February 9, 2026  
The Honorable Senator Avery Lewis 
Thirty (36th) Legislature of the Virgin Islands  
Capitol Building  
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802  
 
Re: Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection 
Bill No. 36-0226: Honoring Janet Brow-Phillips 
 
Good morning, Chairman of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and 
Consumer Protection, the Honorable Senator Avery L. Lewis; distinguished members of the 
Committee; Senators of the 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands; legislative staff; 
members of the media; and the listening and viewing public. 
Pursuant to your invitation, on behalf of the Department of Tourism, I am pleased to provide 
testimony regarding Bill No. 36-0226, honoring and commending Mrs. Janet Brow Phillips for her 
outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of education and culinary arts 
within the Virgin Islands community. 
The strength of our tourism product is deeply rooted in the people who preserve, teach, and 
celebrate our culture. Mrs. Brow Phillips’ work at the intersection of education and culinary arts 
reflects a lifelong commitment to sharing knowledge, developing talent, and ensuring that our 
culinary traditions are passed on to future generations. By nurturing skills, inspiring excellence, 
and promoting the value of local cuisine, she has helped to strengthen both our community and 
the cultural experiences that distinguish the Virgin Islands. 
Our culinary heritage is an essential part of our identity and a meaningful driver of our destination’s 
appeal. Educators and mentors like Mrs. Brow Phillips play a critical role in sustaining this legacy 
while preparing the next generation to contribute to our economy and cultural vitality. 
It is an honor to support the recognition of Mrs. Janet Brow Phillips, and we thank her for her 
dedication to education, her passion for the culinary arts, and her lasting impact on the people 
and culture of the Virgin Islands.