COMMITTEE RECEIVES TESTIMONY ON OPERATIONS OF SPORTS, PARKS, AND RECREATION, RECEIVES PAUL E. JOSEPH STADIUM PROJECT UPDATE

ST. CROIX, VI – The Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks, led by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. met at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Lawmakers received a comprehensive update on the operations of the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation. Senators also received an update on the completion of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium Project.

Lawmakers first received an update on the operations of the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation.  Vincent Roberts, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, delivered an update concerning its operations.  Roberts’ testimony highlighted the installation of new playground equipment at various parks, development of a phased signage project, upgrades to courts, ballparks, lighting systems, the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack, as well as continued FEMA Funded recovery projects. The Department has also used public-private partnerships and grant funding to advance improvements at facilities including the Pedro Cruz Basketball Court, Doris Hodge Tennis Facility, Ezra Fredericks Park, Emile Griffith Park, and the Midre Cummings Park.  

The Department has highlighted its commitment to expanding sports and recreation opportunities for residents through youth, senior, and community programs scheduled through calendar year 2026 and beyond. The Department is also pursuing various sports tourism opportunities supporting local athletes through initiatives such as the RBI Baseball and Softball programs, HBCU showcase, boxing events and junior sports programs. It has also reactivated the Virgin Islands Sports Commission to strengthen sports development territory wide. Additionally, the department is investing in employee wellness, professional development, and workplace engagement.

Lawmakers also received an update pertaining the completion of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium.

Vincent Roberts, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation reminded the body that the Department is the future end user of the facility. The Department works closely with the Department of Public Works through weekly meetings, site visits, and project reviews to ensure the stadium meets operational and community needs. Once the stadium is completed, DSPR plans to implement a structured operational rollout that includes safety certifications, staffing, standing operating procedure, and a phased opening. Roberts estimated that the annual operating cost for the stadium would be approximately $1.5 Million to $2.2 Million, primarily for personnel, utilities, maintenance, equipment, supplies, security, and event operations.  The Department projects annual revenue of $800,000 to $1.6 Million through local sports leagues, sports tourism, facility rentals, concerts, festivals, concessions, and advertising.  Roberts stated that the true value of the stadium will be reflected in economic impact, community engagement, and consistent utilization rather than direct revenue alone. Annual operating expenses are expected to be $1.48 Million, including personnel costs of $350,000, recurring supplies of $360,000, utilities of $120,000, and contractual services and compliance costs of $200,000.

Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement reminded the body that the Department submitted copies of all contracts executed for the project. The current completion time is December 31, 2026. There have been no change orders for added costs, and the only executed change orders extend the project completion to December 31, 2026.  Reuben Jennings, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, Reuben Jennings, delivered additional information regarding the completion of the project. The project currently has a total contracted value of $32.1 Million. Of this, $27.7 million has been completed and paid, leaving a balance of about $4.4 Million. Jennings detailed the extensive contract and change order history of the project, which have included design and construction modifications, including changes to the bleacher support system and interior wall construction. The Department also addressed a contractor delay claim that was settled at $1.5 Million, with payments tied to

specific milestones to ensure accountability.

The project is approximately 75% complete. Remaining work includes ventilation, restroom and plumbing systems, electrical installations, press box and audio-visual facilities elevators, stairways, railings, security systems, site improvements, the backup generator building and other critical components. The Department has increased project coordination meetings from biweekly to weekly and added a construction manager and field inspectors. The Government has also implemented direct vendor payment procedures and enhanced financial controls to address contractor cash flow challenges, while making sure that public funds are used properly.

John Wessel, Managing Member of GEC, LLC informed the body that significant progress had been made on the stadium project since the last appearance before the Committee. Wessel stated that all major material necessary to complete the stadium have been ordered, including lighting fixtures, plumbing components, lockers, bleaching, fencing, electrical systems, security features and concession equipment, which most items having been installed.  Additional completed work includes the stadium filed lighting, which was operational for July 4^th celebrations in Frederiksted, and installation of the entry sign, rough grading, and striking of the infield.

Remaining work includes final grading to meet the CLOMR requirements, interior finishes construction of concrete stairways and other outstanding items identified in recent pay estimates. Wessel stated that improvements to the Government’s payment process, initiated by former Commissioner Derek Gabriel, and further refined by Acting Commissioner Jennings have accelerated material procurement and installation, while creating opportunities to increase manpower and locally sourced materials.

Senators present at today’s committee hearing included Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Marvin A. Blyden, Alma Francis Heyliger, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Franklin D. Johnson, Avery L. Lewis, and Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.

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