P.O. Box 4355, Kingshill VI, 00851     
chair@stxchamber.org    
 
 
Tel: 340-718-1435  
  stxchamber.org  
 
 
 
 
October 6, 2025 
 
VIA EMAIL  
The Honorable Novelle E. Francis, Jr. 
Chairman, Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance 
nfrancis@legvi.org  
ST. CROIX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S WRITTEN TESTIMONY ON BILL 36-0083 
Dear Chairman Francis: 
The St. Croix Chamber of Commerce strongly supports Bill No. 36-0083, which 
establishes a 90-day amnesty period for the waiver of penalties for payment of outstanding 
property taxes, income taxes, and gross receipts taxes to assist taxpayers and businesses recovering 
from the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and Tropical Storm Ernesto.  
It is obvious to every Virgin Islander that the business community has been burdened by 
crippling inflation and a business unfriendly environment for some time. We have observed small 
and large business alike – from mom-and-pop shops to big box stores—close their doors to stop 
the onslaught. Good government necessitates swift and decisive action to offset the economic 
hardship being felt by all taxpayers, whether they are individuals or businesses. Bill No. 36-0083 
does just that: it provides an economic life raft and shot in the arm right when business need it 
most.  
The St. Croix business community applauds Senators Kenneth L. Gittens and Novelle E. 
Francis, Jr. for the economic leadership and compassion shown by their decision to cosponsor Bill 
No. 36-0083. It will benefit the business community greatly and should be enacted right away.  
 
Very truly yours,  
/s/ Akeel St. Jean 
Akeel St. Jean, Esq. 
Chairman