ST. THOMAS – Members of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection, led by Senator Carla J. Joseph met in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. The Committee considered measures honoring and commending Virgin Islanders. Additionally, the Committee received an update concerning the Office of Gun Violence Protection. Approved items on today’s agenda will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration and action.
Lawmakers considered Bill No. 35-0273, An Act honoring and commending Ronald Alphonso “Slimo” Blyden posthumously for his years of service and contributions to the Virgin Islands community; renaming Flamboyant Avenue in Estate Anna’s Retreat, the “Ronald Alphonso “Slimo” Blyden Drive” and naming the cul de sac containing house addresses 129-27 through 129-34 Estate Anna’s Retreat, “Slimo Circle” in his honor; and making a $10,000 appropriation from the District Public Road Fund to the Department of Public Works to erect the proper signage. This measure is sponsored by Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory.
Members of the Virgin Islands public spoke in tremendous support of the measure. Anthony Peets called Blyden a father figure and stated that his house was a central point for socializing, discussing politics, sports, and other topics. Peets recalled that he played powerful roles in the community, acting as a father figure, diligent worker, counselor, ambassador, and businessman. Peets stated that Blyden was often called “The Mayor of Tutu.” Derek Gabriel, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works stated that Blyden was a committed educator, leader, and entrepreneur. Blyden was employed for 36 years at the Virgin Islands Department of Education as a Graphic Arts specialist. Blyden was also active in tourism, having worked with hotels such as Blackbeard’s Castle. Felecia Brownlow spoke fondly of Blyden, stating that she worked in an office near hers at the Virgin Islands Department of Education. Brownlow was impressed with his work ethic as he dealt with coworkers and customers. She spoke of him as an extremely helpful employee always willing to help, stating that there was never a project too big or too small for him to accomplish. Moleto Smith Jr. called “Slimo” a humble man who passionately paid painstaking detail to small things that enhanced life for his community. Smith called “Slimo” a cultural ambassador, stating that his love of Virgin Islands culture was captured in his photography, recordings, and memorabilia he collected. Former Senator Myron D. Jackson voiced his support of the measure, emphasizing Blyden’s legacy as a respected figure whose life and actions strengthened the Virgin Islands community through his mentorship, hospitality, and love for its history and traditions. The proposed measure was voted upon favorably.
Also, Senators considered Bill No. 35-0298, An Act honoring and commending Daryl A. George, Sr., colloquially known as “Mousy”, posthumously, for his contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands as a firefighter, first responder, mentor and as Director of the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Services; renaming the Tango Company Fire Station the “Daryl A. “Mousy” George, Sr., Fire Station” in his honor; and appropriating $10,000 from the Business and Commercial Properties Revolving Fund to the Department of Public Works to erect the proper signage. The measure was sponsored by Senators Donna A. Frett-Gregory and Angel L. Bolques, Jr.
Antonio Stevens, Director of the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services delivered testimony supporting the proposed measure. Stevens stated that George worked tirelessly to improve the VIFEMS and the Virgin Islands community. George was first introduced to the Fire Services as a youth through the Junior Firefighter Program. This later ignited a more than 20-year career with the Fire Services. George was integral to the integration of VIEMS and the Fire Service and championed it while director. Derek Gabriel, Commissioner of the Department of Public Works called George more than a public servant, and called him a bold first responder, a wise mentor, and a true friend. Gabriel stated that George worked selflessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the Virgin Islands Community through the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Services. He stated that George’s work ethic, humility and service inspired numerous generations of first responders. George served as President of the International Association of Firefighters Union, which advocated for better treatment and professional opportunities for firefighters and first responders. Te-Nae George, daughter of Daryl George, stated that it would be an understatement to call her father a hard worker. She mentioned that she looked up to her father for his ambitious mindset. She called him a role model for other young people. The proposed measure was voted upon favorably.
Furthermore, the Committee received testimony on the operations of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention including but not limited to enabling law and jurisdiction, current department challenges, and plan of action to resolve challenges.
Antonio Emanuel, Executive Director of the Office of Gun Violence Control delivered testimony. The Office Currently employs six people, including positions such as Community Engagement Coordinator, Survivor Engagement Specialists and Violence Interrupters. According to Emanuel, data has shown that homicides have decreased in the Virgin Islands by as much as 55%. The office has worked closely with the Department of Education and focused on students identified as high- or at-risk. Emanuel said they have facilitated intense and direct engagement to help change behaviors to avoid conflict and improve communication skills. Emanuel stated that Violence Interrupters have been critical in the reduction of murders. According to Emanuel, there have been fifteen incidents where there was serious conflict and death was imminent. The office has also operated an after-school program with selected youths from housing communities. Emanuel also reminded the body that the Office has no law enforcement responsibility, stating that it does not investigate crimes, nor does it search or seize weapons.
Finally, Lawmakers considered Bill No. 35-0394, An Act honoring and commending Arthur Solomon for his work as Head Coach for the multiple champions winning Charlotte Amalie High School’s Girls’ Basketball Team and his contribution as a member of the Virgin Islands Men’s National Basketball Team by naming the existing and any subsequent gymnasium at the Charlotte Amalie High School, “The Myron “MC” Corbett and Arthur “Gutu” Solomon Gymnasium”. The measure was sponsored by Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory.
Charles Fonseca, a childhood friend of Arthur Solomon, called him a good friend and brother. According to Fonseca, basketball was Solomon’s first love, first playing it with the Oswald Harris Court Majesties, then playing for the Charlotte Amalie High School Chicken Hawks. He would then attend the University of Texas, playing there, then transferring to Morgan State University for his sophomore year. Gutu, as he was affectionally called, began his career at Charlotte Amalie High School. Fonseca spoke of the commitment he had that extended beyond the court into their everyday lives. Solomon would later become the Coach of the Charlotte Amalie High School Girls’ Basketball team for many years. He also served as the Chairman of the Charlotte Amalie High School Physical Education Department, where he advocated for resources and pay increases for coaches.
Shayla Solomon, daughter of Arthur Solomon, called her father an incredible educator, youth advocate and role model. Solomon, also speaking on her late Uncle, Myron Corbett, stated that she was inspired through his legacy of mentorship, and innovation, particularly with the Graffiti Street Teen Talk Show. Solomon spoke highly of her father and her uncle spending countless hours at the CAHS gym dedicating themselves as educators, coaches, and mentors, stating that their dedication to their work was evident in the impact they left on their students and athletes. The brothers led the Charlotte Amalie High School Girls’ Basketball team to multiple championship victories. The proposed measure was voted upon favorably.
Present at today’s Committee hearing included Carla J. Joseph, Javan E. James, Sr., Samuel Carrión, Dwayne M. Degraff, Alma Francis Heyliger, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Milton E. Potter.
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