Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications

BLOCK I                                                                                                                                                   9:00 A.M.

Bill No. 36-0109         An act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 111 to establish the Inspection and Safety on Public Highways Fund; amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 39, section 435 relating to the collection of fees, amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 41, section 461 relating to equipment and inspection of vehicle requirements, and title 20 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 38, section 416 relating to motor vehicle restrictions for the car rental industry.

Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Kevin McCurdy, Commissioner, VI Department of Finance
Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner, VI Department of Planning & Natural Resources
Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, VI Police Department
Ms. Barbara McIntosh, Director, Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles

BLOCK II                                                                                                                                                 11:00 A.M.

Bill No. 36-0074         An Act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part I by adding a chapter 3 establishing the “Virgin Islands Roadside Property Maintenance and Vegetation Act” to require property owners to maintain roadside vegetation, prevent obstruction of public roads and utility lines, provide for enforcement, penalties, and exceptions, and for other related purposes

Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Tregenza A. Roach, Esq, Lt. Governor of the V.I.,
Honorable Derek Gabriel, Commissioner, VI Department of Public Works
Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner, VI Department of Planning & Natural Resources
Karl Knight, Executive Director & CEO, Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority
Mr. Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority
Dr. Gregory Guannel, Director, Caribbean Green Technology Center
Mr. Stephan Adams, Chief Executive Officer, V.I. Next Generation Network
Ms. Siobhan James-Alexander, Chief Executive Officer, One Communications
Mr. Clay Jones, Principal/Arborist, Heritage Tree Care, LLC.
Ms. Ileann Canellas Correa, Esq, Country Manager, T-Mobile PR/VI
Mr. Ravindra Maywahlall, Country Manager, Liberty USVI

LUNCH                                                                                                                                                       1:30 P.M.

BLOCK III                                                                                                                                                  2:00 P.M.

The Committee will convene to receive its annual update on telecommunications issues from providers, regulators, infrastructure owners, and policymakers, with a focus on evaluating system resilience, redundancy, and continuity of service. This discussion will inform legislative efforts to strengthen infrastructure planning, disaster preparedness, and public safety communications, while also assessing technical standards and the deployment of emerging technologies in the Virgin Islands. Testimony will be critical in examining internet connectivity, digital access, and telecommunications systems supporting public education, including challenges affecting equity and reliability. Additionally, input from service providers will help the Committee better understand industry conditions, service delivery challenges, planned investments, and the status of broadband grant participation, compliance, and oversight.

Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Commissioner, VI Department of Education
Honorable Derek Gabriel, Commissioner, VI Department of Public Works
Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner, VI Department of Planning & Natural Resources
Mr. Julio Rhymer, Director, Office of Management and Budget
Mr. Karl Knight, Executive Director & CEO, Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority
Mr. Rupert Ross, Director, VI Bureau of Information Technology
Mr. Stephan Adams, Chief Executive Officer, V.I. Next Generation Network
Dr. Gregory Guannel, Director, Caribbean Green Technology Center
Mr. Dwayne Alexander, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Housing Authority
Ms. Ileann Canellas Correa, Esq, Country Manager, T-Mobile PR/VI
Mr. Ravindra Maywahlall, Country Manager, Liberty USVI
Ms. Siobhan James-Alexander, Chief Executive Officer, One Communications