The time has come for the U.S. Virgin Islands to move beyond its over reliance on tourism. While our natural beauty and cultural vibrancy make us a desirable destination, we must not ignore the pressing need for a more diversified, resilient economy. One proven path forward is the revitalization of manufacturing—specifically in pharmaceuticals, clean energy, and medical devices.
Many residents remember when St. Croix was home to pharmaceutical operations and light industry, providing stable jobs and economic growth. These industries thrived due to federal tax incentives and supportive local infrastructure. However, as those incentives—like Section 936—were phased out in the 1990s and early 2000s, we saw the slow but steady erosion of these industries. We must learn from this history: incentives, training, and infrastructure matter—and so does long-term planning.
Today, the national climate favors reshoring. Legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act has sparked historic investments in U.S.-based manufacturing. These federal initiatives have already generated over $100 billion in private investment and tens of thousands of jobs across the mainland. Territories like the Virgin Islands are eligible to participate in this wave—if we are bold and strategic.
Our focus should be on attracting mid-sized pharmaceutical and clean-tech manufacturers who are looking for stable, U.S.-jurisdictional locations. We already have a strong foundation with industrial parks like the William D. Roebuck Industrial Park on St. Croix and proximity to deep-water ports. With the right pitch, we can position ourselves as an agile, reliable partner for companies seeking a safe and efficient base for production.
We recommend launching a targeted “Pharma Back to Paradise” initiative, bringing interested companies to the Virgin Islands for site tours, investment meetings, and access to incentive packages. In tandem, workforce development must be prioritized through partnerships with UVI and local trade programs to prepare Virgin Islanders for jobs in manufacturing, logistics, and biotech.
Any economic marketing dollars—whether $500,000 or more—must be used strategically. Funds should go toward direct outreach to manufacturers, investor-ready site materials, and digital storytelling that showcases our talent, infrastructure, and incentives. It’s not about spending more—it’s about spending smarter.
Additionally, we should establish a Virgin Islands Innovation Archive to document and protect the many cultural and economic innovations that originated here. Whether it’s festivals, music, or original business models, we must secure our intellectual property and ensure our ideas benefit our people.
Finally, we don’t need to land ten companies to succeed—we need one. One anchor tenant in 2025. One committed manufacturer willing to invest and grow with us. From there, momentum can build, jobs can multiply, and belief in the Virgin Islands’ industrial potential can be restored.
We have waited long enough. With the right plan, we can reclaim our place in America’s economic future—not just as a destination, but as a destination and a producer.
