LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR VARGRAVE RICHARDS REPORTS THAT DEPARTMENT OF THE
INTERIOR'S INVESTMENT CONFERENCE OFFERED HIGHLY OPTIMISTIC OPPORTUNITIES
Lieutenant Governor Vargrave Richards reported while still in the nation's
capital that the Department of the Interior's Investment Development
Conference offered an unprecedented opportunity for interaction with
companies and individuals interested in relocating and growing their
businesses in the Territory, and especially on St. Croix.
Further, Richards explained that both segments of the conference -
the investment portion, as well as the day of meetings with DOI and
other federal officials during the presentation before the Interagency
Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) - gave the Governor and himself the chance
to discuss critical and urgent matters necessary to the well-being of
the Virgin Islands.
The Lieutenant Governor reported that the shared discussions between
Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, Governor Charles Turnbull and
himself were optimistic regarding the Territory's chances for forward
movement on a number of issues critical to the advancement of the financial
health of the Territory.
Richards shared that he also had the opportunity to meet personally
with Secretary Norton on specific issues related to St. Croix's economic
recovery and to the development and expansion of St. Croix's national
parks and historic sites. Points of discussion included:
" the proposed cooperative agreement on Salt River Bay National
Historic Park and Ecological Preserve;
" the request for additional funding for the Fort in Christiansted
and Buck Island to engage tour guides, rangers and interpreters;
" the securing of funding to expand Sandy Point into a full-scale
recreational facility;
" the request for assistance in the development of a Slave Museum;
" support and assistance for the Alexander Hamilton National Historic
Site to commemorate Hamilton's contribution to the territory and to
mark the 200th anniversary of Hamilton's death in the Year 2004. Assistance
has been requested to sponsor a symposium to honor Hamilton;
" the request for assistance in obtaining federal funds for a "biking
path" such as those in the States.
Additionally, Lieutenant Governor Richards stated that he was extremely
pleased with the consensus reached as a result of a discussion focused
on "Economic Investment in the Territories: Making It Work for
Children, Youth and Families.," which he hosted and led. The session
took place during the investment portion of the DOI Conference and included
approximately 30 participants of potential investors, policy makers
and business community representatives who shared in a frank discussion
of the role of new investors and EDC beneficiaries in helping to build
strong communities
Business participants shared their willingness to assist by lending
professional expertise and talent and financial resources to buttress
the development of neighborhoods and communities. They also shared a
willingness to lobby congressmen and representatives from their former
communities to bring greater assistance and voice to the Territories'
challenges.
Richards challenged attendees (EDC beneficiaries) to join him in developing
a strategy and plan to address a long standing disparity between the
States and the differential treatment and funding allocations for the
Territories.
Richards said he was "particularly pleased to meet, along with
Governor Turnbull, a strong advocate/lobbyist who has offered to assist
the Territory in seeking a resolution for increasing the amount of rebate
owed to the Territory regarding the Medicaid cap. A suggested strategy
is to look toward the use of Tennessee as a model."
In conclusion, Lieutenant Governor Richards summarized: "The conference
was successful in its intent to draw attention to the myriad of challenges
facing the Territories, and moreover, to open the channels for future
investment opportunities - especially on St. Croix. The conference covered
many vital areas needing assistance and attention. I was especially
heartened by the reception we received by Secretary Norton, her staff
and other federal officials who clearly demonstrated their willingness
and intent to listen, help and structure opportunities to move the Territories
forward.
"I believe we were presented with a golden opportunity to share
the Virgin Islands' concerns and I am indeed optimistic that we will
reap tangible benefits in the long run. Additionally, I believe that
it is critical that we continue to work with the Department of Interior
to follow up on the points discussed during the conference. Essential
to this will be the sustaining of dialogue with the Department of Interior,
and with fostering collaborative relationships with the other Territories."
