Testimony on Bill 36-0009 
March 23, 2026 
 
 
Good morning, Senator Avery Lewis, Chairperson of the Committee on 
Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection; other 
committee members; other 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 for improvement to various departments and 
agencies.  
 
The investigations initiated under his tenure resulted in at least 354 counts and 14 
convictions. 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. His commitment to upholding 
government integrity was rooted in his commitment to transparency.  
 
He exhibited an unwavering commitment to building an independent and trusted 
Virgin Islands Inspector General's Office, which entailed over 10 years of hard work, 
research, and lobbying to advance legislation toward this end and to serve this 
community better.   His successful effort would not have been possible without the 
courageous support of this body on December 14, 1999, when the 23rd Legislature 
provided the override, thereby creating Act 6333, The Office of the VI Inspector 
General in its current form.   
 
In addition to contributing to the office’s structural existence, Mr. van Beverhoudt 
dedicated himself to supporting his staff's professional development to strengthen 
the work product.  As a result, he left behind six employees who had earned their 
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation.    
 
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 building's 
exterior benefits the community, and its interior provides a safe, positive 
environment for employees.   
 
As an employee who joined the office in 1989, I have always known Mr. van 
Beverhoudt to be a humble person, dedicated to his family, his profession, and his 
employees' progress. He is not the kind of person who would ask for or expect such 
an honor.  But it's an honor well deserved. 
 
As a Virgin Islander, I am proud to have had the opportunity, to have this lived 
experience, working alongside a true Virgin Islands hero.  Future generations will 
learn about the exemplary person that he is and his works, and be inspired by his 
life.   
 
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be here today.  And, 
congratulations, Steve. Well deserved.  
 
This concludes my testimony.