Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports and Parks

The Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks will reconvene for a pivotal oversight hearing to examine the intersecting threads of investment, accountability, and completion timelines tied to two of the Territory’s most prominent capital projects: the Paul E. Joseph Stadium and the Clinton E. Phipps Horse Racing Track. This hearing marks a renewed push for transparency, efficiency, and measurable progress, following earlier discussions in July that left unresolved questions and unmet deliverables.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:30P.M.

Operational Status and Financial Oversight of the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack and the Horse Racing Initiative Fund

This block will assess the current operational status of the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas, with a focus on remaining construction, regulatory, and logistical needs. The Committee will receive testimony on delays, including permitting issues, funding gaps, and inter-agency coordination challenges, that have impacted any pending progress. The Committee will also review revenues from past racing events, examining how funds are tracked, reported, and allocated. Testifiers are expected to present a detailed financial breakdown of receipts and disbursements, as well as provide information on transparency and fund distribution practices. A key focus will be the Horse Racing Initiative Fund, including current balance, recent spending, and district-level allocations. Emphasis will be placed on the availability of funds to support racetrack improvements and local horsemen associations in both districts.

Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Vincent Roberts, Commissioner, Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation
Honorable Raymond Williams, Director, Virgin Islands Lottery
Mr. Hugo Hodge Jr., Chairman, USVI Horseracing Commission

LUNCH 12:30 P.M. – 1:00P.M

BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 4:00P.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 follow-up hearing aims to clarify the progress made since July, identify any key items that remain incomplete, and assess how the project is tracking toward the pledged December 2025 completion date.

Agency Roles and Focus Areas:

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – Provide a detailed report on historical appropriations and current expenditures. The Committee expects transparency regarding any recent budget reallocations or shortfalls that may have impacted the project’s timely completion.

Department of Property and Procurement (DPP) – Address the status of contractor performance, including any procurement delays, contract amendments, or unresolved vendor issues that may be affecting final project delivery.

Department of Public Works (DPW) – Present an update on current construction progress, agency coordination efforts, and confirm whether the December 2025 completion target remains feasible. The Committee seeks clarity on progress since July and explanations for any missed milestones.

Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR) – Provide an operational readiness assessment of the facility, including which amenities are complete, what remains outstanding, and what is required to make the stadium fully accessible for public use.

Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) – Review funding disbursements, contractor oversight, and compliance with all applicable federal and local regulations. The Committee requests a summary of all ODR-administered grants supporting this project.

GEC, LLC / Coastal Systems USVI – Deliver a comprehensive update on construction deliverables, identify remaining tasks, and explain any delays related to change orders, materials, or workforce that could impact the project’s timeline.

Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources
Honorable Lisa M. Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement
Honorable Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works
Honorable Vincent Roberts, Commissioner, Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation
Ms. Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director, USVI Office of Disaster Recovery
Mr. Julio Rhymer, Director, Office of Management & Budget
Mr. John Wessel, Director of Operations, GEC, LLC / Coastal Systems USVI