Postponed, 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, April 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 AM – 11:30 PM

 The Committee will receive testimony concerning.

Bill No. 35-0230         An Act repealing section 11 of Act No. 6570, as amended, and amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code related to the inspection and licensing of automobiles for hire.

 Invited Testifiers:

Mrs. Barbara Jackson McIntosh, Director, Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Ms. Vernice M. Gumbs, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission

Mr. Willis Pinney, President, AAA Taxi and Tours

Mr. Dihony LaLanne, President, St. Thomas Taxi Services

Mr. Kerry Harrigan, President, Best Taxi Services

Mr. Shawn Claxton, President, St. John Taxi Services

Mr. Kelly George, Owner, Kellie’s Taxi  Services,

Mr. Lawrence Ramdhansingh, President, Virgin Islands Taxi Association

Mr. Mervin Smith, President, East End Taxicab Association

Mr. Francis Arthur, President, St. Croix Taxicab Association

Mrs. Elizabeth Hansen Watley, Interim Chair,Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission Board

 BLOCK II      11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

 The Committee will receive testimony concerning

Bill No. 35-0236         An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code adding a new chapter 33A to enact the “21^st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA)” to improve governmental agency digital services, and for other purposes

Invited Testifiers:

Mr. Rupert O. Ross, Director, Virgin Islands Bureau of Information Technology

Mr. Julien Henley, ADA Coordinator, Government of the Virgin Islands

Mr. Angus Drigo, Executive Director, Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands

Mr. Stephan Adams, CEO/President, Virgin Islands Next Generation Network

 LUNCH         1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

 BLOCK III    2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

The Committee will receive testimony concerning

Bill No. 35-0193         An Act amending title 27 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15 relating to real estate brokers, sales associates, and property managers. This bill is sponsored by Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr.

 Invited Testifiers:

Ms. Laurent Alfred, Esq., Chair, Virgin Islands Real Estate Commission

Mr. Dan Savaro, President, Virgin Islands Territorial Association of Realtors

Ms. Ava Gail Bourdon, President-Principal Broker, RE/MAX St. Croix

Ms. Marjorie Whalen, Esq., President, Virgin Islands Bar Association

Honorable H. Nathalie Hodge, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Licensing