♫ ♫ >>> THE UP COMING PROGRAM WAS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE PROGRAM ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF WTJX, ITS BOARD, STAFF, OR UNDERWRITERS.

♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ >>> WELCOME TO ANOTHER EPISODE OF "RECOVERY IN FOCUS," I´M ADRIAN WILLIAMS.

WE HAVE BEEN PROVIDING REAL-TIME UPDATES ABOUT THE VARIOUS PROJECTS THAT SIGNIFY THE TERRITORY´S RECOVERY OF THE DISASTER STORMS OF 2017.

WE HAVE SEEN PROGRESS IN MANY PROJECTS.

STARTED THE DEMOLITION OF A SCHOOL THAT WILL BE THE SITE OF THE NEW ARTHUR RICHARDS K-8 AS WELL AS THE REVITALIZATION OF THE FAIRGROUNDS ON ST. CROIX AND LET´S CIRCLE BACK TO THE DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, AND GET AN UPDATE ON WHAT PROJECTS ARE FINISHED TO DATE AND WHAT INITIATIVES THEY HAVE LEFT TO COMPLETE.

FIRST, HERE´S THE MOST RECENT ON RECOVERY PROJECTS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

>>> FROM A WTJX STUDIO IN ST. CROIX.

AFTER THREE YEARS OF NEGOTIATIONS, PHOTOGRAPHS AND SITE VISITS, FEMA HAS APPROVED THE WASTEWATER SYSTEM REPLACEMENT ON ST. CROIX, THE DIRECTOR SHARES MORE ON THE EXCITING NEWS.

>> IT´S A HUGE WIN FOR BOTH WASTE MANAGEMENT AND TERRITORY FOR ST. CROIX.

IT´S GOING TO ALLOW US TO REPLACE AN OUTDATED AGING INFRASTRUCTURE, WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE HERE ON ST. CROIX, THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN IN PLACE SINCE THE 60s AND FURTHER REPLACEMENT WILL ALLOW US TO REPLACE THE SYSTEM AND THAT WILL ALLOW WASTE MANAGEMENT TO CONTINUE THE MISSION TO PROVIDE QUALITY WASTEWATER SERVICES ON SAINT CROIX, ALONG WITH PROTECTING HUMAN HEALTH IN THE ENVIRONMENT.

IT´S BEEN A LONG PROCESS.

EVER SINCE THE HURRICANES IN 2017, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH FEMA AND ODR.

AND LOCAL AND FEDERAL PARTNERS TO TRY TO MAKE IT A REALITY.

WITH A IT MEANS FOR ST. CROIX IS WILL NOT HAVE LONG STANDING ISSUES LIKE SEWER LINES BREAKING AND OVER FLOWING MAN HOLES.

IT WILL IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE HERE ON SAINT CROIX FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

WE ARE EXCITED, WE WANT TO THANK OUR FEDERAL PARTNERS AND THOSE TO HELP IT BACK REALITY.

>> THEY ESTIMATE THAT THE SYSTEM WIDE REPLACEMENT WILL COST $1.5-2 BILLION.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY AND THE OS OF DISASTER RECOVERY, WILL ADDRESS THE WASTEWATER SYSTEM DAMAGE ON ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS PROCESSED 100 PAYMENTS TO APPLICANTS OF THE EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

CLOSE TO $800,000 HAS BEEN DISPERSED.

IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN IMPACTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND NEEDS ASSISTANCE PAYING RENT, PLEASE VISIT, WWW.VIHSA.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING AUTHORITY IS ON SITE WITH AN UPDATE.

>> I WILL BE CELEBRATING TODAY WITH MS. GLORIA VEGA, WHO IS THE OFFICE MANAGER/PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER FOR OUR ENGINEERING.

HOW ARE YOU DOING?

>> GOOD, HOW ARE YOU?

>> GOOD, CAN YOU TELL US WHAT IS GOING ON TODAY?

>> WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED PHASE ONE.

>> WE ARE NEARLY FINISHED WITH THIS SCOPE OF THE WORK OF THE SECTION OF DEMOLITION WHICH IS EXCITING.

I NOTICED FOR DEMOLITION THIS MASSIVE, THERE IS DUST AND DEBRIS THAT YOU KICK OFF.

WHAT DID YOU DO TO MITIGATE THE CIRCUMSTANCES TO BE VERY GOOD NEIGHBORS TO OUR NEIGHBORS IN THE RESIDENTIAL AREA?

>> WE WATERED DOWN THE EQUIPMENT AND EXCAVATORS AND WE HAD MONITORS AND VIBRATORS PLACED ALONG THE WALLS TO BE WITHIN THE LIMITS.

>> NICE, AND HOW THRONG DURATION OF THE PROJECT FROM BEGINNING TO NOW WE ARE FINISHING UP.

HOW LONG HAS THE PROCESS BEEN?

>> IT´S BEEN APPROXIMATELY GOING TO TAKE 15 MONTHS.

WE STARTED OCTOBER OF 2020 AND IT´S AT THE END RIGHT NOW, WE ARE EXPECTING TO FINISH BY JANUARY 31st OF 2022.

>> IT CONTINUES THE EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN AND IMPROVE THE A REPRESENTATIVE, HAS MORE.

>> THE UNIT ARRIVING IS ONE IN A SERIES THAT WE WILL NEED TO GET ONLINE AND POWERING THE COMMUNITY.

TRADITIONALLY A TRADITIONAL POWER GENERATION PLANT CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 18 MONTHS TO 36 MONTHS FROM START TO FINISH.

WE ARE ALREADY SEVERAL MONTHS IN TO THIS PROJECT, SO WE EXPECT THESE UNITS TO BE ONLINE DELIVERING POWER SOME TIME IN 2022.

THERE´S SEVERALING AGENCIES THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT OF COURSE, THE HOST AGENCY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSURING THE COMPLETION, THE PROJECT IS FUNDED BY THE U.S. HUD, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED LOCALLY BY THE FINANCIAL HOUSING AUTHORITY.

WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM TO FACILITATE THE PROJECT.

THEY ARE AWESOME TO WORK WITH.

AND THANKFUL FOR HUD FOR FUNDING THE PROJECT.

AND THEY HAVE FUNDED THE PROJECT TO THE TUNE OF $95 MILLION.

OF THAT 95, $75 MILLION HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO WHAT LET THE LED TO THE PORTION OF THE PROJECT, THE ENGINEER AND CONSTRUCT PORTION OF THE PROJECT.

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO DELIVER THIS PROJECT TO THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE ARE THANKFUL THAT IT IS 100% FEDERALLY FUNDED BY HUD, ADMINISTERED THROUGH THE VIHSA, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO PROVIDING RELIABLE AND FUEL EFFICIENT TO THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.

>>> ON ST. THOMAS, DEMOLITION SIGNALS THE START OF A $4.2 MILLION PROJECT TO REFURBISH THE PROJECT.

THE TWO-DAY PROJECT.

EXECUTED BY A-9 TRUCKING MARKS THE START OF THE REVITALIZATION OF THE CLINICAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLEX.

SO THEY ARE ADA CLIENT.

THE PROCESS IS CURRENT UNTIL DESIGN PHASE AND ONCE COMPLETE, IT WILL BE PUT OUT TO BID.

CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2022. BUSINESS OWNERS, CONTRACT OWNERS AND CONSULTANTS, INTERESTED IN DOING THE RECOVERY SHOULD BE CHECKING THE UPDATED LIST.

THE TERRITORIAL HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT TEAM.

IT INCLUDES THE POST CONSTRUCTION OPERATION.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND OPEN BID ANNOUNCEMENTS, AS WELL AS UP TO DATE NEWS ON DISASTER RECOVERY PROJECTS IN THE TERRITORY.

LOG ON THE WWE -- THE RECOVERY.

[ INAUDIBLE ] >> THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS, PARKS AND RECREATION, THANKS FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> WENT DON´T WANT TO GO TOO FAR FROM WE GET INFORMATION AND CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER.

YOU ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT FOR THE ISLAND OF ST. THOMAS.

>> WE WERE, WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE JUNCTION TO LOW INCOME TAX CREDIT APARTMENTS AND IT´S IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL APARTMENTS IN THE ISLAND.

WE HAVE CONVERTED $30 MILLION TO FUND THE BUILDING OF THE APARTMENT.

AND IT´S PROVIDED $3.8 MILLION IN BLOCK GRANT DISASTER RECOVERY FUNDS TOO AS WELL.

SO, BASICALLY THOSE TWO FUNDS ARE A BIT OVER $34 MILLION.

AND ALLOWED US TO BUILD, ALLOWED THE TEAM TO BUILD A 60 HOME PARTNER SO, IT´S A FANTASTIC LOOK AND IT´S A FANTASTIC THING FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> IS IT THE TALLEST BUILDING IN THE ENTIRE VIRGIN ISLANDS RIGHT NOW?

>> YES, IT´S A NINE STORY BUILDING.

IT´S TALL, IT´S BEAUTIFUL.

IT´S OVERLOOKING THE ISLAND.

WHERE YOU HAVE THE THINGS I LOVE IS THAT ALL OF THE DIFFERENT, 100% OFF THE GRID.

SO THAT MEANS THAT YOU, THERE´S NO ELECTRICAL POWER TO WORRY ABOUT.

ALL OF THAT NEW INFRASTRUCTURE IN PLACE.

100% OFF THE GRID AND MAKING IT A RESILIENCE.

THEY ARE COMBINING THE EFFORT.

WE ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT IT.

>> HATS OFF TO YOU AND THE REST OF YOUR TEAM IN THE HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY.

MANY TAX CREDIT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TERRITORY, WE ARE HAPPY THEY CAN BRING THE WORLD CLASS EXCELLENCE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLAND ONCE MORE.

>> WE WILL NOT HAVE A SHOW UNLESS I ASK YOU HOW MANY HAMMERS HAVE SWINGING TOMORROW.

WHAT ARE THE UPDATES OF WHERE WE ARE?

>> OH, DEFINITELY -- >> WITH THE ROOFS REPAIRED WITH HURRICANE DAMAGED HOMES?

>> WE HAVE GOTTEN APPROVAL TO SIGN CONTRACT WITH PERSON´S GROUP, WHICH IS GOING TO FIX OVER 200 HOMES IN THE TERRITORY.

SO, THAT CONTRACT IS BEING SIGNED AND THEY ARE GOING START WORKING AS EARLY AS SDES AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE 200 HOMES MOVING TOWARD HOME REPAIR AND THE GOAL OF THE PROGRAM, WILL HAVE 400 HOMES THAT WE WILL CUE UP AND HAVE ANOTHER 200 AGAIN.

WE WILL KEEP THE PROGRESS GOING IN AND HAVE ALL 600 HOMES CUED TO CONTRACTORS TO WRAP UP THE REPAIRS THAT PEOPLE NEED HELP WITH IN THE TERRITORY.

>> WE WILL CONTINUE TO CHECK ON THE PROGRESS.

AND MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO GET RID OF THE BLUE ROOFS THERE, THAT ARE REALLY SUFFERING.

IT´S GOOD TO HEAR.

AND NEXT CHANCE WILL BE FOR >> YES.

AS WE DID IN THE LAST SHOW.

WE TALKED ABOUT CDBG MITIGATION AND WHERE WE ARE IN THE PROCESS, WE RECEIVE THE APPROVAL FROM HUD.

AND IT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO HUD THIS NOVEMBER.

NORMALLY FEBRUARY.

ACCESS TO THE $740 MILLION.

AND SIGNING IT OUT TO KEEP THE RECOVERY GOING.

WE ARE BUILDING BETTER HOUSING AND BETTER INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE TERRITORY.

>> THE LANDFILL PROJECTS.

A NUMBER OF PROJECTS WRAPPED IN TO THAT MITIGATION FUNDS.

>> ONE OF THE PROJECTS I´M EXCITED TO SEE TO IS IN ST. THOMAS IS THE COMPLETION, AND WE HAVE PROJECTS PLANNED FOR THESE FUNDS SO IT´S GOING TO BE A GREAT BOOM FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE TERRITORY AND WE WILL BE ABLE TO BRING AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

WE KNOW HOW HARD THAT IS.

YOU HAVE BEEN IN MY CHAIR, YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO GET AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO THE PEOPLE OF THE TERRITORY, SO IT´S EXCITING TO MAKE IT A REALITY.

>> IT´S GREAT TO KNOW.

AND I START TO THINK ABOUT ALL THE THINGS WE HAVE TO MANAGE THE FIRST PERSON THAT COMES TO MY MIND IS COMMISSIONER TALBOT.

YOU WANT TO HAVE A PROJECT.

HERE ARE PROJECTS.

SO, MUCH TO DISCUSS AND WE WILL GET IN TO IT.

SO, WHAT´S GOING COMMISSIONER?

TELL US WHAT IS GOING ON ACROSS THE TERRITORY, YOU HAVE A LOT OF THINGS GOING ON.

PROJECTS IN MOTION ON RIGHT NOW.

LET´S TALK ABOUT THOSE FIRST.

SO, I PASS THROUGH AND WHAT´S GOING WITH THE COMMUNITY CENTER?

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME BACK, FIRST OF ALL.

I THINK THE LAST TIME THAT I WAS HERE, WE TALKED ABOUT ALL THE PROJECTS ON OUR JURISDICTION AND KIND OF GIVING THE COMMUNITY TO PROCESS THAT IT TAKES TO PROJECT S OBLIGATED AND WE ARE HAVING WORK BEING DONE AT THE FACILITIES.

>> YOU ARE HAVING FUN.

>> IT IS FUN.

IT´S A LONG PROCESS AND IT´S VERY REWARDING AND WE ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO GET THE FACILITIES BACK TO THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

>> SO, WE WILL START WITH THE PEOPLE IN THE AREA.

>> IT´S 75%, SWITCHING THE LIGHTS OUT FROM THE LIGHTS TO L.E.D.

LIGHTS WHICH IS A BIG UPGRADE, IT´S BEEN THE BATTING CAGE, AND GOING TO BE AWESOME -- >> YES, I KNOW, THERE´S A STAPLE IN THE COMMUNITY.

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BRING IT BACK TO THE PEOPLE.

THE NAME SAKE WILL BE THAT THEY WON AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP WITH THE MILWAUKEE BUCKS.

SO, HE IS EXCITED AND GETTING READY TO SPRUCE UP THE FACILITY AND MAKE IT CONTRACTED ON SITE RIGHTING FORWARD TO HAVING THE PROJECT FINISHED THIS YEAR.

>> HE WANTED YOU TO DO THE WORK SO HE CAN CUT THE RIBBON.

>> THAT´S WHAT HE TOLD US AND THAT´S WHAT WE WILL DO.

>> GOOD TO HEAR ABOUT THAT PROSPECT.

IN OUR COMMUNITY AND WE HAVE A CONTRACT AND NOW, IT´S BASKETBALL RIMS, AND FENCE DAMAGE.

THAT CONTRACT WAS GIVEN A INSIDE TO PROCEED.

GOOD, GOOD.

>> AND ANOTHER PROJECT.

YOU HAVE A LOT OF PARKS ALL OVER THE ISLAND.

YOU KNOW, IF YOU GO OUT, I KNOW BACK IN THE DAY, THEY USED TO HAVE PROJECTS, 50 SOMETHING PROJECTS.

WE HAVE THE THINGS WE NEED TO DO.

AND I CAN MENTION, COMBINED PROJECT THAT WHERE HE DID AND COMBINE IN TO, WE DO ALL OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME.

YOU KNOW WHAT, OUR PROJECTS ARE FACILITIES DOING THE WORK.

MATERIAL IS A BIG ISSUE.

IT´S WORLDWIDE CONTRACTING, THE CONTRACTORS ARE COMPLAINING BECAUSE -- WE ARE MOVING, AND WE ARE GETTING MOST OF THE PROJECTS COMPLETED.

>> ARE YOU GOING TO, I KNOW YOU HAVE GUYS OVER THERE WORKING AND WE HAVE SPECIALISTS THAT ARE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THE STABILITY OF THE PROJECT, AND HERE IS WHAT HE HAD TO SAY.

>> ON THE BASKETBALL COURT, BASKETBALL AND TENNIS COURTS ON THE FACILITY.

IN THIS ENDEAVOR, WE HAVE A RECORD THAT IS DOING THE MAJORITY OF THE REPAIRS FOR THE FIELD, AND TENNIS COURTS ARE INCORPORATED WITH THE RESURFACING OF THE BASKETBALL COURTS.

>> WE LOOK AT THE FACILITIES.

>> THE SERVICE FOR THE FACILITY WAS NOT DONE YET.

>>> USING THE BASKETBALL, GETTING THE GOAL FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE FIXED AND HAVING THEM OUT TO PLAY TENNIS.

>> THE COMMUNITY, AND IN THE COMMUNITY CENTER.

>> THEY WILL HAVE DO MOVEMENT AND SOME IMPROVEMENT.

THERE´S MEETINGS, SO WE ARE UP AND RUNNING SO IT CAN BE USED FOR IT´S INTENDED FOR.

>> OTHER PARKS, AND SO TELL US WHAT IS GOING ON, LUMPED THREE PARKS IN TO ONE.

IT´S THE COMMUNITY CENTER AND YOU HAVE THE BIG FIELD.

WE WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO USE IT AT THE SHELTER.

IT´S GOING TO BE, WE KNOW IT´S A FACILITY, 90% COMPLETED, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THE PROJECT -- >> ALWAYS ONE OF THOSE, TO MEET SUZANNE.

STILL GOES OUT AND DEALS, WE KNOW THE STORY THAT SHE USED TO CATCH THE TRANSIT AND WE HAVE A CONCESSION IN THAT PART.

PICKING UP THE ROOF DAMAGE.

YOU HAVE THE AREA AND WE WERE FORTUNATE TO PUT IT OUT THERE.

IN THE BEACH FUND, IT´S FAMOUS -- SO, TO BE A BEACH FRONT PROPERTY.

I WAS UP TO MY HEAD.

AND WE HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE JUST LIKING TO GO THERE AND WATCHING AND CONTINUING TO MAINTAIN IT AND BRING IT DOWN.

A LOT OF HOPE SPACES, BUT WE WANT TO, FOR PEOPLE IN THE TERRITORY.

>> WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE PARTNERS ON SITE, VERY, VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE PROJECT.

>> WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT PLAY BY DESIGN SO WE DON´T HAVE TO PAY FOR LABOR.

>> ALL OF THE EQUIPMENT NOW WILL BE PLANTED AND START TO BUILD.

MAYBE WE HAVE THREE, FOR SEVEN DAYS.

WHAT I REALLY LIKE ABOUT THIS, IS A COMMUNITY THAT IS WITH ON OUR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, COMING IN AND PARTICIPATING IN THE BUILD.

SO, SIX MONTHS FROM NOW.

A YEAR FROM NOW, TEN YEARS FROM NOW.

YOU CAN PASS BY AND SAY, I WAS A PART OF THAT PROCESS.

>> THE BASE COST FOR THIS IS $600,000.

BUT THEN THERE´S ADDITIONAL COSTS LIKE THE ART WORK THAT IS GOING TO BE GOING IN.

THEY ARE GOING TO BE FABULOUS -- HERE.

FABULOUS, FABULOUS, DONE BY WALKER.

WE ARE SO GRATEFUL THAT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT, THE GOVERNOR AND COMMISSIONER HAVE FULLY SUPPORTED THIS PROJECT AND IT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN DONE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE VI GOVERNMENT.

WE WANT TO THANK THEM AND THE SPONSORS WHO HAVE DONATED.

EVERYBODY.

THERE´S BEEN PEOPLE THAT DONATED A DOLLAR, $5 AND SOME MORE THAN THAT, EVERY DONATION HELPS THE PROJECT AND WE THANK YOU ALL.

>> WHAT MAKES THE COMPANY DIFFERENT, WE CREATE A SPACE THAT IS CUSTOMIZED.

IT´S A REFLECTION OF THE PEOPLE AND THE WANTS AND NEEDS AND THE BEAUTY OF THIS PARK IS THE LOCATION OF IT.

SO, SOMETIMES WE BUILD PARKS THAT ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE.

JUST THE LOCATION, IT´S SUCCESS FOR PEOPLE WHO DON´T HAVE TRANSPORTATION OR IF A CHILD WANTS TO GET ON A BIKE AND GET TO THE PARK.

YOU START BY BUILDING A PLAYGROUND AND AT THE END OF IT, THE PLAY GROUND BUILDS THE COMMUNITY.

>> YOU HAVE TO BE REALLY MOTIVATED ABOUT THE LEVEL OF COMMUNITY THAT CAME OUT TO THE PARK.

>> THEY CAME OUT IN SWARMS.

I WAS REALLY SURPRISED ABOUT THE SUPPORT THAT WE HAVE GOTTEN FROM INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITY.

AS I STATED, YOU KNOW, THIS IS PROBABLY ABOUT A 500, $600,000 PROJECT.

BUT WHEN YOU ADD THE MANPOWER FROM ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE CAME OUT, AND HELPED WITH THIS PROJECT, ALL THE DONATIONS, THE EQUIPMENT, THIS PROJECT WAS PROBABLY WELL OVER A MILLION DOLLARS.

SO I HAVE TO THANK THE COMMUNITY PARTNERS THAT HAVE GONE OUT.

YOU SAW THAT WE HAD HEAVY MACHINES DRILLING HOLES.

I HAVE TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT, I HAVE TO DO THIS TO HEARTLAND VI.

WE STARTED DRILLING WITH A BOBCAT MACHINE AND WE QUICKLY LEARNED THAT WE HAVE CORAL UNDER THE SURFACE AND THE MACHINE WAS NOT GETTING IT DONE.

AND REACHED OUT TO THEM AND THE NEXT DAY THEY WERE THERE HELPING WITH THE PROJECT.

ONE STORY THAT I REALLY HAVE TO TELL, I MET TWO INDIVIDUALS ON THE SITE THAT HAD NOT SPOKEN TO EACH OTHER FOR 15 YEARS.

TRUE STORY.

FELL OUT WITH EACH OTHER, I DID NOT ASK WHY THEY FELL OUT AND BY FAITH THEY ENDED UP WORKING ON ONE OF THE LADDERS TOGETHER AND THROUGH WORKING ON THE PROJECT AFTER 15 YEARS, THEY ENDED UP COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER AGAIN.

THAT´S WHAT THIS PROJECT IS ABOUT.

>> SO, I´M GLAD I´M A PART OF IT, DON´T KNOW IF I WILL BE DOING ANOTHER COMMUNITY BUILD, IT´S A LOT OF WORK.

IT´S A WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.

>> IT´S GOOD TO HEAR, BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND YOU ARE -- HE IS ON THE WEST SIDE.

HE IS PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT IS GOING ON DOWN THERE.

EVERY TIME HE DID NOT SHOW UP, AND WAS LATE TO WORK.

HE CAME IN.

>> HE WAS ALWAYS THERE.

>> AND AROUND 7:00 IN THE MORNING AND LEAVE AT 8:30 AT NIGHT.

I´M SURE HE WILL NOT BE REPORTING ME TO ANYONE.

>> DOES GOOD THINGS.

AND WE SPOKE TO A FEW RESIDENTS ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE TERRITORY´S PARKS AND YOU KNOW, THESE ARE THE LITMUS TEST, LET´S SEE WHAT HE HAS TO SAY.

>> BEING VETERAN, COMING FROM THE STATES OUT HERE, EVERYTHING WOULD LOOK BETTER IF IT WAS PAINTED BRIGHT COLORS, BRING MORE ATTENTION TO THE PLACE, MORE ATTRACTION.

THE PARKS NEED TO BE REVITALIZED.

>> THE REVITALIZATION OF THE AREA IS GOOD FOR THE TOURISTS AND STUFF, BUT THE TOURISTS ARE ONLY HERE FOR A SHORT TIME.

WE NEED TO DO MORE TO GET THE COMMUNITY ORIENTED.

WE HAVE THE PARK, AND ROBERTS STADIUM, AND A LOT OF OTHER PARKS, THAT THE LOCALS WOULD USE OR UTILIZED IF THEY ARE REVITALIZED AND IT WOULD HELP KEEP YOUNG PEOPLE OUT OF TROUBLE.

>> YOU KNOW, TO RESPOND, HOW ABOUT LIONEL ROBERTS AND GRIFFIN.

>> LIONEL ROBERTS IS CONTRACTED AND BEING WORKED ON.

FAIRCHILD PARK IS COMPLETED.

I´M NOT SURE WHEN SHE DID THE INTERVIEW.

I KNOW IT´S A PARK THAT THE OLDER GENERATION USED BACK IN THE DAY.

BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL AREA TO HAVE WEDDINGS AND WHAT NOT.

MAYBE WE NEED TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE KNOW THEY ARE COMPLETED AND BACK ONLINE.

BUT THE GOVERNOR AND THE ADMINISTRATION IS COMMITTED TO REVITALIZING THE DOWNTOWN AREA.

AS YOU SEE, WE HAVE DONE THE BASKETBALL COURT.

WE ARE GOING TO WORK OUR WAY DOWN JUST IMPROVING ALL THE FACILITIES.

>> RIGHT.

AND ALSO ON ST. THOMAS AS WELL.

>> ESPECIALLY ON ST. THOMAS.

I HAVE TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE COMMISSIONER TOO AS WELL.

THE PLAYGROUND WE GOT STUCK WITH IT A BIT AND THEY JUMPED AND PUT IN THE BASKETBALL HOOPS FOR US AND THE PARK IS GOING TO GO OUT FORBID STARTING ON MONDAY.

SO, BECAUSE OF YOU, WE HAVE TO GIVE THE KIDS A CHANCE TO PLAY BASKETBALL AND PUT IT TO BID FOR A COMPLETE RENOVATION OF THE PARK.

>> YOU KNOW, THE PEOPLE, NOT TO BE PLAYED WITH.

>> RIGHT.

>> THEY ARE HEARING THAT IT´S MOVING UP.

IN ST. CROIX, YOU HAVE A PARK, AND ANOTHER HOME OF THE LITTLE LEAGUE GAMES AND OTHER GAMES.

WHAT IS GOING ON THERE?

>> BIG, BIG COMPLEX.

YOU KNOW, TENNIS COURTS, BASKETBALL COURTS, RACKET BALL COURTS AND YOU HAVE THE BASEBALL FIELD RIGHT BEHIND IT, THERE´S A SOCCER GREEN SPACE.

SO, THAT FACILITY WE KNOW IS VERY, VERY IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF ALL THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS IT HAS TO IT.

DESIGN IS COMPLETED, BAITS CAME IN, WE NEEDED EXTRA FUNDS.

THANK YOU TO THE OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY THAT GAVE US THE SHORTFALL THAT WE HAD, IT´S GETTING GOING AND GETTING BIDED SO WE CAN GET IT DONE.

>> MR. GRIFFIN HAS LINE OF SIGHT ON TWO PARKS.

>> CORRECT.

HE IS KNOCKING HOME RUNS OUT OF THE PARKS, THANK YOU.

>> THIS IS OUR NEIGHBOR RIGHT HERE.

WE KNOW IT´S USED FOR LITTLE LEAGUE AND MARRIOTT WAS ABLE TO GIVE US INKIND DONATIONS.

WE HAVE BRAND NEW FENCE AND THEY GAVE US A NEW L.E.D.

SCOREBOARD THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO USE AT THAT FACILITY, THERE´S ADDITIONAL STUFF WITH LIGHTS AND THAT SHOULD BE COMPLETED EARLY 2022.

THE PEOPLE OF FRENCH TOWN SHOULD BE PLEASED WHEN YOU GET FINISHED.

AND BORIS HODGE, IT´S ANOTHER PARK THAT IS OF INTEREST.

>> DORIS HODGE WILL BE OUR FIRST FACILITY THAT WILL BE RESURFACED AND REPAVED.

IT´S A MAIN FACILITY THAT TOOK A LOT OF DAMAGE.

WE LOST THE BLEACHERS AND WE ARE WORKING ON GETTING IT FIXED.

BECAUSE OF MATERIALS THAT HAVE NOT STARTED YET, THE CONTRACTORS ARE DOING ST. CROIX, IT´S MY HOPE THAT WE CAN DO THEM BOTH AT THE SAME TIME WHERE WE CAN STREAM LINE IT AND GET THE RESURFACING PROJECTS DONE.

>> THE BALLPARK AS WELL IS ONE OF INTEREST, WHAT IS GOING ON THERE?

AND MAKE SURE YOU TELL THE PEOPLE WHERE IT IS.

>> SO, YEAH, IN THE OLD AREA IN ST. THOMAS.

BASEBALL FACILITY, BASKETBALL COURT.

TENNIS COURT, WE WERE WAITING FOR THE DESIGNS TO BE FINISHED AND WE ARE GETTING ASSISTANCE AND GOING TO BID IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.

WE ARE HOPING TO GET THE PROJECT BACK UP AND HAVE SIGNIFICANT MONIES AND IT WILL BE SEEING RESURFACING OF THE COURTS AND L.E.D.

LIGHT.

>> WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE PROJECT ONES AND THOUGH WAY I´M GETTING IN TROUBLE WITH ST. JOHNIAN FRIENDS.

WE TOOK A FERRY RIDE OVER TO CHECK ON THE PROJECTS OVER THERE ON THE SISTER ISLAND.

WE HAVE COMMENTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REPAIRING OUR ISLAND´S PARKS.

>> THIS IS ONE OF THE LOCALLY OWNED BEACHES ON THE NORTHSHORE OF ST. JOHN.

WE ARE EXCITED TO GET THE BUILDING UP AND RUNNING.

SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF HAVING THE BUILDING IS WE ARE ABLE TO HAVE COMMUNITY EVENTS, AND BIRTHDAY GATHERINGS AND WEDDINGS AND SUMMER CAMPS.

SUMMER CAMPS ARE RAN HERE AS WELL AS SWIMMING PROGRAMS.

SO, AS YOU CAN SEE, IT´S A VERY IMPORTANT PROJECT FOR THIS COMMUNITY AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH SPORTS PARK AND RECREATION TO THE COMPLETION.

>> SO, THE BALLPARK?

>> WE HAVE MODULARS ON THERE RIGHT NOW.

THAT WILL BE A WHILE BEFORE WE CAN GET THE FACILITY BACK UP.

I HAVE TO SAY A BIG THANK YOU AND KUDOS TO THE NATIONAL PARK, WHO IS CURRENTLY NOW REGION NOW RENOVATING THEIR BASEBALL FACILITY THAT WILL BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR, AND IT WILL BE TURNED OVER TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS, PARK, AND RECREATION SO WE CAN MANAGE IT AND HAVE OPEN RECREATIONAL SPACE IN THE MEANTIME FOR THE CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY IN ST. JOHN.

>> SO, WHEN I LOOK AT THE BEAUTIFUL BEACH IN ST. JOHN, IT´S KNOWN FOR BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND OPEN AREAS.

AGAIN, IT´S ALSO A PARTICULAR FACILITY OF INTEREST OVER THERE.

>> WE CALL IT THE MONEY MAKER OF THE DEPARTMENT.

IT´S THE MONEY MAKER.

WHEN YOU HAVE PEOPLE COMING TO ST. JOHN AND THEY WANT TO IS -- WANT TO HAVE WEDDINGS, THAT´S THE AREA THEY GO TO.

AND IT´S A GOOD SPOT, RIGHT ON THE WATER.

ANYONE WHO HAS LEARNED HOW TO SWIM ON THE ISLAND OF ST. JOHN PROBABLY LEARNED TO SWIM AT THE BEACH, IT´S WHERE WE HOLD THE LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM.

IT´S A VERY, VERY IMPORTANT FACILITY FOR THE PEOPLE OF SAINTS JOHN.

AND IT WAS -- WE DID GET ASSISTANCE FOR THE FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING IT BACK UP SO WE CAN HAVE MORE WEDDINGS AND THE DEPARTMENT CAN MAKE MORE MONEY.

>> ONE THING I´M VERY PLEASED WITH, A PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE ESTABLISHED WITH THE, AND IAN SAMUEL, INTEREST AND -- AND DEVELOPING THE SCOPE SO WE CAN GET THE FACILITIES BACK UP AND RUNNING.

PARTNERSHIP IS EVERYTHING.

AND YOU LOOK AT THE ST. JOHN COMMUNITY CENTER AS WELL, YOU KNOW, THAT IS SUPPOSED TO SERVE IS AS MORE THAN JUST THE COMMUNITY CENTER.

>> WE HAVE HAZARD MITIGATION MONIES TO HARDEN THAT STRUCTURE.

I DON´T KNOW OF, OF A FACILITY THAT I CAN THINK OF IF I THINK OF SOME TYPE OF DISASTER THAT YOU KNOW, THE PEOPLE OF ST. JOHN CAN GO AND BE SECURE.

WE HOPE TO MAKE THE FACILITY STRONG AND IT´S GOING TO BE TWO STORY.

BUT IT´S GOING TO BE SOMEWHERE, WHERE YOU, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE THAT NEED TO BE SAFE AND SECURE CAN GO IN ADDITION TO THE RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS.

IT´S GREAT THAT WE CAN USE THAT FACILITY AS A MULTIPLE PURPOSE FACILITY.

>> IT´S RIGHT IN THE HEART OF THE AREA.

AND YOU KNOW, WE ASK THE COMMUNITY, WHICH PARKS THEY HOPE TO SEE WORKED ON NEXT YEAR.

WE HAVE TO GIVE THE COMMISSIONER HOME WORK.

HERE ARE THEIR THOUGHTS.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IMPROVEMENTS ON ALL OF THE PARKS LIKE I SAID BEFORE.

I REMEMBER AS A LITTLE GIRL ENJOYING EMANCIPATION GARDEN AND FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT PARK.

NOW, HOMELESS PEOPLE ARE LINED UP.

IT´S NOT SANITARY ANYMORE.

THEY NEED TO DO SOMETHING.

>> IT´S A BEAUTIFUL PARK AND WE USED TO GO THERE AND RUN AROUND, NOW IT´S OVER GROWN WITH STUFF.

THERE WERE A LOT OF WEDDINGS AND PARTIES THERE.

I THINK THEY NEED MORE FOCUS IN THERE.

>> I THINK IT´S IMPORTANT THAT ALL OF THE SPACES ARE MADE FRESH AND CLEAN AND SAFE FOR ALL OF OUR RESIDENTS AND OUR VISITORS AND I HAVE NOT SEEN TOO MUCH OF WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOME PARTS OF THE ISLAND, AND DOWN HERE, I THINK EVERYTHING IS STARTING TO LOOK BEAUTIFUL AND I PARTICULARLY LOVE WHAT HAS BEEN DONE TO THE WATERFRONT.

>> WELL, YOU HAVE FEEDBACK, TELL ME WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> VERY HONEST FEEDBACK AND COMMENTS.

AGAIN, LIKE I SAID, I KNOW FAIRCHILD HAS BEEN COMPLETED BACK UP AND BACK OPEN.

SO, WE NEED TO PROBABLY DO PR TO LET THE COMMUNITY KNOW THAT THAT PROJECT IS BACK UP.

I HAVE SEEN SOME WEDDINGS UP THERE THAT I KNOW WAS REALLY, REALLY GOOD.

A LOT OF OUR OPEN SPACES, BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT SECURE WITH FENCES ANY WALLS.

GIVES ACCESS TO ANYONE TO ENTER THAT FACILITY, SO, WE HAVE TO DO A BETTER JOB PROBABLY WORKING WITH VIPD TO MAKE SURE OUR SPACES ARE ONE, SAFE, SANATIZED AND I HAVE BEEN SEEKING ASSISTANCE FROM OMB TO GET FUNDING, TO GET CAMERAS FROM ALL OF OUR FACILITIES.

IT COULD CURVE THE UNWANTED FACILITIES.

GREAT FEEDBACK.

>> SURE.

>> AND ALSO, THAT HAS BEEN IN SAVAN.

>> IT´S HOME TO OUR COMMUNITY CENTER AND IT HAS FUNDED THE ACTIVITIES THERE.

INCLUDING THE BUILDINGS THERE, SO, HAPPY TO HEAR WHAT YOU ARE DOING THERE TOO.

>> ONE OF THE FACILITIES THAT HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.

WE DID A LOCAL ORGANIZATION.

AND I THINK THE ORGANIZATION IS BEEN USING THE FACILITY, THEY HAVE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND DIFFERENT SEMINARS, SO, THAT FACILITY IS BACK UP.

IT´S BEING USED RIGHT NOW.

AND WE KNOW WE HAVE THE HEAD START UNDERNEATH THERE.

AND I DON´T KNOW IF THEY ARE BACK IN THE BUILDING.

BUT JUST ONE OF THE PROJECTS THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO COMPLETE.

>> HAVING A LINE IS SAD AND COVID, I KNOW, AS WE START TO OPEN BACK UP WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE TO GET READY TO REALLY HAVE A RECREATION FACILITY POISED TO DEFINITELY MISS.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> AND IT´S A TOUGH JOB, AS YOU OPEN THE COMMUNITY UP, YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER COVID.

>> RIGHT.

>> YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE COMMUNITY STAYS SAFE.

>> IT´S A GREAT POINT, A LOT OF WHAT WE DO CALLS FOR CLOSE CONTACT.

YOU TALK ABOUT THE PROGRAMS AND RECREATION, IT´S HARD TO DO AND KEEP DISTANCE.

WE HAVE BEEN WORKING GOOD WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

>> FANTASTIC.

>> BEING CREATIVE AND FINDING NEW WAYS THAT WE CAN STILL GIVE OUT RECREATION PROGRAMS IN THE ACTIVITIES.

>> THE OTHER TWO, HILL AND WINSTON RAMO ARE THE TWO AREAS THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED ALREADY.

I HAVE BEEN GETTING A LOT OF CALLS.

FOR INDIVIDUALS THAT DON´T KNOW, IT´S ON THE SKYLINE GOING DOWN AND GOING TO TOWN AND IT, IT BECAME AN AREA WHERE PEOPLE WERE JUST GOING AND PARKING THEIR CARS.

AND THEN, JUST LOOK OVERLOOK THE HARBOR.

>> RIGHT.

>> VERY, VERY GREAT VIEW.

>> THE CONTRACTOR THAT DID THE WORK, PUT IN SOME NEW LIGHTING THAT WAS L.E.D.

LIGHTING.

SO, UPDATING IT, AND IT´S BRIGHT AS THE SUN NOW.

IT´S NOT A SPOT THAT YOU MAY WANT TO COOL OUT AND BE INDISCREET ANYMORE.

>> I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.

>> I HAVE NO IDEA.

>> A VERY, VERY BEAUTIFUL AREA, AND A LOT OF TOURISTS UP THERE AND LOCALS.

IT WAS COMPLETED THE LIGHTS WAS INSTALLED.

WE PAINTED THE AREA.

WE WANTED TO GET NEW AMENITIES, AND THAT PROJECT WAS COMPLETED AND GIVEN BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND YOU HAVE THE OTHER CENTER WHICH IS, YOU KNOW THE HEART OF THE CHILDREN IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA.

IT´S BEEN HOME TO MANY FOR AFTER SCHOOL CAMPS.

AND I THINK THAT CONTRACT IS ABOUT 95% COMPLETED.

DID SOME FENCE WORK AND WORK ON THE PLAYGROUND.

SO, THAT FACILITY NEVER REALLY CLOSED DOWN, IT DID NOT TAKE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE.

BUT THE UPGRADES THAT WE ARE GETTING ARE STILL IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITY.

>> PROJECTS FOR DAYS.

PROJECTS AND FINISHING UP A BUZZ WITH CONSTRUCTION.

THEY HELPED TO RYE VITALIZE THE THINGS GOING ON DOWN THERE.

>>.

>> AS FOR FREDERICK THIS PROJECT HERE.

THE REPAVING OF THE TENNIS COURTS AND THE BASKETBALL COURTS AND PAVING OF THE ROAD.

THERE´S SO MUCH GOING ON.

THERE´S A WONDERFUL HISTORIC TOWN.

>> IT´S, YOU CANNOT DRIVE WITHOUT SEEING THE WONDERFUL THING THAT IS GOING ON DOWN THERE.

AND YOU KNOW, WE RECENTLY DID THE GROUND BREAKING FOR THE VINCENT MASON POOL AND THAT POOL HAS BEEN IN DEMAND FOR A LONG TIME.

YOU KNOW, SO, HATS OFF FORGETTING IT STARTED, WHERE ARE WE IT NOW?

>> CONTRACTORS ARE ON SITE, THEY HAVE STARTED TO MOBILIZE, I´M DOING EXTRA WORK WITH THE PRIVATE COMPANY TO SEE IF WE CAN ENHANCE IT.

I THINK MORE IMPORTANT, THE PEOPLE ARE NOTICING THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT WE ARE DOING, AND THEY NOTED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS REALLY FOCUSED ON THE DOWNTOWN AREA.

WE ARE WORKING TO SEE HOW WE CAN FIX THE LIGHTING ON THE WATERFRONT TO ENHANCE IT.

OUR FOCUS IS WITH THE PEOPLE OF FREDERICKSED, AND WE WILL WORK HARD AND MAKE SURE IT´S UP AND RUNNING.

>> EVEN AT VETERAN´S PARK AND RICHARDS PARK.

IT´S INCLUDED IN THE WATERFRONT.

IT´S INCLUDED, THE PILLARS AND GOING ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE MALI COMMUNITY.

WE ARE NOT LEAVING THEM OUT, THEY ARE PART OF THE STRETCH AND SO, WE ARE GOING TO GET THE PILLARS AND NOT JUST ON THE WATERFRONT, BUT ON THE MALI PROJECT.

>> AND OF COURSE THE CLOCK TOWER.

A LOT OF WEDDINGS ARE HELD THERE.

AND YOU KNOW, YOU CANNOT EVEN MISS OUT, THE STADIUM IS GOING TO BE SPORTS PARK AND RECREATION PROJECT THAT FEMA HAS PROVIDED THE CONDITIONAL LETTER THAT ALLOWED THE PROJECT TO START.

YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS FULL.

>> PROJECT STARTED BACK YESTERDAY.

I SAID WITH DPW, STARTED TO GO OVER THE PROJECT AND WE ARE AGREEING WHAT IS GOING ON AND WHAT NOT.

I PUT MY FOOT IN MY MOUTH AND I TOLD HIM, I WILL BE THE COMMISSIONER THAT WILL BE THERE FOR THE RIBBON CUTTING.

I AM WITH YOU, I LIKE THAT WE CAN PUT OUT THE MUSIC.

YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR.

>> YOU HAVE PROJECT FORCE DAYS.

I HAVE A LOT OF HELP TOO.

IT´S NOT JUST US DOING IT.

WE LEAN HEAVILY ON ODR, DPW, IT´S JUST A GREAT TEAM TO HAVE.

EVERYBODY IS MAKING SURE THAT WE ARE GETTING TO THE END GOAL, WHICH IS PROJECT COMPLETED, GIVE IT BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

THE ENERGIES, THERE´S A LOT OF MULTIPLE LAYERS OF FUNDING THAT GEESE ON.

TO MAKE THE PROJECTS WORK.

THE FACT THAT IT´S DURING COVID, SO DESPITE COVID, PEOPLE UNDER ESTIMATE THE IMPACT THAT COVID HAS HAD, AND DESPITE COVID, YOU ARE ABLE TO MOVE A LOT OF YOUR PROJECTS FORWARD JUST ABOUT TO GET WORK STARTED.

VERY SHORTLY.

>> YOU ARE GOING AND ON THE WEST SIDE, YOU GET TO THE BEACH, JUST TODAY, WE HAD A PRECONSTRUCTION MEETING AND WE KNOW CRAMER´S PARK IS BIG WHEN IT COMES TO CAMPING TIME.

SO IT WILL BE COMING BACK UP ONLINE AND THE CONCESSION, IT WILL BE EXCITING TO REDO FROM THE GROUND UP, HAVING A NEW CONCESSION THERE, FULL KITCHEN CAN.

THAT THE PEOPLE COMING TO THE FACILITY CAN ENJOY.

>> AWESOME.

>> SO, OKAY, WE HAVE, WE CAN ALSO, YOUR PLANS INCLUDE RENTING OUT THE FACILITY AGAIN?

>> YOU KNOW WHAT?

I HAVE NOT THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO WITH THE CONCESSION IS, IF IT WILL BE LEASED TO SOMEBODY OR IF WE RENT IT OUT AS PEOPLE COME BACK.

I LOOK AT THE PROs AND CONs AND SEE WHICH IS MORE PROFITABLE TO THE DEPARTMENT AND MAKE SENSE AND WE WILL MAKE THE DECISION ONCE IT´S COMPLETED.

>> SURE, SO, FROM ACROSS, WHEN YOU GO FROM ST. JOHN TO ST. CROIX AND ST. THOMAS AND A LOT OF DIFFERENT PROJECTS.

AND YOU HAVE HAD TO FIND FUNDS, BECAUSE FEMA HAS GIVEN FUNDS TO REPAIR.

BUT YOUR TEAM WAS LOOKING AT WAYS THAT YOU CAN TAKE IT UP A NOTCH AND YOU TALK ABOUT PARTNERSHIPS, YOU KNOW, ON THE FREDERICK BEACH ITSELF.

>> CORRECT.

>> THERE´S POTENTIAL.

RIGHT ACROSS FROM THE STADIUM.

YOU HAVE WORK GOING ON THE FREDERICK BEACH.

>> ONCE COMPLETED, YOU MAY NOT EVEN NOTICE WORK WAS DONE.

AND THAT´S WHY WE ARE DOING ADDITIONAL WORK TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN SEE THE FALLS WERE BROUGHT BACK FOR FREDERICK, WE ARE WORKING ON THE BUNGALOW RIGHT NOW, AND THE RESTROOM FACILITIES.

THE BEACH IS USED BY A LOT OF LOCALS AND NOT JUST THAT, IT´S WHERE THE CRUISE SHIP COMES IN.

A LOT OF VISITORS COME IN.

WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO ENHANCE THE VISITOR´S EXPERIENCE IF WE HAVE TO PUT YOU ARE KNOW, UMBRELLAS, AND CHAIRS DOWN AT THE BEACH.

WE HAVE A BIG SURPRISE, I WILL NOT LET IT OUT YET.

BUT WE ARE WORKING WITH ONE OF THE CRUZ SHIPS TO ANNOUNCE SOMETHING VERY, VERY BIG FOR DOWNTOWN FREDERICKS THAT THEY WANT TO ASSIST US WITH.

IT´S A GREAT TIME TO BE WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT.

WE HAVE A LOT GOING ON.

WE COULD DO A LOT MORE.

>> GOOD.

GOOD.

>> GOOD DEAL.

>> MR. GRIFFORD, YOU HAVE A LOT OF THINGS.

YOU ARE A BIG SPORTS ICON.

>> HE IS SAN ICON IN THE TERRITORY.

>> YOU KNOW WHAT, I TELL PEOPLE ALL THE TIME.

THE JOB IS REWARDING BECAUSE I´M A LITTLE BIASED, MY BACKGROUND IS SPORTS AND SPORTS MANAGEMENT.

BUT I LIKE WHEN WE SEE PEOPLE USING THE FACILITIES.

YOU KNOW, I LOOK AND SEE THE PEOPLE PLAYING TENNIS, WHEN THEY HAVE NOT PLAYED FOR TWO YEARS BECAUSE OF THE FENCING BEING DOWN, IT MAKES IT WORTH IT.

>> AND YOU KNOW, THE COMBINATIONS THAT WE HAVE DONE IS THAT, FOR EXAMPLE, A COMPANY CAME TO US ABOUT HAVE WALKING TRAILS.

>> THE TRAILS ACROSS THE TERRITORY IN DIFFERENT WAYS, SO, THAT WILL BE GOOD FOR JUST THE PEOPLE OF THE TERRITORY TO BE ABLE TO EXERCISE AND GET ACTIVE.

>> SO, YOU KNOW, WHEN ALL OF THE UX ALL OF THE PARKS, YOU KNOW, THAT HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED AND REPAIRED, YOU KNOW, WHAT ABOUT LITTLE LEAGUE?

ARE WE GOING TO SEE A RESURGENCE?

I WAS WATCHING THE MAJOR LEAGUE WORLD SERIES.

>> I WAS LIKE, THAT WHOLE LANDSCAPE CHANGED AND I WAS WAITING FOR REGGIE JACKSON.

>> DO YOU FEEL THAT BASEBALL IS BEING OVERSHADOWED BY THE OTHER SPORTS NOW?

>> NO, NOT REALLY, AND MATTER OF FACT, BASEBALL IS ONE OF THE SPORTS THAT WAS DEEMED LOW RISK.

IT IS ONE OF THE SPORTS THAT WE HAVE STARTED BACK, A LOT OF PEOPLE DON´T REALIZE, THE LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL IS NOT ON THE SPORTS PARK AND RECREATION, FOR SOME REASON PEOPLE THINK WE ARE THE ONES THAT RUN LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL.

THEY USE OUR FACILITIES AND WE WORK WITH THE CHARTER.

WHAT WE DID, WE TAPPED IN TO WHAT IS CALLED THE RBI PROGRAM, WHICH IS, REVITALIZING BASEBALL IN THE INNER CITIES.

AND IT´S A WORLDWIDE PROGRAM THAT WE TAPPED IN TO, WE HAVE BEEN RUNNING IT FOR THE LAST 4-5 MONTHS.

BASEBALL IS GOING TO BE COMING BACK.

>> BASEBALL IS ALIVE AND WELL.

>>> THE AREAS HAVE CHANGED DRAMATICALLY OVER THE YEARS.

AND NOW, WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN, AND IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO ABOUT THAT?

AND WHY ADD SAND TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE BEACH?

WELL, WE HAVE HAD TO PHONE A FRIEND FOR THIS ONE.

OUR OFFICE REACHED YOU OUT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES AND THEY ARE EAGER TO ASSIST.

>> SO, WHY IS CRAMER´S PARK AND OTHER BEACHES ROCKIER THAN IT USED TO BE?

BECAUSE OF ALL THE INFLUENCES, INCLUDING THE STORM WEATHER FROM 2017, SAND HAS BEEN REMOVED AND REPLACING SAND IS A SHORT-TERM AND EXPECTED OPTION.

SINCE THE NATURAL FORCES AND CONDITIONS THAT ARE REMOVING THE STAND FROM THE BEACHES ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE.

AND IN FACT, ARE PROJECTED TO INCREASE AND INTENSIFY.

ALL OF THE COASTAL AREAS WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPACTED BY GLOBAL SEA LEVEL RISE, SUCH THAT WE CAN ANTICIPATE THE WATER TO BE A FOOT AND A HALF HIGHER BY 2050 WHICH IS ABOUT 30 YEARS FROM NOW, THAN IT WAS IN 2010, TEN YEARS AGO, THE GOOD NEWS IS FOR CRAMER´S PARK, GIVEN THE SHORELINE´S TYPE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE AREA.

THE BEACH HAS WIGGLE ROOM TO ADAPT TO CHANGE.

THE SLOPE IS GENTLE, AND THERE´S PLENTY OF UNDEVELOPED LAND BEHIND THE BEACH.

THIS MEANS THAT AS THE SAND WILL NEED TO RETREAT IN LAND, THERE´S ROOM BACK HERE FOR THE BEACH TO CONTINUE TO EXIST.

IT WILL INFORM THE CHANGES WE SHOULD ANTICIPATE AND PLAN FOR.

IT´S NOT A QUICK FIX.

IT´S NATURE AND WE HAVE TO GO WITH THE FLOW AND ADJUST TO THE CHANGING OF THE TIDES.

IT´S BEEN AWESOME, GENTLEMEN, TO HAVE YOU HERE.

JUST WRAP US UP AND GIVE US YOUR FAMOUS LAST WORDS.

>> THANK YOU AGAIN LIKE I SAID FOR HAVING ME.

IT´S EXCITING THAT OUR PROJECTS ARE STARTING TO MOVE.

AND I JUST WANT TO SHOW THE COMMUNITY THAT WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE WORKING HARD TO GET THEM BACK OUT TO THE PUBLIC.

>> FANTASTIC.

>> AND MY COHOST, REALLY QUICKLY YOU ARE.

>> REALLY QUICKLY WE WOULD LIKE TO LET THE COMMUNITY KNOW ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd, WE WILL HAVE THE RFD PUBLISHING FOR THE PLAYGROUND AND AS SOON AS THAT WORK IS DONE, WE WILL TURN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD PARK OVER TO SPORTS PARKS AND RECREATIONS FOR THEM TO TAKE CARE OF IT.

SO, AWESOME HAVING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOU AND THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US THIS WEEK.

>> YES, ABSOLUTELY.

THANK YOU FOR EVERYONE FOR TUNING IN FOR THIS EPISODE, WHERE WE HAVE HEARD UPDATES ON THE STATUS OF THE TERRITORIES PARK PROJECTS FROM COMMISSIONER WHITE, AND OF COURSE, THE LATEST UPDATES FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, FIND US ONLINE AND YOU CAN ALSO KEEP THE DISCUSSION GOING AT FACEBOOK.COM/WTJX.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD A LEGACY OF RESILIENCE.