36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands SENATE CALENDAR

November 10, 2025 – November 21, 2025

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025 

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 hearing for Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to provide testimony on the 

following:

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture will receive testimony from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs on business licensing modernization, consumer protection enforcement, oversight and compliance mechanisms for licensed businesses, small business support, and operational challenges; from the Department of Tourism providing an overview of 2024 tourism performance and its economic impact, including visitor arrivals, key performance indicators, and the status of cruise tourism by district; and from the West Indian Company, Limited (WICO) on port operations, cruise tourism activity, and related economic contributions. The Committee will also conduct oversight on the financial management of the Tourism Revolving Fund, departmental expenditures, staffing levels across the Territory, and essential tourism-related infrastructure such as public restrooms. Additional areas of oversight will include marketing and sponsorship efforts outside the Territory and their measurable outcomes, as well as cultural tourism initiatives featuring calypso, music, and local artists. Further review will cover the 2024 Crucian Christmas Festival, St. John Celebration, and St. Thomas Carnival—highlighting achievements, challenges, and opportunities for improvement—alongside plans for the 2025 festival season.

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable H. Nathalie Hodge, Commissioner, VI Department of Licensing and Consumer Affair

Jeniffer Matarangas-King, Commissioner Nominee, VI Department of Tourism

LUNCH 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M.

BLOCK II 12:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.

The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture will receive testimony from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources on the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s programs and management strategies, including updates on environmental education outreach, territorial fisheries management and enforcement, wildlife conservation, territorial fishery policies, and the Invasive Species Eradication Community Program, and from the Caribbean Fishery Management Council on regional fisheries management and its impacts on the U.S. Virgin Islands, including updates on island-based fishery management plans, collaboration with local fishers and government agencies, sustainable fisheries strategies, impacts of federal regulations, and available funding opportunities. 

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Jean Pierre-Oriol, Commissioner, VI Department of Planning & Natural Resources

Miguel A. Rolon, Executive Director, Caribbean Fishery Management Council

BLOCK III 2:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.

The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture will receive testimony from the Virgin Islands Department 

of Agriculture on the state of agriculture in the Virgin Islands, including updates on Act 8854 regarding agricultural maintenance and equipment purchases, the USDA’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, the department’s equipment maintenance plan, pricing of goods and services, Act 8306 establishing the Virgin Islands Agricultural Caribbean Conference, and Act 8404 implementing the Territorial Agriculture Plan, and from the University of the Virgin Islands on the Territorial Agricultural Plan and the V.I. Agricultural Caribbean Conference, including status updates, stakeholder engagement, funding sources, expenditures, projected outcomes, challenges, and solutions, as well as conference objectives, planning milestones, participants, goals, and budget details.

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Dr. Louis Petersen, Commissioner, VI Department of Agriculture

Dr. Safiya George, President, University of the Virgin Islands

Harith Wickrema, Member, VI Local Food and Farm Council

Trevor Warner, Farmer

Roniel Allembert, Farmer

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025

Committee on Education and Workforce Development

9:00 A.M.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room

The Committee will assess education policies, review compliance with statutory mandates, and consider proposed  legislation designed to enhance educational outcomes and strengthen the Territory’s public education system. 

BLOCK I 

Promotion and Retention Policy as it pertains to the new Virgin Islands and Caribbean History Curriculum Implementation mandate

Invited Testifiers:

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD, Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education 

Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

BLOCK II

Proposed Legislation

Bill No. 36-0188 An act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 23, by adding a subchapter III establishing the Virgin Islands Technical College; amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 7, subchapter I section 99 to increase the membership of the Board for Career and Technical Education; amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code chapter 23, subchapter I, section 262 to clarify the duties of the Board for Career and Technical Education 

relating to the Virgin Islands Technical College and section 263 relating to the CareerTechnical Education Training Fund, and for other related purposes

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ph.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Monique Faulkner, Ed.D., State Director – Career Technical & Adult Education

Laverne Richardson, Project Director, Virgin Islands Technical College 

Mario Francis, Principal, Raphael O. Wheatley Skills Center, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Christa-Ann Molloy, Ph.D., Principal, St. Croix Career & Technical Education Center, VI Department of Education

Sana Joseph Smith, Policy Advisor (Education, Workforce, Labor), Office of the Governor

Joanne Murphy, Chairperson, Virgin Islands Career & Technical Education Board

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD, Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education

Lora Bailey, PhD., Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, University of the Virgin Islands

Israel Popo, Student, St. Croix Central High School, St. Croix Career & Technical Education Center

Meridith M. Prince, Tradesman

BLOCK III

Electronic Device Policy and the impact of cell phones on school campuses

Invited Testifiers:

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD, Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education 

Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ph.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Ace Poyah, Student, St. Croix Educational Complex High School

BLOCK IV

Update regarding repairs and maintenance in public schools

Invited Testifiers:

Craig Benjamini, Executive Director, Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance

Leontyne Jones, President, American Federation of Teachers, Local 1825

Tamieka Phillipus, American Federation of Teachers, Local 1826

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2025

Committee on Rules and Judiciary

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

Please be advised that the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Rules and Judiciary has scheduled a  hearing for Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimonies from the Governor’s Nominees and to consider the following legislative measures:

Governor’s Nominees

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.

Ms. Melanie L. Turnbull, Esq., Judge, Virgin Islands Superior Court, Family Division,

District of St. Thomas-St. John

BLOCK II 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Mrs. Jennifer M. Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

LUNCH 1:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.

BLOCK III 1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Ms. Venetia H. Velazquez, Judge, Virgin Islands Superior Court, District of St. Croix

BLOCK IV 3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Ms. Bernesha B. Liburd, Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board

Bills

BLOCK V 4:00 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

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.

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

Bill No. 36-0086 An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25, section 590b, the Caregivers Leave Act.

Bill No. 36-0196 An act appropriating excess debt service reserve funds for certain capital projects in the territory and appropriating $2,000,000 from the St Thomas Capital Improvement fund.

Bill No. 36-0135 An act amending title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5, section 294 regarding expedited building permits for developers.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 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 Friday, November 14, 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. 36-0052 An Act amending title 29, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 9, section 502, regarding advertising devices on private property

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works

Mr. Russell Pate, Esq., President, VI Bar Association

Mr. Roger B. Minkoff, Realtor

Mr. Marcus Christian, Resident

BLOCK II 10:30 P.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0009 A Resolution honoring and commending Mr. Steven van Beverhoudt for his years of dedicated service and numerous contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands Invited Testifiers:

Ms. Delia Thomas, VI Inspector General, Office of the VI Inspector General

Mrs. Bernice Turnbull, Retired Commissioner of The Department of Finance

Ms. Marsha Dubois, Lead Auditor, Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General

BLOCK III 12:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0084 An Act honoring and commending Alva Alphonse Swan also known as “Coach Tumba” for his significant contributions to the sport of basketball in the Virgin Islands by bestowing upon him the Key to the Territory

Invited Testifiers:

Mr. Anselmo Frett, Resident

Ms. Patricia Peets, Resident

Mr. Ray Archibald, Resident

Ms. Kamela Hughes, Resident

Mr. Audi Henneman, Resident

Bill No. 36-0149 A resolution honoring and commending Janeisha John for her outstanding achievements, pioneering spirit, and significant contributions to the fields of entertainment, modeling, and television production, celebrating her role as a cultural ambassador, trailblazer, and inspirational leader of the Virgin Islands

Invited Testifiers:

Ms. Jo’liza John, Younger Sister / Official DJ

Ms. Trinity Austrie, Best Friend / Environmental Engineer, CEO Tysam Tech, LLC

Mr. Jamal Drummond, Friend / Former Coach, Designer & Stylist

Ms. Aria Garcia, Designer / Stylist, House of Arega

Mr. Anil Bruce, Mentor / Former Executive Producer at WTJX, Rediscover St. Croix / Emmy Award Winning TV 

Produce

Dr. Elle Nielsen, Friend / Professor of Dance, UVI

Dr. Valrica Bryson, Ph.D., Mentor / Former High School Band Teacher

Mr. Shamari Haynes, Associate/ Deputy Commissioner of Tourism

Mr. and Mrs. Griselle & Ben Mitchell, Mentors / Owners, former C-9 Modeling Agency

Mr. Shomari Moorhead, Friend/Entrepreneur / Community Leader

Mr. Renaldo Stevens aka Emcee Bogle, Associate /V.I. Emcee

Ms. Janella John, Older Sister

Ms. Claire Roker, Pageant Mentor

Mr. Dennis Liburd, Jr. aka Pumpa, Associate / International Soca Artist

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance

9:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Monday, November 17, 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. 36-0030 An Act amending title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 4, increasing the Virgin Islands minimum wage

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Gary Molloy, Commissioner, VI Department of Labor

Mr. Haldane Davies, Executive Director, VI Bureau of Economic Research

Akeel St. Jean, Esq., Chairman, St. Croix Chamber of Commerce

Mr. John Woods, President, St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce

BLOCK II

Bill No. 36-0089 An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and PEO Productions, LLC d/b/a WSTA Radio, for Parcel No. 121 Submarine Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Parcel No. 167 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas and Parcel No. 171 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, VI Department of Property and Procurement

Mr. Peter Ottley, President, WSTA Radio

Bill No. 36-0199 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 Accent Property Management, LLC, for Parcel Nos. 123 and 129 Sub Base, South Side Quarter, St. Thomas, to develop the premises to operate, establish, and manage a slate of subtenants, pursuant to an approved development plan

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, VI Department of Property and Procurement

Randa DeSouza, Chief Administrative Officer, Accent Property Management, LLC

Bill Request No. 25-0692 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 Commercial Investments LLC, for Parcel No. 30 Submarine Base, No. 6 Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, for a logistics storage warehouse and other related purposes

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, VI Department of Property and Procurement

Covey Charles, Authorized Representative, Commercial Investments LLC

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 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 reconvene for a pivotal oversight hearing to  examine the intersecting threads of investment, accountability, and completion timelines tied to two of the Territory’s most prominent capital projects: the Paul E. Joseph Stadium and the Clinton E. Phipps Horse Racing Track. This hearing marks a renewed push for transparency, efficiency, and measurable progress, following earlier discussions in July that left unresolved questions and unmet deliverables.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

Operational Status and Financial Oversight of the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack and the Horse Racing 

Initiative Fund

This block will assess the current operational status of the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas, with a focus  on remaining construction, regulatory, and logistical needs. The Committee will receive testimony on delays,  including permitting issues, funding gaps, and inter-agency coordination challenges, that have impacted any pending  progress. The Committee will also review revenues from past racing events, examining how funds are tracked,  reported, and allocated. Testifiers are expected to present a detailed financial breakdown of receipts and  disbursements, as well as provide information on transparency and fund distribution practices. A key focus will be  the Horse Racing Initiative Fund, including current balance, recent spending, and district-level allocations. Emphasis  will be placed on the availability of funds to support racetrack improvements and local horsemen associations in both districts.

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Vincent Roberts, Commissioner, Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation

Honorable Raymond Williams, Director, Virgin Islands Lottery

Mr. Hugo Hodge Jr., Chairman, USVI Horseracing Commission

LUNCH 12:30 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.

BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

During this Block, the Committee will receive testimony and conduct a comprehensive examination of the financial and administrative oversight of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project. This follow-up hearing aims to clarify the progress made since July, identify any key items that remain incomplete, and assess how the project is tracking toward the pledged December 2025 completion date.

Agency Roles and Focus Areas:

• Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – Provide a detailed report on historical appropriations and current expenditures. The Committee expects transparency regarding any recent budget reallocations or shortfalls that may have impacted the project’s timely completion.

• Department of Property and Procurement (DPP) – Address the status of contractor performance, including any procurement delays, contract amendments, or unresolved vendor issues that may be affecting final project delivery.

• Department of Public Works (DPW) – Present an update on current construction progress, agency coordination efforts, and confirm whether the December 2025 completion target remains feasible. The Committee seeks clarity on progress since July and explanations for any missed milestones.

• Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR) – Provide an operational readiness assessment of the facility, including which amenities are complete, what remains outstanding, and what is required to make the stadium fully accessible for public use.

• Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) – Review funding disbursements, contractor oversight, and compliance with all applicable federal and local regulations. The Committee requests a summary of all ODR-administered grants supporting this project.

• GEC, LLC / Coastal Systems USVI – Deliver a comprehensive update on construction deliverables, identify remaining tasks, and explain any delays related to change orders, materials, or workforce that could impact the project’s timeline.

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources

Honorable Lisa M. Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement

Honorable Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works

Honorable Vincent Roberts, Commissioner, Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation

Mrs. Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director, USVI Office of Disaster Recovery 

Mr. Julio Rhymer, Director, Office of Management & Budget

Mr. John Wessel, Director of Operations, GEC, LLC / Coastal Systems USVI

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025

Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety

10:00 A.M.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room