ST. THOMAS, VI – The Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., convened at the Capitol Building to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Presenting before the committee were representatives from the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (VIOC) and the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (DPW).

John Abramson, Jr., President of the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (VIOC), testified that each year, the VIOC’s 24 member Federations submit comprehensive annual plans with budgetary needs exceeding $2,000,000. In recent years, the VIOC’s operating budget has consistently exceeded $1 million annually. As the scope of operations continues to expand, the VIOC evaluates and selectively approves funding requests to ensure resources are used effectively and sustainably. Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr. inquired about the amount of funding the VIOC received from its Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund allotment. Abramson responded that despite an allotment of $450,000, no funds were disbursed to the VIOC. He noted that the VIOC has been able to continue operations primarily through financial contributions from other sports federations. Senator Kurt A. Vialet emphasized that once funds are appropriated by the Legislature, it should not be at the discretion of the Executive Branch to decide which entities receive them.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the VIOC requested an appropriation of $500,000. However, the Governor has recommended a General Fund lump-sum appropriation of $300,000 to be allocated from the Miscellaneous section of the Executive Budget. The FY 2026 budget breakdown is as follows: $97,520 for personnel services, $16,000 for fringe benefits, $35,000 for 510,500 for other services and charges, $5,000, and 3,000 for capital outlays. Defending the FY 2026 budget, Abramson emphasized that the funding is critical to expanding support staff and sustaining the level of assistance provided to both the member Federations and elite athletes. The athletes are currently engaged in intensive training and competition with the goal of qualifying for prestigious international events, including the Pan American Games and the Olympic Games. Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr. added that it is important to invest in local sports facilities to support the ongoing development and training of Virgin Islands athletes.

Derek Gabriel, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works, indicated that several strategic development projects aimed at improving public aesthetics and wayfinding. The Governor’s recommended Fiscal Year 2026 budget totals $23,958,321, with allocations including $7,574,110 for personnel services, $3,824,324 for fringe benefits, $5,371,572 for other services and charges, $868,000 for supplies, $828,000 for utilities, $300,000 for capital outlays, $4,992,315 for the Public Transportation Fund, and $200,000 for the Inter-Island Subsidy.

Among the development initiatives are the highly anticipated “Welcome to St. Croix” sign at East Airport Road, branded signage at Post Office Square on St. Thomas, and the forthcoming Western Cemetery Improvement monument in Charlotte Amalie. Cemetery improvements continue to be a departmental priority, with ongoing repairs at the Eastern Cemetery Chapel and the Governor Cyril E. King Mausoleum, as well as the construction of new crypts and columbaria in both St. Croix and St. Thomas. Additionally, the department is working to digitize burial records and restart GIS plotting, reinforcing a long-term commitment to modernization.

On St. Croix, efforts to improve vegetation management and roadside maintenance; supported by WAPA, have advanced with the launch of a public maintenance schedule in April. However, illegal dumping remains a growing concern. Commissioner Gabriel is advocating for stronger fines, increased enforcement, and public awareness, emphasizing that the government should not be responsible for cleaning up after people who dump waste unlawfully.

Senators present at today’s Committee hearing were Chairman Novelle E. Francis Jr., Vice Chairman, Marvin A. Blyden, Kenneth L. Gittens, Carla A. Joseph, Kurt A. Vialet, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Hubert L. Frederick, Ray Fonseca, Marise C. James, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., and Milton E. Potter.

The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Visit legvi.org.                        

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Press Contact: Africah Harrigan

Email: aharrigan@legvi.org