Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection

The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, December 02, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to provide testimony on the following bills:

BLOCK I 9:00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.

The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Office of Veterans Affairs including but not limited to an overview of the agency’s current challenges, a plan of action to resolve challenges, and any other updates pertinent to the discussion.

Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Patrick Farrell, Director, Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs

BLOCK II 10:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority including but not limited to an overview of the agency’s current challenges, a plan of action to resolve challenges, and a comprehensive update on the agency.

Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Director, Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority

BLOCK III 12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.

The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Department of Property and Procurement including but not limited to an overview on the following:

• The progress and solutions formulated to address the long standing homeless and derelict situation at Mitchell Motel.
• Information regarding the formula used when issuing government leases to individuals or agencies.

Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, VI Department of Property and Procurement

BLOCK IV 1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0208 A resolution recognizing United States Senator Mike Crapo for his instrumental role in securing the historic increase in the rum cover over tax reimbursement for the Virgin Islands.

Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Kevin Callwood, President, Callwood and Associates
Ms. Teri Helenese, Director, State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for The Governor of the Virgin Islands
Mr. Angel E. Dawson, Administrator/Chief Executive Officer, Government Employees Retirement System

BLOCK V 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0190 An act amending title 1 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15 section 254 providing for sign language interpreters at all Government of the Virgin Islands broadcasts and official functions.

Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Angus Drigo, Executive Director, Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands (DRCVI)
Ms. Monique Bute, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Association for Independent Living (VIAIL)
Ms. Shamika Thomas, Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD)
Mr. Julio Rhymer Sr., Director, Office of Management & Budget (OMB)
Mr. Daryl Jaschen, Director, Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA)
Mr. Julian Henley, ADA Coordinator, Office of the Governor – ADA Office