The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture, chaired by Senator Hubert L. Frederick, convened at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room to receive updates from both the University of the Virgin Islands and Technology Park (RT Park) and the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission.

Officials from the RT Park presented on tenant activity, industry sectors, and economic contributions, including job creation, UVI partnerships, and infrastructure projects. Representatives from the Casino Control Commission provided testimony on regulatory operations, licensing, enforcement, financial audits, community impacts, and legislative recommendations to strengthen oversight and promote responsible gaming.

Eric Sonnier, Executive Director of the UVI Research and Technology Park (RT Park), delivered testimony noting that RT Park operates as a fully self-funded entity, supported through client participation in its tax incentive program. Currently, RT Park has 70 active clients across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, representing sectors such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, MedTech, FinTech, and sustainable development. Senator Hubert L. Frederik commended the RTPark for its role in fostering economic growth and educational advancement through its tax incentive program, noting its potential to attract high-value industries and create meaningful local opportunities. He then inquired about the total revenue generated from the 70 clients currently participating in the program. In response, Sonnier stated that RT Park generates approximately $70 million per year, with $30 million contributed annually in taxes to the Government of the Virgin Islands. Each client undergoes a rigorous screening and compliance process to ensure alignment with RT Park’s dual mission of driving economic growth and supporting academic advancement. Sonnier emphasized that RT Park’s formal compliance framework holds companies accountable for financial contributions, job creation, and community engagement.

Overall, RT Park has a significant impact on workforce development and its ongoing partnership with the University of the Virgin Islands. Over the past eight years, RT Park clients have contributed more than $14 million to UVI through scholarships, internships, and targeted programmatic support. Initiatives such as the Professional Pathways Program, Youth STEM Enrichment activities, and a new solar energy training platform underscore RT Park’s commitment to empowering Virgin Islanders. Additionally, Sonner indicated that RT Park highlighted major infrastructure advancements, including a new 423 kW solar farm on St. Croix, and proposed legislation to remove payroll barriers for remote workers; aimed at enhancing local employment opportunities, increasing tax revenue, and strengthening the Territory’s economic resilience.

Separately, the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission CEO/Chairman Marvin Pickering testified before the Committee, highlighting the Commission’s regulatory work, economic impact, and legislative priorities. As of May 2025, the Commission issued 432 licenses and work permits across multiple categories, tracking to exceed the 690 issued in Fiscal Year 2024. Additionally, 86 exemptions and 30 waivers were granted this year. Both casinos currently operate at a 12% tax rate on gross gaming revenue. Through April 2025, taxable revenue totaled $11.1 million, generating $1.3 million in tax payments. Payroll figures reached $10.5 million for 313 employees in FY 2024, with $5.3 million paid to 304 employees so far in FY 2025. Spending on local goods and services totaled $21.9 million last year and $10.7 million this year to date. Meanwhile, the Commission received clean audits for FY 2021 and FY 2022 and implemented new financial oversight procedures. It also acted on compliance concerns following audits of Divi Carina Bay and Caravelle casinos. Enforcement efforts led to multiple fines and patron complaint investigations in both 2024 and 2025.

In support of responsible gambling, the Commission funds initiatives including a self-exclusion program, the multilingual website PlayWiseVI.org, and a partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Health to train counselors in gambling addiction treatment. It also participates in national awareness campaigns each March and September. Seventy-five percent of casino revenue supports government programs in agriculture, education, health, law enforcement, and recreation. Over $4.4 million has been distributed across FY 2023, 2024, and 2025 to date. In 2024, the Commission also contributed $385,956 to support youth employment through the JAG-VI program, which it recommends restoring after legislative defunding. Pickering urged the Legislature to modernize the 2001 Internet Gaming Act, citing the U.S. Virgin Islands’ exclusion from a multibillion-dollar industry. The Commission is preparing for a stakeholder summit on July 2025 and seeks support for its FY 2026 budget request of $1.72 million.

R. Oliver David, Esq., Assistant Attorney General and Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), detailed the Division’s role in conducting background investigations for all license applicants. From November 2024 to June 2025, DGE opened 115 new investigations, with over 390 pending. DGE also certifies all gaming machines before use, conducts integrity checks, and assists with software updates. DGE enforces gaming laws through investigations of patron disputes, regulatory violations, and operational compliance, sometimes pursuing administrative or criminal actions. It collaborates with Spectrum Gaming Group on audits and is preparing for future internet gaming regulation under Act No. 6419 by tracking industry standards and trends.

Senators present were Hubert L. Fredericks, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Marvin A. Blyden, Clifford A. Joseph, Alma Francis-Heyliger, Franklin D. Johnson, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Marise C. James.

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