KEY LEASE AGREEMENTS, LEASE AMENDMENTS, AND CONVEYANCE AGREEMENTS TO SUPPORT GROWTH IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FORWARDED

ST. THOMAS – The Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, convened at the Capitol Building. The Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement (DPP) was among the entities providing testimony regarding Lease Agreements, Lease Amendments, and Conveyances between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the applicants in the St. Thomas-St. John District and the St. Croix District. Ultimately, lawmakers voted in favor of the bills. All agenda items will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.

The sponsor of the bills, Senator Novelle E. Francis, highlighted their importance for the continued development and growth of the territory. He stressed the need to maintain positive relationships with businesses and individuals looking to invest in the Virgin Islands, as these partnerships will ultimately benefit the local economy. Senator Francis expressed his strong support for the bills and urged his colleagues to do the same, emphasizing that their approval would help drive progress and prosperity in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Meanwhile, Vincent Richards, Deputy Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement, also expressed support for all the proposed Lease Amendment, Conveyance, and Lease Agreements. He noted that the leases would significantly contribute to the growth, long-term stability, and economic sustainability of the United States Virgin Islands. Additionally, at the conclusion of the respective lease terms, the properties will be returned to the Government of the Virgin Islands in an improved condition. The DPP serves as the custodian of all government-owned properties in the Virgin Islands.

Senators voted with a favorable recommendation for Bill No. 35-0384 – An Act approving Amendment No. 1 to the Lease Agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority to amend the premises by replacing the parcel of land described as a portion of Parcel No. 10-B VICORP Land, King Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, with Parcel No. 10-M VICORP Land, King Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. (Proposed by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., by Request of the Governor). 

Daryl Griffith, Interim Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) emphasized that the approval of these lease agreements is essential to the successful establishment of several proposed Convenience Centers across the island of St. Croix. Senator Sammuel Carrion cautioned VIWMA to clean up bin sites, removing hazardous materials such as spilled oil and old tires. In response, Daryl Griffith, Interim Executive Director of VIWMA, assured that the authority will investigate the issue and make the necessary adjustments. Senator Donna Frett-Gregory advised that VIWMA needs to be more diligent in maintaining bin sites, citing issues such as overflowing garbage, oil spills, and overcrowded bins. She pointed out that while some bin sites are well maintained, others appear to be neglected and require immediate attention.

Similarly, policymakers voted and approved, Bill No. 35-0374 – An Act approving the conveyance of Parcel No. 201 Submarine Base, No. 6 Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands from the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System. (Proposed by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., by Request of the Governor).

Tanya-Marie Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the V.I. Public Broadcasting System, emphasized that the key strategy involves combining the two parcels with the surrounding property, which will significantly enhance property management. She also noted that additional security measures are necessary to prevent trespassing. Senator Frett-Gregory inquired whether, upon the approval of this bill, there would be assurances that the Department of Planning and Natural Resources would expedite the permit process. Kia-T’Nique Thomas, Disaster Recovery Specialist for WTJX, responded that the process would begin once approval of a letter from DPNR is received.

Lawmakers voted in affirmative for the following bills:

• Bill No. 35-0383 – An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and St. Croix Science Teachers’ Association, Inc., for Parcel No. 10- P VICORP Land, King Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands (Proposed by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., by Request of the Governor) 
• Bill No. 35-0300 – An Act approving a lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and Advance Power, LLC, for three portions of Parcel 1-A Estate Bovoni, Nos. 1 and 2 Frenchman’s Bay Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; two portions of Parcel No. 1 A-8 Estate Bovoni Nos. 1 and 2 Frenchman’s Bay Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; a portion of Parcel No. 1A-7 Estate Bovoni Nos. 1 and 2 Frenchman’s Bay Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; a portion of Parcel No. 1- 21 Estate Bovoni Nos. 1 and 2 Frenchman’s Bay Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; two portions of Remainder of Parcel 1-19 Estate Bovoni, Nos. 1 and 2 Frenchman’s Bay Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; and a portion of Parcel No. 1- 18 Estate Bovoni, Nos.1 and 2 Frenchman’s Bay Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining wind turbine generators, offices, metering, maintenance sheds, access roads, utility substations as part of a microgrid on St. Thomas and other related purposes (Proposed by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., by Request of the Governor) 
• Bill No. 35-0320 – An Act approving a lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and Advance Power, LLC, for two portions of Parcels No. 1 and Remainder 39-A and 49 Estate Cassava Garden, Queen’s Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, six portions of Remainder Matriculate 38 Estate Pearl, Queen’s Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, two portions of Remainder Matriculate 51 and 43 Queen’s Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, two portions of Remainder Parcel No.1 Estate Barron Spot, Queen’s Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, two portions of Parcel No. 11 Estate Pearl, Queen’s Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and six portions of Plot No. 2 Estate Humbug, Queen’s Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining wind turbine generators, maintenance sheds, access roads, utility substations as part of a microgrid, and for other related purposes on St. Croix (Proposed by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., by Request of the Governor)

Senators present included Donna Frett-Gregory, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Dwayne M. DeGraff, Sammuel Carrion, Marvin Blyden, Ray Fonseca, Diane T. Capehart, and Carla J. Joseph.

The Division of Public Affairs remains committed to delivering accurate information on legislative proceedings and events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands.                                               

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For Immediate Release                                            Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan

October 07, 2024                                                      Email: aharrigan@legvi.org