United States Virgin Islands :: Luitenant Governor Vargrave Richards

Lieutenant Governor Vargrave Richards said he was ecstatic about the V.I. Port Authority's Board approval of the Gallows Bay Marina project at Wednesday's board meeting.

Lt. Governor Richards, who called on the board to expeditiously approve the contract at Tuesday's Government House news conference on the Annaly Bay Development project, has worked in tandem with Crucian Global and Gallows Bay Development Partners to help develop the facility into a world-class mega yacht marina and commercial center.

"Charged with the duty of stimulating the economy of St. Croix, I have focused on the assets of this island and worked with the private sector to create public/private partnerships to assist in the economic development of St. Croix," Lt. Governor Richards wrote in a September 19, 2005 letter to Board Chairman Robert O'Connor, stating his strong support of the project. "The Gallows Bay harbor, which is managed by the V.I. Port Authority, presents a unique opportunity to allow private investment in what I believe is an underused facility."

Lt. Governor Richards said the Gallows Bay Marina development, along with relatively low fuel prices on the island, will attract small cruise ships and luxury yachts to St. Croix.

"A development such as this will rejuvenate the entire downtown Christiansted area," Lt. Governor Richards said. "St. Croix is on the verge of an economic renaissance with investor confidence at an all-time high. I thank the Port Authority Board members for agreeing and seeing the benefits of such a proposal."

Lt. Governor Richards has been actively involved in supporting the project. He attended the August 17, 2005 Port Authority Property Committee meeting to voice his support and have continuously held meetings with the developers for the past eight months.

###

Design and Development: Powersite Design

Web Hosting: Utilitymedia.com