Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks

The Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks has scheduled a hearing for Friday, June 23, 2023, 10:00 AM at the Cleone H. Creque Legislative Annex on St. John to receive testimony and updates regarding youth programs and initiatives from Department of Human Services, Department of Labor, Virgin Islands Police Department, Department of Justice, Virgin Islands Fire & Emergency Medical Services, as well as being introduced to key stakeholders who are promoting and facilitating aviation careers to our youth. The committee will also consider Bill No. 35-0078 – a bill to require the Commissioner of the Department of Tourism to conduct a territory wide survey of the residents of the Virgin Islands to assist in the establishment of an official dish and dessert of the Virgin Islands.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.

Bill No. 35-0078 A bill to require the Commissioner of the Department of Tourism to conduct a territory wide survey of the residents of the Virgin Islands to assist in the establishment of an official dish and dessert of the Virgin Islands.

Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
Sandra Gerard-Leung, Ambassadorial Chef
Digby Stridiron, Ambassadorial Chef
Julius Jackson, Ambassadorial Chef
Taj Siwatu, Ambassadorial Chef

BLOCK II 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Testimony and information regarding programs and initiatives that introduce young people to the aviation industry, and particularly, to consider a career path as a private or commercial pilot. Update on the Coral Wings program through UVI CELL that was established with the FAA Grant award in April of 2023. To receive stakeholder analysis of the pathways, obstacles, opportunities, deficiencies, and needs of their respective organizations, programs, and initiatives.

Invited Testifiers:
Makeda Dawson, Founder, Love City Flight Club
Dior Parsons, Founder, Society 340
Justin Bartosh, Pilot and Instructor, UflyUVI & Standard Aviation
Suzanne Darrow-Magras, Director, UVI CELL

BLOCK III 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Testimony and updates on the status of youth programs and youth initiatives from Department of Human Services’ Youth and Aging Services & Programs such as your Intervention & Prevention Services, Head start Programs, Youth Rehabilitation Centers (in collaboration with DOJ), Foster Care, Senior Living Centers, and Senior Recreation Centers. Also, the Department of Labor’s Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP), Labor Investing For Tomorrow (LIFT) Internship Program, the Career Exploration Program, Jobs for America Graduates (JAG), and the Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) and any other services or programs that the department offers for the youth and aging (elderly) population.

Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Kimberly Causey-Gomez, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Human Services
Honorable Gary Molloy, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Labor