ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture, chaired by Senator Hubert L. Frederick, convened at the Capitol Building for a multi-agency oversight meeting focused on strengthening the Territory’s business sector, tourism economy, natural resource management, and agricultural development. Lawmakers received testimony from key government departments and partner organizations, examining performance updates, operational challenges, funding oversight, and strategic initiatives impacting economic growth across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Committee Chair Senator Hubert L. Frederick underscored the importance of strengthening regulatory infrastructure and ensuring agencies are equipped to effectively serve the public. He reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to modernizing government systems, supporting local business development, and enhancing enforcement capacity to protect consumers and promote long-term economic stability.

H. Nathalie Hodge, Commissioner of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) outlined plans for a new Integrated Management System designed to digitize and centralize business licensing, inspections, enforcement records, legal case tracking, and consumer complaints. The system is expected to introduce real-time license verification, automated renewals, secure payment processing, and mobile access for field inspectors, reducing manual processing and in-person administrative burdens. Consumer protection data revealed 53 fuel price surveys and 9 grocery price comparisons completed in FY 2025, alongside ongoing compliance actions and Department of Justice referrals for non-responsive fuel retailers. Staffing shortages within regulatory and inspection units—particularly on St. Croix—were confirmed as continued barriers to broader compliance coverage. Proposed legislative updates to the Virgin Islands Code aim to expand administrative citation authority, update penalty structures, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

Commissioner-Nominee Jennifer Matarangas-King provided updates on tourism performance, reporting sustained growth in air travel, cruise arrivals, and local engagement driven by expanded flight routes and targeted marketing campaigns. The Department launched a new bimonthly newsletter, The V.I. Desk Side, to increase community tourism awareness and business visibility. The St. Croix VIBE airfare credit promotion generated nearly 1,500 redemptions and more than $375,000 in partner hotel distributions, while strategic market collaborations contributed to a 20% increase in bookings. The Territory welcomed 2.6 million visitors in 2025, supported by increased airlift, inter-island connectivity, and cruise arrivals, including a 29% increase in St. Croix port calls. The U.S. Virgin Islands continued leading the Caribbean in average daily hotel rate at $664. Planning efforts also highlighted port greeter expansion, cultural programming, new tourism staffing, public restroom improvements, and Festival 2025–2026 readiness.

Director Dr. Nicole Angeli of the DPNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, testified on behalf of Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, reporting a resilient yet environmentally sensitive fishing sector, including more than 562,000 pounds of fish landed in 2024 by over 290 commercial fishers, within sustainable harvest limits. Spiny lobster was identified as the most harvested species. DPNR also highlighted advancements in endangered species monitoring, coral reef restoration, invasive species response training, environmental education, and the launch of the GoOutdoorsUSVI recreational fishing license portal to strengthen fisheries data and public engagement. Officials warned that increasing habitat degradation continues to pose a long-term risk requiring sustained restoration efforts and federal-territorial collaboration.

Commissioner Louis E. Petersen, Jr. of the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDA) testified that long-term staffing reductions and technical capacity gaps continue to challenge full implementation of the U.S. Virgin Islands Agricultural Plan. He noted that positions including agronomist, engineer, horticulturalist, and animal scientist have been eliminated over time, and that St. Croix now operates with four heavy equipment operators, compared to 15 in 1983. Recent progress includes new hires in FY 2025, ongoing salary adjustments, and plans to expand staffing in key areas such as grant writing, enforcement, butchery, and heavy equipment operations. VIDA also previewed planning efforts for the 2026 Virgin Islands Caribbean Agricultural Conference.

Senators present at the Legislative Session included Hubert L. Frederick, Marvin A. Blyden, Alma Francis Heyliger, Angel L. Bolques, Novelle E. Francis Jr., Marise C. James, Franklin D. Johnson, and Clifford A. Joseph Sr.

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Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan

Email: aharrigan@legvi.org