>>> THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PROGRAM ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF WTJX, ITS BOARD, STAFF OR UNDERWRITERS.

>>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR ANOTHER EPISODE OF "RECOVERY IN FOCUS."

ADRIENNE WILLIAMS- OCTALIEN.

THE OFFICE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2019.

SINCE THEN, THESE LONG-TERM RECOVERY ERRORS.

THEY TOOK THE RECOVERY FROM AN $8 BILLION TO $15 BILLION INVESTMENT.

DESPITE THE COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND EXPENDING APPROXIMATELY $5 MILLION A YEAR.

YOUR ADMINISTRATION RECOGNIZES THAT THIS IS NOT ENOUGH.

>> ESPECIALLY THE MORE COMPLEX ONES, FOR HOUSING, HOSPITALS, AND UTILITIES.

STAY WITH US, AS WE DISCUSS WITH GOVERNOR BRIAN WHAT THE NEXT STAGE WILL MEAN FOR THE TERRITORY.

BUT FIRST, LET´S TAKE A BRIEF LOOK AT OTHER RECOVERY PROJECTS MAKING HEADLINES IN THE TERRITORIES.

>>> FROM THE WTJX STUDIOS IN ST. CROIX, I´M ELISA ELLIS.

FOR THE SECOND TIME THE SPORTS PARK AND RECREATION.

THIS TIME, ON ST. CROIX FOR THE PAVILION AT KRAMER PARK.

>> THESE SYMBOLIZE MORE THAN JUST SHELTER.

THEY REPRESENT COMMITMENT IN EXPERIENCE.

PROVIDING COMFORT.

AND FOSTERING IN A DEEPER CONNECTION WITH NATURER.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I ASK YOU TO JOIN ME IN CELEBRATION, AS WE OFFICIALLY.

>> GOVERNOR AND THE ST. CROIX COMMUNITY ATTENDED THE CEREMONY.

FUNDED PRIMARILY BY LOCAL FUNDS.

ENHANCES INCLUDE A.D.A.- COMPLIANT WALKWAYS, WIND- RESISTANT PAVILIONS.

CONCRETE PICNIC TABLES AND WI5.

THE $32 MILLION PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION CENTER IS NEARING COMPLETION.

AUTHORITY HELD A PUBLIC MEET BEING ON MARCH 14th, TO SHARE THE STATUS OF THE PROJECT AND THEIR PLANS TO PARTIALLY OPEN THE FACILITY, GIVING MOTORISTS ACCESS TO PARKING ON THE SECOND AND THIRD FLOOR.

CARLTON DOUD, THE AUTHORITY´S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHARED WHAT EVERYONE CAN EXPECT AS THE PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION.

>> WE EXPECT TO HAVE NINE ADA SPACES.

AND ON THE SECOND FLOOR, WE HAVE SPACES FOR THE TRAVELING PUBLIC.

PAID PARKING.

AND JUST SO FOR THE PUBLIC CONSUMPTION, THE CAR RENTAL IS ON THE FOURTH FLOOR.

HOWEVER, THE ENTRANCE TO THE PARKING FACILITY IS ACTUALLY GOING TO BE ON THE SECOND FLOOR.

SO IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT WE´RE GOING TO PRESENT TO YOU TONIGHT AS WE DO THIS PARTIAL ORDINANCE WILL NOT BE THE ENTRY WHEN THE ENTIRE PROJECT IS COMPLETED.

>> IN MID-APRIL, THE AUTHORITY PROJECTS THE OPENING OF 50% OF THE FACILITY, ALLOWING ROOM FOR VISITOR PARKING.

THE ENTIRE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETE BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.

THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES CELEBRATED THE COMPLETION OF THE FLORENCE LIBRARY.

THE $1.4 MILLION FEMA PROJECT TOOK APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.

AND INCLUDES EXTENSIVE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR REPAIRS.

IN HIS REMARKS, GOVERNOR BRIAN NOTED.

>> YOU SEE THE DEDICATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION TO THE TOWN.

WHAT ARE THE SEWER LINES THAT WE JUST PUT IN.

PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THE ROADS YOU LOOK DOWN AND SEE THAT KING IS HAS COME ALIVE.

NOW, THE DILAPIDATED BUILDING IS NOW BEING TURNED INTO ROOMS.

YOU LOOK ON THE OTHER SIDE.

THIS BUILDING DOWN HERE.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO NOT LETTING IT GO TO POT.

WE´RE GOING TO CONTINUE OUR PROGRESS.

>> JEAN-PIERRE ALSO GAVE HIS THOUGHTS ON THE PROJECT´S COMPLETION.

>> I WANT TO THANK ALL OF THE INDIVIDUALS FROM THE DIFFERENT AGENCIES.

PUBLIC WORKS.

THE OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY.

THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, PROPERTY AND PROCUREMENT.

FOR THE ROLE THEY PLAYED IN COMPLETING THIS DISASTER RECOVERY PROJECT.

I WANT TO PERSONALLY THANK ALL OF THE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS WHO GAVE THEIR TIME AND EFFORT OVER THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS TO ASSIST US PREPARING FOR THIS.

>> BUSINESS OWNERS, CONTRACTORS AND CONSULTANTS INTERESTED IN DOING BUSINESS WITH THE RECOVERY SHOULD VISIT THE ODR OPEN BID ANNOUNCEMENTS AND DETAILED INFORMATION.

THIS MONTH, THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY IS SOLICITING BIDS FOR UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION ON QUEEN MARY HIGHWAY.

FEEDER 5A.

ADDITIONALLY, THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY IS SEEKING QUALIFIED FIRMS TO PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS, ASSESSMENTS, AND TESTING SERVICES.

TO VIEW THESE, AND OTHER OPEN- BID ANNOUNCEMENTS, AS WELL AS UP-TO-DATE NEWS ON ALL DISASTER RECOVERY PROJECTS IN THE TERRITORY.

LOG ONTO WWW.USDI.ODR.COM.

>> THANKS, LARISSA.

AS USUAL, YOU ARE SPOT ON.

>>> OUR TERRITORY´S TOP EXECUTIVE.

THE HONORABLE ALBERT BRIAN.

WE HAD A VERY, VERY BUSY YEAR.

OKAY.

I´M GOING TO TAKE THAT BACK.

HE HAD SEVERAL BUSY YEARS.

BUT THE BUSYNESS HAS NOT STOPPED.

HOW ARE YOU FEELING?

>> I´M FEELING AWESOME.

EVERY DAY, I WAKE UP.

JUST CAN´T GET OUT.

THERE´S SO MUCH TO DO ALL THE TIME.

>> AND YOU KNOW, ALL AROUND, ALL OVER THE WORLD.

MOST LENIENTLY, THE LAST SIX MONTHS, YOU´VE HAD NATIONAL EXPOSURE AS WELL, SHARING WHATTING YOU´VE DONE.

>> IT WAS PRETTY KEEN.

ESPECIALLY SINCE HE STARTED YOU OFF AND TOLD YOU TO TAKE IT OVER.

>> BACK IN OUR LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE.

AND IT WAS GREAT REVISITING THAT.

AND THE ENERGY HE ALWAYS BRINGS WHEN HE COMES TO THE INTERVIEW.

WANTS TO KNOW WHAT IS CONNECTED TO THE ISLAND.

AND WHEN HE COMES BACK HERE.

WHAT WAS THE IMPACT?

>> WHAT IS THE PRESIDENT DOING?

I THINK THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION MUST HAVE BEEN READING OUR PLAY BOOK WHEN HE WAS PLANNING AROUND ST. CROIX.

THE SUPPORT HE´S GIVING US AROUND ENERGY IS INCREDIBLE WHAT WE´RE ROLLING OUT ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

THE SOLAR PANELS AND ALL THE LOANS WE´RE BEING ABLE TO GIVE TO CONVERT TO SOLAR.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE 60 ACRES.

ALL OF THOSE THINGS ARE BECAUSE THE PRESIDENT IS HOT ON ENERGY AND SOLAR.

AND THEN HOMEOWNERSHIP.

THE PRESIDENT IS TALKING ABOUT A $400 CREDIT PER MONTH FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS.

SO IN A LOT OF WAYS, YOU´RE ALIGNED BECAUSE EVEN IMMIGRATION, WHEN HE TALKS ABOUT THE WORK HE´S DOING THERE.

TRYING TO GET MORE WORKERS IN THIS MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE WORK ALL OVER THE NATION.

>> YES.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE RECOVERY.

AND THE GOOD NEWS THAT WE´VE GOTTEN.

DO YOU KNOW I DID A JIG WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS ABOUT THE MATCH BEING RAISED.

BECAUSE THAT WAS SOMETHING WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON FOR A LONG TIME.

>> I CALLED YOU ON THE PHONE.

AND YOU JUST HAPPENED TO BE IN THE BUILDING.

PRETTY EXCITING.

>> WE WERE SO WORRIED ABOUT HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET THIS MATCH.

AND YOU KNOW, I THINK WE TALK THE ABOUT EVERYBODY WE COULD IN WASHINGTON.

BUT OMB DIRECTOR, I THINK WAS THE FINAL MAGIC TRICK.

WE´LL SEE WHAT WE CAN DO.

AND IT´S NOT WHAT WE CAN EXPECTED.

IN A STRANGE WAY.

BUT IT IS WAY MORE THAN WE EXPECTED AT THIS POINT IN THE RECOVERY.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

YOU KNOW, WE HAVE BEEN TALKING TO THEM.

AND JUST HAVING CONVERSATIONS.

AND POTENTIAL SOLUTION WITH ALL OF THE FEDERAL PARTNERS, PREVENTING YOU, BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS SINCE 2019.

YOU KNOW.

WE SPOKE WITH SHANTAL.

THE DEPUTY´S RECOVERY DIRECTOR FOR FEMA.

AND HERE´S WHAT HE HAD TO SAY.

>> IN EARLY FEBRUARY, THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED A CHANGE IN THE FEDERAL COST SHARE AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THIS INCENTIVE TRANSLATES TO MORE THAN $1.1 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING, WHICH IS CRITICAL DUE TO THE SHEER SIZE OF THE RECOVERY HERE IN THE TERRITORY.

THE ADDITIONAL MONEY WILL HELP THE TERRITORY TO REPAIR OR REPLACE IMPORTANT FACILITIES LIKE SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, WATER SYSTEMS.

FIRE AND POLICE STATIONS AND OTHER CRITICAL FACILITIES.

THE FEMA TEAM WORKING HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLAND, IS PROUD TO BE WORKING ON THESE IMPORTANT PROJECTS.

BECAUSE MANY ARE ALSO SURVIVORS.

AND WE ARE EXCITED TO HELP SUPPORT THE TERRITORY AT THIS IMPORTANT TIME IN THE RECOVERY PROCESS.

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, FEMA HAS BEEN A GOOD PARTNER WITH US.

FROM OVERALL, THE BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT.

THE IMPLEMENTATION.

THE DISASTER WAS SUPPOSED TO BE $8 BILLION DISASTER.

WE´RE NOW UP TO POTENTIALLY $15 BILLION.

AND THE POSSIBILITIES OF GREATER THAN THAT.

>> ISN´T THAT AMAZING?

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT $15 MILLION.

THAT´S LIKE FOUR YEARS OF ENTIRE ECONOMY.

IMAGINE, IF EVERYBODY COULD WORK ALL THE TIME AND CONDENSE THAT INTO FOUR YEARS, WE COULD MAYBE SPEND $15 BILLION.

IT´S A LOT OF WORK.

BUT YOU HAVE A GREAT TEAM.

YOU KNOW I LIKE A GOOD CHALLENGE.

>> WELL, IT IS ABSOLUTELY A BIG CHALLENGE FOR US.

AND WE KNOW HOUSING.

WE KNOW ISSUES THAT SURROUND IT.

AND THE FACT THAT WE´RE ON AN ISLAND.

AND EVERYTHING HAS TO BE SHIPPED IN.

INFLATION.

ALL THAT IMPACT THE PACE.

YOU HAVE TO GET THIS DONE WITHIN ANOTHER 10 YEARS.

AND THE PACE THAT WE´RE ON, PRETTY MUCH WILL HAVE US GOING FOR 20 YEARS.

BUT IF THE WAIVER AND THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE´VE RECEIVED NOW.

IF WE DON´T GET THE PROJECT FINISHED WITHIN 10 YEARS, THEN WE´LL GO BACK TO A 95% CAR SHARE, RATHER THAN THE 98% CAR SHARE WE HAVE.

SO IF WE DON´T GET IT DONE IN 10 YEARS, WE ACTUALLY LOSE MONEY.

>> BUT IT IS A GREAT INCENTIVE, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT, RIGHT?

BECAUSE NOW EVEN MORE OPPORTUNITY .

WOE GOTTA WORK TOGETHER.

THE RECOVERY IS SOMETHING THAT WE CAN´T BLINK.

THIS IS SO FAR SUPERIOR.

AND WE´RE TAKING CARE OF THEM.

FOR INSTANCE.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE ANNEX.

BEAUTIFUL BUILDING.

YOU LOOK AT THE WICK BUILDING THAT WE DID.

THAT IS ALSO AN INCREDIBLE- LOOKING PIECE LOOK AT WALTER M. HODGE.

WHAT YOU´RE DOING DOWN THERE.

TOTALLY DIFFERENT.

WHAT YOU´RE SEEING IS, THE WORD THAT I HATE.

NOW IT HAS TO GO TO DESIGN.

REALLY PAYING OFF.

BECAUSE WHAT WE´RE PRODUCING IS SOMETHING THAT IS FAR SUPERIOR TO WHAT WE HAD BEFORE.

EVEN IN OUR ROTE PROJECT BEFORE.

WHEN YOU´RE LOOKING AT THE HIGHWAYS IN ST. CROIX.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING HOW WE CUT THE ROAD DOWN.

AND BREAK IN, IN THAT INTERSECTION.

AND THERE´S JUST SO MUCH MORE COMING.

YOU KNOW, THE OTHER DAY, WHEN IT WAS RAINING.

I WAS THINKING ABOUT GAROS BAY.

AND THE DRAINAGE.

PART OF THE SPRING.

THAT PROJECT WE´RE DOING.

HOW THAT´S DRAINING.

>> YES.

WE FEATURED THAT HERE ON RECOVERY IN FOCUS.

AND JUST THE RESIDENTS THERE WERE VERY PLEASED WITH THE WORK THAT WAS DONE THERE.

AND MAKING THEIR LOT BETTER.

SO WE DON´T HAVE HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN THE TERRITORY.

BEEN A CONCERN FOR MANY YEARS.

AND LONG BEFORE YOU TOOK OFF.

THAT´S WHERE THE LITMUS TEST IS.

AND HERE´S WHAT YOU HAD TO SAY.

>> OUR HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE.

WE´RE DOING A LOT TO RENOVATE OUR HOSPITALS.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS DOING RENOVATION AS WELL.

JUST GIVING THE PUBLIC MORE INFORMATION AND THE STATUS ON A LOT OF THESE PROJECTS.

>> I HEAR YOU TALK ABOUT IT ALL THE TIME.

HEALTHCARE, JUST ONE OF YOUR KEY AREAS FOR YOUR ADMINISTRATION.

SO YOU MUST BE PLEASED WITH WHERE WE ARE.

NOT NECESSARILY.

BUT DEFINITELY WHERE WE´RE GOING.

>> ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT I´M PARTICULARLY PROUD ABOUT IS KIMMERMAN.

A LOT OF WHAT WE´VE GIVEN NOW, DEDICATED A MILLION DOLLARS TO HELPING CANCER PATIENTS GET CARE.

THROUGH OUR ARPA FUNDING AND OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH CANCER CENTERS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

SO WE ACTUALLY HAVE HELPED LIKE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHO OTHERWISE WOULDN´T HAVE GOTTEN THE FUNDING OR THE LEVEL OF FUNDING BY DOING THAT.

SO WE DID A HALF MILLION LAST YEAR.

PLEDGE HALF A MILLION THIS YEAR.

AND THEN IF THE COMMUNITY MATCHES A HALF MILLION, WE´LL PUT IN ANOTHER $250,000.

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT THE PANDEMIC.

YOU TALK ABOUT HOW DIFFICULT IT IS, PEOPLE WHO HAVE CHRONIC DISEASES HAVE TO GO OFF ISLAND.

AND PEOPLE HERE WHO ARE NOT INSURED.

IT´S A GREAT CONCERN TO US.

WHILE YOU MAY BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE HOSPITAL.

GETTING YOUR MEDICATION OR GETTING EQUIPMENT THAT YOU MAY NEED IN YOUR HOME.

WHETHER THAT´S SOMETHING YOU NEED.

WHATEVER IT IS.

PEOPLE DON´T HAVE THE ACCESS OR MONEY TO TAKE CARE OF THESE THINGS.

SO FOR ME, OUR HEALTH TECHNOLOGY PIECE IS BIG AS WELL.

WITHOUT MOVING EVEN FROM YOUR HOME.

I´M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT WHAT HEALTHCARE DOES.

ESPECIALLY SINCE I´M NOW 56.

I HAD A BIRTHDAY HERE THE OTHER DAY.

SO I´M ESPECIALLY CONCERNED.

BUT SERIOUSLY, I THINK ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO RETIRED AT $14,000 FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

OR PEOPLE WHO EXIST ON JUST SOCIAL SECURITY ALONE?

HOW ARE THEY GETTING MEDICATION AND ABLE TO SURVIVE?

AND SOME OF THESE PEOPLE ARE RAISING GRANDCHILDREN.

INFLATION HAS BEEN SOMETHING WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT.

AND HEALTHCARE, WILL PUT YOU IN THE POOR HOUSE.

CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

IN ADDITION TO THOSE INITIATIVES, OVER A BILLION DOLLARS .

>> AND THE TEAM HAS BEEN PUSHING THROUGH THE PROCESS.

POLICE SPOKE TO DARRELL.

AND HERE´S WHAT HE HAD TO SAY.

>> GREAT STRIDES ARE HAPPENING.

HERE ON THE ISLAND OF ST. THOMAS, WE HAVE COMMENCED WITH THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CHARLOTTE KIMMERMAN CANCER INSTITUTE.

LAST YEAR, WE COMPLETED THIS PHASE OF THE FACILITY WHICH WAS DAMAGED BY OUR HURRICANE.

THIS PROJECT WAS SLATED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2025.

ON THE ISLAND OF ST. CROIX, WE ARE COMPLETING THE PHASE OF THE CRITICAL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.

SLATED TO BE INTO THIS FACILITY BY SUMMER.

AFTER WHICH, WE HAVE DEMOLITION PHASE OF THE ONE.

WHICH WILL COMMENCE EARLY FIRST QUARTER OF 2025.

ALSO ON THE ISLAND OF ST. CROIX, WE ARE IN THE SOLICITATION PHASE TO DEVELOP A FIVE-ACRE LOT.

THIS LOT WILL HOUSE 250 PARKING SPACES FOR BOTH STAFF AS WELL AS VISITORS.

>> SO WE HAVE ALL OF THESE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES.

THE TEMPORARY SOLUTION.

AND YOU HEARD MRS. SMALLS TALK ABOUT THAT.

HOSPITALS TAKE ABOUT FIVE YEARS IF WE´RE LUCKY.

IF WE´RE REALLY GOOD.

SO YOU STILL HAVE TO SUBSIST IN THE INTERIM.

TO PROVIDE SURE THAT YOU PROVIDE HEALTHCARE.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THAT TO YOU?

>> IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT.

ESPECIALLY ON ST. CROIX.

I WORRY A LOT.

THE HOSPITAL HAS BEEN THROUGH A STORM.

WE GOT A LOT OF WINDOWS AND INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGE THAT YOU CAN´T SEE.

BUT IN ST. CROIX, WE HAVE TEMPORARY SHELTER.

LOOK AT THE DIALYSIS CRISIS WE WERE LOOKING AT THE OTHER DAY.

WE DON´T EVEN HAVE THE SPACE TO MOVE DIALYSIS PATIENTS.

WE SPEND ABOUT ALMOST $2 MILLION, HELPING A NONPROFIT CREATE A DIALYSIS CENTER HERE.

SO I´M ALWAYS LOOKING TO SEE HOW CAN WE DO THIS.

AND PEOPLE KNOW.

HAS BEEN IN FINANCIAL STRAITS FOR YEARS.

AND EVEN BEFORE THIS STORM.

AND THEY CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE ALONG.

GAVE EACH OF THE HOSPITALS $10 MILLION.

A LOT OF TIMES THEY USED BUT IT´S A HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

WE ARE TRYING TO TALK ABOUT HOW ARE THESE COMPONENTS DIGNITARY.

STAYING HEALTHY.

WE WANT TO HELP PEOPLE OUT OF THE HOSPITAL.

YOU´RE LIVING BEST LIFE PROGRAMS.

SPORTS PARKS AND RECREATION.

WE´LL BE GETTING OUT THERE WITH BATTLE OF THE AGES.

GETTING PEOPLE OUTSIDE.

MAKING SURE THEY STAY HEART HEALTHY.

>> I DON´T THINK I CAN EAT MACARONI AND CHEESE WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT IT.

>> PEOPLE LOOK SLIMMER TO ME.

>> YOU SPOKE ABOUT THE FUNDING THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO GIVE THE HOSPITALS.

AND INCIDENTALLY, I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH ONE OF THE NURSES.

AND SHE SAID THAT THERE WERE A LOT OF NURSES THAT CAME BACK BECAUSE OF THE INCENTIVES AND THE PAYMENT.

A LOT OF SEEDS THAT YOU PLANT, YOU DON´T ALWAYS GO BACK.

BUT IF YOU GO BACK, YOU FIND MAYBE THERE IS FRUIT THAT IS ALREADY BEARING.

>> THAT´S WHY I LIKE RUNNING IN THE STREETS.

YOU HEAR GOOD AND YOU HEAR BAD, TOO.

I WAS SPEAKING TO THIS ONE LADY IN PARTICULAR, WHO TOOK PART IN A PROGRAM WE SPONSORED.

SHE WAS PREDIABETIC.

THEY HAD LESSONS ON HOW TO EAT, HOW TO EXERCISE, WHAT TO STAY AWAY FROM.

AND SHE SAID, GOVERNOR, THANKS TO THE FUNDING YOU PROVIDED, I AM NO LONGER DIABETIC.

ONE PERSON IS IMPORTANT.

>> I HAVE TO THANK FEMA.

THE ABILITY TO GET FULL REPLACEMENTS ON THE MOST RECENT ONE BEING ROY LESTER SNIDER.

AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO REBUILD HEALTHCARE FACILITIES.

SYNERGIES.

YOU DON´T HAVE HOSPITAL STAND ALONE.

BUT YOU HAVE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN PLACE TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT.

I KNOW YOU HAVE GOTTEN SNEAK PEEK ON A DESIGN FOR HOSPITAL.

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT?

>> IT IS AMAZING.

I´M ONLY OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER THE HOSPITAL, WHAT IT DID.

THIS, OUR NEW STRUCTURE IS GOING TO BE POSSIBLE.

AS WELL AS THE HEALTH BUILDING.

IT´S GOING TO CHANGE THAT.

AND WHEN YOU´RE SICK, YOU DON´T WANT TO BE IN A PLACE THAT STARTS.

IS THIS THIS BUILDING IS FULL OF LIFE.

AND GIVES YOU THAT HOPE YOU NEED TO RECOVER.

YOUR MENTAL STATE IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN TERMS OF STAYING HEALTHY.

ONCE YOU GET THE PERSON DOWN, YOU´RE IN TROUBLE.

>> I LOVE THE DESIGN.

IT´S ENERGY EFFICIENT.

ENERGY IS THE MANTRA OF THIS ADMINISTRATION.

IF WE CAN FIX THE ENERGY PROBLEM --CORRECTION, WHEN WE FIX THE ENERGY PROBLEM IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, IT OPENS UP SO MUCH MORE OPPORTUNITIES.

MUCH MORE THAN JUST AIR CONDITIONING.

>> MUCH MORE THAN THAT.

YOU NOT ONLY HAVE THE HEALTHCARE FACILITIES.

BUT WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE PLACED?

HOMES.

IT´S A TEMPORARY SOLUTION WHAT IS GOING OUT TO BID, SO THAT WE CAN STABILIZE WITH THE NEW HEALTHCARE FACILITIES BEING DEVELOPED.

AND THAT IS AVAILABLE ON ST. CROIX FOR HERBERT GREG.

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR AGENDA ON THIS.

>> RECOGNIZING IN TERMS OF FUTURE PLANNING IS WE HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE THAT ARE 50 AND OLDER RELATIVELY SPEAKING.

50?

LIKE AGE.

WINE.

BUT THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE IN THAT SECTOR THAT ARE GOING TO NEED LIVING QUARTERS.

AND MORE PEOPLE LIVING ALONE.

MORE PEOPLE WHO LIVE, WORK AND AND YOU HAVE A WHOLE GENERATION OF PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO NEED CARE.

ASSISTED LIVING OF SOME SORT.

SO WE´RE PLANNING FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THOSE THEY´RE BUILDING MORE SINGLE UNITS AND MORE UNITS THAT HAVE ACCESS ABILITY EASE.

ARE IN COMPLIANCE.

SO ALONG WITH BUILDING EVERYBODY.

WE WANT THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO START MOVING AND LIVING.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE BOOMERS, AS THEY GET OLDER, THAT THEY HAVE PLACES TO ACCOMMODATE THEM AS WELL.

YOU GOTTA REMEMBER, TOO.

WE TALK ABOUT A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO WORK IN TOURISM INDUSTRY, MAYBE FOR THEMSELVES.

MAYBE FOR SMALL BUSINESS THAT DON´T HAVE HEALTH BENEFITS.

THAT DON´T HAVE BIG RETIREMENTS.

SO THEY WANT TO BE ABLE TO LIVE IN SPACES THAT ARE NOT TOO EXPENSIVE TO COOL.

EASY TO ACCESS.

AND COMFORTABLE AND SAFE.

AS INFLATION HITS US IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS MORE AND MORE.

IT´S GOING TO BE REAL IMPORTANT THAT WE CONTROL COSTS AS WE CAN.

HOUSING, ENERGY.

CONSTRUCTION.

JUST TO MAKE SURE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> YOU KNOW, I´M GLAD YOU SAID THAT.

WHEN PEOPLE EVALUATE THE PROGRESS OF THE RECOVERY.

ESPECIALLY FOR THEM, SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS.

AND WE HAD HEARD A LOT OF CONCERN ABOUT THE SCHOOLS.

AND PEOPLE ARE STILL --THEY´RE STILL A LITTLE LEERY.

LET´S TAKE A LISTEN OF SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE HEARD.

>> MY MAIN CONCERN IS OUR SCHOOLS.

A LOT OF THEM ARE STILL IN DISREPAIR.

AND THERE´S NO SET TIME AND COMPLETION.

I SEE SOME BEING REBUILT AT THE MOMENT.

BUT THERE´S NO TIME AND COMPLETION.

WHEN IT IS THAT GOING TO BE?

AND BESIDES THAT.

I UNDERSTAND ARTHUR RICHARDS IS ACTIVE AT THE MOMENT.

AND GOING TO BE FROM K1 TO 12.

IS THAT A GOOD IDEA?

>> KIDS NEED MORE SCHOOLS LIKE HE PROMISE THE.

AND TO REPAIR THE ONES THAT HAVE BEEN BROKEN FROM IRMAAND MARIA.

AND UP UNTIL NOW, THEY HAVE NOT GOT IT DONE, YOU KNOW?

THEY COME TO ME EVERY DAY.

AND CRY TO ME AND TELL ME ABOUT HIS SCHOOLS.

AND I JUST SAY, YOU KNOW, SOMEBODY HAS TO DO SOMETHING.

>> FIRST, GOTTA CLEAR IT UP.

ARTHUR RICHARDS IS A K THROUGH 8 SCHOOL.

NOT K THROUGH 12.

AND THE SCHOOLS STILL HAVE TO MAINTAIN PROVIDING EDUCATION AND THE CLASSES.

WHAT KIND OF CONSTERNATION HAS THAT CAUSED YOU?

>> THE DESIGN WORK AND THE PLAN WORK.

YOU KNOW, I´M ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE, I JUST WANT TO GET ON THE HORSE AND RIDE.

ISLE FIGURE OUT WHERE I´M GOING LATER.

BUT YOU SEE THE BENEFIT OF TAKING YOUR TIME AND PLANNING.

AND YOU´RE GOING TO SEE THE BENEFIT OF THE BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT.

BECAUSE WE COULD HAVE GONE AHEAD AND PATCHED THESE SCHOOLS UP AND THEY WOULD HAVE FALLEN APART AGAIN, FIVE YEARS LATER.

WE´RE BUILDING NEW SCHOOLS.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE IN SOME OF THESE SCHOOLS WERE 60 YEARS OLD.

I WENT TO THEM WHEN I WAS A KID.

AND SOME PARENTS, LIKE EVEN THEIR PARENTS WENT TO THEM.

I LISTEN TO PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THE K THROUGH 12.

AND ALL OF THE SCHOOLS THAT ARE PREMIERE SCHOOLS, PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN THE VIRGIN ISLAND, LIKE K THROUGH 12.

AND WITH SCHOOLS, MONTESSORI.

THEY´RE ALL K THROUGH 12.

SO I DON´T UNDERSTAND WHAT IS THE CONCERN ABOUT HAVING ALL OF THOSE GRADES IN THE SAME SCHOOL.

AND ONE OF THE WE LOSE KIDS IN 7th GRADE.

I CAN TELL YOU.

WHEN I WENT TO 7th GRADE, I WAS 10 YEARS OLD.

IT WAS TRAUMATIC.

GOING TO SCHOOL, CHANGING CLASSES, WITH KIDS WHO WERE MUCH OLDER THAN ME.

NOW, YOU HAVE THE SAME SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT WHEN GOING FROM 7th TO 8.

YOU GET THAT CONSISTENCY.

AND WHEN YOU GO TO NINTH GRADE.

WE´RE BUILDING A NEW HIGH SCHOOL AT CENTRAL.

ALSO BUILDING A NEW ONE.

IN ST. THOMAS TRUST ME .

YOU COULD SEE THE CEMENT COMING THROUGH.

A LOT OF DRAINAGE.

INFRASTRUCT.

SO IT´S REALLY LOOKING GOOD.

SO I´M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE OTHER ONES.

>> YOU KNOW, GOVERNOR, THERE´S A WHOLE LOT GOING INTO GETTING FUNDS TO GET SCHOOL STARTED.

WE HAVE BEEN WORKING TO GET THE FUNDS.

AND AS QUICKLY AS THE FUNDS HAVE BEEN OBLIGATED AND STARTING THAT PROCESS FOR THE DESIGN.

THAT YOU´RE TALKING ABOUT.

ASK SOMETIMES THAT DESIGN TAKES A YEAR.

SO, YOU KNOW, THE FIRST PART OF THAT IS GETTING THE MONEY FROM FEMA.

AND I THINK IT´S ALWAYS VERY IMPORTANT TO SENSITIZE THE PUBLIC TO THE FACT THAT FOR THE FIRST THREE TO FOUR YEARS THAT WE´VE NOT HAD ANY MONEY FOR THE SCHOOLS ANY PERMANENT.

AND WE CAN´T START WITHOUT HAVING FUNDS.

AND THERE´S A LINE OF CREDIT THAT ALLOWED US TO GET TO THE POINT WHERE THE DESIGN IS HAPPENING UNTIL WE CAN GET SCHOOL STARTED.

SO GETTING SCHOOLS OUT.

AND ANTICIPATING GETTING HOW MANY SCHOOLS OUT?

>> I´M HOPING WE GET ALL SIX.

BUT I KNOW, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.

AND THE ECONOMY CAN HOLD SO MUCH.

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE RATE OF UNEMPLOYMENT.

NOW IN THE HISTORY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

HOW DO YOU GET MORE SCHOOLS DONE?

YOU NEED MORE PEOPLE.

PEOPLE IS A CHALLENGE, NOT ONLY HERE, ACROSS THE NATION.

THE OTHER THING I ALWAYS LIKE TO TELL PEOPLE, THERE ARE NO CHALLENGES HERE THAT ARE NOT EVIDENT IN EVERY PART OF THE NATION.

WHEN I GO TO THE GOVERNMENT.

THEY HAVE WORK FORCE CHALLENGES.

RECOVERY CHALLENGES, DISASTER CHALLENGES.

THEY HAVE HOME PROBLEMS, IN TERMS OF FINDING HOUSING FOR PEOPLE.

THEY HAVE CONSTRUCTION PROBLEMS IN TERMS OF INFLATION AND WHAT THEY´RE EXPERIENCING.

SO IT´S NOT UNIQUE TO US.

WE´RE A SMALL PART OF MASSIVE AMERICAN ECONOMY.

BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS, WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO SCHOOL.

OVER 60%.

WE, THROUGH THE BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT, HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO NOT ONLY FIX SCHOOLS BUT TO ACTUALLY BUILD NEW SCHOOLS THAT ANOTHER 40 OR 50 TO 50 YEARS.

ENERGY EFFICIENT.

WEATHER RESISTANT.

AND MOST OF US, REALLY SUPERCONDUCIVE LEARNING CENTERS FOR OUR CHILDREN.

>> AND I MEAN, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THIS.

AND THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES.

BEING ABLE TO GET THIS --MOVE THIS NEEDLE THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR LIKE WHAT?

20 YEARS?

>> 50.

>> 50 YEARS.

THAT UNDER YOUR ADMINISTRATION, WOULD BE ABLE TO GET THE LAND SWAP.

AND NOW GETTING TO BUILD K THROUGH 12.

>> THAT WILL BE THE ONLY K THROUGH 12 IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

AND IT´S NOT ONLY JUST A K THROUGH 12.

IT´S LIKE YOU HAVE TO GO TO ST. JOHN.

WHEN WE HAVE THIS.

WE DON´T HAVE ANYWHERE WE CAN GO FOR A STORM SHELTER.

WE HAVE A COMMUNITY MEETING.

IT IS TINY.

AND REALLY NOT EQUIPPED.

BECAUSE IT´S SET UP LIKE LEGISLATURE TO DO SOME OF THE THINGS WE WANT.

WE WANT TO HAVE A SCHOOL.

SAFE PLACE FOR SUMMER CAMP.

>> SOUNDS LIKE YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL.

>> I WISH I COULD.

WHEN YOU SEE THE DIAGRAM.

IT´S TOP NOTCH.

SEEING IS BELIEVING.

AND PEOPLE ARE GOING TO SEE THE LEVEL OF SCHOOL WE ARE DEMANDING FOR OUR CHILDREN.

>> ABSOLUTELY THE INDUSTRY STANDARDS.

AND GLADYS ST. THOMAS, GETTING READY FOR STUDENTS TO START THERE.

BECAUSE THE SKILL WILL BE AT GLADIS ABRAMS.

AND THE WORK IS PRETTY MUCH COMPLETED.

JUST WAITING FOR IT TO GET FURNITURE INTO THAT FACILITY.

ANOTHER RIBBON CUTTING POTENTIALLY.

AND BY FALL, >> I CAN´T WAIT FOR THAT AND YOU KNOW, WE FOUND SOME GROUND FUNDING.

BUT WE THINK, WE´RE STILL LOOKING AT IT.

WE´RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO SOME AMAZING THINGS WITH THE TYPE OF EQUIPMENT.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HAVE ALWAYS GALLED ME.

AND I MADE A CAMPAIGN PROMISE, THAT WE WERE GOING TO BRING MORE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTERS TO THE ISLAND OF ST. THOMAS.

THE WEEKLY SKILLS CENTER IN COMPARISON TO THE COMPLEX TECH CENTER.

COMPARING APPLES, NOT EVEN TO ORANGE.

WE NEED TO HAVE THAT SKILL TRAINING ON THE ISLAND TO MAKE SURE WE ARE PRODUCING.

COUPLING WITH THAT, WE REALLY ARE THIS CLOSE TO BEING ABLE TO HAVE OUR TECHNICAL SETUP.

YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GRADUATE WITH A TWO-YEAR ASSOCIATE DEGREE.

>> THAT IS PHENOMENAL.

>> THERE´S ACTUALLY GOOD NEWS TO COME FROM SCHOOLS.

WE´LL T .

>> WE ARE HERE AT THE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL SITES, WHICH IS GOING TO BE THE NEW BUILD FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

WE ARE EXCITED THAT WE ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CAMPUS.

RIGHT NOW, WE ARE IN THE CONTRACTING PHASE.

AND WE´RE LOOKING TO EXECUTE THIS CONTRACT WITHIN THE NEXT 30 TO 60 DAYS.

ONCE THE CONTRACT IS EXECUTED, THEN WE BEGIN TO FINISH THE DESIGN, WHICH IS 30% COMPLETE SO THAT WE CAN START THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL.

THE DESIGNS THAT WE HAVE THUS FAR HAVE BEEN SHARED WITH THE STUDENTS OF THE PUBLIC.

>> THOSE DESIGNS ARE BEAUTIFUL.

>> ENERGY.

ENERGY.

ENERGY.

HOUSING IS ALSO ONE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WE KNOW ALL TOO WELL.

AND IT´S THE TERRITORY A LOT.

AND HERE´S SOME CONCERNS THAT WERE ECHOED FROM OUR RESIDENT.

>> MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE FACT THAT THERE ARE STILL SO MANY HOMES.

STILL DAMAGED.

NOT REPAIRED.

THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MONEY FOR ASSISTANCE WHEN IT HAPPENS.

>> A LOT OF MATERIALS.

AND JUST EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS.

AND YET PEOPLE ARE HOME WHEN ARE THESE PROJECTS GOING TO TAKE PLACE?

PEOPLE NEED TO SEE SOMETHING HAPPENING AND IT´S NOT.

>> VISION IS QUITE A CHALLENGE.

AND YOU KNOW, WE CONTINUE.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THEIR ROOF TO BE FIXED.

NOT ONLY FIXED BUT FULL REPLACEMENT OF HOMES.

>> I THINK THERE´S A MISNOMER THAT PEOPLE, WE THINK ABOUT JUST REPLACING THE ROOF.

WHEN I HEARD HOW MUCH IT WAS TO FIX THEIR HOME.

>> WHEN I LOOK AT THE ROOF RAFTER.

THEY WERE CENTER.

SHE HAD PARTS OF HER RADIO OF THAT WERE JOINED TO OTHER PARTS THAT WERE DISJOINTED.

AND THE ROOF SLOPES.

AND IT CANTILEVERS OUTSIDE OF THE WALL.

SIX INCHES.

SO WHEN YOU ADD UP ALL OF THOSE THINGS.

AND WILL KITCHEN IS DAMAGED, TOO.

ALL THE INTERIOR TILING.

ALL OF THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED.

SO YOU GET IT, BUT DON´T HAVE TO GET ANYTHING INCREDIBLY EXPENSIVE TO DO THIS.

AND THE ONE THING THAT I ALWAYS SAY.

I´D RATHER BUILD NEW.

BECAUSE WHEN YOU DIG A WALL, YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU´RE GOING TO FIND.

BY THE ELECTRICAL, EVERYTHING HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY THE WATER.

IN VISION PROGRAM.

THE PROOFING PROGRAM IS A COMPLEX PROGRAM.

BUT YOU´RE GETTING IT GOING.

>> LET´S TAKE A LISTEN TO GREG MILLER.

HE´S A MANAGER FOR THE ENVISION PROGRAM.

AND HE´S GOING TO GIVE US AN UPDATE.

>> CURRENTLY, WE ARE PROCESSING OVER 200 APPLICANTS.

THERE´S NINE HOMES IN CONSTRUCTION.

AND 30 COMPLETED.

SINCE ODR HAS BEEN THE SUBSIDIARY.

WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON WAYS TO ACCELERATE THE PROGRAM.

BY END OF MARCH 2024.

WE ARE EXPECTED TO PUBLISH A SOLICITATION PACKAGE.

IN ADDITION, WE ARE SUBMITTING 10 HOMES PER MONTH TO OUR CONTRACTOR PERSONS SERVICES.

I´D LIKE TO THANK THE APPLICANTS FOR THEIR PATIENCE.

I ASK FOR COOPERATION IN DOCUMENTATION.

IF CONTACTED BY ONE OF OUR HOUSING.

IF YOU´D LIKE STATUS UPDATE, CONTACT OUR OFFICE.

>>> THERE´S A PUSH NOW.

AND WE KNOW MR. MILLER SAYS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GET TO DOCUMENT THIS.

THERE´S A LOT OF --IT´S PAPER INTENSIVE.

AND IT´S ALL ABOUT ELIGIBILITY.

AND WE KNOW A LOT OF THE APPLICANTS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTING DOCUMENTATION OVER ASK OVER AGAIN.

SO WE DO ASK FOR PATIENCE.

WE REALLY DO WANT TO GET TO YOUR HOMES.

SO WE ASK THAT YOU MAKE SURE YOU SECURE YOUR PART.

BECAUSE IF THE TRAIN IS MOVING, LIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU GET YOUR HOME FIXED.

>> DAVE BENSON.

PROJECT MANAGER.

GIVES US AN UPDATE .

>> SINCE AT THIS TIME RIBBON CUTTING LAST OCTOBER.

J BENTON CONSTRUCTION HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED NEW BUILDING.

PROVIDING 82 HOMES THIS HIGHLIGHTS OUR COMMITMENT I´M PROUD TO ANNOUNCE WE ARE KICK OFF.

THIS PHASE REPRESENTS AN EXCITING STEP FORWARD IN CREATING A DYNAMIC AND ENGAGING SPACE FOR RESIDENTS TO ENJOY.

CHECK BACK AT THE END OF SUMMER.

>> YOU WANT TO TAKE A BET THAT THE END OF SUMMER IS GOING TO BE DONE?

>> YOU KNOW, THE FUNNY THING IS.

WITH THIS PROJECT.

AND ESPECIALLY YOU TALK ABOUT.

YOU KNOW, YOU SEE.

I CAN REMEMBER WORKING WITH THIS.

YOU SEE THESE MOCKUP MODELS.

AND WHEN IT´S BUILT.

IF IT´S BUILT.

YOU KNOW WHICH MOCKUP MODELS WE HAVE THAT ARE BEING BUILT.

I HAVE TO LOOK CLOSELY.

IT LOOKS LIKE THE PICTURE.

IT WAS THE ACTUAL COMMUNITY.

THAT´S HOW GOOD A JOB THEY HAVE BEEN DOING IN TERMS OF REBUILDING THAT SPACE.

AND PEOPLE ACT DIFFERENTLY, WHEN THEY HAVE QUALITY HOUSING.

YOU KNOW, IT´S LIKE WHEN YOU GO IN SOMEPLACE.

PEOPLE DON´T WANT TO THROW TRASH ON THE GROUND.

THERE´S A LOT OF PRIDE THAT PEOPLE HAVE IN THOSE.

>> YEAH.

DEFINITELY.

DEFINITELY HAVE A LOT OF PRIDE.

WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TOUR WHERE WE LOOKED JUST THE FACT, THE PROCESS IN CONSTRUCTING THAT.

IN THAT AREA THAT ACTUALLY HAS RESIDENTS.

IT´S ONE THING TO BE WORKING ON A SITE THAT IS FREE THERE.

BUT ACTUALLY AN OCCUPIED SITE.

TOOK SOME SKILL.

AND SO FAR, SO GOOD.

TRENDING TO THE END.

SO REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE WORK THAT IS BEING DONE THERE.

NOW TO ONE WAPPA.

WHEN YOU THINK OF WAPPA, YOU THINK OF POWER.

WE DON´T THINK OF WATER.

WE WON´T TALK ABOUT THAT.

BUT THE WATER QUALITY IN THAT AREA HAS BEEN A MAJOR CONCERN BUT A PERMANENT SOLUTION IS ACTUALLY NEEDED.

AND WE REACHED OUT TO PETERSON.

AND SHE HAD A LITTLE TO SAY ABOUT US.

>> I´M HERE TODAY AT THE HANNAH´S REST, WATER REHABILITATION PROJECT.

THIS PROJECT IS FUNDED THROUGH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY.

EPAs, DRINKING WATER STATE FUND.

>> THIS IS REPLACING WOULD OLD PIPE.

IT´S GOING TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF WATER.

IN ADDITION TO THAT, CUSTOMERS CAN EXPECT CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, SCHEDULED OUTAGES.

AND BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR WAPPA ALERTS, AS WELL AS DUST AND OTHER DEBRIS, AS THEY CONTINUE TO CONDUCT CONSTRUCTION TO REPAIR THE PIPES IN THIS AREA.

THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY PROJECTS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT A $1 MILLION INVESTMENT INTO THE ISLAND.

>> YOU KNOW, SHE KIND OF SLID THAT.

CAN HAVE SOME DUST.

A LOT MORE DUST.

A LOT OF NOISE.

REALLY BAD ROADS UNTIL THEY ACTUALLY FIX IT.

>> YOU KNOW WHAT STOOD OUT TO ME ABOUT THAT PIECE THERE?

10,800 FEET.

ALMOST TWO MILES OF PIPING AND JUST IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE PROJECT NOW TO DO THE ENTIRE ST. CROIX WITH OUR NEW WATER PIPING.

THAT´S SOMETHING WE EMBARKED UPON.

WE CONTINUE TO DO ALL OF THESE PLANS.

HERE´S A LOT OF WORK.

AND YOU HAVE TO DO THAT.

YOU HAVE TO RECONNECT ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE.

WAPPA HAS A LOT OF GOOD TO TALK ABOUT .

>> YOU KNOW, IT´S A TREMENDOUS EFFORT.

I WANT TO TAKE MY HAT OFF TO HIS TEAM FOR THE CONSISTENT WORK THAT THEY´RE DOING.

ALWAYS KIND OF HANGING BEHIND WAPPA POWER.

BUT REALLY, HARD-WORKING FOLKS IN THERE.

TRYING TO GET QUALITY WATER.

IT´S A WORK IN PROGRESS.

AND WE´LL CONTINUE TO DO SO AND NOW, POWER, OF COURSE.

WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT ENERGY.

GOT SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS TO SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY ON ENERGY FROM SOLAR.

JUST SOME OF THE FUTURISTIC SOLUTIONS.

THAT WE´RE PLANTING THE SHOE NOW, JUST ABOUT TO BEAR FRUIT.

>> THOSE PROJECTS ARE GOING TO COMPLETELY CHANGE THE LANDSCAPE.

AND YOU KNOW, HAVING THE DISCUSSIONS THIS WEEK.

YOU´RE GOING TO HAVE LIKE 62 MEGAWATTS IN ST. CROIX.

THAT´S MORE RENEWABLE POWER THAN WE HAVE DAYTIME PEAKS.

IT PEAKS AT 45 IN SO*EUPBT CROIX.

IT DOESN´T ALWAYS PRODUCE THIS CLOUD COVER.

RAINY DAYS.

BUT IT´S BEEN COUPLED WITH BATTERIES.

SO THE GOAL IS TO BE PRODUCING ENOUGH POWER, THAT WE CAN RUN THEM AT NIGHT WHEN THE SUN ISN´T SHINING.

>> RIGHT.

>> WE ARE ALSO COMING FROM WORKING ON THIS LEASE.

SPEAKING ON THE PHONE.

ABOUT HOW HE CAN GET THIS LEASE FOR THE WIND TURBINE TO GO UP.

I THINK THERE´S ANOTHER FOUR OR FIVE MEGAWATTS OF POWER.

COUPLED WITH THIS.

THAT WE´RE GIVING OUT THESE LOANS.

THAT YOU COULD PAY YOUR WAPPA BILL, WHICH IS GREAT.

THEN THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE IS WHITE.

I KIND OF KIDNAPPED THIS.

>> WE SAW YOU.

>> SOMEBODY SAID, I COULD HAVE SWORN I SAW YOU DRIVING A BUS.

I GOT A COUPLE OF JOB OFFERS, BY THE WAY.

PEOPLE WANT ME TO DRIVE FOR THEM.

>> HE WAS BOUNCING OFF LIKE THE LITTLE KIDS.

>> WE DID HAVE A LOT OF FUN.

THAT THING RIDES LIKE BUTTER.

REALLY GOOD.

BUT WE´RE GOING TO BE PUTTING IN THE CHARGING STATION, WHICH I´M LIKE SUPER EXCITED ABOUT.

ALL OVER THE FREE ISLANDS.

AND WE WANT SMALLER CARS, MORE LESS IMPACT ON OUR CLIMATE AND OUR ENVIRONMENT.

LESS RUNOFF AND OIL AND DEBRIS, INTO OUR MANHOLES AND DRAINS THAT GET INTO OUR OCEANS AND KILL OUR FISH AND OUR CORAL.

IT´S LIKE 100% GOOD.

THE STUFF YOU´RE MAKING THE MOVE TOWARD.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

A LOT OF WORK UNDERGROUND AS WELL.

WORK THAT IS GOING ON.

SUZEER REPLACEMENT.

JUST ALL KINDS OF GOOD UTILITY WORK THAT IS GOING ON.

THERE´S WORK THAT T THAT HAS BEEN DONE.

EVERYTHING, WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF WORK DONE.

BUT THERE´S SO MUCH MORE TO BE DONE.

AND THE ONE APPROACH IS ACTUALLY GOING TO BE ACCOMPLISHED, IF WE MOVE FORWARD.

>> IT´S GOING TO BE ACCOMPLISHED.

BUT ONCE AGAIN.

PAINSTAKING.

LOTS OF DESIGN WORK.

LOTS OF PLANNING TO GET ALL OF THAT STUFF ALIGNED AND.

>> I TELL PEOPLE.

YOU DON´T WAKE UP.

IF YOU WANT TO GET A HOUSE.

IT TAKES A LOT OF PLANNING, A LOT OF DESIGN.

YOU KNOW.

IF YOU HAVE A HUSBAND.

AND YOUR WIFE WANTS THIS.

>> LOTS OF FIGHTING.

>> WHEN WE TALK ABOUT 10,000 FEET OF PIPE.

OR A $100 MILLION FACILITY.

YOU CAN IMAGINE WHAT KIND OF PLANNING IS NECESSARY TO BE DONE.

THE MOST CRITICAL ASSET OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.

AND THE COMMUNITY, OF COURSE, HAS SOME CONCERNS.

SO LET´S TAKE A LISTEN.

>> MY QUESTIONS I HAVE FOR THE GOVERNOR IS, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THE AND MY CONCERN IS CAN YOU MAKE THE GUYS DO THE WORK ON A DAY WHEN THERE IS A LOT OF TRAFFIC?

>> I MEAN, IT´S A BIG ISSUE.

BECAUSE THERE´S TOO MUCH GOING ON IN THE DAY.

AND IT SLOWS YOU DOWN, FOR LIKE PARENTS THAT PICK UP KIDS ON YOUR BREAK.

>> OUR ROADS.

THEY ARE IN REAL BAD CONDITION.

WE NEED SOME HELP IN ST. CROIX WHEN IT COMES TO THE ROADS.

YOU KNOW.

THERE IS NO GOOD PORTION OF IT FOR US TO DRIVE ON.

AND WHEN WE GO TO THE AUTHORITIES HERE IN ST. CROIX, THEY ARE LETTING US KNOW THAT THEIR HANDS ARE TIED.

THERE´S NOTHING THEY CAN DO.

>> I THINK GOVERNMENT BRIAN DID A REALLY GOOD JOB IN TERMS OF OUR PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.

BECAUSE WE ARE SEEING SO MANY ROADS BEING PAVED.

IN FACT, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAVE SEEN LIGHTS ON THE HIGHWAY.

IN A LONG TIME.

SO THAT´S A GOOD THING.

>> YOU KNOW, ROADS --ROADS AND MORE ROADS.

WE ALSO --THE LIGHTS ON THE HIGHWAY NOW.

I COMPLAIN ABOUT THE LIGHTS ON THE HIGHWAY AS WELL.

IT´S PRETTY DARK.

AND WE´VE STARTED TO GET WORK DONE ON PORTIONS OF IT.

AND I THINK --NOT THINK.

BUT THE ADDITIONAL PHASE OF THE ROAD THAT NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED.

THAT´S ABOUT TO BE IN CONTRACT.

SO WE CAN GET THAT DONE.

SO WE EXPECTED THE HIGHWAY TO BE FULLY LIT BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.

BUT WHAT IS YOUR PLAN FOR ROADS?

DO YOU FIX THEM?

BY THE TIME YOU FIX THEM, IT RAINS?

AND THEN THIS UNDERGROUND WORK THAT IS GOING TO BE GOING ON.

AND ROAD WORK IS PRETTY PAINFUL.

>> IT IS PRETTY PAINFUL.

AND YOU KNOW, MY IDEA, NOBODY LIKES .

SISAY WE GET A PROPOSE AT TO PAVE ALL THE ROADS.

AND LET´S SAY, IT´S GOING TO TAKE FIVE YEARS TO DO ALL OF IT.

EXCLUDES ALL OF THE FEMA.

OR ALL OF THE BIG ONE ROADS.

I REALIZE, A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS.

WE PAINT A LOT OF NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS.

MOST THAT HAVEN´T BEEN, IT´S BECAUSE WE´RE COMING ALONG WITH SOME KIND OF DIGGING THAT WE HAVE.

BUT I THINK YOU NEED TO IMPLEMENT A HALF A PERCENTAGE POINT TAX.

INCOME TAX, ACROSS THE BOARD TO EVERYBODY.

AND PAVE ALL THE ROADS.

>> HOW IS IT GOING WITH THAT PROPOSAL?

>> NOBODY IN MY CABINET LIKES IT.

NOBODY IN MY WHEELHOUSE LIKES IT.

IT´S AN OPPORTUNITY, THOUGH.

I WOULD LIKE IT TO GO ON THE BALLOT AND LET PEOPLE VOTE.

BECAUSE IF YOU VOTE KNOW, THEN YOU DON´T WANT THIS.

WE´RE TALKING ABOUT, IF YOU GOT A CHECK, LET´S SAY, $800.

YOU WOULD PAY $8.

>> WOW.

>> FOR LIKE A PAY PERIOD.

FOR LIKE A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS.

IT´S WORTH IT FOR BETTER ROADS.

BECAUSE THOSE ROADS WILL NEVER GET FIXED.

NOW THAT WE´RE ALMOST FINISHED, THE HIGHWAY.

WE CAN SEE PARTS OF THE HIGHWAY.

THEY´RE ALREADY STARTING TO FALL APART.

AND WHEN WE TALK ABOUT TIME, WE´VE GOT THE MAHOGANY ROAD PROJECT.

THE MONEY FOR THAT IN 2015.

STARTING WORK THIS YEAR IN 2024.

AND IT´S GOING TO TAKE TWO YEARS.

>> AT LEAST TWO YEARS.

SO THERE´S A LOT OF ROAD.

THERE´S A BRIDGE PROJECT THAT IS GOING ON.

EAST AIRPORT ROAD.

QUEEN MARY.

YOU KNOW.

A LOT OF WORK WHAT HAS BEEN DONE, TO YOUR POINT, GOVERNOR.

THAT HAS BEEN DALLAS WAY ROAD.

CARLTON ROAD.

DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.

BUT THERE´S STILL A LOT MORE TO BE DONE.

THIS CAPACITY.

ALL OF THESE PROJECTS.

WE´VE PROBABLY SPOKEN ABOUT $10, $20, $40 MILLION FOR HALF OF THE YEAR.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THIS, THE ISSUES WITH WORK FORCE AND HOUSING AND THOSE CHALLENGES.

YOU KNOW.

>> SO YOU KNOW, WE´VE DONE THIS BEFORE.

IN THE ´70s, THE POPULATION TRIPLES, IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THE ECONOMY ACCOMMODATED A POWER PLANT.

SPLIT SESSION, SCHOOLS, OVERCROWDED.

HOSPITALS.

BUT THIS TIME, WE KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN.

SO WE´RE PLANNING FOR THAT.

AND THAT´S WHERE USVI REBUILDS COMES INTO PLAY.

AND ALL OF THE STUFF THAT YOU´RE PUTTING AT ODR.

KIND OF ANTICIPATING THE NEED.

AND DOING IT IN A VERY DELIBERATE WAY THAT CONTROLS KROFPTD.

THAT BRINGS CONSTRUCTION TO SOME REASONNAL RATE OF ININATION.

>> I MEAN, THE PRICES THAT WE´RE SEEING FOR THIS PROJECT.

IT´S JUST THROUGH THE ROOF.

AND I WAS SHOPPING.

IN PLAZA.

I WAS PICKING UP A COUPLE OF UNTIL SOMEBODY ANSWERED ME.

LIKE WHY IS THE PINEAPPLE $6.

AND I SAID, I DON´T KNOW EITHER.

I DIDN´T KNOW I WAS THAT LOUD.

IT´S JUST THE FACT THAT WE SEE IT EVERYWHERE.

AND INFLATION IS NOT ONLY AFFECTING YOUR REGULAR LIFE.

BUT WE SEE IT.

IT IMPACTS EVERYTHING.

>> EVERYTHING.

PEOPLE ARE ASKING ME, YOU KNOW, WHAT I´M GOING TO DO AFTER I STOP BEING GOVERNOR.

AND I SAID, GET MY ELECTRICAL EXAMINED.

BECAUSE THEY´RE GETTING PAID MORE THAN ANYBODY ELSE.

AND THE PLUMBERS AND THE CONTRACTORS.

YOU KNOW.

THE THING WE TRY TO ALWAYS SAY IS, IT´S A DIFFERENT VIRGIN ISLANDS NOW.

YOU COULD BE REASONABLY PRICED.

BECAUSE WE GOT WORK FOREVER.

LIKE IF WE TOOK EVERYBODY IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND PUT THEM TO WORK RIGHT NOW, GIVE EVERYBODY A CONTRACT, WE WILL STILL HAVE WORK FOREVER.

I THINK JUST AS SCHOOLS THAT WE HAVE OUT NOW.

THERE´S $850 MILLION IN SCHOOL PROJECTS OUT RIGHT NOW.

THAT´S MORE WORK THAN WE HAVE BONDING IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

IF YOU PUT ALL THE CONTRACTORS TOGETHER.

YOU COULDN´T COME UP WITH $850 MILLION WORTH OF MONEY.

AND WE ARE JUST STARTING.

IN TERMS OF THE MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS.

>> WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THE STUDENTS IN THE SCHOOL?

THE CONTRACTORS?

AND ANYONE HERE IN THE TERRITORY ABOUT WHAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN WITH REBUILDING THESE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> I THINK IT´S ABOUT TO GO ON STEROIDS.

WE´VE SPOKEN TO THE BIG CONTRACTORS.

ALL OVER THE MAIN LAND.

HAVE GOTTEN THEM TO COME DOWN.

AND THEY´RE WILLING TO PUT THEIR BACK INTO IT.

THE PLANNING THAT IS GOING INTO NOW.

FUNNELING THESE PACKAGES TOGETHER IN BILLION DOLLAR PACKAGES IS GOING TO JUST ACCELERATE THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT, SUPER PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE.

WHO ARE BUILDING THIS.

RESOURCES IN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO HELP GET THESE THINGS OUT QUICKER.

IT´S NOT ONLY GOING TO IMPROVE THE RECOVERY.

BUT IMPROVE THE ENTIRE GOVERNMENT NOW.

BECAUSE DEPARTMENTS, LIKE HEALTH.

WHICH WERE INUNDATED WITH THE RECOVERY, CAN NOW FOCUS ON KEEPING PEOPLE HEALTHY.

>> TAKE THEM OUT FROM BEING CONTRACTORS AND GO BACK TO PROVIDING HEALTH.

ALL OF THEM, YOU´RE MISSION-ORI DON´TED.

BACK TO THE BASICS, YOU KNOW.

IT IS A LOT.

WE ARE LOOKING AT RIBBON- CUTTING.

AS YOU KNOW.

>> THERE´S SHOVELS.

>> GROUND-BREAKING.

RIBBON CUTTING.

IT´S ACTUALLY A TESTAMENT TO THE WORK THAT IS BEING DONE.

ASK WE LIKE A GOOD PARTY ANYWAY.

AND FLORENCE WILLIAMS LIBRARY.

ENID BAUGH WILL BE IN CONSTRUCTION BEFORE THE END OF --WELL, THE NOTICE TO PROVIDE.

FOR ENID BAUGH BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.

AND WE ALSO CONTINUE WORK ON PETERSON LIBRARY.

SO GOVERNOR, YOU HAVEN´T FORGOTTEN THE PEOPLE.

>> AND ALSO -- >> HAVE YOU SEEN THE BOARDWALK?

YOU NEED TO GO WALK THE WATERFRONT AT NIGHT.

>> YOU DON´T HAVE TO TELL ME.

WHAT SIDE, EVERY DAY?

ALL DAY?

IN CONSTRUCTION.

THIS YEAR, AGAIN.

ALL THE LIBRARY IS COMPLETED.

COMMUNITY WAS VERY WELCOMING OF THE FACT THAT IT WAS BACK ON TRACK.

AND ALL OF THE PARKS.

THE PARKS COMING BACK ONLINE.

AND YOU KNOW, GREAT WORK THAT IS BEING DONE WITH THE BASKETBALL COURTS.

NEIL GRIFFITH.

>> 19.

>> SEE THEY KNOCKED ON THE DUGOUTS?

>> YES.

>> YOU HEAR SOMEBODY COMPLAIN ABOUT THEM.

THERE´S NEVER A GOOD TIME TO WORK ON THE FIELD.

AND THE BIG FIELD, LIKE WE GOT A LOT OF WORK COMING ALONG.

YOU KNOW.

I SAW PEOPLE PLAYING.

IT WAS GOOD.

>> YES.

GOOD STUFF.

YOU HAVE A LOT GOING ON.

AND WE HAVE A AND WE ARE LOOKING AT HOUSING.

WE´RE LOOKING AT HEAD START.

>> STARTS TO COME AROUND.

CONCORDIA.

MITCHELL.

BALONGO.

ALL OF THESE.

CRUISE BAY.

WE PASS BY THE CRUISE BAY.

GOVERNOR, JUST PROJECTS GALORE.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY?

>> I WAS SAYING, YOU KNOW.

LET´S REBUILD AND RECOVERY.

MORE THAN RECOVERY.

IT´S A REVOLUTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.

>> YOU ARE GOVERNOR AT A TIME WHEN IT´S A ONCE IN A LIFETIME.

GENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITY.

DO YOU ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE?

>> I ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE.

>> THANK YOU, GOVERNOR.

I DON´T THINK WE CAN SQUEEZE ONE MORE BLESSED THING IN THIS SESSION HERE TODAY.

YOU CAN ABSOLUTELY STAY UP TO DATE BY VISITING US ONLINE AT USVIODR.COM.

AND YOU CAN ALSO DISCUSSION GOING AT FACEBOOK.COM/WTJX.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

WE´LL CONTINUE TO BUILD A LEGACY OF RESILIENCE.