VI Update

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ATTACHMENT A

Collection
Hearing Records
Sub-shelf
Budget, Appropriations and Finance
Kind
Hearing Record
Entity
Legislature of the Virgin Islands
Date
2026
Type
Testimony
Pages
10
Text
Native Text

ATTACHMENT A LEGAL SERVICES OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, INC. (“LSVI”) PRESENTATION TO THE 36th LEGISLATURE OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS JULY 24, 2026 LSVI 2025 RESULTS AND HIGHLIGHTS During the full year 2025, LSVI continued to conduct in-home and hospital visits for senior citizens or other infirmed persons that needed on-site legal assistance. The organization handled more legal matters in 2025 than in 2024. Client intakes occur daily by telephone, on-line, in-person, and at the Mobile Justice Units (MJU). LSVI has increased community education and outreach to the territory’s most vulnerable citizens through its Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). Additionally, LSVI has made substantial progress to increase the number of community stakeholders and partners with whom LSVI participated in collaborative activities. A comparison of LSVI’s case numbers from 2025 with those from 2024 reveals LSVI observed an increase in the number of cases handled by the organization in 2025 over 2024. …

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ATTACHMENT A LEGAL SERVICES OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, INC. (“LSVI”) PRESENTATION TO THE 36th LEGISLATURE OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS JULY 24, 2026 LSVI 2025 RESULTS AND HIGHLIGHTS During the full year 2025, LSVI continued to conduct in-home and hospital visits for senior citizens or other infirmed persons that needed on-site legal assistance. The organization handled more legal matters in 2025 than in 2024. Client intakes occur daily by telephone, on-line, in-person, and at the Mobile Justice Units (MJU). LSVI has increased community education and outreach to the territory’s most vulnerable citizens through its Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). Additionally, LSVI has made substantial progress to increase the number of community stakeholders and partners with whom LSVI participated in collaborative activities. A comparison of LSVI’s case numbers from 2025 with those from 2024 reveals LSVI observed an increase in the number of cases handled by the organization in 2025 over 2024. LSVI attributes its increased case volume to having more attorneys employed, greater awareness, and the Sunny Isles location centrality. 2025 LSVI Case Numbers (January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025) St. Croix St. Thomas Total Intakes 1,210 488 1,726 Cases Closed 866 412 1,278 2024 LSVI Case Numbers (January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024) St. Croix St. Thomas Total Intakes 991 454 1,445 Cases Closed 803 406 1,209 Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands June 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. During 2025, family law matters continued to be the predominant case type encountered by LSVI. LSVI has observed marginal shifts in housing (-2%) and family (+1% ) cases in 2025 over the same period in 2024. The majority of LSVI’s clients continue to be senior citizens (60+) followed by the 26- to 45-year-old adult client cohort. LSVI leverages the organization’s resources and technology to provide quality service in the form of advice, counsel and/or brief services to the vast majority of clients. LSVI engages in full representation when necessary to ensure clients’ rights are protected. LSVI strives to ensure that each client receives “equal access to justice, anytime, anywhere!” Wills/POAs/Directives 23% Family 36% Housing 25% Other/Misc. 2% Employment 4% Consumer 2% Income Maintenance 2% Health 2% Individual Rights 2% Juvenile 2% 2025 LSVI Opened Cases By Legal Problem Code Wills/POAs/Directives Family Housing Other/Misc. Employment Consumer Income Maintenance Health Individual Rights Juvenile Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands June 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. The following chart indicates the age ranges of our clients when they initially engaged with LSVI in 2025: The chart below indicates the level of service provided to each client in 2025: 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 0-17 18-25 26-45 46-59 60+ 2025 LSVI Clients by Age at Intake 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Counsel and Advice Brief Service/Limited Action Negotiated Settlement w/o Litigation Negotiated Settlement w/Litigation Court Decision - Uncontested Court/Agency Decision - Contested Extensive Service Administrative Agency Decision Close Reason 2025 LSVI Closed Cases by Level of Service Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands June 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. LSVI Client Stories A. Domestic Abuse. Domestic violence (DV) continues to be a focal point of the LSVI practice, and LSVI remains committed to representing survivors and those wrongfully accused by parties seeking to weaponize the system. LSVI represented a DV client who was granted a two (2) year permanent restraining order (PRO). In this instance, the client’s neighbor harassed the client on an ongoing and consistent basis and also assaulted her. The LSVI attorney was able to impeach the abuser based on his criminal history and obtained an admission that led to the issuance of a maximum length PRO. In addition to prosecuting DV, LSVI also successfully defends wrongfully accused clients against DV allegations. In one particular matter, LSVI determined that the allegations against the client were false and they were proven at trial to be without substance. The claimant lodged a family law action (custody/visitation) against the client. When the client sought to dismiss that action, or in the alternative, for a more definitive statement since the pleadings were garbled, the claimant retaliated against the client and lodged a fabricated DV complaint. LSVI assumed the representation and the DV matter was dismissed without prejudice. B. Employment Matters. LSVI often encounters matter involving terminated employees and clients with employer-related issues. Many times, these cases are resolved with legal advice or a simple letter (i.e., brief service). However, at times clients require attorney representation and court intervention when the issues cannot be resolved. LSVI has observed meaningful successes negotiating on behalf of clients in employment proceedings before the Department of Labor (“DOL”). LSVI often intercedes on behalf of clients in unemployment and wrongful discharge matters before the DOL on appeal after adverse rulings. Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands June 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. In one particular wrongful discharge and unemployment compensation action in St. Thomas, the client was awarded $3,500.00, despite having been terminated for cause after being written up for violating the employer’s personnel rules. LSVI successfully negotiated a settlement on the eve of trial that permitted the client to receive the award and secure the client’s unemployment benefits. In another employment action, LSVI overcame legal challenges to the client’s termination to obtain an award of $2,750.00. The client filed a Wrongful Discharge claim at the DOL and at the preliminary hearing stage, the employer agreed to a neutral reference (i.e., employer to only report that the client worked there and the client’s position). The client signed a release and a check was tendered to the client. The client remained eligible for unemployment benefits as well. C. Guardianships. LSVI frequently represents clients in guardianship proceedings in each district. While every guardianship action has its own nuanced facts and circumstances, LSVI has been able to successfully obtain appointments and generate positive outcomes for clients. In one particular minor guardianship action, the Superior Court appointed a guardian, despite LSVI being unable to serve the Respondent parent who was purportedly “in the bush”. LSVI obtained a waiver/consent from the Respondent prior to commencing the action, but the Superior Court imputed the Court’s own knowledge of the Respondent to disavow the waiver/consent on grounds that the Respondent lacked the requisite capacity to comprehend the implications of the waiver/consent. The Court directed LSVI to perform service of process upon the Respondent in order to maintain the action, and LSVI commenced motion practice to dispense with the service requirement. Ultimately, LSVI persuaded the Superior Court that service of process would be futile and profligate given the Petitioner’s lack of resources and the Respondent’s extensive history of drug abuse and mental illness. Superior Court granted the guardianship appointment. Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands June 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. In a separate adult guardianship action, LSVI overcame legal challenges related to the court-appointed guardian ad litem (“GAL”) and obtained a guardianship for a client where the ward had limited mental capacity, but was able to function with supervision from the client/parent. The GAL sought to quash the application and eliminate the need for the appointment arguing that a power of attorney would suffice. LSVI outmaneuvered the GAL to secure the guardianship appointment by leveraging testimony from an expert witness and the Department of Human Services (“DHS”). LSVI Community Outreach and Training Generally, LSVI’s advocates are readily available to coordinate their attendance to make presentations at public forums where the organization’s presence is requested or mandated on matters of community legal education and information. In 2025, LSVI performed the following outreach activities: January 2025: • LSVI as a panelist on WSTX 970 AM radio as part of a segment on Medicare Fraud Awareness • Estate Planning & Medicare Fraud Workshop (STT) February 2025: • LSVI presence at the Annual Agricultural Fair all days (STX) • Computer literacy classes (STX) • “Know Your Rights” Workshop at Eudora Kean High School (STT) • Estate Planning & Medicare Fraud Workshop at Hospitality Lounge (STX) March 2025: • Medicare Fraud Awareness Day! – SMP Medicare Fraud Awareness workshop at the Wilfred Pedro Housing Community (STX) • Computer literacy classes (STX) Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands June 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. April 2025: • SMP training at the Apostolic Faith Mission of St. Croix (STX) • SMP training at the SDA Youth Center in Estate Plessen (STX) • Sexual Assault Awareness events at the University of the Virgin Islands Campus (STT) • Sexual Assault Awareness events at the University of the Virgin Islands Campus (STX) • Senior Financial Health & Wellness Conference (STT) • Sexual Assault Awareness Month event styled as “Chalk the Walk” (STT) • Sexual Assault Awareness Month event styled as “WOW Wednesday” (STX) • “Making the Case” radio spot on Isles 95.1 FM on the topic of sexual assault and domestic violence with the Women’s Coalition as a partner on the radio show May 2025: • Celebration of Older Americans’ Month with Citizenship Day mock sessions and a full, formal session with the Virgin Islands Legislature • Medicare Fraud Awareness • LSVI attendance and presence at the Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Fair at the University of the Virgin Islands (STX) • DHS Interagency Informational Fair at Victor’s New Hideout (STX) • Department of Human Services (“DHS”) Interagency Informational Fair at Gertrude’s Restaurant (STX) • DHS EXPO at Tutu Park Mall (STT) • SMP workshop on Medicare Fraud Awareness at the Joseph E. James Housing Community (STX) • SMP Workshop at the LSVI offices (STT/STX) • “Making the Case” on Isles 95 FM on senior citizens’ topics and issues Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands June 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. June 2025: • LSVI presence at the Department of Health/UVI Wellness Fair (STJ) • LSVI presence at the Department of Health/UVI Wellness Fair (STT) • LSVI presence at the Department of Health/UVI Wellness Fair (STX) • “Making the Case” radio spot on Isles 95 FM on the topic of Gun Violence & Prevention & Awareness • Radio spot to promote Medicare Fraud Prevention Week July 2025: • “Making the Case” radio spot on Isles 95 FM to educate on preventing evictions August 2025: • “Making the Case” radio spot on Isles 95 FM presentation on the topic of “Education Rights” • Senior Financial Health and Wellness Conference conducted in English and Haitian Creole at the Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist Church (STT) September 2025: • Elder Justice Conference with AARP (STT) • Estate Planning & Medicare Fraud Workshop at the Celestino White Senior Housing Community (STT) • Estate Planning & Medicare Fraud Workshop at the Ebenezer Gardens Housing Community (STT) • Estate Planning & Medicare Fraud Workshop at the Lucinda Millin Housing Community (STT) • Estate Planning & Medicare Fraud Workshop at the Flambouyant Gardens Housing Community (STX) • Computer literacy classes at Flambouyant Gardens (STX) • “Making the Case” radio spot on Isles 95 FM presentation on the topic of “Disaster Preparedness” Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands June 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. October 2025: • LSVI hosted the annual “Jazz for Justice” event on St. Thomas at “The • Muse” to honor pro bono volunteer attorneys. (STT) • SMP & VISMP Outreach Event • Estate Planning & Medicare Fraud Workshop at Louis E. Brown Senior Villas (STX) • Estate Planning & Medicare Fraud Workshop at the Sunny Isles Housing Community (STX) • Domestic Violence Awareness Month - Territory-Wide to acknowledge DV survivors (STT/STX) • Domestic Violence Marches, Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Vigils (STT/STX) • UVI Victim Remembrance Event (STT) • SMP & VI SHIP open enrollment (STT) • Computer literacy classes for seniors (STT/STX) • Oktoberfest at Sib’s on the Mountain (STT) • Stop Domestic Violence HBCU Power House at UVI (STT) • World Mental Health Day presence at UVI and Frank Pwell Park(STT) • “Making the Case” radio spot on Isles 95 FM to generate awareness about domestic violence for DV Awareness Month. (STT/STX) November 2025: • Domestic Violence Awareness LSVI movie nights at the University of the Virgin Islands where LSVI aired “Abducted at an HBCU” at both campuses (STT/STX) December 2025: • Medicare Fraud & Scams presentation • Estate Planning & Medicare Fraud Workshop Estate Planning & Medicare Fraud Supplemental Enrollment workshop at the Adrian Senior Center • Awareness Workshop at Seventh Day Adventist Women’s Ministry (STX) Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands June 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. The Executive Director acts as an outreach beacon for LSVI as well. She presently serves as a member of the African American Project Directors Association, the Conference Design Committee of the Southeast Project Directors and the Administrators Association. Executive Director Gaddy also serves locally on the Virgin Islands Auto- Expungement Taskforce, the Standing Committee on Indigent Appointments, the Judicial Council for the USVI, the Board of Trustees for the VI Bar Foundation, the VI Board for Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts, the VI Access to Justice Commission and the Access to Justice Committee of the VI Bar Association. LSVI has a standing contract for a daily radio advertising spot to promote the organization’s SMP program and MJU program and create awareness in the local communities. The organization strives to provide high quality civil legal assistance to low income and underserved individuals in the Territory and expresses its gratitude to the Legislature and the community at large for their commitment to service and the advancement of the organization. Thank you for your continued support of equal access to justice!