St. Thomas- Members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriation, and Finance, chaired by Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building. The Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission (VITCC) officials testified on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget. Additionally, lawmakers voted in the affirmative for two lease agreements between the Government of the Virgin Islands, Role Enterprises, Inc., and the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico. The Committee on Rules and Judiciary will receive all approved items on the agenda for further consideration.

The Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission’s Executive Director, Vernice Gumbs, has identified several key objectives, including the recruitment of new employees, the digital transformation of its paper legacy records into an electronic database, and the fulfillment of stakeholder expectations to improve the efficiency of operations of VITCC. The governor’s proposed budget for FY 2025 is $1,555,707.93. The following is a breakdown of the budget: $445,968 is for personnel, $226,018 is for fringe benefits, $350,235.58 is for vacancies, $5,200 is for supplies, and $528,286.35 is for other services. Gumbs defended the budget, stating that the funds are used to hire employees in the St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John Districts, which will ultimately improve customer services. Senator Frett-Gregory inquired about the number of employees at VITCC and the number of medallions. Gumbs responded by noting that there are five employees throughout the Territory. The Taxi License Fund balance as of June 2024 is $110,897.00, following the deposit of $345,651.17, with respect to revenues collected from liens, taxi medallions, and replacement license plates, among others. There are 1,964 taxi medallions in the Virgin Islands. Senator Milton E. Potter stated that the VITCC is a critical industry and is at a standstill. There are challenges in finding a pathway of progress.

Separately, Senator Frett-Gregory said, “Once the leases are approved, it forges the way for job-creating in the Virgin Islands,” referring to the leasing agreements. Collectively, legislators stated that it enhances tourism product, ATM accessibility, and economic expansion.

• Bill No. 35-0284 – An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement and Role Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Best Car Rental, Parcel No. 294 Estate Contant and Enighed, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, Virgin Islands for the continued operation of a car and jeep rental business, and for other related purposes.
• Bill No. 35-0294 – An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Banco Popular de Puerto Rico for a portion of Lot No. 48b Norre Gade, Kings Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Senators present at today’s committee hearing included Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Marvin A. Blyden, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Javan E. James, Sr., and Carla J. Joseph, Sammuel Carrion, Diane T. Capehart.

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