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T H E D E P A R T M E N T O F S P O R T S , P A R K S & RECREATION V I N C E N T R O B E R T S C O M M I S S I O N E R THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION & TELECOMMUNICATIONS February 11, 2026 Page | 1 Good day, Honorable Senator Marvin Blyden, Chairman of the Committee on Housing, Transportation & Telecommunications, members of the Committee, Honorable Senators of the 36th Legislature, and listening and viewing audience. I am Vincent L. Roberts, Commissioner of the Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation (DSPR). Thank you for the opportunity to testify regarding the proposed acceptance of real property owned by the St. Croix Renaissance Group, LLLP (SCRG) in lieu of outstanding real property taxes pursuant to Title 33, Section 2494a of the Virgin Islands Code, and the Department’s intended recreational use of the roadway parcels for the proposed Uston Cornelius Bike Coasting Park. The Department views this proposal as consistent with our statutory mandate to expand public recreational opportunities throughout the Territory. Title 33 V.I.C. §2494a, subsection (6) requires the Government agency to accept the property to identify the intended public use. The Department has reviewed the statutory framework and formally confirms: The property will be used exclusively for public recreational purposes like the proposed Uston Cornelius Bike Coasting Park. We are proposing the facility be named in honor of current Police Chief Uston Cornelius, who established and has coordinated the annual bike coasting competitions that have become a community tradition. In an effort to curb violence, Chief Cornelius has provided our children with a meaningful recreational activity. Page | 2 This use aligns directly with DSPR’s statutory mission under Titles 3 and 32 of the Virgin Islands Code to provide safe and accessible recreational opportunities for residents. The parcels identified consist primarily of roadway corridors and associated rights-of- way, which inherently limit the type of development that can occur on them. As such, DSPR intends to develop the parcels as a structured outdoor recreation facility designed specifically for bike coasting events. The property is envisioned as a controlled downhill riding environment utilizing the natural grade of the roadway network. This adaptive use allows the Government to convert otherwise limited-use infrastructure into a safe, organized recreational venue for the public. DSPR continues to coordinate with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor regarding: • Parcel identification and survey verification • Title confirmation • Easement clarification • Land use designation for Government recreational purposes The Department’s October 21, 2025, correspondence confirmed DSPR’s willingness to accept jurisdiction of the parcels exclusively for recreational purposes. The letter formally documented Government intent regarding public use as contemplated under the statute. Upon transfer, the property will be recorded as Government-owned recreational land under DSPR jurisdiction, ensuring it remains dedicated to public use. Page | 3 Conclusion The Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation fully supports the acceptance of the SCRG roadway parcels transfer pursuant to 33 V.I.C. §2494a and is prepared to assume jurisdiction for public recreational use. Thank you for the opportunity to testify. I am available to answer any questions the Committee may have.