St. Croix Lawmaker Demands Answers After $6.36 Million Judgment Against JFL Hospital

Oct. 28, 2026

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Senate Vice President Kenneth L. Gittens is demanding accountability after a federal default judgment ordered the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center (JFLH) and the Virgin Islands Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation to pay $6.36 million over a medical equipment lease.

The judgment also grants creditors rights to assets covered by an all-asset lien and imposes 13% annual interest on the unpaid award.

Gittens questioned why the hospital and its governing corporation allegedly failed to respond to the lawsuit, filed March 31, 2026, or appear at a federal court hearing, despite appearing before legislative committees multiple times.

The senator is calling on the Attorney General to explain what legal action was taken to protect the hospital and what steps are being pursued to address the judgment.

The development comes as the administration seeks legislative approval for a proposed $250 million bond package that includes hospital funding.

“We cannot continue to ask taxpayers to finance government failures without demanding accountability from those responsible,” Gittens said, calling for answers from hospital leadership, the governing board and the Attorney General’s Office.