MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection
9:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for Monday, October 27, 2025, at 9:00 AM in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to provide testimony on the following bills:
BLOCK I 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Bill No. 36-0134 An act repealing and reenacting title 18 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 2 relating to government employees’ eligibility for elected offices, to allow government employees to run for political office while actively employed, unless specifically prohibited by federal or other laws
Invited Testifiers:
Justice Rhys S. Hodge, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands
Ms. Cindy L. Richardson, Director, Division of Personnel
Attorney Joss N. Springette, Chief Negotiator, Office of Collective Bargaining
Ms. Carol Burke, State Chairwoman, Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands
Ms. Ophelia Jackson, Retired Government Educator
BLOCK II 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0148 An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 16, section 274 by mandating that the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission implement an electronic payment system.
Invited Testifiers:
Ms. Melissa J. Smith, Acting Executive Director, Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission
Mrs. Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner Nominee, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
Honorable H. Nathalie Hodge, Commissioner, Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs
Mr. Lawrence Ramdhansingh, President, Virgin Islands Taxi Association
Mr. John Cadasse, President, St. Croix Taxi Association (Airport)
Mr. John Woods, President, St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Akeel St. Jean, Esq., Chairperson, St. Croix Chamber of Commerce
LUNCH BREAK 1:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
BLOCK III 1:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0075 A Resolution honoring and commending Austin A. Venzen posthumously for his unwavering commitment to music education and the arts, through his work in the classrooms, conducting private music lessons, on the concert stages, and by bringing Virgin Islanders together in choirs, bands, and community events, to foster camaraderie, collaboration, and cultural enrichment
Invited Testifiers:
Ms. Gloria Quinlan, Former Music Professor & Choir Director, UVI
Ms. Monet I. Davis, Former Student, Music Teacher, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School
Mr. Kevre Hendricks, Former Student, 73rd Army Band Commander, Director of Bands St. Croix Educational Complex, Music Producer & Owner of Maestro Productions
Dr. LeRoy Trotman, Musicologist, Former Music Coordinator St. Thomas/St. John, Retired Professor of Music
Mr. Odgen Noland, Music Educator, Lockhart K-8
Ms. Judith Mitchell, Personal Friend
Mr. Levi Farrell, Former Student, Retired Band Instructor, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School
Mr. Dion Parson, Educator, Composer, and Grammy-Award-Winning Drummer
BLOCK IV 3:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0044 A Resolution honoring and commending seven-year old twin brothers Kruz and Stefon Wilson for their heroic efforts and courage displayed when saving a drowning man at Magen’s Bay Beach and for their exemplary conduct as young members of the community
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Keith Isaac and Ms. Marlene Isaac, Grandparents
Mr. Kemel Wilson, Father
Mrs. Andrea Penn, Aunt
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025
Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services
9:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
Please be advised that the Committee on Health, Hospitals & Human Services will be conducting a meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, on St. Thomas to discuss the following.
BLOCK I 9:00 A.M. – 11:50 A.M.
Bill No. 36-0086 An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25, section 590b, the Caregivers Leave Act.
Bill No. 36-0079 An Act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code, part IV, chapter 37, to add a new subchapter
mandating territorial hospitals to provide paternity testing services upon request,
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Justa Encarnacion, Commissioner, Department of Health
Mr. Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General, Department of Justice
Ms. Cindy L. Richardson, Director, Division of Personnel
Mr. Troy Schuster, State Director, AARP of the Virgin Islands
Mrs. Tracy Stewart Sanders, President, Continuum Care Home Health, LLC
BLOCK II 2:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
The Committee will receive formal updates from the Medical, Dental, and Psychology Boards of the Virgin Islands.
Each Board will provide a summary of current operations, challenges, and strategic objectives, including matters related to licensing, compliance, professional development, and recommendations for legislative or administrative support to strengthen healthcare regulation across the territory.
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Trevor Connor, DDS, Chairman, Virgin Islands Dental Board
Ms. Ramona Moss, Ph. D, Chairperson, Board of USVI Psychology Examiners
Mr. Frank Odlum, MD, Chairman, Virgin Islands Medical Examiners Board
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
Committee of the Whole
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
Time: 10:00 A.M.
Call to Order: Honorable Milton E. Potter, Chairman, Committee of the Whole
Roll Call: Mrs. Shenika Dowe-Serrano, Chief Journal Clerk
CONSIDERATION OF FLOOR AGENDA:
The 36th Legislature will convene in a Committee of the Whole to receive testimony on the following:
BLOCK I – ZONING
Bill No. 36-0128 An act amending Official Zoning Map No. STZ-4 to rezone Parcel No. 68A Estate Lindberg Bay,
No. 4A, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas from P (Public) to R-3 (Residential-Medium Density)
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner, VI Department of Planning & Natural Resources
Mr. Carlton Dowe, Executive Director, VI Port Authority
Mr. Torian Priestly, Chief Development Officer, The Benoit Group
BLOCK II – WAPA
The committee will receive an update from the Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority, focusing on the series of outages that continue to plague the St. Thomas/St. John district. Additional topics will include the short-term and long-term plans to remedy the situation and improve reliability.
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Maurice Muia, Board Chairman, VI Water and Power Authority
Mr. Karl Knight, Chief Executive Officer, VI Water and Power Authority
Ms. Sandra Setorie, Executive Director, VI Public Services Commission
BLOCK III – Impact of Federal Shutdown
The Committee will discuss the impact of the federal government’s current shutdown on the delivery of essential services and programs to the people of the US Virgin Islands
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Julio Rhymer, Director, Office of Management and Budget
Honorable Kevin McCurdy, Commissioner, VI Department of Finance
Honorable Averil George, Commissioner, VI Department of Human Services
BLOCK IV – Virgin Islands Sixth Constitutional Convention
Bill Request No. 25-0857/36-562 To appropriate funding for the Virgin Islands Sixth Constitutional
Convention
Invited Testifier:
Mr. Usie Richards, Chairman, Virgin Islands 6th Constitutional Convention
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025
Regular Session
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
Call to Order: Honorable Milton E. Potter, Senate President, 36th Legislature
Anthems: National Anthem and Virgin Islands March
Invocation: Reverend Charles L. Brown, Jr., Chaplain
Roll Call: Honorable Avery L. Lewis, Legislative Secretary
Committee Reports:
Special Orders/Overrides:
Special Orders:
Overrides:
CONSIDERATION OF NOMINATIONS
Ms. Joan Foy
Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Board
Mr. Mark M. Wiechnik, Esq.
Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission
CONSIDERATION OF ZONING
Bill No. 36-0128 An act amending Official Zoning Map No. STZ-4 to rezone Parcel No. 68A Estate Lindberg Bay, No. 4A, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas from P (Public) to R-3 (Residential-Medium Density)
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION
Bill No. 36-0107 A resolution honoring and commending Dr. Alfred Lee Anduze for his outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of medicine, science, public health, and community empowerment.
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS
Bill No. 36-0058 An Act honoring and commending Dennis “Pumpa” Lennox Leroy Liburd, Jr. for his many contributions to the Virgin Islands culture and music industry as a Soca artist by awarding him the Official key to the Territory and naming the main entrance of 6-Y Peters Rest Road, Christiansted, St. Croix in his honor.
Bill No. 36-0061 An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 27, section 706 and chapter 28A, section 755 allowing retirees who are receiving an annuity from the Government Employees Retirement System who are subsequently employed by the University of the Virgin Islands, to continue to receive their GERS annuity while receiving their salary from the University if the retiree enrolls in a different retirement plan.
Bill No. 36-0083 An act establishing a 90-day amnesty period for the waiver of penalties for payment of outstanding
property taxes, income taxes, and gross receipt taxes for all tax years to assist taxpayers and businesses recovering from the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and Tropical Storm Ernesto.
Bill No. 36-0099 An act amending title 34 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15 expanding the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act.
Bill No. 36-0119 An act amending Act No. 8651 by reprogramming the appropriated funds to the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation to fund the completion of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix.
Bill No. 36-0121 An act to rename the Peter Carl Limpricht Park the TSK Park in honor of the Ten Sleepless Knights quelbe band and making an appropriation to effectuate that change.
Bill No. 36-0123 An act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part II, chapter 43, subchapter I, section 493 making it unlawful for a person who has 0.04 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his blood to operate a commercial motor vehicle, and making it unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years who has any detectable amount of alcohol in his blood, to operate a motor vehicle.
Bill No. 36-0136 An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 17, subchapter II by adding new sections 1331 through 1336 mandating lethal weapon training for security guards and investigators.
Bill No. 36-0140 An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 22, section 403, clarifying the term of service for members of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Bill No. 36-0141 An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 22, section 415 to add a term of service for appointees to the Board of Physical Therapy
Bill No. 36-0142 An act amending title 27 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 17, section 45, by changing the maximum number of members of the Board for the Licensing of Barbering and Cosmetology
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025
Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports and Parks
10:00 A.M.
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
The Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks will convene a legislative hearing to examine the pressing and multifaceted challenges affecting the youth of the Virgin Islands. This hearing will explore the intersections of public health, education, economic opportunity, and community support as they relate to youth development, safety, and success—particularly in the face of rising violence, trauma, and systemic inequity. Through testimony from government agencies, nonprofit leaders, educators, and young people themselves, the Committee seeks to identify legislative and policy solutions that address root causes, close opportunity gaps, and foster a stronger, more equitable future for the territory’s next generation.
BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Healing Our Youth: Mental Health, Intervention, Government & Community Services & Support
During this Block, the Committee will receive testimony and examine the rise of youth violence in the Virgin Islands as a public health emergency that demands a comprehensive, trauma-informed response. This segment seeks to uncover the root causes of trauma and aggression among young people, while evaluating the availability, accessibility, and cultural relevance of behavioral health services across the territory. The Committee will explore how schools, law enforcement, and grassroots organizations are working—both independently and collaboratively—to interrupt cycles of harm and deliver mental health support, crisis intervention, and violence prevention services. Special attention will be given to prevention models, early intervention strategies, and community-based programs that provide safe spaces, foster emotional resilience, and build trust between youth and institutions. The overarching goal is to assess the territory’s current response capacity and identify actionable, sustainable strategies to promote healing, safety, and longterm well-being for all young people.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Justa Encarnacion, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Health
Mr. Antonio Emanuel, Director, Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, EdD, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education
Honorable Mario Brooks, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Police Department
Honorable Averil George, Commissioner, Department of Human Services
Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General Virgin Islands Department of Justice – Juvenile Division
Mr. Moleto A. Smith Jr., Director, Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC)
Youth-Focused Nonprofit Organizations:
My Brother’s Workshop
Youth Against Gun Violence
St. Croix Foundation
The Village Partners in Recovery
Public Witness Panel:
Testimony from individuals with lived experience
LUNCH 12:30 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Expanding Youth Opportunities: Community Access, Workforce Development, Education & Equity
This Block will continue the Committee’s in-depth review and shift the focus to the long-term structural conditions shaping youth success in the Virgin Islands. This segment will assess educational access, vocational training, and workforce readiness disparities. The Committee will examine data on school dropout rates, employment trends, and the underutilization of existing youth development programs. Invited agencies and stakeholders will offer insights into challenges and gaps within afterschool services, technical career education, and youth employment pathways.
Testifiers will be asked to recommend legislative and policy solutions to strengthen school-to-career pipelines, improve equity in public programs, and expand youth opportunity through culturally rooted, community-based initiatives such as recreation, sports, and the arts as essential tools for youth empowerment and engagement, along with recommendations for the support of programs and services concerning the youth of the Virgin Islands.
Invited Testifiers:
Dr. Haldane Davies, Director, Virgin Islands Bureau of Economic Research
Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, EdD, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education
Ms. Genevieve Whitaker, Executive Director, Career & Technical Education Board
Honorable Gary Molloy, Commissioner, Department of Labor
Honorable Averil George, Commissioner, Department of Human Services
Honorable Vincent Roberts, Commissioner, VI Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation
Mr. Julio Rhymer, Director, Office of Management & Budget
Community Stakeholders Panel:
Youth Organization Leaders
Youth Empowerment and Recreation Program Providers
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2025
Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the following bills:
BLOCK I
Bill No. 36-0092 An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and St. John Taxi Services Corporation, for Parcel No. D-2 Estate Cruz Bay Town, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, Virgin Islands
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Lisa M. Alejandro, Commissioner, VI Department of Property and Procurement
Mr. Sean L. Claxton, President, St. John Taxi Services Corporation
Ms. Carmen Wesselhoft, Taxi Driver
Bill No. 36-0045 An Act appropriating the sum of $400,000 from the Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund to the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission for the implementation of technological upgrades
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Kevin G. McCurdy, Commissioner, VI Department of Finance
Ms. Melissa Smith, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission
Mr. Rupert O. Ross, Director, VI Bureau of Information Technology
Mr. Julio A. Rhymer, Sr., Director, Office of Management and Budget
Mr. Lawrence Ramdhansingh, President, VI Taxi Association (STT)
Mr. Dhiony Lalanne, President, St. Thomas Taxi Association
Mr. Charles Sealey, President, St. Croix Taxicab Association
Mr. Sean L. Claxton, President, St. John Taxi Association
BLOCK II
Bill Request No. 25-0820 An act appropriating excess debt service reserve funds for certain capital projects in the territory
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner, VI Department of Public Works
Mr. Julio A. Rhymer, Sr., Director, Office of Management and Budget
Mr. Carlton Dowe, Executive Director, VI Port Authority
Mr. Nathan Simmonds, Director, Finance & Administration, VI Public Finance Authority
Bill No. 36-0122 An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 27, section 711 and chapter 28a, section 760, by requiring the Government Employees Retirement System to discontinue making disability retirement annuity payments to a member who resumes any employment
Invited Testifier:
Mr. Angel E. Dawson, Jr., CEO/Administrator, Government Employees Retirement System
