1 Testimony to the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance Bill No. 36-0092 November 4, 2025 October 28, 2025 Honorable Novelle E. Francis, Jr. Chairman Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall Capitol Building Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00804 Good day, Honorable Chairman Novelle E. Francis, Jr., members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, and the listening audience. On behalf of the St. John Taxi Services Corporation, I extend my appreciation for the opportunity to provide this follow-up testimony since our last appearance before this honorable body on June 18, 2025, in support of the proposed 20-year lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the St. John Taxi Services Corporation. Since that hearing, I am pleased to report significant progress in strengthening the organizational structure and governance of the Association. • Membership Growth: The Association welcomed two (2) new members, increasing total membership to thirty-six (36) licensed drivers who continue to serve the residents and visitors of St. John with professionalism and dedication. One member joined on June 12, 2025, and another on October 13, 2025. • Formalized Board of Directors: A formal Board of Directors has been established, consisting of four (4) members responsible for governance, oversight, and policy direction. These members were elected by majority vote on June 25, 2025. Notably, one of the elected board members was a non-member at the time of election and has since become a member of the St. John Taxi Services Corporation, further strengthening our leadership structure. • Corporate Filings: In alignment with our commitment to transparency and legal compliance, the Association filed its amended Articles of Incorporation and updated Bylaws with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor on October 15, 2025. These filings officially document organizational updates and reaffirm our nonprofit status and accountability to both members and the broader community In addition to our internal progress, the Association continues to demonstrate its dedication to community service. Most recently, we donated toward the purchase of uniforms for the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, supporting youth programs that promote teamwork, discipline, and local pride. This contribution reflects our ongoing 2 Testimony to the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance Bill No. 36-0092 November 4, 2025 commitment to reinvesting in the people and institutions that enrich the St. John community. The St. John Taxi Services Corporation remains steadfast in its mission to provide safe, reliable, and community-oriented transportation services. Our members continue to operate daily from the Cruz Bay Taxi Stand, maintaining high service standards and supporting local tourism and economic activity. We respectfully reiterate our request for the Legislature’s favorable consideration of the 20- year lease for the St. John Taxi Stand. The stability of a long-term lease remains essential to achieving our long-term goals, which include infrastructure improvements, enhanced passenger facilities, and continued collaboration with community partners and local schools. In closing, we thank this Committee for its continued support and oversight. The progress we have made since June reflects our commitment to good governance, responsible management, and service to the people of St. John. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we work together to ensure safe, sustainable, and community-based transportation for years to come. Thank you, Honorable Chairman Francis, and members of the Committee, for your time and consideration. Respectfully submitted, Sean L. Claxton President St. John Taxi Services Corporation