Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis recently attended the annual meeting of the Virgin Islands Territorial Association of Realtors (VITAR), which was held on October 25, 2008 on the island of St. John.

Francis, who was joined by LGO Chief of Staff Raymond Williams, Banking and Insurance Director John McDonald and representatives of the Bureau of Economic Research  and the Economic Development Commission, delivered the keynote address and fielded questions .  VITAR members praised the Office of the Lt. Governor for putting the Recorder of Deeds and Tax Assessors Office online.  The realtors raised concerns about the time needed to process tax clearance letters, the need for a better relationship with the title insurance companies,  and the stability of the banking industry.

In his prepared remarks, Francis thanked the realtors for the excellent service they provide to the islands.  He said the services offered by the realtor community help to build relationships that benefit the entire territory.