ST. THOMAS, VI– The Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Senator Carla J. Joseph met in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers met to hear testimony, consider the appointments of individuals selected to serve on several Governing Boards and review various measures. Approved items on today’s agenda will be forwarded to the full body at the next scheduled legislative session.  

The committee first received testimony from Mr. Willard S. John, the current chairman of the Virgin Islands Port Authority Board of Governors. John has been renominated to continue his service representing the St. Croix District. During his testimony, John highlighted his 38-year background in education and his extensive experience in the territory’s tourism and cultural sectors. He stated that the Port Authority is currently in a transitional phase as it moves toward critical public-private partnerships. 

According to the testimony, St. Croix is seeing a significant increase in cruise ship activity. John reported that the 2025-2026 season is scheduled to receive 112 ships, a notable rise from previous years. He attributed much of this growth to a successful business relationship with Royal Caribbean, which has recently surpassed Carnival Cruise Line in local visitor numbers. John also detailed the completion of the Frederiksted Pier expansion, which now serves as a vital landing for cruise excursions and local maritime operators. 

In addition to maritime updates, John provided a status report on the territory’s airports. The Cyril E. King and Henry E. Rohlsen airports are slated for modernization through a partnership with SkyCity VI. John emphasized that while a private partner will manage amenities and operations, ownership of the facilities will remain with the Port Authority. The committee also learned of progress on cargo operations in St. Croix. John noted that VIPA is preparing to transition all cargo activity from Gallows Bay to Gordon A. Finch Molasses Pier. This shift will allow Gallows Bay to be repurposed exclusively for ferry services and luxury vessels. 

The committee then received testimony from Ms. Leona E. Smith. Smith previously served as the St. John Administrator and has held leadership roles within the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs and the Department of Tourism. 

Ms. Smith provided an update on the Loredon L. Boynes Sr. Dock, noting that surface renovations are almost complete. These improvements include a new canopy, restrooms, and electrical upgrades. However, a portion of the waiting area remains temporarily closed for safety until underwater structural repairs can be finalized. Smith also addressed the development of the Enighed Pond Community Park and the Cruz Bay Fish Market. She stated that designs for both facilities are being finalized, with the Port Authority expecting to move to the bidding phase later this year. 

The testimony also mentioned upcoming changes to the marine tariff rates, which are set to take effect on April 6, 2026. Smith highlighted that several proposed fees were rejected or revised following public feedback. Specifically, the board decided against a new barge ramp fee per passenger and opted not to implement paid parking at the Victor Sewer Marine Facility. Approved changes include an increase in BVI inter-island ship dues from $8 to $12 and a new fee structure for the Urman V. Fredericks Parking Garage. Smith emphasized that these adjustments are necessary to fund pending infrastructure projects and meet the authority’s financial obligations. 

To close out Port Authority’s nominees, the committee heard from the Honorable Celestino A. White, Sr., a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired Chief of Police, highlighted his 22-year tenure as a Virgin Islands Senator as part of his extensive public service background.  

White detailed the redevelopment of the Crown Bay District, which is being transformed through a public-private partnership with Royal Caribbean and Cruise Terminals International. The project aims to modernize the Crown Bay Center into a mixed-use destination to enhance the visitor experience. White noted that while the expansion requires the relocation of certain mechanics in the Subbase district, the board has authorized a relocation plan for tenants in good standing. Additionally, he provided an update on the Charlotte Amalie Harbor dredging initiative. Demolition is currently underway at the former Adelita Cancryn Junior High School site to facilitate the dredging, which will increase port capacity for larger cruise vessels at the West Indian Company Dock. 

Regarding aviation, White addressed the operational challenges at the Cyril E. King Airport. He stated that the terminal, originally built for 300,000 passengers, now accommodates 800,000 annually, leading to considerable congestion. To resolve this, the authority is moving forward with a modernization plan and a $27 million runway resurfacing project scheduled to begin in 2026. White also announced the successful completion of the Dale A. Gregory Transportation Center, which now provides 320 parking spaces and rental car services. He concluded by noting that a new U.S. Customs facility is planned for Red Hook to streamline travel between the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. He also mentioned the entities’ efforts to increase flights to additional neighboring islands during questioning. 

All nominees considered during the first block were voted on favorably. They will now advance to the full body for full consideration during the next Legislative Session. 

Lawmakers moved to the second block of the day to receive testimony from Mr. Joseph Todd Donohoo, the Governor’s nominee for the VI Board of Contractors, Trades, and Crafts. Donohoo, a business owner with over 26 years of experience in the territory, has been nominated to represent the St. Croix District.  

Donohoo shared his personal history in the trades, which began at age 14 while helping his father rebuild homes after Hurricane Hugo. He stated that a trade license should represent excellence and support the territory’s testing standards. However, he noted that many local tradesmen struggle with the transition from apprentice to licensed professional. To address this, Donohoo proposed the implementation of structured test-prep programs and trade school clinics. These initiatives would help unlicensed workers become professionals and better equip them for the administrative burdens of federal contracting. 

A significant portion of the testimony addressed the challenges local contractors face regarding bonding and federal compliance. Donohoo explained that current bonding requirements often force local business owners to leverage personal assets, such as their homes, to secure projects. He argued that this system creates a disadvantage for Virgin Islands companies and often leads to partnerships that dilute local ownership. Donohoo advocated for a more performance-based bonding capacity and educational clinics to help contractors manage the paperwork required for federal investments. 

Mr. Joseph Todd Donohoo received a favorable recommendation from the Committee members. His nomination will now be advanced to the full body for final consideration during the next Legislative Session. 

Lawmakers approved the following measures: 

Bill No: 36-0198 – An act amending Act No. 9035 by redesignating the funding source for several entities and correcting a typographical error and amending Act No. 9045 by inserting and striking appropriations. The measure was proposed by Senator Kurt A. Vialet.  

Bill No: 36-0199 – An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and  

Accent Property Management, LLC. for Parcels No. 123 and 129 Submarine Base, South Side  

Quarter, St. Thomas, to develop the premises to operate, establish, and manage a slate of subtenants, pursuant to an approved development plan. The measure was proposed by Senator Milton E. Potter by request of the Governor. 

Bill No: 36-0204 – An act approving a multi-year lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and Commercial Investments LLC, for Parcel No. 30 Submarine Base, No. 6 Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, for a logistics storage warehouse and other related purposes. The measure was proposed by Senator Milton E. Potter by request of the Governor. 

Bill No: 36-0209 – An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10 to establish civil  

penalties for disregarding marine advisories and to create the Territorial Marine Safety Fund.  

The measure was proposed by Senators Senator Hubert L. Frederick, Avery L. Lewis, and Ray Fonseca. 

Bill No: 36-0219 – An act amending title 22 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 31 relating to the Virgin Islands Producer and Adjuster Licensing Act by modifying renewal provisions for insurance producer licenses. The measure was proposed by Senator Milton E. Potter by request of the Governor. 

Bill No. 36-0084 – An act honoring and commending Alva Alphonse Swan also known as “Coach Tumba” for his significant contributions to the sport of basketball in the Virgin Islands by bestowing upon him the Key to the Territory. The measure was proposed by Senators Marvin A. Blyden and Angel L. Bolques, Jr. 

Bill No: 36-0220 – An act honoring and commending former Senator Lorraine L. Berry  

posthumously for her decades of outstanding public service by renaming Hull Bay Road located in North Side, St. Thomas, the “Lorraine L. Berry Drive.” The measure was proposed by Senators Avery L. Lewis, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., and Marvin A. Blyden. 

Bill No. 36-0150 – An act honoring and commending Thelma Leona Petersen-Springer,  

posthumously, for her outstanding community service to the children and the people of the Virgin Islands. The measure was proposed by Senators Kenneth L. Gittens, Avery L. Lewis, and Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.  

Bill No. 36-0225 – A resolution honoring and commending Sharon Maria Williams for her  

outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of education and culinary arts. The measure was proposed by Senators Kenneth L. Gittens, Avery L. Lewis, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., and Angel L. Bolques, Jr.  

Bill No. 36-0226 – A resolution honoring and commending Mrs. Janet Brow Phillips for her  

outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of education and culinary arts to the Virgin Islands community. The measure was proposed by Senators Kenneth L. Gittens, Avery L. Lewis, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., and Angel L. Bolques, Jr. 

Bill No. 36-0227 – A resolution honoring and commending the Armstrong Family, long-time  

owners of Armstrong Ice Cream for their exceptional contributions to the economic growth, cultural heritage, and development of the Virgin Islands. The measure was proposed by Senators Kenneth L. Gittens, Franklin D. Johnson, Avery L. Lewis, and Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. 

Senators present at today’s Committee hearing were Carla J. Joseph, Kenneth L. Gittens, Marvin A. Blyden, Novelle E. Francis, Alma Francis Heyliger, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Avery L. Lewis, and Milton E. Potter.  

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