ST. THOMAS – The 35^th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, led by Senate President Novelle E. Francis, Jr. convened into regular legislative session today at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers first met to consider Bill No. 35-0001, a resolution organizing and establishing the Majority Caucus, electing the officers, appointing the chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and members of the standing committees of the Thirty-Fifth Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The measure was voted upon favorably.

Newly elected Senate President Novelle E. Francis Jr. gave brief comments stating that his quick selection as President was “democracy at work”, citing the controversy over the recent elections of Speaker of the House in the United States of America.

Francis will serve as President. Senator Marvin A. Blyden will serve as Vice President. Senator Carla J. Joseph will serve as Secretary. Senator Kenneth L. Gittens will serve as Majority Leader. Senator Marise C. James will serve as Secretary for Intergovernmental Territorial Affairs. Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory will serve as Liaison to the United States Congress. Senator Carla J. Joseph will serve as Liaison to the United States Department of Interior & Office of Insular Affairs. Senator Kenneth L. Gittens will serve as Liaison to the White House.

The Committee on Rules and Judiciary will be chaired by Senator Diane T. Capehart, and vice chaired by Senator Milton E. Potter. The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will be chaired by Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory, and vice chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. The Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services will be chaired by Senator Ray Fonseca and vice chaired by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens. The Committee on Education and Workforce Development will be chaired by Senator Marise C. James and vice chaired by Donna A. Frett-Gregory.

The Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning will be chaired by Milton E. Potter, and vice chaired by Senator Diane T. Capehart. The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture will be chaired by Senator Javan E. James, Sr., and Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr.  The Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety will be chaired by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens, and vice chaired by Senator Ray Fonseca. The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection will be chaired by Senator Carla J. Joseph and vice chaired by Javan E. James, Sr. The Committee on Housing, Transportation, and Telecommunications will be chaired by Senator Marvin A. Blyden and vice chaired by Marise C. James. The Committee on Culture, Sports, Parks, and Youth will be chaired by Senator Angel L. Bolques, and vice chaired by Senator Marvin A. Blyden.

The majority caucus is comprised of Senators Novelle. E. Francis, Jr., Marvin A. Blyden, Carla J. Joseph, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Diane T. Capehart, Ray Fonseca, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Kenneth L. Gittens, Javan E. James, Sr., Marise C. James, and Milton E. Potter.

The session will reconvene on January 23, 2023, to receive the Governor’s State of the Territory Address.

All members of the 35^th Legislature were present at today’s legislative session. The newly elected members of the 35^th Legislature are Marvin A. Blyden, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Diane T. Capehart, Samuel Carrión, Dwayne M. Degraff, Ray Fonseca, Alma Francis Heyliger, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Kenneth L. Gittens, Javan E. James, Sr., Marise C. James, Franklin D. Johnson, Carla J. Joseph, and Milton E. Potter.