2010 Annual Report - Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands

No. 18 Strand Street, Frederiksted, St. Croix, USVI. The Court’s
premises at No. 18 Strand Street was acquired in fiscal year
2007. The Court took occupancy of the facility in October of
2008 after renovations were completed on the second floor of the
facility. Recognizing that the second floor of the facility provided
only minimal space for clerical staff and court operations, the
Court commenced renovations to the first floor on January 7,
2010. The renovation will provide appropriate office space for
administrative and clerical staff as well as a lift to facilitate access
to the second floor in conformance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act. While scheduled to be completed by June of
2010, the project experienced unexpected delays that resulted in
an extension of the deadline until January 31, 2011.
Acquisition of Property in Estate Golden Rock, Christiansted,
St. Croix, USVI. In conformance with current law that the
Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands courthouse be constructed
on St. Croix, the Supreme Court embarked on an initiative to
acquire land on St. Croix for that purpose. Having previously
surveyed three (3) locations in St. Croix that were suitable to
erecting a proper Supreme Court building, the Supreme Court
pursued negotiations with the owners of the St. Croix site deemed
most appropriate.
The Court entered into a purchase agreement for approximately
3.5 acres of land in Estate Golden Rock, Christiansted, St. Croix
for such purpose. Following the initial due diligence period when
the property was surveyed, title insurance commitment and
report acquired, three (3) separate appraisals of value performed
and an environmental study conducted, the Court discussed
the due diligence findings with the owners representatives and
renegotiated the terms of the purchase agreement. The Supreme
Court anticipates concluding the transaction in fiscal year 2011.
The Supreme Court is committed to erecting a suitable courthouse
structure on St. Croix and will pursue this initiative to hopefully
a successful conclusion. Once the site is acquired, the Court
will seek qualified professionals and commence the appropriate
engineering and design of the building while pursuing funding
sources for its construction.
Facility Management Objectives for fiscal year 2011. In fiscal
year 2011, the Supreme Court will focus on bringing several
current initiatives to a conclusion. First, the Court will complete
the renovation of No. 18 Strand Street, Frederiksted and relocate
its administrative and clerical processes to the first floor. The
move will facilitate easy access for the public and ensure that
personnel have the appropriate resources to operate successfully.
The Court will also finalize the acquisition of the property in
Estate Golden Rock and begin to formulate plans for the design
of the courthouse in St. Croix. In addition, the Court will draft
preliminary plans to renovate the first floor of No. 161B Crown
Bay, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to accommodate additional
staff needed for the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
Finally, the Court will formalize its maintenance schedules to
ensure that the Court’s premises are timely maintained.
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