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Daniel Nathaniel Dailey, Sr. Dies at 82

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Daniel Nathaniel Dailey, Sr.

Daniel Nathaniel Dailey, Sr.

He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones, on Thursday, March 27. Daniel was born on January 7, 1943, in St. Croix.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Elizabeth Hazelwood Southwell and Charles Dailey; his sisters: Clothilda Lolita Pryce and Lillian Rodgers- Sheriff; daughter: Dalila Dailey; nephews: Wayne Jacobs Rios and Alvin Pryce; son-in-law: Cedric Sutton Jr.; stepdaughter: Latrice Hall; stepsons: Lionel Williams, Leon Petersen and Lloyd Hall.

He is survived by his wife: Lynette Dailey (AKA) Mary; daughters: Doris Sutton and Denise Albert; sons: Daniel Dailey Jr, and Dale Dailey; stepchildren: Melborne, Roy and Joseph Clarke, Anna and Rita Hall, Markie Biggs, Dion Browne, Francine Hector, and Teodora George; adapted daughter: Marcilla Jarvis; sisters: Aldora Fleming-Roberts and Maria Hilarie; brother: William Archer; grandchildren: Sherice Bermudez, Vanda and Raheem Sutton, and Leon Albert; great grandchildren: Kenya and Akeem McIntosh, Amarah Alfred, Rueben Garcia Jr, Reyniah and Reynalise Garcia, Rajon Williams, Raโ€™Mijah Sutton, Zenayda Xavier, Lyani Albert, and Kriston Wilkes; sister-in-laws: Juanita Gomez, Pauline Bowed, Jophine Thomas, Cicely Merchant, and Faustina George; brother-in-law: Pagette George; nieces: Cyd-Charisse and Sanida Pryce, Frances Pryce- Ferdinand , Dorette Roberts, Colleen Roberts-Clarke, Lucia Russell- Queeley, Jamila Gaspard-Williams, Beverly DeJesus, Takiya Gaspard-Santos, Renee and Valerie Russell, Thamala Serrano, Patricia Andrews, Ethanie Didier, Maxine Sheriff, Riavelette Gerard, Lorrie Chelcher, Denise, Diane and Donna Archer, Pauline, Maria, Mona and Virginia Archer; nephews: Malcolm and Daniel Pryce Jr, Alfred Byron, Alfredo Boyles, Bernard, Anthony and Kurt Sheriff, Albert Gaspard Jr, Edwin Russell, William Archer Jr, Steve, Shawn and Shamar Archer; great nieces and nephews to numerous to mention; survivors family: Hendricks Family, Diane, Shermaine, and Johanna Cartier and Family, Jarvis Family, James Family, Pryce Family, Sheriff Family, Josephine Hector and Family, Springer Family, Messer Family, Bernadine George and Family, Macedon Family, Prince Family, Archer Family, Claudette Andrews and Family, Milligan Family, Horsford Family, Miller Family, Bryan Family, McBean Family, Christian Family, Margie Ramos and Family, Rivera and Family, Senator Novelle Francis, Jr. and Family; special friends; Maurice Greenidge, Mikey Queeley, James Dowling, Juan Morales, Elaine Spencer, Angela Adams, Yolanda Reynolds, Henry Leroy, Annette, Myra, Sherry And Shawn Hendricks, Senator Carla Joseph and Family, Georgiana and Family.

The family of the late Daniel Nathaniel Dailey, Sr., would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the kind words during this difficult time of our loss. Thank you to the Continuum Care Team and Staff, James Memorial Funeral Home, Med-Surge at Juan Luis Hospital, and St. Croix Cancer Specialists.

Respectfully, relatives and friends are invited and encouraged to wear shades of purple. The color purple is known to have a calming effect. Daniel was such a quiet and peaceful soul. The family wishes to celebrate him this way.

Funeral services will be held on April 11, at James Memorial Chapel in La Grande Princesse St. Croix, USVI. The Viewing will be at 10 am, with the service following at 11 am. Interment will be at the Christiansted Cemetery. Funeral services have been entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home.

Edith Idalia Cynthia Bryan Dies at 86

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Edith Idalia Cynthia Bryan a.k.a. โ€œGrannyโ€ of Estate Diamond Ruby, passed away on March 20, 2025. She was 86 years old.

Edith Idalia Cynthia Bryan

She was preceded in death by her Spouse, Felicite’ Theodore Bryan; Mother, Mary Louisa Harrigan; Father, Joseph Josiah Rogers.

She is survived by her Daughters, Melinda V. Bryan, Felicia P. Bryan and Genevieve P.Helissey; Sons, Melvin R. Bryan, Basile T. Bryan and Steven T. Bryan; Grandchildren, Laโ€™Belle S. Bryan, Tinesha F. Fahie, LaMar M. Doward, David Bryan, Daniel Bryan, Mieka Bryan, Fabien Duruo, Laโ€™Shelle S. Bryan, Cameron J. Ryner, Shania T. Williams, Keyona Bryan, Laura Helissey and Marie-Alice Helissey; Great Grandchildren, Oโ€™Mani S. Bryan, Zahria B. Ingles, Shawn Bryan, Kanelle Bryan, Renee, Oliver, Avianne Z. Mendoza; Sisters, Majorie Vanterpool and Armentine Brooks; Brother, Joseph E. Rogers; Nieces, and Nephews, Include the children of Austin Rogers, Charles Harrigan, Joseph Rogers, Majorie Vanterpool, Armentine Brooks, John Harrigan, Martha Bryan, Sylvere Bryan, Daniel Bryan, Augustin Bryan, Elenor Bryan, Clement Bryan, Ferdinand Bryan, Vitalis Simmon and Vero Bryan. ย Daughter-In-Law, Pamela Y. Bryan, Marsh Bryan, Nancy Bryan and Vernamae E. Doward; Sons-In-Law, Allen Helissey and Neville Illidge; Sister-In-Law, Rosita Bryan; Special Friends, Yvette Cornwall, Esther Phillip, Janet Francis, Maurice Francis, Janice Tyson, Sharon Moore, Elenore Bradshaw & Family, Marie Urgent, Janine, Jody, Jeremy and Carolynn; Cousin and Other Relatives, The Webster Family, Kreiger Family, Javois Family, Hughes Family, Carty Family, Vanterpool Family, Tyson Family, Duzant Family, Titus Family, Harrigan Family, Illidge Family, Elliot Family, Simmons Family, Simmon Family, Lake Family, Gumbs Family, Christian Family, Doward Family, Ryner Family, Blanc Family. Other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness. Viewing will begin at 10:00 am with service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Dora C. Wigley Dies at 82

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Obituary for Dora C. Wigley

September 16, 1942 โ€“ April 3, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dora C. Wigley, who transitioned from this life on April 3, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on September 16, 1942, Dora lived a life marked by love, resilience, and a deep commitment to her family and community. She was preceded in death by her significant other James Arnold Browne, daughter Alester Wigley, sister Henrietta Benjamin and nephew Timothy Benjamin.

Dora C. Wigley

Dora leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She is survived by her stepchildren, Denis Richards and Alex A. Johnson, as well as a cherished granddaughter, Eyvonne Dora “Kimm” Drew, grandson-in-law Anthony Drew, and proud great-grandchildren, Kimmora Wigley-Plante and Eliott Drew.

Doraโ€™s family includes her beloved brothers: Ezekiel “Willy” Archibald, Bertram “Bee” Archibald, Calvin “Tabas” Archibald, Reverend Christophor Archibald, Leroy “Kimba” Archibald, Steve Morton, Granville Oliver “Pest” Morton, Bernard “Bun” Morton, Ralph Saddler, Denzil Saddler, Derek “Siah” Williams, and Collin Williams.

Her sisters: Lorna “Miss Willy” Archibald, Sonia Archibald, Sylvia-May Archibald, Jennifer Archibald, Lenora Archibald, June James, and Wihelmena Berry stood by her side throughout her life, sharing countless memories of love, joy, and laughter. Dora was also deeply loved by her nieces, Paula Williams, Mauricia Benjamin, Mauricetine Benjamin, nephews, Michael Benjamin, Paul Benjamin, and Maurice Benjamin.

Her extended family, including cousins: Magdalene Archibald, Sandra White, Claudette Archibald, Nekesha Archibald, Nekejah Attico, Nekemah Aticco, Tre Archibald, Violet Archibald, Kareema Clarke, Aeisha Clarke, Ingrid Liburd, Carol Liburd, Carina Campbell, Audrey Lescott, Headdie “Bonnie” Henry, and Shelly Edwards, will forever hold her in their hearts. Dora was deeply cherished by her many friends, including Josephine “Florence” Williams, Mel Boyea, Consuela, Mr. Ham, Popsie (Paps), Ms. Jane, Glendina, Rockie, Myra, Charlo Christian, Dora Mamo Henderson, Al the Baker, Kashama, Nicole & the Plante Family, Karen Christian, Hailyah, Mrs. Joan (the neighbor), Yvonne in St. Thomas, Bradshaw& Demaris, Morley & family, Homemaker-Shivonne & Julien, and The Frederiksted Moravian Church.

Dora was known for her active participation in the annual Agriculture Food Fair, where she earned many blue ribbons for her outstanding entries, and for her famous presence at the Crucian Christmas Festival, where her goat water and johnny cakes were beloved by all. She also made her mark with her Pudding Van, a food truck that became a staple at Merchant Market in Sunny Isles on Fridays and Frederiksted on Saturdays. Her culinary talents and her dedication to her community will never be forgotten. We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the organizations that supported Dora throughout her life, including Vitelco, Hess, Merchant Market, Frederiksted Town, and Grove Crusher.

Funeral Service will be held on April 21, 2025, with a viewing beginning at 9:00 AM, followed by the service at 10:00 AM at the Divine Funeral Services Chapel.

Doraโ€™s warmth, compassion, and unyielding love for her family and community will be forever cherished. May she rest in peace, knowing that her legacy will live on through the hearts of all who loved her.

Rest in Peace, Dora. You will always be remembered.

Louisย Sorhaindo Dies at 80

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Weย announceย theย deathย ofย 80ย yearย oldย Louisย Sorhaindoย ofย Delices, Dominica who resided in St.Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Louisย Sorhaindo

Heย willย beย rememberedย byย hisย fourย Childrenย Jeremiahย andย Jason Sorhaindo, Elaine Etienne, Naomi Bertrand

Oneย Brotherย Eliย Sorhaindo One Sister Marie Remy

8ย Grandchildrenย Tracy,ย Michelle,ย Eric,ย Jase,ย Jervan,ย Jenir,ย Jervaris,ย Daren 3 Great Grandchildren, Jayceon, Tejani Dylan

Sonย inย Law:ย Julesย Etienne

Daughtersย inย Lawย Barbaraย andย Starrย Sorhaindo

Niecesย andย Nephewย Helen,ย Douglas,ย Suzan,ย Theresa,ย David,Davidson, Roger. Simon, Gemrise, Kenneth, Vivian, Peter, Jeff, Sarah Davina, Kianna, John, Scott, Joash

Closeย Cousinsย includingย Fedaliaย Alexander,ย Theresaย Etienne,ย Maudlene, Gilbert Sorhaindo,including many more too numerous to mention

Closeย friendsย including,ย Anaย andย Gracienย Jnoย Pierre,ย Nelsonย James,ย Ezra Joseph, Decima, Esther, The Williams family, The Etienne family

Theย entireย Associationย ofย Jehovah’sย Witnesses,ย includingย Anaโ€™sย Retreat Congregation and LaRoche congregation.

Caregiverย Geralda

Manyย otherย relativeย andย friendsย tooย numerousย toย mention

Theย funeralย serviceย ofย theย lateย Louisย Sorhaindoย willย takeย placeย onย Monday April 14th, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovahโ€™s Witnesses in St. Thomas. Viewingย atย 9:30am,ย serviceย beginsย atย 10:00ย amย followedย byย intermentย at the Eastern cemetery. ย Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences ย or to share a special memory, visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com

 

Summer Food Service Training Sessions

The St. Thomas-St. John District of the Virgin Islands Department of Education is pleased to announce upcoming training sessions for Site Supervisors participating in the 2025 Summer Food Service Program, which will operate from June 9, through July 18.

Participation in one of the training sessions is mandatory for all individuals interested in operating a campsite and receiving meals for children enrolled in their summer camps. To ensure seamless program execution, camps are strongly encouraged to send more than one representative to the training sessions.

Training sessions will be held on the following dates at Victorโ€™s Hideout:

Friday, April 25, 2025

– Session I: 9:00 a.m. โ€“ 11:00 a.m.ย  and ย ย Session II: 1:00 p.m. โ€“ 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

– Session I: 9:00 a.m. โ€“ 11:00 a.m.ย  and ย  Session II: 1:00 p.m. โ€“ 3:00 p.m.

Applications for site participation in the 2025 Summer Food Service Program are now available via the QR Code or at the School Food Authority Office, located at: #21 Subbase St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802.

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Applicants must complete the application in full and submit the original signed document to the office. Photocopies or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, May 5, 2025.

For more information or questions regarding the program, please contact Program Supervisors Keithroy Roberts or Bertilia Pacquete at (340) 774-0100, extensions 8310 or 8307.

UVI to Crown Mister and Miss UVI at “Royal Wonderland” April 20

The University of the Virgin Islands will host the Mister and Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition on Sunday, April 20, at 6 p.m. in the LaVerne E. Ragster Administration and Conference Center Building on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas.

The University of the Virgin Islands will host the Mister and Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition on Sunday, April 20. (Submitted photo)

This yearโ€™s competition, themed โ€œA Royal Wonderland: A Journey of Excellence, Elegance, and Enchantment,โ€ will highlight three student leaders vying for the coveted titles of 2nd Mister UVI and 45th Miss UVI. Presented by the UVI Student Government Associationโ€™s (SGA) Joint Ambassadorial Committee, the event recognizes students for their intellect, leadership, and commitment to community service.

โ€œThis competition is more than a pageantโ€”itโ€™s a platform where student leaders amplify their voices and represent UVI with pride,โ€ said Cylysce Smith, chairperson of the UVI SGA Ambassadorial Committee. โ€œItโ€™s an opportunity to spotlight student talent and inspire advocacy rooted in purpose.โ€

The contestants in this yearโ€™s competition bring to the forefront grace, style, and intellect. Two young women will vie for the title of Miss UVI Ambassadorial Queen: Asha A.S. Hyndman, 21, contestant number one, is a junior biology major who champions eye care accessibility through her platform, โ€œLooking Good: Eye Care Education for All.โ€ โ€œUVI has cultivated my growth as an ambassador,โ€ Hyndman said. โ€œThis competition allows me to advocate for vision care and inspire others to overcome adversityโ€”just like the rare flower that blooms in difficult conditions.โ€ Her motto: โ€œThe flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.โ€ โ€“ Mulan.

Contestant number two, Jahnique M. Francis, 20, a senior biology major with a minor in psychology, is a certified mental health first aider and passionate advocate for student well-being. Her platform, H.O.P.E โ€“ Healing, Outreach, Prevention, and Education, promotes mental health awareness and early intervention. โ€œMiss UVI is more than a crown; it is a call to serve, inspire, and uplift,โ€ Francis said. โ€œThrough H.O.P.E, I turn personal pain into purpose.โ€ She draws inspiration from The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

Rayhan Sabur, 19, a sophomore applied mathematics major, is the sole male contender for the title of Mister UVI. He focuses on the intersection of physical and mental health through his platform, Mental Health Output through Physical Activity. โ€œPhysical activity changed my life, and I want to inspire others to explore it as a tool for mental wellness,โ€ Sabur said. โ€œThis journey is about resilience, representation, and encouraging strength through self-care.โ€

Winners of the competition will serve as UVIโ€™s official student ambassadors, representing the university at recruitment events, campus initiatives, and regional engagements. They will also represent UVI at national competitions, including the Mister and Miss HBCU competition in January 2026. โ€œThe Mister and Miss UVI titles are not just symbolic,โ€ said Dr. Leslyn Tonge, Dean of Students. โ€œThese roles reflect UVIโ€™s values of excellence, leadership, and service.โ€

Tickets will be on sale and will be available from the Student Activities Office, the UVI Bookstore, and the Student Housing Office on the Orville E. Kean campus. On the Albert A. Sheen campus, tickets can be purchased from the Student Center and the St. Croix Bookstore. UVI Students (with valid ID): $15; Faculty & Staff: $20; General Admission: $30. Guests are encouraged to purchase early. Ticket sale dates will be announced soon.

For more information, contact:

AAS Campus: aas_student_activity@live.uvi.edu

OEK Campus: jelani.smalls@uvi.edu

UVI School of Agriculture to Host Field Day

The University of the Virgin Islands’ School of Agriculture is proud to announce its First Annual Field Day, to be held on Sunday, April 27, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Agricultural Experiment Station Tractor Pavilion, located on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix.

This community-focused event will showcase the impactful research, academic offerings, and outreach efforts of the UVI School of Agriculture. Attendees are invited to explore interactive exhibits, participate in guided tours, and engage with experts in the field of agriculture.

โ€œThe Field Day is an educational event intentionally designed to showcase the research and extension work of the School of Agriculture through tours, demonstrations, and exhibits,โ€ said Dr. Usman Adamu, dean and director of the School of Agriculture. โ€œIt is our opportunity to connect with the community and demonstrate the vital role that agriculture plays in the Virgin Islands and beyond.โ€

Highlights of the event include research displays from the Agricultural Experiment Station, demonstrating how scientific discoveries lead to practical improvements in local and regional agriculture; educational outreach from the Cooperative Extension Service, featuring hands-on activities and information on programs that support community development and lifelong learning; and academic showcases of UVIโ€™s degree and certificate programs in agriculture, including associate and bachelorโ€™s degree offerings that support formal education and workforce development in the territory.

A complete tour schedule will be available on the UVI School of Agriculture website and Facebook page. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Leandra Kent at leandra.kent@uvi.edu or call (340) 692-4060.

Civics Matter II Championship Presented By Elections System of the Virgin Islands

On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 11 a.m., at the University of the Virgin Islands Innovation Center in St. Thomas, the Elections System of the Virgin Islands will host its Civics Matters II Championship between our finalists from Antilles School (St. Thomas) and Free Will Baptist School (St. Croix). Civics Matters is an exciting and engaging quiz bowl, produced by the Elections System of the Virgin Islands, exclusively for Virgin Islandsโ€™ high school students.ย 

The competition aims to test their knowledge of various social, political, and historical topics.ย 

Team members from the Antilles School include Saba Gever, Zia Gibbs, Earl Toussaint, and Malachi Yoder. Their coaches are Ms. Brittany Bryan and Andrew Gever. Team Members from Free Will Baptist Christian School include Sanaa Joseph, Keyandre Laroque, Alexander Walcott and Geia Williams. Their coach is Mr. Anthony Mardenborough. These two schools persevered through a tightly contested preliminary round.ย 

Members of the public are invited to come out and support the students. Civics Matter II will also be livestreamed on Tuesday, April 15, at 11 a.m. via the Elections System of the Virgin Islands YouTube (ElectionSystem) and Facebook page (Elections System of the Virgin Islands), so classrooms can witness our civics teams at their best.

For more information, contact the Elections System at 340-773-1021.

Virgin Islanders Get $557,000 In Award-Winning Unclaimed Property Program

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. announces that the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Division of Banking, Insurance, and Financial Regulation, has received the Compliance Advancement of the Year Award from the Unclaimed Property Professionals Organization. The National award, announced at the organizationโ€™s Business Meeting in Tucson, Arizona, recognizes the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for the efficient and timely implementation of its unclaimed property website.

The Compliance Advancement of the Year Award is presented to a state that has significantly improved its compliance program with process improvements for both institutions which hold the unclaimed property and persons making claims to the Lieutenant Governor as custodian of these funds. The Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation was recognized for successfully implementing the online unclaimed property database on April 2, 2024.

โ€œI thank my dynamic team at the Division of Banking, Insurance, and Financial Regulation for effectively implementing the online unclaimed property database and for providing a convenient platform for customers to submit claims.ย  The receipt of this National award is a significant accomplishment.ย  It follows the reaccreditation of the Division by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in November 2024 for an additional five-year term.ย  Additionally, the recent receipt of a National award for our Street Addressing Initiative further adds to the many reasons why we are so proud of the work of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.โ€ stated Lieutenant Governor Roach.

This database aims to reunite any unclaimed property with its rightful owner, provide potential claimants 24/7 access to Virgin Islands unclaimed property data, and expedite the unclaimed property claims process in the Virgin Islands. Since the implementation of the unclaimed property database one year ago, the Division has paid claims totalling $557,843.84 to 171 persons in our community.

With the unclaimed property database, claimants no longer need to mail in or visit the office to submit claim forms. Persons searching for unclaimed property can now visit the Virgin Islands Unclaimed Property Claims Website to search for and submit any valid claim.ย  Further processing may require additional documentation at the request of the Division.ย  There is no statute of limitations on claims for unclaimed property.

For information about the unclaimed property program, visit the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Division of Banking Insurance and Financial Regulation webpage https://ltg.gov.vi/departments/banking-insurance-and-financial-regulation/ or call the Division at (340) 774-2991 on St. Thomas or (340) 773-6449 on St. Croix.

Legislative Ethics Panel To Review Internal Complaint Involving Senator-At-Large Bolques

The Virgin Islands Legislature has initiated a formal review process following a complaint against Senator-At-Large Angel Bolques Jr., with Senate President Milton Potter appointing a group of lawmakers to serve on the bodyโ€™s Committee on Ethical Conduct.

The panel โ€” composed of Sens. Kenneth Gittens, Carla Joseph, Dwayne DeGraff, Novelle Francis and Kurt Vialet โ€” has now begun its work, following the procedures outlined in the Legislatureโ€™s rules. Once empaneled, the committee is responsible for investigating the matter, interviewing involved parties, and determining whether the complaint warrants further action. The process typically concludes within 30 days, though an extension may be granted if both parties agree, Potter said in a call with the Source Tuesday.

โ€‹Senate President Milton Potter did not discuss the specifics of the complaint, which involves an alleged internal sexual harassment claim. The complaint has also not been publicly disclosed, and details remain confidential to protect the privacy of those involved, in accordance with standard human resources practices. Maintaining confidentiality during such investigations is a common protocol aimed at safeguarding all parties and ensuring a fair and impartial process.

Potter also emphasized that once the committee is formed, he steps back entirely from the proceedings. โ€œIt will be in their hands. I will have no involvement in the investigation,โ€ he said. โ€œThatโ€™s how we preserve the integrity of the process. The committee must be free to do its job, independently and without interference.โ€

Speaking generally about how such matters are handled, Potter said the Legislature has a responsibility to take every complaint seriously and follow a structured, impartial process. โ€œIf someone makes a complaint, we have a duty to properly vet it โ€” give the accuser and the accused their day in court, so to speak. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard and to provide supporting statements. Thereโ€™s no judgment being cast; we follow up, we probe, we do whatโ€™s necessary to arrive at a fair conclusion.โ€

Potter also explained that, depending on the nature of the complaint, interim measures โ€” such as removing individuals from shared workspaces or placing them on administrative leave โ€” can be put in place to protect those involved. โ€œWe definitely err on the side of caution,โ€ he said. โ€œIf a person feels theyโ€™ve been wronged, they should never feel stuck in that environment while the investigation is pending.โ€

Navigating these issues in a small institution is never easy, Potter acknowledged, particularly when complaints involve colleagues. โ€œThis is the last thing that you want to have to confront, especially in a small body like ours,โ€ he said. โ€œBut I am fully aware of our responsibility as senators. We must uphold the institution and make sure that every employee โ€” every person โ€” is treated with respect and dignity.โ€

The Committee on Ethical Conduct has been convened in recent years to address similar matters. In 2021, the panel reviewed a complaint against Sen. Marvin Blyden for violating COVID-19 quarantine protocols. In 2022, it investigated allegations of sexual misconduct against then-Senator Steven Payne Sr., who was ultimately expelled from the Legislature. Bolques was later appointed to fill the vacant Senator-At-Large seat.

Potter said the current review, like those that came before, is designed to be fair, thorough, and impartial. โ€œThis isnโ€™t about casting blame. Itโ€™s about following our rules, respecting everyoneโ€™s rights, and maintaining the trust placed in us as a legislative body,โ€ he said.

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