CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Senator Alma Francis Heyliger has introduced legislation to reduce firearm related crimes in the territory by repealing part of the “Reciprocal recognition of out-of-state licenses” section of the Virgin Islands Code. Bill Resolution No. 21-0465 would strike the first paragraph of Title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5, section 460, which states […]
Tag: 34th Legislature of the Virgin Islands
Senate Committee Advances Bill To Provide Automatic License Plate Reader Data System
FREDERIKSTED — Members of the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety chaired by Senator Steven D. Payne, Sr., convened in a meeting at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room in St. Croix. Lawmakers received testimony on Bill No. 34-0142- An Act amending the Virgin Islands Code Title 20, chapter 45 by adding […]
Office of Disaster Recovery Gives Status Updates On Capital Improvement Projects
FREDERIKSTED — Members of the Committee on Disaster Recovery and Infrastructure, chaired by Senator Janelle K. Sarauw, convened in a meeting at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix. Lawmakers received updates on capital projects in the Virgin Islands regarding contracts, professional service, and task order contracts. The Committee invited officials from the […]
Bryan Attends Ceremony Renaming Raphune Hill In Honor of Dorothy ‘Dotsy’ Lockhart Elskoe
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Governor Albert Bryan attended a ceremony on Tuesday to rename Raphune Hill on St. Thomas in honor of culture-bearer, educator and community activist Dorothy “Dotsy” Lockhart Elskoe. The event took place to honor of Elskoe’s “innumerable contributions to the people and community of the St. Thomas-St. John District and the entire territory.” The […]
Senators Hope To End Discrimination Based On Hair Texture With New Bill
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Senators hope to end discrimination based on hair texture after a new bill cleared a Senate hurdle. Lawmakers comprising the 34th Legislature’s Committee on Rules and Judiciary took a “significant step” towards passing anti-discrimination legislation according to Senator Alma Francis Heyliger, who sponsored the proposal known as the Virgin Islands Crown Act […]
Bryan Hopes Refinancing $800M In Bonds Will Stake GERS System For The Next 30 Years
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Governor Albert Bryan is refinancing more than $800 million worth of bonds following numerous attempts to save the GERS pension system that officials say faces certain collapse otherwise. Governor Bryan signed the bill this week and says the savings from improved interest rates will help stabilize the Government Employees Retirement System for at least […]
Health Department Updates Senators On The Growing Number Of Homeless In The Territory
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Members of the Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building. Lawmakers receive testimony on the status of the Virgin Islands Department of Health on behavioral health in the territory and the Federal funds earmarked for public health […]
Bryan Thanks Legislature For Authorizing Refinancing Of Government Debt To Aid GERS
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Governor Albert Bryan issued a statement today thanking the 34th Legislature for passing the Securitization Bill that will allow the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) to refinance Rum Cover-Over Matching Fund Bonds and use the savings to provide a steady revenue stream for the Government Employees’ Retirement System (GERS) and return it to solvency. […]
Gittens Riled At 911 Operators ‘From Outside’ Doing A Better Job Here Temporarily
KINGSHILL — A St. Croix senator says he has “concerns” now that 911 operators from Ohio have been brought in to help temporarily due to worker shortages locally. “Last week I communicated with the governor’s office about reports of improper disciplinary actions within VITEMA and 911 dispatch in particular,” Senator Kenneth Gittens said. “Just a […]
Senator Urges Department of Education To Release Funds To Food Service Workers
CHARLOTTE AMALIE — On September 17, 2021, the 34th Legislature of the Virgin Islands passed Bill No. 34-0106, a supplemental budget to the already enacted FY 2022 Government of the Virgin Islands operating budget. Subsection R, section 1(c) was amended by Senator Sarauw to insert the following language: “ No Virgin Islands Child Goes Hungry” […]