VIPA Thanks Governor and Senators for Approving Crown Bay District Redevelopment Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 21, 2025

Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe extends his sincere appreciation to Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and the members of the 36th Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands for their approval of legislation enabling a transformative public-private redevelopment of the Crown Bay cruise port in St. Thomas. Dowe thanked Governor Bryan for signing the measure into law today, marking a major milestone for one of the Territory’s most significant economic development initiatives.

The newly ratified legislation paves the way for an estimated $200 million investment to modernize and expand the Crown Bay District. The redevelopment will add a new cruise berth capable of accommodating the newest and largest vessels. It will convert the Crown Bay District into an attractive, vibrant attraction for residents and visitors. Under the new legislation, the Government of the Virgin Islands, through VIPA, will retain ownership of all underlying land at the redeveloped Crown Bay Village. VIPA’s private-sector partners will be responsible for investing in new upland facilities, amenities, and guest experiences. This project will create hundreds of construction and permanent jobs and expand opportunities for existing and new local small businesses, particularly in the retail, food, and excursion sectors, which will benefit from the redevelopment of the Crown Bay Village.

Dowe emphasized the project's long-term benefits. “This redevelopment is a major investment in our cruise product and our people. VIPA appreciates our leaders' unanimous support for advancing this important project, which will reinforce our position as one of the Caribbean's top cruise destinations. With over 70% of our economy reliant on tourism, this initiative will benefit many residents who rely on this industry for their livelihoods.”

Dowe also expressed his gratitude to Property and Procurement Commissioner Lisa Alejandro, Assistant DPP Commissioner Vincent Richards, and Department of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner J.P. Oriol, along with VIPA’s partners at Royal Caribbean and Cruise Terminals International (CTI), for their contributions in finalizing the details of this legislation. He also acknowledged the VIPA Board of Governors for their leadership, guidance, and vision, as well as the VIPA employees and consultants who have worked diligently on this project. “There is still more work to be done, and we are committed to seeing it through. The world and the Caribbean are not idly waiting for the U.S. Virgin Islands. The time for us to act and secure our future is now,” he stated.

VIPA looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with its partners, the government, and the community as the Crown Bay District Redevelopment Project moves forward to the implementation phase.

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Media Contact:

Monifa Brathwaite, Public Information Officer

Office: (340) 714-6640   Mobile: (340) 244-1065

Email: info@viport.com

Website: www.viport.com