The University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park (RTPark)[1] is the first independent research and e-technology park located in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Launched in 2002, RTPark is the first government-sponsored public-private collaboration for technology development in the USVI. It was formed as a public corporation by the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is headquartered on the St. Croix campus of the University of the Virgin Islands.[2] The goal of the RTPark is to develop the USVI technology community to generate long-term economic growth in the islands, by serving as a center for e-commerce and technology for transaction-oriented, knowledge-based businesses.
Following a feasibility study and public input forums, Governor Charles Wesley Turnbull[3] signed Act 6502 to establish RTPark in 2002. Created as a public corporation, it was formed to encourage growth in both economic development and technology for the USVI. Via a Protected Cell Corporation function as part of RTPark's legislative charter, tax incentives can be extended to knowledge-based businesses that apply and are approved as RTPark tenants. The legislation for RTPark can be found in Title 17, Chapters 34 and 43 of the U.S. Virgin Islands Code.[4]
The executive director, Peter Chapman, manages day-to-day operations and reports to a seven-member Board of Directors. The Board members include: