ATTACHMENT A LEGAL SERVICES OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, INC. PRESENTATION TO THE 36th LEGISLATURE OF THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS August 15, 2025 2024 STATISTICS During the full year 2024, with a new federal administration and the COVID- 19 pandemic in the rearview mirror, Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. (LSVI) has continued to conduct in-home and hospital visits for housebound senior citizens or other infirmed persons that need on-site legal assistance. Client intakes occur daily by telephone, on-line, in-person, and at the Mobile Justice Units. LSVI has increased community education and outreach to the territory’s most vulnerable citizens through its Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) along with the Project Directors for Elder Law, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). Additionally, LSVI has made substantial progress to increase the number of community stakeholders and partners with whom we have participated in collaborative activities. A comparison of LSVI’s case numbers for 2024 with the case numbers for 2023 reveals a marginal increase of client cases opened year to year from 1,393 in 2023 to 1,412 in 2024. In 2024, the cases opened increased by < 2% over 2023. During the 2024 calendar year, the St. Croix office had 952 cases while the St. Thomas office had 460 cases for a total of 1,412 cases for the 2024 year. This is likely due, in part, to the consistency of the intake processes. Overall, the organization witnessed a marginal increase in case numbers in 2024 as compared to the same time periods in 2023 even with a fewer number of attorney resources in 2024. Moreover, in Q1 and Q2 2025, LSVI has observed roughly an 18% increase in cases as compared to the same time period for Q1 and Q2 2024. The majority of LSVI’s clients continue to be senior citizens (60+) followed by the 26–45-year-old adult client cohort. Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Page 2 of 12 2 During the 2024-year, family law matters surpassed estate planning and are now the predominant case type. LSVI has observed marked increases in housing (+17%) and family (+18%) cases so far in 2025 over the same period in 2024. LSVI continues to maximize the organization’s resources to provide advice and counsel and/or brief services to the vast majority of the clients. However, LSVI will indeed engage in full representation when and where necessary to ensure that the rights of our clients are protected. LSVI strives to ensure that each client receives equal access to justice, anytime, anywhere! The following chart provides a breakdown of LSVI’s 2024 cases by the legal issue clients faced: Wills/POAs/Directives 23% Family 35% Housing 27% Other/Misc. 2% Employment 4% Consumer 3% Income Maintenance 2% Health 1% Individual Rights 1% Juvenile 2% 2024 Opened Cases By Legal Problem Code Wills/POAs/Directives Family Housing Other/Misc. Employment Consumer Income Maintenance Health Individual Rights Juvenile Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Page 3 of 12 3 The following chart indicates the age ranges of our clients when they initially engaged with LSVI in 2024: The chart below indicates the level of service provided to each client in 2024: 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 0-17 18-25 26-45 46-59 60+ 2024 Clients by Age at Intake Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Page 4 of 12 4 Client Stories A. Domestic Abuse. A domestic violence (DV) incident occurred involving the client and the abuser. The pair share two children. The DV, which included both verbal and physical abuse, was a recurring pattern that was ongoing for three (3) years prior to the incident. The police were called when the abuser had assaulted the client in the past. The client and the abuser had formally broken up and separated, and since the separation the abuser had become very difficult, verbally abusive and refused to assist with their children and/or the children’s care bills, etc. The pair had been co- parenting their children using an alternating schedule since Fall 2024. Prior to that, and since their separation the client had been parenting their children on the client’s own. On the incident date, the abuser battered their child over the child’s refusal to cooperate during a bath, which left visible bruising and darkened marks on the child’s thighs and extremities. The beating was corroborated by photographs of the child’s visible injuries and the abuser’s text message(s) to the client. A further domestic violence incident with the same parties occurred after the client retreated to the abuser’s grandmother's house because of gun shots in the client’s housing community. The abuser became aggressive and upset about the client desiring to 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Counsel and Advice Brief Service/Limited Action Negotiated Settlement w/o Litigation Negotiated Settlement w/Litigation Court Decision - Uncontested Court/Agency Decision - Contested Extensive Service Administrative Agency Decision Close Reason 2024 Closed Cases by Level of Service Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Page 5 of 12 5 return to her own home with their children after the commotion from the shooting had subsided. The abuser stormed the home and banged on the door, making threats of violence and terror that were overheard by the neighboring unit. The neighbor feared for the client’s safety and called the police and made a recording of his threats to “shoot the place up”. The client visited the police station after the cops did not arrive timely and informed VIPD about the DV and the child abuse. The abuser was arrested. The client subsequently lodged a DV claim and LSVI assumed the representation. The matter proceeded to trial and a DV trial was had before the Honorable Yolan Brow Ross. The abuser was represented by counsel. The client prevailed at trial and the Superior Court awarded her a six (6) month permanent restraining order (PRO) finding that DV had occurred despite her testifying that she did not sustain any physical injury. LSVI has been able to obtain numerous permanent restraining orders for domestic violence survivors. In instances where there is physical violence the organization customarily obtain Pros for the maximum two-year period. The organization will continue to intercede on their behalf when clients seek a PRO on the merits and the facts and evidence support their claim(s). B. Employment Matters. An LSVI client was terminated from employment with a local 501(c)(3). The client filed for unemployment insurance pro se and the claim was denied by the Department of Labor (DOL). LSVI intervened on behalf of the employee and lodged an appeal with the DOL. The employer retained counsel on the eve of trial and thereafter the progression of the matter stalled with motion practice, new discovery deadlines and a remote date for a trial. The employer alleged that the client had been terminated for misconduct and absenteeism pursuant to its employment manual. The employee alleged wrongful termination and a pattern of discrimination. With the lines drawn, the client was advised of employee rights and remedies and LSVI began preparation for a trial. During the course of discovery, LSVI was able to negotiate a settlement of all claims, which resulted in the client receiving two lump sum installments in lieu of dropping the unemployment and wrongful termination claims. In discovery, LSVI had determined that the employer as a “reimbursing employer” would have had to reimburse the Department of Labor for the employee’s unemployment insurance award. LSVI leveraged this finding to calculate various Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Page 6 of 12 6 payout scenarios and negotiate a favorable settlement for the client. The calculations revealed that the employer would have paid out more from a successful unemployment appeal (i.e., the award and attorneys’ fees, etc.) than if it settled the case. And the client agreed to the settlement because it allowed the client to receive a lump sum pay-out. The client desperately needed the lump-sum to cauterize cascading debt and expenses and to support the client’s family. C. Eviction Prevention and Housing Stability. LSVI is committed to preserving tenants’ rights and promoting housing stability in the Territory. LSVI recently represented several tenants in forcible entry, detainer, and restitution (“FED”) actions in the Virgin Islands Superior Court’s Magistrate Division. In one such FED action, LSVI obtained an early dismissal by lodging a pre-answer motion to dismiss in advance of the initial court appearance on the grounds that the client had vacated which rendered the action moot. LSVI had coordinated with local housing providers to identify and secure replacement housing for the client in advance of the court hearing. This avoided the need for an appearance altogether and helped support judicial economy. In two additional FED actions, LSVI assumed full representation and appeared in the Superior Court on behalf of clients in nonpayment FED actions. In the first action, LSVI was able to reach a favorable settlement of the matter that allowed the client and the client’s family to remain in possession of the unit for an additional forty-five (45) days after the third hearing in the matter. Additionally, as part of the settlement, the client received $3,000.00 or roughly four (4) months’ rent to assist the client with moving costs and relocation expenses, etc. In the second action, LSVI also reached a settlement whereby the client remained in possession of the unit and through negotiation entered into a stipulated installment plan to satisfy rent arrears in exchange for a promise from the landlord to complete repairs and discontinue the action when the tenant satisfied the arrears. LSVI has also assisted tenant’s in obtaining repairs in numerous L&T matters by drafting notices and demand letters as well as acting as an escrow agent for tenants who desire to withhold their rent to gain leverage against landlords who Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Page 7 of 12 7 neglect to perform repairs and/or permit units to become uninhabitable. By withholding rent, a landlord has incentive to make repairs and service the unit. Often landlords insist that they do not have the money for repairs. This practice justifiably places the emphasis on the application of the tenants’ rents or a portion thereof toward repair and rehabilitation costs. The organization shall continue to provide high quality civil legal assistance to the low income and underserved community in the Territory and expresses our sincere gratitude to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands for its commitment to service and the advancement of the organization. Community Outreach and Training Generally, LSVI’s advocates are readily available to coordinate their attendance to make presentations at public forums where the organization’s presence is requested or mandated on matters of community legal education and information. In 2024, LSVI participated in the following outreach activities: January 2024: • LSVI Attendance at the LSC-Innovation and Technology Conference in Charlotte, NC (Required by LSC Grant) Attorney Dyer and Kenneth Guye February 2024: • Annual Agricultural Fair in St. Croix from Day 1 through Day 3, Various LSVI Staff. • Tenant’s Rights Presentations at Paul M. Pearson Gardens in St. Thomas (ERAP) and D. Hamilton Jackson Terrace and Alfonso “Piggy” Gerard Homes in St. Croix (ERAP) Attorneys Beighle and Coe. March 2024: • Tenant’s Rights Presentations at Marley Homes in St. Croix (ERAP) and Contant Knolls in St. Thomas (ERAP), Attorneys Beighle and Coe Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Page 8 of 12 8 • Senior Financial Health and Wellness Presentation, St. Joseph’s Church in St. Croix, Cherise Calderon, Jennifer Logie, Tiffany Henry, Attorney Parker (SMP) • Senior Medicare Patrol Presentation at Estate St. John in St. Croix, Jennifer Logie (SMP) • Senior Medicare Patrol Presentation at Altoona Baptist Church in St. Croix, Jennifer Logie (SMP) • Senior Financial Health and Wellness Presentation, Beeston Hill Wesleyan Holiness Church in St. Croix, Attorney Parker, Tiffany Henry and Jennifer Logie. • Sexual Assault Awareness Month Presentation, Complex High School, St. Croix, Attorney Parker. April 2024: • Agency Recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month • LSVI granted a scholarship for a staff attorney to attend the National Institute of Trial Attorneys-Building Trial Skills in Denver, Colorado for free • LSVI presence and attendance at the End Violence Against Women International Conference in San Diego, California, Attorney Gaddy and Tiffany Henry • Mobile Justice Unit at University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix • Sexual Assault Awareness Month Presentation, Eudora Keen High School, St. Thomas, Attorneys Beighle and Ready • Wear Teal for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, St. Thomas and St. Croix, with all staff participating. • Sexual Assault Awareness Month Presentation, Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas. Beighle and Ready • Shine the Light Community Presentation – Sexual Assault Awareness Month, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Attorney Ready. • Chalk the Walk – Sexual Assault Awareness Month, St. Thomas, Attorney Ready. Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Page 9 of 12 9 • Shining A Light on Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Community Motorcade – Sexual Assault Awareness Month, St. Thomas, all staff. • Sexual Assault Awareness Month Presentation, Central High School, St. Croix, Attorney Parker. • Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinating 2024, St. Croix, Attorney Parker • VI-WAPA – Virtual Presentation on Estate Planning Day 1, Attorney Gaddy • VI-WAPA- Virtual Presentation on Estate Planning Day 2, Attorney Beighle • AARP Presentation, University of the Virgin Islands (Advanced Directives), Attorney Parker • LSVI Radio Spot – An Interview with the Executive Director and Sheelene Gumbs, Director of Crisis Intervention Services (Women’s Coalition) May 2024: • Celebration of Older American Month • LSVI Attendance at the NLADA Equal Justice Conference in Detroit, Michigan, Kenneth Guye and Attorneys Dyer and Gaddy • SMP, Estate Planning & Elder Abuse Presentation at Genip Gardens Housing Community, Jennifer Logie and Attorney Parker • DHS – Citizenship Day Preparation and Training, Attorneys Parker and Gaddy • DHS – Citizenship Day at the V.I. Legislature, Attorney Parker • LSVI attendance at the Conference on Crimes Against Women in Dallas, Texas, Attorney Ready and Velma Fahie • Medicare Fraud Awareness Day at Joseph E. James Terrace Housing, Jennifer Logie • Medicare Fraud Awareness Day at Wilfred Pedro Homes (STX), Jennifer Logie • Three-Day Computer Training Class for the local community and seniors • LSVI Radio Spot – Estate Planning and Medicare Fraud - Interview with the LSVI Executive Director, Jennifer Logie and Attorney Parker June 2024: Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Page 10 of 12 10 • Medicare Fraud Awareness Presentation at the John F. Kennedy Terrace Housing Community (STX), Jennifer Logie • Medicare Fraud Awareness Presentation at The Church of God 7th Day (STX), Jennifer Logie • Radio Presentation for Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (SMP), Jennifer Logie • Landlord-Tenant Presentation at Local Housing Community (STX) Williams Delight Villas, Attorney Coe • Landlord-Tenant Presentation at Local Housing Community (STT) Bovoni Apartments , Attorney Beighle July 2024: • ADA EXPO on Disaster Preparedness at the University of the Virgin Islands (STT), Jennifer Logie and Attorney Ready • ADA EXPO on Disaster Preparedness at the University of the Virgin Islands (STX) Jennifer ready and Natasha Orr • LSVI attendance at the National Association of Legal Assistants Conference & Expo in Louisville, KY, Cherise Calderon • LSVI Attendance at the SMP and SHIP Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA (Required by SMP Grant) Jennifer Logie, Kenneth Guye and Tiffany Henry August 2024: • LSVI Radio Spot – ERAP and Housing Issues addressed in an Interview with the LSVI Executive Director • Landlord-Tenant Presentation for Local Housing Communities at the Walter IM Hodge Pavilion (STX) Attorney Sanders • Senior Medical Patrol Medicare Presentation at Flambuoyant Gardens (STX) Jennifer Logie and Tiffany Henry • LSVI Attendance at the Southeast Project Directors and Administrators Association Annual Conference in St. Pete Beach, FL, Executive Director, Kenneth Guye, Maribel Gray and Sonia Ewers Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Page 11 of 12 11 • LSVI Attendance at the Annual Technology Summit-Safety Net Project on Technology, Safety and Domestic Violence in Washington, DC, Attorney Sanders September 2024: • SMP Medicare Fraud Presentation at the Ebenezer Gardens Housing Community (STT) Jennifer Logie • SMP Medicare Fraud Presentation at the Louis E. Browne Senior Residence (STX) Jennifer Logie • SMP Medicare Fraud Presentation at the D. Hamilton Jackson Housing CommunityJennifer Logie • SMP Medicare Fraud Presentation at the (STT) Michael J. Kerwin Terrace Housing CommunityJennifer Logie • LSVI Radio Spot – Interview with the LSVI Executive Director on the topic of affordable housing programs and remedies October 2024: • Domestic Violence Awareness Month Presentation at John H. Woodson Junior High School (STX) Attorney Gaddy, Cherise Calderon and Jennifer Logie • Domestic Violence Awareness Month Presentation at the Richmond Senior Center (STX) Attorney Gaddy, Jennifer Logie and Tiffany Henry • Domestic Violence Awareness Month Presentation at the Strive Senior Center (STT) Attorney Gaddy and Jennifer Logie • Making the Case Radio Spot – LSVI Executive Director with Darlene Springer from the Virgin Islands Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council • SMP Medicare Fraud Presentation at the Celestino White Senior Housing Community (STT) Jennifer Logie, Attorney Gaddy and Tiffany Henry • Landlord-Tenant Presentation at Oswald Harris Court Housing Community (STT) Jennifer Logie, Attorney Gaddy and Tiffany Henry • Landlord-Tenant Presentation at Candido Guadalupe Terrace Housing Community (STX) Attorney Sanders Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. Presentation to the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Page 12 of 12 12 November 2024: • SMP Medicare Fraud Radio Presentation on WSTA 1340 Radio Station Jennifer Logie • LSVI Attendance at the NLADA Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA, Attorneys Gaddy and Sanders and Kenneth Guye December 2024: • Medicare Fraud Prevention Presentation at Lagoon Pavilion in St. Croix by Jennifer Logie Additionally, LSVI staff participated in virtual meetings with the Women’s Coalition and Virgin Islands Housing Authority program coordinating committee. The Executive Director served as the Vice-President of the African American Project Directors and on the Conference Design Committee of the Southeast Project Directors and Administrators Association. ED Gaddy also serves on the Virgin Islands Auto-Expungement Taskforce; the Standing Committee on Indigent Appointments, the Judicial Council for the USVI; the Board of Trustees for the VI Bar Foundation; the VI Board for Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts; the VI Access to Justice Commission and the Access to Justice Committee of the VI Bar. Further, LSVI has a contract for a daily radio advertising spot to promote our SMP program and MJU program.