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ST CROIX, USVI -- Governor John de Jongh hosted a meeting of members of the US Virgin Islands Legislature at Government House on St Croix on Wednesday evening. The meeting was an opportunity for the members to raise questions and concerns regarding the final report issued by Duff & Phelps on the highest and best use of the HOVENSA refinery site on St Croix and the government's response to HOVENSA's proposal.

The governor, who was joined at the meeting by representatives of Duff & Phelps and Winston & Strawn, noted that the owners of HOVENSA have not responded to the government’s counterproposal.

"This was solely an information meeting, with no decisions made or final positions taken, but one to respond to any questions the senators may have had as they evaluate the report, consider possible options and assess any proposals that will be forthcoming. This sort of open engagement is important to ensure that decisions are made with all parties having the same information to be able to undertake their responsibilities,” de Jongh said.

Earlier this year, the government of the US Virgin Islands engaged Duff & Phelps to undertake an assessment of the highest and best use of the HOVENSA refinery site on St Croix and the final report was issued on August 3. Since that time, the Executive Branch provided each senator with a copy of the report and posted it on the governor’s website, www.governordejongh.com 

"This has been a process that has been extremely transparent as to the information and responding to concerns throughout the community. The meeting with the Senators was one of a number that I have had throughout the community," de Jongh said on Wednesday night.

De Jongh also said that officials of HOVENSA have requested a meeting with the government and it is likely that the meeting will be scheduled within the next two weeks.

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