The 36th Legislature voted Thursday to double the maximum amount recoverable in small-claims court from $10,000 to $20,000, increase a category of court filing fees from $75 to $150, and restore $1.5 million for outstanding work on the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project, adopting the changes through amendments to legislation originally intended to fund the Frederiksted Fish Market rehabilitation.
The measures were among several non-germane amendments attached to Bill 36-0335 during the November 12 legislative session, along with provisions affecting firearm transportation, security at the Legislature and funding for a University of the Virgin Islands publication.
Senator Avery Lewis introduced the amendment increasing the small-claims limit, arguing that the existing $10,000 ceiling has prevented residents from recovering larger amounts through the court's simplified claims process.
"We have where people have been taking losses and so forth for exceeding the amount of $10,000, and that number has been affixed for a very long time," Lewis said.
"It's just basically bringing things up with the times and changing the Code and giving our people some relief," he added.
The Superior Court's Small Claims Division currently handles civil disputes involving amounts not exceeding $10,000, excluding interest and costs. Claimants seeking larger amounts must generally pursue their cases through the Civil Division or waive the excess to remain in small-claims court.
Under Lewis's amendment, that ceiling would increase to $20,000 if the legislation becomes law.
A separate amendment introduced by Senator Clifford Joseph would amend Title 4 of the Virgin Islands Code, Section 516(7), increasing the filing fee for a complaint, petition or application from $75 to $150. It would also expressly include cross-claims, counterclaims and third-party complaints within the fee category.
Joseph told lawmakers the increase had been requested "by the courts."
The $75-to-$150 amendment concerns a separate statutory filing-fee category and should not be confused with the Small Claims Division's existing $50 complaint filing fee.
$1.5 Million Restored for Paul E. Joseph Stadium
Senator Novelle Francis Jr. introduced another amendment making $1.5 million from the General Fund available to the Department of Public Works for outstanding payments associated with the long-delayed Paul E. Joseph Stadium reconstruction in Frederiksted.
The funding would be available through September 30, 2027, but the amendment restricts payments to the contractor until Public Works verifies that the corresponding work or project milestones have been completed satisfactorily.
Francis told Senator Dwayne DeGraff that the money represented funds previously set aside for the project.
He described it as "what's being held in escrow for payment," explaining that the money had been provided in the fiscal year 2026 budget but could not be fully utilized because construction remained incomplete.
"Now we're seeking to replace that funding in FY 2027 for the same purpose," Francis said.
The additional provision comes as the stadium continues to face questions about its completion schedule.
As previously reported by the Consortium, the project was approximately 75 percent complete during a September legislative review, with government officials and contractor GEC LLC identifying December 31, 2026, as the latest projected completion date.
Thursday's amendment provides a mechanism for making additional payments but does not establish that construction has been completed or that the contractor is immediately entitled to the $1.5 million.
Fish Market Funding, Capitol Police and Firearm Provision
The underlying legislation, Bill 36-0335, appropriates $600,000 from the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources for the Frederiksted Fish Market Rehabilitation Project.
The local funding is intended to supplement approximately $1.33 million in federal funding secured by the Nature Association of the Virgin Islands.
The Consortium previously reported that Senator Kurt Vialet questioned the project's nearly $2 million anticipated cost during an October committee hearing, particularly the proposed building's size and plans for an on-site desalination system.
Thursday's amendments expanded the legislation's scope considerably.
Senator Kenneth Gittens introduced a provision formally redesignating the Legislature's existing security division as the Capitol Police Division and establishing its responsibilities.
Joseph introduced a second amendment expanding the provisions of Act 9113 to include business owners who possess longarm firearms for protection at their business establishments among persons authorized to transport such weapons under the act.
Lewis also secured approval of an $18,000 appropriation to the University of the Virgin Islands from the Virgin Islands Education Initiative Fund for a special edition of The Caribbean Writer commemorating the July 3, 1848 uprising that led to the abolition of slavery in the Danish West Indies.
The appropriation would be permitted notwithstanding the fund's existing use restrictions.
Other Measures Address Healthcare, Policing and Civil Claims
Lawmakers also approved several standalone measures affecting the territory's legal system, public safety and healthcare services.
Bill 36-0338, sponsored by Senator Franklin Johnson, would extend the statute of limitations for civil actions involving battery or bodily injury from two years to four years.
The proposal addresses concerns that seriously injured Virgin Islanders, particularly those requiring extended medical treatment outside the territory, can lose their opportunity to pursue civil remedies before recovering sufficiently to initiate legal proceedings.
The Legislature also approved Bill 36-0048, addressing medical malpractice claims, including requirements involving expert affidavits and the review process preceding litigation.
Bill 36-0318 would establish a Police Reserve Unit within the Virgin Islands Police Department, creating an additional mechanism for supplementing the territory's law enforcement personnel.
Another measure, Bill 36-0346, would establish a comprehensive Emergency Medical Services System, providing a statutory framework for professional standards, licensing, training and oversight of emergency medical providers.
The Consortium previously detailed the proposed EMS reforms, including the Department of Health's anticipated regulatory responsibilities.
Lawmakers additionally approved funding for the Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence's proposed Chronic Care Management Program, through Bill 36-0302, as well as Bill 36-0280, which would allow parents of children born in government hospitals to have birth certificates mailed to them.
Hotel, Housing and Other Rezoning Measures Approved
Several rezoning applications previously examined by the Committee of the Whole also secured legislative approval.
Among them was Bill 36-0407, which rezones 1.37 acres in Estate Bakkero on St. Thomas from low-density to medium-density residential use to accommodate a planned 169-room resort.
The Consortium reported earlier this week that the developers were considering Hilton, Hyatt or Marriott as potential hotel brands, although no agreement has been finalized.
On St. Croix, lawmakers approved Bill 36-0406, advancing the rezoning needed for a proposed $15 million, 68-room extended-stay hotel at Estate Mount Welcome.
Other approvals included a rezoning of the St. Croix Educational Complex and Career and Technical Education Center property from agricultural to public use, additional residential development in Estate Frydendahl on St. Thomas, commercial rezoning in Estate Susannaberg on St. John, and a residential rezoning at Estate Nazareth on St. Thomas.
Lawmakers also approved a lease agreement involving the Lovango Resort and Beach Club for government-owned property at Estate Nazareth.
Additional Honors and Resolutions
The Legislature approved several measures recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions to Virgin Islands culture, journalism, public service and community development.
Among the honorees were former Senator Adelbert M. "Bert" Bryan, baseball figure Jerome Austin Browne, journalist Rena Brodhurst, Hans Lawaetz, cultural figure Maude "Maudie" Dowdy Roberts, artist Austin M. Petersen and musician and educator Kevré Hendricks.
The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix was also recognized on its 45th anniversary for its longstanding advocacy and assistance to victims and survivors of violence.
The approved legislation now proceeds through the remaining enactment process, including gubernatorial consideration where required.
Additional measures approved:
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Bill 36-0218: Renames Prince Street in Christiansted “Jerry Browne Street” in honor of baseball figure Jerome Austin Browne and his contributions to St. Croix's youth.
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Bill 36-0229: Ceremonially designates Queen Street in Frederiksted as “Senator Adelbert M. ‘Bert’ Bryan Drive” and awards the former senator the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor.
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Bill 36-0281: Honors Hans Lawaetz for his lifetime of service to the Virgin Islands and awards him the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor.
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Bill 36-0319: Recognizes journalist Rena Brodhurst for her contributions to journalism and the preservation of Virgin Islands history and culture, awarding her the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor.
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Bill 36-0320: Commends Kevré Hendricks for his contributions to music, education, military service and cultural preservation.
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Bill 36-0323: Posthumously honors Maude “Maudie” Dowdy Roberts and designates Prince Street in Frederiksted as “Maude ‘Maudie’ Dowdy Roberts Drive.”
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Bill 36-0349: Honors artist Austin M. Petersen, designates the mural wall along Weymouth Rhymer Highway on St. Thomas as Black Utopia Lane and appropriates funding for a commemorative plaque.
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Bill 36-0350: Recognizes the Virgin Islands Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on its 106th anniversary.
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Bill 36-0405: Commends the National Black Caucus of State Legislators on its 50th anniversary and its contributions to legislative institutions.
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Bill 36-0420: Honors the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix on its 45th anniversary for its community service, advocacy and support of victims and survivors of violence.
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Bill 36-0357: Approves a government lease agreement with Lovango Islands Holding LLP, doing business as the Lovango Resort and Beach Club, for property at Estate Nazareth, St. Thomas.
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Bill 36-0400: Rezones property at Estate Nazareth, St. Thomas, from R-1 (Residential-Low Density) to R-3 (Residential-Medium Density).
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Bill 36-0408: Rezones property associated with the St. Croix Educational Complex and Career and Technical Education Center at Estate Castle Burke from agricultural to public use.
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Bill 36-0409: Rezones approximately 2.935 acres at Estate Susannaberg, St. John, from residential-low density to commercial use.
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Bill 36-0413: Rezones property at Estate Frydendahl, St. Thomas, from R-2 (Residential-Low Density-One and Two Family) to R-3 (Residential-Medium Density), allowing additional residential development.
