BILLS TO IMPROVE THE HORSE RACING INDUSTRY AND LIMITING SUSPENSION FOR EARLY EDUCATION STUDENTS FORWARDED,

ST. THOMAS- Members of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Senator Diane T. Capehart, convened in a meeting at the Capitol Building. Lawmakers voted and approved three bills and two of the governor’s nominations. All approved items on the agenda will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration.

Senator Capehart stated that all the bills were thoroughly vetted in the committee of jurisdiction. Some bills may appear simple, but they significantly impact the community. Regarding Bill No. 34-0082, Senator Capehart noted that we live in a small community yet there are fights in the schools. Children from Pre-K to Elementary need attention to mitigate behavioral issues or misconduct.

Policymakers voted and approved the following measures:

Additionally, policymakers voted favorably for two nominees: Lionel E. Selwood to serve on the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Board of Directors and Angel E. Dawson, Jr., Administrator Nominee for the Government Employees Retirement System. The nominations were sent to the Legislature by Governor Albert Bryan and set forth in Section 16 of the Revised Organic Act of 1954 and Title 3, Section 65a, of the Virgin Islands Code.

Selwood indicated that some of his goals to improve WAPA include performing an in-depth investigation, identifying challenges, developing resolutions with timetables, and publicly publishing findings and a rectification plan. Another goal is to elevate the strategic nature of the CEO role while leveraging the various technical operations leads daily. Separately, Dawson stated that one of his aims is to transfer the GERS V3 Benefits Administration System software version 8 and update it to Version 10, a cloud-based system, a two-year process. Furthermore, Dawson added that GERS is amid re-launching its loan program in Fiscal Year 2024, which will give its members valuable access to cash while giving well-secured, performing loan assets to its income earnings. Senators agreed that the nominees are well-educated, competent, and experienced to serve on and strengthen their respective boards.

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

The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands.                 

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