Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection

The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas.  The purpose of the meeting is to receive testimony and consider the following legislative measures: 

BLOCK I                        10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.                                                                                    

 Bill No. 35-0184         An Act to honor and commend Viggo E. Sewer posthumously for his ultimate contribution to the Virgin Islands and renaming East End Road on Route 10 on the island of St. John, in his honor.

 Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works

Mr. Patrick Farrell, Director, V.I. Veterans Affairs

Mr. Harry Daniel, Commander, American Legion Post 131

Ms. Maria Lett, Resident

BLOCK II                      11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.                                                                                           

Bill No. 35-0208         A Resolution honoring and commending Mrs. Bernice Alma Turnbull for her lifetime of service and dedication to the people of the Virgin Islands.    

  Invited Testifiers:                                                                                                        

Ms. Joanne E. Bozzuto, Esq., Resident

Mr. Ronald W. Belfon, Esq., Resident

Mr. Ira R. Mills, Resident

Mrs. Sedonie Halbert, Resident

Mr. William I. Frett, Resident

LUNCH                      1:00 P.M. – 1:30P.M. 

BLOCK III                  1:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.                                                                                                 

Bill No. 35-0115          An Act repealing title 24 Virgin Islands Code chapter 17, subchapter II, “Limited Use of Criminal Records in Hiring Practices,” and enacting in its place “The Fair Chance for Employment Act” relative to criminal records checks in the employment application process; and amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25, subchapter I, section 452 requiring the Director of Personnel to develop and implement fair chance hiring policies; and for other related proposes.

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Gary A. Molloy, Commissioner, Department of Labor

Mr. Akeel St. Jean, Chairman, St. Croix Chamber of Commerce Board

Dr. Kendra Roach, Chapter President, Society for Human Resource Management

Ms. Cindy Richardson, Director, Division of Personnel

Mr. John P. Woods, President, St. Croix Chamber of Commerce Board

Ms. Wynnie Testamark, Director, Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections

BLOCK IV          3:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Virgin Islands Public Service Commission including but not limited to enabling law and jurisdiction, current department challenges, and plan of action to resolve challenges. 

Invited Testifier:

Ms. Sandra L. Setorie, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Public Service Commission