Office of the Lieutenant Governor - US Virgin Islands

16/07/2025

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH
MOURNS THE PASSING OF HENRY L. FEUERZEIG

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Henry L. Feuerzeig, Esq., a distinguished member of the Virgin Islands Bar, whose decades of service to this community crosses the various sectors.

Though Feuerzeig is perhaps best known by many for his service as a Judge of the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands, his community contributions are equally noteworthy. Highly regarded for his legal acumen, Feuerzeig, will be remembered as well for his charitable giving and for his kind and caring ways.

I am privileged to have known him as a friend, colleague, and mentor over a span of more than 40 years. I extend deepest condolences to his wife Penny with whom I worked at the Virgin Islands Daily News, and to his daughter Darcy who I practically watched grow up. I know that this loss is particularly difficult as it follows the recent passing of Paul, their beloved son.

Feuerzeig was a distinguished man of integrity who served the Virgin Islands community exceptionally well. He was a past president of the V.I. Bar Association, outstanding attorney in private practice, long-standing member of the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas, and a generous contributor to the community.

I pray for God’s comfort and extend my deepest sympathies to his family members, other loved ones, friends, and to members of the legal industry. May he rest in peace and glory.

03/07/2025

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH
EMANCIPATION DAY MESSAGE

I share this message as we gather in commemoration of the 177th anniversary of the Emancipation of enslaved Africans in our Territory, the former Danish West Indies. This occasion is one of the most significant holidays in the Virgin Islands, and it affords us the opportunity to reflect on the journey and victory of our ancestors who united courageously and demanded their freedom on their terms.

The history of enslavement and the struggles that our ancestors encountered which eventually led to Emancipation should be deeply rooted in our consciousness. This inspires us to show reverence to our ancestors and to take pride in our Virgin Islands heritage. History tells us that the enslaved rejected the Danish plan to gradually abolish slavery over a twelve-year period, a plan which was received as an insult to those who refused to continue their lives under unjust and inhumane conditions. Guided by the staunch leadership of General Buddhoe, they determined that their only alternative course was to forge a massive rebellion on July 3, 1848, the threat of which resulted in their immediate freedom.

We remain indebted to our ancestors and to the many Virgin Islanders who demonstrated the same level of vigor and determination in the fight against injustice. I pray that today we may continue to carry the torch passed on to us by our predecessors on that significant day on the grounds of Fort Frederik.

I look forward to the Emancipation Day celebrations across the Territory and to the Independence Day holiday which honors the birth of this great nation of which we are a part.

29/06/2025

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor - Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation participated in the St. John Festival Food Fair on June 28, 2025. Information on the Division’s services were shared to customers.

20/06/2025

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Division of Banking, Insurance, and Financial Regulation (DBIFR) will administer the Insurance Agent's Licensing Examination in the St. Croix District on Thursday, July 31, 2025, 10am - 12 Noon at the DBIFR 3rd floor Conference Room.

Registration fee is $50.00. Completed registration form, including payment, must be turned into the Banking Division by Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

Call 340-773-6449 extension 3103 to request a registration form or for more information.

19/06/2025

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH
JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE

I join the people of the Virgin Islands and the rest of the Nation to honor the fourth federal observance of Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Official Independence Day. Although the United States Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, it was not until Juneteenth, June 19, 1865, that Africans in Texas received the news, thus ending slavery in all parts of the country.

The holiday was not nationally recognized until 2021 when enacted by Congress and signed by President Joseph Biden. This action gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the history and struggles of our enslaved ancestors and to celebrate our many achievements since that time.

Juneteenth has progressed from private celebrations in Galveston, Texas to now a nationwide observance for all Americans. It is a time for prayer, special ceremonies, family gatherings, festivals, or other activities that may be appropriate to symbolically recognize the emancipation of all people of African descent that were enslaved for hundreds of years. Many others utilize this day to renew a cultural connection between their African American and their West African heritage.

Locally, I encourage the people of our Territory to be a part of the Juneteenth celebrations and to respectfully honor this day in solidarity with our brothers and sisters abroad. Let us come together to lift every voice and sing, and to proudly display our heritage and freedom of which we were long deprived.

I pray for God’s guidance and protection as we continue to make history and leave our footprints on the grounds of this great Nation which was built by the blood and sweat of our ancestors. Happy Juneteenth to all!

15/06/2025

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH
FATHER’S DAY MESSAGE

I join the entire Virgin Islands in extending sincere greetings to all fathers in the Territory as we celebrate Father’s Day. On this significant occasion, we recognize the love, strength, and sacrifices of our fathers and father figures. and we honor you for serving as our providers and protectors.

The role of a father is very significant in the foundation of a family. You provide the structure, security, safety, and stability required to make a house a home. A father also serves as a mentor and the first teacher to his children. He instills values and guidance to ensure that his children, even as adults, can survive in any given environment.

As children, we see our fathers as heroes and role models. Our fathers inspire and motivate us to reach our goals. Often their greatest achievement is to see the success of their children – wanting to see us do better than themselves and to live an earnest life. A father’s bond helps to shape the lives of children and impact the world that we live in.

Therefore, as we celebrate you on Father’s Day, we thank you for your valuable contributions to our families, and to our communities. May you be surrounded by love, happiness, and joy this Father’s Day. I pray for God’s protection over you in all aspects of your daily lives.

10/06/2025

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH ANNOUNCES
RELOCATION OF DIVISION OF BANKING, FINANCE, & INSURANCE REGULATION ON ST. CROIX

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. announces that the Division of Banking, Insurance & Financial Regulation is now permanently relocated from 1131 King Street, Christiansted, St. Croix to its new location at:

Old Caribe Home Center Building
#35 Estate Castle Coakley, Second Floor
Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820

Other St. Croix divisions of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor that are present at this new location include the Passport Acceptance Facility, VI SHIP / Medicare Division, Recorder of Deeds, and the Division of Corporations and Trademarks. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cashier services are also available at this location.

For more information, please contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor in the St. Croix District at 340-773-6449, in the St. Thomas / St. John District at 340-774-2991, or visit us at ltg.gov.vi.

10/06/2025

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH REMINDS BUSINESS ENTITIES OF FRANCHISE TAX FILING AND ANNUAL REPORT DEADLINE AND EXTENDED OFFICE HOURS ON JUNE 30, 2025

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. reminds all registered profit and non-profit corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies of the upcoming June 30, 2025 deadline to comply with the annual report filing requirement. Franchise taxes and filing fees with the corresponding reports are due to the Division of Corporations and Trademarks as a statutory requirement for entities to remain in “Good Standing” to conduct business in the Territory.

The Division of Corporations and Trademarks will have extended office hours on June 30, 2025, up to 7:00 pm at the Nisky Center, St. Thomas, and the Old Caribe Building at Castle Coakley, St. Croix to afford all filers the opportunity to comply with the due date.

If entities wish to be dissolved on or before June 30, 2025, they must be in good standing and submit the two filings (the intent and dissolution requests) no later than June 30, 2025. If entities wish to be dissolved as of July 1 and thereafter, they must be in good standing and have an approved annual filing for the due date of June 30, 2025, to submit the intent and dissolution filings for processing.

Entities not in compliance with this requirement will be assessed penalties and interest for late filing beginning on July 1, 2025. Additionally, the entity’s status will be changed from “Good Standing” to “Registered” on July 1st, if an approved annual filing is not on file with the Division, and it will be unable to obtain a certificate of good standing to conduct business, submit amendments, and voluntary dissolutions. If the entity’s annual filings and taxes remain outstanding, the entity will be subject to the administrative dissolution process and the inability to use its name.

Payments and filings shall be made in the division’s online Catalyst system at www.corporationsandtrademarks.vi.gov. The Catalyst system is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Filers shall have a user account in the system, authorization over the registered business, and complete the Update Profile Service to submit filings. Instructions are available at https://ltg.gov.vi/departments/corporations-trademarks/. Also, registered corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies shall comply with the Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirement at www.FinCEN.gov/boi.

For more information relative to the annual filing requirements and gaining access to file reports, please contact the Division of Corporations and Trademarks at (340)774-2991 on St. Thomas/St. John and (340)773-6449 on St. Croix or visit the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s website at: https://ltg.gov.vi.

06/06/2025

AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million older Americans aged 50 and older, including the 20,000 living in this Territory, is pleased to release a joint statement in recognition of June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. This month is recognized globally as a time to raise awareness and inspire action to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people.

Government House - US Virgin Islands US Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands Tregenza A. Roach Troy A. de Chabert-Schuster

AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million older Americans aged 50 and older, including the 20,000 living in this Territory, is pleased to release a joint statement in recognition of June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. This month is recognized globally as a time to raise awareness and…

04/06/2025

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. attended the graduation ceremony for the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) on St. Croix on June 4, 2025.

The 12-member graduates of the St. Croix District Class 2024-1 "Vermilions" is the first to have completed the Firefighter-EMT training course since the integration of Fire and Emergency Medical Services in 2022.

Lieutenant Governor Roach extended prayers of well wishes, guidance, and God's protection over the graduates, their families, and the members of the VIFEMS.

03/06/2025

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH ANNOUNCES
ISSUANCE OF 2025 PROPERTY TAX BILLS

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. informs the public that the 2025 Property Tax Bills are being issued to all those who are listed on record as property owners as of January 1, 2025.

The 2025 bills are due for payment on June 30, 2025, and will become part of the delinquency list if not paid by August 30, 2025. Property owners paying in person are encouraged to walk with their tax bill or parcel identification number to minimize wait times.

Property tax bills may be paid online at the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s website at https://propertytax.vi.gov. Any person desiring to enter into a payment plan must contact the Office of the Tax Collector.

The 2025 bill will also include information on unpaid tax years. Property owners who have not paid their prior tax year bills are encouraged to contact the Office of the Tax Collector for payment options.

Payments can be made in person at the following locations:

ST. JOHN
Islandia Building
18-23 Enighed
St. John, VI 00830
(340) 776-6737

ST, THOMAS
Nisky Center
8000 Nisky Center Suite 1A
Charlotte Amalie, VI 00802
(340) 774-2991

ST. CROIX
1131 King Street, Suite #101
Christiansted, VI 00820
(340) 773-6459

4008 Estate Diamond (Department of Finance, Sunny Isle)
Christiansted, VI 00820
(340) 773-6449

Lagoon Street Commercial Building No. 1
Frederiksted, VI 00840
(340) 772-3115

Questions regarding property tax delinquencies should be addressed to the Office of the Tax Collector at (340) 774-2991 on St. Thomas, (340) 776-6737 on St. John, or (340) 773-6449 on St. Croix.

Questions regarding Waste Management user fees should be referred to the offices of Waste Management Authority on St. Croix at (340) 712-4962 and on St. Thomas/St. John at (340) 715-9100.

29/05/2025

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ROACH ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO “BE READY/BE INSURED” FOR THE UPCOMING HURRICANE SEASON

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., who also serves as the territory’s Commissioner of Insurance, reminds Virgin Islands residents to be prepared for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which is June 1 to November 30, 2025. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service predicts an above-normal season, with thirteen (13) to nineteen (19) named storms, six (6) to ten (10) are forecasted to become hurricanes and three (3) to five (5) of which will reach category 3 status or stronger.

Lieutenant Governor Roach advises property owners to review their insurance policies annually and contact their agent directly to discuss any need for additional or revision in coverage, or if they have questions. Property owners may contact the Division if additional assistance is required after speaking with an agent. Lieutenant Governor Roach further advises residents of the following as they prepare for the hurricane season:

• You cannot buy a homeowners insurance policy once a storm has been declared.
• “Know what is covered and what will not be covered in your homeowner’s insurance policy
• Avoid being underinsured by purchasing at least 80% of the replacement cost value of your residential property. Get your residential property appraised and make sure the appraisal includes Replacement Cost Value, which is the cost of replacing your property without a reduction for depreciation.
• Avoid being force-placed, which may cover only the mortgage balance. If you have a mortgage, purchase your own homeowner’s insurance policy. You can have the insurance premium escrowed along with your property tax payment, or you can use premium financing.

• To lower the cost of your property insurance, take advantage of all available Discounts offered by your insurance company. Remember, once you file a claim you may lose your “No Claim Discount”, meaning that your premium will then increase but only by the amount you saved through the No Claim Discount.
• Purchase homeowners’ insurance even if you own your home outright and don’t have a mortgage! Your home is your biggest investment; be sure to protect it by insuring it.
• Do NOT exclude windstorm! We live in a hurricane-prone area.
• Make sure you have a homeowner’s insurance policy and a separate flood insurance policy. A homeowner’s insurance policy does not provide flood protection.
• If you rent, buy renter’s insurance to cover your contents in the building.
• Understand that you do not have a separate policy if you own a condominium. The policy belongs to the condominium association as a whole and is subject to the decision by its Board of Directors. You can purchase a separate contents insurance policy as a condominium owner.
• Keep your insurance policy and other important documents in safe, dry waterproof and fireproof containers.
• Know what is insured: inventory personal property and take photographs of your home.
• Visit ltg.gov.vi and download the “Home Inventory Checklist”. Complete the checklist and take photos of your contents BEFORE a storm occurs! Know what is insured.
• Have disaster supplies on hand and secure important documents (insurance policies, birth certificates, will and testaments, licenses, etc.)
• Protect your property by putting up shutters, cutting back tree limbs and clearing debris.
After the disaster, it is important that you have a contingency plan in place:
• Take photos and make a list of your damages; file a claim as soon as possible; get an estimate of your damages; be ready to have your claim adjusted to receive a claim settlement.
• Secure your property and make temporary repairs if needed. Your homeowner’s policy does allow you to make minor temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
• Avoid disaster fraud. Avoid scam artists. Request a copy of the business license of anyone who will perform disaster related services on your property. Never pay in full for a disaster related service provided for you before the service is completed. Additionally, do not participate in disaster related fraud by misrepresenting damage amounts and submitting inflated and unreasonable estimates to your insurer. Such activities can drive up the future costs of insurance for all policyholders.
• Public adjusters are also licensed by the Commissioner of Insurance. A property owner does not need to hire an attorney in order to contract services for a public adjuster.
• Per a Bulletin issued by the Commissioner of Insurance on September 29, 2017 (Bulletin No. 2017-06), a public adjuster may not charge a fee that exceeds 5% of the insurance proceeds recovered on behalf of the homeowner or residential insured.
“Virgin Islands residents are reminded also to pay special attention to national and local weather advisories and alerts during the hurricane season to keep informed of impending weather conditions.” stated Lieutenant Governor Roach.

Lastly, Lieutenant Governor Roach advises the public in preparation for the hurricane season, the Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation staff has met with its most active Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance companies’ writers and licensed banks in the Territory to discuss their readiness for the hurricane season.

For more information on disaster preparedness and the responsibilities of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, visit ltg.gov.vi., or contact Division of Banking, Insurance & Financial Regulation on St. Thomas at 340-774-2991 and on St. Croix and 340-773-6449.