May 27, 2025 
 
Honorable Avery L. Lewis 
Chairman 
Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection 
35-38 Kronprindsens Gade 
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00801 
RE: Invitation to Testify – Bill NO. 36-0053 
Dear Senator Lewis, 
Thank you for your letter dated May 22, 2025, inviting me to provide testimony before the 36th 
Legislature on Bill No. 36-0053, scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Earle B. 
Ottley Legislative Hall in St. Thomas. 
While I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this important legislative matter, I must 
respectfully decline the invitation. In correspondence dated January 13, 2025, to Senate President 
Milton E. Potter, Government House requested that all invitations for testimony from executive 
branch agencies be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the scheduled hearing date. This 
guidance is intended to ensure that agencies are afforded adequate time to prepare thoughtful, 
comprehensive, and accurate responses. 
As the Division of Personnel received the invitation on May 22, 2025, the notice period does not 
meet the minimum timeframe requested by Government House. 
Should the hearing be rescheduled with the appropriate advance notice, the Division will make 
every effort to appear and provide the relevant testimony. 
Thank you for your understanding. Please feel free to contact my office should you have any 
questions or require further clarification. 
Respectfully, 
 
Cindy L. Richardson