03-10-2025 | Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture
The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture is discussing the Status of Workforce Development Programs that align with key industries (construction, technology, healthcare) • Breakdown of local and federal funds allocated for workforce development and the number of individuals served • Update on the Youth and Apprenticeship Program, including participating service providers and individuals served • Financial breakdown of expenditures for the Youth and Apprenticeship Program • Status and of the Summer Youth Work Experience Program • Youth Team impact: Number of youths served, completed academic/career assessments, and service referrals Invited Testifier: Honorable Gary Molloy, Commissioner, Department of Labor BLOCK II • Overview of Organization’s Mission and Programs • Workforce Development Initiatives • Educational and training opportunities offered • Collaborations with schools, colleges, and vocational programs • Success stories and community impact • Barriers and challenges to workforce development Invited Testifiers: Scott Bradley, Founder, My Brother’s Workshop Frandelle Gerard, Executive Director, Crucian Heritage & Nature Tourism Suzanne Darrow-Magras, PhD, Director, University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL)

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The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture receives updates on the following:
BLOCK I – 10:00 AM
State of Agriculture in the Virgin Islands
The Department of Agriculture and key stakeholders provide a comprehensive update on the state of agriculture in the Virgin Islands. They address challenges faced by local farmers, ongoing initiatives that support agricultural production, food security efforts, and the availability of land, water, and financial resources. The discussion also focuses on workforce development within the agricultural sector, initiatives designed to strengthen local food production, the expansion of farm-to-table programs, sustainability initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration between government agencies and private stakeholders.
Invited Testifiers:
• Honorable Dr. Louis E. Petersen, Jr., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture
• Dr. Nate Olive, President, Virgin Islands Farmers Alliance
• Mr. Dale Brown, Co-Owner, Sejah Farms
• Mrs. Yvette Brown, Co-Owner, Sejah Farms
• Mrs. Sommer Sibilly-Brown, Executive Director, VI Good Food Coalition
• Mr. Elridge Thomas, Member, We Grow Food, Inc.
• Dr. Usman Adamu, Dean and Director, UVI School of Agriculture
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BLOCK II
Discussion on Bill No. 36-0063 – Clarification of Gross Receipts Tax Obligations for Contractors
The Committee receives testimony on Bill No. 36-0063, an Act amending Title 33, Virgin Islands Code, Subtitle 1, Chapter 3, Sections 41, 42(a), and 43(a) and (c), to clarify that gross receipts taxes apply to all contractors doing business in the Virgin Islands regardless of physical location. The discussion examines the implications of this legislation on tax compliance, enforcement mechanisms, and the potential economic impact on both local and external contractors. Testifiers share insights into the legal framework, administrative considerations, and anticipated outcomes.


Invited Testifiers:
• Honorable Kevin G. McCurdy, Commissioner, Department of Finance
• Mr. Julio Rhymer, Sr., Director, Office of Management and Budget
• Mr. Joel Lee, Director, V.I. Bureau of Internal Revenue
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BLOCK III
Discussion on Bill No. 36-0019 – Prohibiting Credit and Debit Card Surcharges
The Committee receives testimony on Bill No. 36-0019, an Act amending Title 12A, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 2, Subchapter I, Section 101, to prohibit the imposition of a surcharge for the use of a credit card or debit card. The discussion explores the potential impact of this legislation on businesses, consumers, and financial institutions. Testifiers offer perspectives on legal considerations, consumer protection, and economic implications.
Invited Testifiers:
• Ms. Glendina P. Matthew, Esq., Director, Division of Banking, Insurance, and Financial Regulation, Office of the Lieutenant Governor
• Honorable Ian Clement, Deputy Attorney General, Virgin Islands Department of Justice
• Honorable Horace Graham, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs
• Mr. John P. Woods, President, St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce
• Mr. Akeel St. Jean, Esq., Chairman of the Board, St. Croix Chamber of Commerce

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06-09-2025 | Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture
AGENDA Monday, June 9, 2025 – 10:00 AM, Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands BLOCK I – 10:00 AM Discussion on Economic Development and Self-Sustainability in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This block will explore ongoing efforts and future strategies to strengthen the Virgin Islands economy and advance toward greater self-sufficiency. The discussion will highlight the roles of key agencies—including the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority and the Bureau of Economic Research—in guiding policy development, monitoring economic trends, and supporting sustainable growth. Topics may include recent data-driven insights, progress on long-term economic plans, support for small business development, investment promotion, workforce initiatives, and efforts to build a more resilient and diversified local economy. Invited Testifiers: Mr. Wayne Biggs, Jr., Executive Director, Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority Haldane E. Davies, Ph. D, Director, Virgin Islands Bureau of Economic Research LUNCH BREAK BLOCK II Bill No. 36-0065, An Act amending Act No. 8512 by removing the responsibility of the Virgin Islands Port Authority from constructing a warehouse on the former Addelita Cancryn Junior High School campus to requiring the Port Authority to assist with the design, retrofitting and renovation of an existing warehouse located on Parcel No. 1B and 47B-1 Gasverks Gade, No. 3 Crown Prince Quarter, St. Thomas. Sponsored by Senator Kurt A. Vialet The Committee will receive testimony on the proposed legislative amendment, including its potential impact on project implementation, inter-agency coordination, and overall cost efficiency. Invited Testifiers: Mr. Carlton Dowe, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Port Authority Mr. Craig Benjamin, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance Hon. Dionne Wells-Hedrington, EdD, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education Hon. Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurements

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