In a tense atmosphere at the Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands, members of the Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks convened to address the long-delayed construction of the Polly Joseph Stadium. The meeting, held on June 11, 2025, was marked by frustration and urgency as senators expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of accountability from various departments involved in the project.

Senator Carla Joseph opened the discussion with a passionate plea for respect and transparency, emphasizing the importance of honoring the legacy of community leaders like Pauley Joseph, after whom the stadium is named. She criticized the absence of key officials who were expected to provide updates on the project, labeling it a "level of disrespect" to the taxpayers and the community that has been waiting for over a decade for the stadium's completion.

Her sentiments were echoed by Senator Marvin Blyden, who highlighted the ongoing financial commitments to the project without visible progress. He expressed disbelief that after years of funding, the community still lacks a functional stadium, calling the situation "unacceptable." Blyden insisted that accountability measures must be enforced, including the potential use of subpoenas to compel absent officials to testify.

Senator Avia Lewis also voiced her concerns, stressing the need for regular status reports to restore public trust in the government’s handling of the project. She underscored the importance of providing modern facilities for the youth of the Virgin Islands, urging her colleagues to take decisive action to ensure that the stadium is completed in a timely manner.

The committee members collectively expressed their disappointment over the lack of updates from the Department of Public Works and other agencies, which they believe have failed to meet their obligations. Senator Novell Francis Jr. described the situation as an "embarrassment," noting that despite the appropriation of over $30 million, the community still lacks a world-class facility.

As the meeting concluded, the senators agreed on the necessity of holding accountable those responsible for the delays and inefficiencies. They emphasized that the community deserves better, especially in light of recent incidents highlighting the need for recreational opportunities for youth. The committee's next steps remain to be determined, but the urgency for action is clear as they seek to bring the long-awaited Polly Joseph Stadium to fruition.