TESTIMONY OF KEVIN MCCURDY 
 COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE 
TO THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, VETERANS AFFAIRS,  
CONSUMER PROTECTION 
MARCH 23, 2026 
 
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Good Morning, Chairman Lewis, esteemed members of the Committee, and those listening and 
viewing. My name is Kevin McCurdy, and I am honored to appear before you today in support 
of Bill No. 36-0233. Joining me today are fellow Commission Member Julio Rhymer and 
Executive Director Raymond Williams. We have also submitted a presentation, which outlines 
the strategic, operational, and financial foundation supporting this legislation and the Lottery's 
continued evolution as a modern, revenue-generating enterprise. 
  
This legislation seeks to formally recognize the Virgin Islands Lottery as the autonomous entity 
it has effectively operated as for nearly 90 years. The Lottery functions without reliance on 
central government appropriations, while consistently returning nearly 80 percent of its proceeds 
to the Territory, and supporting education, healthcare, the Government Employees Retirement 
System (GERS), veterans' services, and a wide range of community initiatives. 
  
By way of background, at our September 4, 2025, meeting, the Commission authorized the 
Executive Director to pursue the necessary statutory amendments. The resulting draft was 
prepared in consultation with legal counsel, thoroughly reviewed by the Commission, and 
submitted to the Governor's Office before being forwarded to the Legislature. This bill is the 
product of a deliberate and collaborative process. 
  
As you will notice in the submitted presentation, the Lottery operates in a revenue-driven 
environment that requires timely decision-making, responsiveness, and flexibility, conditions 
that are constrained by the current framework. 
  
Bill No. 36-0233 addresses these issues by clearly establishing the Lottery as an autonomous 
public corporation while maintaining full accountability to both the Governor and the 
Legislature. This structure aligns with proven models across multiple jurisdictions and is 
designed to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen governance, and maximize revenue. 
  
In closing, this legislation aligns the law with the Virgin Islands Lottery's operational realities 
and positions it to perform more effectively in the Territory's best interest. 
  
Thank you for your time and consideration.