TESTIMONY OF ATTORNEY GENERAL 
GORDON C. RHEA, ESQ.  
THIRTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY, JUSTICE, AND PUBLIC 
SAFETY 
IN RE:  BILL NO. 36-0139 
FEBRUARY 13, 2026 
 
 
Good day, Chairman Clifford Joseph, Committee on Homeland Security, 
Justice and Public Safety members, other Senators, Legislative staff, and the 
listening and viewing audiences. I am Attorney General Gordon Rhea. It is an honor 
and a privilege to appear before you today.  
 
The Department of Justice appreciates the opportunity to review and provide 
comments on Bill No. 36-0139. Although the stated purpose of Bill No. 36-0139 is 
to amend title 31 of the Virgin Islands Code, chapters 20 and 21, to assess civil 
liability for destruction or damage to government property through willful or 
negligent acts, the Department of Justice believes this measure is duplicative and, 
therefore, unnecessary. Here, the Department of Justice agrees with the Department 
of Property and Procurement. There are currently remedies available, including 
enforcing internal departmental policies and procedures and, if needed, filing civil 
actions, as permitted by the Code.  
Presentation Testimony of Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea
Bill No. 36-0139  Committee on Rules and Judiciary  
February 13, 2026
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For example, the penalties and financial responsibility for misconduct and 
currently codified 
in Title 31 of the Virgin Islands Code, Section 167. Additionally, civil actions are 
another available remedy to recover damages for destruction or damage to 
government property. Finally, Departments and Agencies within the Government of 
the Virgin Islands should have formal policies regarding the use and misuse of 
government property, including vehicles. By giving individual Departments and 
Agencies the autonomy to resolve these matters in-house, claims can be resolved 
more quickly and efficiently, reducing costs. Matters that cannot be resolved 
internally should be escalated through the remaining available avenues.  
Duplicative laws should be avoided, as they are an inefficient use of resources 
and can lead to significant problems, including confusion and inconsistency in the 
law and arbitrary enforcement.  
I thank the Committee for allowing the Department of Justice to testify on Bill 
No. 36-0139. This concludes my formal remarks. I welcome any questions you may 
have.