do not have to re-enroll. Persons not participating in this year’s open enrollment period will have to wait until next year to make any changes to their coverage.

Beneficiaries may contact the Virgin Islands State Health Insurance Assistance Program (VI SHIP) Medicare office in the St. Thomas/St. John District at 340-774-2991, extension 4507, or 4508 or in the St. Croix District at 773-6449, extension 3151 or 3152 to schedule an appointment. For additional information, beneficiaries may visit www.medicare.gov.

01/10/2024

As part of our ongoing community engagement initiatives, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor's VISHIP office participated in the United Healthcare Open Enrollment meetings on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center in St. Thomas to inform the Medicare population about Medicare Open Enrollment period and what changes can be done during that time.

VISHIP also joined United Healthcare and the GESC Health Insurance Board at their Wellness Program drive-thru produce bag distribution on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School.

Medicare Open Enrollment period is October 15 to December 7, 2024.

25/09/2024

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH ANNOUNCES ONE-DAY CLOSURE
AND RELOCATION OF PASSPORT DIVISION AND DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS AND TRADEMARKS ON OF ST. CROIX

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. announces that the Passport Division located at Government House in the town of Frederiksted at 315 Prince Street, Frederiksted, St. Croix will be closed on Friday, September 27, 2024. Cashier services will also not be available at this location.

Lieutenant Governor Roach also announces that the Division of Corporations and Trademarks located in the town of Christiansted at 1105 King Street, Christiansted, St. Croix, will be closed on Friday, September 27, 2024.

The closures are necessary to accommodate the relocation of these divisions to their new permanent location. Services provided by these divisions will resume on Monday, September 30, 2024 during normal business hours at the new location at:

Old Caribe Home Center Building
#35 Estate Castle Coakley, Second Floor
Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor apologizes for any inconveniences which may occur due to the one-day closures.

For more assistance during this closure, contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor in the St. Thomas / St. John District at 340-774-2991 or visit ltg.gov.vi.

18/09/2024

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH MOURNS THE PASSING OF
MILTON “BULL” FRETT

I join the entire Virgin Islands community in mourning the loss of Milton “Bull” Frett, former Senator and Police Commissioner. Senator Frett was an outstanding public servant who will always be remembered for his many contributions to the welfare of the people of this Territory.

Milton “Bull” Frett was a dear and valued friend who I had the honor of knowing in multiple capacities. He was a police officer, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department, and a two-term member of the Virgin Islands Legislature. As a career police officer, he moved through the ranks to Commissioner, a position that he held with integrity, all while demonstrating the very best qualities of leadership.

Milton “Bull” Frett was an exceptional example of community policing, an approach to policing which keeps police officers engaged with those who are at the center of their pledge to serve, the people. He applied a strong but caring and compassionate approach to policing. And although he was imbued with the power of his office, he discharged that power in a manner that was kind, yet effective, humble but firm. He was a man of his word, and when he gave it, he kept it as a bond.

Among his many passions, Milton was also widely known for his love for cooking and for his extraordinary skills in Virgin Islands foodways. He was an amazing chef who prepared authentic selections from Virgin Islands cuisine, like red peas soup, conch chowder, and his masterpiece, bull head s***e. His food was always in high demand and widely appreciated by all who were privileged to eat at his table.

Milton was a highly committed public servant who added depth, flavor, and his unique verve to Virgin Islands life and culture. I extend prayers of peace and comfort to his loved ones and all who are left to mourn. We are grateful for his service and his legacy. May he now rest in peace and glory.

11/09/2024

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH MOURNS THE PASSING OF
ST. CROIX ARTIST JAN MITCHELL

I offer this message of condolence to the family, friends, and loved ones of Jan Mitchell, a renowned Virgin Islands artist whose contributions in the creative arts will leave a legacy for many years to come. Her sudden passing has saddened the spirit of many Virgin Islanders who knew and loved her for her gentle spirit and generosity.

Jan Mitchell’s artwork was distinguished due to its being in the unique genre of glassworks. Her pieces were exceptionally created with a combination of brilliant colors, style, texture, and Caribbean charm. Further, she customized each piece with distinctive designs and symbolic compositions. Her brand was a household name in the Virgin Islands, and her artwork was easily identified at first glance, most notably, the creatively designed glass plate awards.

I have always been impressed with Jan Mitchell’s talents in glasswork and have admired the body of work produced over many years. She had the gift of creating almost any piece in glass that would be unique and special to each recipient. I feel privileged to have several pieces of her work in my own collection which I value tremendously. I have seen pieces of her work done for government agencies, other organizations, and for individual collectors, all of which are iconic. This beautiful artwork reminds us of her incredible talent that will inspire conversations about the value she has brought to our lives.

Jan Mitchell will be fondly remembered for her artistic contributions to the Virgin Islands culture and community. I extend prayers of peace and comfort to her husband, Steffen Larsen, the Mitchell-Larsen Studio family, the members of the art community, and all who were touched by her. May she rest in peace and glory.

09/09/2024

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. proudly congratulates the Office of the Lieutenant Governor's bowling team, Lane Assessors, for their participation in the GVI 2024 Bowling League tournament for government employees on St. Croix, and for placing ninth in the overall league.

The team also won the following categories:
• Team Handicap Game - 909
• Team Scratch Series - 1338
• Best Team Spirit
• Top individual handicap score and series – Henrique McAlpin

LGO Lane Assessors Team: Miguel Encarnacion (Captain); Margaret Acosta; Jelonn James; Glendina Matthew, Henrique McAlpin; Chalma Moorhead; Albert Schjang; Tremaine Seales; Petra Victor; Dynell Williams

Lieutenant Governor Roach also acknowledges the winning team Pin Action (Water & Power Authority) and all the other team participants, as well as the Division of Personnel USVI GVI Wellness Program for organizing and supporting the tournament.

09/09/2024

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH MOURNS THE PASSING OF
FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL KERRY DRUE

I join a deeply saddened Virgin Islands community in extending condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Kerry Drue, former Attorney General of the Virgin Islands. Attorney Drue was a trusted friend and colleague whom I have always regarded as one of the great legal minds of the Territory. She served this community with distinction, respect, and integrity.

Attorney Drue served as Assistant Attorney General at the Virgin Islands Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General. She was the head of the civil division for many years until she was appointed by then Governor Charles W. Turnbull to serve as Attorney General. She held that position from September 2005 to January 2009, when she established her own practice. Throughout that time Attorney Drue was known as a stalwart at the Office of the Attorney General. She was a critical thinker, not only in legal issues, but in current affairs regionally, nationally, and globally. When I initially ran for the position of senator with the Virgin Islands Legislature, Attorney Drue shared her insights which guided me throughout the process.

Undoubtedly, Attorney Drue’s passing is a great loss to everyone who knew her. I extend a prayer of comfort, strength, and for the gift of God’s grace in particular to her mother, Gertrude Swan and her stepfather, Justice Ive Arlington Swan who, like their daughter, are both outstanding public servants. Further, Attorney Drue and her mother were fortunate to have a deep and loving mother/daughter relationship. I know that Mrs. Swan, in particular, must feel the impact of this loss very deeply.

Attorney Drue’s sudden passing did not afford some of us the ample opportunity to say farewell, but we know that her legacy and loving memory will stay in our hearts for an eternity. We are grateful for her service and will honor her memory. May she now rest in peace and glory.

02/09/2024

LABOR DAY MESSAGE FROM
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TREGENZA A. ROACH, ESQ.

I join my fellow Virgin Islanders as we come together in observance of this annual Labor Day holiday. I extend my most sincere gratitude to all laborers in various professions for your unwavering dedication and service to the Territory.

Historically in our nation, trade workers and labor unions saw it fitting to designate a day to acknowledge the work and contributions of American laborers. After being recognized by individual states and labor activists for many years, Labor Day became an official federal holiday in 1894. Today, we continue to observe this most significant day because it reminds us that collectively our workforce has sustained the economic infrastructure of our nation and of this Territory. Most notably, our multitude of small businesses play an essential role in providing goods and services in various industries and maintaining stable wages for employees. In these Virgin Islands, we are fortunate to have a strong, viable, diverse workforce whose members are skilled and prepared to perform their duties in their respective fields. I take this opportunity on Labor Day to thank you for your diligence.

I value the importance of the contributions of each worker because collectively we all help to develop and sustain the economy. As a government, we have the primary responsibility to ensure that labor rights and equality of opportunity remain protected through effective laws and regulations. I encourage individuals in our workforce to continue to use their voices and resources to advocate for equitable benefits. I also remind those in the workforce that we must fully invest in our rising youth who will be the labor force of tomorrow.

I commend the many men and women in this Territory who give selflessly of their time each day to save lives, educate, defend, provide, protect, and support others in our beloved community. Thank you all for your service and good works.

Happy Labor Day to all!

29/08/2024

26/08/2024

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH MOURNS THE PASSING OF
AMADEO FRANCIS, JR.

I join a deeply saddened Virgin Islands community in extending condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Amadeo Francis, Jr. A notable economist, Mr. Francis was also known for his athletic prowess participating in the 1952 and 1956 Olympics as a 400 hurdler, and as a reserve in the 4x400 relay category in both years.

Born on St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Mr. Francis spent most of his professional career in Puerto Rico, after graduating from Inter-American University, there. In Puerto Rico, he served with the Economic Development Administration, the Puerto Rico Manufacturing Association, the Securities Corporation of Puerto Rico, consultant to the World Bank and economic advisor to then Governor Hernandez Colon. He did, however, return to the Virgin Islands, where he served as Commissioner of the Department of Commerce from 1979 to 1983. He proposed tax incentive packages to help generate new revenues for the Territory due to a worldwide financial crisis. He also served as Director of the Virgin Islands Public Finance Administration from 1993 to 2000.

As an accomplished athlete, Mr. Francis represented Puerto Rico in the Central American, Caribbean, and Pan American games. He served as the president of the Puerto Rico Amateur Athletic Federation, a member of the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee, and president of the Pan American Athletic Commission. Mr. Francis also received many honors cand commendations in recognition for his active involvement in both the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The Virgin Islands Board of Education currently offers a student award scholarship distinctively named in his honor, for the study of mathematics, science and computer science.

Undoubtedly, Mr. Francis’ many contributions as an athlete, community leader, and public servant have left a legacy of his life as an outstanding Virgin Islander whose memory we will honor. I extend a prayer for comfort, strength, and for the gift of God’s grace during this difficult time.

We are grateful for his service. May he now rest in peace and glory.

26/08/2024

HAPPENING NOW: Lieutenant Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. provides an update on the USVI's latest government news

06/07/2023

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TREGENZA A. ROACH, ESQ.
ATTENDS SIGN UNVEILING CEREMONY OF JUDGE CYRIL MICHAEL STREET

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. was pleased today to join the family of the late Judge Cyril Michael and other government officials for the renaming of the street in the Hospital Ground area in his honor. The signs indicating Cyril Michael Street are erected at the Norre Gade intersection east of Diamond Barrel/Daylight Bakery and traveling north to Lionel Roberts Stadium.

“The street renaming appropriately honors the late Judge Michael, a native son who by his life’s work, contributed greatly to the advancement of the Territory, particularly in the growth of its jurisprudence, seeing us grow from the Municipal Court in the early years to now having the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands. Judge Michael was truly a Renaissance man who was among other talents and vocations, a soldier, a master musician, and a scholar.” stated Lieutenant Governor Roach.

Born in St. Thomas in 1898 during the period of Denmark’s rule over the Danish West Indies, Cyril Michael was an accomplished musician, U.S. Navy veteran, educator, clerk of the U.S. District Court, U.S. District Court Judge, Acting Police Judge, Recorder of Deeds, and Municipal Court Judge. He was also an honorary Assistant Attorney General of Georgia, and an honorary Order of Kentucky Colonels.

Judge Michael was a member of the Adams Juvenile Band, comprised of Virgin Islands youth, and led by Alton Adams, Sr. In 1924, the band toured with the United States Naval Band and made history when it became the first that was composed of all Afro-Caribbean people. Judge Michael served as the first musician and often bandmaster.

After his death in 1978, the Virgin Islands Legislature approved Act 4165 to rename the street, Bjerge Gade, near his home in Charlotte Amalie, to Cyril Michael Street.

Lieutenant Governor Roach commended the Virgin Islands Legislature, represented by Senator Dwayne DeGraff, for its foresight in renaming the street in honor of Judge Cyril Michael.