January 23, 2026 
Ms. Junia John-Straker 
Chief Executive Officer 
Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands 
516 Hospital Street 
Frederiksted, U.S. Virgin Islands 00840 
Re: Invitation to Testify – Aging with Dignity: Oversight of Nursing Homes and CMS Certification Readiness 
in the Virgin Islands 
Dear Ms. John-Straker, 
As Chair of the Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, and Parks, I respectfully invite you to testify during Block 
I (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM) of the Committee hearing scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, 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, quality of care, staffing adequacy, 
infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and financial sustainability of nursing homes and long-term care facilities 
throughout the Territory, including those operated under Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands. 
The Committee will also assess progress toward CMS certification and readiness to meet federal Conditions of 
Participation, including barriers to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement 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 
health, dignity, and well-being of the Virgin Islands’ aging community. You may designate appropriate staff to 
accompany you or present on specific operational matters, if necessary. 
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, Sports 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