Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, a Member of the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released the following statement on the status of National Parks in the Caribbean:

“I have been very disappointed by the disinformation circulated concerning the National Park. There will be no changes to the parks’ names or legal authorities. The superintendents of each Caribbean park (St. Croix, St. John and San Juan) will now report to a group superintendent stationed in the Caribbean. I understand this adjustment will push decision making closer to the field. We have received numerous reports from residents, National Park employees and other stakeholders concerning the relationship with the Virgin Islands National Park system and its community. We are supportive of changes which bring accountability closer to the people of the Virgin Islands.

“It is my understanding that recent management review of all National parks in the Caribbean was completed in 2017. The review team found that each of the parks could be run more efficiently by sharing resources and expertise. I further understand that the decision to realign was based on feedback received from management, employees, and stakeholders at each park during the review. This change realigns the reporting structure of the three park managers. Three park managers — located at St. Croix, St. John and San Juan — now report to the Caribbean Parks Superintendent. It is my understanding that one of the Virgin Islands’ park managers was first offered the position and declined and as the second person offered was the San Juan manager. The San Juan park manager position is currently vacant. The three park managers will report to a Caribbean Parks Superintendent, and that superintendent reports to the Regional Director. The realignment mirrors similar models in the National Park Service, like the Outer Banks Group (NC) and National Parks of New York Harbor.

“I understand that the community has asked the new Caribbean Parks Superintendent to meet with the community on St. John. Because of information which has been circulating in the community, I have asked the Southeast Regional Director to come and speak directly to the community about this and other issues concerning our parks. And I have asked that he ensure the attendance of all the park managers and superintendents. As Congress recesses on July 28, I intend to be at the meeting which we have agreed to take place on August 3 on St. John and ask all local stakeholders and the press to be there.

“Again, there will be no change to the park’s name or legal authority. Our Virgin Islands National Parks have been a great resource and pride to us as Virgin Islanders but truthfully not always the Parks have not always been the best partner with our community. I am working hard to ensure that the relationship is equitable.”