Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority Adjusts Operations Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas, USVI —March 17, 2020 —To help ensure the safety and well-being of the U.S. Virgin Islands community, its staff, clients, and stakeholders, the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA) has adjusted its operations on both St. Thomas and St. Croix due to the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Staff will operate remotely by telecommuting to continue serving its clients, stakeholders, and the community.

The USVIEDA will discontinue walk-in customer services, in-person appointments and manual delivery of documents and other items effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 until further notice.

To make a payment, file a document, or make any additional inquiries, please email [email protected] or call 340-714-1700 (St. Thomas) and 340-773-6499 (St. Croix).

The USVIEDA has taken these precautionary measures to help avert the spread of the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) virus to its team, clients, stakeholders, and the community it serves. This adjustment in operations is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hon. Albert Bryan, Jr., Governor of the USVI, issued a declaration of a State of Emergency for the USVI on March 13, 2020.

“After in-depth deliberation, we determined that it is necessary to take these steps to do our part in ensuring that the health of our staff, clients, stakeholders, and the community is protected,” said Kamal I. Latham, VIEDA Chief Executive Officer. “The well-being of the people of this Territory is important to us, and we deem these measures appropriate to help promote social distancing as recommended by the CDC. We look forward to continue working with our clients and economic development partners during this time,” added CEO Latham.

For more information, or to receive answers to inquiries, on any USVIEDA services and programs offered through the Economic Development Commission, Enterprise Zone Commission, Economic Development Bank, and the Economic Development Park Corporation, please email [email protected]. For media/PR inquiries, please contact [email protected].

The USVIEDA encourages its clients and other businesses in the community to create a contingency plan for their operations during this time of crisis. The business community can review the Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers regarding the coronavirus at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html as provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The USVIEDA also encourages the community to be informed with USVI updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) through the Virgin Islands Department of Health at www.doh.vi.gov/covid19usvi, or text COVID19USVI to 888777. #COVID19USVI; and the Virgin Islands Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) at http://www.vitema.vi.gov;

Media briefings held by the Office of the Governor can also be viewed on Facebook.com/GovernmentHouse/USVI.