On August 17 at roughly 9:58 p.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received reports of gunshots in Sion Farm, and officers were dispatched to the location. Upon arrival, officers discovered two male gunshot victims. One victim was transported by ambulance to the Juan Francisco Luis Hospital for treatment. He was listed in serious but stable condition.
Governor Bryan reminds the public that the territory is still under a state of emergency. The Governor said that the "Stay at Home" order is to ease the St. Thomas-St. John District strain, and to "ease the anticipation of a major surge that could affect both islands." The Governor said his aim from the onset has been to balance what he said is public health, economic well-being, and residents' personal freedoms. The Governor further stressed that the goal of the order is to stop "all movement in the territory [and] all gatherings in the territory until we can get this virus beaten back to a manageable state."
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced Monday that the Virgin Islands Department of Finance has begun distributing $20 million of income tax refunds. The refunds comprise the rest of the tax refunds owed from 2017 and those owed from 2018. Governor Bryan said, “we are especially pleased to have found a way to put this money back into the pockets of hard-working taxpayers despite the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy and public finances.” This latest income tax refund distribution brings the total disbursement to $58 million for the current fiscal year.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles is extending the valid date on licenses and identification cards for an additional six months from the original expiration date. Vehicle registration online remains operational and residents are highly encouraged to take advantage of that option.