Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture

The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on the island of St. Thomas. The Committee will receive testimonies concerning Bill No. 35-0232 and status updates from Governmental Agencies: The Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board, the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, and the Virgin Islands Port Authority.

 BLOCK I          10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

 Bill No. 35-0232 – An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 19, section 339a relating to the Division of Festivals by eliminating the assistant directors, increasing the number of directors from one to three, and requiring each director to submit a financial report to the Chairperson of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands.

 Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

Mr. Ian Turnbull, Director, Division of Festival, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

Mr. Halvor Hart, Assistant Director, St. Thomas Carnival, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

Ms. Leona Smith, Assistant Director, St. John Celebration, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

Mr. Shamari Haynes, Assistant Director, St. Croix Festivals, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

Honorable Janelle K. Sarauw, Former Senator

Mr. Dean Baptiste (Mean Dean), St. Croix Resident (Entertainer/Band Member)

Ms. Rena Francis, St. Croix Resident, Booth Owner

Mrs. Jacqueline E. Thomas-Eastman, St. Croix Resident, Booth Owner

Mr. Edwin Thomas, St. Croix Resident, Booth Owner

Mr. Samuel Ferdinand, St. Croix Resident, Entertainer (Calypsonian)

 RECESS            12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M.

 The Committee will receive an update on the overall status of the USVI Office of Cannabis Regulations, including the implementation of Act 8680 and licensing procedures for the cannabis industry.

Invited Testifiers:

Dr. Catherine Kean, Chairperson of the Cannabis Advisory Board, Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board

Honorable Nathalie E. Hodge, Commissioner, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs

Mr. Horace Graham, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs

Ms. Lorraine Fredericks, Director of Business and Administration, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs

 BLOCK III                  2:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.

The Committee will receive an update on the overall status of the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture.

Invited Testifier:

Honorable Dr. Louis Petersen, Commissioner Nominee, Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture

BLOCK IV              4:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.

The Committee will receive an overall status from the Virgin Islands Port Authority.

 Invited Testifier:

Mr. Carlton Dowe, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Port Authority