Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection

The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix., U.S. Virgin Islands to provide updates on the following agencies and consideration of the following bills:

BLOCK I                                                                                                                                 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.

The Committee will receive a comprehensive overview from charters being impacted by the BVI’s newly implemented charter vessel licensing fees and all other information pertinent to the discussion, including but not limited to, the following:

• How these new charter fees are impacting their operations
• What challenges they are currently facing or anticipate in the near future
• What practical solutions, policy adjustments, or forms of support the Legislature can pursue to help
  stabilize and strengthen the marine economy across the Territory

Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Kennon Jones, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association
Mr. Steve Schlosser, Paradise Yacht Management
Mr. Kelvin Bailey, Jr., Virgin Islands Gamefish
Jay Pennington, Waypoints Yacht Charters

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

The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Department of Tourism including but not limited to enabling laws, current department challenges, a plan of action to resolve challenges and the following:

• Plans for the upcoming carnival season
• What to expect from the Division of Festivals
• Update on the outcome of the 2025-2026 Crucian Festival

Invited Testifier:
Honorable Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Department of Tourism

BLOCK III                                                                                                                              1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0150        An act honoring and commending Thelma Leona Petersen-Springer, posthumously, for her outstanding community service to the children and the people of the Virgin Islands

Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Charles Nibbs, Community Activist
Ms. Sheniqua Robinson, Frederiksted Majorette Former Twirler

BLOCK IV                                                                                                                              2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0225        A resolution honoring and commending Sharon Maria Williams for her outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of education and culinary arts

Invited Testifiers:
Ms. Edna Thomas, Retired Educator
Mr. John Abramson, Retired Civil Servant
Honorable Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Department of Tourism
Honorable Louis E. Petersen, Jr., PhD, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture

Bill No. 36-0226        A resolution honoring and commending Mrs. Janet Brow Phillips for her outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of education and culinary arts to the Virgin Islands community

Invited Testifiers:
Ms. Mona Barnes, Apostle
Mr. Dennis Brow, Brother
Honorable Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Department of Tourism
Honorable Louis E. Petersen, Jr., PhD, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture
Mr. Victor Somme, III, Assistant Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Bill No. 36-0227        A resolution honoring and commending the Armstrong Family, long-time owners of Armstrong Ice Cream for their exceptional contributions to the economic growth, cultural heritage, and development of the Virgin Islands

Invited Testifiers:
Ms. Claire Roker, Retired Civil Servant
Reverend Florence Petersen, Pastor
Honorable Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Department of Tourism
Honorable Louis E. Petersen, Jr., PhD, Commissioner, Department of Agriculture