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MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Members of the Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks The Honorable Carla Joseph, Vice Chair The Honorable Marvin A. Blyden The Honorable Alma Francis Heyliger The Honorable Novelle E. Francis, Jr. The Honorable Franklin D. Johnson The Honorable Avery L. Lewis FROM: Senator At Large Angel L. Bolques, Jr. ___________________ Chairman, Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks DATE: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 RE: AGENDA | Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports and Parks HEARING: Friday, July 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM, Fritz E. Lawaetz Legislative Chamber, St. Croix, USVI The Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks will convene a legislative hearing to examine the financial and operational oversight of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project. The hearing will focus on reviewing the historical and current management of this major territorial capital improvement initiative, with particular attention to financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, procurement processes, and construction progress. BLOCK I: ____________ _ 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM During this Block, the Committee will receive testimony and conduct a comprehensive examination of the financial and administrative oversight of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project. This inquiry will span the past decade and focus on identifying the root causes behind persistent delays, budget overruns, and the current status of project implementation. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will provide an in-depth review of historical funding allocations and expenditures, offering clarity on the fiscal trajectory of the project and identifying any budgeting inconsistencies or reallocations over time. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) will share insights into regulatory oversight, environmental permitting, and compliance with Coastal Zone Management guidelines. Their testimony is expected to reveal how environmental regulations have influenced project pacing and development. The Department of Property and Procurement (DPP) will address procurement strategies, contract management, and any administrative hurdles encountered during the solicitation and oversight of construction contractors, including GEC, LLC. Legislature of the Virgin Islands P.O. BOX 1690 ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 00802 (340) 693-3571 CHAIRMAN Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, and Parks VICE-CHAIRMAN Committee on Economic Development & Agriculture MEMBER Committee of the Whole Committee on Rules & Judiciary Committee on Homeland Security, Justice & Public Safety Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning Sub-Committee on Energy & Infrastructure Development The Honorable Angel Bolques, Jr. Senator-At-Large 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands The Department of Public Works (DPW) will present on the operational coordination and statutory responsibilities related to infrastructure execution. Testimony will cover project milestones, contractor coordination, and the department’s role in ensuring progress accountability. The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR), as the agency with end-user responsibility, will summarize its oversight contributions, facility requirements, and its involvement in guiding the project toward functional utility. The USVI Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR), report on its oversight of funds allocated to the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project. Testimony will cover funding compliance, project monitoring, and coordination with agencies and contractor to ensure timely execution. Representatives from GEC, LLC/Coastal Systems USVI will be required to outline the history of their contractual engagement, change order justifications, and ongoing challenges affecting project delivery. Their testimony will be key to understanding the practical execution of construction tasks and any unresolved issues still affecting completion. This Block seeks to present a full-spectrum view of the operational, fiscal, and regulatory layers of the stadium’s development, with the goal of identifying actionable legislative solutions to move the project forward effectively and responsibly. Invited Testifiers: • Office of Management and Budget (OMB) o Hon. Julio A. Rhymer, Sr., Director • Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) o Hon. Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Commissioner • Department of Property and Procurement (DPP) o Hon. Lisa M. Alejandro, Commissioner • Department of Public Works (DPW) o Hon. Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner • Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR) o Hon. Vincent Roberts, Acting Commissioner • GEC, LLC/Coastal Systems USVI o Mr. John Wessel, Managing Member o Mr. Tim Dempsey, Director of Operations • USVI Office of Disaster Recovery o Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director LUNCH ________ 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM BLOCK II: ____________ 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM This Block will continue the Committee’s in-depth review of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project. Building on the testimonies and findings from the morning session, this segment will allow additional input from invited testifiers and deeper discussion on unresolved issues. The focus will remain on construction progress, fiscal management, interagency coordination, and identifying any further actions needed. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Sincerely, The Honorable Angel Bolques, Jr. Chair, Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, and Parks Senator At Large, 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands Courtesy Copy:____________________________________________________________________________ Cc: All Senators, All Chiefs of Staff, All Divisions of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, All Members of the Virgin Islands Media