[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6362291,"mediaKeyId","2168224-3a9a89f8c23b4c62ecf08542ca784fff","parentId",2168224,"title","Senators call for prosecutorial action and prevention after 44 homicides in 2024","audioSeconds",607,"startMs",8043000,"endMs",8650000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2168224-3a9a89f8c23b4c62ecf08542ca784fff&start=8043&end=8650","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2168224-3a9a89f8c23b4c62ecf08542ca784fff/thumbnail_8043000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6362291/Senators-call-for-prosecutorial-action-and-prevention-after-44-homicides-in-2024","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362291-f6badc96d8eda2defdee1ff73ab275e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190031&Signature=lFWlgjxsIDKlq93s4yE4fe7Cm0m8UlJFaQu1KG2UCcE7brCvvTS0stSJDrkPambMyobTSY86hKoEjYo6lk-o5vz6Qg8aSBkshHNoQz1VFllQgDQx9Z~xjZir5X6WOehfmSp~TiMMIRBW4BawFH-QJ08CY8sP~0Kj0lYo69Rty9CuVQgDKd-d2p3iFgUChSLHcfIBSbVZ5iD8cTouikTLtemdQdw6KlWH2OWJnQ8gfcOn96oYbUCH0ePFItiPNJAQ~dhqG4hZ4ZXeUqYQINfSdjJO5VtwklKKoZOUsYjdxwXtFcz6dmkZfnKgwf971zszPGoF86d~FmgIPNIVBjxpxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Virgin Islands Legislature","date","2025-01-27T00:00:00Z","article","Governor Albert Bryan Jr. told the Legislature that public safety is a priority and described investments in cameras, traffic enforcement systems and police recruits. He cited the recruitment of new police academy graduates and technology upgrades intended to improve enforcement and traffic safety.

Senators said the territory must pair enforcement with prosecution and prevention. Multiple lawmakers pointed to a prosecutorial backlog and called for increased resources to move cases through court and reduce repeat violent incidents. The governor and legislators also emphasized youth services, mental‑health interventions and community programs as long‑term prevention strategies.

Why this matters: Rising homicide counts and long case backlogs undermine public confidence and safety. Lawmakers indicated they will pursue funding, oversight and legislative measures that address prosecution speed, victim services and prevention while also supporting police capacity and technology upgrades.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","State of the Territory Address","oneSentenceSummary","The governor acknowledged rising crime and announced investments in police technology; senators said the territory needs prosecution capacity, prevention programs and faster case processing to reduce homicides and improve public safety.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature, Virgin Islands","taxId",77876,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6362295,"Administration touts home‑ownership programs; legislators press for faster housing delivery",96,7836000,7932000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2168224-3a9a89f8c23b4c62ecf08542ca784fff&start=7836&end=7932","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2168224-3a9a89f8c23b4c62ecf08542ca784fff/thumbnail_7836000.jpg","/articles/6362295/Administration-touts-homeownership-programs-legislators-press-for-faster-housing-delivery","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362295-4f1d927249191e43cdddd961555296d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190031&Signature=FmZUH~E4wOKtLXyIItLKvgWKoo2s3m6barS7i4htrgWtUeUODOtafIaq~~ko7ymNDnVfydtVjS8NkZF3dCRE71G9GFg7yzCS~HQsXiBz2VeDJq5zIadsrszax9tjNBPI8fkqQ8XUcVyicf3Qbq5AuK-zNWDy~ViKGc14ZOFEheuv4l2Ny8ME6K2jEPGE5NazhaMOmLuxWleaLFZHpfcMKhCvk86tWkVGBHZsigGImjD9LFZuW1yQy7AinLT5rvy3om~BtiabwmQxw7uV0VuKVkzF852fAH9qeF7gqnieZVPUXGe6UonCb-XXDut7JaZKpQLW1vhCyQoAoGlzh7O67A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Governor Albert Bryan Jr. highlighted multiple housing initiatives during the Jan. 27 address, including the VI Slice program, expanded Envision rebuild activity, the Own a Lot, Own a Home grant and an increased cap for home reconstruction grants.

Bryan said the Envision program has been transferred to the Office of Disaster Recovery and that construction activity is increasing; he reported that a number of grants have been issued and that the Envision pipeline is tracking roughly 100 homes under construction with expectations to add more this year. The administration also reported a mix of grant programs to support first‑time buyers and home repairs.

Senators welcomed expanded homeownership activity but said more workforce and emergency housing is needed to support large rebuild projects and to keep construction workers on island. Housing committee members said they will press agencies for data on approvals, timelines and how many homes remain to be built or rehabilitated, and they urged clearer outreach to eligible residents.

Why this matters: Housing programs affect residents’ ability to stay on island, provide shelter during repairs, and supply workforce needed to complete rebuild projects. Lawmakers said timely delivery of housing assistance is essential to sustain recovery momentum.","Bryan highlighted expansion of home‑repair and ownership programs (Envision, VI Slice, Own a Lot) and announced grants for homeowners; senators said programs have improved but must speed up to house workers needed for reconstruction.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6362301,"Bryan highlights solar and WAPA changes; senators press for financial and operational fixes",2,6918000,6920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2168224-3a9a89f8c23b4c62ecf08542ca784fff&start=6918&end=6920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2168224-3a9a89f8c23b4c62ecf08542ca784fff/thumbnail_6918000.jpg","/articles/6362301/Bryan-highlights-solar-and-WAPA-changes-senators-press-for-financial-and-operational-fixes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362301-ac2e833ad12b533a40dd7487c2d76de2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190031&Signature=HgaVKK0CI3eFyl6XUZsJtKF0opt8MtnI~WtzMgOfmYEgfDuKgS0pooza0z4QiY3nuQqnl0zQ3GSlkvBTz5nUoKZ6owr01MCVO0tHBvZyut5YI3SSHev0M~syUtcFBS9oaSK1u9vrFh8SuZBSGJduTCtXWBVwszRl-qsRvHBxxdrZTkPhJosCE9ZNzKWh74euUCYUbgdzn95g~LG5Z9oqWGA56ufhTpB4SpzSqZcJj2wWzBdS6USu78kh6E0sa9OM8Q6Q7zYUBYIJGxY2-~pq5Tx-tm6njjo~jNVk0b4BcDLa~zmmeEc8Z~HpGrVpe2cN3jvy~7iFdNIfgpK5sud0hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Governor Albert Bryan Jr. used the address to recount energy investments, including new solar fields, battery capacity, and smaller efficient generators added to the grid. He said new solar purchases are lowering WAPA’s cost per kilowatt‑hour and previewed additional megawatts coming online.

Bryan also described negotiations and transactions intended to reduce WAPA’s debt and stabilize rates. He said the administration negotiated the sale of propane facilities that reduced the utility’s debt by roughly $140 million and cited FEMA obligations for generation replacement as part of a longer energy plan.

Senators and other speakers welcomed new generation and lower procurement costs but emphasized the authority’s underlying financial hole. Several lawmakers said an inspector‑general review and clearer financial plans are needed before customers see sustained rate reductions. They urged transparency on contracts, fuel purchases and the timeline for passing savings to consumers.

Why this matters: Power reliability and rates affect residents, employers and tourism. Officials said investments in renewables and batteries are promising but must be paired with governance and financial reforms at WAPA to secure long‑term benefits.","The governor described recent solar projects, battery additions and steps taken to keep power bills from rising. Senators welcomed new generation but said WAPA needs financial cleanup, inspector general review and rapid operational reforms.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6362305,"Senators press for a hospital state of emergency as healthcare access strains under delays",2718,6198000,8916000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2168224-3a9a89f8c23b4c62ecf08542ca784fff&start=6198&end=8916","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2168224-3a9a89f8c23b4c62ecf08542ca784fff/thumbnail_6198000.jpg","/articles/6362305/Senators-press-for-a-hospital-state-of-emergency-as-healthcare-access-strains-under-delays","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362305-32f2638c72761e257dde3daf2c442202/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190031&Signature=eaZMEprkMqdieV63a99b-TjZrNh8ZJ1OcA04zR4t4yGq1pT4deWXRiTG7QVt9vSTRhOuG97GoraeNAg7al5AlGofCMySde0wjaTiaAodFf~wYRjsdimLVq2dnX0P0zcCovzs8BNYm~aUSeovR22uld1oAfjC2ZhNFmS2X2iMXlT4jR7~8kxXZRvEOtLtO-V63AFeU~JZEFgWFolZj2tK75Z9JAr-g5zW5rgRn57YtLESCKlO0bePjtIptiYQQT~SAC6Hzu-OF~dKPITJ8ndh7c6-XVKKQFA2rGm2KGTiGaPccBmpcJEsCUc8xYgqNxaAw4Yj1MVGIZaizq~fvjz7tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Governor Albert Bryan Jr. listed hospital reconstruction and new health facilities among his recovery priorities in the Jan. 27 State of the Territory address, including plans for demolition and rebuilding at multiple sites and a new cancer center and dialysis capacity.

Senator Ray Fonseca, identified in the post‑address coverage as chairman of the Health, Hospitals and Human Services Committee, told Legit TV that he is “still urging Governor Bryan to declare a hospital state of emergency” to speed procurement and staffing. Fonseca cited long waits in emergency departments and gaps in equipment and specialists, and said that new facilities will still require recurring operating funds and medical staff to serve patients.

Other senators echoed concern about delays and the territory’s reliance on off‑island care. Several lawmakers pressed for short‑term measures — contracting temporary clinicians and regional partnerships — while project design and construction proceed. They also said committee oversight will ask for detailed start/finish dates and staffing plans for each hospital project.

Why this matters: Rebuilding hospital infrastructure is a capital element of recovery, but hospital care depends on equipment, specialists and operating budgets. Senators warned that completing buildings without a parallel workforce and operating plan will not resolve current access problems.","Governor Bryan listed hospital rebuilds and health projects among recovery priorities; senators — including the Health, Hospitals and Human Services committee chair — said emergency staffing, equipment and faster project timelines are needed now.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6362310,"Gov. Albert Bryan says territory is \"progressing\" as billions in recovery funds are obligated",6678,4176000,10854000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2168224-3a9a89f8c23b4c62ecf08542ca784fff&start=4176&end=10854","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2168224-3a9a89f8c23b4c62ecf08542ca784fff/thumbnail_4176000.jpg","/articles/6362310/Gov-Albert-Bryan-says-territory-is-progressing-as-billions-in-recovery-funds-are-obligated","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362310-8f8e1548bfeb2716a2c094c8be7838e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190031&Signature=g5BxAuitosU8igSNHOPDFpmhUjiJImt-MWqtZG0w3W3UAJtXL~nTvohIxcGBkrqHHuWfLrQ3FO4v3VYIKJ7l53MI96hXaFAWkbA5pwxEfz7ufdSdxv-YF5xZ0wU8rRii0Dcw8BSEN5NGNvueew9F7qg1i3u3cJTdFy3wVA85axs0GikjPUzzet0CKcruPjfs7nA~H20QyVBn3rDpJKhftda00xWGdNL1dKLStyHiuQfkDfMYKWdoi2UpVwr18LBc2LktI7Fkla7GnyVNktDRAPDKA22u62gdu4Qiz3lcjgOd1e5iwjbpdpAnzFnHDZTlOvwFWRQ8wZ0UI7kMFATReA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Governor Albert Bryan Jr. delivered the seventh State of the Territory address to the 30th Legislature on Jan. 27, saying the “state of our territory is progressing” and noting that large federal recovery allocations are now obligated for long‑planned projects.

Bryan told lawmakers that federal public assistance and rebuild programs have produced a new level of funding — figures he described as surpassing earlier expectations — and that the administration is executing a Super Project Management Office to move school, hospital and horizontal infrastructure projects forward. He cited improvements in tourism and low unemployment as signs of economic momentum.

The governor framed the administration’s priorities as stabilizing government finances, attracting federal and private investment and reinvesting in people. He emphasized FEMA obligations, the work to secure reduced local cost shares for federal projects, and a focus on completing bundles of design and construction solicitations that he said will put schools, hospitals and road projects into contract.

Senators who spoke in immediate post‑address interviews praised the scale of appropriated funds but expressed frustration at the pace of execution. Senate President Milton E. Potter said the speech was “eloquent” but added that “there is some level of incongruence between what the governor articulated and the realities of the man and woman on the street.” Several senators said they will use committee hearings, timelines and oversight to press for faster delivery.

Why this matters: Bryan’s address signals a shift from securing funding to delivering capital projects that will affect daily life — roads, schools and hospital buildings. Senators and community leaders warned that the territory risks losing federal momentum if projects are not executed promptly and transparently.

Senators and administration officials will face near‑term deadlines tied to federal obligations and the limited window for lower local cost shares; lawmakers said they expect detailed timelines and regular committee oversight to translate obligated dollars into completed projects.","In a Jan. 27 State of the Territory address, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said major federal recovery funds have been obligated and listed tourism, schools and infrastructure projects as priorities; senators in post‑speech interviews urged faster implementation and more detail.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senators call for prosecutorial action and prevention after 44 homicides in 2024

Administration touts home‑ownership programs; legislators press for faster housing delivery

Bryan highlights solar and WAPA changes; senators press for financial and operational fixes

Senators press for a hospital state of emergency as healthcare access strains under delays

Gov. Albert Bryan says territory is "progressing" as billions in recovery funds are obligated