BILL TO EXPAND HOUSING ON ST. CROIX ADVANCES, SENATE APPROVES KEY GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES

ST. CROIX- Members of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Senator Diane T. Capehart, convened in a hearing at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Lawmakers voted in favor of a bill to expand housing in the Virgin Islands. The committee also approved the governor’s nominations to serve in key positions. The agenda items were sent to the full body for further consideration.

Senators unanimously voted in favor of Bill No. 35-0303- An Act approving the Government of the Virgin Islands conveyance of Plot No. 25B Hill Street, Company Quarter, Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority. The measure aims to ensure that the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) expands housing opportunities for Virgin Islands residents. Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. spearheaded the measure at the governor's request. He emphasized VIHFA's potential to meet national standards for quality homes.

Lawmakers voted in the affirmative for nominees appointed by the Governor to serve in various positions. Governor Albert Bryan forwarded the following nominations to the Legislature by Title 3, Section 65a, of the Virgin Islands Code and Section 16 of the Revised Organic Act of 1954:

· Vance E. Pinney, nominee for the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission—District of St. Thomas;

· Gordon C. Rhea, Esq., Attorney General Nominee, Virgin Islands Department of Justice

Nominee Pinney plans to use his extensive experience to protect the environment's resources during his tenure on the Coastal Zone Management Commission, aiming to discuss and achieve existing goals. Senator Capehart inquired about a plan for CZM to address sargassum along the coastal waters where hotels are located. Pinney acknowledged his lack of expertise in managing sargassum yet emphasized the urgency of addressing this challenge.

Nominee Rhea stated that one of his immediate goals was to bring unity and cohesiveness between both the local and federal law enforcement agencies and justice to ensure seamless collaboration in fighting crime. This will allow stakeholders to assess cases early and provide relevant information to ensure that defense attorneys have the necessary discovery to promptly negotiate pleas, diversion programs, or other dispositions.

Senator Capehart thanks the nominees for their willingness to serve and expresses an Open Door Policy for collaborations with her Office.

The following senators attended the meeting: Diane T. Capehart, Franklin D. Johnson, Angel Bolques, Jr., Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Carla J. Joseph, Marise C. James, and Milton E. Potter.

For Immediate Release Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan September 12, 2024 Email: aharrigan@legvi.org