Second Island Context: Strategic Expansion

USVI PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RECORDS — GREAT ST. JAMES ISLAND Property: Great St. James Island, U.S. Virgin Islands Size: Approximately 165 acres Purchase Date: 2016 Purchase Price: Approximately $22.5 million Purchaser: Great St. James Island, LLC (Epstein-controlled entity) PROPERTY HISTORY: Jeffrey Epstein purchased Great St. James Island in 2016 for approximately $22.5 million. The island is significantly larger than Little St. James (165 acres vs. 70 acres) and is located nearby. UNAUTHORIZED CONSTRUCTION: Shortly after purchase, Epstein began extensive clearing and construction activities on Great St. James: - Clearing of native vegetation across significant portions of the island - Excavation and grading for construction sites - Installation of roads and access paths - Foundation work for planned structures STOP-WORK ORDERS: The USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources issued multiple stop-work orders: - Construction was proceeding without required building permits - Environmental impact assessments had not been completed - Native vegetation and habitats were being destroyed - Coastal zone management requirements were not met ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS: The USVI government documented: - Destruction of protected mangrove habitats - Clearing of endangered species habitat - Soil erosion affecting surrounding marine environments - Violation of territorial environmental protection laws FINES AND ENFORCEMENT: The USVI assessed fines for the environmental violations, though critics argued the penalties were insufficient to deter a billionaire. Questions were raised about whether Epstein's significant economic presence in the USVI influenced the enforcement response. CURRENT STATUS: Great St. James was sold along with Little St. James in 2023 as part of the estate disposition for a combined approximately $60 million. Source: USVI DPNR / Property Records Available at: https://dpnr.vi.gov/