The Virgin Islands Port Authority governing board approved several lease agreements and service contracts during Wednesday’s meeting at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal on St. Croix, including expansions for businesses operating at the territory’s ports, airport janitorial services and marine infrastructure projects.
Among the approved items was a new lease agreement with Priority RoRo Services Inc. for continued occupancy and additional land space at the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Port and Transshipment Center on St. Croix.
The company, which has operated at the container port since 2021, requested additional space to accommodate increased shipments and operational demands.
Under the agreement, Priority RoRo will lease approximately 111,200 square feet for a five-year term with an option for two additional years. The monthly rent was approved at $9,682.50, totaling $116,190 annually.
During the presentation, officials said the company’s growth has driven the need for additional space.
“Priority RoRo shipments coming into St. Croix has drastically increased, and the current space does not meet its operational demand for storage purposes,” staff told board members. “This new space is located within the secure area of the container port for Priority RoRo’s better equipment control.”
Board members also confirmed the company remains in good standing.
“Rental obligations are all paid in full, they’re in good standing,” staff said in response to questions from the board.
The board also approved a five-year lease extension for The Petite Pump Room restaurant at the Edward W. Blyden IV Marine Terminal on St. Thomas.
The extension will carry the business through May 31, 2035, with an existing five-year option extending operations through 2040. The agreement includes a 5% increase in rental rates and introduces a requirement for expanded grab-and-go food services to better accommodate travelers passing through the terminal.
Officials said the restaurant has maintained a presence at the facility since 1982.
Member Celestino White used the opportunity to recognize longtime businesses that have remained committed to the territory.
“When you see these two families that have defrayed the odds and continuously kept their businesses going, considering all that has happened in our community, they deserve recognition,” White said.
“At least if we could find some kind of way, some kind of plaque, something to say thank you, it would be a good gesture.”
The board also approved a $451,173.27 contract with Edgewater Consultants LLC to conduct nondestructive testing, capacity analysis and asset management documentation for marine facilities throughout the territory.
The work will assess the condition of mooring equipment and develop maintenance programs to prevent service disruptions at ports.
Another major item approved was a contract with Double A Cleaning Services to provide janitorial services at Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas.
The company will provide daily cleaning services at a cost of $18,500 per month, along with emergency cleaning and professional floor waxing services as needed.
The contract is intended to supplement VIPA’s existing custodial staff and improve sanitation throughout the airport, which serves thousands of employees, tenants and passengers daily.
Board members spent considerable time discussing airport cleanliness concerns and the significant resources already dedicated to maintaining the facility.
“We spend over half a million dollars in custodial service between our full-time employees and a contractor,” White said. “For that amount, we continue to receive complaints about the cleanliness of the general areas and the restrooms. Something else needs to be done.”
Board member Leona Smith also emphasized the need for continued improvements.
“We need to just look at doing another assessment. Once we do a deep cleaning, I think it will be better,” Smith said.
Additionally, the board approved a five-year master professional services agreement with CMTS LLC to provide project management and staff augmentation services for VIPA’s marine capital improvement projects throughout the territory.
Projects supported under the agreement include improvements at the Charlotte Amalie Harbor, the Frederiksted waterfront and the Enighed Pond Community Park on St. John. Funding for individual projects will be authorized through separate task orders as funding becomes available.
Board members present included Board chairman Willard John, Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, Gordon Rhea, Kevin Rodriguez, Leona Smith, and Celestino White Sr.
