Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture:

The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix, Virgin Islands to provide testimony on the following:

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture will receive testimony from the West Indian Company, Ltd (WICO) on the following:
• Overview of WICO’s current financial status, including key revenue streams, operational challenges, and financial performance indicators.
• Status of WICO’s Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) debt, including total amount owed, repayment plans, and impacts on financial operations.
• Leadership transition plan, including succession planning, timeline, and measures to ensure organizational continuity and stability.
• Update on infrastructure and berthing capacity improvements, specifically addressing timelines for planned dredging and facility enhancements.
• Strategic collaborations and partnerships with government agencies, private entities, and other stakeholders to strengthen economic contributions.

Invited Testifier:
Joseph B. Boschulte, President/CEO, West Indies Company, Ltd (WICO)

LUNCH 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M.

BLOCK II 12:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.

The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture will receive testimony on the following Bill:

Bill No. 36-0194 An act urging the United States Congress and the Office of the United States Trade Representative to expand and modernize the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) to further support economic growth and development in the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean region.

Invited Testifiers:
Dr. Kendra L. Harris, Dean of School of Business, University of the Virgin Islands
Sandra L. Setorie, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Public Services Commission
Dr. Haldane Davies, Director, Virgin Islands Bureau of Economic Research
Eric Sonnier, Executive Director, University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park
Damie Sinanan, Executive Director, Caribbean Export Development Agency
Valerie Henry, Program Officer, Caribbean Export Development Agency
Vanessa Ledesma, Representative, Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association
Dr. Justin Ram, CEO, Justin Ram Advisory
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS