Side by side: Icon of the Seas and Celebrity Apex at the Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal on Jan. 31, 2024. Photo: Ernice Gilbert/VIC

According to Government House, the governor’s attendance is part of his administration’s broader push to expand the U.S. Virgin Islands’ maritime footprint and drive long-term economic growth through its Blue Economy strategy.

This year’s Seatrade Cruise Global Conference comes at a pivotal time for the Virgin Islands, which has seen measurable gains in marine-related industries following the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the release. Government House said the territory has experienced increased cruise ship traffic, expanded charter operations, and growth in maritime tourism. Governor Bryan’s administration attributes these advances to strategic investments and targeted efforts aimed at making the USVI more competitive and appealing within the global marine sector.

Blue Economy has been prioritized

“The Bryan-Roach Administration has prioritized the Blue Economy as a vital driver of growth, jobs, and innovation,” a statement from Government House read. “This growth reflects strategic investments and targeted engagement to position the U.S. Virgin Islands as a competitive and attractive destination within the global cruise and marine space.”

Governor Bryan is expected to meet with key industry partners to build on conversations from last year’s conference, which helped lay the groundwork for significant policy changes, including the passage of legislation allowing cruise ships to operate onboard casinos while docked in Virgin Islands ports. 

“This was about creating smart, fair policies that align with industry expectations and support our economy,” said Governor Bryan. “We’ve seen momentum build across our ports, and we’re heading back to Seatrade to build on that progress and expand on the conversation to attract more calls, longer stays, and ultimately greater economic benefit for Virgin Islanders and to Virgin Islands businesses.”

While advancing new cruise partnerships remains a top priority, the governor will also use the platform to express concern over a pending federal proposal to impose new port fees on Chinese-built vessels. Though intended to support U.S. shipbuilding, such a policy could have unintended consequences for the U.S. Virgin Islands, where marine shipping operations often rely on foreign-built vessels.

“Federal policy should reflect the unique circumstances of U.S. territories,” said Governor Bryan. “We’re working constructively with our partners in Washington to make sure the voice of the Virgin Islands is heard and that the growth we’ve fought for in our marine sector isn’t disrupted by unintended consequences.”

During Governor Bryan’s absence from the territory, Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. will serve as Acting Governor.