USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Supports Kamala Harris

U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. was at the middle of the thrill on the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where some moments from the second day went viral on social media. Speeches by former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, a performance by DJ Cassidy who highlighted music from each state throughout the ceremonial roll call of delegates, and a surprise appearance by Lil’ Jon, who accompanied Georgia’s performance, setting the mood for the Georgia statewide roll call, were just a number of of the highlights.

“It was like a party,” says Albert Bryan Jr. “There’s so much energy, it seems insurmountable, given the amount of energy in the room.”

Byran was first elected governor of the USVI — a U.S. territory where greater than 90% of the population identifies as Black — in 2018. He is currently one in all two Black governors within the country. All 13 delegates representing the USVI are supporting Vice President Kamala Harris at the highest of the party ticket for president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for vice chairman.

As a U.S. territory, that is the one official a part of the voting process that the USVI may have. Residents of the USVI and other U.S. territories aren’t eligible for electoral votes for president, in order that they cannot vote within the presidential election, but they will vote within the primaries.

Bryan spoke with BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP on energy on the DNC, the priorities he hopes the following president will consider within the USVI, and what it’s wish to be one in all only two black governors within the US

BLACK ENTERPRISE: Can you describe the emotions on the Democratic convention??

BRYAN: You know the way I do know individuals are excited? I passed (famous) people within the hallway like Spike Lee, U.S. Reps. Bennie Thompson and Gregory Meeks, and nobody paid any attention to them because they were all there for one reason: to support Vice President Harris.

There are loads of young voters and voters who were previously unengaged who’re enthusiastic about Harris running. There are loads of people of color within the room that made me say, “Have the demographics in America changed?” because (it’s clear) African Americans are coming out to vote for Vice President Harris. It’s inspiring.

BE: This is your first DNC. Can you talk more in regards to the excitement you see within the USVI? Is it much like 2008, when former President Barack Obama ran?

BRYAN: It suits that 2008 energy because individuals are excited that she’s a lady, she’s African-American, and he or she’s just person; she’s young and vivacious and caring, so individuals are enthusiastic about that aspect.

BE: What are the highest priorities for the USVI now that a brand new president has been elected?

BRYAN: At the highest of the list is constant to rebuild. We just went through a tropical storm that only had winds of 65 miles per hour, and yet we had people without power for per week. We need to finish rebuilding and provides individual homes energy independence, so if the facility lines go down or the facility goes out for any reason, they will get power.

In 2017, we had Hurricanes Irma and Maria. We need $1.5 billion to finish this rebuild, and our budget is simply $1.2 billion a yr. Because people within the administration are listening to our case, we have been in a position to get that right down to something we are able to digest and consider.

Healthcare is a very powerful thing. The baby boomers are getting older and living longer, and caring for them goes to be an enormous stress on us. We only have one hospital on each island. We had universal healthcare before anyone else. We’ll handle you regardless of what ails you. It’s going to be an enormous drain on the overall budget. Right now, we’re pushing for people to be healthier.

Inflation is one other big priority. An inexpensive home within the USVI is half one million dollars, and it’ll worsen because we’re constructing a lot. We’re growing so fast that it’s putting loads of pressure on people. We have already got a 33% poverty rate.

BE: How would you react to the undeniable fact that you became one in all two black governors within the country?

BRYAN: It’s lonely. We need greater than me and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. Moore is a dynamic guy with a shiny future (…) but we’d like more.

BE: You are a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Can you talk in regards to the excitement of being within the Greek community?

BRYAN: We’re all excited. We have a nationwide (campaign) to register 1,911 voters for every chapter. We’re calling our friends within the states to be certain that they’re registered to vote.