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April 8, 2005 – Senator Celestino A. White, Sr. has written to Governor Charles Turnbull asking him to report to the people of the Virgin islands and to him, as Chairman of the Committee on Housing, Sports and Veterans Affairs on recent meetings he held with the Department of Interior pertaining to the transfer of the remaining 200 Acres of Water Island to the Government of the Virgin Islands.

Several years ago, approximately 500 acres of Water Island was transferred from Interior to the Virgin Islands Government with well connected individuals occupying property on a lease arrangement with Interior who was allowed to purchase their portion of Water Island land, according to Senator White.

I have long held the position that the remaining 200 acres of land on Water Island must be made available to the general population of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix for sale so as to truly incorporate Water Island into the Virgin Islands, continued Senator White. Many individuals have echoed my concern as it pertains to Water Island and their opportunity to, like the well connected, be able to enjoy every inch of our Island home; "the beautiful United States Virgin Islands. It is only after the remaining 200 acres of Water Islands is transferred to the Virgin Islands that Water Island can be truly called the Forth Virgin Island, stated Senator White.

Governor Turnbull supposedly can shed some light on this very important matter and I urge his definitive statement on Water Island land transfer, Senator White continued.

Finally, in anticipation of the transfer from Interior to the Virgin Islands Government of the remaining 200 acres of Water Island land, Senator White has submitted Legislation that will require the 200 acres once subdivided be available for public sale, concluded Senator White.