Whistleblower Lawsuit by Former RTPark CEO Reveals Alleged Retaliation and Statutory Violations

Former RTPark CEO claims forced removal for opposing alleged violations of territorial law, accusing the board of retaliation and unethical decisions in a lawsuit filed in federal court.

On Tuesday, Peter Chapman – former chief executive officer and executive director of the UVI Research and Technology Park – filed suit in the District Court of the Virgin Islands, naming the company and board chair Edward Thomas as co-defendants. Mr. Chapman claims that he was essentially forced out of the job due to his resistance against “illegality and conflicts of interest” on the board's part.

Mr. Chapman began his tenure at the RTPark in August 2018. “Mr. Chapman was a clear choice to take the RTPark to the next level in growth and development,” said board chair Thomas at the time. “His national and international experience, knowledge of economic and community development, and his ability to manage and lead were the reasons we selected him from several great candidates."

Over the course of Mr. Chapman's time at the RTPark, the company grew significantly, expanding its portfolio and providing increasing numbers of startup businesses with development support. In 2020, RTPark received the Economic Development Organization of the Year award from the International Economic Development Council.