Delvin Delano Duggins Sr.
P.O. Box 2823
St. Thomas, USVI 00803
dugginsestate@live.com
340-626-7361
November 12, 2025
Mrs. Sheri Meyers
President,
St. Thomas West End Alliance
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802
Subject: Concerns Regarding the Proposed Solar Farm Development in the Fortuna-
Bordeaux Area
Dear President Meyers:
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed solar farm project in the
Fortuna~Bordeaux area. Asa resident of the Fortuna Bay community for over fifty-four vears,
I find it both troubling and disheartening that neither the developer nor the Government of
the Virgin Islands saw fit to hold public consultations or community meetings prior to
advancing sucha significant development proposal.
It has come to my attention that there is now a tentative date of Tuesday, November 18, 2025,
for a lease hearing related to this project in the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, on St. Thomas.
This lack of early engagement leaves our community feeling excluded from decisions that will
directly affect our homes, health, and environment.
Over the years, residents of the West End have faced repeated hardships following storms
—
blocked roadways, downed poles, and debris often cutting us off from access to town for days
at a time. Before any large-scale project proceeds, we deserve clear answers about how it will
impact our already vulnerable infrastructure and environment.
Additionally, I raise serious health and safety questions that remain unanswered. The West
End has been documented as having higher-than-average diabetes rates. Has any study been
conducted to determine possible environmental factors behind this trend? We also have two
existing towers in the area managed by the federal government, and to date, no one has
explained whether these could be linked to the troubling number of cancer cases among West
End residents.
Before we move forward with this project, we must carefully evaluate both the benefits and
risks of installing a large solar facility within a mile of residential properties: 
Delvin Delano Duggins Sr.
P.O. Box 2823
St. Thomas, USVI 00803
dugginsestate@live.com
340-626-7361
Pros of Solar Farms Near Residential Areas
Renewable Energy Source: Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels and
supports the territory’s sustainability goals.
reduced Carbon Emissions: Improves local air quality and contributes to
environmental protection.
Potential Economic Benefits: May create temporary construction jobs and limited
local maintenance employment.
Grid Resilience: Could help stabilize power supply and reduce outages if properly
integrated with WAPA’s grid.
Cons of Solar Farms Near Residential Areas
Visual and Aesthetic Impact: Large panels and fencing may alter the rural, scenic
character of the community.
Heat and Glare Effects: Concentrated solar reflection can affect nearby homes and
vegetation.
Noise and Dust During Construction: Potentially disruptive to residents and wildlife.
Property Value Concerns: Some studies suggest proximity to utility-scale solar farms
can reduce nearby residential property values.
Ecological Impact: Possible harm to native plants and animal habitats if land clearing
is extensive.
Public Transparency Issues: When projects advance without consultation,
communities lose trust in both developers and public agencies.
I have always cherished the tranquillity and natural beauty of the West End, which is why
many of us have worked tirelessly over the years to deter commercial encroachment and
preserve our environment. This proposed solar farm threatens to alter that balance.
I urge the West End Alliance to demand immediate public hearings and full disclosure
regarding the project—its developer, scope, and environmental impact studies
— before any
lease is approved. Our representatives and policymakers owe this community transparency,
respect, and accountability when it comes to decisions that affect our homes, health, and way
of life.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter.
| look forward to hearing how the
Alliance will address these concerns on behalf of our residents.
Respe
Delvin D. Duggins