Bryan and Roach leave speaking territory; Senate President assumes local duties

State House communications director Richard Motta announced Monday that Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. will leave the territory until next week.

“Morehouse University invited him to give a keynote address on the importance of civic engagement,” Mr. Motta said. “This is a tremendous honor and the Governor is thrilled to represent the United States Virgin Islands at such a prestigious event.”

Morehouse College’s Crown Forum, according to the university’s website, represents a “community tradition…that extends from the school’s founding in the 19th century to today’s 21st century institution.” Mandatory activities create a space to expose students to social justice considerations and issues.

Recent Crown Forum speakers include Princeton University professor and nationally distinguished scholar Eddie Glaude Jr. and diversity, inclusion and equity expert Sean Harper.

At a press briefing, Mr. Motta announced that Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach would assume responsibilities as governor during Mr. Bryan’s absence. However, over the weekend, the lieutenant governor’s office confirmed in a press release that Mr. Roach left on Sunday to attend the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Southeast Zone meeting in Charlottesville, Virginia. Following this engagement, he plans to attend the tenth anniversary celebration of the Houston Virgin Islands Association (HVIA) in Houston, Texas.

As Insurance Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mr. Roach is a member of the NAIC Southeast Zone, a coalition that includes 12 states and two territories: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The NAIC, the regulatory body that sets insurance standards nationwide, ensures the Lieutenant Governor’s participation in annual conferences and meetings where state and federal policies are discussed and regulatory strategies are developed.

Following his participation at NAIC, Mr. Roach will attend HVIA’s tenth anniversary celebration, where he has been invited to be the keynote speaker. The Virgin Islands Association of Houston, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to promoting Virgin Islands culture and supporting the Virgin Islands and Houston communities through a variety of projects such as school trips, hurricane relief, and scholarships.

The Lieutenant Governor is expected to return to the Virgin Islands on Monday, November 4, 2024. In the meantime, during the absence of Messrs. Bryan and Roach, Senate President Novel E. Francis, Jr. will serve as Lieutenant Governor as directed. Revised Organic Law of the Virgin Islands.