Editor's Note: The following is a press release from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
May 26, 2004 – The Department of Planning and Natural Resources would like to notify the general public, property owners, government agencies and departments, that historic structures and ruins located within the towns of Charlotte Amalie, Frederiksted, and Christiansted are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virgin Islands Registry of Historic Buildings, Sites and Places, are considered cultural resources and protected as required by the V. I. Antiquities and Cultural Properties Act (V.I. Code, Chapter 17, Title 29).
Any demolition or partial demolition to any historic structures and ruins 50 years and older located within the towns, listed on the registries, or eligible for listing will require the review of the V. I. State Historic Preservation Office and the approval of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Per Chapter 17, Title 29 Subsection 963(a)(l)(2) Any person who knowingly, willfully and intentionally.. .destroyed any historical, cultural or archaeological site… shall be fined not less than $500 or more than $10,000 per day per violation or be imprisoned for no more than one year or both.
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources appreciates the cooperation of the general public in this matter. For more information you may contact the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office at 773-1082 on St. Croix or 776-8605 on St. Thomas.