Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement regarding the Caneel Bay Resort on St. John:
“I am pleased to announce the Department of the Interior has made the decision to move forward with an open-bidding process for the Caneel Bay Resort. We are grateful that the National Park Service has agreed to begin the ‘Request for Qualification’ before the RUE currently held by CBI Acquisitions LLC is scheduled to expire.
“This decision comes as a result of multiple meetings between my office and the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior and stakeholders. Absolutely key to this decision has been the work of the residents of St. John through public meetings, constructively working together, and advocacy to the National Park Service. From the transition of the Biden Administration, the Department of Interior’s leadership has stated that it wanted to work with the people of the Virgin Islands to do what is best for all.
“I am hopeful this open-bidding process will be just that – open and transparent. This important process provides a path forward for the Caneel Bay Resort with public involvement and engagement to ensure the voices of St. John are heard. The National Park Service will conclude its Environmental Site Assessment and put out a Request for Qualifications followed by a Request for Proposals. Although this is not an instantaneous process, it provides a path forward for Caneel Bay that considers the socioeconomic and environmental impacts on St. John.”
