Testimony on Bill 36-0009 
November 14, 2025 
 
 
Good morning, Senator Avery Lewis, Chairperson of the Committee on 
Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, other 
committee members, as well as senators of the 36th Legislature, ladies and 
gentlemen present, and those in the viewing and listening audience. I am Delia 
Thomas, Virgin Islands Inspector General.  I am here today to offer my full support 
for the passage of Bill No. 36-0009, a resolution honoring and commending Mr. 
Steven van Beverhoudt Sr. for his dedicated service and numerous contributions to 
the people of the Virgin Islands. 
 
From 1989 to 2021, as the Virgin Islands Inspector General, Mr. van Beverhoudt's 
tenure has been characterized by his unwavering dedication to enhancing 
government operations. He was responsible for issuing at least 74 reports and 
making 690 recommendations to various departments and agencies aimed at 
improving government operations.  
 
The investigations initiated and supported under his tenure resulted in at least 354 
counts and 14 convictions. The types of government fraud charges filed included 
bribery, conflict of Interest, conspiracy, conversion of government funds, conversion 
of government property, embezzlement, extortion, forgery, fraudulent claims against 
the government, grand larceny, mail fraud, money laundering, obtaining money by 
false pretense, payroll fraud, perjury, program fraud, and wire fraud. All of which 
demonstrated his commitment to government integrity and the well-being of our 
community.  
 
Additionally, his commitment to the future of the Virgin Islands Inspector General's 
Office is evident, as he is responsible for six current employees obtaining their 
certifications as Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE).  This has contributed to ensuring 
the high-quality service he has set as an example.  
 
Furthermore, as is evident to everyone who traverses the lower Main Street and 
Savan area, he took pride in the physical upkeep of the government-owned building 
that occupies the Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General. The exterior of the 
building serves the community positively, and the interior provides a safe and 
positive environment for employees.   
 
As an employee who joined the Office in 1989, I know Mr. van Beverhoudt to be a 
humble person, committed to his profession, and dedicated to the progress of his 
employees. He is not one to ask or expect such an honor.  However, this is an honor 
well deserved.  Also, the timing could not have been more perfect, as International 
Fraud Awareness Week starts in two days, on November 16, 2025. 
 
As a Virgin Islander, I am proud. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of future 
generations learning about exemplary individuals in our community who attended 
the same schools, churches, and community centers, thereby providing them with 
inspiration and a sense of hope for their own futures.   
 
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be here today. This 
concludes my testimony.