Office of the Lieutenant Governor - US Virgin Islands

21/06/2026

19/06/2026

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH
JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE

Today we proudly celebrate the fifth federal observance of Juneteenth National Official Independence Day. This holiday commemorates the ending of slavery in all parts of the country, following the United States Emancipation Proclamation. Although the Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, it was not communicated to the enslaved in Texas until that historic day, June 19, 1865, more than two years later, when Union troops arrived in Galveston to declare all enslaved people free.

Through the enactment of Congress, this holiday gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the history and struggles of our enslaved ancestors and to celebrate our many achievements since that time. Also called Freedom Day, Juneteenth has since progressed from private celebrations in Galveston, Texas to now a nationwide observance for all Americans. It is a time for prayer, special ceremonies, family gatherings, festivals, or other activities that may be appropriate to symbolically recognize the emancipation of all people of African descent who were enslaved for hundreds of years. Many others utilize this day to renew a cultural connection between their African American and their West African heritage.

As we continue to embrace the Juneteenth celebrations in the Territory, we honor this day in solidarity with our brothers and sisters abroad. Let us come together to lift every voice and sing, and to proudly display our rich heritage and the freedom of which we were long deprived.

I pray for God’s guidance and protection as we continue to make history and leave our footprints on the grounds of this great Nation which was built by the blood and sweat of our ancestors. Happy Juneteenth to all!

18/06/2026

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Division of Banking, Insurance, & Financial Regulation, recognizes Ms. Jennisha Joseph for her participation in the Next Gen Summer Camp 2026 on St. Croix on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

The “Next Gen CEO Summer Incubator” is an empowering summer camp designed to equip high school students with the values, confidence, and practical skills needed to become future entrepreneurs and leaders. Through hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and interactive activities, students are introduced to the fundamentals of building and managing a successful business while developing leadership, teamwork, and financial responsibility. Ms. Joseph gave a presentation to the students on the important topics of Financial Literacy, Budgeting, and Pricing.

Ms. Joseph's and other members of the staff's participation in educational activities are appreciated and encouraged, as we continue carrying out the Division’s mandate of educating the community.

04/06/2026

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS
TO “BE READY/BE INSURED” FOR THE 2026 HURRICANE SEASON

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., who also serves as the territory’s Commissioner of Insurance, reminds Virgin Islands residents to be prepared for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1 and ends on November 30, 2026.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service predicts a below-average 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with eight (8) to fourteen (14) named storms, three (3) to six (6) are forecasted to become hurricanes and one (1) to three (3) of which will reach Category 3 status or stronger. Tropical storm winds are from 39-73 MPH; Category 1 Hurricane winds 74-95 MPH; Category 2 Hurricane winds 96-110 MPH; Category 3 Hurricane winds 111-130 MPH; Category 4 Hurricane winds 131-155 MPH; Category 5 Hurricane winds 156 MPH and greater.

Lieutenant Governor Roach advises property owners to review their insurance policies annually and contact their agent directly to discuss any need for additional or revision in coverage, or if they have questions. Property owners may contact the Division if additional assistance is required after speaking with an agent. Lieutenant Governor Roach further advises residents of the following as they prepare for the hurricane season:

• You cannot buy a homeowners insurance policy once a storm has been declared.
• Know what is covered and what will not be covered in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
• Avoid being underinsured by purchasing at least 80% of the replacement cost value of your residential property. To determine replacement cost value, hire an appraiser and make sure the appraisal includes Replacement Cost Value, which is the cost of replacing your property without a reduction for depreciation.
• Avoid being force-placed, which may cover only the mortgage balance. If you have a mortgage, purchase your own homeowner’s insurance policy. You can have the insurance premium escrowed along with your property tax payment, or you can use premium financing.
• To lower the cost of your property insurance, take advantage of all available Discounts offered by your insurance company. Remember, once you file a claim you may lose your “No Claim Discount”, meaning that your premium will then increase but only by the amount you saved through the No Claim Discount.
• Purchase homeowners’ insurance even if you own your home outright and don’t have a mortgage! Your home is your biggest investment; be sure to protect it by insuring it.
• Do NOT exclude windstorm. We live in a hurricane-prone area.
• Make sure you have a homeowner’s insurance policy and a separate flood insurance policy. A homeowner’s insurance policy does not provide flood protection.
• If you rent, buy renter’s insurance to cover your contents in the building.
• Understand that you do not have a separate policy if you own a condominium. The policy belongs to the condominium association as a whole and is subject to the decision by its Board of Directors. You can purchase a separate contents insurance policy as a condominium owner.
• Keep your insurance policy and other important documents in safe, dry waterproof and fireproof containers.
• Know what is insured: inventory personal property and take photographs of your home.
• Visit ltg.gov.vi and download the “Home Inventory Checklist”. Complete the checklist and take photos of your contents BEFORE a storm occurs! Know what is insured.
• Have disaster supplies on hand and secure important documents (insurance policies, birth certificates, deeds, will and testaments, power of attorneys, Government -issued photo identifications, etc.)
• Protect your property by putting up shutters, cutting back tree limbs and clearing debris.

After the disaster, it is important that you have a contingency plan in place:
• Take photos and make a list of your damages; file a claim as soon as possible; get an estimate of your damages; be ready to have your claim adjusted to receive a claim settlement.
• Secure your property and make temporary repairs if needed. Your homeowner’s policy allows you to make minor temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
• Avoid disaster fraud. Avoid scam artists. Request a copy of the business license and identification from anyone who will perform disaster related services on your property. Never pay in full for a disaster related service provided for you before the service is completed. Additionally, do not participate in disaster related fraud by misrepresenting damage amounts and submitting inflated and unreasonable estimates to your insurer. Such activities can drive up the future costs of insurance for all policyholders.
• Public adjusters are also licensed by the Commissioner of Insurance. A property owner does not need to hire an attorney to contract services of a public adjuster.
• Per Bulletin No. 2017-06 issued by the Commissioner of Insurance on September 29, 2017, a public adjuster may not charge a fee that exceeds 5% of the insurance proceeds recovered on behalf of the homeowner or residential insured.

“Virgin Islands residents are reminded also to pay special attention to national and local weather advisories and VITEMA alerts during the hurricane season to keep informed of impending weather conditions.” stated Lieutenant Governor Roach.

For more information on disaster preparedness and the responsibilities of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, visit ltg.gov.vi., or contact Division of Banking, Insurance & Financial Regulation on St. Thomas at 340-774-2991 and on St. Croix and 340-773-6449.

01/06/2026

Acting Governor Tregenza Roach Esq. will provide an update on the USVI's latest government news.

01/06/2026

🦼 MEDICARE COVERAGE FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (DME) – SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS BENEFICIARIES
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Virgin Island State Health Insurance Assistance Program (VI SHIP) remind Virgin Islands Medicare beneficiaries about important coverage for Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
🏥❓ WHAT IS DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (DME)?
DME means items like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, or oxygen supplies that you need for your health at home.
🦽 WHAT DOES MEDICARE COVER?
Medicare Part B or D covers DME your doctor prescribes for home use, like:
• Wheelchairs & scooters
• Walkers & canes
• Hospital beds
• Oxygen equipment
• Nebulizers & supplies
• CPAP devices and supplies
• Blood sugar monitors & strips
📝 HOW TO GET DME:
1. Visit Your Doctor: Schedule an appointment and discuss your needs.
2. Get a prescription if needed.
3. Provide Information: Be ready to share your Medicare number and health information with your doctor and DME supplier.
📍 WHERE TO GET DME IN THE VI:
• Use a Medicare-approved supplier: www.medicare.gov/supplierdirectory
• Ask your doctor or clinic for suggestions.
• Make sure the supplier accepts Medicare assignment to save money.
📞 Have Medicare questions? Call VI SHIP — FREE counseling available!
St. Thomas/St. John (340-774-2991 Ext. 4507 or 4508) or St. Croix (340-773-6449 Ext. 3151 or 3152).
You may qualify for more help than you think! 💙

25/05/2026

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH
MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE

Today we recall with reverence our military service men and women who gave their life while serving our country. Memorial Day is a solemn day of reflection and gratitude for their ultimate sacrifices to defend the freedoms we enjoy in this nation. In observance of this sacred day, I extend prayers for God’s grace, strength, and comfort to the families who mourn continually their loved ones lost to the call of duty.

This year’s observance under the theme, “For We Are Grateful,” encompasses the true significance of Memorial Day. There are many avenues to express our gratitude to our fallen heroes. Whether we attend military parades and ceremonies, assemble at a place of worship, participate in any special acts of service, or gather with family and friends, we honor the significance of this day with deep appreciation. We are grateful for their acts of patriotism, their valor, their bravery, and selfless service.

I pause especially to remember our Virgin Islands military service men and women who have fought on American and foreign soil. Their courage was instrumental in preserving liberty and justice for countless lives in our Territory and in the Nation. The commitment that they made by offering service above self will never be forgotten.

While remembering those who died during their course of duty, I also pray for the lives and safety of those who currently serve, and I applaud family members for their sacrifices as well. We enjoy many privileges because of their selfless acts.

We remain grateful, steadfast, and indebted for their unwavering dedication to duty. Forever in our hearts will their memory live on. May everyone have a safe and blessed Memorial Day.

10/05/2026

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach Esq. extends Mother's Day greetings to all mothers near and far, and to those who do the work of mothering to so many in our community. We are so very grateful for your divine presence.

May you be surrounded by love, happiness, and joy this Mother's Day. Continue to be blessed in all aspects of your daily lives.

06/05/2026

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MOURNS THE PASSING OF FORMER SENATOR RONALD E. RUSSELL

I join a deeply saddened Virgin Islands community in mourning the loss of former Virgin Islands Senator Ronald E. Russell, who was an accomplished attorney, musician, athlete, and political activist. I pray for God’s comfort for his family, his loved ones, and for all those who mourn his passing.

Senator Russell and I shared many common pathways in service to the Territory. We were both admitted to the Virgin Islands Bar at around the same time. He provided legal counsel to the Virgin Islands Board of Education when I served as Executive Director. Although during different terms, we both served as senators in the Virgin Islands Legislature. He was elected as the President of the 29th Legislature and was a profound proponent of economic development for his birthplace, the island of St. Croix. I began my legislative service the following term, as a member of the 30th Legislature.

Additionally, Senator Russell was elected as a Delegate to the Sixth Constitutional Convention. On many occasions we were actively engaged in multiple conversations about the future of the Virgin Islands, the status of the Territory, and other issues of political development. Senator Russell was a well-rounded and community-oriented individual. He practiced civil litigation and administrative law at The Russell Law Firm LLP, and he was also a culture bearer for the Virgin Islands. He was passionate about his interest in music and in other areas of the humanities, and he was a former sprinter who represented the Virgin Islands in several international athletic competitions.

Senator Russell will always be remembered for his leadership, advocacy, and many contributions to the Virgin Islands. I share my deepest sympathies with his wife Royette Russell, Esq., who was also a colleague, and fellow University of the Virgin Islands alumni. My prayers are also extended to his children, other family members, friends, and members of the Virgin Islands Bar, as many called him both colleague and friend.

May he now rest in peace.

01/05/2026

🌸 MAY IS NATIONAL WELLNESS MONTH! 🌸

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Virgin Islands State Health Insurance Assistance Program (VI SHIP) reminds all Medicare beneficiaries — your health is your greatest asset, and Medicare wants to help you protect it!

✅ DID YOU KNOW MEDICARE COVERS THESE FREE PREVENTIVE SERVICES?

🩺 "Welcome to Medicare" Preventive Visit New to Medicare? Schedule this FREE one-time visit within your first 12 months of Part B coverage. Your provider will review your health history, check your Body Mass Index (BMI), perform a vision test, and give you a personalized checklist of screenings and vaccines you may need.

📅 Annual Wellness Visit (AWV).
Already on Medicare? You are entitled to a FREE wellness visit every 12 months! This visit helps you and your doctor develop or update a personalized prevention plan based on your current health and risk factors. It may include:
✔️ Blood pressure, height & weight measurements
✔️ Cognitive assessment
✔️ Depression screening
✔️ Fall risk evaluation
✔️ Review of current medications
✔️ Physical activity & nutrition assessment (NEW in 2026!)
💡 IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
🔹 These visits are FREE if your provider accepts Medicare assignment.
🔹 The Annual Wellness Visit is NOT the same as a routine physical — be sure to ask your doctor what Medicare will cover during your visit to avoid unexpected costs.
🔹 You do NOT need a "Welcome to Medicare" visit to qualify for the Annual Wellness Visit.

Do not wait until you are sick to see your doctor. Prevention is the best medicine — and Medicare is here to help you stay ahead of your health! 💙

📞 Have questions about your Medicare benefits? Contact VI SHIP — We are here to help, FREE of charge!
St. Thomas / St. John: 📱 340-774-2991, ext. 4507 or 4508
St. Croix: 📱 340-773-6449, ext. 3151 or 3152