The University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park has added five new companies so far this fiscal year and is expanding its workforce development and youth STEM education programs, Executive Director Eric Sonnier told lawmakers Monday during a Senate hearing.
Testifying before the Economic Development and Agriculture Committee, Sonnier said the RT Park now has 70 active clients — 50 on St. Thomas, 16 on St. Croix, and four on St. John — working in sectors such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and defense contracting.
The RT Park operates independently of the central government and is funded through fees collected from participating companies, which receive tax incentives in exchange. Those funds support the University of the Virgin Islands and help finance educational and workforce initiatives throughout the territory.
“Every initiative we’ve launched, from youth STEM programming to workforce preparedness, is part of a larger interconnected system designed to grow our talent, diversify our economy, and position the Virgin Islands as a competitive hub for knowledge-based initiatives,” Sonnier said.
A number of those initiatives fall under the park’s recently launched Community Advancement Department, which he said is already having an impact.
One program, the 12-week Professional Pathways Program, is geared toward college underclassmen and includes resume writing, mock interviews, and soft skills development. Participants are matched with RT Park clients for paid internships to gain hands-on experience.
For younger students, the Youth STEM Enrichment Program began in January at one public school on each island and will expand territory-wide this fall. The after-school program provides K–8 students with hands-on science and technology instruction.
In March, RT Park hosted its first territory-wide STEAM Day for pre-K and kindergarten students, focused on play-based learning in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. A summer STEM camp launched this year provided middle school students with project-based instruction in robotics, coding, and environmental science. More than 120 students enrolled, with some age groups filling up within minutes, Sonnier said.
“By reinvesting client fees into programs that empower Virgin Islanders from an early age, we’re cultivating the next generation of innovators, problem solvers and leaders,” he said.
When asked by Sen. Marise James about partnerships with the V.I. Department of Education, Community Advancement Director Alfonso Rodriguez said RT Park fully funds the programs. Discussions are ongoing with the department about additional collaboration, he said.
Sonnier also addressed concerns from Sens. Marvin Blyden and James about potential overlap with the Economic Development Commission. He said RT Park works closely with EDC to direct companies to the program that best fits their needs — either tax benefits through RT Park or job creation incentives through the EDC.
Responding to questions about oversight, Sonnier said RT Park conducts annual compliance reviews of its clients and maintains active monitoring of their contractual obligations. “Our compliance structure includes direct engagement with each UVI RT Park client and their advisers, including their legal, accounting, and tax professionals,” he said.
In addition to its education programs, RT Park supports local entrepreneurship through its Accelerate VI and Idea Incubator programs. Accelerate VI is a three-month accelerator that provides early-stage companies with business development support, mentorship, and access to global markets. Since 2019, participants have raised more than $5 million in funding and generated $10 million in revenue, Sonnier said.
Sonnier also proposed a legislative initiative to address payroll and tax barriers for Virgin Islanders working remotely. The proposed “Remote Worker Employer Facilitation Act” would streamline employer registration and tax filings for U.S.-based companies that hire remote employees in the territory.
“Currently, many residents working remotely for mainland companies face legal and administrative barriers that make it difficult for their employers to process payroll through the territory,” Sonnier said.
The bill would include safe harbor provisions and clear guidelines for payroll withholding and reporting. Sonnier cited Puerto Rico’s export services model as a potential framework and said the proposal could help expand the local tax base and make it easier for Virgin Islanders to return home while keeping their jobs.
“The real results of what we’re doing today won’t be visible tomorrow or next year,” Sonnier said. “But in 10 years, we’ll know if we stayed the course and made the right moves. The RT Park gives the Virgin Islands the freedom to think boldly, act strategically, and invest in the future.”
