Testimony of Enrique Rodriguez
Managing Partner, Submarine Base Warehouse, LLC
Regarding Lease Agreement at Crown Bay Fill
Before the Honorable Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Chairman
Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance
36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Chambers, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Date: December 15, 2025
Good morning, Chairman Senator Francis, and members of the Committee.
Thank you for allowing me to return.
My name is Enrique Rodriguez, appearing on behalf of Submarine Base Warehouse, LLC.
This is my second appearance regarding this lease, and I want to begin by acknowledging the 
Committee’s feedback at the first hearing. We took your concerns seriously. We went back to the table, 
worked closely with the Department of Property and Procurement, and renegotiated the agreement. The
revised lease strengthens protections for the Government, clarifies responsibilities, and reflects the 
guidance provided by this body. I hope the updated version meets your expectations.
The purpose of our request remains straightforward:
To activate long-idle government property, generate reliable revenue for the Territory, support local 
employment, and provide the logistics and storage capacity that St. Thomas urgently needs—especially
given the significant public and private investment now moving through the Virgin Islands economy.
These parcels at Crown Bay Fill have sat without productivity for years. With your approval, they can 
begin contributing to economic activity almost immediately, while the Government retains ownership 
of the land and ultimately gains the full value of all improvements made.
Our commitment is simple: to be responsible stewards of the property, to meet every obligation 
outlined in the lease, and to move quickly so that the community sees tangible progress.
Thank you again for your time, your service, and the opportunity to return with revised terms.
I respectfully ask for your support of Bill No. 36-0205, and I welcome any questions you may have.
Respectfully,
Enrique Rodriguez
Managing Partner
Submarine Base Warehouse, LLC