ST. THOMAS, VI– The Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Senator Carla J. Joseph met in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers met to consider nominations and several measures. Approved items on today’s agenda will be forwarded to the full body at the next scheduled legislative session. 

The Committee received testimony from two of the Governor’s nominees for the Territorial bench. The Honorable Denise M. Francois has been nominated to serve as a Justice on the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands. Joining her was Ms. Renee M. Andre, Esq., who has been nominated to serve as a Judge for the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands in the St. Thomas-St. John District. Both nominees presented their professional qualifications, emphasizing their commitment to the fair and efficient administration of justice for all residents of the Territory. Lawmakers unanimously approved and forwarded the nominations of both parties. 

Senators then moved to Block II to hear testimony on Bill No. 36-0194. A resolution urging the United States Congress and the Office of the United States Trade Representative to expand and modernize the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) to further support economic growth and development in the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean region. This measure was proposed by Senators Angel L. Bolques Jr. and Carla J. Joseph; co-Sponsored by Senator Hubert L. Frederick. Lawmakers heard from Mr. David Bornn Esq., a local resident, regarding his support on the bill. 

Mr. Bornn argued that the U.S. Virgin Islands is in a unique position to serve as a bridge between the United States and the wider Caribbean due to its standing outside the U.S. Customs Zone. He explained that because the USVI applies a flat 6% customs duty and is exempt from certain federal tariff regimes, it offers a stable alternative for Caribbean neighbors facing unpredictable global tariffs and new port entry fees on foreign-built vessels. Mr. Bornn detailed how the Territory can function as a strategic transshipment and processing hub to help Caribbean Basin Initiative countries navigate rising trade costs. Specifically, he noted that raw materials can be brought into the USVI and undergo a “substantial transformation” to be re-exported to the U.S. mainland as USVI-made products, potentially entering duty-free. He emphasized that the Southshore Trade Zone offers specific tax incentives that make this model particularly attractive for regional partners looking to readjust their access to the U.S. market. 

The testimony also addressed a significant gap in federal diplomatic and trade coordination. Mr. Bornn pointed out that the USVI is often excluded from high-level regional discussions, such as a recent State Department roundtable on Caribbean port development. He urged the passage of the resolution to ensure federal agencies like the U.S. Trade Representative consult with the USVI and promote its unique programs as a tool for regional economic outreach. This inclusion, he argued, would not only benefit the USVI’s economy but also provide CBI countries with a more cost-effective gateway to American consumers. 

Bill No. 36-0194 was voted on favorably and will be advanced to the full body at the next scheduled legislative session. 

Lawmakers approved the following measures: 

• 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. It was proposed by Senator Milton E. Potter, Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr., and Senator Ray Fonseca. 

• Bill No. 36-0207 – An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25, subchapter VI, by adding section 590d and title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, by adding section 24 requiring employers to grant parents or legal guardians of a child with a diagnosed disability, two hours per month of paid leave to attend the child’s medical appointments. It was proposed by Senators Avery L. Lewis, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Clifford Joseph, Sr., Kenneth L. Gittens, and Marise C. James. 

• Bill No. 36-0236 – An act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle 3, chapter 111, section 3061 by increasing the amount of money that is to remain in the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund before any interest can be deposited into the General Fund. It was proposed by Senators Kurt A. Vialet, Avery L. Lewis, Dwayne M. DeGraff, and Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.  

• Bill No. 36-0258 – An act reprogramming administrative fees resulting from the bonds issued for the Fortress Investment Group transfer for various projects and initiatives to enhance the economic development of St. Croix and to be deposited into the Budget Stabilization Fund. It was proposed by Senators Kurt A. Viale, Avery L. Lewis, Dwayne M. DeGraff, and Clifford Joseph, Sr. and co-sponsored by Senator Hubert L. Frederick. 

• 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. It was proposed by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. 

• Bill No. 36- 0238 – An act amending title 29, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 23 to redirect hotel development net bond proceeds to the Government Employees’ Retirement System of the Virgin Islands. It was proposed by Senator Avery L. Lewis. 

• Bill No 36-0257 – An act transferring Parcel No. 2C Estate Ross, 8 New Quarter, St. Thomas, from the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority to the Virgin Islands Department of Education for use by the Charlotte Amalie High School. It was proposed by Senator Avery L. Lewis. 

• Bill No. 36-0275 – An act approving the amended lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and Hearts In Service Association, Inc., for the leasing of Parcel No. 175C Estate Anna’s Retreat No. 1 New Quarter, St. Thomas for the purpose of providing eligible programs and services to homeless families, individuals, veterans, and at-risk youth and the operation of a soup kitchen and other related purposes. It was proposed by Senators Milton E. Potter, Marvin A. Blyden and Avery L. Lewis, by request of the Governor. 

Lawmakers held the following measure in Committee for further vetting: 

• Bill No. 36-0232 – An act amending Act No. 8018 to authorize the disposal of green waste using controlled incineration technologies, including air curtain incinerators, and for other purposes. It was proposed by Senators Clifford A. Joseph, Avery L. Lewis, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Franklin D. Johnson. 

Senators present at today’s Committee hearing were Carla J. Joseph, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Alma Francis Heyliger, Ray Fonseca, Kenneth L. Gittens, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Avery L. Lewis, and Milton E. Potter.  

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