The Summer’s End Group is pleased to announce the approval and ratification of the St. John Marina Consolidated Major Coastal Zone Management Permit and Modification from Virgin Islands governor, Albert Bryan Jr., by the 33rd Legislature of the Virgin Islands. These ratifications by the 33rd Legislature complete the territorial predevelopment permitting for the St. John Marina project, authorizing Summer’s End to develop the submerged lands for the St. John Marina, readying the project for construction development upon finalization of a federal United States Army Corps of Engineers permit. It is Summer’s End’s goal to receive all necessary permits to begin final development and groundbreaking for the project in 2021.
Our legislators [are] discussing all aspects of the St. John Marina project and specifically a 144-slip marina development including 27.5 acres of submerged lands and installing and maintaining up to 75 public moorings. From 2014 – 2020, Summer’s End continued its work with members of the 30th – 33rd legislatures attending and hosting hours of site visits, office meetings, and tele/Zoom conferences, receiving tremendous knowledge, experience and input from community leaders and receiving strong support throughout the legislature for the St. John Marina development for its tremendous economic. environmental and community benefits.
“Strong leadership in the United States Virgin Islands by dedicated leaders such as Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and members of the 33rd Legislature: Senate President Novell Francis, Majority Leader Marvin Blyden, Senator at Large Steven Payne and Vice President Myron Jackson along with several other senators provided unwavering support for the economic recovery and sustainability of the USVI and the native Virgin Islanders living on STX, STT, and STJ,” says developer Chaliese Summers, member manager of the Summer’s End Group.
Summers continued, “Senators who voted ‘Yes’ said ‘Yes’ to St. Johnian families, ‘Yes’ to jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for locals, ‘Yes’ to the preservation of native culture and heritage, ‘Yes’ to expanding our economy territorywide, ‘Yes’ to environmental restoration and ‘Yes’ to supporting investment in the USVI.”
She enthusiastically added, “Today’s legislative approval marks a big win for St. Johnian families!” I am exceedingly proud of our entire Summer’s End Team, led by co-founder Robert “Bob” O’Connor Jr. and his vision of a thriving and sustainable St. John economy and the empowerment of local St. Johnians.”
“This is the second greatest thing that has happened to us since the slave revolt of 1733 which was a social revolution. This is our first step toward economic freedom!” says 8th generation St. Johnian Alvis Christian, who serves his community as a president of the John’s Folly Learning Institute, community leader and activist, and has been a member of Summer’s End’s local Marine Uses and Advisory Panel since 2012.
Summer’s End principals have collaborated with generational St. Johnians and global experts in the recreational yachting industry to conceive a world class, environmentally considerate marina development for the island of St. John, creating the first and only marina on this island paradise and expanding the charter industry for the territory of the Virgin Islands.
The Summer’s End Group
