02-21-25 Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports and Parks

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07-18-2025 | The Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks
Convenes a legislative hearing to examine the financial and operational oversight of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project. The hearing will focus on reviewing the historical and current management of this major territorial capital improvement initiative, with particular attention to financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, procurement processes, and construction progress.
BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
During this Block, the Committee will receive testimony and conduct a comprehensive examination of the financial and administrative oversight of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project. This inquiry will span the past decade and focus on identifying the root causes behind persistent delays, budget overruns, and the current status of project implementation. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will provide an in-depth review of historical funding allocations and expenditures, offering clarity on the fiscal trajectory of the project and identifying any budgeting inconsistencies or reallocations over time. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) will share insights into regulatory oversight, environmental permitting, and compliance with Coastal Zone Management guidelines. Their testimony is expected to reveal how environmental regulations have influenced project pacing and development. The Department of Property and Procurement (DPP) will address procurement strategies, contract
management, and any administrative hurdles encountered during the solicitation and oversight of construction contractors, including GEC, LLC. The Department of Public Works (DPW) will present on the operational coordination and statutory responsibilities related to infrastructure execution. Testimony will cover project milestones, contractor coordination, and the department’s role in ensuring progress accountability. The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR), as the agency with end-user responsibility, will summarize its oversight contributions, facility requirements, and its involvement in guiding the project toward functional utility. The USVI Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR), report on its oversight of funds allocated to the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project. Testimony will cover funding compliance, project monitoring, and coordination with agencies
and contractor to ensure timely execution.
Representatives from GEC, LLC/Coastal Systems USVI will be required to outline the history of their contractual engagement, change order justifications, and ongoing challenges affecting project delivery. Their testimony will be key to understanding the practical execution of construction tasks and any unresolved issues still affecting completion. This Block seeks to present a full-spectrum view of the operational, fiscal, and regulatory layers of the stadium’s development, with the goal of identifying actionable legislative solutions to move the project forward effectively and responsibly.
Invited Testifiers:
Julio A. Rhymer, Sr., Director, Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Honorable Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR)
Honorable Lisa M. Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement (DPP)
Honorable Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner Department of Public Works (DPW)
Vincent Roberts, Commissioner Nominee, Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR)
Mr. John Wessel, Managing Member, GEC, LLC/Coastal Systems USVI
Mr. Tim Dempsey, Director of Operations, USVI Office of Disaster Recovery
Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director, USVI Office of Disaster Recovery
LUNCH 12:30 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.
BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
This Block will continue the Committee’s in-depth review of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project. Building on the testimonies and findings from the morning session, this segment will allow additional input from invited testifiers and deeper discussion on unresolved issues. The focus will remain on construction progress, fiscal management, interagency coordination, and identifying any further actions needed.

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