ST. CROIX – The Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Senator Diane T. Capehart met in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Lawmakers considered nominations to various boards and commissions.

Lawmakers approved the following board nominations:

• Calford S. Martin to serve on the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Commission – District of St. Thomas and to serve on the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority Board of Directors – District of St. Thomas, respectively.

Martin voiced concern over the state of infrastructure in the territory, speaking of the multitude of blue tarps that are on homes. Martin also voiced concern about the state of shorelines in the territory.

Senator Capehart stated that it was very important to think about what is impacting our natural resources and how to protect them.  Additionally, Capehart voiced concern over those who have built close to the shoreline, which have limited beach access to residents.

A motion was made to remove from the agenda Bill No. 35-0224, An Act amending title 19, part V, chapter 45, subchapter VI to increase access to behavioral health services, with a focus on a Psychiatric Emergency Response Team to provide mobile crisis intervention services, and the 9-8-8 telecommunication system. The measure was sponsored by Senators Diane T. Capehart and Ray Fonseca.

After rounds of examination by the Committee, the Committee moved a motion to unfavorably forward the nomination of Julian Penn to serve on the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission – District of St. Thomas. This nomination will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action.

Senators present at today’s committee meeting were Diane T. Capehart, Milton E. Potter, Ray Fonseca, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Franklin D. Johnson.

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