ST. CROIX, VI — The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, chaired by Senator Avery L. Lewis, met at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers considered three legislative measures focused on retirement loan benefits, veterans' services, and territorial landmarks. The committee heard testimony on Bill No. 36-0250, which proposes amendments to the Virgin Islands Code regarding personal loans made to members of the Government Employees’ Retirement System, followed by Bill No. 36-0279, an act to establish a dedicated Women Veterans Coordinator position within the Office of Veterans Affairs. The second block will focus on Bill No. 36-0213, a measure to formally rename Belvedere Road on St. Croix as the “Alicia “Chucky” Hansen Road” and appropriate $10,000 from the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund to the Department of Public Works for the installation of proper signage. Approved items from today’s agenda will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration and actions  

GERS Administrator/CEO Angel E. Dawson offered testimony in full support of Bill No. 36-0250, a measure designed to prevent the system from reducing or altering a member's credited service due to a late loan payment or default. Dawson noted that the bill came out of a constituent issue shared by Senator Marise James, which led him to stop an old internal practice that blocked former workers from paying back deducted contributions to fix delinquent loans. While he already stopped the practice administratively, Dawson backed the legislation because it permanently puts this protection into law, ensuring a worker's retirement record always reflects their actual years on the job while still letting GERS collect outstanding debts through other regular legal means. 

Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs, Patrick D. Farrell, testified in strong support of Bill No. 36-0279, which creates a permanent Women Veterans Coordinator position within the agency. Farrell thanked bill sponsor Senator Marise C. James, a fellow U.S. Army veteran, for her foresight in addressing the distinct needs of the territory’s growing population of female service members. He stated that the measure directly aligns with the agency's mission to improve the quality of life for veterans beyond just managing baseline benefits, providing a dedicated internal advocate to handle outreach and support for women who served. Farrell urged the committee to pass the bill, calling it a necessary investment. 

After discussion on the two measures, both were voted on favorably. They will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further vetting and review. 

Elizabeth Hansen Watley, daughter of the late Alicia “Chucky” Hansen, gave emotional testimony in strong support of Bill No. 36-0213 to rename Belvedere Road in honor of her mother. Watley thanked bill sponsor Senator Hubert L. Frederick and co-sponsor Senator Carla J. Joseph for honoring the legacy of the long-serving independent senator, whom she described as the legendary "Voice of the People." She highlighted her mother’s historic tenure as St. Croix’s longest-serving senator and noted that the specific road holds deep personal meaning, as she grew up visiting her mother at the old legislature building located right off that street. Watley expressed her hope that the new road name would spark vital conversations for future generations about her mother's dedication and lasting legislative impact on the quality of life in the Virgin Islands. 

Attorney and close friend Lee J. Rohn, Esq., also testified in favor of the renaming bill, calling her a barrier-breaker. Rohn shared how they partnered together over the years to fight for the underdog, working on the Freedom of Arbitration Act and teaming up for a 27-year environmental legal battle against industrial red dust pollution on the west end of St. Croix. She also touched on her national impact, including a speaking slot at the Million Women's March in Washington, D.C., and her hands-on community service feeding the needy after hurricanes. Rohn concluded that naming the road after her is a well-deserved honor for a leader who spent her life working and fighting directly for the people. Another close friend, Paul Payne, reiterated the praising sentiments, telling brief anecdotes of the former Senator being a fighter. After brief discussion among senators, Bill No. 36-0213 was voted on favorably. It will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further vetting and review. 

Senators present at today’s Committee hearing included Avery L. Lewis, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Hubert L. Frederick, Kenneth L. Gittens, Marice C. James, Franklin D. Johnson, Alma Francis Heyliger, Carla J. Joseph, and Clifford A. Joseph Sr. 

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. Visit legvi.org.  

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