PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Innovative Housing
Construction Summit
Draws Record Crowds Across the Virgin Islands, Standing-Room-Only in both districts Over 700 Attendees Learn How to Cut Building Costs by Up to 50 Percent
(St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands) — The recent Innovative Housing Construction Summit delivered exactly what it promised — inspiration, innovation, and impact. With standing-room-only audiences on both St. Thomas and St. Croix, more than 700 attendees gathered to learn how new building technologies can reduce construction costs by 40 to 50 percent while not only maintaining but also improving quality and sustainability.
Hosted by Senator Marvin A. Blyden, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, Transportation & Telecommunications, and in partnership with the Virgin Islands Territorial Association of REALTORS® (VITAR), the Summit united housing leaders, government agencies, and private-sector innovators for two dynamic days of education and collaboration.
From the opening remarks to the final presentation, the audience’s energy was one of intrigue and engaging from start to finish. The event’s sponsors — including VITAR, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA), Caribbean ICF Solutions, Quad Lock, Helix Steel, CRM Residential, PennRose, Jackson Development Company, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA), CAT 5 Building Components, Estate Shield VI, Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA), and AC Development — helped bring to life a forum that many attendees described as “personally enlightening” and “transformative” for the Territory’s – many echoing “I didn’t know about these different building options.”
Across both islands, attendees experienced eye-opening panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and live demonstrations featuring cutting-edge construction materials and technologies. Exhibitors—some traveling from as far away as Canada—showcased innovative solutions designed to reduce costs, boost efficiency, and promote affordable homeownership throughout the Virgin Islands.
Exhibitors filled the venue with displays that brought theory to reality. On-Site Storage showcased modular site solutions; Off-Grid Distribution demonstrated Cinderella waterless toilets designed for modern living; Caribbean ICF Solutions displayed energy-efficient concrete forms; and Tiny Homes sparked curiosity about compact, cost-conscious construction. Meanwhile, Estate Shield VI offered free estate planning tips, and representatives from VIHFA, VITAR, and DLCA shared valuable resources for homeowners and contractors alike.
On St. Thomas, October 23rd, at the UVI Innovative Center, the panel discussion brought together some of the Territory’s most influential voices: Eugene Jones, Executive Director of VIHFA; Clifford Graham, Partner at Jackson Development Corporation and former VIHFA Executive Director; Senator Marvin Blyden; Enrique Rodriguez, owner of the one of the first homes in the Virgin Islands built with ICF and member of the Historic Preservation Commission; and Andres Amaro, 2nd Vice President at FirstBank. Their lively exchange focused on the importance of embracing innovation, securing financing for new construction models, and ensuring that homeownership becomes attainable for Virgin Islanders from every walk of life.
The St. Croix session continued on October 24th at the UVI Great Hall, with another insightful Fireside Chat featuring Senator Blyden, Eugene Jones, Adrienne Williams, Executive Director of the V.I. Office of Disaster Recovery, and Darien Jackson, owner of SMG, LLC. Together, they explored the path to the affordability of home construction, resiliency, and disaster recovery — emphasizing the need for partnerships that prioritize both progress and preparedness.
Reflecting on the event, Senator Blyden expressed, “Seeing the standing-room-only turnout on both islands filled me with pride and relief — my vision has truly come to life. Attendees left not just informed, but inspired. They now have a plan and connections to the professionals who can help guide them to take action. It feels good knowing we’ve helped our community take that first step toward affordable home construction and ownership. The excitement and curiosity around new building technologies prove that the Virgin Islands is ready to build smarter and stronger together.”
Working with Senator Blyden on this summit has been an extraordinary experience,” said Jamila Harris, VITAR board member. With support from the National Association of REALTORS®, our shared mission was to spark real solutions for affordable housing—and the response from the public and private sectors was overwhelming. This event proved what’s possible when collaboration meets community purpose. Together, we’re moving the Virgin Islands toward a more accessible and sustainable housing future.”
The Innovative Housing Construction Summit sparked a movement—centered on empowerment, creativity, and forward thinking. Attendees left inspired and informed with a renewed sense of optimism. — Many are already connecting with contractors, vendors, and agencies to start transforming their housing projects.
For photos, videos, and updates, visit usviinnovativeconstruction.com or follow @USVIInnovativeHousingConstruction on Facebook and YouTube.
Innovative Housing Construction Summit
Draws Record Crowds Across the Virgin Islands, Standing-Room-Only in both districts
Over 700 Attendees Learn How to Cut Building Costs by Up to 50 Percent
(St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands) — The recent Innovative Housing Construction Summit delivered exactly what it promised — inspiration, innovation, and impact. With standing-room-only audiences on both St. Thomas and St. Croix, more than 700 attendees gathered to learn how new building technologies can reduce construction costs by 40 to 50 percent while not only maintaining but also improving quality and sustainability.
Hosted by Senator Marvin A. Blyden, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, Transportation & Telecommunications, and in partnership with the Virgin Islands Territorial Association of REALTORS® (VITAR), the Summit united housing leaders, government agencies, and private-sector innovators for two dynamic days of education and collaboration.
From the opening remarks to the final presentation, the audience’s energy was one of intrigue and engaging from start to finish. The event’s sponsors — including VITAR, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA), Caribbean ICF Solutions, Quad Lock, Helix Steel, CRM Residential, PennRose, Jackson Development Company, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA), CAT 5 Building Components, Estate Shield VI, Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA), and AC Development — helped bring to life a forum that many attendees described as “personally enlightening” and “transformative” for the Territory’s – many echoing “I didn’t know about these different building options.”
Across both islands, attendees experienced eye-opening panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and live demonstrations featuring cutting-edge construction materials and technologies. Exhibitors—some traveling from as far away as Canada—showcased innovative solutions designed to reduce costs, boost efficiency, and promote affordable homeownership throughout the Virgin Islands.
Exhibitors filled the venue with displays that brought theory to reality. On-Site Storage showcased modular site solutions; Off-Grid Distribution demonstrated Cinderella waterless toilets designed for modern living; Caribbean ICF Solutions displayed energy-efficient concrete forms; and Tiny Homes sparked curiosity about compact, cost-conscious construction. Meanwhile, Estate Shield VI offered free estate planning tips, and representatives from VIHFA, VITAR, and DLCA shared valuable resources for homeowners and contractors alike.
On St. Thomas, October 23rd, at the UVI Innovative Center, the panel discussion brought together some of the Territory’s most influential voices: Eugene Jones, Executive Director of VIHFA; Clifford Graham, Partner at Jackson Development Corporation and former VIHFA Executive Director; Senator Marvin Blyden; Enrique Rodriguez, owner of the one of the first homes in the Virgin Islands built with ICF and member of the Historic Preservation Commission; and Andres Amaro, 2nd Vice President at FirstBank. Their lively exchange focused on the importance of embracing innovation, securing financing for new construction models, and ensuring that homeownership becomes attainable for Virgin Islanders from every walk of life.
The St. Croix session continued on October 24th at the UVI Great Hall, with another insightful Fireside Chat featuring Senator Blyden, Eugene Jones, Adrienne Williams, Executive Director of the V.I. Office of Disaster Recovery, and Darien Jackson, owner of SMG, LLC. Together, they explored the path to the affordability of home construction, resiliency, and disaster recovery — emphasizing the need for partnerships that prioritize both progress and preparedness.
Reflecting on the event, Senator Blyden expressed, “Seeing the standing-room-only turnout on both islands filled me with pride and relief — my vision has truly come to life. Attendees left not just informed, but inspired. They now have a plan and connections to the professionals who can help guide them to take action. It feels good knowing we’ve helped our community take that first step toward affordable home construction and ownership. The excitement and curiosity around new building technologies prove that the Virgin Islands is ready to build smarter and stronger together.”
Working with Senator Blyden on this summit has been an extraordinary experience,” said Jamila Harris, VITAR board member. With support from the National Association of REALTORS®, our shared mission was to spark real solutions for affordable housing—and the response from the public and private sectors was overwhelming. This event proved what’s possible when collaboration meets community purpose. Together, we’re moving the Virgin Islands toward a more accessible and sustainable housing future.”
The Innovative Housing Construction Summit sparked a movement—centered on empowerment, creativity, and forward thinking. Attendees left inspired and informed with a renewed sense of optimism. — Many are already connecting with contractors, vendors, and agencies to start transforming their housing projects.
For photos, videos, and updates, visit usviinnovativeconstruction.com or follow @USVIInnovativeHousingConstruction on Facebook and YouTube.
Thank you to our sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors
JOIN US AND BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
Whether you’re a builder, a policymaker, a renter, or a concerned citizen, your voice matters. Together, we can build a stronger, more affordable housing future for the Virgin Islands.
Innovative Housing Construction i COPYRIGHT 2025
Powered by NT Media Productions
JOIN US AND BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
Whether you’re a builder, a policymaker, a renter, or a concerned citizen, your voice matters. Together, we can build a stronger, more affordable housing future for the Virgin Islands.
Innovative Housing Construction i COPYRIGHT 2025
Powered by NT Media Productions