VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY



Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority

8000 Nisky Center, Suite |



St. Thomas, VI 00802



Phone (340)202-1221



Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority

1AH Estate Diamond, Suites 1&2

Christiansted, St. Croix VI 00820

Phone (340)202-1221



April 15, 2026



The Honorable Novelle E. Francis, Jr.



Chairman, Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance

36" Legislature of the Virgin Islands



3022 Estate Golden Rock



Christiansted, United States Virgin Islands 00820



Dear Senator Francis:



I am writing to acknowledge receipt of the invitation to provide testimony at the Committee on Budget,

Appropriations and Finance hearing regarding Bill No. 36-0257 an act transferring the eastern portion of Parcel No.

2C Estate Ross, 8 New Quarter, St. Thomas, from the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority to the Virgin

Islands Department of Education for use by the Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS).



Unfortunately, due to previous commitments, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to attend the hearing

scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St.

Croix.



Nevertheless, the Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery fully endorses Bill No. 36-0257. Charlotte Amalie

High School is one of the most historic educational institutions in the territory. The school is located in an extremely

busy corridor, which increases the complexity of construction schedules and heightens the risk of disrupting the

surrounding community and active learning environments. The acquisition of this property will provide

supplementary swing space to facilitate the reconstruction of the new school. Once construction is complete, the

property will be utilized as additional space for learning, parking, and to fulfill other school requirements.



Restoring CAHS is a significant and proud chapter in our history and reconstruction efforts. I commend the bill’s

sponsor, Senator Avery L. Lewis, for his foresight, diligence, and willingness to address issues impacting the



reconstruction of our schools and the execution of federally funded projects. I fully recognize the urgency and

significance of the matters to be discussed and am hopeful that this legislation will be looked upon favorably.



C: Senator Avery L. Lewis, 36" Legislature of the Virgin Islands



Respectfully,



Director