The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture has scheduled a meeting for Monday, June 15, 2026, at 9:30 AM in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room on St. Croix, Virgin Islands to provide testimony on the following:

BLOCK I                                                                                                                                 9:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.

The Committee will receive testimony from the Department of Tourism regarding the impact of the loss of Spirit Airlines service to the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the effect on airlift capacity, tourism, residents, business travel, and the Territory’s economy. Testimony will also address efforts being undertaken to maintain and expand air service to the Territory, attract new or expanded services from other airlines, and ensure reliable and affordable transportation options for residents and visitors. Additionally, the Committee will examine discussions with domestic and international carriers regarding opportunities to replace lost airlift capacity, increase route availability, and strengthen long-term air transportation access to and from the Territory. The Department will also provide an update on preparations for the 2026 St. John Celebration, including marketing and promotional efforts, anticipated visitor arrivals, transportation and logistical planning, and initiatives designed to maximize the economic and tourism benefits associated with the annual festival.

Invited Testifier:
Honorable Jeniffer Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

BLOCK II                                                                                                                               11:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

The Committee will receive testimony related to:

Bill No. 36-0285        An Act amending title 3, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 19, to establish the Virgin Islands Hall of Fame Registry within the Department of Tourism.

Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Jeniffer Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources
Victor Somme, III, Assistant Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

LUNCH                                                                                                                                      12:30 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.

BLOCK III                                                                                                                                   1:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.

The Committee will receive testimony related to:

Bill No. 36-0087        An Act amending title 7, Virgin Islands Code, by adding chapter 16 to require the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture to establish and manage a 30-acre orchard on St. Croix.

Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Dr. Louis E. Petersen, Jr., Commissioner Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture
Dr. Usman Adamu, Dean and Director, University of the Virgin Islands, School of Agriculture
Dale Brown, Owner, Sejah Farm, VI
Sommer Sibily-Brown, Founder and Executive Director, Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition