SENATE ADVANCES LEGISLATION ADDRESSING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, FISH MARKET REHABILITATION, AND CHRONIC CARE MANAGEMENT

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., convened at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix, where lawmakers advanced three measures addressing economic development, infrastructure rehabilitation, and healthcare services throughout the Territory. All three measures will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration and action.

Senator Francis emphasized the importance of establishing clear project completion timelines, ensuring accountability, and maintaining responsible fiscal oversight to ensure that approved initiatives deliver meaningful benefits to Virgin Islands residents.

Vincent Richards, Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement (DPP), testified on behalf of Commissioner Lisa M. Alejandro in support of a proposed lease agreement with Lovango Island Holdings, LLP, involving approximately 12,600 square feet of waterfront property on St. Thomas. The agreement establishes an annual rental rate of $60,000, with reduced payments of $2,000 monthly during the first five years and subsequent adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index after the tenth year, capped at 3%. Lovango proposes approximately $3 million in phased improvements, including dock reconstruction, to support marine transportation, tourism operations, and commercial development.

Regarding the Frederiksted Fish Market Rehabilitation Project, Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), supported a $600,000 appropriation to supplement $1.3 million in congressional funding secured by the Nature Association of the Virgin Islands (NAVI). With estimated project costs ranging from $1.3 million to $2 million, Oriol also requested authorization for DPNR to subgrant the appropriated funds to coordinate the rehabilitation effort with NAVI.

Virginia Clairmont, representing NAVI, emphasized the project's significance to local fishermen and the Frederiksted community.

“For our fishermen, this is an investment in the infrastructure that supports their work. For residents, it is an investment in access to local food. For Frederiksted, it is an opportunity to return a longstanding community asset to productive use,” Clairmont said.

Dr. Julia Sheen, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence, testified in support of a $1 million appropriation to establish a Chronic Care Management Program focused on coordinated care, early intervention, and improved patient outcomes. She also advocated for restoring $500,000 in operational funding to sustain diabetes prevention, education, and outreach services. Program participant Carolyn Galloway shared how the Center's support helped her adopt healthier lifestyle habits and emphasized the importance of expanding access to preventive care.

The following measures were approved by the committee:

• Bill No. 36-0357 — Approves a lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Lovango Island Holdings, LLP, doing business as the Lovango Resort and Beach Club, for waterfront property at Estate Nazareth, St. Thomas. Sponsored by Senator Milton E. Potter at the request of the Governor.
• Bill No. 36-0335 — Appropriates $600,000 from the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund to DPNR for the Frederiksted Fish Market Rehabilitation Project. Sponsored by Senator Hubert L. Frederick.
• Bill No. 36-0302 — Appropriates $1 million from the Community Facilities Trust Fund to the Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence to establish a Chronic Care Management Program in fiscal year 2026. Sponsored by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr.

Senators present at the committee meeting were Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Milton E. Potter, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Marvin A. Blyden, Ray Fonseca, Hubert L. Frederick, Marise C. James, Carla J. Joseph, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Avery L. Lewis, and Kurt A. Vialet.

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Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan

Email: aharrigan@legvi.org