ST. THOMAS, VI – The Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., convened at the Capitol Building on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget. Officials from the Judiciary, and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) shared their respective budget requests. As a self-sustaining entity, the UVI Research and Technology Park (RT Park) reviewed its financial operations.

Chief Justice Rhys S. Hodge of the Virgin Islands Supreme Court called on the Legislature to fully consider the Judicial Branch’s FY 2026 budget request, urging lawmakers not to adhere to the Executive Branch’s imposed ceiling. He emphasized the independent and deliberative nature of the Judiciary’s budget process, which includes contributions from senior court officials and the Judicial Management Advisory Council. Chief Justice Hodge underscored the constitutional obligation to provide adequate funding for judicial operations. The Judiciary is requesting $53,096,877 for operations, $145,342 for the Judicial Council to address long-standing funding gaps, and $1,105,131 to fully operationalize the newly established Office of Conflict Counsel (OCC). In contrast, the Governor’s recommendation proposes a lump-sum appropriation of $40,258,400 from the General Fund.

Defending the $12,828,489 increase over the Governor’s proposed allocation, Chief Justice Hodge explained that since its launch in June 2024, the OCC has been appointed in 139 cases, including major felonies and juvenile matters and now requires expanded staffing and infrastructure to meet its constitutional mandate. The FY 2026 budget breakdown includes $25,903,244 for personnel services, $11,270,871 for fringe benefits, $6,568,941 for capital outlays, $700,000 for supplies, and $1,964,416 for other services and charges. In addition to funding concerns, Hodge emphasized the urgency of judicial appointments, noting that the terms of four Superior Court judges expired in May 2025, with only one reappointment made. Without timely action, the court system risks operational disruption.

During the hearing, Senator Francis inquired about the resolution of over 300 backlogged cases. In response, Chief Justice Hodge noted that a magistrate has been actively working to move cases forward in the St. Thomas-St. John District. When asked about the backlog in St. Croix, he cited the Judiciary’s current inability to appoint additional judges due to statutory constraints. Hodge urged the Legislature to support Bill No. 36-0101, which seeks to restore the authority to appoint Senior Sitting Judges; an essential measure to ensure continuity in case management and address the impact of ongoing judicial vacancies. Senator Francis emphasized that timely justice is critical and expressed his commitment to supporting legislative efforts that strengthen the Judiciary’s capacity.

Despite continued progress, Dr. Safiya George, President of the University of the Virgin Islands, testified that UVI faces significant challenges in FY 2026 due to local budget cuts, delayed allotments, and the loss of six federal grants totaling $3.5 million: impacting biomedical research, climate resilience, and student support. National policy shifts further threaten funding for higher education, diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental programs, limiting UVI’s ability to serve historically underserved populations. These setbacks have resulted in faculty layoffs, reduced research opportunities, and jeopardized key initiatives such as the NIH U-RISE and the $20 million NSF Ridge to Reef project. With increasing demand for the Free Tuition Program and other student aid initiatives, UVI is requesting $49,851,535million for general operations and additional support to sustain its mission of equity, access, and economic development in the territory. However, the Governor has recommended a General Fund lump-sum appropriation of $34,980,932 for FY 2026, including $25,233,816 for personnel services, $8,575,828 for fringe benefits, $59,087 for supplies, $977,789 for other services and charges, and $134,412 for utility services.

For Fiscal Year 2026, Eric Sonner, Executive Director of the University of the Virgin Islands Tech Park, testified that the RT Park’s role as a self-sustaining engine for innovation and education, supported by fifteen full-time staff and six contractors; over half of whom are local Virgin Islanders and UVI graduates. RT Park generated $9 million in FY24 revenue and $6.5 million in the first eight months of FY25, with 40.8% of FY24 expenses contributed directly to UVI. Client fees, enforced through formal agreements and a rigorous compliance framework, remain the primary funding source. RT Park also expanded youth STEM education programs, workforce development initiatives, and entrepreneurship efforts through Accelerate VI, while launching a FEMA-funded solar project with UVI. Despite losing a potential client due to public uncertainty about economic programs, the RT Park onboarded five new clients in FY25 and remains committed to driving long-term economic diversification, local capacity building, and direct contributions to UVI’s mission. 

Senators present at the Committee hearing included Chairman Novelle E. Francis Jr.; Vice Chairman Marvin A. Blyden; and Senators Kenneth L. Gittens, Carla A. Joseph, Avery Lewis, Kurt A. Vialet, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Franklin D. Johnson, Hubert L. Frederick, Marise C. James, and Clifford A. Joseph Sr.

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