Mapp To Give Update On HOVENSA At Press Conference On Monday

ST. CROIX — Governor Kenneth Mapp will update the territory on the status of HOVENSA — whether litigation between the owners of the now-shuttered refinery and the government continues, or whether a deal is near, or in place — on Monday morning at Government House here, a press release issued by Kimberly Jones, the Mapp administration’s communications chief has made known.

According to the release, issued on Saturday, the governor will first meet with senators to update the lawmakers on a meeting he held with the owners of refinery, located on the south shore of this island, while in New York last week. The press conference will start at 10:00 a.m.

Earlier this month, Senator Neville James said the owners of HOVENSA should make up their minds quickly on the fate of the refinery. He said they should either sell it or scrap it.

“The 31st Legislature has been in office for 9 months now, and not one representative or principle of the plant has reached out and made any indication of whether they still intend to go into a sales process as stipulated by the 4th extension agreement or if they have given up altogether,” Sen. James, also the president of the 31st Legislature, said.

He continued: “The plant at present is an eyesore on the South Shore, a potential safety hazard and is rapidly depreciating in value every day that passes. Notwithstanding the Governors hands off position on the situation, we, the Senate body, need answers, today,” demanded James.

“HOVENSA hasn’t said whether or not Lazard, the designated sales associate, has vetted any more potential investors as of to date, however according to the law, they are still obligated to sell, and that’s what they need to do, sell it or scrap it,” he concluded.

Following the press conference, a swearing-in ceremony will be held for Mapp’s recently confirmed commissioners and directors at the same location.

Feature Image: Aerial view of portions of the shuttered HOVENSA oil refinery.

Image Credit: VIC.