Bryan Implements New Code of Ethics As Former Public Officials Answer to Corruption Charges

In response to federal charges against former officials, the governor unveils a new Code of Ethics and transparency measures to restore public trust.

Accusations of corruption by the federal government against former top-ranking public officials have captured the attention of the Virgin Islands public for months. While Governor Albert Bryan Jr. presented his penultimate State of the Territory Address on Monday evening, his former Commissioner of Police Ray Martinez, former Director of the Office of Management and Budget Jenifer O’Neal, former Commissioner of the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Calvert White, former V.I. Housing Finance Authority Chief Operating Officer Darin Richardson, and former Director of Maintenance in the Department of Education Davidson Charlemagne all prepare to defend the myriad of charges laid against them – all associated with one corrupt practice or another.

The perception that this has created in the public’s mind was not lost on Governor Bryan. “Some may seize this moment to paint the entire Bryan-Roach Administration with the brush of corruption. But let me be clear: my concern is not for our reputation alone. My fear is that these accusations will cast a shadow over the character of all Virgin Islanders,” he pointedly declared.