For Immediate Release:

Repeal and Revoke, a growing group of concerned St. Croix residents, is demanding that government officials reverse a recent change in Territory law that permits rum distilleries in agricultural lands; and revoke an illegally granted permit for a distillery to be located across from family beaches and Mahogany Road, Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

In March 2022, Senator Vialet reversed decades of law mandating that distilleries (and animal slaughter facilities) could only be located in limited industrial zones. 48 hours before a vote on an unrelated zoning change for the UVI’s RTPark, Vialet proposed an amendment removing “or rum distillation” from a key section of Territory law.  He assured his colleagues that the last minute amendment would not impact surrounding communities.  

This was a critical, and untrue statement – made moments before a months-long effort by UVI’s RTPark was about to pass the Senate.

There was no public notice regarding distilleries.  No hearings were held.  Environmental reports were ignored.  Not a single citizen had the opportunity to express their concern.  

Now, DPNR is interpreting the removal of those three words – “or rum distillation” – as permitting rum distilleries of any size to be located on nearly any agriculture zone in the Virgin Islands, from Coral Bay to Ham’s Bluff.  

DPNR granted distillery permits before the public knew what was happening. 

Now, farmers, fishers, families, and businesses are banding together in protest.  Repeal and Revoke demands the following:

1. The Senate and Governor reverse the changes contained in Act 8569(b) and again mandate that rum distilleries of any size locate in lands zoned as industrial. Senator Whittaker has agreed to introduce such legislation.
2. DPNR revoke earth change and building permits for the rum distillery proposed for Matr. 35_B Plot 5 Prosperity, located just feet from the Coastal Zone Management Tier One zone.
3. DPNR immediately release submitted building plans and all supporting permits, including soil conservation, TPDES, well appropriation plans, flood plans, stormwater plans; certified pesticide operator licenses and environmental impact studies; and all associated documentation.  Unless all required permits were properly documented, issued and monitored,
4. DPNR must halt all distillery work until the owner is in full compliance.
   Virgin Islands Board of Land Use permanently revoke all distillery permits issued due to their illegality.
5. USDA either releases the owner’s approved soil and conservation plan, required before clearing land for agricultural purposes, or USDA halts farm operations until such plans are submitted and approved.

Repeal and Revoke appreciates the proposed public forum hosted by Senator Vialet, but reminds everyone that it does not substitute for legally required opportunities for public notice and comment BEFORE changes in zoning laws.