Gregory P. Smith, independent candidate for the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, recently met with residents on Water Island for a community listening session focused on the approved long-term resort and marina lease.
The conversation centered on concerns from local residents about the scale of the proposed development, the impact on limited island infrastructure, public access, emergency response, environmental protection, and whether the community has had enough meaningful input in decisions that could shape Water Island for generations.
The Water Island Hotel and Marina proposal has been described in public materials and local reporting as a hotel, marina, residential, restaurant, retail, spa, and related resort development tied to a 99-year lease. Publicly available information has also described a construction-period rent structure before higher base rent begins after construction.
For many Water Island residents, the issue is not simply whether development should happen. The deeper concern is whether development of this scale is being planned with the level of transparency, community engagement, infrastructure review, and long-term accountability that residents deserve.
During the meet-and-greet, residents shared concerns about roads, utilities, water and wastewater capacity, emergency access, transportation, shoreline access, environmental impacts, and the quiet residential character of the island.
Gregory said the meeting reinforced the importance of listening directly to the people most affected by major public decisions.
“Water Island residents deserve to be heard. When public land, long-term leases, infrastructure, and community character are involved, people should not feel like decisions are being made without them. My job is to listen, ask difficult questions, and make sure residents have a voice in the future of their community.”
Gregory believes responsible development should include a clear understanding of both opportunity and impact. Economic growth can be important for the Virgin Islands, but growth should not come at the expense of public trust, infrastructure readiness, environmental protection, or the voices of residents who will live with the outcome.
The Water Island discussion also reflects a broader issue across the territory: how the Virgin Islands manages public land, long-term leases, major development proposals, and community input.
Gregory has consistently said that government must be more transparent, more accountable, and more responsive to the people it serves. For him, that means residents should have access to clear information, timely public discussion, and meaningful opportunities to raise concerns before major decisions move forward.
“This is not about being against progress. It is about making sure progress is responsible, transparent, and respectful of the people who call these communities home. Residents should not be treated like an afterthought when decisions affect their roads, utilities, access, safety, and quality of life.”
Gregory’s visit to Water Island is part of his campaign’s continued effort to meet directly with residents, business owners, community groups, and local leaders throughout the St. Thomas–St. John District.
His campaign is built around the idea that better decisions begin with better listening. Whether the issue is infrastructure, public safety, affordability, small business, workforce opportunity, tourism, or development, Gregory believes residents deserve leaders who show up, ask questions, and stay accountable.
“Better Together means every community deserves a seat at the table. Water Island residents care deeply about the future of their island, and their concerns deserve to be taken seriously.”
Gregory encourages residents across St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island to continue sharing their concerns, questions, and ideas with the campaign.
Residents, neighborhood groups, organizations, and business owners who would like to invite Gregory to listen can reach out through the campaign contact page.
Better Together.
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Gregory P. Smith.