MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2024
VETERANS DAY Holiday
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2024
CHAIR: SENATOR KENNETH L. GITTENS
VICE CHAIR: SENATOR RAY FONSECA
Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
Please be advised that the 35th Legislature’s Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, & Public Safety has scheduled a legislative committee hearing for 10:00 am, Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas.
The agenda is as follows:
BLOCK I
10:00 A.M.
Bill No. 35-0271
An Act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 43, subchapter I by adding a section
494b establishing school speed zones, signage, and enforcement measures to promote
student and pedestrian safety near schools.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Derek Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works
Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, EdD, Commissioner, Department of Education
Mario Brooks, Acting Commissioner, VI Police Department
Elise P. Menzies, Principal, St. Croix Christian Academy
35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands
Bill No. 35-0395
An Act amending title 16 Virgin Islands Code by adding a chapter 8, relating to change of gender designations on identifying documents upon receipt of an order of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, amending chapter 7 relating to name change, and amending title 20, chapter 35 to allow for change of gender designation on driver’s licenses, identification cards, and for other related purposes.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Justa Encarnacion, Commissioner, Department of Health
Barbara McIntosh-Jackson, Director, Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Regina Peterson, Administrator of Courts, Judiciary of the Virgin Islands
Dr. Muria Nesbitt, President, PFLAG
Imani Evans, Director, St. Croix Pride
Bill No. 35-0403
An Act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part II by repealing and re-enacting with amendments chapter 49 relating to abandoned and derelict motor vehicles.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Derek Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works
Honorable Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner, Department of Tourism
Mario Brooks, Acting Commissioner, Virgin Islands Police Department
LUNCH
12:30 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
BLOCK II
1:00 P.M.
Public Concerns on Illegal Activities at Beachfront Properties in the USVI: This discussion will address pressing public concerns surrounding potential illegal activities on beachfront properties across the territory, with a particular focus on Lindbergh Bay Beach on St. Thomas and Frederiksted Beach on St. Croix. To foster a comprehensive dialogue, representatives from several key departments and agencies have been invited to participate, including the Management of Emerald Beach Hotel, each bringing their expertise and oversight relevant to these areas.
Invited participants include:
• V.I. Police Department
• Department of Planning & Natural Resources (Enforcement & CZM Divisions)
• Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs (Enforcement Division)
• Department of Health (Environmental Health Division)
• V.I. Port Authority (Police Division)
• Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation
• Management of Emerald Beach Hotel3
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2024
CHAIR: SENATOR JAVAN E. JAMES, SR.
VICE CHAIR: SENATOR ANGEL L. BOLQUES, JR.
Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on the island of St. Thomas, VI.
The Committee will receive an update from the Virgin Islands Port Authority as well as consider Bill No. 35-0396,
“An Act requiring the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism to reestablish weekly Harbor Night events in Frederiksted, St. Croix,” Finally, the committee will receive an update from the Summer’s End Group, LLC. and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
BLOCK I
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
The Committee will receive an update on the overall status of the Virgin Islands Port Authority, including but not limited to the status update on the P3 project for HERA and CEKA, as well as on all current projects for VIPA and all ports for cruise ships.
Invited Testifier:
Carlton Dowe, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Port Authority
BLOCK II
12:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
The committee will consider:
Bill No. 35-0396
An Act requiring the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism to reestablish weekly Harbor Night events in Frederiksted, St. Croix
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Joseph B. Boschulte, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
Carlton Dowe, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Port Authority
Shomari Moorehead, Chairman, Our Town Frederiksted
Aimée Griles Cariño, Executive Director, Our Town Frederiksted
Akeel St. Jean, Chairman of the Board, St. Croix Chambers of Commerce
John P. Woods, President, St. Thomas/St. John Chambers of Commerce
Noel Hodge, Chief Operations Officer, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority
BLOCK III
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
The Committee will receive an update from the Summer’s End Group, LLC. on the overall status of the marina’s development on the island of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), including but not limited to the status of the marina’s progress, features, successes, challenges, and environmental and economic impact on the community.
Invited Testifiers:
Ms. Chaliese Summers, The Summer’s End Group, LLC
Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner, VI Department of Planning & Natural Resources
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024
CHAIR: SENATOR DONNA A. FRETT-GREGORY
VICE CHAIR: SENATOR NOVELLE E. FRANCIS, JR.
Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The 35th Legislature’s Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
BLOCK I
The Committee will receive testimony on the following:
Bill No. 35-0382
An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and HKT Energy Consulting Group, LLC for Reconfigured Parcel No. 114 Submarine Base, No. 4 Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands for the purpose of operating an office and warehouse and for no other purposes
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Lisa T. Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement
Mr. Hugo V. Hodge, Jr., President/Chief Executive Officer, HKT Energy Group Consulting, LLC
Bill No. 35-0386
An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Star Time Firearms, LLC d/b/a Precision Shooting Range for a portion of Parcel No. 1A Estate Bovoni, Nos. 1 and 2 Frenchmans Bay Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to operate a firearm training facility and shooting range and for other related purposes
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Lisa T. Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement
Mr. Levi MacSheen, Manager, Star Time Firearms, LLC
BLOCK II
Lease agreement for Parcel Nos. 12 and 12A Submarine Base (Crown Bay Fill), No. 6 Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, consisting of a combined 20,423 U.S. sq. ft. or 0.469 U.S. acre of land more or-less, which is zoned “W-2” for (Waterfront Commercial Industrial), and Parcel No. 145 (Consolidated) (Crown Bay Fill) Submarine Base, No. 6 South Side Quarter, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, consisting of 39,756 U.S. sq. ft. or 0.91 U.S. acres or of improved land more-or-less, which is zoned “W-2” for (Waterfront Commercial-Industrial)
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Lisa T. Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement
Enrique Rodriquez, Managing Member, Submarine Base Warehouse, LLC
Bill No. 35-0387
An Act approving the multi-year lease agreement between the United States of America by and through the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration and the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement for Plot No. 10 Estate White Lady, West End Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands to be used for the continued operation of a Locator Outer Marker and Federal Aviation Administration activities in support of the National Airspace System, and for other related purposes.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Lisa T. Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement
Mr. Carlton Dowe, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Port Authority
BLOCK III
Bill No. 35-0385
An Act approving a multi-year lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and U.S.V.I. Soccer Federation, Inc., for Parcel N-1 Remainder of Tract 1 Estate Nazareth, No. 1 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, for a soccer field stadium with concessions, and soccer related activities
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Lisa T. Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement
Yohannes Worede, President, U.S.V.I. Soccer Federation Inc.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024
CHAIR: SENATOR ANGEL L. BOLQUES, JR.
VICE CHAIR: SENATOR MARVIN A. BLYDEN
Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks
10:00 A.M.
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024
CHAIR: SENATOR CARLA J. JOSEPH
VICE CHAIR: SENATOR JAVAN E. JAMES, SR.
Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024 in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. The purpose of the meeting is to receive testimony and consider the following legislative measures:
BLOCK I
10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
The Committee will receive testimony concerning:
Bill No. 35-0273
An Act honoring and commending Ronald Alphonso “Slimo” Blyden posthumously for his years of service and contributions to the Virgin Islands community; renaming Flamboyant Avenue in Estate Anna’s Retreat, the “Ronald Alphonso “Slimo” Blyden Drive” and naming the cul de sac containing house addresses 129-27 through 129-34 Estate Anna’s Retreat, “Slimo Circle” in his honor; and making a $10,000 appropriation from the District Public Road Fund to the Department of Public Works to erect the proper signage.
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Moleto Smith, Jr., Resident
Ms. Felecia Brownlow, Resident
Honorable Myron Jackson, Former Senator
Mr. Anthony Peets, Resident
Mr. Darryl A. Lewis, Sr., Resident
Honorable Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner, V.I. Department of Public Works8
BLOCK II
11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
The Committee will receive testimony concerning:
Bill No. 35-0298
An Act honoring and commending Daryl A. George, Sr., colloquially known as “Mousey”, posthumously, for his contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands as a firefighter, first responder, mentor and as Director of the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Services; renaming the Tango Company Fire Station the “Daryl A. “Mousey” George, Sr., Fire Station” in his honor; and appropriating $10,000 from the Business and Commercial Properties Revolving Fund to the Department of Public Works to erect the proper signage.
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Antonio Stevens, Director, V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Service
Mr. Kevin Williams, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor
Mr. Carlton Dowe, Executive Director, V.I. Port of Authority
Te-Nae’ George, Resident
Honorable Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner, V.I. Department of Public Works
BLOCK III
2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention including but not limited to enabling law and jurisdiction, current department challenges, and plan of action to resolve challenges.
Invited Testifier:
Mr. Antonio Emanuel, Director, Office of Gun Violence
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
CHAIR: SENATOR DIANE T. CAPEHART
VICE CHAIR: SENATOR MILTON E. POTTER
Committee on Rules and Judiciary
9:30 A.M.
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
The Committee on Rules and Judiciary has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 9:30 A.M. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix, Virgin Islands to consider the following nominations and bills:
BLOCK I
UVI Board of Trustees
Kyza A. Callwood, PhD, Nominee, UVI Research and Technology Park Board
BLOCK II
Governor’s Nomination
Julio A. Rhymer, Sr., Director Nominee, US Virgin Islands Office of Management and Budget
BLOCK III
Bill No. 35-0224
An Act amending title 19, part V, chapter 45, subchapter VI to increase access to behavioral health services, with a focus on a Psychiatric Emergency Response Team to provide mobile crisis intervention services, and the 9-8-8 telecommunication system.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Justa Encarnacion, Commissioner, Department of Health
Hazel M. Philbert, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center
Tina Commissiong, Chief Executive Officer, Schneider Regional Medical Center
Sandra Setorie, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Public Service Commission
BLOCK IV – TENTATIVE
Bill No. 35-0253
An Act honoring and commending police officers for the service they provide to the community and to recognize fallen law enforcement officers posthumously.
Bill No. 35-0316
An Act honoring and commending Mrs. Juel Turnbull Rhymer-Molloy for years of dedicated service and numerous contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands.
Bill No. 35-0396
An Act requiring the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism to reestablish weekly Harbor Night events in Frederiksted, St. Croix
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
PRESIDENT: SENATOR NOVELLE E. FRANCIS, JR.
VICE PRESIDENT: SENATOR MARVIN A. BLYDEN
Committee of the Whole/Regular Session
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
PRESIDENT: SENATOR NOVELLE E. FRANCIS, JR.
VICE PRESIDENT: SENATOR MARVIN A. BLYDEN
PERMA PLAQUE/ ROAD NAMING CEREMONY
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Honorable Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Senate President of the 35th Legislature and Honorable Derek Gabriel, Commissioner of Public Works invite you to a Perma Plaque and Road Naming Ceremony at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
Boyd “Boyzie” Todman
Rudolph “Pimpy” Thomas, Jr.
Almando “Rocky” Liburd
Corporal Kendall Emanuel George
Dr. William A. Industrious, Sr.
Bernice Alma Turnbull
Viggo E. Sewer
Fenella Cooper11
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
CHAIR: SENATOR RAY FONSECA
VICE CHAIR: SENATOR KENNETH L. GITTENS
Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
Please be advised that the Committee on Health, Hospitals & Human Services will be conducting a meeting on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to discuss the following:
BLOCK I
10:00 A.M. – 11:15 A.M.
Bill No. 35-0254
An Act amending title 27 Virgin Islands Code by adding a chapter 21A establishing the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Justa “Tita” Encarnacion, Commissioner, Department of Health
Honorable H. Nathalie Hodge, Commissioner, Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs
BLOCK II
11:15 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Bill No. 35-0295
An Act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code, part III, chapter 29 requiring the Virgin Islands Department of Health to establish and administer the “Virgin Islands Prescription Drug Monitoring Program” to provide prescription drug monitoring, and for other related purposes.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Justa “Tita” Encarnacion, Commissioner, Department of Health
Mr. Troy de Chabert Schuster, State Director, AARP
Mr. Danson N. Nganga, PharmD, V.I. Board of Pharmacy
