Bryan touts transparency, but puts public on mute at briefings

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is once again out of the territory, Government House disclosed during Monday’s weekly press briefing.

His spokesperson, Richard Motta Jr. said the governor “will be out of the territory this week.” Morehouse College “has invited him to give a keynote address on the importance of civic engagement at their Crown Forum After Dark. This is a tremendous honor, and the governor is excited to represent the United States Virgin Islands at such a prestigious event,” Motta said.

Bryan is scheduled to return to the territory Monday. Government House staff are mourning the death of Janlee Cruz, a member of the V.I. Police Department’s Executive Security Unit assigned to Government House on St. Croix. Motta offered condolences to Cruz’s loved ones and coworkers during the press briefing. Cruz was one of three men suspected to have died by suicide on St. Croix over the weekend, and Motta said community members are “grieving for the men they loved.” He also urged community members to be more attentive and compassionate, and said that “resources are available” for those in need.