January 23, 2026 
Honorable Justa Encarnacion 
Commissioner 
Virgin Islands Department of Health 
1303 Hospital Ground 
Charles Harwood Memorial Complex 
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802 
Re: Invitation to Testify – Aging with Dignity: Oversight of Nursing Homes and CMS Certification Readiness 
in the Virgin Islands 
Dear Commissioner Encarnacion, 
As Chair of the Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, and Parks, I respectfully invite you to testify during Block 
I of the Committee hearing scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Earle B. 
Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. 
This oversight hearing, entitled “Aging with Dignity: Oversight of Nursing Homes and CMS Certification 
Readiness in the Virgin Islands,” will examine the operational conditions of all government and privately 
operated nursing homes and long-term care facilities throughout the Territory. 
The Committee will assess quality of care, staffing adequacy, infrastructure conditions, occupancy rates, 
financial sustainability, and compliance with territorial licensing and regulatory standards. Particular attention 
will be given to identifying systemic gaps and risks affecting the health, safety, and dignity of our elderly 
population. 
Additionally, the Committee will evaluate each facility’s progress toward CMS certification and readiness to 
meet federal Conditions of Participation, including barriers to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, 
infrastructure deficiencies, and corrective actions necessary to secure sustainable federal funding. 
Your testimony is essential as we work to strengthen accountability, elevate care standards, and safeguard the 
well-being of the Virgin Island’s aging community. 
Please submit written testimony at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. Should you require further information, 
please contact my office directly. I look forward to your participation in this important discussion. 
Respectfully, 
 
 
The Honorable Angel Bolques, Jr. 
Chair, Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, and Parks 
Senator At Large, 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands 
 
Legislature of the Virgin Islands 
 
P.O. BOX 1690 
 
ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 00802 
 
(340) 693-3571 
 
CHAIRMAN 
Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports & Parks 
 
VICE-CHAIRMAN 
Committee on Economic Development & Agriculture 
 
MEMBER 
Committee of the Whole 
Committee on Rules & Judiciary 
Committee on Homeland Security, Justice & Public Safety 
Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure & Planning 
Sub-Committee on Energy & Infrastructure Development 
The Honorable 
Angel Bolques, Jr. 
Senator-At-Large 
 36th Legislature of  the Virgin Islands