The US Virgin Islands has a big fan in the White House. United States President Joe Biden has touched down at Henry Rohlsen Airport in St Croix for what has almost been an annual vacation dating back to his days as the country’s Vice President.
Biden and his wife Jill are spending the holiday in St Croix for the New Year, as he did in 2022 and a number of times as Vice President under former US President Barack Obama.
Last year’s visit was his first as a sitting president.
“It is with immense pride and profound gratitude that we welcome President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden to the beautiful island of St. Croix,” said US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. “Their visit marks a significant and proud moment not only for the residents of St. Croix but for the entire U.S. Virgin Islands community. The President’s choice of our island as his retreat for some well-deserved downtime speaks volumes about the unique charm and warmth that St. Croix offers.”
As he did last year, Biden is staying at the Two Palms Villa in St Croix, which is actually available on Airbnb.
“We are always thankful for President Biden’s support and commitment to our islands, and it is an honor to host him and the First Lady,” Bryan Jr said. “Their presence here reinforces the strong bond between our U.S. Virgin Islands and the rest of the United States, and we are delighted to share the best of our culture, hospitality, and natural beauty with them.”
Biden is not the first US President to fall in love with St Croix, however.
Former US President Jimmy Carter famously came to the island in 2010, staying in Christiansted at the legendary Club Comanche hotel.
That was actually one of several Carter trips to the USVI, including a vacation to St John just after his left office as President in 1981.
The last sitting US President to visit St Croix was Harry Truman, who came to the USVI back in 1948.