SENATE REVIEWS PROGRESS ON YOUTH AND SENIOR SERVICES ON ST. JOHN

ST. JOHN — The Committee on Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks, chaired by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr., convened at the Cleone H. Creque Conference Room to receive updates on the status of the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR). Additionally, officials from the Department of Human Services (DHS) provided testimony regarding the Senior Center, Head Start Facility, and the Multi-Purpose Building.

DSPR Acting Commissioner Vincent Roberts presented an overview of ongoing projects and initiatives. To date, two out of four Federal Emergency Management Agency projects have been completed. Hurricane disaster recovery repairs have been finalized at the Cruz Bay Tennis Courts and the Orville Brown Basketball Courts. Meanwhile, the St. John Recreational Center and Winston Wells Park are in the Architectural & Engineering phase, with progress at 90% completion. Roberts highlighted the department’s commitment to both senior and youth engagement. DSPR continues to support seniors through the St. Ursula’s Senior Fit and Feisty Circle, while youth programs include the Coed Softball League, the Rugrats Program, and Reviving Baseball in Our Inner Cities. Despite these successes, ongoing challenges within the department, includes uncompetitive salaries, limited resources, and staff shortages. However, Roberts emphasized DSPR’s strengths, such as its diverse program offerings and unwavering dedication to the community.

Senator Bolques praised DSPR’s efforts, emphasizing the need for continued support. He highlighted the importance of investing in parks, recreation, and senior services while stressing the need to address ongoing challenges. Committed to securing the best resources, he reaffirmed his dedication to the community’s well-being.

Lastly, The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Commissioner Averil George noted that the Cruz Bay Head Start facility in St. John has been completed and was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 6, 2024. Designed to serve 20 children, the newly renovated center includes a modernized classroom, kitchen, and playground as part of a $42 million territory-wide investment in early childhood education. DHS is now enrolling students for the 2025-2026 school year and actively hiring Head Start teachers, teacher assistants, and food service workers. Meanwhile, the Adrian Senior Centerremains a hub for senior engagement, offering social activities, wellness programs, and daily meals. The center serves as St. John’s designated hurricane evacuation shelter and provides Meals on Wheels to 35 homebound seniors. Additional support services, such as in-home care and employment opportunities for seniors, continue to address the needs of the aging population.

To improve accessibility, DHS has opened new offices at the Cruz Bay St. John Multi-Purpose Center, eliminating the need for residents to travel to St. Thomas for essential services. The center now offers assistance with SNAP (food assistance), Medicaid, TANF (cash assistance), vocational rehabilitation, Head Start administration, and senior programs, among others. This expansion ensures that St. John residents can access critical resources close to home, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving services for families, seniors, and children in the community.

Senators in attendance included Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Alma Francis Heyliger, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Avery L. Lewis,Marvin A. Blyden, and Carla J. Joseph.

The Division of Public Affairs remains committed to delivering accurate updates on legislative proceedings and disaster recovery efforts.