GOVERNMENT OF 
THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS 
THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET 
 
                                                                                 No. 5041 Norre Gade 
                                                          Emancipation Gardens Station, 2nd Floor                                         
         Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802 
Telephone: (340) 774-0750 
 
 
 
May 28, 2025 
The Honorable Avery L. Lewis 
Senator, 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands 
Capitol Building, Charlotte Amalie, VI 00801 
 
Re: Absence from Hearing on Bill No. 36-0053 
 
Dear Senator Lewis, 
I am writing to respectfully inform you that I will be unable to attend today’s hearing and 
provide testimony on Bill No. 36-0053, An Act amending Title 3, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 
25, Subchapter V, Section 555b. 
Regrettably, I must prioritize responsibilities stemming from the executive order pursuant to V.I. 
Code tit. 2, § 24 (2019), which mandates the closure of the FY2026 Executive Budget Cycle. As 
you are aware, this cycle concludes today, Friday, May 30, 2025, and necessitates my full 
engagement to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and timely completion of the 
process. 
I sincerely regret any inconvenience my absence may cause and greatly appreciate your 
understanding. Please be rest assured that I remain committed to supporting the legislative 
process and would welcome the opportunity to provide input on this matter at a later date, should 
it be deemed appropriate. 
Thank you for your continued leadership and consideration. 
Respectfully, 
 
Julio A. Rhymer Sr. 
Director 
 
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